Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electrical power distribution systems and devices
Patent
1997-05-19
1999-04-06
Thompson, Gregory
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electrical power distribution systems and devices
174 59, 200 511, 333100, 361736, 361752, 455 62, H02B 104
Patent
active
058926534
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE ART
The present invention relates to a multi-tap distribution box. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-tap distribution box which is suitable for use with CATV (community antenna television system) cables.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
Generally, CATV cables are laid underground or aerially strung on telephone poles. The number of secondary cables branching out from a multi-tap distribution box varies depending on the number of subscribers to be connected to.
As shown in FIG. 5A (PRIOR ART), a typical aerial multi-tap distribution box generally has an input A and an output terminal B on the opposite end surfaces. As shown in FIG. 5B (PRIOR ART), a typical pedestal multi-tap distribution box, the type for used with cables laid underground, has both input and output terminals A and B on the same surface. Many different models with different numbers of taps to which secondary cables are connected are manufactured to suit particular applications.
CATV cables that are already laid or aerially hung may require various changes and adjustments in the future: the direction of the signal transmission may be reversed, aerial cables may need to be laid underground, or underground cables may be hung on poles. To effect such change, however, the existing cables need to be reconnected in different locations, so that the multi-tap distribution box often needs to be replaced with a new one. In addition, cable reconnection often involves a change in the number of the secondary branch cables. When the existing multi-tap distribution box is replaced with another with the required number of taps, the high-frequency signal transmission and the electrical current flow have to be temporarily interrupted.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a multi-tap distribution box which enables the reversal of the transmission direction and which is reconnectable from aerial cables to underground cables, or vice versa.
The multi-tap distribution box is constructed by: cable connecting members on the other end; arranged on the center portion thereon, each of the main line terminals being electrically connected to a different cable connecting member; so as to correspond to the distance between a pair of main line terminals, the transmission terminals being connected to each other by a current transmission circuit; is connected to one of the transmission terminals so that high-frequency signals are transmittable between each pair of a relay terminal and a transmission terminal, the mother board being detachably mounted on the housing so as to connect the transmission terminals of the mother board to a select pair of main line terminals on the housing; a branch terminal, the branch unit being detachably mounted on the mother board for connecting the connection terminals to the relay terminals of the mother board; board being mounted on a main body; and terminal of the branch unit.
The high-frequency signals mentioned above includes television signals, various control signals, and telephone signal-like modulating signal used for communication.
The number of the main line terminals arranged on the housing may be three with two of the terminals located above, and on the right and left sides of the center of, the housing and the remaining terminal vertically aligned with one of the two terminals.
Preferably, the branch unit has claws or guide lugs on both ends thereof so that the branch unit can be detachably mounted on the mother board by engaging the claws with holes formed in the mother board or inserting the guide lugs into the holes.
In carrying out the invention in one preferred mode, the mother board further includes a switch which operates in response to the mounting and detachment of the branch unit in order to short-circuiting the relay terminals when the branch unit is detached from the mother board.
The input and output cable terminals can be easily repositioned by connecting the transmission terminals on the mother board to the main line terminals corre
REFERENCES:
patent: 3617811 (1971-11-01), McVoy
patent: 3895318 (1975-07-01), Ross
patent: 4578702 (1986-03-01), Campbell
patent: 5648765 (1997-07-01), Spriester et al.
patent: 5675300 (1997-10-01), Romerein
Mizutani Hiroyuki
Nishimuta Hiroyuki
Maspro Denkoh Company, Ltd.
Thompson Gregory
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