# US 12,763,535 B2 · Uninterruptable tap

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 12,763,535 B2
- Document ID: US12763535B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/984,075
- Filed: 2022-11-09
- Published: 2023-03-16
- Granted: 2026-10-13
- Earliest claimed: 2020-03-04
- Assignees: Holland Ex
- Applicants: Holland Electronics LLC
- Inventors: Michael Holland; George Goebel
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12763535B2

## CPC

- H01R 25/003: {the coupling part being secured only to wires or cables}
- H01R 31/02: Intermediate parts for distributing energy to two or more circuits in parallel, e.g. splitter (with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/92)
- H01R 33/76: Holders with sockets, clips, or analogous contacts adapted for axially-sliding engagement with parallely-arranged pins, blades, or analogous contacts on counterpart, e.g. electronic tube socket
- H01R 33/88: adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts
- H01R 33/945: Holders with built-in electrical component
- H04B 10/25751: {Optical arrangements for CATV or video distribution (adaptations of television systems for optical transmission H04N7/22)}
- H01R 13/447: Shutter or cover plate
- H01R 2201/18: for television
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H04B: TRANSMISSION

## Abstract

A coaxial tap in a hybrid fiber coaxial cable distribution system serves subscribers with an RF signal.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A refurbished tap installation for use in a cable television distribution system comprising:
a pre-existing tap installed between pre-existing upstream and downstream coaxial cables; and,
pre-existing coaxial cable center conductors or pre-existing pins connected with the pre-existing coaxial cable center conductors protruding into the tap;
wherein refurbishment includes a) replacing an RF and power switch with an RF-only switch and b) addition of a non-switched circuit for passing power continuously between the upstream and downstream coaxial cables.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The tap of claim 1 wherein refurbishment includes addition of filters and/or a diplexer to a circuit board that includes spring-action seizing catches that interconnect with the upstream and downstream coaxial cables.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The tap of claim 1 wherein refurbishment includes replacing a circuit board that lacks a directional coupler with a multi-function circuit board that includes a directional coupler.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The tap of claim 1 wherein a circuit board includes spring-action seizing catches that interconnect with the upstream and downstream coaxial cables.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The tap of claim 4 wherein the seizing catches are designed for operation at frequencies including 1.8 GHz and for passing currents including a current of 15 amperes.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The tap of claim 5 wherein the seizing catches are saddle shaped for wrapping around opposed sides of coaxial cable center conductors.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The tap of claim 6 wherein the seizing catches extends from a bottom of the circuit board.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The tap of claim 6 wherein the seizing catches extends from a top of the circuit board.

### Claim 9 (depends on 5)

The tap of claim 5 wherein the seizing catches are formed as angular clips for capturing a coaxial cable center conductors between the clip and the circuit board.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The tap of claim 9 wherein one of the seizing catches grabs the center conductor when the circuit board is moved sideways.

### Claim 11 (depends on 5)

The tap of claim 5 wherein the seizing catches are formed as tubes for grabbing inserted coaxial cable center conductors.

### Claim 12

A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprising:
a housing and a cover;
circuits within the cover including a directional coupler and a splitter for serving subscribers;
circuits within the housing including a non-switched continuous power passing device, and a switch; and,
RF circuits between the housing circuits and the cover circuits, the RF circuits for transport of RF signals.

### Claim 13

A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprising:
a housing and a cover;
circuits within the cover including a directional coupler and a splitter for serving subscribers;
circuits within the housing including a non-switched continuous power passing device, and a switch; and,
RF circuits between the housing circuits and the cover circuits, the RF circuits for transport of RF signals;
wherein the switch is an RF-only switch.

### Claim 14

A tap for use in a cable television distribution system comprising:
a housing and a cover;
circuits within the cover including a splitter for serving subscribers;
circuits within the housing including a directional coupler, a continuous power passing device, and a switch; and,
a single RF circuit between the housing circuits and the cover circuits, the single RF circuit for bidirectional transport of RF signals.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The tap of claim 14 wherein the switch is an RF-only switch.