Outlet add-on module
AssigneeMosaid Technologies Incorporated
InventorsAmi Hazani, Shlomo Butbul, Rafael Gil Koby, Yehuda Binder
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing service outlet (e.g. LAN, telephone, power or CATV outlet) in a house by adding functionality thereto. The functionality is added by an add-on module, connected electrically and secured mechanically to the existing outlet. Several attachment devices are exampled, including surface attachment, side clamping, snap locking, strap securing and fastening screws. The add-on module may include a service connector for retaining the basic existing outlet function. The module may be attached in a permanent way or by using a detachable solution.
Claims29
A device for coupling a first signal carried over a wiring to an apparatus, for use with a wiring in a wall of a building and connected to a first outlet mounted in a wall of the building, the first outlet having a first faceplate and a first connector of a first type mounted in the first faceplate and connected to the wiring, the wiring being connected for concurrently carrying the first signal and a second signal over the same wires, said device comprising, in a single enclosure:
- a second connector for connecting to the first connector;
- a third connector of a second type different from the first type for connecting to the apparatus;
- an active component requiring operating power connected between said second and third connectors;
- and
- wherein said device is mechanically attachable to the first faceplate of the first outlet;
- wherein said device is operative to pass only the first signal between said second and third connectors;
- and
- wherein said active component comprises one of:
- a modem;
- a hub;
- a transceiver;
- an A/D converter;
- and a D/A converter.
A device for coupling a first signal carried over a wiring to an apparatus, for use with a wiring in a wall of a building and connected to a first outlet mounted in a wall of the building, the first outlet having a first faceplate and a first connector of a first type mounted in the first faceplate and connected to the wiring, the wiring being connected for concurrently carrying the first signal and a second signal over the same wires, said device comprising, in a single enclosure:
- a second connector for connecting to the first connector;
- and
- a third connector of a second type different from the first type for connecting to the apparatus;
- wherein said device is mechanically attachable to the first faceplate of the first outlet;
- wherein said device is operative to pass only the first signal between said second and third connectors, and
- wherein the second signal consists of a DC (Direct Current) power signal.
A device for coupling a first signal carried over a wiring to an apparatus, for use with a wiring in a wall of a building and connected to a first outlet mounted in a wall of the building, the first outlet having a first faceplate and a first connector of a first type mounted in the first faceplate and connected to the wiring, the wiring being connected for concurrently carrying the first signal and a second signal over the same wires, said device comprising, in a single enclosure:
- a second connector for connecting to the first connector;
- a third connector of a second type different from the first type for connecting to the apparatus;
- and
- wherein said device is mechanically attachable to the first faceplate of the first outlet;
- and
- wherein said device is operative to pass only the first signal between said second and third connectors, wherein one of the first and second signals is a power signal, wherein said device further comprises at least one active power consuming component coupled to said second connector to be powered from the power signal;
- and
- wherein said at least one active power consuming component comprises at least one of:
- a modem;
- a hub;
- a transceiver;
- an A/D converter;
- and a D/A converter.
A device for coupling a first signal carried over a wiring to an apparatus, for use with a wiring in a wall of a building and connected to a first outlet mounted in a wall of the building, the first outlet having a first faceplate and a first connector of a first type mounted in the first faceplate and connected to the wiring, the first faceplate having a front surface and a plurality of side surfaces that extend at an angle to the front surface, and the wiring being connected for concurrently carrying the first signal and a second signal over the same wires, said device comprising, in a single enclosure:
- a second connector for connecting to the first connector;
- a third connector of a second type different from the first type for connecting to the apparatus;
- and
- side attachment members carried by said single enclosure to attach said single enclosure to the side surfaces of the first faceplate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.