# US 8,542,819 B2 · Outlet add-on module > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,542,819 B2 - Document ID: US8542819B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/837,323 - Filed: 2007-08-10 - Published: 2007-11-29 - Granted: 2013-09-24 - Earliest claimed: 2004-02-16 - Assignees: Mosaid Technologies Incorporated - Applicants: Ami Hazani; Shlomo Butbul; Rafael Gil Koby; Yehuda Binder - Inventors: Ami Hazani; Shlomo Butbul; Rafael Gil Koby; Yehuda Binder - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8542819B2 ## CPC - H04B 3/542: {the information being in digital form} - H01R 13/719: specially adapted for high frequency, e.g. with filters - H01R 31/065: {with built-in electric apparatus} - H04B 2203/5408: using protocols - H04B: TRANSMISSION - H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, further comprising a second faceplate mounting said third connector, and wherein said second faceplate provides a modified external appearance to said first faceplate. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein said device provides additional functionality to the first outlet. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment to the first faceplate is effected by one of: suction; adhesive; gluing; stickers; magnetic force; and ‘hook-and loop’ fastening. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein the first faceplate has a front surfaces and side surfaces that extend at an angle to the front surface and said device is mechanically attachable to one or more of the side surfaces of the first faceplate. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The device according to claim 5, wherein the attachment to one or more side surfaces is effected by one of: a movable bar; a protruding ridge; spring clamping; and eccentric levers. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is mechanically permanently or detachably attachable to the first faceplate by snap locking, or by a tab inserted between the first outlet and the wall. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is mechanically permanently or detachably attachable to the first faceplate using a securing strap or band. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is mechanically attachable to the first faceplate by fastening screws. ### Claim 10 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. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein one of the first and second signals is an AC (Alternating Current) power signal. ### Claim 12 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. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein: the first and second signals are carried using Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM); the first signal is carried over the wiring in a first frequency band; the second signal is carried over the wiring in a second frequency band distinct from said first frequency band; and said device further comprises a filter coupled to pass only signals in the first frequency band between said second and third connectors. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein the wiring is AC power wiring, the first outlet is a standard AC power outlet, one of the first and second signals is an AC power signal, the first connector is an AC power socket, and said second connector is an AC power plug. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein the wiring is a telephone wire pair, the first outlet is a standard telephone outlet, one of the first and second signals is an analog telephone signal, the first connector is a telephone jack, and said second connector is a telephone plug. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein the wiring is a CATV cable, the first outlet is a standard CATV outlet, one of the first and second signals is a CATV signal, the first connector is a first coaxial connector, and said second connector is a second coaxial connector. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth connector for connecting to a second apparatus; and circuit means connected for passing only the second signal between said second connector and said fourth connector. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein said active component requires DC operating power, and said device further comprises an AC/DC converter connected for supplying operating power to said active component. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The device according to claim 18, wherein said AC/DC converter is housed within said single enclosure. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein said active component is one of: a modem; and a hub. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The device according to claim 20, wherein said active component comprises one of: a D/A converter and an A/D converter. ### Claim 22 (depends on 12) The device according to claim 12, wherein said active power consuming component is one of an A/D converter and a D/A converter connected between said second and third connectors. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) The device according to claim 22, wherein said active power consuming component is housed within said single enclosure. ### Claim 24 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. ### Claim 25 (depends on 12) The device according to claim 12, wherein said active component is one of: a modem; and a hub. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The device according to claim 25, wherein said active component comprises one of: a D/A converter and an A/D converter. ### Claim 27 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein said active component comprises a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals over the wiring. ### Claim 28 (depends on 12) The device according to claim 12, wherein said active component comprises a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals over the wiring. ### Claim 29 (depends on 1) The device according to claim 1, wherein the first outlet has a front and an outlet body secured to the wall and the first faceplate is mounted at the front of the outlet and fastened to the outlet body.