# US 9,040,181 B2 · Modular intrinsically-safe field device power module > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,040,181 B2 - Document ID: US9040181B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/900,659 - Filed: 2010-10-08 - Published: 2011-07-14 - Granted: 2015-05-26 - Earliest claimed: 2010-01-13 - Assignees: Rosemount Inc. - Applicants: Chad M. McGuire - Inventors: Chad M. McGuire - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9040181B2 ## CPC - H05K 7/1462: {for programmable logic controllers [PLC] for automation or industrial process control} - H01M 6/50: Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance, e.g. for maintaining operating temperature (constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals, H01M50/569) - H01M 50/1535: {adapted for specific cells, e.g. electrochemical cells operating at high temperature} - H01M 50/213: adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic (H01M50/209, H01M50/216 take precedence) - H01M 50/247: specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers - H01R 33/945: Holders with built-in electrical component - H01R 33/95: with fuse; with thermal switch - H01M 2200/00: Safety devices for primary or secondary batteries - H01M 2200/103: Fuse - H02B 1/00: Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements - H02B 1/06: having associated enclosures, e.g. for preventing access to live parts - Y02E 60/10: Energy storage using batteries - H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS - H01M: PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS - H02B: BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER - Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION ## Abstract A modular, intrinsically-safe power module assembly is provided. The assembly includes a rigid conduit adapter configured to mount to a conduit of a field device. A housing, having an interior, is operably coupled to the rigid conduit adapter and is physically supported by the rigid conduit adapter. At least one non-rechargeable battery is disposed within the housing. Intrinsic safety circuitry is coupled to the at least one non-rechargeable battery, and is coupled to a connector that mates with a cooperative connector in the rigid conduit adapter. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A wireless field device for use in an industrial process, comprising: a field device housing configured to contain a process variable sensor and mount proximate a process installation and including an electronics compartment having a conduit entry formed therein; a rigid conduit adapter having a first end configured to mount to the conduit entry of the field device; a module housing operably coupled to a second end of the rigid conduit adapter and physically supported by the rigid conduit adapter, the module housing having an interior; at least one non-rechargeable battery disposed within the module housing; and intrinsic safety circuitry coupled to the at least one non-rechargeable battery, the intrinsic safety circuitry being coupled to a connector that mates within the rigid conduit adapter with a cooperative connector disposed in the rigid conduit adapter and thereby power the wireless field device with power from the at least one non-rechargeable battery. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The wireless field device of claim 1, wherein the module housing is comprised of a plate and enclosure joined together. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The wireless field device of claim 2, wherein the plate and enclosure are removably joined together. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The wireless field device of claim 2, wherein the interior of the module housing is filled with a potting compound. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The wireless field device of claim 2, wherein the module housing further comprises a metal flange sized to pass over an outer surface of the rigid conduit adapter. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The wireless field device of claim 5, and further comprising a locking member configured to lock the metal flange to the rigid conduit adapter. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The wireless field device of claim 6, wherein the locking member is a set screw. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The wireless field device of claim 6, wherein the plate includes an annular ring sized to mount to the metal flange. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The wireless field device of claim 1, wherein the intrinsic safety circuitry includes a fuse. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The wireless field device of claim 9, wherein the intrinsic safety circuitry includes current-limiting circuitry to limit current through the fuse. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The wireless field device of claim 1, wherein a volume of the interior of the module housing is larger than an interior of the electronics compartment of the field device. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The modular, intrinsically-safe power module assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one-non-rechargeable battery includes a plurality of non-rechargeable batteries disposed within the module housing. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The wireless field device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of batteries are replaceable. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The wireless field device of claim 1, wherein the rigid conduit adapter is formed of a metal. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The wireless field device of claim 1, wherein: the at least one non-rechargeable battery is electrically coupled to an electrical circuit within the module housing; and the rigid conduit adapter includes electrical connectors that electrically couples to the electrical circuit in the module housing to circuitry in the electronics compartment.