Resettable fast current limiter in telecommunications protection
US6178080A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M3/2209
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A device and method for providing overvoltage and overcurrent protection to equipment and personnel that come in contact with electrical lines, particularly telecommunications lines. The overvoltage protection is provided by connecting overvoltage protectors between conductors of the telecommunications line, or between each of the conductors and ground. The overcurrent protection is provided by solid-state bidirectional, resettable, fold-back type current limiters that limit maximum current flow at a predetermined level. These current limiters are arranged in line to the conductors of the telecommunications line and in series with equipment that are connected to the telecommunications line. The overvoltage protectors and the current limiters can be combined to form an integrated protection device, or they can be packaged as separate and distinct devices. The overvoltage and/or overcurrent protection schemes could be used at building entrance terminals, remote terminals, remote cabinets with electronics, in the central office at the main distribution frame, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.