Power line coupling device and method of using the same

Abstract

The coupling device of the present invention includes a housing, a first fastening member attached to said housing and coupled to the power line, a second fastening member attached to the housing and coupled to the power line, an inductor providing an impedance to data transmissions between the first fastening member and the second fastening member; a first conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the first fastening member; and a second conductor having a first end electrically coupled to the second fastening member. The second ends of the first conductor and second conductor providing data signals to a connector. In addition, the housing may include a transformer secured therein for coupling power transmissions to the connector.

1 . A device for coupling data signals to and from a power line carrying a power signal, comprising: 
 a housing having a first portion and second portion configured to mate together in a first configuration;    a passage disposed in said housing to permit passage of the power line;    a power supply;    a transceiver configured to receive power from said power supply;    a transformer disposed in said housing and having a core configured to be coupled to the flux of the power signal;    said transformer having a first winding and a second winding and wherein said first winding is communicatively coupled to said power supply to supply power thereto; and    wherein second winding comprises the power line.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver is configured to transmit signals over the power line.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said first housing portion and said second housing portion are coupled together by at least one hinge member.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a data signal conductor communicatively coupled to said transceiver and including a first end electrically coupled to the power line at a first location and a second end coupled to a connector.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , further comprising a second data signal conductor communicatively coupled to said transceiver and having a first end electrically coupled to the power line at a second location and a second end coupled to said connector.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a magnetically permeable toroid disposed substantially around the power line between said first location and said second location.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver is configured to transmit fiber optic signals.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver comprises a fiber optic transceiver.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver is configured to transmit data received via the power line.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said transceiver comprises a fiber optic transceiver.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver is communicatively coupled to a non-power line communication medium to receive data therefrom.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said transceiver is configured to transmit data received via the non-power line communication medium over the power line.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said transceiver is configured to transmit data signals via the power line.  
     
     
         14 . A device for coupling data signals to a power line, comprising: 
 a housing;    a passage disposed in said housing to permit passage of the power line;    a transformer disposed in said housing, said transformer comprising a winding and a core, said core configured to be disposed adjacent the power line extending through said passage;    said housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled together via a hinge, said housing having an open configuration and a closed configuration; and    a transceiver configured to receive power from said winding.    
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said transceiver receives power from said winding via a power supply.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said transceiver comprises a fiber optic transceiver.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14 , where said transceiver is disposed in said housing.  
     
     
         18 . A method of coupling data signals to and from a power line, comprising: 
 providing a housing having an open and a closed configuration;    positioning said housing on the power line;    configuring said housing in the closed configuration;    inductively coupling power from the power line;    providing the inductively coupled power to a transceiver;    receiving first data from the power line; and    transmitting the first data with the transceiver.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said inductively coupled power is supplied to the transceiver via a power supply.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising transmitting second data over the power line with the transceiver.