Patent Abstract:
An integrated filter connector apparatus that performs the functions of a coaxial cable connector component combined with the functions of an in-line signal conditioning component. The apparatus eliminates at least one exposed point of connection between a separate coaxial cable connector component and an in-line signal conditioning component. Elimination of such a point of connection likely reduces RF ingress into a signal path and likely reduces interference with a signal traveling through the signal path. Embodiments of the connector apparatus provide various types of connector interfaces.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This patent application is related to the field of cable connectors and in particular to an integrated filter connector that performs the functions of a coaxial cable connector component combined with the functions of an in-line signal conditioning component. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    CATV systems presently utilize a wide range of in-line filters, traps, attenuators, and other line conditioning equipment. The line conditioning equipment is used to maintain or improve the quality and to control the content of the network signal to an individual subscriber&#39;s premises. Conversely, the above equipment is also used in order to maintain, protect or condition the signals generated by devices within the subscriber&#39;s premises location and returned to the CATV network. 
         [0003]    The ingress of RF energy is known to be a substantial factor in the degradation of the quality of the signals passed in each direction in a CATV network. Each connection (coupling) between a coaxial cable and the equipment in the distribution network is a potential point of ingress of RF energy that may interfere with the network signals. A particular source for RF ingress which is of concern to CATV system operators are low quality or poorly installed coaxial cable connectors, also referred to as coax cable connectors. Consequently, reducing the number of connectors and splices and improving the quality of the connections (couplings) between coaxial cable and distribution equipment reduces the opportunity of RF ingress. 
         [0004]    Substantial advances have been made over the years in the art of coaxial connectors that provide improved RF shielding and moisture sealing, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,470,257; 5,632,651; 6,153,830; 6,558,194; and 6,716,062; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/892,645, filed on Jul. 16, 2004; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/092,197, filed on Mar. 29, 2005, all of which are assigned to John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. of East Syracuse, N.Y. While such connectors are substantially less prone to installation errors, improper installation of the connector and improper seating (coupling) of the connector to an equipment port may still significantly contribute to signal interference from RF ingress. 
         [0005]    While most of the foregoing line conditioning devices are installed to improve system performance on an existing network on an as-needed basis, their use is widespread enough that for some systems these devices are essentially standard with each new installation or service call and are therefore considered permanent. In such instances, it is not necessary for these devices to be separate, removable hardware, having traditional connector interfaces at each end thereof. In fact and in many instances, it is a general desire of the system operator to ensure that line conditioning devices are used and to make omissions or removal of these devices difficult for the installer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is therefore a desired object of the present invention to provide an integrated filter connector that performs the functions of a coaxial cable connector component combined with the functions of an in-line signal conditioning component. Elimination of a connection (coupling) between a coaxial cable connector component and a fitting on a typical in-line conditioning device component will result in reducing the potential for RF ingress into a signal path traveling through the integrated filter connector. 
         [0007]    The advantages of incorporating an in-line device with a cable connector are not limited to regulating usage by the installers. Other advantages that become evident include elimination of ground contact points (as compared with a filter and connector that are joined conventionally) and moisture entry points, as well as reduced length, as compared with a non-integrated filter and connector. 
         [0008]    As will be noted herein and according to the invention, many other types of connector components may be incorporated as well as many in-line device types. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the claims and drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis is instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Within the drawings, like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Differences between like parts may cause those parts to be indicated by different reference numbers. Unlike parts are indicated by different reference numbers. 
           [0010]    For a further understanding of these and objects of the present invention, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an unassembled integrated filter connector made in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is the assembled perspective view of the integrated filter connector of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a cut-away perspective view of a second embodiment of an integrated filter connector including a hand rotatable compression component design; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a cut-away perspective view of a third embodiment of an integrated filter connector including a different set of compression related components as compared to those of the prior two embodiments; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a cut-away perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an integrated filter connector including a different set of compression related components as compared to those of the prior three described embodiments; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a cut-away perspective view of an integrated filter connector in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention including an RCA style connector interface; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a cut-away perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the integrated filter connector that includes a BNC style connector interface; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a cut-away perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the integrated filter connector that includes an F style male connector interface; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a cut-away perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the integrated filter connector that includes an F style female connector interface. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a ninth embodiment of an unassembled integrated filter connector made in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a tenth embodiment of an unassembled integrated filter connector made in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a cut-away perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of an assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector having an externally threaded port connector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an unassembled integrated filter and connector assembly  10  made in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the integrated filter and connector assembly  10 , also referred to as an integrated filter connector  10 , includes a connector body  110  having a front body end (forward end)  102  and a rear body end (rear end)  104 , which is configured to enclose an electric circuit which in one form can be a printed circuit board (PCB)  112  that performs in-line signal conditioning and that functions as part of an integrated signal filter assembly. 
         [0029]    As assembled within the outer body  110 , a post  120 , including an attached circuit board support  118 , is configured to receive and to provide mechanical support to the circuit board  112 . The circuit board support  118  is constructed as a circular shaped member and includes slots  118   a  and  118   b.  The slots  118   a  and  118   b  are disposed at opposing locations along a circumference of the circular shaped member  118  and are oriented and dimensioned to receive and to provide mechanical support to the circuit board  112 . When receiving the circuit board  112 , the ground plane of the circuit board  112  may be electrically engaged with the post  120 . 
         [0030]    The circuit board  112  includes a forward electrode  114  and a rear electrode  116 , also referred to as a front terminal  114  and a rear terminal  116 , located at a first electrical end and a second electrical end respectively, of electrical circuitry residing within the circuit board  112 . Typically, the forward electrode  114  is implemented as a contact pin  114  and the rear electrode is implemented as a collet  116 . In some embodiments, the forward electrode is also implemented as a collet. The PCB  112  also includes a ground plane (not shown), a forward electrical contact pad (not shown) and a rear electrical contact pad (not shown) at each of two opposite ends. The forward electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the forward electrode  114 . The rear electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the rear electrode  116 . An insulator  122  is configured to surround and insulate the contact pin  114  from the outer body  110 . As shown, the insulator  122  is shaped as a disk  122  and is typically made of a compressible insulating material. 
         [0031]    The PCB  112  includes electrical components that collectively perform signal conditioning (processing) of a signal traveling between the forward electrode (contact pin)  114  and the rear electrode (collet)  116 . Signal conditioning includes various forms of signal filtering performed by electrical components included within one or more filtering circuits residing on the PCB  112 . Such filtering circuits are collectively included within what is referred to as a filter assembly. Additional details relating to the exemplary filter assembly described herein are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,794,957 and 6,476,688, the relevant parts of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0032]    A nut  130  including internal threads  132  may be rotationally attached to the outer body  110  at the forward end  102  of the integrated filter connector  10  and is configured to rotate independently of the outer body  110 . The nut  130  includes a plurality of exterior flats  134 , that enable the nut  130  to be engaged by a tool, such as a wrench (not shown). The nut  130  is configured to engage an externally threaded port (not shown), such as one included within a cable television distribution box. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector  10  of  FIG. 1 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the nut  130  includes an interior groove  187  located along the interior surface of the nut  130 . Likewise, the outer body  110  includes an exterior groove  182  located along the forward end of the exterior surface of the outer body  110 . Both the interior groove  187  and the exterior groove  182  are configured to receive a nut retaining ring  184 . The nut retaining ring  184  includes a gap to enable the ring  184  to be compressed (along its circumference) and fit into the exterior groove  182  prior to the nut  130  being slid over the front end of the outer body. The nut retaining ring  184  expands to snap engage the interior groove  187  of the nut  130 , allowing the nut to rotate independently of the body  110 . 
         [0034]    A moisture sealing member  188  may be disposed inside of a second groove  186  located along the exterior surface of the outer body  110 . The moisture sealing member  188  is preferably made of rubber and is configured to press upwards against the interior surface of the nut  130  in order to seal out moisture that could travel through the physical contact between the nut  130  and the outer body  110 . In this embodiment the moisture sealing member is in the form of an O ring. 
         [0035]    A set of compression related components, also referred to as a compression member assembly or a cable attachment mechanism, includes an insert sleeve  140 , a compression member  142  and a compression member housing  144 , also referred to as a housing member  144 , and a throughbore co-located at an opening of an internal bore  250 , and are disposed at the rear end  104  of the integrated filter connector  10 . The compression member  142  is located at a rear end of the compression assembly. The insert sleeve is located at a forward end of the compression assembly. 
         [0036]    The post  120  includes a front end and a rear end and is dimensioned to fit within an internal bore  250 , also referred to as a central passageway  250  or a through bore  250 , of the integrated filter connector  10 . The central passageway  250  is defined by an internal surface  248 . The front end and the rear end of the post  120  are disposed within the central passageway  250 . The post  120  includes a sleeve  220 , including a barbed portion  222  at a rear end of the post  120 , for insertion beneath at least the braided wire mesh (outer conductor) of a coaxial cable (not shown) that can be inserted within the internal bore  250 . As shown, the rear end of the post  120  optionally includes a plurality of barbs on the post serrations  222  to enable it to better mechanically and electrically engage the braided wire mesh (outer conductor) of the coaxial cable (not shown). 
         [0037]    The compression member  142  may be surrounded by a housing member  144 . A forward end of the housing member  144  includes a cylindrical sleeve that is dimensioned to fit and slide outside of and over a cylindrical shaped sleeve at the rear end of the outer body  110 . As shown, the housing member  144  optionally includes an inward flange  246  at its rear end. The inward flange  246  radially surrounds at least a portion of an edge located at the rear end of the compression member  142 . 
         [0038]    As assembled, the compression member  142  is configured to abut the tapered rear end of the insert sleeve  140  while the housing member  144  is configured to slide over the rear end of the outer body  110  and surrounds the compression member  142  (See  FIG. 2 ). The compression member  142  is dimensioned to fit inside of a cavity  230  residing between the insert sleeve  140  and the outer surface of the sleeve  220  of the post  120 . The insert sleeve  140  is tapered at its rear end to enable the compression member  142  to slide into the insert sleeve  140  when an axial force (directed towards the forward end  102 ) is applied to advance the compression member  142  into the outer body  110 . 
         [0039]    As assembled, when axial force is applied to the housing member  144 , the tapered rear end of the insert sleeve  140  slides between the compression member  142  and the housing member  144 . 
         [0040]    As described, the insert sleeve  140  is disposed around and outside of the post  120  and inside of the outer body  110 . The compression member  142  is disposed abutting the insert sleeve  140 , while the housing member  144  is disposed around and outside of the outer body  110 . 
         [0041]    To attach the integrated filter connector  10  to a coaxial cable, a prepared end of a coaxial cable is inserted into the internal bore  250  and engaged with the post  120  so that the sleeve  220  of the post is inserted beneath the outer layers of the coaxial cable (not shown), including at least the braided wire mesh (not shown) of an outer conductor. The central (center) conductor is received by the collet  116  at the rear end of the PCB  112 . 
         [0042]    The coaxial cable typically includes a central (center) conductor, a surrounding dielectric layer, and a surrounding electrically conductive material layer, such as referred to as a braided wire mesh outer conductor and an outer protective layer (cover), also referred to as a protective outer jacket. The outer layers of the coaxial cable refer to the outer conductor and an outer insulating layer. 
         [0043]    The inward flange  246  is engaged with a compression tool (not shown) that applies the force to axially advance the housing member  144 , also referred to as a compression member cover  144 , and causes the compression member  142  to move (advance) towards the forward end  102  and further into the outer body  110 . 
         [0044]    Upon further axial advancement of the housing member  144  and of the compression member  142 , the compression member  142  is driven between the inner sleeve  140  and the outer layers of the coaxial cable. This axial advancement causes an inward radial deformation of the compression member  142  against the outer layers of the cable (not shown) that surround the post  120 . 
         [0045]    This inward radial deformation compresses and firmly grasps the outer layers of the coaxial cable between the compression member  142  and the post  120  retaining the cable within the integrated filter connector. A shoulder  212  located on the exterior surface of the outer body  110  is configured to act as a stop to limit the axial advancement of the housing member  144  and the compression member  142  in the direction towards the forward end  102  of the outer body  110 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Notice that, as assembled, the contact pin  114  is substantially centered (eqi-distant) between the internal threads  132  of the nut  130 . 
         [0047]    Once installed on a cable, a tool may be used (not shown) to engage the flats  134  of the nut  130  and rotate the nut. The nut  130  can be rotated to selectively engage or disengage the integrated filter connector  10 , to or from an externally threaded port (not shown), such as one included within a CATV distribution box. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a cut-away perspective view of a second embodiment  400  of an integrated filter connector  10  including a hand rotatable compression component design  460 . The second embodiment  400  includes a structure that is substantially the same as described for the first embodiment  100  (See  FIGS. 1-3 ) except for differences associated with a set of compression related components disposed at the rear end  104  of the integrated filter connector  10 . 
         [0049]    The outer body  410  is structured and functions in substantially the same way as the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100  (See  FIGS. 1-3 ). For example, the outer body  410  accommodates a rotatable nut  130  that is disposed at its front end  102  and provides substantially the same accommodation (shaped and dimensioned mechanical interface) for the aforementioned internal components that were described and provided by the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100 . The external surface of the outer body  410  excludes the shoulder  212  of the first embodiment  100  (See  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0050]    Further, the outer body  410  of the second embodiment  400  differs from the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100  in that it accommodates a different compression component design  460  located at the rear end  104  of the outer body  410 . Specifically, the external surface of the outer body  410  includes external threads  456  disposed at its rear end  104  that are configured to engage threads of an internal surface of the rotatable housing member  452 , also disposed at its rear end. 
         [0051]    Like the first embodiment  100 , the compression component design  460  includes the inner sleeve  140  and the compression member  142  that are both disposed in substantially the same arrangement relative to the outer body  110  and its internal components, as described for the first embodiment  100  (See  FIGS. 1-3 ). Unlike the first embodiment  100 , the compression component design  460  of the second embodiment  400  excludes the sliding housing member  144  of the first embodiment  100  and instead, includes a rotatable housing member  452  at its rear end  104 . 
         [0052]    In this second embodiment, the compression member  142  is surrounded by the rotatable housing member  452 . Like the sliding housing member  144 , the rotatable housing member  452  includes an inward flange  446  at its rear end  104 . The inward flange  446  radially surrounds at least a portion of the compression member  142 . 
         [0053]    A forward end of the rotatable housing member  452  includes an interior threaded surface  454  that is configured to engage an exterior threaded surface  456  disposed at the rear end  104  of the outer body  410 . Rotation of the housing member  452  axially advances over the exterior threaded surface  456  and towards the front end  102  of the outer body  410 . 
         [0054]    Axial advancement of the rotatable housing member  452  towards the front end  102  advances the compression member  142  into the inner sleeve  140  to cause inward radial deformation of the compression member  142  against the outer layers of a coaxial cable that is inserted into the internal bore  450  and engaged with the post, as described for the first embodiment  100 . The complementary threads  454  and  456  are configured to limit the axial advancement of the rotatable housing member  452 . Complete advancement of the rotatable housing member  452  fully compresses the integrated filter connector  10  to compress and firmly grasp the outer layers of the coaxial cable. 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  is a cut-away perspective view of a third embodiment  500  of an integrated filter connector  10  including a different set of compression related components as compared to those of the prior two embodiments. The third embodiment  500  includes forward structures that are substantially the same as described for the first embodiment  100  except for differences associated with a set of compression related components  560  that are disposed towards the rear end  104  of the integrated filter connector  10 . 
         [0056]    The outer body  510  is structured and functions in substantially the same way as the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100  (See  FIGS. 1-3 ). For example, the outer body  510  accommodates a rotatable nut  130  that is disposed towards its front end  102  and provides substantially the same accommodation (shaped and dimensioned mechanical interface) for the aforementioned non-compression related internal components that were described in association with the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100 . 
         [0057]    The outer body  510  of the third embodiment  500  differs from the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100  in that it accommodates a different compression component design  560  located proximate its rear end  104 . The external surface of the outer body  510  excludes the shoulder  212  of the first embodiment  100  (See  FIG. 2 ) and excludes the threads  456  of the second embodiment  400  (See  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0058]    The non-compression related internal components of the fourth embodiment  500  are substantially the same as those described of the first embodiment  100 . For example, the non-compression related internal components include the electrical circuit board  112  and its contact pin  114  and collet  116 , the insulator  122  surrounding the contact pin  114 , the post  120  and the circuit board support  118  and its slots  118   a  and  118   b  receiving the circuit board  112 . 
         [0059]    Like the first embodiment  100 , the set of compression related components  560  includes an inner sleeve  540  and the compression member  542 . Unlike the first embodiment, the set of compression related components  560  excludes the housing member  144 , includes an inner sleeve  540  having serrations  546  that are configured to make physical contact with a coaxial cable (not shown). The third embodiment  500  also includes a compression member  542  that is configured to be inserted into the outer body  510 , but over rather than into the inner sleeve  540 . As with the previous embodiments, a prepared end of a coaxial cable is inserted into the central passageway  550  of the outer body  510 . The central (center) conductor and dielectric layer are inserted into the sleeve  520  of the post. The braided wire mesh of the outer conductor and the outer protective layer of the cable occupy the annular space between the post  520  and the insert sleeve  546 . 
         [0060]    Axial advancement of the compression member  542  towards the front end of the outer body  510  causes the inner sleeve  540  to radially deflect inward towards the coaxial cable. In some embodiments, radial deflection of the inner sleeve  540  causes at least some crimping, meaning at least some non-elastic (plastic) deformation, to the coaxial cable. A tapered inner surface  544  of the compression member  542  causes inward radial deflection of the inner sleeve  540  towards the coaxial cable. Complete advancement of the compression member  542  fully compresses the integrated filter connector  10  to firmly grasp the outer layers of the coaxial cable and retain the cable within the integrated filter connector  10 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 6  is a cut-away perspective view of a fourth embodiment  600  of an integrated filter connector  10  including a different set of compression related components  660  as compared to those of the previously described embodiments. The fourth embodiment  600  includes forward structures that are substantially the same as described for the first embodiment  100  except for differences associated with a set of compression related components  660  that are disposed proximate to the rear end  104  of the integrated filter connector  10 . 
         [0062]    The outer body  610  is structured and functions in substantially the same way as the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100  (See  FIGS. 1-3 ). For example, the outer body  610  accommodates a rotatable nut  130  that is disposed towards its front end  102  and provides substantially the same accommodation (shaped and dimensioned mechanical interface) for the aforementioned non-compression related internal components that were described in association with the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100 . 
         [0063]    The outer body  610  of the fourth embodiment  600  differs from the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100  in that it accommodates a different compression component design  660  located proximate its rear end  104  and that it excludes the shoulder  212  of the first embodiment  100 . Also, outer body  610  excludes the external threaded surface  456  of the second embodiment  400  (See  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0064]    The non-compression related internal components of the fourth embodiment  600  are substantially the same as those described of the first embodiment  100 . For example, the non-compression related internal components include the circuit board  112  and its contact pin  114  and collet  116 , the insulator  122  surrounding the contact pin  114 , the post  120  and the circuit board support  118  and its slots  118   a  and  118   b  receiving the circuit board  112 . 
         [0065]    The set of compression related components of the fourth embodiment includes a compression member  642  that is shaped differently than the compression member  142  of the first embodiment  100  (see  FIGS. 1-2 ) and the set excludes the inner sleeve  140  and the housing member  144  (See  FIGS. 1-2 ) of the first embodiment. 
         [0066]    As shown, the compression member  642  has an interior surface which includes a tapered portion  646 . The tapered inner surface has a substantially conical profile. An external surface of the compression member  642  optionally includes a flange  626  and a protruding ridge  618 , also referred to as a rib  618 . The rib  618  is configured to mate and slidingly engage with an internal groove  620  cut into an inner surface near the rear end of the outer body  610 . The groove  620  is configured to retain the compression member  642  in a first, uncompressed position, as shown. 
         [0067]    In the first, uncompressed position, a properly prepared end of a coaxial cable (not shown) may be inserted into an internal bore  650  through the compression member  642  to engage the post  120 . As shown, the rib  618  is optionally configured to assist in the axially advancement of the compression member  642  further into the outer body  610  towards the forward end  102 . The rib  618  may optionally be configured with an inclined forward face to assist with axial advancement of the compression member  642  further into the outer body  610 . The rib  618  may also include a rear face that may be either perpendicular to the external surface  648  of the compression member or inclined to inhibit or promote, respectively, the removal of the compression member  642  from the outer body  610 , as desired. 
         [0068]    As shown, the location of the flange  626  and the rear edge  612  of the outer body  610  are configured to act as a barrier (stopping mechanism) to limit the forward axial advancement of the compression member  642 . The rear end  104  of the compression member  642  includes an external flange  626  of greater diameter than that of an inner diameter of the rear end of the outer body  610 . Axial advancement of the compression member  642  is stopped when the flange  626  makes physical contact with the rear edge  612  of the outer body  610 . 
         [0069]    An external surface  648  of the compression member  642  that is located in the forward direction relative to the flange  626  has an external diameter substantially the same as or slightly greater than the inner diameter of the outer body  610  to create a press fit effect of the compression member  642  into the outer body  610 . The press fit effect inhibits the inadvertent removal of the compression member  642  after its compression (installation) into the outer body  610 . 
         [0070]    Alternatively, the external surface  648  of the compression member  642  may include a second rib (not shown) which engages the groove  620  located on the internal surface near the rear end of the outer body  610  to create an interference fit, also referred to as a snap engagement, between the compression member  642  and the outer body  610  during installation of a coaxial cable (not shown) via axial advancement (compression) of the compression member  642  into the outer body  610 . 
         [0071]    Upon axial advancement of the compression member  642  into the outer body  610 , the compression member  642  is driven into a cavity  630  located between the inner surface of the outer body  610  and the outer layers of the coaxial cable, that include at least the braided wire mesh and protective outer layers (not shown). The compression member  642  is dimensioned to fit inside of the cavity  630  and the axial advancement of the compression member  642  reduces the volume of the cavity  630  and compresses and firmly grasps the outer layers of the cable between the compression member and the post, retaining the cable within the integrated filter connector  10 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  is a cut-away perspective view of an integrated filter connector  10  in accordance with a fifth embodiment  700  of the present invention including an RCA style connector interface. An RCA style connector interface includes a male and a female connector that do not include threads and that are not required to be rotated to be engaged with each other. RCA style connectors are simply pushed together to be engaged and pulled apart to be disengaged. Hence, a nut  130  is not required and is excluded from the fifth embodiment  700  of the integrated filter connector  10 . 
         [0073]    The fifth embodiment  700  is structured in the same manner with respect to the compression related components of the fourth embodiment  600  and with respect to many of the non-compression related internal components of the fourth embodiment  600  (See  FIG. 6 ). The non-compression related internal components include the circuit board  112  and its collet  116 , the post  120  and its attached circuit board support  118  and its slots  118   a  and  118   b  receiving the circuit board  112 . The contact pin  714  and the insulator  722  surrounding the contact pin  714  are configured to support the structure of an RCA style male connector  740  and may be different that those for previous described embodiments. 
         [0074]    The outer body  710  is structured and functions in substantially the same way, as the outer body  610  of the fourth embodiment  600  of the integrated filter connector  10 . Accordingly, the outer body  710  provides substantially the same mechanical support (accommodation) for the aforementioned compression and non-compression related components that were provided by the outer body  610  of the fourth embodiment. 
         [0075]    The outer body  710  of the fifth embodiment  700  differs from the outer body  110  of the first embodiment  100  in that it does not accommodate a nut  130  (See  FIGS. 1-3 ) at its forward end  102 . Instead of the nut  130 , a male RCA connector  740  is disposed at the forward end  102  of this fifth embodiment  700  of the integrated filter connector  10 . The contact pin  714  is configured to constitute a “stinger” portion of the male RCA connector. 
         [0076]      FIG. 8  is a cut-away perspective view of a sixth embodiment  800  of the integrated filter connector  10  that includes a BNC style connector interface. In this embodiment, a BNC style connector interface substitutes for the RCA style interface of the fifth embodiment  700 . A BNC style connector interface includes a male and a female connector that do not include threads like that of the nut  130  of the first embodiment  100  (See  FIGS. 1-3 ). BNC style connectors are pushed towards each other and twisted less than one full  360  degree turn to be engaged and disengaged. 
         [0077]    The sixth embodiment  800  is structured and functions substantially as the fifth embodiment  700  of the integrated filter connector  10  of  FIG. 7  except that a BNC style male connector  840  is substituted for the RCA style male connector  740  (Shown in  FIG. 7 ). The outer body  810  of the sixth embodiment  800  differs from the outer body  710  of the fifth embodiment  700  in that it accommodates a male BNC connector  840  instead of a male RCA connector  740  disposed at the forward end  102 . The contact pin  814  and its insulator  822  are configured to constitute a “stinger” portion of the male BNC connector. Other aspects of the sixth embodiment  800 , including the compression component design, are the same as that of the fifth embodiment  700  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 9  is a cut-away perspective view of a seventh embodiment  900  of the integrated filter connector  10  that includes an F style male connector interface. In this embodiment, an F style male connector interface substitutes for the RCA style connector  740  interface of the fifth embodiment  700 . An F style connector interface includes a male and a female connector that include threads like that of the nut  130  of the first embodiment  100  (see  FIGS. 1-3 ). The F style connectors are engaged and rotated in a clockwise direction to be engaged and are rotated in a counter clockwise direction to be disengaged. 
         [0079]    The seventh embodiment  900  is structured in the same manner as the fifth embodiment  700  of the integrated filter connector  10  of  FIG. 7  except that an F style male connector  940  is substituted for the RCA style male connector  740  (Shown in  FIG. 7 ). Other aspects of the seventh embodiment, including the compression component design, are the same as that of the fifth embodiment  700  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 10  is a cut-away perspective view of an eighth embodiment  1000  of the integrated filter connector  10  that includes an F style female connector interface. In this embodiment, an F style female connector  1040  interface substitutes for the RCA style male connector  740  interface of the fifth embodiment  700  of  FIG. 7 . An F style connector  1040  interface includes a male and a female connector that each include threads like that of the nut  130  of the first embodiment  100  (see  FIGS. 1-3 ). The F style connectors are engaged and rotated in a clockwise direction to be engaged and are rotated in a counter clockwise direction to be disengaged. 
         [0081]    The eighth embodiment  1000  is structured in the same manner as the fifth embodiment  700  of the integrated filter connector  10  of  FIG. 7  except that an F style female connector  1040  is substituted for the RCA style male connector  740  (Shown in  FIG. 7 ). Instead of contact pin  714 , as shown in the fifth embodiment  700 , a collet  1014  is disposed proximate to the front end  102  of the integrated filter connector  10 . An insulator cap  1016  is disposed between the collet  1014  and the F-style female connector  1040 . As shown, the collet  1014  is surrounded by external threads  1034 . Other aspects of the eighth embodiment  1000 , including the set of compression related components, are the same as that of the fifth embodiment  700  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a ninth embodiment  1100  of an unassembled integrated filter connector  10  made in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector  10  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector  10  of  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0083]    As shown, the integrated filter connector  10  includes a forward end  102  and a rear end  104 , an outer body  1110  and an inner body  1118 , which is configured to enclose a printed circuit board (PCB)  112  that performs in-line signal conditioning and that functions as part of an integrated signal filter assembly. The forward end  102  of the inner body  1118  is capped by a forward header  1176  and the rear end  104  of the inner body  1118  is capped by a rear header  1124 . The inner body  1118  and outer body  110  are each also referred to as a cylindrical housing. 
         [0084]    The circuit board  112  includes a forward electrode  114  and a rear electrode  116 . Typically, the forward electrode is implemented as a contact pin  114  and the rear electrode is implemented as a collet  116 . In some embodiments, the forward electrode is also implemented as a collet  116 . The PCB  112  also includes a ground plane (not shown) and a forward electrical contact pad (not shown) and a rear electrical contact pad (not shown) at each of two opposite ends. 
         [0085]    The forward electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the forward electrode  114 . The rear electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the rear electrode  116 . A forward insulator  1172  is configured to surround and electrically isolate the forward contact pin  114  from the cylindrical inner body  1118  and the forward header  1176 . A rear insulator  1178  is configured to surround and electrically isolate the rear contact pin  116  from the rear header  1124 . As shown, the forward insulator  1172  is shaped as a disk and the rear insulator  1178  is shaped as a cylindrical sleeve. The insulators are typically made of an insulating material such as silicone rubber or non-conductive plastic. 
         [0086]    The cylindrical inner body  1118  that is also referred to herein as a circuit board support  1118 , is configured to receive and to provide mechanical support to the circuit board  112 . In this embodiment, the circuit board support  1118  is constructed as a cylindrical shaped tubular member and includes at least two opposing inwardly deflected tabs  1182   a - 1182   d,  also referred to as inward tabs  1182   a - 1182   d,  the ends of which form circuit board supporting slots. The inward tabs  1182   a - 1182   d  are disposed at locations along an outer surface of the cylindrical inner body member  1118  and are oriented and dimensioned to receive and to provide mechanical support to the circuit board  112 . While in the current embodiment, the circuit board supporting slots formed by the inward tabs are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the inner cylindrical body member  1118 , the tabs could be positioned to support the PCB  112  off-set from the longitudinal axis. Moreover, while the circuit board  112  is shown oriented with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical inner body  1118 , the board may also be disk shaped and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In such an alternative embodiment, the contact pins and collet would connect to each face of the PCB  112  rather than opposing ends. 
         [0087]    The cylindrical inner body  1118  may also be configured with at least one access hole or passageway  1183   a - 1183   c  to permit the tuning of filter components after the PCB  112  is inserted into cylindrical inner body  1118 . Where such tunable filter components are mounted on both sides of the circuit board, the access  1183   a - 1183   c  holes may be located at several locations around the exterior surface of the cylindrical inner body  1118 . 
         [0088]    The cylindrical inner body  1118  may also be configured with end tabs  1184   a  and  1184   b.  The end tabs are provided to mate with corresponding slots  1179 ,  1177  on the forward header  176  and the rear header  1124  and provide the function of rotationally locking the headers to the inner body  1118  such that rotation of the header does not exert substantial torque upon the printed circuit board  112  that could damage the circuitry thereon and the effectiveness of the signal filter assembly. 
         [0089]    The forward end of the cylindrical inner body  1118  is capped by a forward header  1176 . The forward header may be configured to include opposing longitudinal slots  1177 ,  1179  which are positioned to receive and support the forward corners of the PCB  112 . The rear end of the forward header  1176  may also be configured to receive the forward insulator  1172 . Either or both the forward header and the forward insulator may include a shoulder or groove to seat an O-ring  1188   b  to form a seal between these adjacent components. The forward header  1176  has an inner surface defining a central throughbore. The inner surface includes an internal groove  1175  for the partial seating of the locking snap ring  1180 . 
         [0090]    The central throughbore of the forward header  1176  receives a nut  1130  having an inner surface, an outer surface, forward and rear ends. The inner surface at the forward end of the nut  1130  includes internal threads for mating with a threaded port or other fixture having corresponding external threads. The external surface of the rear end of the nut  1130  includes a groove  1134  for partially receiving the locking snap ring  1180 . With the snap ring  1180  partially seated in both grooves  1175  and  1134 , the nut  1130  is engaged with the forward header  1176 , but rotates independently thereof. 
         [0091]    A grip ring  1150  is press fit over a portion of the external surface of the nut  1130 . The press fit is sufficiently tight such that rotation of the grip ring  1150  causes rotation of the nut  1130 . As shown, the grip ring  1150  has a knurled outer surface  1150   a  that enables a person to hand tighten the attachment (coupling) of the filter connector to a port, such as to a CATV port or to another coaxial cable connector. 
         [0092]    The integrated filter connector  10  may also include a port seal  1140  which is attached to the forward end of the nut  1130  to prevent the ingress of moisture along the threaded port and between the nut  1130  and the grip ring  1150 . In the present embodiment, the port seal  1140  is a bellows-type seal of the nature and general description contained in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/876,386, filed Jun. 25, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, as is well-known in the art, the port seal  1140  may be configured as a tubular grommet comprised of silicone rubber and having interlocking shoulders or steps, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,679 issued on Sep. 26, 1989. The nut  1130  may also be configured to grasp and retain the port seal  1140 . In the present embodiment, the nut  1130  has a seal grasping surface which includes an external groove  1136  on the forward end of the nut  1130 . The port seal  1140  may also be configured with an internal shoulder at the rear end of the port seal that engages the forward side wall of the groove  1136 . The grip ring  1150  may also be configured to engage the rear portion of the port seal  1140 . The engagement of the port seal assists in both retaining the port seal as an integral part of the assembly  10  and in forming a seal to prevent the infiltration of moisture between the nut  1130  and the grip ring  1150 . 
         [0093]    Sealing members may be disposed between the components at the forward end of the integrated filter connector  10  to seal any potential paths for moisture infiltration. Shoulders, grooves or annular spaces are formed in the respective components to properly seat the sealing members. As depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , four sealing members in the form of O-rings  1188   b - 1188   e  are disposed at the forward end of the assembly. Sealing member  1188   b  is disposed between the forward insulator  1172  and the rear end of the forward header  1176 . Sealing member  1188   c  is disposed between the forward end of the forward header  1176  and the outer body  1110 . Sealing member  1188   d  is disposed between the forward end of the forward header and the grip ring  1150 . Sealing member  1188   e  is disposed between forward end of the forward insulator and the nut  1130 . 
         [0094]    The rear end of the cylindrical inner body  1118  is capped by the rear header  1124 . The rear header  1124  is both press fit into the opening at the rear end of the inner body  1118  and rotationally locked by engagement of an end tab  1184   a  in a corresponding longitudinal slot  1127  at the forward end of the rear header  1124 . Opposing longitudinal slots  1125 ,  1127  are positioned to receive and support the rear corners of the circuit board  112 . The ground plane of the circuit board  112  may be electrically engaged by either the longitudinal slots formed by the tabs  1182   a - d  or the longitudinal slots  1177 ,  1179  in the forward  1176  or rear  1124  headers. 
         [0095]    The rear header  1124  has an inner surface defining a central throughbore. The rear header  1124  may also include an external shoulder or groove (not shown) to seat an O-ring  1188   a  which forms a seal between the rear header  1124  and the outer body upon final assembly. Outer body  1110  is slid over the assembled inner body  1118  and headers. A press fit is formed between the outer body  1110  and circular flanges on each of the forward  1176  and rear  1124  headers. The rear end of the outer body  1110  is rolled over to seat the first O-ring  1188   a  and seal the rear end of the assembly from moisture. 
         [0096]    The inner surface of the rear header  1124  includes an internal groove (not shown) for the partial seating of the locking member  1122 . The inner surface of the rear header  1124  may also be configured to receive the rear insulator  1178 . The inner surface of the rear header  1124  is also configured to receive a post  1120  which, in this embodiment includes a step or taper in the internal bore which mates with a corresponding shoulder or tapered surface on the post. The rear portion of the post generally includes a sleeve which is adapted to be inserted over the dielectric layer of the cable and electrically engage the outer conductor of the coaxial cable (not shown). Engagement of the outer conductor and retention of the integrated filter connector  10  on the coaxial cable may be assisted by the inclusion of a barb or other serrations on the post sleeve. 
         [0097]    A locking member  1122  is dimensioned and configured to be inserted into the central throughbore of the rear header  1124 . The locking member  1122  may include one or more protruding ridges that engage a corresponding groove (not shown) on the inner surface of the slide into the rear header component  1124 . The locking member  1122  is snap-engaged in a first position partially inserted into the rear end of the rear header  1124  such that a properly prepared end of a coaxial cable may be inserted into the rear header  1124  in a manner similar to co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,257 which is incorporated by reference herein. When fully inserted, the central (center) conductor of the coaxial cable engages the collet  116  attached to the rear contact pad at the rear of the PCB  112 ; the dielectric layer is inserted within the post  1120 ; the outer conductor and protective outer jacket of the coaxial cable are disposed within the annular space between the post sleeve and the inner surface of the rear header  1124 . 
         [0098]    After insertion of the cable, the locking member  1122  is axially advanced further into the rear end of the rear header  1124  until the end of the rear header  1124  abuts an exterior flange at the rear end of the locking member  1122 . In this embodiment, the locking member  1122  will be press fit into the rear end of the rear header  1124 . Alternatively, a second protruding shoulder could be formed on the exterior of the locking member  1122  that snap engages the locking member  1122  into a second compressed position, or a second internal groove (not shown) on the inner surface of the rear header  1124  into which the protruding ridge is engaged in such second compressed position. The outer surface of the rear header  1124  may include hexagonal flats  1123  for engagement by a tool, such as a box wrench, to assist in the rotation of the assembly. Upon advancement, a tapered inner surface of the locking member  1122  reduces the internal volume of the annular space within the rear header  1124 . The inner surface of the locking member  1122  grasps the outer layers of the coaxial cable against the post sleeve to retain the cable within the rear header  1124  of the integrated filter connector  10 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a tenth embodiment  1400  of an unassembled integrated filter connector  10  made in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 15  is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector  1400  of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector  10  of  FIGS. 14 and 15 . As shown, the integrated filter connector  10  includes a forward end  102 , a rear end  104 , a filter body  1410 , and a header  1424  which are configured to enclose a printed circuit board (PCB)  112  that performs in-line signal conditioning and that functions as part of an integrated signal filter assembly. The tenth embodiment is similar to the ninth embodiment in many ways, however, the tenth embodiment eliminates the cylindrical inner body  1118  and incorporates many of the features of the forward header  1176  into the filter body  1410 . As the present embodiment eliminates components from the previous embodiment, fewer O-rings are required to seal the potential paths of moisture infiltration. 
         [0101]    As in the previous embodiment, the circuit board  112  includes a forward electrode  114  and a rear electrode  116 . The forward electrode is implemented as a contact pin  114  and the rear electrode is implemented as a collet  116 . The PCB  112  also includes a ground plane (not shown), a forward electrical contact pad (not shown) and a rear electrical contact pad (not shown) at each of two opposite ends. The forward electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the forward electrode  114 . The rear electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the rear electrode  116 . A forward insulator  1172  is configured to surround and electrically isolate the forward contact pin  114  from the filter body  1410 . A rear insulator  1178  is configured to surround and electrically isolate the rear contact pin  116  from the header  1424 . As shown, the forward insulator  1172  is shaped as a disk, and the rear insulator  1178  is shaped as a cylindrical sleeve. 
         [0102]    As assembled, the filter body  1410  is capped by header  1424 , also referred to as a rear header  1424 . The header  1424  is press fit into the open rear end of the filter body. The header  1424  may include a groove to seat a first O-ring seal  1488   a.  Opposing longitudinal slots  1482   a  and  1482   b  (not shown) are positioned to receive and support the sides of the PCB  112 . The ground plane of the circuit board  112  may be electrically engaged by the longitudinal slots  1482   a - 1482   b  in the header  1424 . The header  1424  has an inner surface defining a central throughbore. The inner surface includes an internal groove  1475  for the partial seating of the locking member  1422 . The inner surface of the header  1424  may also be configured to receive the rear insulator  1178 . The inner surface of the header  1424  is also configured to receive a post  1420  which is configured and operates in the same manner as post  1120  in the ninth embodiment described above. 
         [0103]    A locking member  1422  is similarly dimensioned and configured to be inserted into the central throughbore of the rear header  1424 . The locking member has substantially the same structure and operation as the locking member  1122  in the previous embodiment. 
         [0104]    The filter body  1410  has an inner surface defining a central throughbore. The inner surface near the forward end of the filter body  1410  includes an internal groove  1475  (See  FIG. 15 ) for the partial seating of the locking snap ring  1180 . The forward end of the filter body receives a nut  1130  which is configured and operates in the same manner as nut  1130  in the ninth embodiment described above. The inner surface at the forward end of the nut  1130  includes internal threads for mating with a threaded port or other fixture having corresponding external threads. The external surface of the rear end of the nut  1130  includes a groove for partially receiving the locking snap ring  1480 . With the snap ring  1480  partially seated in both grooves  1475  and  1134 , the nut  1130  is engaged with the filter body  1410 , but rotates independently thereof. 
         [0105]    A grip ring  1450  is press fit over a portion of the external surface of the nut  1130 . The press fit is sufficiently tight such that rotation of the grip ring  1450  causes rotation of the nut  1130 . As shown, the grip ring  1450  has a knurled outer surface  1450   a  that enables a person to hand tighten the filter connector  10  to a port, such as to a CATV port. The integrated filter connector  10  may also include a port seal  1140  which is attached to the forward end of the nut  1130  to prevent the ingress of moisture along the threaded port and between the nut  1130  and the grip ring  1450 . In the present embodiment, the port seal  1140  is a bellows-type seal described above. 
         [0106]    In the present embodiment, the nut  1130  has a seal grasping surface which includes an external groove  1136  on the forward end of the nut  1130 . The port seal  1140  may also be configured with an internal shoulder at the rear end of the seal that engages the forward side wall of the groove  1136 . The grip ring  1450  may also be configured to engage the rear portion of the port seal  1140 . The engagement of the port seal  1140  assists in both retaining the port seal  1140  as an integral part of the assembly  10  and in forming a seal to prevent the infiltration of moisture between the nut  1130  and the grip ring  1450 . 
         [0107]    Sealing members may be disposed between the components at the forward end of the integrated filter connector  10  to seal any potential paths for moisture infiltration. Shoulders, grooves or annular spaces are formed in the respective components to properly seat the sealing members. As depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , two sealing members in the form of O-rings  1488   b - 1488   c  are disposed at the forward end  102  of the assembly. Sealing member  1488   b  is disposed between the forward insulator  1172  and the inner surface of the filter body  1410 . Sealing member  1488   c  is disposed between the nut  1130  and grip ring  1450  at the forward end of the filter body  1410 . 
         [0108]    Once installed on a cable, a person can hand grip and rotate the grip ring  1450  to rotate the nut  1130  (not shown). The nut  1130  can be rotated to selectively engage or disengage the integrated filter connector  10 , to or from an externally threaded port (not shown), such as included within a CATV distribution box. 
         [0109]      FIG. 17  is a cut-away perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector  10  having an externally threaded port connector  1732 . The nut  1130  of  FIG. 14  is substituted with the externally threaded (female) port connector  1732  that is integrally formed with a forward header  1776 . The forward header  1776  is press fitted into the forward end of the cylindrical inner body  1718  and outer body  1710  is slid over the assembled inner body  1718  and forward and rear headers disposed adjacent to the forward and rear ends of the inner body  1718 . In this embodiment, as is well known in the art, each end of the outer body is rolled around the forward and rear headers to enclose O-rings (not shown) used to seal each end of the assembly. 
         [0110]    While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred mode as illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7