Abstract:
A modular surge protection device provides surge protection for various electronic devices while including one or more status indicators that make the modular surge protection device&#39;s status or condition readily ascertainable to save time during inspection, maintenance, replacement and other activities. The modular surge protection device comprises a nipple that can be used to mount the modular surge protection device to various structures quickly and easily. In addition, the nipple includes a view port for viewing or otherwise reading information from one or more status indicators positioned within the nipple.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates to surge protection devices and in particular to a modular surge protection device with one or more status indicators. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    Traditional surge protection devices protect against electrical surges that can damage or destroy electronic equipment. There are various types of surge protection devices. Perhaps the most familiar is a residential type surge protector that is plugged into a wall outlet. Electronic equipment can then be powered and protected by the surge protector by plugging such equipment into the surge protector. This residential type of surge protector is directly accessible by users and can be replaced, when desired or necessary, by disconnecting the surge protector and replacing it with a functional unit. 
         [0005]    In contrast to the above-described traditional consumer type of surge protection devices, surge protection devices in commercial, industrial, professional or “heavy duty” applications, are often built in to electronic equipment making replacement activity difficult. 
         [0006]    In addition, due to age, one or more surges, defects or other factors a surge protection device&#39;s ability to protect electronic equipment may be diminish or fail completely over time. However, a surge protection device may continue to provide power to electronic equipment connected thereto. This is highly undesirable since the electronic equipment, though powered, is exposed to damaging and destructive surges. 
         [0007]    From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Various modular surge protection devices and methods therefore are disclosed herein. The modular surge protection device may be a self-contained unit providing surge protection as well as an indication of its operating status or condition. The modular surge protection device advantageously provides its status in a readily ascertainable manner while remaining compatible with various housings, enclosures, and other structures to which the modular surge protection device may be mounted. In this manner, inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement and other activity is made more efficient in terms of time and cost. 
         [0009]    A modular surge protection device may be implemented in a variety of ways. In one embodiment for example, a modular surge protection device comprises a body comprising a polygonal peripheral shape and an enclosed front end and an enclosed back end, a surge protection element housed within the body, and a threaded nipple extending outward from the enclosed front end of the body and comprising a view port at its distal end. The polygonal peripheral shape aids in turning the surge protection device and its threaded nipple during installation and removal. 
         [0010]    One or more status indicators are within the threaded nipple and visible through the view port. The status indicators are operably coupled to the surge protection element to present a status of the surge protection element. The status indicators may be light emitting devices, and the status of the surge protection element may comprise a normal condition and a fault condition. 
         [0011]    It is noted that the status indicators may be at a proximal end of the threaded nipple. In addition, a plurality of indentations, a plurality of slots, or both may be at an exterior side of the enclosed back end. The plurality of indentations, slots or both may be provided to aid in turning the surge protection device and its threaded nipple during installation and removal. 
         [0012]    In another exemplary embodiment, a modular surge protection device comprises a body comprising an enclosed front end and an enclosed back end, a surge protection element housed within the body, and a nipple extending outward from the enclosed front end of the body. The nipple comprises an enclosed proximal end and a view port at its distal end. The body may have a polygonal peripheral shape to aid in installation or removal of the surge protection device. 
         [0013]    One or more status indicators are housed within the nipple and operatively connected to the surge protection element to present a status of the surge protection element. The status indicators are visible through the view port. The status indicators may be at the proximal end of the nipple. In addition, the status indicators may be light emitting devices. 
         [0014]    It is noted that the nipple may be threaded, and that the surge protection device may be mounted via its nipple. In addition, the surge protection may include one or more indentations, one or more slots, or both at an exterior surface of the enclosed back end of the body to aid in installation or removal of the surge protection device. 
         [0015]    As stated various methods related to the modular surge protection device are disclosed herein as well. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for providing surge protection and an indication of status implemented with a surge protection device comprises receiving input power at a surge protection element housed within a body of the surge protection device, providing output power through the surge protection element, securing the body to an opening of an external structure with a nipple extending outward from an enclosed front end of the body, and activating one or more status indicators housed within the nipple to present a status of the surge protection element. During operation, one or more surges of the input power are dissipated via the surge protection element. 
         [0016]    The status indicators are visible through a view port at a distal end of the nipple. The nipple may secure the body to the opening of the external structure with one or more threads on an exterior surface of the nipple. Also, the nipple may extend outward from the external structure when securing the body to the opening of the external structure. This allows the status of the surge protection element to be ascertained remote to and outside of the external structure. 
         [0017]    The status of the surge protection element may be determined by a fault detector in operable communication with the surge protection element and the status indicators. Activation of the status indicators may occur by activating or deactivating light emission at the status indicators. 
         [0018]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a back perspective view illustrating an exemplary modular surge protection device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary modular surge protection device; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a front view illustrating an exemplary modular surge protection device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating an exemplary modular surge protection device in an exemplary utility box; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary modular surge protection device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary surge protection element; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary modular surge protection device connected to an electronic device; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary modular surge protection device connected to an electronic device; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary modular surge protection device connected to an electronic device; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary environment of use for an exemplary modular surge protection device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
         [0031]    The modular surge protection device with status indicator (hereinafter “modular surge protection device”) disclosed herein allows users, maintenance personnel or others to quickly and easily identify a status condition of the modular surge protection device. Appropriate action can then be taken if necessary, such as replacing or repairing the modular surge protection device. 
         [0032]    The modular surge protection device is ideally suited for environments of use where surge protection is desirable and where electronic devices or elements thereof that are being protected are in difficult to reach, inconvenient, concealed or enclosed areas. For example, the modular surge protection device may be used on utility poles, or within electrical enclosures/boxes or utility boxes to provide a status condition quickly and conveniently. It is noted that the self-contained nature (i.e., modularity) of the modular surge protection device allows it to be used in other environments as well. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 1-2  respectively illustrate a back perspective view and a front perspective view of an exemplary modular surge protection device  104 . As can be seen, the modular surge protection device may comprise a body  108 , a nipple  112  at its front end  144 , and a back end  116 . The body  108  forms a housing to enclose the internal components of the modular surge protection device  104 . The body  108  may be enclosed at the front end  144  and back end  116 , or both to prevent infiltration of humidity, water, dirt, debris or other unwanted contaminants. 
         [0034]    The body  108  may comprise one or more separate portions  128 ,  132 , as shown by the line  136 , that are attached together during assembly. Such portions  128 ,  132  may be secured to one another in various ways. For example, corresponding male and female threaded structures may be provided to allow the portions  128 ,  132  to be secured to one another in a screw type fashion. Alternatively, the portions  128 ,  132  may be adhered together. In addition, the portions  128 ,  132  may be secured together with one or more fasteners, such as screws, pins or the like. The portions  128 ,  132  may also be secured by a snap fit or friction fit connection formed by connecting structures of each of the portions. It is noted that the portions  128 ,  132  may remain separable in some embodiments, such as to allow access to the internal components of the modular surge protection device  104  for repair, replacement, diagnostic or other purposes. Alternatively, the body  108  may be a single integrated structure. 
         [0035]    It is contemplate that the body  108  may various shapes. As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-2  for example, the body  108  is hexagonal. This assists in grasping and turning the modular surge protection device  104 , such as during its installation or removal. To further aid in the installation or removal process, one or more indentations  140  may be at a back end  116  of the modular surge protection device  116 . These indentations  140  provide grasping points for a turning tool, such as pliers. In addition, one or more slots  120  may be provided to accept a turning tool, such as a cross or flat headed screwdriver. 
         [0036]    The nipple  112  will typically be threaded, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . This is advantageous in that the front end  144  of the modular surge protection device  104  may be mounted by screwing or turning the nipple  112  into a threaded opening, such as in a utility box or other structure. The nipple  112  may have an opening or view port  148  through which a visual or other status indicator may be viewed or accessed. 
         [0037]    With the modular surge protection device  104  herein, the nipple  112  also forms an enclosure for a status indicator of the modular surge protection device. Referring to  FIG. 3 , which illustrates a front view of a modular surge protection device  104 , it can be seen that one or more status indicators  304  may be viewed through the view port  148  of the modular surge protection device&#39;s nipple  112 . This permits a quick inspection and determination of the status or operating condition of the modular surge protection device  104 . A status indicator  304  will typically be an indicator light, such as an LED light, but other indicators may be used as well. It is contemplated that status indication may occur via color, illumination versus non-illumination, blinking of a status indicator or multiple status indicators, or various combinations thereof. 
         [0038]    The exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3  includes three status indicators  304 . Some exemplary statuses are disclosed in the following table. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 SURGE PROTECTION 
               
               
                   
                 INDICATED 
                 DEVICE CONDITION 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 1 Status Indicator Activated 
                 Functioning Normally 
               
               
                   
                 2 Status Indicators Activated 
                 Surge Occurred/Damaged 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Replacement Required 
               
               
                   
                 3 Status Indicators Activated 
                 Unknown Condition 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0039]    It will be understood that a variety of status conditions may be presented by one or more status indicators  304 . In addition a single status indicator  304  may present various status conditions by through different colors, activation or non-activation, and blinking at one or more rates. As such, there may be fewer (or additional) status indicators  304  than the exemplary amount shown in  FIG. 3 . It is noted that a status indicator  304  may emit various output, including infrared, ultraviolet, radio, microwave or other electromagnetic. In some embodiments, a status indicator  304  may be a speaker or other audio output device as well. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, a status indicator  304  may comprise or consist of an on/off or logic switch or signal-generating device that generates an on/off or logic signal. Such switches or signals may be used to activate or deactivate an output generating device to present the status or condition of a modular surge protection device or one or more components thereof. 
         [0041]    Users or other personnel may be supplied with detection equipment including various sensors, such as to detect signals from status indicators  304  utilizing invisible, inaudible or other unperceivable output. This detection equipment may then report the detected status to a user or other personnel via a screen, indicator, speaker or other human interface device. 
         [0042]    A status indicator  304  may be mounted or secured to the bottom  308  of the nipple  112  in one or more embodiments. Alternatively, a status indicator  304  may be mounted or secured to a sidewall of the nipple  112  as well. Typically the bottom  308  will be a continuous structure to enclose or seal the components of a modular surge protection device  104  within the body  108  of the modular surge protection device. This helps ensure such components are protected from contaminants, debris or moisture. In some embodiments, an opening  312  or knock out to form an opening may optionally be provided if desired. Such opening  312  may be used to allow electrical or other cable to connect to a component of the modular surge protection device. It is contemplated that one or more additional status indicators may be connected to the modular surge protection device  104  through the opening  312  if desired. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  illustrates a modular surge protection device  104  installed in an exemplary utility box  404 . As can be seen, the utility box  404  provides a compartment  408  that may contain one or more electrical devices  420  powered by a connection  424  with the modular surge protection device  104 . Alternatively, the utility box  404  may simply house the modular surge protection device  104  and nothing else. A removable section  412 , or knock out or opening  428  in the utility box  404  may be provided to allow an electrical connection  432  between the modular surge protection device  104  and a power source, such as an electrical outlet, one or more electrical devices  420  or both. In addition to the circuit board illustrated in  FIG. 4 , some exemplary electrical devices  420  that may be powered by the modular surge protection device  104  include LED lights or lighting, motors, controllers. 
         [0044]    As described above, the modular surge protection device  104  may be mounted via its nipple  112 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 4 , which illustrates a modular surge protection device  104  screwed into a threaded opening  416  of the utility box  404 . It is noted that the modular surge protection device  104  may be quickly and easily mounted in this manner to various structures comprising a compatible threaded opening  416 . Thereafter the modular surge protection device  104  may be removed by reversing the nipple  112  out of the threaded opening  416  in which it was secured. 
         [0045]    In one or more embodiments the nipple  112  may be sized and/or comprise threads that conform to standard utility box  404  or other enclosure threaded or other openings. For example, a nipple  112  may conform to the NPT or NEC standard in some embodiments. This is advantageous in that it allows the modular surge protection device  104  to be mounted to a variety of utility boxes  404 . This allows the modular surge protection device  104  to be used in a wide variety of installations. In addition, the status indicator  304  of the modular surge protection device  104  is accordingly easily visible without opening a utility box  404  or other enclosure, saving time and expense during maintenance or inspection activity. 
         [0046]    Preferably, the modular surge protection device  104  is mounted such that its view port  148  is readily visible. In the example of  FIG. 4  for example, the view port  148  is visible from an exterior point of view relative to the utility box  404 . This is advantageous in that the status or condition of the modular surge protection device  104  can then be readily ascertained simply by visually inspecting the status indicators through the modular surge protection device&#39;s view port  148 . Such inspection can even occur at remote distances thereby increasing the speed and efficiency at which the status or condition of a modular surge protection device  104  can be determined. Thereafter appropriate personnel can decide whether or not to repair or replace only the modular surge protection devices  104  that have indicated a need for the same via its status indicator(s). 
         [0047]    It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, a status indicator of the modular surge protection device  104  may indicate a status or condition of one or more electronic devices  420  that are connected thereto. In this manner, the modular surge protection device  104  can also inform appropriate personnel that an electronic device  420  should be repaired or replaced or of the need thereof. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  provides a block diagram of an exemplary modular surge protection device  104 . As can be seen, one or more surge protection elements or surge protection circuitry  504  may be within the body  108  of the modular surge protection device  104 , while one or more status indicators  304  are within the nipple  112  of the modular surge protection device. As described above, a status indicator  304  will typically be visible, such as via a view port  148  of the nipple  112 . Electrical power may be received at the surge protection circuitry  504  via one or more terminals  508 ,  512 ,  516 . In one or more embodiments, a first of the terminals  516  may be connected to ground while the remaining terminals  508 ,  512  may respectively be a live and neutral connection. One or more output terminals  520 ,  524  provide an interface or connection point where an electronic device may be connected to and receive power from the modular surge protection device  104 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating components of an exemplary surge protection element  504 . It is contemplated that a variety of surge protection circuitry, devices or the like, now known or later developed, may be used in the modular surge protection device  104  as its surge protection element  504 . In addition, one or more surge protection elements  504  may be provided to protect an electronic device from electrical surges. 
         [0050]    As can be seen, a surge protection element  504  may comprise a first and second input terminals  508 ,  512  to respectively receive a line and neutral connection, and output terminals  520 ,  524  for connecting to an electronic device. It is noted that a modular surge protection device may accept AC or DC input/signals of various levels, such as be configuring or installing a surge protection element capable of handling such input/signals. 
         [0051]    The surge protection element  504  may also comprise one or more fuses  616 , inductors  612 , metal oxide varistors (MOVs)  604 , and diodes  608 . A fault detector  620  will typically also be included. As can be seen, the fault detector  620  may provide input to a status indicator  304 , which in turn indicates the condition or status of the surge protection element  504 , as described above. 
         [0052]    In normal operation, power flows from the input terminals  508 ,  512  to the output terminals  520 ,  524 . The inductor  612  of  FIG. 6  allows the power to flow to the output terminal  520  substantially unimpeded. A diode  608  may be provided to prevent power from flowing from the output terminal  520  back to the surge protection element&#39;s components. 
         [0053]    During a surge condition, additional circuit elements may be activated. For example, a MOV  604  may accept power levels beyond a particular threshold and dissipate such surge voltage via a ground terminal  516 . A fault detector  620  may be in series between the ground terminal and a MOV  604 . In this manner, a surge that disables or damages the MOV  604  can be detected or inferred by examining the voltage or current level through the fault detector  620 . Upon detecting a voltage or current level beyond its predefined threshold, the fault detector  620  may signal a status indicator  304  to activate or directly activate a status indicator, such as by diverting/transmitting power to the status indicator. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, a fault detector  620  may comprise a switch  616  held in a closed position by solder. The solder melts and releases the switch when a surge sufficient to damage or destroy a MOV  604  passes through the fault detector  620 . Once the solder melts, the switch  616  may automatically release through a spring or other biasing mechanism. When the switch  616  is open, the status indicator  304  may be activate to indicate a failure condition notifying a user or other personnel that the modular surge protection device is no longer able to dissipate a surge. It is noted that multiple MOVs  604  may be present within a modular surge protection device and that a status indicator  304  may indicate a failure condition when a plurality of the MOVs are disabled or destroyed. In this manner, the modular surge protection device can withstand a number of substantial surges before replacement or repair action must be taken. 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary modular surge protection device  104  connected to solid state lighting  704 . As can be seen, the solid state lighting  704  may be connected to one or more output terminals  520 ,  524  of the modular surge protection device  104 . The solid state lighting  704  may comprise one or more LEDs for example. It is noted that a modular surge protection device  104  may be connected to various electronic devices to provide power thereto. 
         [0056]    In operation, the surge protection element  504  protects the solid state lighting  704  from power surges, while the status indicator  304  presents the status or condition of the modular surge protection device  104 . Should a component of the modular surge protection device  104 , such as its surge protection element  504 , become damaged, destroyed or be operating in an abnormal condition, the status indicator  304  may change from a first state to one or more second states to indicate the same. As described above, this may occur by activating or deactivating one or more indicators of the status indicator  304 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary modular surge protection device  104 , also connected to solid state lighting  704 . In this exemplary embodiment, the modular surge protection device  104  comprises an enclosure  104 , that also encloses the solid state lighting  704 . It is noted that the enclosure  104  may have an opening or window to allow the solid state lighting  704  to emit light externally while inside the enclosure. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary modular surge protection device  104  connected to solid state lighting  704  in a different manner. As can be seen, the surge protection element  504  and other electronic components may be independently connected to a power source via one or more input terminals  508 ,  512 . Likewise, electronic components may have an independent ground terminal  516 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  also illustrates exemplary enclosures  108 A,  108 B that can be used with this circuit configuration. As can be seen, if provided, an enclosure  108 A may house only the surge protection element  504 . In an alternate embodiment, an enclosure  108 B may house a surge protection element  504  along with one or more additional electronic components, such as solid state lighting  704 . 
         [0060]    As disclosed herein, the modular surge protection device  104  advantageously provides a nipple which both provides a mounting mechanism while also housing one or more status indicators. The modular surge protection device  104  can therefore be installed via its nipple in an opening of a utility box or other enclosure. Since the status indicator is visible via a view port of the modular surge protection device  104  the status or condition of the modular surge protection device is readily ascertained. 
         [0061]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary environment of use for a modular surge protection device  104 . Namely, the modular surge protection device  104  is installed in the lamp housing  1016  of a street light  1004 . As can be seen, the modular surge protection device  104  is connected to a fixture comprising solid state lighting  704 . The modular surge protection device  104  protects the solid state lighting  704  from power surges in this manner, as described above. 
         [0062]    The modular surge protection device  104  is installed such that an observer  1008  can ascertain the status of the modular surge protection device via a sight line  1012  (i.e., the nipple and view port are oriented such that they are visible from a convenient vantage point). As can be seen, in this example, the observer can easily determine the status of the modular surge protection device  104  from ground level. If repair, replacement or other action is not required based on the indicated status, the observer  1008  can move on right away, such as to inspect another street light  1004  and/or modular surge protection device  104 . 
         [0063]    It is noted that an observer  1008  may be a user or other personnel. Alternatively or in addition, an observer  1008  may comprise detection equipment, such as described above with regard to  FIG. 3 . Such detection equipment may be a portable or other device having one or more sensors that detect signals emitting from one or more status indicators of the modular surge protection device  104 . Since the status indicator(s) of a modular surge protection device  104  are not blocked or occluded signal generation at a status indicator typically requires very little power. 
         [0064]    It is noted that a status indicator may encode its signals such that only authorized users or personnel can determine the status of a modular surge protection device  104 . For example, a status indicator may encrypt one or more signals it emits using public key or other encryption. A corresponding detection device, if authenticated/authorized, may then determine the status by decoding or decrypting the signals. 
         [0065]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.