Patent ID: 12224520

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred compositions, embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. The figures are not necessarily to scale. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

Except in the examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about” in describing the broadest scope of the present disclosure. Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary: percent, “parts of,” and ratio values are by weight; the description of a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connection with the present disclosure implies that mixtures of any two or more of the members of the group or class are equally suitable or preferred; the first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses herein of the same abbreviation and applies to normal grammatical variations of the initially defined abbreviation; and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, measurement of a property is determined by the same technique as previously or later referenced for the same property.

It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and/or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” comprise plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise a plurality of components.

The term “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” “having,” “containing,” or “characterized by.” These terms are inclusive and open-ended and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps.

The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When this phrase appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter.

The terms “comprising”, “consisting of”, and “consisting essentially of” can be alternatively used. Where one of these three terms is used, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter can include the use of either of the other two terms.

Throughout this application, where publications are referenced, the disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application to more fully describe the state of the art to which this present disclosure pertains.

Referring first toFIG.1, it is known in the prior art to provide a splice block for connecting coaxial cables which are arranged orthogonally and/or colinearly. More particularly, the housing112is cast from a conductive metal, such as aluminum, and at a first end of the housing112, a first pair of orthogonally arranged threaded identical openings114,116which are in fluid communication with the inner chamber118via corresponding passages120,122. Similarly, at a second end of the housing112, a second pair of orthogonally arranged threaded identical openings124,126which are in fluid communication with each other.

A conductive insert162is provided within the housing112wherein the conductive insert162contains orthogonally arranged longitudinal and transverse threaded bores191,192,193,194wherein first and second bores190,192are defined at a first end of the insert162and the third and fourth bores193,194are defined at a second end of the conductive insert162.

Retainers140formed of a suitable non-conductive material may also be provided wherein the retainers140are arranged concentrically within each threaded opening114,116,124,126. In the example provided inFIG.1, threaded openings116,124and access to the corresponding screws164,164′ are each closed by a water and pressure-proof aluminum plug142,142′ wherein the plug142,142′ is threaded onto the housing after each screw164,164′ has been tightened into position within its corresponding insert bore—second insert bore192and third insert bore193as shown.

InFIG.1, the traditional splice block110may be connected to a standard connector150which is threadably connected with the opening114wherein the free end of the coaxial cable152having an outer conductor154, the intermediate spacer insulation layer156, and a central inner conductor158. The inner conductor158is clamped in the first insert bore191by the seizing screw164, whereby current is conducted from center conductor158to insert162via screw164. The housing112is electrically connected with the outer ground conductor154via connector150. The housing112may be further sealed by the O-ring170that is compressed by connector150to seal the first threaded opening114.

In the initial condition illustrated inFIG.1, the first cable152and the second cable152′ are arranged colinearly arranged such that the cables152,152′ are at opposite ends of the housing112. Assume now that for reasons of space or location of the components, it is desired to arrange cables152,152′ orthogonally to each other. Accordingly, plug142′ shown inFIG.1would be removed from threaded opening124, and then screw164′ would be removed from third insert bore193. Then, connector150′ and cable152′ would be removed from fourth threaded opening126. The connector/cable150,152′ would be reversed with the plug142′ and screw164′ so that the central conductor158′ of the second cable152would be introduced in the third insert bore193and third threaded opening. Connector150′ would be threadably connected in threaded opening124and screw164′ would be threaded into fourth insert bore194to seize the central conductor158′. Once screw164′ is threaded into fourth insert bore194and seizes the central conductor158′, then the plug142′ would threadably connected in fourth threaded opening126to block off access to the threaded screw164′ and fourth threaded opening.

With respect to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing12contains conductive insert14which is rigidly supported in the longitudinal passage16by non-conductive retainers41,41′,43,43′. (SeeFIG.2). The housing12further defines a first port18, a second port20, a third port22and a fourth port24. (SeeFIGS.2-5). Each port18,20,22,24may each be a threaded bore78defined in the housing12as shown inFIGS.2and3. At least two ports may be configured to receive a first conductive plug26and a second conductive plug28as later described herein.

The housing12may be cast from a conductive metal, such as aluminum, and contains at a first end of the housing12a pair of orthogonally arranged threaded identical ports (first port18and second port20) that are in fluid communication with each other via first insert bore34and second insert bore35. Similarly, at a second end32of the housing12, the third port22and fourth port24may also be orthogonally arranged threaded identical ports which also communicate with each other via third insert bore36and fourth insert bore36. The first end44of the conductive insert14is in electric communication with the second end46of the conductive insert14due to the conductive nature of material used to form the conductive insert14.

The various embodiments of the splice block connector10,10′ of the present disclosure also includes a first conductive plug26and a second conductive plug28. As shown inFIGS.4and5, the first conductive plug26is configured to: (1) block moisture from entering the housing12; and (2) push a first center conductor40of a first cable42against a first end44of the conductive insert14; and the second conductive plug28is configured to: (1) block moisture from entering the housing12; and (2) is configured to push a second center conductor40′ of a second cable42′ against a second end46of the conductive insert14. Also, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive insert14may be an elongated member48which extends from a first housing end30to a second housing end32. A first end44of the elongated member48defines a first insert bore34and a second insert bore35. A second end46of the elongated member48defines a third insert bore36and a fourth insert bore38. The first insert bore34, second insert bore35, third insert bore36, and fourth insert bore38may each be a threaded bore78. The first insert bore34may be orthogonal to the second insert bore35, and the third insert bore36may be orthogonal to the fourth insert bore36. (seeFIGS.2-5). Moreover, as shown inFIGS.4-5, the first insert bore34of the conductive insert14may be co-axially aligned with the first port18, the second insert bore35of the conductive insert14may be axially aligned with the second port20, the third insert bore36of the conductive insert14may be axially aligned with the third port22, and the fourth insert bore36of the conductive insert14may be axially aligned with the fourth port24. Moreover, the various embodiments of the splice block connector10,10′ of the present disclosure are configured to mechanically and electrically connect a first cable42and a second cable42′ wherein the first and second cables42,42′ each include a center conductor40,40′.

As shown in the first example splice block connector10of the present disclosure (FIGS.2and4), a center conductor40of a first cable42(FIG.4) being may be seized by a pin56of the first conductive plug26so that the center conductor40of the first cable42abuts the first end44of the conductive insert14. Referring now to the example shown inFIGS.2,7A,8A, the first conductive plug26may include a dust cap50, an insulator54, and a pin56. The dust cap50, the insulator54and the pin56may all be rotationally fixed to one another. The dust cap50may have a threaded shaft58which defines a recess60at a dust cap end62of the threaded shaft58. The recess60is configured to receive an insulator54which may be press fitted into the recess60of the dust cap50.

As shown in the first example inFIGS.2,7A and8A, the insulator54of the first conductive plug26includes a first portion64having a first diameter66and a second portion68(FIG.8A) having second diameter70(FIG.7A) which may not be equal to the first diameter66. In the example shown inFIG.7A, the second diameter70is less than the first diameter66. The first portion64of the insulator54may be disposed within the recess60of the dust cap50. The second portion68of the insulator54may be integral to the first portion64and may extend away from the dust cap50. The second portion68of the insulator54further defines an inner bore72which is configured to receive a proximate end74of a pin56. The pin56may be formed from a conductive material and may be press-fitted in the inner bore72of the insulator54. As shown inFIG.4, the pin56is configured to push a central conductor40of a coaxial cable42against conductive insert14when first conductive plug26is threaded into the second port20.

In yet another example shown inFIGS.3,7B and8B, the first conductive plug26′ may alternatively include a dust cap50and an insulating pin52which may be rotationally fixed to one another. In this alternate design, the dust cap50may similarly have a threaded shaft58which defines a recess60at a dust cap end62of the threaded shaft58. As shown, the insulating pin52may include a first portion64′ having a first diameter66′ and a second portion68′ having second diameter70′, and a third portion80having a third diameter90. (SeeFIG.7B). The recess60is configured to receive an insulating pin52wherein at least part of a first portion64′ of the insulating pin52is press fitted into the recess60of the dust cap50. The first, second, and third diameters66′,70′ and90may optionally be unique to one another as shown inFIG.7B. In the example shown inFIG.7B, the second diameter70is less than the first diameter66, and the third diameter90is less than the second diameter70. The first portion64′ of the insulating pin52may be disposed within the recess60of the dust cap50. The second portion68′ of the insulating pin52may be integral to the first portion64′ and may extend away from the dust cap50. The third portion80of the insulating pin52may be integral to the second portion68′ (and the first portion64) wherein the third portion80extends away from the second and first portions64′,68′. The third portion80is configured to push a central conductor40of a coaxial cable42against the conductive insert14when the dust cap50is threaded into the second port20. (SeeFIG.4).

A second conductive plug28may also be provided wherein the second conductive plug28(like the first conductive plug26) may include a dust cap50, an insulator54, and a pin56. (SeeFIG.7A) The dust cap50of the second conductive plug28may have a threaded shaft58which defines a recess60at a dust cap end62of the threaded shaft58. The recess60(FIGS.7A,8A) is configured to receive an insulator54which is press fitted into the recess60of the dust cap50. As shown inFIG.7A, the insulator54includes a first portion64having a first diameter66and a second portion68having second diameter70which may optionally not be equal to the first diameter66. In the example shown inFIG.7A, the second diameter70is less than the first diameter66. The first portion64of the insulator54may be disposed within the recess60of the dust cap50. (SeeFIG.7A). The second portion68of the insulator54may be integral to the first portion64and may extend away from the dust cap50. The second portion68of the insulator54further defines an inner bore72which is configured to receive a proximate end74of a pin56. (SeeFIGS.7A and8A). The pin56may be formed from a conductive material and may be press-fitted in the inner bore72of the insulator54. As shown inFIGS.4and5, the pin56is configured to push a central conductor40of a coaxial cable42against the conductive insert14when (the dust cap50of) the second conductive plug28is threaded into the third port22.

In another example, as shown inFIGS.7B and8B, the second conductive plug28′ may include a dust cap50and an insulating pin52which may be rotationally fixed to each other. In this alternate design, the dust cap50may have a threaded shaft58which defines a recess60at a dust cap end62of the threaded shaft58. The recess60is configured to receive an insulating pin52which is press fitted into the recess60of the threaded shaft58. The insulating pin52includes a first portion64having a first diameter66and a second portion68having second diameter70, and a third portion80having a third diameter90. (SeeFIG.7B). The first, second, and third diameters66,70,90may be unique to one another. In the example shown inFIG.7B, the second diameter70is less than the first diameter66, and the third diameter90is less than the second diameter70. The first portion64of the insulating pin52may be disposed within the recess60of the dust cap50. The second portion68of the insulating pin52may be integral to the first portion64and may extend away from the dust cap50. The third portion80of the insulating pin52may be integral to the second portion68(and the first portion64) wherein the third portion80extends away from the second and first portions68,64. The third portion80is configured to push a central conductor40of a second coaxial cable42′ against conductive insert14when the dust cap50of the second conductive plug28is threaded into the third port22(seeFIGS.4-5) or the fourth port24(seeFIGS.4-5).

It is understood that the plugs26,26′,28,28′ and cables42,42′ are interchangeable. Therefore, upon removal of the second conducting plug28,28′ from third port22(shown inFIG.4), then a second cable42′ and a second connector84can be removed from the fourth port24and can then be inserted in third port22. (See FIG.5). Under this circumstance, the second conducting plug28,28′ would then be inserted into the fourth port24as shown inFIG.5. Similarly, upon removal of the first conducting plug26,26′ from second port20(shown inFIG.4), then a first cable42and a first connector84can be removed from the first port18and can then be inserted in second port20. (not shown). Under this circumstance, the first conducting plug26,26′ would then be inserted into the first port18. (not shown).

Therefore, with respect to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first conductive plug26and/or second conductive plug28may include a pin56which is formed of conductive material which is supported by the insulator54. It is also understood that the first conductive plug26and/or second conductive plug28may alternately include an insulating pin52as previously described. Thus, the first and/or second conductive plugs26,28may have the same or different constructions: (1) dust cap50with insulating pin52; or (2) dust cap50, insulator54and pin56arrangement.

With respect to all embodiments of the present disclosure, a first seal86and a second seal88may be also be provided between the corresponding conductive plug26,28and the housing12as shown inFIGS.2-5to further seal the housing12chamber from the atmosphere. At each distal end96, the first and/or second conductive plug26,26′,28,28′ may be electrically connected with the center conductors40,40′ of a coaxial cable42,42′ that is threadably connected onto the housing12wherein each distal end96pushes the corresponding center conductor40,40′ against the conductive insert14. The free end of the first cable connector82may be slidably inserted in either the first port18or second port20of the housing12. However, in the example provided inFIGS.4and5, the first connector82and first cable42are inserted into the first port18of the housing12. It is apparent that each central conductor40,40′ of each cable42,42′ is connected with the conductive insert14via the distal end96of each conductive plug26,26′,28,28′. A cable seal98,98′ may be provided wherein the cable seal98,98′ is compressed between the corresponding connector82,82′ and the housing12to prevent in a positive manner the entry of moisture into the inner chamber of the housing12, thereby protecting electrical and mechanical connection between the first center conductor40and the conductive insert14.

In the illustrated condition ofFIG.4, the first cable42and the second cable42′ are colinearly arranged end to end wherein the first central conductor40of the first cable42and the second central conductor40′ of the second cable42′ are connected via the conductive insert14, the first conductive plug26and the second conductive plug28. While the cables42,42′ have been illustrated as being arranged end-to-end, it is apparent that the versatile splice block connector10,10′ alternately permits connection of orthogonally arranged cables42,42′ (shown inFIG.5) or cables42,42′ (shown inFIG.4) that are arranged in a parallel manner with their free ends adjacent each other.

The various modifications of the present invention offer several important advantages. First, the connector10,10′ is adapted to accept standard cable of various sizes. The cable connections may be in-line, orthogonal, parallel, or a combination thereof suitable for strand, pedestal or underground mounting. Complete installation of the amplifiers, splitters, tap offs, etc. is accomplished without exposing the circuitry to the environment, and the circuitry may be removed or replaced without disturbing the cable installation. A further advantage of the invention is that an operator, merely by using a conventional wrench, can readily open, loosen or tighten connection between a center conductor40of a cable and the housing12. An operator may also easily relocate the angular relationship between the first and second cables42,42′ using a conventional wrench. By the use of the right-angle seizing arrangement between the (first and/or second) conductive plug26,28and a center conductor40,40′ of a cable42,42′, the cables42,42′ can be connected to the rear of the amplifier housing12, thus permitting closer clearance to phone lines and visible access for using the test probe on the sides of the amplifier. Other modifications may be made in the described apparatus without deviating from the inventive concepts as set forth above.

While example, non-limiting embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.