GB1393424A - Power and signal distribution system using multilayer conductive structure - Google Patents

Abstract

1393424 Distribution of power and signal energy DOLE ELECTRO-SYSTEMS Inc 19 Sept 1972 [1 Oct 1971] 43261/72 Heading H2H [Also in Division H4] A system for distributing electrical energy comprises a laminated structure having a plurality of electrically conductive layers separated by electrically insulative layers, means for connecting both electrical power and communication signals to the conductive layers and probe type coupling means to connect the conductive layers with power utilizing and communication devices. A flat laminated structure forming the floor of an office or the like has sections 12, 12a ... each of which section has a plurality of conductors superimposed one above the other and separated by layers of insulation. The sections 12, 12a ... each carry a plurality of work stations each containing appliances 14, such as electric lamps, which require a supply of electrical power, and devices 16, such as telephones, which require communication links whereby communication may be had internally between the devices 16 and externally between these devices and others situated outside the laminated structure. The conductors in the sections of the structure are supplied with alternating current from a source of power by way of a common power distribution panel 18 and individual junction boxes 20, 20a whilst the external communication signals are connected to the conductors by way of a common signal interface switching and control unit 22 and the individual junction boxes 20, 20a .... Connections between the devices 14, 16 and the conductors in the laminated structure are each made by means of probe coupling devices 24. Each device 24 has two dissimilar socket members whereby the devices 14 and 16 may be connected to the conductors in the laminated structure to energize the devices 14 and to permit communication between the devices 16 and between any of these devices 16 and others remote from the structure. The system includes high and low pass filters, modulator-demodulator units, switching units, conditioning units, together with oscillator units, amplifiers, detectors, relays forming the usual telecommunication system and the signals may be multiplexed n the frequency division or time division modes.