WO2006031232A2 - Power surge protector for use with computer - Google Patents

Power surge protector for use with computer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006031232A2
WO2006031232A2 PCT/US2004/030061 US2004030061W WO2006031232A2 WO 2006031232 A2 WO2006031232 A2 WO 2006031232A2 US 2004030061 W US2004030061 W US 2004030061W WO 2006031232 A2 WO2006031232 A2 WO 2006031232A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
computer
surge protector
cable
power
unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/030061
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2006031232A3 (en
Inventor
Glen M. Dinolfo
Laura M. Dinolfo
Original Assignee
Dinolfo Glen M
Dinolfo Laura M
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dinolfo Glen M, Dinolfo Laura M filed Critical Dinolfo Glen M
Priority to PCT/US2004/030061 priority Critical patent/WO2006031232A2/en
Publication of WO2006031232A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006031232A2/en
Publication of WO2006031232A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006031232A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/28—Supervision thereof, e.g. detecting power-supply failure by out of limits supervision
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
    • H01R13/6666—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit with built-in overvoltage protection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/0214—Hand-held casings
    • H01H9/0228—Line cord switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/06—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for computer periphery
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
    • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
    • H01R31/065—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with built-in electric apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H9/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection
    • H02H9/04—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess voltage
    • H02H9/044—Physical layout, materials not provided for elsewhere

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general art of computers, and to the particular field of power surge protection for computers.
  • Computers have become nearly indispensable in modern society. Nearly every office, home and business depends on a computer for at least some operations. As is well known, computers are extremely sensitive to power surges, power spikes or power sags. Even if the computer does not switch off, repeated power surges or spikes may eventually damage sensitive components of a computer. Such damage may be cumulative and a computer may "crash" for no apparent reason due to the cumulative effect of repeated power surges. Even an apparently innocuous event such as turning a bank of flourescent lights on and off may cause power surges that may eventually damage a sensitive computer.
  • the computer art contains many examples of power filtering equipment that is intended to protect a computer from the effects of power surges.
  • much of this equipment is expensive, and much of the equipment is difficult to install.
  • Some power protection equipment that is easy to install may not be totally effective in preventing power surges from reaching a computer. Therefore, there is a need for a surge protector which will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes by using an easily installed and inexpensive unit.
  • PRINCIPAL OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is a main object of the present invention to provide a surge protector which will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit.
  • a power surge protector that is adapted for use in connection with a computer to protect the computer against power surges, spikes, sags, and the like.
  • Using the power surge protector embodying the present invention will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit .
  • the unit is also easily and quickly removable for service or replacement and is amenable to retrofitting existing computers.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a power surge protector embodying the present invention.
  • FIG 2 is a detailed view of a power surge protector unit included in the power surge protector shown in Figure 1.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
  • the present invention is embodied in a power surge protector 10 that is adapted to be used in connection with a computer to electrically connect the motherboard of the computer to a power source and to protect the computer against the effects of power surges, spikes, sags or the like.
  • Surge protector 10 comprises a cable unit 12 which includes a plurality of cables, such as cable 14.
  • Each cable 14 of the plurality of cables includes a first end 16 and a second end 18.
  • a first connector 20 on the cable unit 12 is electrically connected to the first end 16 of each cable 14 and is adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply associated with a computer.
  • a second connector 22 on the cable unit 12 is electrically connected to the second end 18 of each cable 14 and is adapted to be electrically connected to a motherboard of the computer.
  • surge protector 10 is electrically interposed between the power supply for the computer and the motherboard of the computer. Any surges, sags, spikes or the like experienced by the power supply thus must pass through surge protector 10.
  • a power surge protector unit 30 is on the cable unit and is electrically located between the first end 16 of each cable 14 and the second end 18 of each cable 14.
  • the power surge protector unit 30 includes a housing 32.
  • Housing 32 includes a first side 34, a second side 36, a first face 38, and a second face 40.
  • a plurality of circuit breaker elements, such as element 42, are located inside the housing 32.
  • Each circuit breaker element 42 of the plurality of circuit breaker elements is electrically connected to one cable 14 of the plurality of cables in the cable unit 12.
  • the circuit breaker elements 42 are known to those skilled in the computer art and thus will not be discussed.
  • a plurality of power surge protector elements are also located in the housing 32. Each power surge protector element 44 of the plurality of power surge protector elements is electrically connected to one cable 14 of the plurality of cables in the cable unit 12.
  • the surge protector elements 44 are known to those skilled in the computer art and thus will not be discussed.
  • a release mechanism 50 is located on the housing 32 and releasably connects the housing 32 to the cable unit 12. Release mechanism 50 includes a friction clamp shoe 51 which frictionally engages at least one of the cables 14 when actuator button 52 is moved in one direction with respect to first face 38 of the housing 32 and which is released from frictional engagement with the cable 14 when the actuator button 52 is moved in the opposite direction as indicated by double-headed arrow 54 in Figure 2. With the friction clamp shoe 51 released from frictional engagement with the cables 14, housing 32 can be moved with respect to the cables 14. This will permit servicing or replacement of the elements 42, 44 in the housing 32.
  • the power surge protector 10 embodying the present invention will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit.
  • the unit 10 is also easily and quickly removable for service or replacement and is amenable to retrofitting to existing computers.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A power surge protector (30) is mounted on a cable unit (10) associated with a computer and is electrically interposed between a power supply associated with the computer and the motherboard of the computer. The power surge protector includes circuit breakers and surge protector elements and can be releasably mounted on the cable unit.

Description

POWER SURGE PROTECTOR FOR USE WITH COMPUTER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the general art of computers, and to the particular field of power surge protection for computers.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Computers have become nearly indispensable in modern society. Nearly every office, home and business depends on a computer for at least some operations. As is well known, computers are extremely sensitive to power surges, power spikes or power sags. Even if the computer does not switch off, repeated power surges or spikes may eventually damage sensitive components of a computer. Such damage may be cumulative and a computer may "crash" for no apparent reason due to the cumulative effect of repeated power surges. Even an apparently innocuous event such as turning a bank of flourescent lights on and off may cause power surges that may eventually damage a sensitive computer.
Therefore, the computer art contains many examples of power filtering equipment that is intended to protect a computer from the effects of power surges. However, much of this equipment is expensive, and much of the equipment is difficult to install. Some power protection equipment that is easy to install may not be totally effective in preventing power surges from reaching a computer. Therefore, there is a need for a surge protector which will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes by using an easily installed and inexpensive unit.
Still further, some power protection equipment may not be easy to install and may require special tools to remove from the computer for service or replacement. Such equipment may be expensive to maintain and may even require special skills for maintenance. These drawbacks diminish many of the advantages associated with such equipment.
Therefore, there is a need for a surge protector which will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit and which is also easily and quickly removable for service or replacement .
Furthermore, if the equipment used to protect a computer against the effects of power surges is difficult to install, such equipment may not be amenable for retrofitting to an existing computer. An entirely new system may have to be installed to accommodate power protection equipment. This, also, diminishes advantages associated with the equipment and may even discourage a person from installing power protection equipment on an existing computer system. This would deprive the computer system of an important protection system.
Therefore, there is a need for a surge protector which will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit and which is amenable to retrofitting existing computers.
PRINCIPAL OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is a main object of the present invention to provide a surge protector which will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a surge protector which will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit and which is also easily and quickly removable for service or replacement.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a surge protector which will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit and which is amenable to retrofitting existing computers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These, and other, objects are achieved by a power surge protector that is adapted for use in connection with a computer to protect the computer against power surges, spikes, sags, and the like.
Using the power surge protector embodying the present invention will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit . The unit is also easily and quickly removable for service or replacement and is amenable to retrofitting existing computers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES Figure 1 is a perspective view of a power surge protector embodying the present invention.
Figure 2 is a detailed view of a power surge protector unit included in the power surge protector shown in Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the Figures, it can be understood that the present invention is embodied in a power surge protector 10 that is adapted to be used in connection with a computer to electrically connect the motherboard of the computer to a power source and to protect the computer against the effects of power surges, spikes, sags or the like.
Surge protector 10 comprises a cable unit 12 which includes a plurality of cables, such as cable 14. Each cable 14 of the plurality of cables includes a first end 16 and a second end 18.
A first connector 20 on the cable unit 12 is electrically connected to the first end 16 of each cable 14 and is adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply associated with a computer.
A second connector 22 on the cable unit 12 is electrically connected to the second end 18 of each cable 14 and is adapted to be electrically connected to a motherboard of the computer. In this manner, surge protector 10 is electrically interposed between the power supply for the computer and the motherboard of the computer. Any surges, sags, spikes or the like experienced by the power supply thus must pass through surge protector 10.
A power surge protector unit 30 is on the cable unit and is electrically located between the first end 16 of each cable 14 and the second end 18 of each cable 14.
The power surge protector unit 30 includes a housing 32. Housing 32 includes a first side 34, a second side 36, a first face 38, and a second face 40. A plurality of circuit breaker elements, such as element 42, are located inside the housing 32. Each circuit breaker element 42 of the plurality of circuit breaker elements is electrically connected to one cable 14 of the plurality of cables in the cable unit 12. The circuit breaker elements 42 are known to those skilled in the computer art and thus will not be discussed.
A plurality of power surge protector elements, such as element 44, are also located in the housing 32. Each power surge protector element 44 of the plurality of power surge protector elements is electrically connected to one cable 14 of the plurality of cables in the cable unit 12. The surge protector elements 44 are known to those skilled in the computer art and thus will not be discussed. A release mechanism 50 is located on the housing 32 and releasably connects the housing 32 to the cable unit 12. Release mechanism 50 includes a friction clamp shoe 51 which frictionally engages at least one of the cables 14 when actuator button 52 is moved in one direction with respect to first face 38 of the housing 32 and which is released from frictional engagement with the cable 14 when the actuator button 52 is moved in the opposite direction as indicated by double-headed arrow 54 in Figure 2. With the friction clamp shoe 51 released from frictional engagement with the cables 14, housing 32 can be moved with respect to the cables 14. This will permit servicing or replacement of the elements 42, 44 in the housing 32.
As can be understood from the foregoing, using the power surge protector 10 embodying the present invention will permit a computer user to protect his or her computer against power surges and/or power spikes using an easily installed and inexpensive unit. The unit 10 is also easily and quickly removable for service or replacement and is amenable to retrofitting to existing computers.
It is understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown.

Claims

CLAIMS What is desired to be covered by Letters Patent is as follows:
1. A power surge protector adapted for use in connection with a computer comprising: a) a cable unit which includes a plurality of cables, each cable of the plurality of cables including a first end and a second end; b) a first connector on said cable unit and electrically connected to the first end of each cable, said first connector being adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply associated with a computer; c) a second connector on said cable unit and electrically connected to the second end of each cable, said second connector being adapted to be electrically connected to a motherboard of the computer; and d) a power surge protector unit on said cable unit and located between the first end of each cable and the second end of each cable, said power surge protector unit including
(1) a housing, the housing including a first side, a second side, a first face, and a second face,
(2) a plurality of circuit breaker elements in the housing, each circuit breaker element of the plurality of circuit breaker elements being electrically connected to one cable of the plurality of cables in said cable unit,
(3) a plurality of power surge protector elements in the housing, each power surge protector element of the plurality of power surge protector elements being electrically connected to one cable of the plurality of cables in said cable unit, and
(4) a release mechanism on the housing releasably connecting the housing to said cable unit.
PCT/US2004/030061 2004-09-13 2004-09-13 Power surge protector for use with computer WO2006031232A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/030061 WO2006031232A2 (en) 2004-09-13 2004-09-13 Power surge protector for use with computer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/030061 WO2006031232A2 (en) 2004-09-13 2004-09-13 Power surge protector for use with computer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006031232A2 true WO2006031232A2 (en) 2006-03-23
WO2006031232A3 WO2006031232A3 (en) 2006-12-21

Family

ID=36060450

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/030061 WO2006031232A2 (en) 2004-09-13 2004-09-13 Power surge protector for use with computer

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006031232A2 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4807083A (en) * 1987-03-12 1989-02-21 Panamax, Inc. Surge suppressor for coax cable and AC power lines
US5835326A (en) * 1995-11-17 1998-11-10 Callaway; Jerry D. Electrical cord with integral surge protection circuitry

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4807083A (en) * 1987-03-12 1989-02-21 Panamax, Inc. Surge suppressor for coax cable and AC power lines
US5835326A (en) * 1995-11-17 1998-11-10 Callaway; Jerry D. Electrical cord with integral surge protection circuitry

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006031232A3 (en) 2006-12-21

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