National Steel Corporation

Jennison Holding, Inc.

Edward C Nichols

Michael T Jennison

Robert W Parry

James J Tarasiewicz

Cornelius E Holliday, Iii

The present invention presents a multimedia signal distribution device that implements the Electronics Industry Association (EIA) 'Node Zero' standard for a Consumer Electronics Bus (CEBus) signal distribution network. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a block frequency conversion loop that is combined with other conventional electronic devices to accomplish the multimedia signal frequency conversion, filtering and distribution functions required of the ideal Node Zero device set forth in the EIA CEBus standard. The present invention preferably implements the CEBus block frequency conversion, input and output band-pass filtering, and signal amplification requirements by a block frequency conversion loop comprised of the following components which process the internal signal block in the following series order: (a) passive first low-pass or band-pass filter; (b) a 1000 MHz first frequency mixer; (c) an intermediate frequency (IF) filter; (d) a 38 dB signal amplifier; (e) a selectable second frequency mixer and (f) a tunable second low-pass or band-pass filter 11. Optionally, a broad-band quadrature signal phase shifting device may be implemented in conjunction with a signal coupling balun transformer at the input and output, respectively, of the first frequency mixer. This quadrature phase shifting improves the filtering of the internal signal block after the quadrature outputs have been shifted by the first frequency mixer to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal range.

CEBus node zero switching device

A coke oven communication and control system uses high frequency spread spectrum transceivers which are land based (connected to a central controller) and machine based (on a charging car, door machine, pusher, or quench car). Each land based transceiver communicates with a single corresponding machine based transceiver, there being different frequencies for each of the machines. Except for the quenching car transceivers, the other land and machine transceivers all are selectively connected to a pair of antennas which are alternately used to overcome interference. An advantageous communication technique is used to send data between a central controller, known as a battery programmable logic controller (PLC), and the machines. Control strategies are used to minimize malfunctioning of the coke oven battery.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Edward C Nichols