Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080272878 | CIRCUIT BREAKING LINK STATUS DETECTION AND REPORTING CIRCUIT - Certain embodiments provide a circuit breaking link status and reporting system. The system includes a power source and a circuit breaking link in communication therewith. An electrical outlet is in interruptible power supply communication with the circuit breaking link. A sensor is in interruptible electrical communication with the circuit breaking link and configured to generate a signal indicating whether the circuit breaking link is open. A local processor communicates with the sensor and is configured to determine whether the circuit is open. A communications bus is in communication with the local processor and configured to receive signals from the local processor. A processor is in communication with the local processor through the communications bus and configured to receive information regarding the status of the circuit breaking link. A communications port is in communication with the processor and configured to send information regarding the status of the circuit breaking link over a network. | 11-06-2008 |
20090061691 | FUSE MODULE WITH MOVABLE FUSE HOLDER FOR FUSED ELECTRICAL DEVICE - Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, a fuse module is mounted to the housing of a fused electrical device. The fused electrical device can include at least one power output displaced along the power distribution housing with the at least one power output electrically couplable to at least one power input. The fuse module can be electrically coupled to the at least one power input and electrically couplable to the at least one power outputs. Further, the fuse module can comprise at least one fuse holder that is movable between a first position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder is electrically couplable to the at least one power output and a second position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder not electrically couplable to the at least one power output and is exposed to allow access to the fuse. | 03-05-2009 |
20100208435 | POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USE INCLUDING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLIES - Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity. | 08-19-2010 |
20100259871 | FUSE MODULE WITH MOVABLE FUSE HOLDER FOR FUSED ELECTRICAL DEVICE - Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, a fuse module is mounted to the housing of a fused electrical device. The fused electrical device can include at least one power output displaced along the power distribution housing with the at least one power output electrically couplable to at least one power input. The fuse module can be electrically coupled to the at least one power input and electrically couplable to the at least one power outputs. Further, the fuse module can comprise at least one fuse holder that is movable between a first position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder is electrically couplable to the at least one power output and a second position in which a fuse held by the fuse holder not electrically couplable to the at least one power output and is exposed to allow access to the fuse. | 10-14-2010 |
20100328849 | POWER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS WITH INPUT AND OUTPUT POWER SENSING AND METHOD OF USE - Power distribution apparatus with input and output power sensing and a method of use. A power distribution unit includes a sensor that senses power parameters of power outputs and a power input, a processor, and a communication circuit. A power management system includes a power manager, a user interface, and a plurality of power distribution units that may be located in one or more equipment cabinets and data centers. The system may compute apparent power, RMS power, power factor, energy usage over time, power usage history, or environmental history for any or all of the power distribution units. The system may identify an under-utilized server connected to one of the power distribution units and initiate a shut-down of that server. | 12-30-2010 |
20120081842 | POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USE INCLUDING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLIES - Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity. | 04-05-2012 |
20130289789 | POWER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS WITH INPUT AND OUTPUT POWER SENSING AND METHOD OF USE - Power distribution apparatus with input and output power sensing and a method of use. A power distribution unit includes a sensor that senses power parameters of power outputs and a power input, a processor, and a communication circuit. A power management system includes a power manager, a user interface, and a plurality of power distribution units that may be located in one or more equipment cabinets and data centers. The system may compute apparent power, RMS power, power factor, energy usage over time, power usage history, or environmental history for any or all of the power distribution units. The system may identify an under-utilized server connected to one of the power distribution units and initiate a shut-down of that server. | 10-31-2013 |
20140126117 | POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USE INCLUDING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLIES - Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity. | 05-08-2014 |
20140126118 | POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USE INCLUDING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLIES - Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity. | 05-08-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080198536 | Adaptable rack mountable power distribution apparatus - Embodiments of a power distribution apparatus that is adaptable to be readily mounted within a variety of differing types of electronic equipment racks are herein described. One such embodiment provides power distribution apparatus having an upper mounting adapter. The upper mounting adapter may be attachable to a housing of the power distribution apparatus or may be integrally formed therein. Another embodiment provides power distribution apparatus having a lower mounting adapter. The lower mounting adapter may be attachable to the housing of the power distribution apparatus or may be integrally formed in the housing. A further embodiment provides power distribution apparatus having at least one mounting peg mounting in mating holes formed in a rack. The mounting pegs may be attachable to a housing of the power distribution apparatus or may be integrally formed therein. Other embodiments provide power distribution apparatus having rack mounting channels or access openings formed in at least one of a plurality of sides. | 08-21-2008 |
20080258556 | Transfer Switch With Arc Suppression - An automatic transfer switch for a power system receiving multiple alternating current sources and delivering multiple alternating current output is described. A transfer switch control circuit can sense a power loss in one or both AC sources. Each power supply can deliver current to drive a load but, if one of the power supplies fails, the other can supply power to drive both loads. | 10-23-2008 |
20110167280 | Network Power Management System - A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks. | 07-07-2011 |
20110197080 | REMOTE POWER CONTROL SYSTEM WITH TICKLE CAPABILITY - An SNMP network comprises a power manager with an SNMP agent in TCP/IP communication over a network with an SNMP network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the SNMP network manager with MIB variables in response to GET commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The SNMP network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried. | 08-11-2011 |
20110296224 | NETWORKABLE ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION PLUGSTRIP WITH CURRENT DISPLAY AND METHOD OF USE - A power management device can include a power management device housing, a power input associated with the power management device housing, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power management device housing. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power management device housing and to the power input. In some embodiments, a communications bus can be associated with the power management device housing and one or more power control sections can also be associated with the power management device housing. In some embodiments, one or more power control sections can communicate with the communications bus and with one or more corresponding power outputs among the plurality of power outputs. In some embodiments, a power information display can communicate with the communications bus. If desired, a power information determining section can be associated with the power management device housing and in communication with the communications bus. The power information determining section may communicate power-related information to the power information display. | 12-01-2011 |
20120007423 | POLYPHASE POWER DISTRIBUTION AND MONITORING APPARATUS - A polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus having sets of outputs for each phase of power and monitors for each phase of power disposed in the housing. Each monitor provides a visible display of current for an associated phase of power and an audible alarm for each phase of power if the current exceeds a predetermined value or falls below a predetermined value. In three-phase wye power systems, the apparatus preferably includes a neutral line monitor, including a neutral line current display and audio alarm, for the neutral line of the wye power circuit. The apparatus preferably is lightweight, elongated, portable, and mountable to the side of an electronic equipment rack. It may also include additional power monitoring systems such as network power monitoring tools for remotely monitoring the apparatus. | 01-12-2012 |
20120042180 | NETWORK REMOTE POWER MANAGEMENT OUTLET STRIP - A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks. | 02-16-2012 |
20120075776 | ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION DEVICE HAVING A CURRENT DISPLAY - An electrical power distribution unit can include a power distribution unit enclosure, a power input associated with the power distribution unit enclosure, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power distribution unit enclosure. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power distribution unit enclosure and to the power input. In some embodiments, an intelligent power section can communicate with at least one of the power outputs and can connect to a communications network external to the power distribution unit enclosure. | 03-29-2012 |
20120081842 | POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USE INCLUDING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLIES - Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity. | 04-05-2012 |
20120081843 | VERTICAL-MOUNT ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION PLUGSTRIP - A vertical-mount electrical power distribution plugstrip comprises a long, thin plugstrip body with several power outlet plugs distributed along the length of one face. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies operating power to each of the power outlet plugs through individual relay control. | 04-05-2012 |
20120117396 | POWER MANAGEMENT DEVICE WITH COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITY AND METHOD OF USE - A power management device can include a housing, a power input associated with the housing, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the housing. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the housing and to the power input. In some embodiments, a communications bus and one or more power control sections can be associated with the housing. In some embodiments, one or more power control sections can communicate with the communications bus and with one or more corresponding power outputs among the plurality of power outputs. In some embodiments, a power information display can communicate with the communications bus. If desired, a power information determining section can be associated with the housing and in communication with the communications bus. The power information determining section may communicate power-related information to the power information display. | 05-10-2012 |
20120120559 | EQUIPMENT-RACK POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH COOLING - An equipment-rack power distribution system is described which includes a PDU housing, a power input penetrating the housing, a plurality of power outlets disposed on a surface of the housing, circuitry enclosed in the housing interconnecting the power input and the power outlets, one or more air inlets associated with the housing, one or more air outlets associated with the housing, and an air flow device in fluid communication with one or more of the air inlets and the air outlets. An environmental sensor may activate the air flow device upon detection of predetermined environmental conditions, such as a temperature that is above a defined limit. | 05-17-2012 |
20120307421 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE INPUT POWER DISTRIBUTION TO ADJACENT OUTPUTS - Methods, systems, and apparatuses provide power from multiple input power sources to adjacent outputs efficiently and reliably. Aspects of the disclosure provide a power distribution unit (PDU) that includes a number of power outputs including first and second adjacent power outputs. The PDU includes a printed circuit board having a first conducting layer electrically interconnected to a first power input connection and the first power output, a second conducting layer that is at least partially above the first conducting layer and in facing relationship thereto. The second conducting layer is electrically insulated from the first conducting layer and electrically interconnected with a second power input connection and the second power output, the first and second power outputs thereby connected to different power inputs. | 12-06-2012 |
20120319485 | TRANSFER SWITCH WITH ARC SUPPRESSION - An automatic transfer switch for a power system receiving multiple alternating current sources and delivering multiple alternating current output is described. A transfer switch control circuit can sense a power loss in one or both AC sources. Each power supply can deliver current to drive a load but, if one of the power supplies fails, the other can supply power to drive both loads. | 12-20-2012 |
20130090869 | MONITORING POWER-RELATED PARAMETERS IN A POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT - A power distribution unit (PDU) disposable in an electrical equipment rack. The PDU has a housing, a power input penetrating the housing, outlets in the housing, a processor disposed in the housing, voltage and current sensors, and a voltage calculation procedure communicable with the processor. The processor samples voltage and current waveforms and calculates RMS values and other power parameters. A method of managing electrical loads each drawing electrical power from a PDU includes repeatedly sampling voltage across and current flowing through each of the loads, calculating raw RMS values of voltage and current, and scaling the raw RMS values to obtain corrected RMS voltage and current values and other power parameters. | 04-11-2013 |
20140015317 | POLYPHASE POWER DISTRIBUTION AND MONITORING APPARATUS - A polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus having sets of outputs for each phase of power and monitors for each phase of power disposed in the housing. Each monitor provides a visible display of current for an associated phase of power and an audible alarm for each phase of power if the current exceeds a predetermined value or falls below a predetermined value. In three-phase wye power systems, the apparatus preferably includes a neutral line monitor, including a neutral line current display and audio alarm, for the neutral line of the wye power circuit. The apparatus preferably is lightweight, elongated, portable, and mountable to the side of an electronic equipment rack. It may also include additional power monitoring systems such as network power monitoring tools for remotely monitoring the apparatus. | 01-16-2014 |
20140070628 | NETWORK POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A power management device can include a housing, a power input associated with the housing, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the housing. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the housing and to the power input. In some embodiments, a communications bus and one or more power control sections can be associated with the housing. In some embodiments, one or more power control sections can communicate with the communications bus and with one or more corresponding power outputs among the plurality of power outputs. In some embodiments, a power information display can communicate with the communications bus. If desired, a power information determining section can be associated with the housing and in communication with the communications bus. The power information determining section may communicate power-related information to the power information display. | 03-13-2014 |
20140107854 | REMOTE POWER CONTROL SYSTEM - An SNMP network comprises a power manager with an SNMP agent in TCP/IP communication over a network with an SNMP network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the SNMP network manager with MIB variables in response to GET commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The SNMP network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried. | 04-17-2014 |
20140111908 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE INPUT POWER DISTRIBUTION TO ADJACENT OUTPUTS - Methods, systems, and apparatuses provide power from multiple input power sources to adjacent outputs efficiently and reliably. Aspects of the disclosure provide a power distribution unit (PDU) that includes a number of power outputs including first and second adjacent power outputs. The PDU includes a printed circuit board having a first conducting layer electrically interconnected to a first power input connection and the first power output, a second conducting layer that is at least partially above the first conducting layer and in facing relationship thereto. The second conducting layer is electrically insulated from the first conducting layer and electrically interconnected with a second power input connection and the second power output, the first and second power outputs thereby connected to different power inputs. | 04-24-2014 |