U.S. patent application number 12/171836 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for circuit breaking link status detection and reporting circuit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Server Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, Brandon W. Ewing, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy.
Application Number | 20080272878 12/171836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36261538 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080272878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ewing; Brandon W. ; et
al. |
November 6, 2008 |
CIRCUIT BREAKING LINK STATUS DETECTION AND REPORTING CIRCUIT
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Ewing; Brandon W.; (Reno,
NV) ; Cleveland; Andrew J.; (Reno, NV) ;
Maskaly; James P.; (Sparks, NV) ; McGlumphy; Dennis
W.; (Sun Valley, NV) ; Auclair; Brian P.;
(Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLLAND & HART, LLP
P.O BOX 8749
DENVER
CO
80201
US
|
Assignee: |
Server Technology, Inc.
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
36261538 |
Appl. No.: |
12/171836 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11059001 |
Feb 15, 2005 |
7400493 |
|
|
12171836 |
|
|
|
|
60624286 |
Nov 1, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
337/265 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 85/30 20130101;
H01R 25/00 20130101; H01H 85/32 20130101; H01R 13/641 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
337/265 |
International
Class: |
H01H 85/30 20060101
H01H085/30 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A method of detecting whether power is being supplied to an
electrical device in communication with a circuit, the method
comprising: supplying a circuit with power from a power input;
placing the power input in communication with a circuit breaking
link; if the circuit breaking link is closed: transmitting power
through the circuit breaking link to an outlet; transmitting power
through the circuit breaking link to a sensor; detecting with the
sensor that power is being transmitted through the circuit breaking
link; generating a signal with the sensor indicating the power is
being transmitted through the circuit breaking link; communicating
the signal to a first processor; if the circuit breaking link is
open; detecting with the sensor that power is not being transmitted
through the circuit breaking link; generating signal with the
sensor indicating that power in not being transmitted through the
circuit breaking link; and communicating the signal to the first
processor.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising providing a visual
indication that power is being transmitted through the circuit
breaking link.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising, with the first
processor, determining based on the signal received from the sensor
whether the circuit is open or closed.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising communicating the
status of the circuit from the first processor to a second
processor through a communications bus.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising communicating the
status of the circuit to a remote user.
26. The method of claim 25, the step of communicating the status of
the circuit to a remote user comprising transmitting a signal from
the second processor through a network.
27. A circuit breaking link status and reporting system comprising:
(A) a power source; (B) a circuit breaking link in electrical power
supply communication with the power source; (C) an electrical
outlet in interruptible power supply communication with the circuit
breaking link; (D) a sensor in interruptible electrical
communication with the circuit breaking link, the sensor configured
to generate a signal indicating whether the circuit breaking link
is open or closed; (E) a local processor in communication with the
sensor and configured to determine whether the circuit is open or
closed based on the signal received from the sensor; (F) a
communications bus in communication with the local processor and
configured to receive signals from the local processor; (G) a
processor in communication with the local processor through the
communications bus and configured to receive information regarding
the status of the circuit breaking link; and (H) a communications
port in communication with the processor and configured to send
information regarding the status of the circuit breaking link over
a network.
28. The circuit breaking link status and reporting system of claim
27, wherein the sensor comprises an optoisolator.
29. The circuit breaking link status and reporting system of claim
27, further comprising a resistor intermediate the circuit breaking
link and the sensor.
30. The circuit breaking link status and reporting system of claim
29, further comprising a circuit breaking link status indicator in
communication with the circuit breaking link, whereby the circuit
breaking link status indicator provides a visually observable
indication of the status of the circuit breaking link.
31. The circuit breaking link status and reporting system of claim
30, the circuit breaking link status indicator comprising a light
emitting diode.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims, the benefit of, and hereby
expressly incorporates by reference in its entirety, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/624,286, filed Nov. 1, 2004,
and entitled "POWER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS", By Ewing et al.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to methods and systems for
reporting the status of a circuit breaking link. Certain
embodiments provide power distribution apparatus utilizing a
circuit breaking link connector and which reports the status of the
circuit breaking link connector.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic equipment racks commonly consist of rectangular
or box-shaped housings or rack structures. Electronic equipment is
commonly mountable in such racks so that the various electronic
components are aligned vertically one on top of the other in the
rack. Often, multiple racks are oriented side-by-side, with each
rack containing numerous electronic components and having
substantial quantities of associated component wiring located both
within and outside of the area occupied by the racks.
[0004] Power distribution units have long been utilized to supply
power to the equipment in such racks. Power distribution units have
also been designed to allow a user to remotely monitor and control
the power distribution unit or devices attached to the power
distribution unit. Examples of such power distribution units can be
found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,506,573, 5,949,947, and 6,711,613.
[0005] One particularly common such power distribution unit
consists of an elongated box housing that has one or more power
inputs penetrating the housing and a number of power outputs
extending along the longitudinal face of the unit. This power
distribution unit is designed to mount vertically adjacent or
secured to the external rear side of a rack. In this fashion, the
power supplied to the unit is then distributed through horizontally
extending power outputs to the, typically, horizontally co-aligned
electronic components mounted in the rack. An example of such a
prior power distribution unit is sold under the trademark POWER
TOWER by Server Technology, Inc., of Reno, Nev.
[0006] As previously stated, each power distribution unit typically
contains a number of power outputs and at least one power input.
The power distribution units may also contain other electronic
components, such as fuses and monitoring devices.
[0007] Some prior art power distribution units are protected by
fuses or other devices to protect the power distribution unit and
attached electronic devices against current fluctuations. Often,
the fuses may only be checked and replaced by removing the power
distribution unit from a rack and opening the power distribution
unit. In addition to possibly being time consuming and labor
intensive, opening up the unit may violate a warranty on the
unit.
[0008] Typically, each power distribution unit must be visually
inspected in order to determine if a circuit breaking link has
opened a circuit. As the number of circuit breaking links
increases, it may be more time consuming and difficult to identify
the circuit breaking link responsible for the open circuit.
Additionally, a remote user may not be aware that a circuit has
opened and the electrical devices are no longer receiving power
from the power distribution unit.
[0009] Despite the inconveniences that may be associated with
fuses, many standards setting organizations, certifying bodies, and
codes are requiring branched circuit protection. That is, power
outlets may be arranged in groups or "branches," each of which must
be separately fused. Branched circuit protection may result in an
increased number of fuses in each power distribution unit.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides circuit breaking link status
detection and reporting circuitry. Certain embodiments provide a
power distribution unit constructed using a circuit breaking link
status detection and reporting circuit.
[0011] In one embodiment of the circuit breaking link status
detection and reporting circuit, a power source, such as an AC
power source, provides input to the circuit. The power is connected
to a circuit breaking link, such as a circuit breaker or a fuse. An
output side of the circuit breaking link is in communication with a
power output. The output side of the circuit breaking link is also
in communication with a sensor. The sensor detects whether
electricity is flowing through the circuit breaking link. The
sensor is in communication with a system controller configured to
relay the status of the circuit breaking link to a user.
[0012] In certain embodiments, the sensor includes a voltage
sensor. The voltage sensor may be an optoisolator.
[0013] In some embodiments, the circuit breaking link status
detection and reporting circuit includes a fuse state indicator in
communication with the output side of the circuit breaking link.
The fuse state indicator may be an LED that is illuminated when the
circuit is closed. A resistor may be located intermediate the
circuit breaking link and the fuse state indicator. In a particular
implementation, the sensor and the circuit output are connected in
parallel with the output side of the circuit breaking link.
[0014] In further embodiments, a resistor is located intermediate
the sensor and the system controller.
[0015] In yet further embodiments, the sensor is in communication
with a communications bus. The communications bus is in
communication with the system controller. In at least one
implementation, the communications bus is an I2C bus.
[0016] In certain embodiments, the sensor is in communication with
a local controller. The local controller is in communication with
the system controller. In at least one implementation, the local
controller and the system controller interface through a
communications bus, such as an I2C bus.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the circuit breaking link status
detection and reporting circuit includes an input from a second AC
power source. The input from the second AC power source is
connected to a second circuit breaking link. An output end of the
second circuit breaking link is in communication with the circuit
output.
[0018] In a particular implementation, the first and second AC
power sources are different phases of polyphase AC line power. In
another implementation, the output end of the second circuit
breaking link is in communication with the sensor. A yet further
implementation includes an input from a third AC power source. The
input from the third AC power source is connected to a third
circuit breaking link. An output end of the third circuit breaking
link is in communication with the circuit output. In one example,
the output end of the third circuit breaking link is in
communication with the sensor.
[0019] Certain embodiments include a plurality of the circuit
breaking link status detection and reporting circuits according to
any embodiment, including any of the previously described
embodiments. In at least one implementation, each circuit output of
each of the circuit breaking link status detection and reporting
circuits is coupled to a branch of one or more electrical
outlets.
[0020] Certain embodiments provide a method of using one or more
circuit breaking link status detection and reporting circuits. The
circuit breaking link status detection and reporting circuit
receives power from a power input and outputs power to at least one
power outlet. If the circuit breaking link status detecting and
reporting circuit is opened, such as by the circuit breaking link
(i.e. a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker), the sensor will
sense a loss of power, such as by sensing a voltage or current
drop, and report the loss to the system controller.
[0021] In some embodiments, the system controller tags all outlets
associated with the open circuit breaking link status detection and
reporting circuit. In a further embodiment, the system controller
generates a notification to a user that the circuit breaking link
status detection and reporting circuit is open.
[0022] In certain embodiments, a circuit breaking link status and
detection circuit is formed on a circuit breaking link
interconnection board that includes at least one circuit breaking
link. A plurality of contacts are located on the circuit breaking
link interconnection board. A first portion of the plurality of
contacts may place the circuit breaking link interconnection board
in communication with at least a first electrical component.
[0023] In certain implementations, a second portion of the
plurality of contacts may place the circuit breaking link
interconnection board in communication with at least a second
electronic component. In the case of an electrical abnormality,
such as a current spike, the circuit breaking link interconnection
board will open a circuit, interrupting communication with the
first or second electronic components.
[0024] In certain embodiments, the circuit breaking link
interconnection board is a printed circuit board having a plurality
of layers. One or more layers of the printed circuit board may
transmit a particular electrical component. For example, in AC line
power transmission, one layer of the printed circuit board may
correspond to an AC line connection and another layer may
correspond to an AC neutral connection. Other layers of the printed
circuit board could be used for a ground connection or to transmit
other electrical signals, including communication signals.
[0025] Using an entire layer of a circuit board to transmit an
electrical component may allow a larger amount of the electrical
component, such as a component of AC line power, to be transmitted
using the circuit board. The relatively large transmission capacity
of the layers of the circuit board may allow the circuit board to
function as an assembly of wires.
[0026] In at least one implementation, the circuit breaking link
interconnection board includes at least one layer formed in a
plurality of sublayers. An insulating barrier may separate each
sublayer. Accordingly, each sublayer may be used to transmit a
different electrical component, such as a component of AC line
power or data. The use of a circuit breaking link interconnection
board having a layer formed in a plurality of sublayers may allow
the circuit breaking link interconnection board to have fewer
layers, to transmit more electrical components, and/or be attached
to a greater number of electrical parts. The size of the sublayer
is preferably sufficiently large to allow effective transmission of
the particular electric component.
[0027] It is to be understood that this Summary of the Invention
lists various aspects of various embodiments of the present
invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become
apparent as this specification proceeds.
[0028] It is also to be understood that all features noted above
need not be included in a given embodiment and that not all
deficiencies noted in the prior art need be overcome by a given
embodiment in order for it to fall within the scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a power distribution
apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention having a
circuit breaking link interconnection board.
[0031] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a lateral side of the power
distribution apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the back of the power
distribution apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of top and bottom sections of
the housing of the power distribution apparatus of FIG. 1,
illustrating how top and bottom portions of the housing may fit
together.
[0034] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the inside of the top
housing portion of a power distribution apparatus of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the inside of the top
housing portion of the power distribution apparatus of FIG. 5
illustrating the placement of outlet gangs and other electronic
components within the power distribution apparatus.
[0036] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the inside of the top
housing portion of the power distribution apparatus of FIG. 5
illustrating the placement of interconnection boards and
nonconductive material on top of the components shown in FIG.
6.
[0037] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of a circuit
breaking link interconnection board formed from a printed circuit
board having a plurality of layers and having a layer formed into
two sublayers, the two sublayers being insulated from each
other.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for a circuit breaking link
status detection and reporting circuit for single-phase power
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for a circuit breaking link
status detection and reporting circuit for two-phase power
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] A power distribution apparatus (PDA) 100 according to an
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The PDA 100
may be mounted to a rack (not shown). The PDA 100 has a housing
104. The housing 104 may be of any suitable dimensions. The housing
104 is preferably sized for mounting to a rack. The housing 104 is
shown as a rectangular box having longitudinally extending front
106 and back 108 (FIG. 3) faces, two longitudinally extending
lateral sides 110, a first end 112, and a second end 114. Of
course, shapes other than rectangular boxes could be used.
[0041] The housing 104 is made of a substantially rigid and durable
material, such as metals or plastics, including polycarbonate
resins. In at least one embodiment, the housing 104 is made of
sheet metal.
[0042] Two power inputs 116 are coupled to the housing 104.
Although two power inputs 116 are shown, more or less power inputs
116 could be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the power inputs
116 are connected through the front face 106 of the housing 104,
proximate the first end 112 of the housing 104. The power inputs
116 may be connected to a power supply (not shown), such as an AC
line power supply, to provide a desired level of power to one or
more electrical appliances (not shown). The power inputs 116 may be
adapted to employ single phase power or polyphase power, such as
double or triple-phase power. In embodiments employing multiphase
power, multiphase power may be provided to attached electrical
devices. In other embodiments, the phases are resolved and a single
phase is delivered to attached electrical devices.
[0043] The housing 104 may have one or more outlet apertures 124
(FIGS. 4 and 5) through which a plurality of power outlets 128
extend. The apertures 124 are rectangular openings in the front
face 106 of the housing 104. One or more power outlets 128 may
represent a discrete power unit, or "branch" 132. Each branch 132
may be independently supplied with power, provided with circuit
protection (such as a fuse), monitored, controlled, or wired.
[0044] In certain embodiments, including the embodiment of FIG. 1,
the power outlets 128 are part of a ganged power outlet 130. A
ganged power outlet 130 is a module having a plurality of
electrical outlets 128. The ganged power outlets 130 may be
integral components. The ganged outlets 130 are type 0909 ganged
outlets available from Shurter, Inc., of Santa Rosa, Calif. Other
types of ganged outlets may be used, including those disclosed in
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/624,286, filed Feb. 15,
2005 and entitled "GANGED OUTLET APPARATUS," by Andrew J.
Cleveland, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0045] The ganged outlets 130 are shown as generally linear
arrangements of outlets 128, which may be arranged in columns or
rows. Each branch 132 may include one or more ganged outlets 130
and/or outlets 128. As shown, two ganged outlets 130 are placed
side-by-side, providing two columns of outlets 128 longitudinally
extending down the front face 106 of the PDA 100.
[0046] The ganged outlets 130 may be configured to deliver the same
or different amounts and types of power to their corresponding
power outlets 128 and their associated electronic components. For
example, one ganged outlet 130 may provide 120V, 20A power while
another ganged outlet 130 may provide 240V, 50A power. Other ganged
outlets 130 may operate at 208V. In addition, the ganged outlets
130 may have varying numbers of power outlets 128. The ganged
outlets 130 may be used exclusively in the PDA 100 or in
conjunction with individual outlets 128 (which may be configured to
operate at any suitable voltage/current).
[0047] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a plurality of displays
136 are provided on the housing 104. As shown in FIG. 1, two
displays 136 are viewable on the front face 106, proximate the
second end 114, of the housing 104. The displays 136 are shown as
LED displays, but may be of any suitable type, such as LCD
displays.
[0048] The displays 136 provide users with information on the
status of the PDA 100. Such information may include the total
current drawn by one or more of the outlet gangs 130, the outlets
128, branches 132, or combinations thereof. In the embodiment of
FIG. 1, each display 136 may indicate the current drawn by one of
the two branches 132 or the power supplied by an input 116. In
certain embodiments, one or more displays 136 indicate whether a
circuit is closed or open, such as when a fuse has blown. In
additional embodiments, the displays 136 display other information,
such as the ambient temperature or humidity.
[0049] The PDA 100 is provided with communication connections 138.
The communication connections 138 are used to send information
from, or provide information to, the PDA 100. For example, the
communication connections 138 may be used to provide information
over a network, such as the Internet, regarding the PDA 100 to a
remote user. In other embodiments, the communication connection 138
may be used by service technicians to troubleshoot, program, or
obtain data from the PDA 100. In additional embodiments, sensors,
such as temperature and/or humidity sensors, may be attached to the
communication connections 138. The communication connections 138
may be configured to accept any desired type of communication
means, such as USB connections, Ethernet connections, parallel port
connections, serial connections, RS232 connections, etc.
[0050] A plurality of access openings 140 are formed in the front
face 106 of the housing 104. The rectangular access openings 140
are shown longitudinally disposed at regular intervals on the front
face 106 of the housing 104. The access openings 140 allow
convenient access to certain components of the PDA 100.
[0051] For example, a fuse assembly 144 is accessible through each
access opening 140. A fuse 146 may be removed from, or installed
into, the fuse assembly 144. Each fuse assembly 144 includes two
pairs of clamp arms 148, each pair of clamp arms 148 securing the
removable fuse 146 and placing the fuse 146 in electrical
communication with a circuit of the PDA 100. Other interrupting
devices (circuit breaking links), such as circuit breakers, for
example, may be utilized rather than the fuses 146.
[0052] The access openings 140 are covered by removable protective
coverings, such as plastic or glass windows 150 which are secured
to the housing 104 by fasteners 152. In at least one embodiment,
the windows 150 are made from Lucite. The fasteners 152 are shown
as screws, but other fasteners may be used, including bolts and
pins. The fuses 146 may thereby be observed and replaced as desired
without removing the PDA 100 from the rack and without
significantly disassembling the PDA 100.
[0053] A fuse state indicator 154 is provided to indicate the
status of a fuse 146. The fuse state indicator 154 may be part of
the fuse 146 or separate. For example, a fuse 146 may be provided
that changes appearance when it has blown. In other embodiments,
such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, a separate fuse state indicator
154 is provided which is visible to a user. The separate fuse state
indicator 154 may be an illumination device, such as an LED, in
communication with the fuse 146, and which changes state if the
fuse 146 blows. In one embodiment, the fuse state indicator 154 is
an LED that is normally illuminated. When a fuse 146 blows, the LED
154 is turned off, providing a visual cue that the fuse 146 has
blown.
[0054] With reference now to FIG. 2, the PDA 100 has a plurality of
strain relief mounts 156 spaced longitudinally along a longitudinal
side 110 of the housing 104. Stain relief devices (not shown), such
as wire bails, may be attached to the strain relief mounts 156. The
strain relief devices are configured to abut power cords of devices
attached to the outlets 128 of the PDA 100. The strain relief
devices serve to organize such power cords, as well as secure them
in position.
[0055] Each fuse assembly 144 is mounted to the housing 104 by a
fastener (not shown) which extends into a standoff mount 322
coupled to a cylindrical protrusion 318 on the housing 104 (also
see FIG. 5).
[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 104 has a plurality of
fastener openings 158 located at the ends 112, 114 of the housing
104. The fastener openings 158 may be used in conjunction with a
fastener (not shown), such as a nail, a bolt, a screw, a pin, etc.,
to secure the PDA 100 to a rack. The fastener openings 158 may be
threaded for receiving a bolt or screw (not shown) which is
received by a corresponding opening in the rack. The number,
spacing, and location of the fastener openings 158 may be varied as
desired in order to enable the PDA 100 to be mounted to various
types of racks. In addition, the fastener openings 158 may be
provided to additional or alternate sides, faces, or ends of the
housing 104 as needed.
[0057] Alternatively, the housing 104 may be provided with mounting
brackets (not shown) at the first 112 and/or second 114 ends of the
PDA 100. The mounting brackets may allow the PDA 100 to be mounted
in a larger number of configurations. For example, racks are made
by a variety of manufacturers and may differ in size and
construction. The mounting adapters may allow the PDA 100 to be
used with a variety of rack types. For example, racks made by
American Power Conversion, Inc., of West Kingston, R.I., may be
configured with mounting apertures that receive mounting pegs
located on a device. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the PDA
100 may be provided with mounting pegs (not shown), which may be
received by mounting apertures (not shown) in a rack, to help
secure the PDA 100 to the rack. Additional mounting adapters, which
may be located at the top 114 and/or bottom 112 ends of the PDA
100, may further secure the PDA 100 to the rack.
[0058] Turning now to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a housing 104 for
the PDA 100 is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the housing 104
is composed of two substantially U-shaped portions 206, 208. The
upper U-shaped portion 206 forms the front face 106 and partially
forms the lateral sides 110 of the housing 104. The lower U-shaped
portion 208 forms the back face 108 and partially forms the lateral
sides 110 of the housing 104.
[0059] The lower U-shaped portion 208 and the upper U-shaped
portion 206 may be coupled by any suitable means. In the embodiment
of FIG. 4, the lower U-shaped portion 208 slides over and matingly
engages the upper U-shaped portion 206. The ends of the upper
U-shaped portion 206 include a flap 220. The ends of the lower
U-shaped portion 208 have flanges 228 that matingly engage the
outer portion of the flaps 220. The upper U-shaped portion 206 and
the lower U-shaped portion 208 are secured together by inserting
fasteners (not shown) through fastener openings 230 in the ends of
the upper U-shaped portion 206 and the ends of the lower U-shaped
portion 208. The fastener openings 230 may be threaded for
receiving matingly threaded fasteners.
[0060] FIGS. 5-7 show how the various components of the PDA 100 may
be assembled within the housing 104. With reference first to FIG.
5, a view of the inside portion of the upper U-shaped portion 206
of the housing 104 is shown. A number of outlet apertures 124 can
be seen extending longitudinally along the face 106 of the upper
U-shaped portion 206.
[0061] An access opening 140 is disposed between each pair of
outlet apertures 124. A window 150 is secured to each access
opening 140 by fasteners 152 (FIG. 1). A rectangular mounting plate
314 is coupled to the top and bottom portion of each access opening
140. The mounting plate 314 has a cylindrical protrusion 318 (also
see FIG. 2) extending into the interior of the housing 104. The
cylindrical protrusion 318 is threaded for receiving the fasteners
152 from the outside of the housing 104 and for receiving a
standoff mount 322 on the inside of the housing 104. The standoff
mount 322 is matingly threaded for coupling to the cylindrical
protrusion 318.
[0062] With reference now to FIG. 6, a plurality of linear outlet
gangs 130 are shown mounted in the upper U-shaped portion 206,
extending through the outlet apertures 124 (FIG. 5). Each outlet
gang 130 provides a column of outlets 128. As shown, three
generally linear power rails 238 are coupled to the back of each
outlet gang 130. Depending on the application, more or less power
rails 238 could be used. Each power rail 238 runs substantially the
length of the back side of an outlet gang 130 and is connected to
each outlet 128 in the outlet gang 130. The power rails 238 may be
laterally spaced, being generally co-aligned. In certain
embodiments, the power rails 238 are parallel.
[0063] An insulating barrier (not shown), which may be a
protrusion, such as a flange or ridge extending from the back of an
outlet gang 130, may be used to prevent electrical contact between
adjacent power rails 238. In certain embodiments, the power rails
238 may be located internally within the outlet gang 130. Locating
the power rails 238 within the outlet gangs 130 may reduce the
chance for accidental contact between a power rail 238 and other
components of the PDA 100 (including adjacent power rails 238), as
well as reducing the possibility of damage to the power rails 238
or other components.
[0064] Each power rail 238 has a protrusion (not shown) that
extends into a particular receptacle (not shown) of each power
outlet 128 in an outlet gang 130. Each receptacle may receive a
prong (not shown) from a power plug (not shown) of an electronic
device (not shown). The power rails 238 therefore serve to
electrically couple each power outlet 128 in an outlet gang 130.
Each power rail 238 corresponds to a particular electrical
component, such as a line, neutral, or ground connection of AC line
power. The power rails 238 are preferably made from a conducting
material, such as a conductive metal.
[0065] The use of the power rails 238 obviates individually wiring
together multiple individual power outlets 128. Although the power
rails 238 are shown as parallel, linear rails, other configurations
could be used. For example, the power rails 238 could be curved in
order to accommodate an arcuate pattern of power outlets 128.
[0066] Each power rail 238 has a connecting prong 244. Although the
power rails 238 are shown as only having connecting prongs 244 at
one end of each power rail 238, in at least certain embodiments,
the connecting prongs 244 are located at both longitudinal ends of
each power rail 238.
[0067] Each connecting prong 244 is used to place a power rail 238,
and therefore a corresponding outlet gang 130, in electrical
communication with other electrical components. The connecting
prong 244 may be coupled to other electrical components by any
suitable connecting means. In some embodiments, wires may be used
as the connecting means. Of course, the present invention is not
limited to power rails 238 having connecting prongs 244. Any
suitable means may be used for placing the power rails 238 in
electrical communication with other electrical components.
[0068] With reference now to FIG. 7, each outlet gang 130 (two of
which are shown in see-through, environmental lines, in FIG. 7), is
shown covered by a layer of nonconductive material 252 that extends
substantially across the width of the upper U-shaped portion 206.
More than one piece of the nonconductive material 252 may be used
and the nonconductive material 252 may be shaped and sized as
desired to insulate the electrical components of the PDA 100. The
nonconductive material 252 may be made of any suitable material
that substantially does not conduct electricity, such as plastics,
rubber, and the like. In at least one embodiment, the nonconductive
material 252 is Mylar.
[0069] The nonconductive material 252 can be used to prevent
unintended electrical communication between adjacent electrical
components, such as between the outlet gangs 130 and the fuse
assemblies 144 (FIG. 1). For example, the nonconductive material
252 may be placed over the back of the outlet gangs 130 and between
the fuse assemblies 144 (FIG. 1). The nonconductive material 252
may have holes 256 to allow the connecting prongs 244 to pass
therethrough.
[0070] In a further embodiment, the PDA 100 includes a circuit
breaking link interconnection board 264 that is connected to at
least one electrical component. As shown in FIG. 6, the circuit
breaking link interconnection board 264 is connected to two outlet
gangs 130. However, the circuit breaking link interconnection board
264 can be connected to more or less electrical components of
various types. In one embodiment, the circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264 is an at least semi-rigid component
capable of connecting to, and being in electrical communication
with, at least one electrical component. In a presently preferred
embodiment, the circuit breaking link interconnection board 164 is
capable of placing a plurality of electrical components in
electrical communication. In certain embodiments, the circuit
breaking link interconnection board 264 is a printed circuit board.
In at least one embodiment, the circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264 is a four-layer printed circuit
board.
[0071] The circuit breaking link connector 264 may have a number of
holes (or pads) 268 extending therethrough. The holes 268 may be
lined with a conducting material, such as a conductive metal. In at
least one embodiment, a connecting prong 244 of a power rail 238
associated with an outlet gang 130 engages a hole 268. If desired,
the connecting prong 244 may be further secured to the circuit
breaking link interconnection board 264, such as by soldering.
Nonconductive material 252 may be placed between the connecting
prongs 244 and the circuit breaking link interconnection board 264.
The connecting prongs 244 may extend through openings 256 in the
nonconductive material 252.
[0072] The circuit breaking link interconnection board 264 is
coupled to the upper U-shaped portion 206 of the housing 104. In
one embodiment, the circuit breaking link interconnection board 264
is provided with a fastener hole 270. A fastener 272, such as a
screw, is inserted through the fastener hole 270 and securely
received by a mount 322 (FIG. 5) on the upper U-shaped portion 206.
The fastener 272 may be in communication with a circuit of the PDA
100 (FIG. 1) and serve as a ground connection.
[0073] The fuse clamp arms 148 (FIG. 1) are mounted to the
outwardly facing side of the circuit breaking link interconnection
board 264. The fuse clamps arms 148 are secured by a rivet 276 and
by soldered connections 278 to the circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264. The circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264 has slip-on connectors 282 to which power
inputs 284 are attached. Power may thus pass from the power inputs
284, through the slip-on connectors 282, and into the circuit
breaking link interconnection board 264 where it can be transferred
through the clamp arms 148 and through the holes 268 to the power
rails 238 of the outlet gangs 130.
[0074] The circuit breaking link interconnection board 264 may be
used to transmit electrical signals to, or electrically couple,
electrical parts attached to the circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264. In at least one embodiment, the circuit
breaking link interconnection board 264 is used to transmit
components of AC line power to electrical parts attached to
opposite ends of the circuit breaking link interconnection board
264. In the case of outlet gangs 130 having connecting prongs 244
at only one end, similar connections between outlet gangs 130 and
the circuit breaking link interconnection board 264 may occur at
opposite sides of opposite ends of the circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264, such as between position 286 and
position 288. However, if the outlet gangs 130 are provided with
connectors 244 at each end, similar connections between the outlet
gangs 130 and the circuit breaking link interconnection board 264
may occur at the same side at each opposite end of the circuit
breaking link interconnection board 264, such as between position
286 and position 290. The fastener 272 may serve as a ground
connection for the circuit breaking link interconnection board 264
and electrical components attached thereto, thus eliminating the
need to provide a separate ground connection.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of wires 292 connect the
various components of the PDA 100, such as the outlet gangs 130 and
the circuit breaking link interconnection board 264. The wires 292
may be insulated wires, in order to help prevent unintended
electrical contact between the wires 292 and the other components
of the PDA 100. In addition, the wires 292 may be placed on the
opposite side of the nonconductive material 252 from the outlet
gangs 130 in order to help prevent such unintended contact. The
wires 292 may be secured together by fasteners (not shown), such as
locking plastic bands.
[0076] In embodiments where the circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264 is a printed circuit board having
multiple layers, each layer may correspond to a single electrical
component. For example, when the circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264 is used for power transmission, such as
AC line power transmission, one layer may correspond to a line, or
"hot", electrical connection, one layer may correspond to a neutral
connection, and one layer may be connected to a ground. The use of
an entire layer of the circuit breaking link interconnection board
264 for each connection may allow for larger amounts of electricity
to flow through the printed circuit board 264.
[0077] FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of a circuit board
400 for use in embodiments of the present invention, including as
part of a circuit breaking link interconnection board 264. The
circuit board 400 comprises a plurality of layers 406. Each layer
406 may be used to transmit one or more electrical components, such
as components of AC line power.
[0078] Layer 412 may be a signal layer having a connection 416
between a first connection point 418 and a second connection point
420. The layer 412 may also have a connection 422 between a third
connection point 424 and a fourth connection point 426. Connections
416 and 422 serve to transmit electrical signals to, or
electrically couple, devices or components attached to connection
points 418, 420 and 424, 426, respectively. Additional connection
points, such as connection point 430, may also be provided.
Although FIG. 8 depicts connections between connection points on
the same side of the circuit board 400, connections can be made
between connection points at any location of the circuit board 400.
For example, a connection could be made between the connection
point 418 and the connection point 426.
[0079] Layer 440 is shown as a split plane. The layer 440 may be
substantially a solid plane of conducting material, such as copper.
However, the layer 440 has an insulating barrier 442 which divides
the layer 440 into a first side 444 and a second side 446. The
insulating barrier 442 may be an area of the layer 440 where the
conducting material has been removed, an insulating material or
coating placed on or in the layer 440, or any other suitable
insulating means. The layer 440 also has connection points 450, 452
and 454, 456 which may be in communication with connection points
418, 420 and 424, 426, respectively.
[0080] Each side 444, 446 of the circuit board 400 may carry an
electronic component, such as a component of AC line power, which
may be the same or different. In at least one embodiment, the first
side 444 carries a line component of AC line power and the second
side 446 carries a neutral component of AC line power. In this way,
power can be conducted through the layer 440 to devices attached to
the connection points 418-426. A connector 458 is shown having at
least a portion of its conducting material removed, or otherwise
being insulated from the connection point 430.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, layer 460 may be a unified conductive
layer, such as a copper layer. However, connectors 464, 466, 468,
470, located on layer 460, have had at least a portion of their
conducting material removed, or otherwise are insulated from
connection points 418-426 and 450-456. Connection point 474 is in
communication with the connection point 430. Layer 480 may be
another signal layer.
[0082] The use of split plane layers may allow for a greater
variety of electrical signals and power components to be
distributed across the circuit board 400, while allowing circuit
boards having a relatively small number of layers to be used. In
addition, circuit boards having split plane layers may allow a
greater number of connections to be made, a greater variety of
connections to be made, and/or a greater number of devices to be
connected by, or to, a circuit board 400.
[0083] Embodiments of the circuit board 400 are not limited to the
circuit board 400 shown in FIG. 8. For example, greater or fewer
layers could be used, the number and position of signal, solid, and
split layers may be varied. In addition, transmission layers may be
broken up into more than two sublayers. However, each sublayer is
preferably suitably large enough to transmit the desired electrical
component. In the case of power transmission, particularly AC power
transmission, even more particularly AC-line power, each layer or
sublayer is preferably suitably large enough to effectively
transmit a component of AC line power.
[0084] In certain embodiments, the circuit breaking link
interconnection board 264 includes a circuit breaking link status
detection and reporting (CLSDR) circuit. FIG. 9 illustrates a
schematic diagram of a CLSDR circuit that may be used with a PDA
100 using single phase power. The single phase of power is shown as
power source 506. Power from power source 506 is transmitted to a
circuit breaking link 510, which may be any suitable circuit
breaking link, such as a fuse or circuit breaker.
[0085] The circuit breaking link 510 is connected in parallel to
outlets 514 and an indicator 518. The indicator is an LED or other
suitable indicator. The indicator 518 is connected, optionally
through a resistor 522, to a sensor 526. In embodiments where the
PDA 100 (FIG. 1) delivers 208-240 volt power, the resistor may be a
47 kilo ohm, 1 watt resistor. In embodiments where the PDA 100
(FIG. 1) delivers 110-120 volt power, the resistor may be a 22 kilo
ohm, 1 watt resistor. Of course, other resistor values may be used
or the resistor may be omitted in certain implementations.
[0086] The sensor 526 detects voltage or current in the CLSDR
circuit 500. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor 526 is a voltage
sensor. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor 526 is
an optoisolator.
[0087] The sensor 526 is in communication with a microprocessor
530. The microprocessor detects the signals from the sensor 526 and
determines whether the CLSDR circuit 500 is open or closed. The
state of the CLSDR circuit 500 is communicated to a controller 538
through a bus 534. The bus 534 may be any suitable communications
bus, such as a 485, I2C, or CAN bus.
[0088] The controller 538 is preferably located in the PDA 100 and
may monitor and control other functions of the PDA 100. The
controller 538 is in communication with a remote user 546, such as
through a network 542. The network 542 may be the internet, an
intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a
virtual private network (VPN), or other suitable network.
[0089] FIG. 10 illustrates a system 600 having multiple CLSDR
circuits 604, 606. Each CLSDR circuit 604, 606 includes a first
power source 610 and a second power source 612. In the upper
circuit 604, the first power source 610 is connected to a circuit
breaking link 616. The circuit breaking link 616 is connected in
parallel to outlets 620 and an indicator 624. The indicator 624 is
in communication with a sensor 628, optionally through a resistor
626, which may be a resistor such as the resistor 522. The second
power source 612 is connected to a circuit breaking link 632. The
circuit breaking link 632 is connected in parallel to the outlets
620 and to the sensor 628 and the indicator 624.
[0090] Turning now to the bottom CLSDR circuit 606, the first power
source 610 is connected to a circuit breaking link 640. The circuit
breaking link 640 is connected in parallel to outlets 644 and an
indicator 648. The indicator 648 is connected to a sensor 652,
optionally through a resistor 650. The second power source 612 is
connected to a circuit breaking link 656. The circuit breaking link
656 is connected in parallel to outlets 644 and to the sensor 652
and the indicator 648.
[0091] The sensors 628 and 652 are connected to a microcontroller
660. The microcontroller 660 is in communication with a controller
668 through a communications bus 664. The controller 668 is in
communication with a remote user 676, such as through a network
672.
[0092] The system 600 may be similar in operation and construction
to the circuit 500 of FIG. 9. When any of the circuit breaking
links 616, 632, 640, 656 opens its respective circuit 604, 606, the
event will be detected by sensor 628 or 652 and communicated to the
remote user 676.
[0093] As illustrated, the system 600 senses which circuit 604, 606
has opened and helps identify which circuit breaking link needs to
be replaced or reset. If desired, additional sensors may be
included in a respective circuit 604, 606 to specifically identify
which circuit breaking link has opened and needs to be replaced or
reset.
[0094] It can thus be seen that certain embodiments of the present
invention provide a circuit that senses the status of a circuit
breaking link and reports the status of the circuit breaking link
to a remote user. When incorporated into a device, such as a power
distribution unit, embodiments of the present invention allow a
remote user to be notified when a circuit breaking link has opened
a circuit and outlets associated with the circuit are thus no
longer supplying power to their attached electrical devices.
Particularly when a number of independent power branches are on a
device, embodiments of the present invention may aid in identifying
which circuit breaking link needs to be replaced or reset, and this
may allow the circuit breaking link to be more quickly located and
reset or replaced. This aspect may be particularly useful when
large numbers of devices and/or circuit breaking links are
present.
[0095] Certain embodiments provide a visual cue on a device
containing one or more circuit breaking link that one or more the
device's circuit breaking links needs to be reset or replaced.
These embodiments may allow an operator to more easily locate such
circuit breaking links, among other circuit breaking links on the
device and other nearby circuit breaking link containing devices,
which may reduce equipment downtime and/or service costs.
[0096] At least certain embodiments provide for devices with
branched circuit protection, where one or more outlets are
protected by a circuit breaking link, and each device typically has
a plurality of branches. Reducing the number of outlets protected
by each circuit breaking link may limit the scope of any disruption
caused by a failed circuit breaking link.
[0097] Although generally described as including multiple outlets,
a branch may contain a single outlet. The number of outlets
protected by a circuit breaking link can be varied as desired,
including based on the operating conditions and/or the space
available in devices that will contain the circuit breaking
links.
[0098] It is to be understood that the above discussion provides a
detailed description of preferred embodiments. The embodiments are
illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention. The above descriptions of the preferred embodiments will
enable those skilled in the art to make many departures from the
particular examples described above to provide apparatus
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The scope of
the present invention is rather to be determined by the scope of
the claims as issued.
* * * * *