U.S. patent application number 14/256922 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-26 for stackable modular personal computer array.
This patent application is currently assigned to M&A Technology, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Magdy Elwany. Invention is credited to Magdy Elwany.
Application Number | 20150053629 14/256922 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44857443 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150053629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elwany; Magdy |
February 26, 2015 |
STACKABLE MODULAR PERSONAL COMPUTER ARRAY
Abstract
One aspect of this disclosure is directed to a sub-rack module
for supporting a personal computer chassis therein. The sub-rack
module is configured to be received within a multi-position support
rack. Due to the unique combination of the sub-rack and the
multi-position support rack, the sub-rack modules can be positioned
such that the back ends of the personal computer chassis form an
air passageway in the center of the multi-position support rack,
which allows for the air flow to be directed through the passageway
and out through the front end of the personal computer chassis.
This configuration allows for the high density storage of an array
of personal computer chassis while providing adequate cooling for
multiple units. A method for manufacturing this system is also
provided.
Inventors: |
Elwany; Magdy; (Dallas,
TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elwany; Magdy |
Dallas |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
M&A Technology, Inc.
Carrollton
TX
|
Family ID: |
44857443 |
Appl. No.: |
14/256922 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14040327 |
Sep 27, 2013 |
8720701 |
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14256922 |
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13593509 |
Aug 24, 2012 |
8561814 |
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14040327 |
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12770934 |
Apr 30, 2010 |
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13593509 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/26 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20136 20130101;
H05K 7/20727 20130101; H05K 7/18 20130101; G06F 1/20 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115; H05K 7/20736 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/26 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/20 20060101
H05K007/20; H05K 7/18 20060101 H05K007/18 |
Claims
1. A storage system comprising: a first plurality of computer
housings; a second plurality of computer housings; a storage unit,
including: a first plurality of sleeves sized to slidingly
accommodate the first plurality of computer housings positioned
such that they have a front and back side, a second plurality of
sleeves sized to slidingly accommodate the second plurality of
computer housings positioned such that they have a front and back
side, wherein the first plurality of sleeves is positioned relative
to the second plurality of sleeves such that the back side of the
first plurality of sleeves and the back side of the second
plurality of sleeves face each other and form an unobstructed space
to create an air vertical flow path, wherein each computer housing
of the first and second pluralities of computer housings further
comprises: a first plurality of inlet air flow holes defined on a
side wall of each housing, and a second plurality of inlet air flow
holes defined on a top wall of each housing such that the second
plurality of inlet air flow holes are exposed beyond a rear of the
respective sleeve of the first and second plurality of sleeves to
allow for air flow between the first plurality and the second
plurality of inlet air flow holes and the unobstructed space, and a
first plurality of outlet air flow holes defined on a front wall of
each housing, wherein each computer housing of the first and second
pluralities of computer housings further comprises a plurality of
apertures defined on the front wall of each computer housing sized
to allow the passage of network and power cords.
2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each sleeve in the first
plurality of sleeves is positioned vertically with respect to its
adjacent sleeve in the first plurality of sleeves to form a first
stack of sleeves and each sleeve in the second plurality of sleeves
is positioned vertically with respect to its adjacent sleeve in the
second plurality of sleeves to form a second stack of sleeves.
3. The storage system of claim 2, further comprising: a third
plurality of computer housings; a fourth plurality of computer
housings; a third plurality of sleeves sized to slidingly
accommodate the third plurality of computer housings wherein each
sleeve in the third plurality of sleeves is positioned vertically
with respect to its adjacent sleeve in the third plurality of
sleeves to form a third stack of sleeves; a fourth plurality of
sleeves sized to slidingly accommodate the fourth plurality of
computer housings wherein each sleeve in the fourth plurality of
sleeves is positioned vertically with respect to its adjacent
sleeve in the fourth plurality of sleeves to form a fourth stack of
sleeve; wherein the first stack of sleeves is positioned adjacent
to the second stack of sleeves to form a first row of stacks having
a front side and a back side; and wherein the third stack of
sleeves is positioned adjacent to the fourth stack of sleeves to
form a second row of stacks having a front side and a back
side.
4. The storage system of claim 3, wherein the first row of stacks
is positioned such that the back side of the first row of stacks
faces the back side of the second row of stacks.
5. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each computer housing of
the first and second pluralities of computer housings is coupled to
a rotatable handle and a fastening mechanism to secure each
computer housing to a support frame.
6. A storage system comprising: a first plurality of computer
housings; a second plurality of computer housings; a storage unit,
including: a first plurality of sleeves sized to slidingly
accommodate the first plurality of computer housings wherein each
sleeve in the first plurality of sleeves is positioned vertically
with respect to its adjacent sleeve in the first plurality of
sleeves to form a first stack of sleeves, a second plurality of
sleeves sized to slidingly accommodate the second plurality of
computer housings wherein each sleeve in the second plurality of
sleeves is positioned vertically with respect to its adjacent
sleeve in the second plurality of sleeves to form a second stack of
sleeves, wherein the first stack of sleeves is positioned relative
to the second stack of sleeves to form a first row of stacks having
a front side and a back side, wherein each computer housing of the
first and second pluralities of computer housings further
comprises: a first plurality of inlet air flow holes defined on a
side wall of each housing, and a second plurality of inlet air flow
holes defined on a top wall of each housing such that the second
plurality of inlet air flow holes are exposed beyond a rear of the
respective sleeve of the first and second plurality of sleeves, a
first plurality of outlet air flow holes defined on a front wall of
each housing; and wherein each computer housing of the first and
second pluralities of computer housings further comprises a
plurality of apertures defined on a front wall of each computer
housing sized to allow the passage of network and power cords.
7. The storage system of claim 6, further comprising: a third
plurality of computer housings; a fourth plurality of computer
housings; a third plurality of sleeves sized to slidingly
accommodate the third plurality of computer housings wherein each
sleeve in the third plurality of sleeves is positioned vertically
with respect to its adjacent sleeve in the third plurality of
sleeves to form a third stack of sleeves, a fourth plurality of
sleeves sized to slidingly accommodate the fourth plurality of
computer housings wherein each sleeve in the fourth plurality of
sleeves is positioned vertically with respect to its adjacent
sleeve in the fourth plurality of sleeves to form a fourth stack of
sleeve, wherein the third stack of sleeves is positioned adjacent
to the fourth stack of sleeves to form a second row of stacks
having a front side and a back side, and wherein the first row of
stacks is positioned adjacent to the second row of stacks such that
the back side of the first row of stacks and the back side of the
second row of stacks face each other and form an unobstructed air
flow path.
8. The storage system of claim 6, wherein each computer housing of
the first and second pluralities of computer housings is coupled to
a rotatable handle.
9. The storage system of claim 6, wherein each computer housing of
the first and second pluralities of computer housings is coupled to
fastening mechanism to releasibly secure each computer housing to a
support frame.
10. A method of cooling a plurality of computers, where each
computer has a housing, the method comprising: positioning a first
plurality of computers into a first plurality of sleeves, wherein
each sleeve in the first plurality of computers is sized to
slidingly accommodate at least one of the first plurality of
computers wherein the first plurality of sleeves have a front and
back side, positioning a first plurality of computers into a first
plurality of sleeves, wherein each sleeve in the first plurality of
computers is sized to slidingly accommodate at least one of the
first plurality of computers wherein the first plurality of sleeves
have a front and back side, positioning a second plurality of
computers into a second plurality of sleeves, wherein each sleeve
in the second plurality of sleeves is sized to slidingly
accommodate at least one of the second plurality of computers
wherein the second plurality of sleeves have a front and back side,
positioning the first plurality of sleeves relative to the second
plurality of sleeves such that the back side of the first plurality
of sleeves and the back side of the second plurality of sleeves
face each other and form an unobstructed vertical air flow path,
creating a first inlet air current from the unobstructed vertical
air flow path to the inside space of each computer through a
plurality of holes defined on a top wall of each computer such that
the plurality of holes are exposed beyond a rear of the respective
sleeve of the first and second plurality of sleeves, creating a
second inlet air flow from the exterior space proximate to each
computer to the inside space of each computer through a plurality
of inlet air flow holes defined on a side wall of each computer;
and creating an outlet air current from an inside space of each
computer to an exterior space proximate to each computer through a
plurality of outlet air flow holes defined within a front wall of
each computer housing.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: positioning a third
plurality of computers into a third plurality of sleeves, wherein
each sleeve in the third plurality of sleeves sized to slidingly
accommodate at least one of the third plurality of computers
wherein each sleeve in the third plurality of sleeves is positioned
vertically with respect to its adjacent sleeve in the third
plurality of sleeves to form a third stack of sleeves, positioning
a fourth plurality of computers into a fourth plurality of sleeves,
wherein each sleeve in the fourth plurality of sleeves is sized to
slidingly accommodate at least one computer of the fourth plurality
of computers wherein each sleeve in the fourth plurality of sleeves
is positioned vertically with respect to its adjacent sleeve in the
fourth plurality of sleeves to form a fourth stack of sleeve,
positioning the first of sleeves adjacent to the second stack of
sleeves to form a first row of stacks having a front side and a
back side, positioning the third stack of sleeves adjacent to the
fourth stack of sleeves to form a second row of stacks having a
front side and a back side, and positioning the first row of stacks
relative to the second row of stacks such that the back side of the
first row of stacks and the back side of the second row of stacks
face each other and form the unobstructed vertical air flow
path.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising removing at least
one of the plurality of computers from at least one of the
plurality of sleeves.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/040,327 filed Sep. 27, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/593,509 filed Aug. 24, 2012, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/770,934, filed Apr.
30, 2010, the disclosures of which are fully incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application is directed, in general, to a network of
personal computers and, more specifically, to a modular,
centralized, high density, personal computer system with remote
operation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Presently, most office environments are served by a computer
system comprising a central server coupled to a local area network
(LAN) and often also to a wide area network (WAN) and the Internet.
Coupled to the LAN is a plurality of personal computers distributed
throughout individual offices of the company. This provides a
central location where the server and the networks can easily be
maintained by an information technology (IT) technician. With the
personal computers distributed in individual offices, data that may
be required by more than one user must be copied or transferred to
the central server or software network provisions made for, usually
secure, access to a computer in another part of the company. For
example, a large headquarters building of a company, e.g. a bank,
may have workers over several floors that need to access individual
account data at varying times, e.g., teller, home loan department,
vehicle loan department, etc., Additionally, with personal
computers distributed throughout spaced-apart offices, the cooling
requirements are more distributed, perhaps frequently requiring
re-balancing the office air conditioning systems as seasons change.
Moreover, individual computer units are relatively large and take
up space within the individual's office.
SUMMARY
[0004] One aspect, as set forth herein, provides a sub-rack module
for supporting a personal computer chassis therein. In this aspect,
the sub-rack module comprises an open-ended support module having a
top, a bottom, and first and second sides, and a through aperture
extending from a front of the open-ended support module to a rear
of said open-ended support module. The through aperture has a
side-to-side width sufficient to receive a computer chassis
therein. The top side of the open-ended support module has a front
to rear length such that ventilation apertures of the computer
chassis are exposed at the rear when the computer chassis is
positioned within the open-ended support module.
[0005] In another aspect a system for stacking modular personal
computers is provided. This embodiment comprises open-ended support
modules each having a top, a bottom, and first and second sides,
and a through aperture extending from a front to a rear of the
open-ended support modules. The through apertures have a
side-to-side width sufficient to receive at least one computer
chassis therein. The top side of each open-ended support module has
a front to rear length such that ventilation apertures of a
computer chassis are exposed at the rear when the at least one
computer chassis is positioned within the open-ended support
module. This embodiment further includes a multi-position support
rack having frame support members coupled together to form a
plurality of support locations for the open-ended support modules.
The open-ended support modules are located within and supported by
the multi-position support rack at least a portion of the support
locations.
[0006] In a further aspect, a method of manufacturing a system for
stacking modular personal computers is provided. This embodiment
comprises forming a plurality of open-ended support modules, each
having a top, a bottom, and first and second sides, and a through
aperture extending from a front of the open-ended support module to
a rear of the open-ended support module. The through aperture has a
side-to-side width sufficient to receive at least one computer
chassis therein. The top side of the open-ended support module has
a front to rear length such that ventilation apertures of the
computer chassis are exposed at the rear of the open-ended support
module when the computer chassis is positioned within the
open-ended support module. The method further includes forming a
multi-position support rack having frame support members coupled
together to form a plurality of support locations for the
open-ended support modules, and removably securing at least a
portion of the open-ended support modules within the multi-position
support rack at one of the support locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0007] Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of one embodiment of an
open-ended support module constructed according to the principles
of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 1B is an isometric view of one embodiment of a computer
chassis constructed according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the open-ended support module
with two personal computer chassis inserted therein; and
[0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of 12 open-ended support modules
with two personal computer chassis inserted in each open-ended
support module of a multi-position support rack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Referring initially to FIG. IA, illustrated is an isometric
view of one embodiment of a sub-rack module 100 constructed
according to the principles of the present invention. The sub-rack
module 100 comprises an open-ended support module 100 having a top
101, a bottom 102, first and second sides 103, 104, respectively,
an optional central divider or partition 107, first and second
mounting flanges 108, 109, respectively, and a through aperture
114. The through aperture 114 extends from a front 111 of the
open-ended support module 100 to a rear 112 of the open-ended
support module 100. In one embodiment, the through aperture 114 has
a side-to-side width sufficient to receive at least one computer
chassis therein. However, in other embodiments, the through
aperture's 114 width is sufficient to provide for two or more
computer chassis 120. In one aspect, the through aperture 114 is
partitioned into first and second computer chassis sub-bays 105,
106, respectively. The partition 107 may be a panel or a bracket,
as shown, and may serve as additional support structure for the
open-ended support module 100. The mounting flanges 108, 109 may be
configured as shown with which bolts and nuts can be used to
removably secure the open-ended support module 100 to a support
frame. However, in other embodiments, the mounting flanges 108, 109
may include other means such as friction clamps that can be used to
removably secure the open-ended support module 100 to a support
frame.
[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the open-ended support module
100 may further include notches 113 in the first and second sides
103, 104, respectively, adjacent the rear of the open-end support
module 100. As mentioned below, the notches 113 can serve as an
opening to facilitate air flow into the back end of the computer
chassis 120. When present in certain embodiments, the first and
second mounting flanges 108, 109, respectively, extend laterally
from the front end 111 on opposing sides of the open-ended support
module 100. The open-ended support module 100 may be constructed of
any suitable rigid sheet-like material such as sheet metal or hard
plastic that is sufficiently strong to support the weight of the
open-ended support module 100 or modules.
[0014] Referring now to FIG. 1B, illustrated is an isometric view
of one embodiment of a computer chassis 120 constructed according
to the principles of the present invention. Though the computer
chassis 120 is not limited to any particular size, it is
particularly advantageous that the computer chassis 120 is compact
in size and significantly smaller that typical desk top models;
that is the length may typically vary between about 12, 16, and 18
inches, while the overall width may vary between about 6 to 8
inches, and the thickness may be about 3 to 4 inches. The compact
size of the computer chassis 120 is particularly advantageous in
that the units can be centralized in one location, as opposed to
computer chassis being located at multiple stations. The
centralization provides greater control over the individual
computer chassis, and given that they can be centralized in one
location, security can be much improved. However, such
centralization and the racking of multiple heat generating computer
chassis gives rise to serious cooling considerations, which is what
the present disclosure addresses.
[0015] In one embodiment, the computer chassis 120 comprises main
and secondary cooling fans 121, 122, respectively; and top, side
and front ventilation apertures, 123, 124, 125, respectively, and
an optional swingable handle 126. The cooling fans 121, 122 and the
ventilation apertures 123, 124, and 125 allow for an air flow in a
direction that is from the back to the front of the computer
chassis 120, and indicated by the large arrows shown in FIG. IB. In
this particular embodiment and when used in conjunction with the
open-ended support module 100, this air flow allows for efficient
cooling when multiple computer chassis 100 are racked together in
one central location.
[0016] The main and secondary cooling fans 121, 122, respectively,
are internal to the computer chassis 120. For clarity, the other
components of the personal computer within the computer chassis
120, e.g., hard drive, motherboard, microprocessor, etc., are not
shown and may be of conventional design. Ambient cooling air is
drawn in through the top and side ventilation apertures 123, 124 by
the main cooling fan 121. The air, having been heated by the
electronics of the personal computer, is expelled through the front
ventilation apertures 125 with the assistance of the secondary
cooling fan 122. The optional swingable handle 126 is rotatably
coupled to the upper front corners of the computer chassis 120 and
may be used to carry, remove, and insert the computer chassis 120
into the first or second through apertures 105, 106, respectively.
The mouse and keyboard connect to the computer chassis 120 over
Ethernet. The end user can plug in any USB device at the client
side and the signal is carried to the computer chassis 120 over
Ethernet. The computer within the computer chassis 120 decodes the
signal from Ethernet to USB and sees the mouse and keyboard. Power,
Ethernet and PCoIP signal as made through the front panel of the
computer chassis 120.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is an isometric view of
the open-ended support module 100 with two personal computer
chassis 120 inserted therein. In this illustrated embodiment, the
first and second computer chassis sub-bays 105, 106 are configured
to each receive the personal computer chassis 120 therein, and the
open-ended support module 100 has a front 111 to rear 112 length
127 such that the top ventilation apertures 123 adjacent the back
end of the computer chassis 120 extend beyond the rear 112 of the
open-ended support module 100. This cooperative configuration is
particularly advantageous in that the air flow from the back to the
front of the computer chassis 120 is not blocked or inhibited by
any portion of the open-ended support module 100. Optional notches
113 in the first and second sides 102, 103, respectively, permit
additional cooling air to enter through the side ventilation
apertures 124 when the personal computer chassis 120 is fully
inserted into the first and second computer chassis sub-bays 105,
106.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is one embodiment of an
isometric view of 12 open-ended support modules 100 with two
personal computer chassis 120 inserted in each open-ended support
module 100 of a multi-position support rack 300. The multi-position
support rack 300 comprises a plurality of frame support members 305
coupled together to form a plurality of support locations for the
open-ended support modules 100. The mounting flanges 108, 109 are
configured to cooperate with the frame support members 305 to
removably fasten the open-ended support modules 100 at the desired
support locations. The top and sides have been removed from the
multi-position support rack 300 for better viewing of the
contents.
[0019] The two stacks of six open-ended support modules 100 with 12
personal computer chassis 120 each are located on opposing sides of
the multi-position support rack 300 and are advantageously arranged
such that the back ends of the computer chassis 120 oppose each
other. This unique configuration forms an air passageway 310
between the rears of the two stacks of personal computer chassis
120 and forms an open air conduit for air to flow from the air
passageway 310, through the computer chassis 120 and out the
opposing sides of the multi-position support rack 300. More
specifically, air flows into the top and optional side ventilation
apertures 123, 124, respectively, of each of the personal computer
chassis 120 and out the front ventilation apertures 125. This
unique configuration allows for efficient cooling of multi-heat
generating personal computers, while allowing them to be racked in
a single centralized location.
[0020] While a multi-position support rack 300 with 24 personal
computers is illustrated, one who is of skill in the art will
recognize that the multi-position support rack 300 may comprise any
number of open-ended support modules 100 arranged so as to position
the computer chassis 120 mounted therein with the rear ends of the
chassis opposing.
[0021] Thus, a stackable modular personal computer array has been
described that concentrates the computer hardware in one large,
multi-position support rack. Therefore, air conditioning can be
provided to accommodate the heat output of the stackable modular
personal computer array. With all of the computers commonly
located, information can be accessed by any authorized used
remotely from the computer array anywhere in the company as well as
the information technology technician does not need to walk back
and forth from the server room to the office with a computer
problem. Furthermore, connecting a keyboard, mouse, etc., can be
readily accomplished to a problem computer and diagnosis made. If
necessary, the problem computer can be removed from the open-ended
support module and replaced with a known good computer.
[0022] Those skilled in the art to which this application relates
will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions,
substitutions and modifications may be made to the described
embodiments. For example:
[0023] A sub-rack module for supporting a personal computer chassis
therein, comprising: an open-ended support module having a top, a
bottom, and first and second sides, and a through aperture
extending from a front of said open-ended support module to a rear
of said open-ended support module, said through aperture having a
side-to-side width sufficient to receive a computer chassis
therein, said top of said open-ended support module having a front
to rear length such that ventilation apertures of said computer
chassis are exposed at said rear when said computer chassis is
positioned within said open-ended support module.
[0024] The sub-rack module above wherein said through aperture has
a width configured to receive at least two computer chassis
therein.
[0025] The sub-rack module above wherein said through aperture is
partitioned into at least two computer chassis sub-bays and each of
said sub-bays has a width configured to receive a computer chassis
therein.
[0026] The sub-rack module above further comprising opposing
mounting flanges laterally extending from a front end of said
open-ended support module, wherein said mounting flanges are
configured to enable said open-ended support module to be removably
fastened to a supporting frame.
[0027] The sub-rack module above wherein said first and second
sides of said open-ended support module include notches adjacent
said rear formed therein such that side ventilation apertures of a
computer chassis are exposed through said notches when said
computer chassis is positioned within said open-ended support
module to allow air flow through said notches and into said
computer chassis.
[0028] A system for stacking modular personal computers,
comprising: open-ended support modules each having a top, a bottom,
and first and second sides, and a through aperture extending from a
front to a rear of each of said open-ended support modules, said
through apertures having a side-to-side width sufficient to receive
at least one computer chassis therein, said top having a front to
rear length such that ventilation apertures of a computer chassis
are exposed at said rear when said computer chassis is positioned
within said open-ended support module; and a multi-position support
rack having frame support members coupled together to form a
plurality of support locations for said open-ended support modules,
and wherein said open-ended support modules are located within and
supported by said multi-position support rack at least a portion of
said support locations.
[0029] The system above further including at least one computer
chassis received in at least a portion of said open-ended support
modules, said at least one computer chassis having top ventilation
apertures located on a top side adjacent a back end thereof, side
ventilation apertures located on first and second sides adjacent
said back end thereof, and front ventilation apertures located on a
front side of said computer chassis.
[0030] The system above wherein said frame support members have
support locations on opposing sides of said multi-position support
rack and wherein said open-ended support modules are positioned
vertically and horizontally with respect to each other within said
multi-position support rack and are removably secured to said
multi-position support rack at said support locations such that
said top ventilation apertures of said computer chassis are
opposing each other and spaced apart to form an air passageway
between opposing back ends of said computer chassis, said computer
chassis having at least one fan located therein that directs air
through said top ventilation apertures at said back end of said
computer chassis and toward and through said front ventilation
apertures, such that air is circulated from said passageway and
through each of said computer chassis and outward through said
front ventilation apertures.
[0031] The system above wherein said first and second sides of said
open-ended support modules include notches formed therein adjacent
said rear such that said side ventilation apertures are exposed
through said notches when said at least one computer chassis is
positioned within said open-ended support module to allow air flow
through said notches and into said computer chassis through said
side ventilation apertures.
[0032] The system above wherein said computer chassis further
includes a rotatable handle attached in said front side of said
computer chassis.
[0033] The system above wherein each of said open-ended support
modules further comprise opposing mounting flanges laterally
extending from said front of each of said open-ended support
modules, wherein said mounting flanges and said frame support
members are configured to enable said open-ended support modules to
be removably fastened to said frame support members at said support
locations of said multi-position support rack.
[0034] A method of manufacturing a system for stacking modular
personal computers, comprising: forming a plurality of open-ended
support modules, each having a top, a bottom, and first and second
sides, and a through aperture extending from a front of said
open-ended support module to a rear of said open-ended support
module, said through aperture having a side-to-side width
sufficient to receive at least one computer chassis therein, said
top side of said open-ended support module having a front to rear
length such that ventilation apertures of said computer chassis are
exposed at said rear of said open-ended support module when said
computer chassis is positioned within said open-ended support
module; forming a multi-position support rack having frame support
members coupled together to form a plurality of support locations
for said open-ended support modules; and removably securing at
least a portion of said open-ended support modules within said
multi-position support rack at one of said support locations.
[0035] The method above further comprising placing at least one
computer chassis in at least one of said open-ended support modules
such that top ventilation apertures located on a top side and
adjacent a back end of said computer chassis extend beyond said top
side of said open-ended support module.
[0036] The method above wherein removably securing one of said
open-ended support modules further comprises removably securing
said open-ended support modules within said frame support at
support locations on opposing sides of said multi-position support
rack and wherein said open-ended support modules are positioned
vertically and horizontally with respect to each other within said
multi-position support rack such that said top ventilation
apertures of said computer chassis are opposing each other and
spaced apart to form an air passageway between said rear ends of
said computer chassis.
[0037] The method above wherein forming a plurality of open-ended
support modules includes forming open-ended support modules having
first and second sides that include notches formed therein adjacent
said rear such that side ventilation apertures of said computer
chassis are exposed through said notches when said computer chassis
is positioned within said open-ended support module to allow air
flow through said notches and into said computer chassis through
said side ventilation apertures.
[0038] The method above wherein forming a plurality of open-ended
support modules further comprises forming opposing mounting flanges
laterally extending from a front end of said open-ended support
module, wherein said mounting flanges are configured to enable said
open-ended support modules to be fastened to a supporting frame,
and removably securing includes securing said open-ended support
modules to said frame support members via said mounting
flanges.
[0039] The method above wherein forming a plurality of open-ended
support modules comprises forming said through aperture with a
width configured to receive at least two computer chassis
therein.
[0040] The method above wherein forming a plurality of open-ended
support modules comprises partitioning said through aperture into
at least two computer chassis sub-bays and each of said sub-bays
has a width configured to receive a computer chassis therein.
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