Patents Assigned to Zonit Structured Solutions, LLC
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Patent number: 9958925Abstract: A control system (300) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9918413Abstract: A high-velocity low-pressure cooling system (100), especially suited for data center applications, includes an air coolant loop (102), a non-air coolant loop (104) and a cooler unit (126) for heat transfer between the loops (102 and 104). The air loop (102) is used to chill ambient air that is blown across heat transfer surfaces of equipment mounted in data center racks (110). In this manner, effective cooling is provided using a coolant that is benign in data center environments.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9829960Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reliable redundant power distribution. Some embodiments include micro Automatic Transfer Switches (micro-ATSs), including various components and techniques for facilitating reliable auto-switching functionality in a small footprint (e.g., less than ten cubic inches, with at least one dimension being less than a standard NEMA rack height). Other embodiments include systems and techniques for integrating a number of micro-ATSs into a parallel auto-switching module for redundant power delivery to a number of devices. Implementations of the parallel auto-switching module are configured to be mounted in, on top of, or on the side of standard equipment racks. Still other embodiments provide power distribution topologies that exploit functionality of the micro-ATSs and/or the parallel micro-ATS modules.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: William Pachoud, Steve Chapel
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Patent number: 9793887Abstract: A compact solid state relay (7) is provided. Solid state devices (74, 75), such as Triacs or Thyristors are used to implement the relay functionality. The device is at least partially enclosed in a housing that has pins for mounting on an electronics board. A number of “U” shaped jumpers (72) or other jumpers or wires are provided in the housing to act as heat sinks. A subminiature fan (70) is positioned to create an air flow over the heat sinks and dissipate heat from the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9658665Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reliable redundant power distribution. Some embodiments include micro Automatic Transfer Switches (micro-ATSs), including various components and techniques for facilitating reliable auto-switching functionality in a small footprint (e.g., less than ten cubic inches, with at least one dimension being less than a standard NEMA rack height). Other embodiments include systems and techniques for integrating a number of micro-ATSs into a parallel auto-switching module for redundant power delivery to a number of devices. Implementations of the parallel auto-switching module are configured to be mounted in, on top of, or on the side of standard equipment racks. Still other embodiments provide power distribution topologies that exploit functionality of the micro-ATSs and/or the parallel micro-ATS modules.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9646789Abstract: An electrical relay (2) includes an electromagnetic drive system for providing bi-directional drive. The electrical relay (2) includes a first a coil (212) and a second coil (213). A current is supplied to the coils (212) and (213) in opposite directions. The two coils (212) and (213) can be used to accelerate the armature in either direction in relation to the two contacts. This can be used to drive the armature to either one of the contacts and to accelerate and decelerate the armature during a single transit. In the latter regard, the armature can be accelerated and decelerated to shorten the transit time, reduce bounce, reduce wear on the contacts, and allow for different contact material options.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9618270Abstract: A high-velocity low-pressure cooling system (100), especially suited for data center applications, includes an air coolant loop (102), a non-air coolant loop (104) and a cooler unit (126) for heat transfer between the loops (102 and 104). The air loop (102) is used to chill ambient air that is blown across heat transfer surfaces of equipment mounted in data center racks (110). In this manner, effective cooling is provided using a coolant that is benign in data center environments.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9601284Abstract: A relay (1) includes a motor (20) and a primary electrical switch assembly (132). Primary electrical switching attachment points (113) are switched by a moveable switching link (101) which is moved in and out of the switch on an switched off position axially by the motor (20) in response to electrical signals delivered to the coil (26) via the flexible leads (32, 33). The switching link (101) includes a mercury reservoir (119). A piezoelectric disk bender (105) displaces mercury to close the gaps between the attachment points (113).Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9588534Abstract: A control system (300) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9431763Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. In certain embodiments, the electrical connection can be secured by frictional engagement between the plug and receptacle housings. This can be accomplished by forcing a wedge into an interface between the housings or expanding a locking element, such as an elastomeric ring, into the interface. Such locking and releasing of the secure connection can be actuated using a locking nut.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9281617Abstract: A method and apparatus (“utility”) for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. The utility includes a clamping mechanism whereby the very forces that would otherwise tend to pull the connection apart serve to actuate the clamping mechanism, thereby securing the mated pair. The apparatus may be integrated into a standard receptacle, or retrofitted to work with existing devices. In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism acts solely on the ground prong of a standard plug assembly, so that it is unnecessary to consider electrical potentials applied to the clamped prong in relation to the design of the clamping mechanism. Further, the withdrawing movement of the prongs of a plug may cause elongate clamping surfaces of the clamping mechanism to frictionally engage opposing surfaces of the clamped prong.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Martin S. Reaves, Steve Chapel
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Patent number: 9160168Abstract: A control system (300) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 9065207Abstract: Locking electrical receptacles and methods for selectively securing an electrical connection. One or more prongs of an electrical plug may be engaged by a clamping element disposable between a clamping configuration and a release configuration. A release mechanism accessible to a user when the electrical connection between a receptacle and plug is established may dispose the clamping mechanism in the release configuration. The clamping element may include a first and second portion that undergo relative movement to impart a shear force on the one or more prongs retained by the clamping mechanism. Furthermore, a strain relief mechanism may be provided to release the plug at a predetermined level of force by moving the clamping element deflectable portion (188) to a release configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Publication number: 20150066227Abstract: A control system (300) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Publication number: 20150064960Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. In certain embodiments, the electrical connection can be secured by frictional engagement between the plug and receptacle housings. This can be accomplished by forcing a wedge into an interface between the housings or expanding a locking element, such as an elastomeric ring, into the interface. Such locking and releasing of the secure connection can be actuated using a locking nut.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Publication number: 20150054356Abstract: A compact solid state relay (7) is provided. Solid state devices (74, 75), such as Triacs or Thyristors are used to implement the relay functionality. The device is at least partially enclosed in a housing that has pins for mounting on an electronics board. A number of “U” shaped jumpers (72) or other jumpers or wires are provided in the housing to act as heat sinks. A subminiature fan (70) is positioned to create an air flow over the heat sinks and dissipate heat from the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Publication number: 20150055270Abstract: A relay (1) includes a motor (20) and a primary electrical switch assembly (132). Primary electrical switching attachment points (113) are switched by a moveable switching link (101) which is moved in and out of the switch on an switched off position axially by the motor (20) in response to electrical signals delivered to the coil (26) via the flexible leads (32, 33). The switching link (101) includes a mercury reservoir (119). A piezoelectric disk bender (105) displaces mercury to close the gaps between the attachment points (113).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Publication number: 20150055268Abstract: An electrical relay (2) includes an electromagnetic drive system for providing bi-directional drive. The electrical relay (2) includes a first a coil (212) and a second coil (213). A current is supplied to the coils (212) and (213) in opposite directions. The two coils (212) and (213) can be used to accelerate the armature in either direction in relation to the two contacts. This can be used to drive the armature to either one of the contacts and to accelerate and decelerate the armature during a single transit. In the latter regard, the armature can be accelerated and decelerated to shorten the transit time, reduce bounce, reduce wear on the contacts, and allow for different contact material options.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Publication number: 20150056908Abstract: A modular arrangement is provided for housing electronic equipment and associated cooling structure in a data center environment. The modular units provide cooling air on an as-needed basis to individual pieces of equipment by way of individual plenums and associated valves. The units can be interconnected by vertical stacking, in side-to-side arrangements, and back-to-back arrangements. A number of units can be interconnected to form a cell. The cells can be interconnected to form larger units. In this manner, data centers can be configured in any desired arrangement without requiring complicated cooling design.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
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Patent number: 8907520Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reliable redundant power distribution. Some embodiments include micro Automatic Transfer Switches (micro-ATSs), including various components and techniques for facilitating reliable auto-switching functionality in a small footprint (e.g., less than ten cubic inches, with at least one dimension being less than a standard NEMA rack height). Other embodiments include systems and techniques for integrating a number of micro-ATSs into a parallel auto-switching module for redundant power delivery to a number of devices. Implementations of the parallel auto-switching module are configured to be mounted in, on top of, or on the side of standard equipment racks. Still other embodiments provide power distribution topologies that exploit functionality of the micro-ATSs and/or the parallel micro-ATS modules.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLCInventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud