Patents by Inventor James S. Spitaels
James S. Spitaels has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20120271570Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a system for monitoring a plurality of circuit branches, the system comprising a plurality of current sensors, each configured to be coupled to at least one of the plurality of circuit branches and to produce a signal having a level related to a current level of the one of the plurality of circuit branches, a communications bus, a plurality of sensor circuits, wherein each one of the plurality of sensor circuits is configured to convert the signal from the associated one of the plurality of current sensors to a digital measurement signal and provide the digital measurement signal to the communication bus, and a controller configured to receive the digital measurement signal from each sensor circuit over the communication bus and transmit data related to the digital measurement signal from each sensor circuit to an external client.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Namwook Paik, James S. Spitaels
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Publication number: 20120268106Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a current monitoring device comprising a current transformer configured to be removeably coupled to a power line and to generate a reference signal having a level related to a current level of the power line, a sensor circuit connected to the current transformer and configured to be removeably coupled to a communications bus and to convert the reference signal to a digital reference signal and provide a signal indicative of the current level to the communication bus, and a housing containing the sensor circuit and the current transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Arthur J. Blake, JR., Vishwas M. Deokar, Namwook Paik, James S. Spitaels
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Publication number: 20120271924Abstract: Systems and methods that automatically assign addresses to devices coupled to a shared bus are provided. In one example, a system for assigning addresses to a plurality of devices within a network includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The system is configured to instruct all of the plurality of devices to respectively select a first dynamic address from a first set of dynamic addresses, respectively assign a different static address to each device having a first dynamic address that uniquely identifies the device, instruct all of the plurality of devices having a first dynamic address that identifies at least two devices to respectively select a second dynamic address from a second set of dynamic addresses and respectively assign another different static address to each device having a second dynamic address that uniquely identifies the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: James S. Spitaels, Vishwas M. Deokar, Namwook Paik, Brian P. Mearns
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Publication number: 20120269071Abstract: Systems and methods of transmitting data to a plurality of devices are provided. In one example, a system is configured to broadcast data to a group of multiple devices. Each of the group of devices is configured to inspect the message and locally store the content of the message. Further, the group of devices is configured so that a single device of the group responds to each message.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Daniel C. Cohen, James S. Spitaels, Brian P. Mearns, Himanshu Trivedi, Vishwas M. Deokar
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Publication number: 20120271579Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a system for monitoring a plurality of circuit branches coupled to an input line, the system comprising a communication bus, a plurality of sensor circuits, each configured to be coupled to the communication bus and at least one of the plurality of circuit branches, wherein each sensor circuit is further configured to sample current in the at least one of the plurality of circuit branches, a controller configured to be coupled to the communication bus and the input line; wherein the controller is further configured to sample voltage on the input line, and wherein the controller is further configured to synchronize, via the communication bus, current sampling performed by the plurality of sensor circuits with the voltage sampling performed by the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Vishwas M. Deokar, Namwook Paik, James S. Spitaels
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Publication number: 20120248954Abstract: An equipment enclosure for housing electronic components includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is configured to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is configured to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey Lee Mattlin, Joseph H. Bergesch, Kevin Neil Thomas, Paul Thomas Smith, James S. Spitaels, Daniel Bryan
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Patent number: 8212427Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system for power distribution. According to some embodiments, the system includes a rack mountable power distribution unit including a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing also including an outer wall defining a cavity within the housing, and fastening elements configured to allow the housing to be mounted within an electrical equipment rack. In accordance with these embodiments, the outer wall of the housing includes an opening extending linearly between the first end and the second end of the housing and a plurality of electrical conductors located within the cavity and oriented linearly between the first end and the second end. In accordance with further embodiments, the system includes a tap module including a plurality of contacts extending therefrom wherein each of the plurality of contacts is configured to be inserted into the opening before engaging one of the plurality of electrical conductors within the cavity, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: American Power Converison CorporationInventors: James S. Spitaels, Michael Jansma, Patrick Riley Johnson, William Ziegler
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Patent number: 8210490Abstract: An equipment enclosure for housing electronic components includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is configured to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is configured to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Lee Mattlin, Joseph H. Bergesch, Kevin Neil Thomas, Paul Thomas Smith, James S. Spitaels, Daniel Bryan
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Patent number: 8164220Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a UPS includes an input configured to be coupled to an AC power source, a DC power source, an output configured to receive power from at least one of the AC power source and the DC power source, a first switched receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a first electrical load and a second receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a second electrical load. According to some embodiments, the UPS also includes a control unit configurable to provide a first configuration associated with the first switched receptacle outlet, where the first configuration is employed by the control unit to control a connection of the first switched receptacle outlet to the output independent of the second receptacle outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Daniel C. Cohen, David A. Colucci, Mark R. Melanson, James S. Spitaels
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Patent number: 8125102Abstract: A power supply system includes an AC power line with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The UPS includes control circuitry that couples power conversion circuitry of the UPS to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable. The power supply system also includes a second UPS device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The second UPS includes a timer delay, such that the control circuitry is configured to couple power conversion circuitry to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable, and upon expiration of the timer.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Daniel C. Cohen, David A. Colucci, James S. Spitaels, Mark R. Melanson
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Publication number: 20120025683Abstract: An equipment enclosure for housing electronic components includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is configured to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is configured to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey Lee Mattlin, Joseph H. Bergesch, Kevin Neil Thomas, Paul Thomas Smith, James S. Spitaels, Daniel Bryan
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Patent number: 8108496Abstract: A method is provided for automatically determining in which data forwarding mode a network device should operate. Also, other settings for operation of the device may be automatically determined. These modes and settings may be selected based on one or more attributes of the network to which the device is connected. In one example, the network device includes a wired network interface and a wireless network interface. The device may be capable of operating in a routing, bridging, or repeating mode. The network device may select a forwarding mode based on attributes of the network that are detected or otherwise received by the network device.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventor: James S Spitaels
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Publication number: 20110301773Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring power in power distribution systems are provided. In one aspect, a system for monitoring power includes a power monitoring device that measures a value of at least one characteristic of power provided to a branch of a power distribution system. The power monitoring device includes an output that provides the value measured. The system further includes a controller having an input to receive the value measured and an output that couples to a first device powered by the branch to send a maximum power signal to the first device to command the first device to operate at a percentage of maximum power.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: James S. Spitaels, Neil Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20110275242Abstract: A multi-port cabling system for use in installing cable to an equipment rack or enclosure or within an equipment room or data center includes a cabling assembly comprising at least one connector head having a plurality of ports and at least one cable operatively connected to the plurality of ports. The at least one cable terminates internally within the connector head to operatively couple the cable to the plurality of ports. The system further includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and the connector head are each configured for tool-less attachment of one or more cabling assemblies to the bracket. The mounting bracket is further configured to removably mount to an equipment rack or enclosure, and/or to a wall, to thereby install one or more cables. The cabling assembly and the cabling system help to eliminate on-site cable termination and testing during installation of cables to rack-mounted equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: James S. Spitaels, Daniel Bryan
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Patent number: 8052231Abstract: A blanking panel is provided for use with equipment racks or enclosures that house electronic components, and is configured to facilitate installation of the panel with a pair of vertical mounting rails or flanges of a rack or enclosure without the use of tools or other hardware. The blanking panel is constructed of one or more materials and/or defines one or more configurations such that when the blanking panel is installed into a rack or enclosure, portions of a body of the blanking panel interface with a surface of an equipment component or another blanking panel installed above or below the blanking panel to thereby form an air seal there between, which helps to reduce or prevent hot exhaust air from mixing with cooling air within a rack or enclosure, and further helps to reduce or prevent cooling air from bypassing equipment components.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Neil Rasmussen, James S. Spitaels, Jeffrey Lee Mattlin, William Ziegler
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Patent number: 8033406Abstract: An equipment enclosure for housing electronic components includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is configured to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is configured to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Lee Mattlin, Joseph H. Bergesch, Kevin Neil Thomas, Paul Thomas Smith, James S. Spitaels, Daniel Bryan
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Publication number: 20110181108Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a UPS includes an input configured to be coupled to an AC power source, a DC power source, an output configured to receive power from at least one of the AC power source and the DC power source, a first switched receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a first electrical load and a second receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a second electrical load. According to some embodiments, the UPS also includes a control unit configurable to provide a first configuration associated with the first switched receptacle outlet, where the first configuration is employed by the control unit to control a connection of the first switched receptacle outlet to the output independent of the second receptacle outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel C. Cohen, David A. Colucci, Mark R. Melanson, James S. Spitaels
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Patent number: 7979985Abstract: A multi-port cabling system for use in installing cable to an equipment rack or enclosure or within an equipment room or data center includes a cabling assembly comprising at least one connector head having a plurality of ports and at least one cable operatively connected to the plurality of ports. The at least one cable terminates internally within the connector head to operatively couple the cable to the plurality of ports. The system further includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and the connector head are each configured for tool-less attachment of one or more cabling assemblies to the bracket. The mounting bracket is further configured to removably mount to an equipment rack or enclosure, and/or to a wall, to thereby install one or more cables. The cabling assembly and the cabling system help to eliminate on-site cable termination and testing during installation of cables to rack-mounted equipment.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: James S. Spitaels, Daniel Bryan
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Publication number: 20110169333Abstract: A power supply system includes an AC power line with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The UPS includes control circuitry that couples power conversion circuitry of the UPS to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable. The power supply system also includes a second UPS device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The second UPS includes a timer delay, such that the control circuitry is configured to couple power conversion circuitry to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable, and upon expiration of the timer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel C. Cohen, David A. Colucci, James S. Spitaels, Mark R. Melanson
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Publication number: 20110136353Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system for power distribution. According to some embodiments, the system includes a rack mountable power distribution unit including a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing also including an outer wall defining a cavity within the housing, and fastening elements configured to allow the housing to be mounted within an electrical equipment rack. In accordance with these embodiments, the outer wall of the housing includes an opening extending linearly between the first end and the second end of the housing and a plurality of electrical conductors located within the cavity and oriented linearly between the first end and the second end. In accordance with further embodiments, the system includes a tap module including a plurality of contacts extending therefrom wherein each of the plurality of contacts is configured to be inserted into the opening before engaging one of the plurality of electrical conductors within the cavity, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: James S. Spitaels, Michael Jansma, Patrick Riley Johnson, William Ziegler