Patents Assigned to Server Technology, Inc.
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Patent number: 8601291Abstract: A power management device can include a housing, a power input associated with the housing, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the housing. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the housing and to the power input. In some embodiments, a communications bus and one or more power control sections can be associated with the housing. In some embodiments, one or more power control sections can communicate with the communications bus and with one or more corresponding power outputs among the plurality of power outputs. In some embodiments, a power information display can communicate with the communications bus. If desired, a power information determining section can be associated with the housing and in communication with the communications bus. The power information determining section may communicate power-related information to the power information display.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
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Patent number: 8587950Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses provide power from multiple input power sources to adjacent outputs efficiently and reliably. Aspects of the disclosure provide a power distribution unit (PDU) that includes a number of power outputs including first and second adjacent power outputs. The PDU includes a printed circuit board having a first conducting layer electrically interconnected to a first power input connection and the first power output, a second conducting layer that is at least partially above the first conducting layer and in facing relationship thereto. The second conducting layer is electrically insulated from the first conducting layer and electrically interconnected with a second power input connection and the second power output, the first and second power outputs thereby connected to different power inputs.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly
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Publication number: 20130294014Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for power parameter sensing using power sensing components integrated into a relay are described. A power distribution unit may be provided with switched outputs that may provide or interrupt power provided to the output through a plurality of relays. The plurality of relays may include an integrated power sensor configured to sense one or more power parameters associated with power delivered to a respective power output. A power-related information reporting system may be coupled with the relays and configured to report power-related information derived from the power sensor to a remote system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: SERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: Travis Irons
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Publication number: 20130289789Abstract: Power distribution apparatus with input and output power sensing and a method of use. A power distribution unit includes a sensor that senses power parameters of power outputs and a power input, a processor, and a communication circuit. A power management system includes a power manager, a user interface, and a plurality of power distribution units that may be located in one or more equipment cabinets and data centers. The system may compute apparent power, RMS power, power factor, energy usage over time, power usage history, or environmental history for any or all of the power distribution units. The system may identify an under-utilized server connected to one of the power distribution units and initiate a shut-down of that server.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: SERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Brian P. Auclair, David Massey, Brandon W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, Calvin Nicholson, Paul Hunt
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Patent number: 8560652Abstract: An SNMP network comprises a power manager with an SNMP agent in TCP/IP communication over a network with an SNMP network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the SNMP network manager with MIB variables in response to GET commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The SNMP network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, James P. Maskaly
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Patent number: 8549067Abstract: A power management device can include a power management device housing, a power input associated with the power management device housing, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power management device housing. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power management device housing and to the power input. In some embodiments, a communications bus can be associated with the power management device housing and one or more power control sections can also be associated with the power management device housing. In some embodiments, one or more power control sections can communicate with the communications bus and with one or more corresponding power outputs among the plurality of power outputs. In some embodiments, a power information display can communicate with the communications bus.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
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Patent number: 8549062Abstract: A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
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Publication number: 20130253861Abstract: A method of monitoring power usage includes 1) accessing power usage data for power distribution unit infeeds of a plurality of power distribution units; 2) accessing stored circuit descriptions describing interconnections of the power distribution unit infeeds to a number of power feed circuits; 3) transforming the plurality of power distribution units into a power usage monitor for monitoring power usage of the power feed circuits by aggregating at least some of the power usage data based on the interconnections of the power distribution unit infeeds to the number of power feed circuits; and 4) outputting representations of the aggregated power usage data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: SERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Calvin Nicholson, Michael Gordon
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Patent number: 8541906Abstract: A polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus having sets of outputs for each phase of power and monitors for each phase of power disposed in the housing. Each monitor provides a visible display of current for an associated phase of power and an audible alarm for each phase of power if the current exceeds a predetermined value or falls below a predetermined value. In three-phase wye power systems, the apparatus preferably includes a neutral line monitor, including a neutral line current display and audio alarm, for the neutral line of the wye power circuit. The apparatus preferably is lightweight, elongated, portable, and mountable to the side of an electronic equipment rack. It may also include additional power monitoring systems such as network power monitoring tools for remotely monitoring the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly
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Patent number: 8541907Abstract: A polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus having sets of outputs for each phase of power and monitors for each phase of power disposed in the housing. Each monitor provides a visible display of current for an associated phase of power and an audible alarm for each phase of power if the current exceeds a predetermined value or falls below a predetermined value. In three-phase wye power systems, the apparatus preferably includes a neutral line monitor, including a neutral line current display and audio alarm, for the neutral line of the wye power circuit. The apparatus preferably is lightweight, elongated, portable, and mountable to the side of an electronic equipment rack. It may also include additional power monitoring systems such as network power monitoring tools for remotely monitoring the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly
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Publication number: 20130233232Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rescuing and recovering underwater vehicles. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a modular rescue device configured to attach to an underwater vehicle, such as with a tow line. The rescue device can include one or more emergency mechanisms that can be automatically and/or manually activated to aid in detecting the location of the underwater vehicle in the event of an emergency. One exemplary emergency mechanism includes a buoyancy mechanism, e.g., an expandable lift bag, configured to be inflated with a fluid to add buoyancy force to the system to pull the underwater vehicle toward a water surface. Another exemplary emergency mechanism includes a signaling mechanism configured to signal the underwater vehicle's location.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Ocean Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan C. Crowell, David Charles
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Patent number: 8527619Abstract: An SNMP network comprises a power manager with an SNMP agent in TCP/IP communication over a network with an SNMP network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the SNMP network manager with MIB variables in response to GET commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The SNMP network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland
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Publication number: 20130212411Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for configuration of multiple power distribution units (PDUs) in an efficient manner. Power distribution units may be discovered on a network, and automatically configured according to a configuration defined for a particular location. A location may be, for example, a geographical region, a data center, a zone within a data center, a cabinet, or an individual PDU. All PDUs associated with a particular location may be provided with a common configuration file that defines operating parameters for the PDUs. In such a manner, a user may simply connect the PDU to the network, with the appropriate configuration provided without additional involvement of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: SERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Calvin Nicholson, Michael Gordon
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Patent number: 8510424Abstract: A network can comprise a power manager with a network agent in communication over a network with a network manager. The power manager can be connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module can report the power status of each network appliance to the network manager with variables in response to commands. Each intelligent power module can be equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The network manager can test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, Brian P. Auclair
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Patent number: 8494661Abstract: Managing electrical power usage in a power distribution system. Power usage data indicative of electrical current flow through electrical outlets in the system are collected and displayed for a user. The user may select an outlet and issue a command to control current flow through that outlet. Environmental data may also be collected and displayed. Outlets in different Cabinet Power Distribution Units (CDUs) in different locations may be clustered for reporting and control. A database structure provides a “system” table for data descriptive of the system, a “tower” table for data descriptive of outlets and other elements in the system, an “infeed” table for data descriptive of input electrical power, and an “outlet” table for data descriptive of electrical power flowing through the outlets.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Brian P. Auclair, Marc Eisenberg, Calvin Nicholson, Andy Szeto
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Patent number: 8489667Abstract: A vertical-mount network remote power management outlet strip embodiment of the present invention comprises a long, thin outlet strip body with several independently controllable power outlet sockets distributed along its length. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies AC-operating power to relays associated with each of the power outlet sockets. The relays are each addressably controlled by a microprocessor connected to an internal I2C-bus serial communications channel. The power-on status of each relay output to the power outlet sockets is sensed and communicated back on the internal I2C-bus. A device-networking communications processor with an embedded operating system translates messages, status, and controls between the internal I2C-bus and an Ethernet port, and other external networks.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
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Patent number: 8448592Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rescuing and recovering underwater vehicles. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a modular rescue device configured to attach to an underwater vehicle, such as with a tow line. The rescue device can include one or more emergency mechanisms that can be automatically and/or manually activated to aid in detecting the location of the underwater vehicle in the event of an emergency. One exemplary emergency mechanism includes a buoyancy mechanism, e.g., an expandable lift bag, configured to be inflated with a fluid to add buoyancy force to the system to pull the underwater vehicle toward a water surface. Another exemplary emergency mechanism includes a signaling mechanism configured to signal the underwater vehicle's location.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Ocean Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan C. Crowell, David Charles
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Publication number: 20130090869Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) disposable in an electrical equipment rack. The PDU has a housing, a power input penetrating the housing, outlets in the housing, a processor disposed in the housing, voltage and current sensors, and a voltage calculation procedure communicable with the processor. The processor samples voltage and current waveforms and calculates RMS values and other power parameters. A method of managing electrical loads each drawing electrical power from a PDU includes repeatedly sampling voltage across and current flowing through each of the loads, calculating raw RMS values of voltage and current, and scaling the raw RMS values to obtain corrected RMS voltage and current values and other power parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: SERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: SERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
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Publication number: 20120319485Abstract: An automatic transfer switch for a power system receiving multiple alternating current sources and delivering multiple alternating current output is described. A transfer switch control circuit can sense a power loss in one or both AC sources. Each power supply can deliver current to drive a load but, if one of the power supplies fails, the other can supply power to drive both loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: SERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy
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Publication number: 20120307421Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses provide power from multiple input power sources to adjacent outputs efficiently and reliably. Aspects of the disclosure provide a power distribution unit (PDU) that includes a number of power outputs including first and second adjacent power outputs. The PDU includes a printed circuit board having a first conducting layer electrically interconnected to a first power input connection and the first power output, a second conducting layer that is at least partially above the first conducting layer and in facing relationship thereto. The second conducting layer is electrically insulated from the first conducting layer and electrically interconnected with a second power input connection and the second power output, the first and second power outputs thereby connected to different power inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: SERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly