Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A universal mounting system is provided for use in connection with substantially any type of electronic equipment so was to reduce or substantially avoid the need for rail kids or other mounting assemblies that are its equipment specific for mounting equipment to racks. In one implementation, a uniform mounting system (101) includes a number of rail and slider assemblies (112). Each of the rail and slider assemblies includes a slider that is slightly mounted on a support rail. Each of the slider is includes mounting flange is and brackets for mounting the slider to a piece of equipment. The mounting flanges 116 that's collectively define a segmented vertical rail. A safety stop mechanism can be used to define very a offset figurations of the equipment with respect to a front end of the rack.

Abstract: A system and method (“utility”) for providing power to an electrically powered device from alternate, redundant power sources via a single power cord. The utility is operable to provide redundant power to an electrical device having a power cord terminating in a standard plug. The utility is operable to sense a loss of power quality from one power source, and to switch a connection to another power source in response to the loss. The utility may be configured to match the form factor of a standard (e.g., NEMA or other electrical standard) duplex receptacle unit. The utility may be incorporated into a standard outlet box or may plug into a standard outlet box.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).