Patents by Inventor Brian P. Auclair

Brian P. Auclair 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).

  • Patent number: 10642299
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20180157284
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Brian P. Auclair, Marc Eisenberg, Calvin Nicholson, Andy Szeto
  • Patent number: 9952261
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, James P. Maskaly, Brian P. Auclair, Dennis W. Mcglumphy
  • Publication number: 20180067510
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, James P. Maskaly
  • Patent number: 9898026
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20170111759
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication between a PDU and one or more devices within a limited communications range are described. A power distribution unit may be provided with a wireless communications module that may operate to communicate with user devices within a relatively close proximity. The wireless communications module may provide information reporting and may, in some examples, provide a user of the user device with configuration and other command capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, James P. Maskaly, Erich Beyer, Yael Campo, Benjamin Haas, Brian P. Auclair
  • Patent number: 9627888
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution unit can include a power distribution unit enclosure, a power input associated with the power distribution unit enclosure, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power distribution unit enclosure. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power distribution unit enclosure and to the power input. In some embodiments, an intelligent power section can communicate with at least one of the power outputs and can connect to a communications network external to the power distribution unit enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Patent number: 9537522
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication between a PDU and one or more devices within a limited communications range are described. A power distribution unit may be provided with a wireless communications module that may operate to communicate with user devices within a relatively close proximity. The wireless communications module may provide information reporting and may, in some examples, provide a user of the user device with configuration and other command capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, James P. Maskaly, Erich Beyer, Yael Campo, Benjamin Haas, Brian P. Auclair
  • Publication number: 20160352104
    Abstract: A vertical-mount electrical power distribution plugstrip comprises a long, thin plugstrip body with several power outlet plugs distributed along the length of one face. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies operating power to each of the power outlet plugs through individual relay control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Patent number: 9450386
    Abstract: A vertical-mount electrical power distribution plugstrip comprises a long, thin plugstrip body with several power outlet plugs distributed along the length of one face. A power input cord is provided at one end, and this supplies operating power to each of the power outlet plugs through individual relay control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. Mcglumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Publication number: 20160204608
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution unit can include a power distribution unit enclosure, a power input associated with the power distribution unit enclosure, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power distribution unit enclosure. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power distribution unit enclosure and to the power input. In some embodiments, an intelligent power section can communicate with at least one of the power outputs and can connect to a communications network external to the power distribution unit enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Publication number: 20160164292
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution unit can include a power distribution unit enclosure, a power input associated with the power distribution unit enclosure, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power distribution unit enclosure. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power distribution unit enclosure and to the power input. In some embodiments, an intelligent power section can communicate with at least one of the power outputs and can connect to a communications network external to the power distribution unit enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Patent number: 9276388
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution unit can include a power distribution unit enclosure, a power input associated with the power distribution unit enclosure, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power distribution unit enclosure. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power distribution unit enclosure and to the power input. In some embodiments, an intelligent power section can communicate with at least one of the power outputs and can connect to a communications network external to the power distribution unit enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Publication number: 20160011639
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Publication number: 20150362941
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Brian P. Auclair, Marc Eisenberg, Calvin Nicholson, Andy Szeto
  • Publication number: 20150355695
    Abstract: A reconfigurable network-equipment power-management system, comprising: a power-controller device having a serial interface for communicating with a user, and a plurality of power-control ports that are able to interrupt operating power to a corresponding plurality of co-located computer data network appliances; a user configuration file for affecting said plurality of power-control ports; a memory disposed in the power-controller device and providing for storage of the user configuration file; and a file transfer mechanism for importing and exporting the user configuration file to said user via said serial interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Mark J. Bigler, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Jay Henley Williams
  • Patent number: 9142971
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20150241897
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, James P. Maskaly
  • Patent number: 9104393
    Abstract: A power management system embodiment of the present invention comprises a power manager with a network agent in communication over a network with a network manager. The power manager is connected to control the operating power flowing to various pieces of computer network equipment at a single site. A user is able to assign names to each control port, and the power manager maintains a list of enrolled users who have access. Many operational mode choices are possible, and each can be configured by the user while remote from the power manager. The power manager can be commanded to upload a user configuration list, and it can be commanded to accept a downloaded user configuration list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Mark J. Bigler, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Jay Henley Williams
  • Patent number: 9009288
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, James P. Maskaly