Patents by Inventor William A. Ziegler
William A. Ziegler 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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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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Publication number: 20120146417Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, David A. Colucci
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Patent number: 8173898Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply system for use with a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices having a power input to receive power. The uninterruptible power supply system includes an equipment rack, an input to receive input power, a DC power source mounted in the equipment rack that provides DC power, an output that provides output power derived from at least one of the input power and the DC power, power distribution circuitry, mounted within the equipment rack, having a plurality of distribution devices each having an input coupled to the output to receive the output power, and a plurality of output power cables each having a first end coupled to one of the plurality of distribution devices to receive output power and a second end that mates with the power input of one of the plurality of devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler
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Publication number: 20120087051Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installing in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module may include an overcurrent protection device, a power cable, which may include a first end coupled to the overcurrent protection device, and a second end coupled to the first end, one or more receptacle outlets attached to the second end and electrical contacts coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: James Spitaels, William Ziegler
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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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Publication number: 20110240265Abstract: A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Joseph Dechene, Lianne M. McMahan, William Ziegler
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Publication number: 20110239681Abstract: A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventor: William Ziegler
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Patent number: 8027134Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installation in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module includes a housing, an electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device located in the housing and a current sensing device located in the housing and adapted to sense a current carried by the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device. The plug-in module may further include a power cable including a first end that is pre-terminated at the plug-in module to connect the power cable to the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device, and electrical contacts adapted to removably couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly. According to one embodiment, the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device includes a circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: William Ziegler, Thomas E. Hjort, David A. Colucci
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Patent number: 7992433Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention provides an improved fuel sensing system for a generator, in addition, one or more other aspects of the invention provide improved systems and methods for determining remaining run-time of a generator system.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: William Ziegler, Craig L. Bennett
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Patent number: 7990663Abstract: A circuit interrupting device is disclosed that includes a first conductor, a second conductor, a switch between the first conductor and the second conductor wherein the switch is disposed to selectively connect and disconnect the first conductor and the second conductor, a circuit interrupter disposed to generate a circuit interrupting actuation signal, a solenoid coil and plunger assembly disposed to open the switch wherein the solenoid coil and plunger assembly is actuatable by the circuit interrupting actuation signal wherein movement of the plunger causes the switch to open, and a test assembly that is configured to enable a test of the circuit interrupter initiating at least a partial movement of the plunger in a test direction, from a pre-test configuration to a post-test configuration, without opening the switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Leviton Manufucturing Co., Inc.Inventors: William Ziegler, James Richter, Benjamin Moadel, Michael Kamor, James Porter, David Chan, Mario Angelides
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Publication number: 20110181294Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method of monitoring an electrical connection, the method comprising monitoring a temperature of the electrical connection, monitoring a level of current passing through the electrical connection, and determining, in response to monitoring temperature and current, whether the temperature of the electrical connection exceeds a temperature threshold associated with the level of current passing through the electrical connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventor: William Ziegler
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Patent number: 7983797Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, David A. Colucci
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Publication number: 20110140523Abstract: A method of installing a power distribution system in a facility includes acts of: obtaining a power distribution unit including at least one rack mounted power distribution unit, the power distribution unit including an electrical connection having an electrical bus configured to directly connect to a riser of a power busway; installing the power busway from a terminus located at the output of the UPS to the electrical connection at the power distribution unit; and directly connecting the power busway to the output of the UPS with a busbar-to-busbar connection between the output of the UPS and the terminus of the busway.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: William Ziegler
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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
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Patent number: 7940504Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installing in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module may include an overcurrent protection device, a power cable, which may include a first end coupled to the overcurrent protection device, and a second end coupled to the first end, one or more receptacle outlets attached to the second end and electrical contacts coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: James Spitaels, William Ziegler
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Patent number: 7855872Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. A plurality of data cables run between the plurality of equipment racks using data cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. The power cable tracks and data cable tracks are designed to be installed on the roofs of the equipment racks without the need for tools.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, Peter Francis
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Publication number: 20100275441Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply system for use with a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices having a power input to receive power. The uninterruptible power supply system includes an equipment rack, an input to receive input power, a DC power source mounted in the equipment rack that provides DC power, an output that provides output power derived from at least one of the input power and the DC power, power distribution circuitry, mounted within the equipment rack, having a plurality of distribution devices each having an input coupled to the output to receive the output power, and a plurality of output power cables each having a first end coupled to one of the plurality of distribution devices to receive output power and a second end that mates with the power input of one of the plurality of devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler
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Publication number: 20100259347Abstract: A circuit interrupting device is disclosed that includes a first conductor, a second conductor, a switch between the first conductor and the second conductor wherein the switch is disposed to selectively connect and disconnect the first conductor and the second conductor, a circuit interrupter disposed to generate a circuit interrupting actuation signal, a solenoid coil and plunger assembly disposed to open the switch wherein the solenoid coil and plunger assembly is actuatable by the circuit interrupting actuation signal wherein movement of the plunger causes the switch to open, and a test assembly that is configured to enable a test of the circuit interrupter initiating at least a partial movement of the plunger in a test direction, from a pre-test configuration to a post-test configuration, without opening the switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: William Ziegler, James Richter, Benjamin Moadel, Michael Kamor, James Porter, David Chan, Mario Angelides
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Patent number: 7718889Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply system for use with a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices having a power input to receive power. The uninterruptible power supply system includes an equipment rack, an input to receive input power, a DC power source mounted in the equipment rack that provides DC power, an output that provides output power derived from at least one of the input power and the DC power, power distribution circuitry, mounted within the equipment rack, having a plurality of distribution devices each having an input coupled to the output to receive the output power, and a plurality of output power cables each having a first end coupled to one of the plurality of distribution devices to receive output power and a second end that mates with the power input of one of the plurality of devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler
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Publication number: 20100020475Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installing in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module may include an overcurrent protection device, a power cable, which may include a first end coupled to the overcurrent protection device, and a second end coupled to the first end, one or more receptacle outlets attached to the second end and electrical contacts coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventors: James Spitaels, William Ziegler