Power and Communication Distributions System Using Split Bus Rail Structure
A split bus rail system (100) is employed within a commercial interior (102). The system (100) includes a main rail (114) with a power bus assembly (116) and a communications bus assembly (112). Application devices (512) are selectively energized through connector modules (400) coupled to the bus assemblies (116, 118).
This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/592,791, filed Jul. 30, 2004.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIXNot applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to overhead structures for commercial interiors (i.e., commercial, industrial and office environments) requiring power for energizing lighting, audio-visual, acoustical management, security and other applications and, more particularly, to a distributed power and communications system using a split bus rail structure which permits electrical and mechanical interconnections (and reconfiguration of electrical and mechanical interconnections) of various applications, and communications (including programmed reconfiguration of controlled/controlling relationships) among application devices.
2. Background Art
Building infrastructure continue to evolve in today's commercial, industrial and office environments. For purposes of description in this specification, the term “commercial interiors” shall be used to collectively designate these environments. Such environments may include, but are clearly not limited to, retail facilities, medical and other health care operations, educational, religious and governmental institutions, factories and others. Historically, infrastructure consisted of large rooms with fixed walls and doors. Lighting, heating and cooling (if any) were often centrally controlled. Commercial interiors would often be composed of large, heavy and “stand alone” equipment and operations, such as in factories (e.g., machinery and assembly lines), offices (desks and files), retail (built-in counters and shelves) and the like. Commercial interiors were frequently constructed with very dedicated purposes in mind. Given the use of stationary walls and heavy equipment, any reconfiguration of a commercial interior was a time-consuming and costly undertaking.
In the latter part of the 20th century, commercial interiors began to change. A major impetus for this change was the need to accommodate the increasing “automation” that was being introduced in the commercial interiors and, with such automation, the need for electrical power to support the same. The automation took many forms, including: (i) increasingly sophisticated machine tools and powered equipment in factories; (ii) electronic cash registers and security equipment in retail establishments; (iii) electronic monitoring devices in health care institutions; and (iv) copy machines and electric typewriters requiring high voltage power supplies in office environments. In addition, during this period of increased automation, other infrastructure advancements occurred. For example, alternative lighting approaches (e.g., track (sp?) lighting with dimmer control switches) and improved air ventilation technologies were introduced, thereby placing additional demands on power availability and access.
In recent decades, information technology has become commonplace throughout commercial interiors. Computer and computer-related technologies have become ubiquitous. As an example, computer-numerically controlled (CNC) production equipment has been applied extensively in factory environments. Point-of-sale electronic registers and scanners are commonplace in retail establishments. Sophisticated computer simulation and examination devices are used throughout medical institutions. Modular “systems” furniture has evolved to support the computers and related hardware used throughout office environments. The proliferation of computers and information technology has resulted not only in additional demands for power access and availability, but also in a profusion of wires needed to power and connect these devices into communications networks. These factors have added considerably to the complexity of planning and managing commercial interiors.
The foregoing conditions can be characterized as comprising: dedicated interior structures with central control systems; increasing needs for power and ready access for power; and information networks and the need to manage all of the resulting wire and cable. The confluence of these conditions has resulted in commercial interiors being inflexible and difficult and costly to change. Today's world requires businesses and institutions to respond quickly to “fast-changing” commercial interior needs.
Commercial interiors may be structurally designed by architects and engineers, and initially laid out in a desired format with respect to building walls, lighting fixtures, switches, data lines and other functional accessories and infrastructure. However, when these structures, which can be characterized as somewhat “permanent” in most buildings (as described in previous paragraphs herein), are designed, the actual occupants may not move into the building for several months or even years. Designers almost need to “anticipate” the requirements of future occupants of the building being designed. Needless to say, in situations where the building will not be commissioned for a substantial period of time after the design phase, the infrastructure of the building may not be appropriately laid out for the actual occupants. That is, the prospective tenants' needs may be substantially different from the designers' ideas and concepts. However, as previously described herein, most commercial interiors permit little reconfiguration after completion of the initial design. Reconfiguring a structure for the needs of a particular tenant can be extremely expensive and time consurning. During structural modifications, the commercial interior is essentially “down” and provides no positive cash flow to the buildings' owners.
Essentially, it would be advantageous to always have the occupants' activities and needs “drive” the structure and function of the infrastructure layout. Today, however, many relatively “stationary” (in function and structure) infrastructures essentially operate in reverse. That is, it is not uncommon for prospective tenants to evaluate a building's infrastructure and determine how to “fit” their needs (retail sales areas, point-of-sale centers, conference rooms, lighting, HVAC, and the like) into the existing infrastructure.
Still further, and again in today's business climate, a prospective occupant may have had an opportunity to be involved in the design of a building's commercial interior, so that the commercial interior is advantageously “set up” for the occupant. However, many organizations today experience relatively rapid changes in growth, both positively and negatively. When these changes occur, again it may be difficult to appropriately modify the commercial interior so as to permit the occupant to expand beyond its original commercial interior or, alternatively, be reduced in size such that unused space can then be occupied by another tenant.
Other problems also exist with respect to the layout and organization of today's commercial interiors. For example, accessories such as switches and lights may be relatively “set” with regard to locations and particular controlling relationships between such switches and lights. That is, one or more particular switches may control one or more particular lights. To modify these control relationships in most commercial interiors requires significant efforts. In this regard, a commercial interior can be characterized as being “delivered” to original occupants in a particular “initial state.” This initial state is defined by not only the physical locations of functional accessories, but also the control relationships among switches, lights and the like. It would be advantageous to provide means for essentially “changing” the commercial interior in a relatively rapid manner, without requiring physical rewiring or similar activities. In addition, it would also be advantageous to have the capability of modifying physical locations of various application devices, without requiring additional electrical wiring, substantial assembly or disassembly of component parts, or the like. Also, and of primary importance, it would be advantageous to provide a commercial interior which permits not only physical relocation or reconfiguration of functional application devices, but also permits and facilitates reconfiguring control among devices. Still further, it would be advantageous if users of a particular commercial interior could affect control relationships among devices and other utilitarian elements at the location of the commercial interior itself.
Numerous types of commercial interiors would benefit from the capability of relatively rapid reconfiguration of physical location of mechanical and electrical elements, as well as the capability of reconfiguring the “logical” relationship among controlling/controlled devices associated with the system. As one example, reference was previously made to advantages of a retail establishment reconfiguring shelving, cabinetry and other system elements, based on seasonal requirements. Further, a retail establishment may require different locations and different numbers of point-of-sale systems, based on seasons, currently existing advertised sales and other factors. Also a retail establishment may wish to physically and logically reconfigure other mechanical and electrical structure and applications, for purposes of controlling traffic flow through lighting configurations, varying acoustical parameters through sound management and undertaking similar activities. Current systems do not provide for any relatively easy “reconfiguration,” either with respect to electrical or “logical” relationships (e.g. the control of a particular bank of lights by a particular set of switches) or mechanical structure.
A significant amount of work is currently being performed in technologies associated with control of what can be characterized as “environmental” systems. The systems may be utilized in commercial and industrial buildings, residential facilities, and other environments. Control functions may vary from relatively conventional thermostat/temperature control to extremely sophisticated systems. Development is also being undertaken in the field of network technologies for controlling environmental systems. References are often currently made to “smart” buildings or rooms having automated functionality. This technology provides for networks controlling a number of separate and independent functions, including temperature, lighting and the like.
In this regard, it would be advantageous for certain functions associated with environmental control to be readily usable by the occupants, without requiring technical expertise or any substantial training. Also, as previously described, it would be advantageous for the capability of initial configuration or reconfiguration of environmental control to occur within the proximity of the controlled and controlling apparatus, rather than at a centralized or other remote location.
When developing systems for use in commercial interiors for providing electrical power and the like, other considerations are also relevant. For example, strict guidelines exist in the form of governmental and institutional regulations and standards associated with electrical power, mechanical support of overhead structures and the like. These regulations and standards come from the NEC, ANSI, UL and others. This often results in difficulty with respect to providing power and communications distribution throughout locations within a commercial interior. For example, structural elements carrying power or other electrical signals are relatively strictly regulated as to mechanical load-bearing parameters. It may therefore be difficult to establish a “mechanically efficient” system for carrying electrical power, and yet still meet appropriate codes and regulations. Other regulations exist with respect to separation and electrical isolation of buses carrying power and other electrical signals from different sources. Regulations and standards directed to these and similar issues have made it substantially difficult to develop efficient power and communications distribution systems.
Other difficulties also exist. As a further example, if applications are to be “hung” from an overhead structure, and extend below a threshold distance above floor level, such applications must be supported in a “breakaway” structure. That is, if substantial forces are exerted on the applications, they must be capable of breaking away from the supporting structure, without causing the supporting structure to fall or otherwise be severely damaged. This is particularly important where the supporting structure is correspondingly carrying electrical power. With respect to other issues associated with providing a distributed power structure, the carrying of high voltage lines are subject to a number of relatively restrictive codes and regulations.
Still further, to provide for a distributed power and communication system for reconfigurable applications, physically realizable limitations exist with respect to system size. For example, and particularly with respect to DC communication signals, limitations exist on the transmission length of such signals, regarding attenuation, S/N ratio, etc. Such limitations may correspondingly limit the physical size of the structure carrying power and communications signals.
Other difficulties may also arise with respect to overhead systems for distributing power. For example, in certain instances, it may be desirable to have the capability of lifting or lowering the height of the entirety of the overhead structure above floor level. Also, when considering an overhead structure, it is advantageous for certain elements to have the capability of extending downwardly from a building structure through the overhead supporting structure. For example, such a configuration may be required for fire sprinkling systems and the like.
A number of systems have been developed which are directed to one or more of the aforedescribed issues. For example, Jones et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,996,458, issued Dec. 7, 1976, is primarily directed to an illuminated ceiling structure and associated components, with the components being adapted to varying requirements of structure and appearance. Jones et al. disclose the concept that the use of inverted T-bar grids for supporting pluralities of pre-formed integral panels is well known. Jones et al. further disclose the use of T-bar runners having a vertical orientation, with T-bar cross members. The cross members are supported by hangers, in a manner so as to provide an open space or plenum thereabove in which lighting fixtures may be provided. An acrylic horizontal sheet is opaque and light transmitting areas are provided within cells, adding a cube-like configuration. Edges of the acrylic sheet are carried by the horizontal portions of the T-bar runners and cross runners.
Balinski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,531, issued Jul. 12, 1977 is directed to a suspended ceiling system having a particular support arrangement. The support arrangement is disclosed as overcoming a deficiency in prior art systems, whereby exposure to heat causes T-runners to expand and deform, with ceiling tiles thus falling from the T-runners as a result of the deformation.
The Balinski ceiling system employs support wires attached to its supporting structure. The support wires hold inverted-T-runners, which may employ enlarged upper portions for stiffening the runners. An exposed flange provides a decorative surface underneath the T-runners. A particular flange disclosed by Balinski includes a longitudinally extending groove on the underneath portion, so as to create a shadow effect. Ceiling tiles are supported on the inverted-T-runners and may include a cut up portion, so as to enable the bottom surface to be flush with the bottom surface of the exposed flange. The inverted-T-runners are connected to one another through the use of flanges. The flanges provide for one end of one inverted-T-runner to engage a slot in a second T-runner. The inverted-T-runners are connected to the decorative flanges through the use of slots within the tops of the decorative flanges, with the slots having a generally triangular cross-section and with the inverted-T-runner having its bottom cross member comprising opposing ends formed over the exposed flange. In this manner, the inverted-T-runner engages the top of the exposed flange in a supporting configuration.
Balinski also shows the decorative exposed flange as being hollow and comprising a U-shaped member, with opposing ends bent outwardly and upwardly, and then inwardly and outwardly of the extreme end portions. In this manner, engagement is provided by the ends of the inverted-T-runner cross members. A particular feature of the Balinski arrangement is that when the system is subjected to extreme heat, and the decorative trim drops away due to the heat, the inverted-T-configuration separates and helps to hold the ceiling tiles in place. In general, Balinski discloses inverted-T-runners supporting ceiling structures.
Balinski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,391 shows the use of support runners for suspended grid systems. The support runner includes a spline member. An inverted T-runner is engaged with the spline, in a manner so that when the ceiling system is exposed to heat, the inverted T-runner continues to hold the ceiling panels even, although the spline loses structural integrity and may disengage from the trim.
Csenky, U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,092 issued Feb. 14, 1978, discloses a power track system for carrying light fixtures and a light source. The system includes a U-shaped supporting rail, with the limbs of the same being inwardly bent. An insulating lining fits into the rail, and includes at least one current conductor. A grounding member is connected to the ends of the rail limbs, and a second current conductor is mounted on an externally inaccessible portion of the lining that faces inwardly of the rail.
Botty, U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,190 issued Aug. 6, 1985, describes an electrical power track system having an elongated track with a series of longitudinal slots opening outwardly. The slots provide access to a series of offset electrical conductors or bus bars. The slots are shaped in a manner so as to prevent straight-in access to the conductors carried by the track.
Greenberg, U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,226 describes a sound and light track system, with each of the sound or light fixtures being independently mounted for movement on the track. A bus bar assembly includes audio bus bar conductors and power bus bar conductors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with one aspect of the invention, an overhead system is used within a building infrastructure for supporting a series of application devices. The system includes a plurality of main rails interconnected so as to form a structural grid. The structural grid forms at least one visual plane relative to the building infrastructure. The structural grid further forms a plurality of panel insert areas open to the building infrastructure. The system also includes a series of panels, with the panels being inserted into the panel insert areas. The panels limit access to space above the visual plane from the below the visual plane. The series of main rails also includes means for permitting passage of cabling from above the visual plane to below the visual plane, in the absence of requiring any of the cabling to be passed through apertures of any of the panels.
Still further, the system can include at least one elongated main rail assembly, constructed as a dual rail having an elongated power rail and an elongated communications rail. A power bus assembly is adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power, and coupled to the power rail so as to distribute the power along the length of the power rail so as to energize the application devices. A communications bus assembly is coupled to the communications rail, so as to carry communication signals along the length of the rail. Still further, the system can include connector means coupled to at least one main rail assembly for supporting vertically disposed functional elements below the elongated mail rail assembly. The functional elements can include one or more space dividers. The system can also include connector means for supporting horizontally disposed functional elements from the main rail assembly. The functional elements can comprise visual shields. Still further, the system can include connector means for supporting a plurality of functional elements above and/or below the main rail assembly. The functional elements can consist of one or more of the following group: space dividers; visual shields; projection screens; visual projectors; and electric motors.
The power distribution means can include a plurality of connector modules electrically connected to the power supply means through the power bus assembly. The modules can be located at desired connectable positions along the main rail, so as to be electrically connectable with the application devices to be energized. The system is also configured so as to provide for releasable interconnection of the connector modules substantially along a continuum of said mail rail assembly. The connector modules can include means responsive to a subset of the communication signals for selectively controlling application of electrical power from the connector modules to the devices. A subset of the connector modules can also include means for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from the communications distribution means and at least a subset of the application devices.
Still further, the mail rail assembly can include a centralized and elongated channel. At least a subset of the plurality of connector modules are mechanically and electrically connected to the mail rail assembly, with the subset of connector modules fitting within the channel. Further, the power distribution means can include DC means connected to at least one source of DC power for distributing the DC power to the plurality of connector modules. Also, the power distribution means and the communication distribution means are all reconfigurable, independent of assembly, disassembly or modifications to the infrastructure.
The overhead system can include a series of main rails, with each rail supporting the power distribution means and the communications distribution means. The overhead system can be an open architectural system, in that the main rails, the power distribution means and the communications distribution means can be expanded as to size, either singular or in combination, without requiring substitute or other replacement of components of a first, original structure of the power distribution means or the communications distribution means. The system can also be characterized as comprising means for distributing electrical power and for providing a distributed intelligence system for transmitting and receiving certain of the communication signals from application devices physically located throughout an entirety of the system. The system also includes device connection means physically connectable to the system, for mechanically connecting the application devices to the system. The system further includes device connection means which are manually releasable and movable so as to be connected at a desired one of a plurality of different locations throughout the system, and so as to provide for releasable interconnection and movement of the application devices throughout the system. The system also includes means for positioning sets of electrical conductors in vertically disposed configurations. Further, the system includes one or more wireways for distributing and carrying sets of electrical cables throughout the mechanical structure. The wireways comprise means for electrically isolating and shielding the electrical cables from other electrical and communication signal conductors associated with the overhead system. The system can also include means for vertically stacking a series of the wireways, one above the other. Still further, the system can include height adjustment means coupled to the support means for varying the height of a general horizontal plane of the system. In addition, the system includes application device height adjustment means for selectively varying vertical locations of selected ones of the devices, relative to a general horizontal plane of the system. The main rail assembly is configured so as to provide for releasable interconnection of the application devices substantially along a continuum of the main rail assembly.
The system can include a first set of structural components which comprise a series of the main rails. The structural components can carry components of the power distribution means and components of the communication distribution means. The system can also include a second set of structural components and support means for supporting the main rails from the infrastructure. The system can further include suspension bracket means coupled to the support means and to the mechanical structure for translating gravitational loads from the second set of structural components directly to the support means. In this manner, substantially none of the gravitational loads from the second set of structural components are carried by the first set of structural components. The suspension brackets means can also include means for translating gravitational loads of the first set of structural components directly to the support means.
The suspension bracket means can include individual means for connecting to a single one of the first set of structural components, and to a pair of the second set of structural components. The gravitational loads exerted on the suspension bracket means from the pair of the second set of structural components act so as to increase coupling forces between certain components of the suspension bracket means. The support means also includes a series of support rods, with each of the suspension bracket means comprising means for connecting to a single one of the support rods.
The system also includes at least one wireway for distributing and carrying sets of electrical cables throughout the overhead system. The wireway is carried on the overhead system so that gravitational loads are carried by the support means, and not by either the first set of structural components or the second set of structural components. The suspension brackets can be stackable on individual ones of the support rods, with the suspension brackets being independent of any connection to the first set of structural components or the second set of structural components. The suspension bracket means includes means for vertically stacking the second set of structural components. Each of the suspension brackets can be connectable to any single one of the series of support rods.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, each of the suspension brackets can include first section means connected to a first one of the second set of structural components. Second section means can be connected to a second one of the second set of structural components. Central support section means can be connected to a first one of the first set of structural components, the first section means, the second section means and the support means. The central support section means can be connected to the support means so that gravitational loads from the first section means and the second section means are translated directly to the support means. In this manner, gravitational loads are not carried by the first one of the first set of structural components.
The first section means can include a central portion having a leg formed on one side thereof. This formation acts so as to configure a capturing slot, along with an arcuate arm formed on an opposing side of the central portion. The second section means can be substantially identical to the first section means. When assembled, the arcuate arm of the first section means can be captured within the capturing slot of the second section means. The arcuate arm of the second section means can be captured within the capturing slot of the first section means.
The first section means can also include a first suspension bracket section half. The second section means can include a second suspension bracket section half, with the second suspension bracket section half being substantially identical to the first suspension bracket section half. When one of the suspension brackets is assembled with the first and second suspension bracket section halves being coupled together, outwardly directed forces exerted on the suspension bracket section halves of one suspension bracket will act so as to increase coupling forces between the first and second suspension brackets section halves.
The suspension bracket means can include a plurality of suspension brackets. Each of the suspension brackets can include a universal suspension plate assembly connected to the support means. The universal suspension plate assembly can be adapted to be used independently of other components of the suspension bracket, for purposes of directly securing structural elements to the support means.
The main rail assembly can include a power rail assembly for supporting the power bus assembly. The main rail assembly can also include a communications rail assembly for supporting the communications bus assembly. The power rail assembly can be substantially a mirror image of the communications rail assembly as supported and made part of the main rail assembly.
The power bus assembly can include a series of spaced apart AC power buses, with each of the buses being electrically isolated from others of the power buses. The AC power buses can face laterally outwardly, relative to a longitudinal axis of the rail assembly. The power buses are utilized to provide a continuum of AC electrical power along the length of the main rail assembly. The communications bus assembly can include a series of spaced apart communications buses, with each of the communication buses being electrically isolated from others of the communications buses. The communications buses function so as to provide a continuum of DC power and communication signals along the length of the main rail assembly. The communications buses face laterally outwardly, relative to a longitudinal axis of the main rail assembly. The series of AC buses can provide multiple and separate AC circuits selectively available to the user for purposes of energizing the application devices. The communications buses can comprise at least three in number. At least two of these buses carry DC power along the main rail assembly. The communications buses comprise buses carrying communication signals along the main rail assembly.
The system can further include a series of main rails, with support means for supporting the main rails from the infrastructure. A series of bracing supports are connected between the main rails. The support means includes a series of suspension brackets and a series of elongated supporting elements connected to the infrastructure and further connected to the main rail. The main rails, suspension brackets, bracing supports and elongated supporting elements form a structural network grid for a common base for implementing various configurations of the overhead system. The overhead system of an initial structural configuration can be expanded in size so as to form a second overhead system, without modification of the initial structural configuration.
The system can also include a series of suspension points or nodes. Each suspension point or node is formed at a location along one of the main rails, and where ends of a pair of bracing supports, one of the suspension brackets and one of the elongated supporting elements are coupled together. The coupling is provided by the suspension brackets supporting, at least in part, the pair of bracing supports, and the elongated supporting elements supporting the suspension bracket, main rail in part and a pair of bracing supports.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the system can include a series of main rail assemblies, with the main rail assemblies including a series of spaced apart apertures. The apertures are adapted to permit passage of electrical cables there through. The main rail assemblies are supported by the support means, and load ratings of any given one of the main rail assemblies may be varied by varying the intervals at which the main rail assemblies are supported by the support means. The system can also include a series of cross channels, with each cross channel being coupled to and supported by the support means. Each of the series of cross channels can have opposing ends positioned adjacent the main rails, with the channel supported by the support means.
The system also includes a series of main rails interconnected so as to form a structural grid. The structural grid forms at least one substantially horizontal plane relative to the building infrastructure. Connection means are provided which are connectable to components of the structural grid and to a subset of the application devices, so as to support the subset of the application devices above and below the substantially horizontal plane of the structural grid.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the connector modules are locatable at desired positions along the main rail, so as to be connectable with the application devices to be energized. Wireway means are provided for carrying electrical cables and/or communications signals separate and independent of other conductors of the power distribution means and/or the communication distribution means. Wireway access means are provided for tapping into the electrical cables at locations through the system. This is for purposes of supplying electrical power and/or communication signals to one or more of the connector modules and one or more of the application devices.
The system can include a series of universal suspension plate assemblies connectable to the main structural channel rails and to the support means in a first configuration for supporting the main structural channel rails from the building infrastructure. The universal suspension plate assemblies are further adapted to be connectable to the main structural channel rails in a second configuration, so as to support various elements from the rails with the elements being positioned below the main structural channel rails. Still further, the universal suspension plate assembles are adapted to be configured in a third configuration, whereby a single one of the suspension plate assemblies in the third configuration is connected to the support means and is also mechanically connected to adjacent ends of a pair of main structural channel rails.
In accordance with a further aspect of the system, bracket configuration means can be mechanically supported on one or more of the cross channels, for purposes of supporting application devices above a general plane of the structural grid. The bracket configuration means can include a plurality of braces and a plurality of T-brackets and 90° brackets for purposes of interconnecting together two or more of the braces of the bracket assembly means, and for also connecting the braces to the cross channels. Still further, the system can include at least one cableway adapted to be positioned above the main rail, and including individual cableway sections for carrying conductors. The conductors may carry low voltage power and/or communication signals. Each of the cableway sections can include a living hinge for access to interiors of the cableway sections.
The main rails can be configured to include apertures therein, whereby space is provided for structural and electrical components of the overhead system to be extended from above a general plane of the main rails through center portions of the main rails. The power distribution means can include power entry means directly connected to the power supply means, for applying electrical power from the power supply means to other components of the power distribution means. The power entry means can include means responsive to the power supply means for generating DC power. The power entry means can include a series of power entry boxes directly connected to the power supply means, and adapted to be secured to and supported by components of the mechanical structure. A series of power box connectors is also provided, with each connector associated with a corresponding one of the power entry boxes, and having means for electrically connecting the power entry boxes to components of the system.
Still further, the connector modules include safety means for preventing, in certain situations, the connector modules from being moved from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration relative to the main rail. The safety means operates so that when the extendable contact section is in an extended position, where the bus contacts of one connector module are engaged with the power bus assembly and the communications bus assembly, the locking bar is prevented from being moved from a locked position to an unlocked position. Still further, the connector module can include catch means for releasably securing the extended contact section in the extended position. The catch means further includes means responsive to external forces so as to be released, and further so as to permit the extendable contact section to be moved from the extended position to the retracted position. The extendable contact section can include a pair of spaced apart and tapered arms, with the tapered arms abutting either a set of AC bus contacts or set of DC bus contacts. When the extendable contact section is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the tapered arms move inwardly toward the main body of the connector module, and cause the AC bus contacts to electrically engage the power bus assembly and the DC bus contacts to electrically engage the communications bus assembly.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the system can include connector modules having processor means responsive to a first set of communication signals, for generating a first set of power control signals. The output power connection means can be responsive to the first set of power control signals, so as to selectively apply electrical power as output signals from the connection means. The processor means can be further responsive to the received first set of communication signals, for generating a second set of communication signals as output communication signals. The communication connection means are further adapted to apply the second set of communication signals to the communications distribution means. Each of a subset of connector modules can include means for receiving DC power from the communications distribution means, and using the power for operating components of the connector modules. Each connector module can also include spatial signal receiving means for receiving spatial control signals from external sources. Means are provided for applying the received spatial control signals to the processor means.
Each of the subset of connector modules can include at least one connector port for transmitting and receiving communication signals directly from application devices. Each of the connector ports can include means for transmitting DC power to a subset of the application devices.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, output power connection means are provided, which include at least one outlet receptacle adapted to releasably receive a conventional AC plug from an application device. The output power connection means can include at least one universal connector adapted to receive a multi-terminal mating power connector associated with one of the application devices. The output power connection means can also include at least one dimmer relay adapted to releasably be connected to a dimmer switch at one of the application devices. Each of a subset of connector modules can include visual means for visually indicating to a user a status of the connector module.
The system also include spatial signal receiver means for receiving spatial control signals from a user. The receiver means can be connected to and remote from a second subset of the connector modules. At least a subset of the communication signals on the communication distribution means can be utilized to control and reconfigure control among various ones of the application devices. The system also provides for reconfiguration in real time of control relationships between and among at least a subset of the application devices. Still further, at least a subset of the connector modules are electrically coupled to the application devices, and the connector modules include processor means and associated circuitry responsive to a subset of the communication signals, so as to selectively control the interconnected application devices, in response to certain of the communication signals being received from others of the application devices. The subset of connector modules includes means for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from the communication distribution means and at least a subset of the application devices.
The application devices include at least one controlling device, with the controlling device having signal generating means for generating a first set of the communication signals. The application devices also include at least one controlled device, with the controlled device being associated with one of the connector modules, and having at least first and second states. The first set of communication signals are utilized to effect a logical control relationship between the controlling device and the controlled device, so that the controlling device controls whether the controlled device is in the first state or second state. The logical control relationship is capable of reconfiguration at least in part with a second set of communication signals, in the absence of any physical relocation of any physical wiring associated with the controlling device and the controlled device.
The controlling device can include processor means responsive to external control signals for generating communication signals so as to effect the logical control relationship between the controlling device and the controlled device. The controlling device can be electrically coupled to a first connector module through a series of connector ports and at least one patch chord. The patch chord and the connector ports can be adapted to apply DC power to the controlling device.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the system includes remote programming means for transmitting spatial signals to one or more of the connector modules. The remote programming means also includes means for transmitting spatial signals to the controlling device, thereby causing the controlling device to be assigned as a control for the first connector module. The spatial signals transmitted to the first connector module announce to the communications distribution means that the first connector module is available for purposes of control. The communication signals generated by the controlling device can be applied to the communications distribution means as wireless signals. The programming means can include a hand-held wand. The connector module can be coupled to the controlled device so that it is programmable and has an unique address identifiable through the communication distribution means.
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:
The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, within a split bus rail system 100 illustrated in
In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the split bus rail system 100 may include a communication bus structure which permits “programming” of control relationships among various commercial devices. For example, “control relationships” may be “programmed” among devices such as switches, lights, and the like.
More specifically, with the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention, reconfiguration is facilitated, with respect to expense, time and functionality. Essentially, the commercial interior can be reconfigured in “real time.” In this regard, not only is it important that various functional devices can be quickly relocated from a “physical” sense, but relationships among the functional devices can also be altered. In part, it is the “totality” of the differing aspects of a commercial interior which are readily reconfigurable, and which provide some of the inventive concepts of the split bus rail system 100.
Still further, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention overcomes certain other issues, particularly related to governmental and institutional codes, regulations and standards associated with electrical power, mechanical support of overhead structures and the like. For example, it is advantageous to provide power availability throughout a number of locations within a commercial interior. The split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides the advantages of an overhead structure for distributing power and communication signals. However, structural elements carrying electrical signals (either in the form of power or communications) are regulated as to mechanical load-bearing thresholds. As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention employs suspension brackets for supporting elements such as bracing supports and the like throughout the overhead structure. With the use of suspension brackets in accordance with the invention, the load resulting from these bracing supports is directly supported through elements coupled to the building structure of the commercial interior. Accordingly, rail elements carrying power and communication signals do not support the mechanical loads resulting from use of the bracing supports and the like.
As will be further described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides other advantages. For example, the rail system 100 provides for carrying relatively high voltage cables, such as 277 volt AC power cables. With the use of wireways as described subsequently herein, such cabling can be appropriately isolated and shielded, and meet requisite codes and regulations. Still further, the rail system 100 in accordance with certain other aspects of the invention can carry both DC “network” power, along with DC communications. The DC power advantageously is generated from building power, through AC/DC converters associated with power entry boxes. With the DC communications network essentially separate from other DC building power, the network is unlikely to be overloaded.
Still other advantages exist in accordance with certain aspects of the invention, relating to the carrying of both AC and DC power. Again, governmental and institutional codes and regulations include some relatively severe restrictions on mechanical structures incorporating buses, cables or other conductive elements carrying both AC and DC power. These restrictions, for example, include regulations limiting the use of AC and DC buses on a single mechanical structure. The split bus rail system 100 comprises a mechanical and electrical structure which provides for distribution of AC and DC power through corresponding buses that utilize a mechanical structure which should meet most codes and regulations.
Still further, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention includes the concept of providing for both wireways and cable trays for carrying AC and DC power cables. The rail system 100 includes not only the capability of providing for a single set of such cable trays and wireways, but also provides for the “stacking” of the same. Still further, other governmental and institutional codes and regulations include restrictions relating to objects which extend below a certain minimum distance above ground level, with respect to support of such objects. The rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides for breakaway hanger assemblies, again meeting these restrictive codes and regulations. Still further, with a distributed power system as provided by the rail system 100, it is necessary to transmit power between various types of structural elements, such as different lengths of main rails. With the particular mechanical and electrical structure of the rail system 100, flexible jumpers can be utilize to transmit power from one main rail length to another.
Still further, the rail system 100 can be characterized as not only a distributed power network, but also a distributed “intelligence” network. That is, when various types of application devices are connected into the network of the rail system 100, “smart” connectors may be utilized. It is this intelligence associated with the application devices and their connectivity to the network which permits a user to “configure” the rail system 100 and associated devices as desired. This is achieved without requiring physical rewiring, or any type of centralized computer or control systems.
Still further, the rail system 100 in accordance with another aspect of the invention may be characterized as an “open” system. In this regard, infrastructure elements (such as main rails and the like) and application devices can be readily added onto the system 100, without any severe restrictions. Other advantageous concepts include, for example, the use of mechanical elements for supporting the rail system 100 from the building structure itself so as to permit the “height” of the rail system 100 from the floor to be varied.
With reference first to
Still referring to
Also associated with the split bus rail system 100, and comprising a principal aspect of the invention, are suspension brackets 124. One of the brackets 124 is illustrated in part in
Also in accordance with the invention, the split rail bus system 100 as illustrated in
One advantage associated with the split bus rail system 100 (and other split bus rail systems in accordance with the invention) may not be immediately apparent. As described in previous paragraphs herein, the split bus rail system 100 includes the threaded support rods 112, suspension brackets 124 and bracing supports 126. As will be explained in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein, the bracing supports 126 are supported through the suspension brackets 124 solely by the threaded support rods 112. With reference to
With respect to the foregoing descriptions, it is clear that the main rail 114 could also be characterized as an elongated main rail assembly, which forms a mechanical structure. Further, as also made apparent from subsequent description herein, the main rail 114 can be characterized as being constructed as a dual rail, with the dual rail comprising an elongated power rail and an elongated communications rail. Also, application devices subsequently described herein as being used with the split bus rail system 100 can be characterized as “functional elements.”
As earlier stated,
Turning more specifically to the details of the split bus rail system 100, a main rail 114 in accordance with the invention will now be described with respect to
With the interconnection as described herein, a main rail 114 may be secured to the lower L-beams 110 of the commercial interior structure 102, in a manner which provides for rigidity, yet also provides for adjustability with respect to vertical position relative to the main L-beam 110. It should also be noted that in addition to the particular example of an overhead supporting arrangement as described herein, it may also be possible to interconnect the main rails 114 of the split bus rail system 100 to other structure of the commercial interior 102, such as concrete structures above the rail system 100, and with connections other than support rods. For example, in place of the co-threaded support rod 112 and the L-beam 110 configuration, the support rod 112 could be used with a threaded hanger or similar means, with the threaded rod having a metallic hanger threadably received at an upper end of the threaded rod. The hanger may then be hung on or otherwise releasably interconnected to other overhead supporting elements. In any event, it is advantageous to utilize a supporting arrangement which facilitates vertical adjustability of the interconnected main rail 114. As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the lower end of the threaded support rod 112 illustrated in
Each of the main rails 114 includes a series of individual elements which form the rail itself. More specifically, the main rail 114 is actually in the form of a pair of “dual” rails, identified in
At the upper part of the vertically disposed wall 152, and integral therewith, is an upper portion 142. The upper portion 142 includes a channel 144 with a lower wall 146. Integral with the channel 144 and extending toward the longitudinal axis of the main rail 114 is a horizontal flange 148. Extending through the horizontal flange 148 is a through hole 150. It should be noted that the through holes 156 are regularly spaced along the lower end of the vertically disposed wall 152 of the exterior panel 140. Also, the through holes in the exterior and interior panels for the power rail 136 and communication rail 138 should also be spaced periodically along the main rail 114.
The power rail assembly 136 also includes, as illustrated in
In addition to the aforedescribed elements of the power rail assembly 136, the power rail assembly 136 also includes a power bus strip 168, as also illustrated in
As further shown in
The communications rail assembly 138 also includes an interior panel 194, as further shown in
In accordance with the foregoing, the power bus assembly 116 can be characterized as part of a power distribution means. Correspondingly, the communications bus assembly 118 can be characterized as part of a communications distribution means. Still further, the power rail assembly 136 can be characterized as comprising at least one power rail. The communications rail assembly 138 can be characterized as comprising at least one communications rail.
In addition to the interior panel 194, the communications rail assembly 138 also includes a communications bus strip 206. The communications bus strip 206, like the power bus strip 168, may be fabricated from extruded PVC plastic, with inserted copper strips. With reference primarily to
As an example, and as described in the commonly assigned International Patent Application No. PCT/JUS03/12210, filed Apr. 18, 2003, control relationships between switches and lights may be reconfigured in a “real time” fashion. In this regard, and as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, connector modules will be associated with application devices such as lighting fixtures and the like. These connector modules include processor means and associated circuitry which will be responsive to DC communication signals to appropriately control the lighting fixtures, in response to communication signals received from application devices such as switches. The split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides means for distributing requisite power and for providing a distributed intelligence system for transmitting and receiving these DC communications signals from application devices which may be physically located throughout the entirety of the split bus rail system 100.
For purposes of describing the embodiment comprising a split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention, another term will be utilized. Specifically, reference will be made to the term “network 103.” The network 103 can be characterized as all of the electrical components of the split bus rail system 100, including AC and DC power and communications buses, cabling, connector modules, and interconnected and programmed application devices. As will be apparent from subsequent description herein, the network 103, like the mechanical structure of the split bus rail system 100, can be characterized as an “open” network, in that additional components (including AC and DC buses, connector modules, application devices, etc.) can be added to the entirety of the network 103.
The assembly of the main rail 114 illustrated in
Turning specifically to
At the lower end of the central body 216 of each bus spacer 214 is a lower base 224. The lower base 224 is horizontally disposed, integral with the central body 216, and essentially comprises a pair of box-like structures 226 opposing each other and extending laterally outwardly from the lower end of the central body 216. The box-like structures 226 are open upwardly, and each structure 226 includes a vertically disposed end wall 228. Extending through each of the end walls 228 is a through hole 230. The through holes 230 are utilized to receive connecting means (subsequently described herein) for securing the lower end of the bus spacer 214 to the power rail assembly 136 and communications rail assembly 138.
As earlier described, the split bus rail system 100 also includes a series of suspension brackets 124. The suspension brackets 124 are a primary and important aspect of certain concepts associated with the invention. Specifically, each of the suspension brackets 124 is adapted to perform two functions. First, the suspension bracket 124 comprises means for providing mechanical support for the main rail 114, through the threaded support rods 112. Also, each suspension bracket 124 is adapted to interconnect to one or a pair of bracing supports 126. The bracing supports 126 are well known construction elements, commercially available in the industry. Of primary importance, however, is the means for supporting the bracing supports 126 through the suspension bracket 124. More specifically, the suspension bracket 124 comprises means for coupling the bracing supports 126 and supporting the same in a manner such that the weight of the coupled bracing supports 126 is carried only by the associated threaded support rod 112 and not by the main rail 114. This aspect of the split bus system 100 in accordance with the invention is of importance with respect to governmental and institutional regulations regarding load bearing structures carrying electrical and communications equipment. As previously described herein, the main rails 114 carry power rails 136 and communication rails 138. Because of the power carried by the main rails 114, regulatory limitations exist with respect to mechanical loads supported by the main rails 114. With the configuration of the suspension bracket 124 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, and although the bracing supports 126 act as crossing rails for the entirety of the split bus rail system 100, and are “coupled” to the main rails 114, the weight of the bracing supports 126 is carried solely by the threaded support rods 112 through the suspension brackets 124, rather than by the main rails 114 themselves.
Turning specifically to
The front hanger assembly 240 includes a front hanger bracket 258, having a configuration substantially corresponding to the configuration of the rear hanger bracket 238. For this reason, like numerals are utilized to refer to reference numbers for the front hanger bracket 258. Accordingly, the front hanger bracket 258 includes an upper flange 242, with an embossment 244 projecting outwardly therefrom. A pair of spaced apart and symmetrical through holes 246 extend through the embossment 234. Integral with and projecting downwardly from the upper flange 242 is a central portion 248. The central portion 248 includes a pair of indentations. In the rear hanger bracket 238 as previously described herein, the indentations include a pair of through holes 250. Somewhat similar, the indentations in the central portion 248 of the front hanger bracket 258 also include a pair of through holes, with the holes identified as through holes 260. Attached to the through holes 260 are a pair of weld nuts 262.
Extending downwardly from the central portion 248, and integral therewith, are a pair of horizontally disposed and spaced apart lower flanges 252. The lower flanges 252 each include a vertically disposed through hole 254. For purposes of attaching the rear hanger bracket 238 to the front hanger bracket 258, screws 256 are received within the through holes 250, through holes 260 and secured by means of the weld nuts 262.
The front hanger assembly 240 also includes a bracing support bracket 264, illustrated in
The foregoing describes the elements of the tube bracket 266. The bracing support bracket 264 also includes a vertically disposed and threaded tube 282, as illustrated in
As earlier described, other infrastructure components may be employed with the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention. As an example, and with reference primarily to
Still with reference to
One advantage of the cable trays 119 in accordance with the invention relates to their positioning within the split bus rail system 100. The cable trays 119 are appropriately sized and shaped so as to conveniently rest on the suspension brackets 124, as primarily illustrated in
In addition to the previously described advantages of the cable trays 119 in accordance with the invention, other advantages also exist. For example, it is possible to “stack” the suspension brackets 124 on the associated threaded support rods 112. With this stackable capability, it is therefore also possible to stack cable trays 119 in a vertically disposed manner. Such a stacked configuration is illustrated in
In addition to the split bus rail system 100 having the capability of employing cable trays 119, the rail system 100 in accordance with the invention may also employ other structures having similar functions, but where metallic enclosure or isolation of conductive cables or wires may be required. For this function, the split bus rail system 100 can include one or more wireways 120, one of which is illustrated in
Turning to the specific configuration of the wireway 120 illustrated in
Still with reference to
More specifically, the wireway 120 includes a wireway cover 334, as illustrated in
To appropriately secure the wireway cover 334 to the wireway 120, a hinge rod 344 is received within an elongated aperture formed by the hinge bails 332 and the interspaced hinge sleeves 342. With the hinge rod 344 appropriately coupled and received within the hinge bails 332 and hinge sleeves 342, the wireway cover 334 is pivotal relative to the wireway 120. In
As with the cable trays 290, one advantage of the wireways 120 in accordance with the invention relates to their positioning within the split bus rail system 100. The wireways 120 are appropriately sized and shaped so as to conveniently rest on the suspension brackets 124, as primarily shown in
The wireways 120 can be constructed of materials such as galvanized steel or similar metallic elements and compounds. Further, the wireways 120 can be constructed of longitudinal and identical sections adapted to be interconnected end to end. The individual sections of the wireway 120 can be of any desired length. However, governmental and institutional regulations may limit the particular length of the wireways 120 which may be utilized in a physically realizable and “legal” environment. Further, in addition to the previously described advantages of the wireways 120 in accordance with the invention, other advantages exist. For example, it is possible to “stack” the suspension brackets 124 on the associated threaded support rods 112. With this stackable capability, it is therefore also possible, as with the cable trays 119, to stack the wireways 120 in a vertically disposed manner. An illustration of a series of suspension brackets 124 positioned in a stacked relationship, with corresponding cable trays 119 and wireways 120 is shown in
The foregoing has been a description of the configuration of the wireways 120. It will be appreciated that the length of any individual wireway 120 will be finite. Accordingly, for purposes of providing a desired infrastructure, a series of individual lengths of wireways 120 may be required. In such event, it is preferable for adjacent ones of the wireways 120 to be mechanically coupled to each other, and to be coupled at their ends to one of the suspension brackets 124. This mechanical coupling provides shielding of the AC power cables 123 at the ends of the wireways 120, and also may be required in accordance with governmental or institutional standards.
For purposes of providing this mechanical coupling, joiners may be utilized. An exemplary embodiment of a joiner which may be utilized in accordance with the invention is illustrated as joiner 360, primarily shown in
The joiner 360 also includes a joiner cover 377, as shown separated from the joiner inset 362 in perspective view in
The joiner cover 377 may be assembled with the inset 362 so as to form the entirety of the joiner 360 as illustrated in
For purposes of coupling the joiner 360 to adjacent ones of the wireways 120, the joiner 360 will be coupled in a “straddle” configuration between the adjacent wireways 120, as primarily shown in
Another aspect of the rail system 100 should be described. With the structure of the main rails 114 and other components described herein, space is provided for structural and electrical components to be extended from above the main rails 114 through the center of the main rails 114, between the power rail 136 and communications rail 138. As an example, if desired, rods supporting fire sprinklers could be extending through the main rails 114. Also, the threaded support rods 112 could be extended, so as to support other elements, since such support does not put any load on the main rails 114. In addition to the capability of extending support rods or other elements through the main rails 114, the bracing supports 126 also have the capability of providing for extension of elements therethrough. As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, and particularly with respect to
The foregoing describes a substantial number of the mechanical components associated with the split bus rail system 100. In accordance with the invention, the split bus rail system 100 includes means for distributing power (as both AC and DC) and communications signals throughout a network which is enmeshed with the mechanical components of the split bus rail system 100. These power and communications signal distribution means are part of the network 103. For example, and as earlier described, the main rail 114, which is in fact a dual rail comprising an AC power bus assembly 116 and DC bus assembly 118, includes an AC power bus strip 168 and a DC bus strip 206. In addition to the components of the split bus rail system 100 previously described herein, still other components are required for purposes of providing power and communication signals to the bus assemblies, as well as tapping off from the bus strips so as to provide power and communication signals to applications of the split bus rail system 100. In addition, because the main rail 114 comprises individual rail sections which are finite in length, means are required to electrically interconnect bus strips from one length of main rail 114 to bus strips of an adjoining main rail 114.
For the foregoing functions, connector and power feed modules are utilized in accordance with the invention. For example, and as illustrated in
With reference to the drawings, the jumper connector module 402 can be mechanically fitted into one of the main rails 114 as shown particularly in
The connector module 402 also includes a locking bar 410 which is coupled by any appropriate means to the top of the center block 408. The locking bar 410 is manually rotatable relative to the center block 408. In
In accordance with the foregoing, the jumper connector module 402 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the main rail 114 by inserting the connector module 402 upwardly into the bottom of the main rail 114 from the underside thereof. The interconnection position for the connector module 402 relative to the main rail 114 is illustrated in the end view of the same as shown in
Although the rotatable locking bars 410 are illustrated in
Reference is now made to
Also at the lower end of the shaft 418 is an elongated stop arm 424. The stop arm 424 has a configuration as illustrated in, for example,
More specifically, and as illustrated in
In addition to the concepts previously described herein with respect to the jumper connector module 402, and its interconnection to the main rail 114, the jumper connector module 402 provides other advantageous features in accordance with the invention. In this regard, reference is again made to
More specifically, and as shown in
When the extendable contact section 432 is in its extended position, electrical contact will be made between bus contacts associated with the jumper connector module 402 and the AC power buses 174 and DC buses 210. However, the connector module 402 includes a feature which advantageously prevents the extendable contact section 432 from being moved from its retracted to its extended position, when the locking bar 410 is in an unlocked position. This feature is made apparent by the illustrations of
The jumper connector module 402 (and other connector modules associated with the split bus rail system 100) may also include an additional safety feature. Specifically, reference is made to
An exemplary embodiment of the catch 438 will now be described, primarily with respect to
At this point, and as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, bus contacts of the jumper connector module 402 will engage the AC buses 174 and DC buses 210. When it is desired to move the extendable contact section 432 from its extended position to its retracted position, the user 460 can insert a screwdriver 449 or similar object through the opening 437, so as to move the flexible and resilient latch arm 439 upwardly, as shown in phantom line format in
Although the foregoing has described one particular embodiment of a catch 438 which may be utilized in accordance with the invention, other means for moving the extendable contact section 432 between extended and retracted positions may be utilized, without departing from the principal concepts of the invention.
With respect to electrical interconnections associated with the connector module 402 and the buses 174, 210 on a main rail 114, reference is again made primarily to
In somewhat of a diagrammatic format,
At this point in the description, it is worthwhile to more specifically describe one configuration which may be utilized for the AC power buses 174 and the DC buses 210, along with nomenclature for the same. It should be emphasized that this particular bus configuration and nomenclature is only one embodiment which may be utilized with the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention. Other bus configurations may be utilized. More specifically, reference is made to
Although the user has a capability of selecting any one of the three AC circuits available for use with a connector module, it is apparent for purposes of the jumper connector module 402 and the power entry connector module 400, the user will use all five of the AC bus contacts 412 so as to tap off of all of the AC buses 210 for purposes ofjumping AC power from one length of main rail 114 to an adjoining length of main rail 114. However, for purposes of use of other connector modules as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the user may wish to tap off of only one of the three available AC circuits. For this purpose, the AC bus contacts 412 associated with any given one of the connector modules described herein may be manually removable from the associated connector module by a user. For example, if a user wished to utilized only one AC power circuit, the user could remove the AC bus contacts 412 which would normally engage buses AC2 and AC3. In this manner, the user would tap off power only from a single circuit associated with the AC buses 174.
Turning to the specific configuration of the DC buses 210 as illustrated in
Correspondingly, bus DC3 can be characterized as of primary importance with respect to the network 103. Specifically, bus DC3 will carry data, protocol, information and communication signals (collectively referred to as “communications” signals) throughout the network 103 of the split bus rail system 100, including transmission to and from application devices. For this reason, bus DC3 is referred to herein as the “communications bus” or “bus DC3.” For example, and as described subsequently herein, bus DC3 may carry data or information signals to electronic components within a connector module, so as to control the application within the connector module of AC power, to, for example, an electrical receptacle. Again, it should be noted that signals on bus DC3 may be in the form of data, protocol, control or other types of digital signals.
Still further, the DC buses 210 also include bus DC2. Bus DC2 can be characterized as a “return” bus. This bus essentially provides for a return line for DC power and communications associated with the network 103. Bus DC2 provides for appropriate grounding of the entirety of the DC portion of the network 103.
With respect to the AC bus contacts 412 in any given connector module, the contacts may selectively engage only three of the AC buses 174, for purposes of tapping off a single AC circuit. In contrast, and again with respect to most of the connector modules described herein, three DC bus contacts 414 would typically be utilized, so as to tap off DC power and communications signals from the entirety of the three buses DC1, DC2 and DC3. On the other hand, however, the individual DC bus contacts 414 associated with any given connector module could be made to be removable from the module, as are the AC bus contacts 412.
Additional electrical circuitry associated with the jumper connector module 402 will now be described. Again shown somewhat in a diagrammatic form, the jumper connector module 402 may include a series of five AC connector wires 444, as shown in diagrammatic form in
Reference is now made to
Still further, the jumper connector module 402 and power entry connector module 400 can be utilized for purposes of “jumping” communication signals from the DC buses DC3 associated with adjacent lengths of the main rail 114. More specifically, and as illustrated in
In accordance with the foregoing, the connector modules 400, 402 and their associated cabling provide means for electrically connecting or otherwise “jumping” electrical signals associated with bus strips on one main rail to an adjoining main rail. It should also be emphasized that the foregoing configuration in accordance with the invention provides for electrical interconnection with the use of flexible “jumpers” 457, 470 and 472. That is, the flexible jumpers 470 can be characterized as comprising the AC connector cable 464 and AC connector 462. Correspondingly, the flexible jumper 472 can be characterized as comprising DC connector cable 452 and DC connector 454. Further, the DC connector cable 457 can be characterized as a flexible jumper for purposes of “jumping” communication signals. Advantageously, the previously described configuration in accordance with the invention provides means for the use of flexible jumpers to jump power and communication signals between buses on adjoining main rails, in a manner which should meet with known govemmental and institutional codes and regulations. More specifically, one concept in accordance with the invention is the use of flexible jumpers with AC and DC buses.
It should also be emphasized that numerous types of electrical contact configurations, catch assemblies and the like may be utilized for the connector modules 400, 402, without departing from a number of the principal novel concepts of the invention. For example, configurations other than the use of the tapered arms 440, 442 could be utilized to cause the AC bus contacts 412 and DC bus contacts 414 to selectively engage the corresponding AC buses 174 and DC buses 210, respectively. In addition, other jumper cable configurations could be utilized. In the embodiment illustrated in
In addition to the jumper connector modules 402 and the power entry connector modules 400, the electrical network 103 associated with the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention may incorporate other types of connector modules. These other types of connector modules are adapted for the performance of differing electrical and communications functions. However, these additional connector modules may advantageously utilize the same structure and functions as the modules 400, 402 for mechanically coupling to lengths of the main rail 114. In addition, the differing connector modules may advantageously also use AC and DC bus contacts corresponding in structure and tunction to the AC bus contacts 412 and DC bus contacts 414 previously described withjumper connector module 402, for purposes of tapping power and communication signals off of the AC buses 174 and DC buses 210.
Additional connector modules will now be described as utilized in combination with the split bus rail system and application devices to be interconnected to the network 103. As will be apparent from subsequent description herein, the connector modules provide a means for interconnecting application devices to the network 103, including both mechanical interconnection and interconnection with AC and DC power, and network communications. Further, the connector modules advantageously provide means for interconnecting application devices to the network 103 anywhere along a continuum of the AC and DC buses 174, 210, respectively, associated with the main rails 114. The intelligence associated with the connector modules (in the form of microprocessor and other elements) also provides a means for programming the network 103 and associated application devices so as to achieve requisite controlling/controlling relationships among the devices.
An example of one of the additional connector modules is illustrated in
The receptacle connector module 480 includes an AC power side block 482, similar to the AC power side block 404 of the connector module 402 previously described herein. The connector module 480 also includes a DC power side block 484, having a relatively shorter height than the AC power side block 482. Extending through the center of the connector module 480 is a center block 486. Mounted to the top of the center block 486 is a rotatable locking bar 488. The locking bar 488 operates in the same manner as the rotatable locking bar 410 previously described with respect to connector module 402. As shown in diagrammatic form in
With reference specifically to
The internal circuitry of the receptacle connector module 480 will now be described, primarily with respect to
In addition to the IR receiver 500 of the receptacle connector module 480 receiving the incoming spatial signals 481, signals from the DC buses DC1, DC2 and DC3 are also received by the connector module 480 through the DC bus contacts 414. It should be noted that
In operation, the receptacle connector module 480 may be “programmed” by a user through the use of the wand 952. The wand 952 may, for example, be utilized to transmit spatial signals 481 to the connector module 480 which essentially “announces” to the network 103 that the connector module 480 is available to be controlled. The wand 952 may then be utilized to transmit other spatial IR signals to an application device, such as a “switch,” which will then be assigned as the control for the connector module 480. The “switch” will thereafter control application devices which may be “plugged into” the connector module 480. In this regard, it can be assumed that the receptacle 498 is electrically connected to the overhead fan 502 illustrated in
Assuming that programming has been completed, and assuming that the switch 499 is in an “off” state, meaning that electrical power is not being applied through receptacle 498, the user may activate the switch or other controlling device. Activation of this switch may then cause transmission of appropriate communication signal sequences on bus DC3. The processor 485 would have been programmed to interrogate signal sequences received from DC communications bus DC3, and respond to particular sequence's generated by the controlling switch, which indicate that power should be applied through receptacle 498. In response to receipt of these signals on line 491 from communications bus DC3, the processor 485 will cause appropriate control signals to be applied on line 501 as input signals to the switch assembly 499. The switch assembly 499 will be responsive to these signals so as to change states, meaning that the switch assembly 499 will move from an off state to an on state. With this movement to an on state, power from the AC buses AC1, ACN and ACG will be applied through the switch assembly 499 to the receptacle 498. In this manner, the overhead fan 502 may be energized.
In accordance with the foregoing, the receptacle control module 480 comprises a means responsive to programming signals received from a user (utilizing the wand 952) to configure itself so as to be responsive to selectively control the application of AC power to the receptacle 498 from appropriate ones of the AC buses 174. In this regard, although
In addition to the foregoing, it should also be stated that with the use of connector modules such as receptacle connector module 480, the connector module 480 and the application device to which the module is connected (in this instance, overhead fan 502) actually become part of the distributed network 103. It should also be noted that this interconnection or addition of an application device (i.e. the overhead fan 502) to the rail system 100 has occurred, through use of the control module 480, without requiring any physical rewiring or programming of any centralized computers or other centralized control systems. The receptacle connector module 480 and other connector modules as described herein, in combination with their capability of being coupled to AC and DC power, and communication signals through DC communications bus DC3, provide for a true distributed network. It should also be mentioned that it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor 485 may include elements such as memory, microcode, instruction registers and the like for purposes of logically controlling the switch assembly 499, in response to communication signals received from DC communications bus DC3. Concepts associated with “programming” a control switch electrically connected to the DC communications bus DC3, so that activation of the control switch will transmit communication signals which may be received by appropriate logic in the receptacle connector module 480, will be explained in somewhat greater detail in subsequent paragraphs relating to
As earlier stated, a number of differing connector modules may be utilized in accordance with the invention. As a further example, a connector module referred to as a dimmer connector module 508 is illustrated in
Turning specifically to the connector module 508, and as earlier stated, the module 508 is somewhat similar to the connector module 480. Accordingly, like mechanical structure of the connector module 508 will be numbered with like reference numerals corresponding to the connector module 480. The dimmer connector module 508 includes an AC power side block 482, DC power side block 484 and center block 486. The dimmer connector module 508 mechanically and electrically interconnects to the main rail 114 and is selectively engagable with the AC buses 174 and DC buses 210 in the same manner as receptacle connector module 480 and jumper connector module 402. Also similar to the connector module 480, the connector module 508 includes a locking bar 488 for selectively and mechanically securing the connector module 508 to the main rail 114. The connector module 508 further includes an extendable contact section 492, selectively extendable and retractable by a user so as to selectively engage and disengage AC and DC bus contacts (not shown) within the connector module 508 with the AC buses 174 and DC buses 210, respectively. The extendable contact section 492 includes an end wall 494, and operates in the same functional manner as does the extendable contact section 492 associated with the connector module 480.
The bottom of the dimmer connector module 508 differs from the bottom of the receptacle connector module 480. More specifically, the dimmer connector module 508 includes a bottom cover 510 as illustrated in
The internal circuitry of the dimmer connector module 508 includes a number of components substantially corresponding to components of the receptacle connector module 480 previously described with respect to
Correspondingly, DC network power from DC buses DC1 and DC2, and communications signals from DC bus DC3 are also received by the connector module 508, through the DC bus contacts 414. As with the receptacle connector module 480 shown in
Turning to the AC buses 174, the AC bus contacts 412 which correspond to AC buses AC1, ACN and ACG are positioned in place in the module 508. The AC “hot” bus AC1 is electrically connected through one of the AC bus contacts 412 and applied through line 493 as input to a dimmer assembly 516. Correspondingly, AC neutral bus ACN also is electrically connected through one of the bus contacts 412 and applied to the dimmer assembly 516 through line 495. In addition, AC ground bus ACG is electrically connected to a further one of the AC bus contacts 412 and applied to the dimmer assembly 516 through line 497.
The dimmer assembly 516 includes output lines 503, 505 and 507. Control signals for the dimmer assembly 516 are applied as input signals from line 501. These control signals on line 501 are applied as output signals from the processor 485. With respect to operation of the dimmer assembly 516, the AC power which is applied as input on lines 493, 495 and 497 will be relatively constant in amplitude. The control signals on line 501 applied to the dimmer assembly 516 from processor 485 will act so as to modify the AC output voltage amplitudes applied to the light track 512 through lines 503, 505 and 507. Dimmer assembly 516, from general knowledge of the electronic arts, and with the specification, can be readily designed, built and implemented by persons of ordinary skill in the electrical arts. Also, various types of dimmer assemblies are well known and commercially available.
In operation, the dimmer connector module 508 may be “programmed” by a user through the use of the wand 952. The wand 952 may be utilized to transmit spatial signals 481 to the module 508 which essentially “announces” to the network 103 that the dimmer connector module 508 is available to be controlled. The wand 952 may then be utilized to transmit other spatial IR signals to an application device, such as a “switch,” which will then be assigned as the control for the dimmer connector module 508. The “switch” will then control the AC voltages applied to the track lights 514. With appropriate spatial announcement signals 481 transmitted to the IR receiver 500 of the dimmer connector module 508 and an IR receiver of an application device which is to control the voltage amplitude applied to the track lights 514, certain signals 481 will be transmitted to the IR receiver 500 of the module 508 which, in turn, will transmit electrical signals on line 583 to the processor 485. These signals received by the processor 485 would, for example, be signals which would cause the processor 485 to be programmed so as to essentially “look” for specific communication signal sequences from DC communications bus DC3.
Assuming the programming has been completed, the user may operate the dimmer switch or other controlling device. Operation of the switch would then cause appropriate communication signal sequences to be applied on communications bus DC3. The processor 485 would have been programmed to interrogate signal sequences received from bus DC3, and respond to particular sequences generated by the switch, which indicate the voltage amplitude which should be applied to the light track 512 through the dimmer assembly 516. Appropriate control signals will then be applied on line 501 as input signals to the dimmer assembly 516, so as to provide for the appropriate voltage amplitude.
In accordance with the foregoing, the dimmer control module 508 comprises a means responsive to programming signals received from a user to configure itself so as to be responsive to selectively control the amplitude of AC voltages applied to the light track 512. As with other connector modules described herein, although AC power bus AC1 is illustrated as being utilized in
In a manner similar to that described with respect to the receptacle connector module 480, the actuator 509 associated with the dimmer connector module 508 can be utilized to receive spatial signals from a user so as to essentially “program” a control/controlling relationship between the connector module 508 (and the associated track lights 514) and a sensor or switch located elsewhere within the environment and interconnected (either by wire or by spatial transmission of signals) to appropriate ones of the DC buses 210, for purposes of transmitting signals which will cause the dimmer connector module 508 to selectively enable or disable electrical power provided to the track lights 514 from the AC buses 174. In addition, the connector module 508 will also include appropriate electronics so as to control the voltage amplitudes applied to the track lights 514, thereby controlling light intensity.
It should be emphasized that variations in the dimmer connector module 508 and the interconnected track light rail 512 may be implemented, without departing from the spirit and scope of some of the novel concepts of the invention. For example, the track light rail 512 may be mechanically coupled to the bottom cover 510 of the connector module 508, in a manner so that the track light rail 512 may be rotated in a horizontal plane. Accordingly, the track light rail 512 may be “angled” relative to the elongated axis of the main rail 114. Also, various types and numbers of conventional and commercially available track light rails may be utilized with the dimmer connector module 508.
Another aspect of the dimmer connector module 508 and other connector modules which may be utilized in accordance with the invention should be mentioned. In the embodiment illustrated in
This concept of remotely positioning IR receivers 500 is shown by another example embodiment illustrated in
Another important concept of this remote positioning of IR receivers 500 should be emphasized. Specifically, when the wand 952 is utilized so as to activate one of the IR receivers 500 or 500A-500D, all of the associated IR receivers would be enabled and would “light up.” This would include the IR receiver 500 associated with the connector module 480.
Another embodiment which may be utilized in place of a dimmer connector module 508 or a receptacle connector module 480 with a series of remotely positioned IR receivers 500 is illustrated in
The junction box 970 also includes a series of knockouts 994 spaced around the perimeter of the junction box 970. The knockouts can be utilized so as to run cable or network wires through the junction box 970. As shown in
A still further example of a connector module which may be utilized in accordance with the invention is referred to herein as a power drop connector module 520, and is illustrated in
Turning specifically to the power drop connector module 520, and as earlier stated, the module 520 is somewhat similar to the receptacle connector module 480. Accordingly, like mechanical structure of the connector module 520 will be numbered with like reference numerals corresponding to the connector module 480. With reference to
The bottom cover 522 of the power drop connector module 520 differs from the bottom of the receptacle connector module 480. More specifically, the bottom cover 522 of the connector module 520 includes an Allen screw 420, along with an IR receiver 500. The power drop connector module 520 also includes an AC cable 524 extending outwardly from the top of the center block 486. At the terminating end of the AC power cable 524 is a male or female AC connector 526. The AC connector 526 may be any of a number of conventional and commercially available connectors, which are typically utilized to connectively secure and interconnect electrical wires from one cable or conduit to electrical wires associated with another cable or conduit.
More specifically, the AC connector 526 may be utilized to interconnect AC circuits with receptacles and other elements to be powered within a device such as the power pole 530 as illustrated in
A partially schematic and partially diagrammatic block diagram of the internal circuitry of the power drop connector module 520 will now be described, primarily with respect to
Correspondingly, AC power is received from AC buses AC1, ACN and ACG through bus contacts 412 and lines 493, 495 and 497, respectively. This AC input power is applied to a switch assembly 499, which may correspond or otherwise be substantially similar to the switch assembly 499 previously described with respect to the receptacle connector module 480. In response to control signals received from the processor 485 through control line 501, the switch assembly 499 will be in either an on state or an off state. In the on state, AC power is directly switched through lines 493, 495 and 497 to switch output lines 503, 505 and 507, respectively. Lines 503, 505 and 507 apply power as input to the AC power cable 524 and connector 526.
As with the receptacle control module 480, the power drop connector module 520 may first be programmed, so as to be responsive to user operation of application devices, such as switches or the like. In response to user operation, the processor 485, sensing communication signals from the DC bus DC3, may then apply control signals on line 501, so as to operate the switch assembly 499 between on and off states. In this manner, the application of AC power to the AC power cable 524 is controlled. Also, as with the other connector modules described herein, the power drop connector module 520 may be characterized as comprising an actuator 509, with the actuator 509 including the IR receiver 500, processor 485 and switch assembly 499.
As with the other connector modules previously described herein, the diagrammatic illustration of
In accordance with the prior discussion herein, various types of connector modules are utilized for various functions associated with the split bus rail system 100, including functions associated with AC power, DC power and network communications. As also previously described herein, network communications occurs through signals on bus DC3 of the DC buses 210 associated with lengths of the main rail 114. Devices which are to act as controlled or controlling devices must therefore be coupled into the network. The prior description explained how application devices such as light assemblies, power poles and the like are coupled into programmable connector modules. Controlling devices, such as switches and the like, must also be coupled into the network 103. These devices, which may be characterized as “smart” devices, in that they may include processors and associated electronic elements, must have the capability of transmitting and receiving communication signals from connector modules through DC communications bus DC3, and also must be powered. Accordingly, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention employs a different type of connector module comprising means for supplying DC network power to application devices, and for transmitting and receiving communication signals from and to these application devices and the communications bus DC3.
An example of such a connector module which may be utilized with the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention is referred to herein as a “network tap” module, illustrated in
The external structure of the network tap module 560, illustrated in
Unlike the previously described connector modules, the network tap module 560 includes a series of three power/communications connector ports 562. The connector ports 562 may be, for example, conventional RJ45 ports, with a selected number of circuit wires being utilized with the ports. Each of the connector ports 562 is adapted to carry not only communication signals representative of those signals to be transmitted to or from DC communications bus DC3 but also power carried on DC buses DC1 and DC2. In this regard,
A simplified partially schematic and partially diagrammatic block diagram of the internal circuitry of the network tap module 560 is illustrated in
To this point in the description, various mechanical and electrical aspects of the main rail 114 have been described, along with various types of connector modules utilized with the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention. In this description, reference has been made to AC buses 174, having capability of carrying three separate AC circuits. Reference in the description has also been directed to components such as wireways 120, through which cables 123 are received. The cables 123 were previously described herein as capable of carrying, for example 277 volt AC power. Still further, DC buses DC1 and DC2 of the DC buses 210 have been described as carrying DC network power. Although the previously described components of the split bus rail system 100 function to carry and transfer AC and DC power throughout the rail system 100, means have not yet been described as to how power is initially applied to the AC buses 174 and DC buses 210. For this purpose, the components of the split bus rail system 100 include a power entry box, such as the power entry box 580 primarily illustrated in
More specifically, the power entry box 580 shown in
Referring back to
For purposes of maintaining such shielding, the power entry box 580 can include a pair of interconnected wireway segments 581. The wireway segments 581 can be formed with the same peripheral configuration as the wireways 120 previously described herein. In fact, each of the wireway segments 581 can be characterized as merely an extremely “short” length of a wireway 120. Accordingly, the individual parts of the wireway segments 581 will not be described herein, since they substantially conform to the individual parts of wireways 120 previously described herein. However, for purposes of connecting the wireway segments 581 to the front portion of the power entry module 580, brackets 583 (partially shown in
In addition to the foregoing, the power entry box 580 also includes a relatively conventional AC/DC converter 600, situated between the 120 volt AC side block 582 and the 277 volt AC side block 596. The AC/DC converter 600 is adapted to receive AC power tapped off of the 120 volt AC cable 590. This AC power is then converted to low voltage DC power and applied as an output of the converter 600 to a DC cable 602. The DC cable 602 is conventional in design and terminates in a conventional DC connector 604.
The DC cable 602 and connector 604 are adapted to supply DC power to the buses DC1 and DC2 of the DC buses 210. This occurs as illustrated in
The power entry box 580 is adapted to be positioned above a main rail 114, as primarily illustrated in
Returning to the central portion 616, a series of four threaded holes 620 extend therethrough in a spaced apart relationship. The central portion 616 also includes a vertically disposed groove 622 extending down the center of the central portion 616. The connector 606 also includes a bracket 624, primarily shown in
To couple the power entry box 580 to the grid 101, the power entry box 580 can be positioned above a corresponding main rail as primarily shown in
With respect to the interconnections of elements of the power entry box 580, attention is directed to
In accordance with the foregoing, a component of the split bus rail system 100 has been described which serves to receive power from sources external to the split bus rail system 100, and apply AC and DC power to the AC buses 174 and DC buses 210, respectively. In the particular embodiment of the split bus rail system 100 described herein, the AC and DC power from the power entry box 580 is applied to the appropriate buses through a power entry connector module 400.
The immediately foregoing description has been directed, in substantial part, to the various types of connector modules and the power entry box 580 which can be utilized, with appropriate cabling, for distributing power (both AC and DC) throughout the entirety of the split bus rail system 100. The aforedescribed components of the split bus rail system 100 also function to provide transmission of communications signals throughout the network 103, including communications signals between and among all controlling and controlled devices incorporated within the network 103.
Concepts of communications connections among buses associated with various main rails 114 and the concept of a network “backbone” will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein. However, prior to such description, other, primarily mechanical components of the split bus rail system 100 will be described.
More specifically, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention include cross bracing elements which were previously mentioned herein and defined as bracing supports 126. The bracing supports 126 (originally shown in
One concept which is patentably important in the aforedescribed connections of the bracing supports 126 to the suspension bracket 124 should again be noted. Specifically, with the bracing supports 126 secured to the horizontally disposed feet 274 and 276, the entirety of the mechanical load of the bracing supports 126 is carried by the associated threaded support rod 112 through the suspension bracket 124. Accordingly, the support of the bracing supports 126 as shown in
As earlier stated, the bracing supports 126 can be connected so as to extend perpendicularly from a length of a main rail 114. In this regard, any given bracing support 126 may be interconnected to suspension brackets 124 associated with a pair of adjacent main rails 114. Such a configuration is illustrated in
The bracing supports 126 can take the form of any of a number of well known and commercially available structural building and framing components. For example, one product which may be utilized for the channels 126 is marketed under the trademark UNISTRUT®, and is manufactured by Unistrut Corporation of Wayne, Mich. Whatever components are utilized for the channels 126, they must meet certain governmental and institutional regulations regarding structural bracing parameters.
As described, the bracing supports 126 provide a means for cross bracing of the entirety of the grid 101, without subjecting the main rails 114 to any significant mechanical loads. In addition to the main rails 114 and bracing supports 126, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention includes other structural members, for facilitating the interconnection of devices or other types of “applications” to the rail system 100, including lights, projection screens, cameras, acoustical speakers and the like. These additional structural members include components which are referred to herein as cross-rails 670. One such cross-rail 670 is illustrated in
In the particular embodiment of a cross-rail 670 in accordance with the invention as illustrated herein, the cross-rail 670 includes an upper or top half 676 having the cross sectional configuration primarily shown in
The cross-rails 670 can be interconnected and supported by other elements of the split bus rail system 100 by various means. The particular means which a user may choose for supporting a cross-rail 670 may depend upon governmental and institutional regulations affecting that particular installation of the split bus rail system 100, or otherwise the particular structural design desired by the user, or still further based on the weight and configuration of device or application loads to be attached to the cross-rails 670. In this regard,
Turning primarily to
In addition to the brackets 694 and 704, the cross-rail hanger assemblies 674 further includes a support rod 714, as primarily illustrated in an exploded view in
As earlier stated, the cross-rail hanger assembly 674 is adapted to be mounted to the main rail 114, in a manner such that an interconnected cross-rail 670 is supported by the main rail 114 through the cross-rail hanger assembly 674. As an example,
With this configuration, and with the principal bracket 694 and the connector bracket 704 assembled together, the support rod 714 is assembled with the brackets by threadably inserting the studs 716 into the apertures 712 and through the weld nut 702 on the base 700 of the principal bracket 694. In this manner, not only is the support rod 714 assembled with the brackets 694 and 704, but the threadable connection also couples together the brackets 694 and 704.
To connect the cross-rail hanger assembly 674 to the cross-rail 670, a further element, identified as a cross-rail tray 722, is utilized. Perspective and end view of a cross-rail tray 722 are illustrated in
As illustrated in
The foregoing has described a cross rail 670 as an exemplary structural member for the split bus rail system 100. Also described was a particular embodiment of a cross-rail hanger assembly 670 and a track lighting assembly 672. It should be emphasized that variations in the structures and configurations of these elements can be designed and developed, without departing from the principal concepts of the invention. For example, the structural configuration of the cross-rail 670 could clearly be modified, while still achieving the same functional performance as described herein. It should also be mentioned that the particular cross-rail hanger assembly 674 described herein is not what would normally be characterized as a “breakaway” hanger configuration. Accordingly, for purposes of meeting governmental and institutional mechanical and electrical codes and regulations, the use of the cross-rail 670 with the particular cross-rail hanger assembly 674 described herein may be somewhat limited. For example, certain codes and regulations may limit use of the cross-rail hanger assembly 674 to one where the interconnected cross-rail 670 is at least a certain distance above ground level. Other limitations may also exist with respect to use of a hanger assembly such as a cross-rail hanger assembly 674.
In accordance with the foregoing, the cross-rail 670 was supported by the associated main rail 114 through the cross-rail hanger assembly 674. As previously described, the weight of the cross-rail 670 (and any associated devices) is carried by the main rail 114. However, in certain instances, it may be preferable to have the weight of the cross-rail 670 and the associated devices carried by, for example, the grid 101, through a threaded support rod 112. Such a configuration is illustrated in
The support rod 744 can be attached at its lower end to the cross-rail tray 742 in the same manner as the support rod 714 is attached to the cross-rail tray 722 in the cross-rail hanger assembly 674 previously described herein. Accordingly, with the hanger assembly 740, the cross-rail 670 may be angled at an acute angle relative to the main rail 114. The support rod 744 extends upwardly into the center of a suspension bracket 124. The structure of the suspension bracket 124. Although not specifically shown in
The cross-rail hanger assembly 674 and the rod supported hanger assembly 740 as described herein may be characterized as “non-breakaway” hanger assemblies. That is, if any substantial extra weight was applied to a connected cross-rail 670 (such as by a person at ground level attempting to “hang” from the cross-rail 670), the cross-rail hanger assembly 674 and the rod supported hanger assembly 740 are configured so that they would vigorously resist the cross-rail 670 breaking away from the connection to the main rail 114 (when the hanger assembly 674 is used) or the threaded support rod 112 (when the rod supported hanger assembly 740 is used).
However, in certain instances, it is preferable for elements hung from the split bus rail system 100 to be supported in a manner from the rail system 100 so as to readily “breakaway” from their supporting structures, when forces at or above a designated minimum threshold are exerted on the supported elements. This may be required under certain governmental and institutional electrical and mechanical codes and regulations. Accordingly, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides for supporting elements with a “breakaway” feature. An example of the same is illustrated in
With reference to
As further shown in
The breakaway bracket 758 is constructed so that the breakaway bracket sides 766 have some flexibility and resiliency, relative to the bracket base 770. That is, when the breakaway bracket 758 is inserted into the main rail from the bottom portion thereof, the breakaway bracket sides 766 are essentially “squeezed” inwardly as the sides 766 move upwardly within the main rail 114. This inward flexion continues to occur until the bosses 768, 770 are above the vertically disposed walls 160 and 196. At that point, the sides 766 flex outwardly and the bosses 768, 770 are received within the central indentations 198 and 161, respectively. With this configuration, the breakaway hanger assembly 750 will readily support relatively light weight elements connected to the support rod 752, absent the application of any substantial forces on the supported elements. However, with the configuration of the breakaway bracket 758, and the flexion capability of the breakaway bracket sides 766, external forces of a sufficient quantity exerted in a downward direction on supported elements will overcome the flexion forces of the breakaway bracket 758 which cause the bracket 758 to remain positioned with in the main rail 114. That is, the forces applied to the supported element will overcome the flexion forces, and cause the sides 766 to flex inwardly, in response to the forces which would correspondingly be exerted on the bracket 758. In this manner, the bracket 758 will be caused to fall from the main rail 114.
Although one specific embodiment of a breakaway hanger assembly 750 has been described herein, it is apparent that other configurations may be utilized for providing a breakaway feature in the event of forces exerted on supported elements, without departing from the novel concepts of the invention.
As earlier described herein, the connector modules of the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention include what is referred to as a power drop connector module 520. As described with respect to the drawings, the power drop connector module 520 is adapted to provide AC power from the AC buses 174 to devices or applications, such as the power pole 530 illustrated in
In addition to the opposing plastic pole extrusion 784, the power pole 530 further includes plastic extrusion side covers 782. The cross sectional configurations of the side covers 782 are also illustrated in
At the top of the power pole 530, a top cap 794 can be secured to the pole 530. The top cap 794 includes a central aperture through which an AC cable 798 may extend. The AC cable 798 is adapted to extend through the center of the power pole 530, and can be utilized to provide AC power to components such as the electrical outlet receptacle pair 528. At its terminating end at the top, the AC cable 798 is connected to a conventional AC connector 796. This AC connector 796 is adapted to connect, for example, to an AC connector 526 and AC cable 524 of a power drop connector module 520, as illustrated in
The foregoing description of various elements of the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention have included a number of supporting elements. Among these elements have been the bracing supports 126, cross-rails 128, cross-rail hanger assembly 674, rod supported hanger assembly 740 and similar elements. However, in certain instances, it may be desirable to provide support of various devices and applications above a general horizontal plane of the main rails 114 forming the split bus rail system 100. For example, various types of HVAC equipment may be preferably located above the general plane of the system 100. For this reason, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention may include other types of supporting elements which interface with the basic components of the rail system 100.
An example of the foregoing is illustrated in
With reference first to
Again referring to
Again referring to
For purposes of support, the heating duct 812 can be made to rest on one of the bracing supports 126, as shown in
The foregoing has described one type of bracket assembly 810 which may be utilized to support equipment (such as a heating duct 812) generally above a horizontal plane formed by the main rails 114 of the split bus rail system 100. Of course, it is apparent that other types of bracket and hanger structures could be utilized with the main rails 114 and bracing supports 126, without departing from the principal novel concepts of the invention.
Turning to other aspects of the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention, the system 100 has been described with respect to use of various types of devices or applications. For example, the use of a track light rail 512 and associated track lights 514 were previously described with respect to
Still further, the back plate 860 supports a conventional dimmer switch 866, as illustrated in
A number of aspects of the rotary dimmer switch configuration 568 are relatively conventional. However, in accordance with the invention, the rotary dimmer switch configuration 866 includes a circuit board 864 mounted to the back plate 860. The circuit board 864 includes relatively conventional electronics and processor elements. The electronics and processor elements of the circuit board 864 perform several features. First, the circuit board 864 includes components which will be responsive to spatial signals received from the IR receiver 500, for purposes of “associating” the rotary dimmer switch 568 with control of dimming lights (such as the track lights 514 associated with a track light rail 512 previously described herein). Further, the electronics and processor elements of the circuit board 864 will be responsive to manual rotation of the rotary cover 872 and dimmer switch 866, so as to cause appropriate communication signals to be applied through DC communications ports 862 and DC communications cable 566 to appropriate dimming light elements associated with the network 101. Signals may also be applied on DC communications cable 566 in response to certain spatial signals received by the IR receiver 500.
As more specifically described in subsequent paragraphs herein, a manually-manipulated and hand-held instrument may be utilized to essentially “program” a dimmer connector module and associated track light rail (such as the dimmer connector module 508 and track light rail 512 previously described herein with respect to
The concepts associated with the foregoing description of the use of the rotary dimmer switch configuration 866 with the network tap module 560, dimmer control module 508 and track lights 514 represent an important feature of a split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention. In conventional rotary dimmer switches, 120 volt AC power is typically applied through the switch. Manual rotation of the rotary cover and associated dimmer switch with the conventional configuration will cause dimmer control circuitry to vary the voltage output on the AC power lines passing through the switch. These power lines are typically directly connected to dimming lights on a track light rail or the like. The variation in voltage amplitude of the AC power lines as they pass through the dimmer switch will thereby cause the track lights to vary in intensity. In contrast, in the configuration previously described herein in accordance with the invention, there is no AC power applied to or passing through the rotary dimmer switch configuration 560. Instead, manual rotation of the rotary cover 872 and associated dimmer switch 866 will cause variation in DC voltages, which are applied to processor components within the rotary dimmer switch configuration 560. The processor components will interpret the DC voltage variations in a manner so as to cause corresponding communications or control signals to be applied on DC communications cable 566. These control signals will correspondingly be applied to other elements of the network 103 (i.e. a network tap module 560 and dimmer connector module 508) so as to cause circuitry within a dimmer connector module 508 to vary the voltage amplitude applied to an interconnected set of track lights 514. To provide this feature, and as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the rotary dimmer switch configuration 568 has been “programmed,” along with one or more sets of track lights 514, so as to cause the rotary dimmer switch configuration 568 to “control” the associated track lights 514. It should be emphasized that this programming of the control relationship occurs without any need whatsoever of any type of centralized computer control, or any physical change in circuits, wiring or the like.
Still further,
Although the foregoing paragraphs have described four types of switches, numerous other types of switch configurations may be utilized for purposes of controlling various devices or applications associated with the network 101, without departing from the novel concepts of the invention.
The split bus rail system 100 provides a means for facilitating control and reconfiguration of controlled relationships among various devices associated with applications which may be utilized with the rail system 100. An example of a controlling/controlled relationship among devices has been previously described herein for the rotary dimmer switch configuration 568 and track lights 514 (see
The prior description also focused on the structure of the main rails 114, AC power buses 174, DC power and communications buses 210 and various types of connector modules. Essentially, the network 103 of the split bus rail system 100 has a particularly significant advantage, namely, it does not require any type of centralized processor or controller elements. That is, the network 103 can be characterized as a distributed network, without requirement of centralized control. Further, it is a programmable network, where controlling/controlled relationships among devices associated with an application are not structurally or functionally “fixed.” In fact, various types of devices can be “reprogrammed” to be part of differing applications. For example, a dimmer light track may be programmed to be controlled by a first rotary dimmer switch configuration, and then “reprogrammed” to be controlled by only a second rotary dimmer switch configuration, or both the first and second rotary dimmer switch configurations. This can occur without any necessity whatsoever of physical rewiring, or programming of any type of centralized controller. Instead, the network 103 utilizes what is referred to as a “programming tool” for effecting the application environment. As an example embodiment of a programming tool which may be utilized with the rail system 100, subsequent paragraphs herein will describe a manually manipulable and hand-held “wand.”
With the network structure described herein, the network 103 can be characterized not only as a distributed network, but also as an “embedded” network. That is, it is embedded into physical devices (e.g. connector modules, etc.) and linked together through mechanical structure of the rail system 100. In this regard, with the connector modules interconnecting various devices (e.g. switches, lights, etc.) to the AC and DC bus structures, the connector modules can be characterized as “nodes” of the network.
With the network characterized in this manner, it is worthwhile, for purposes of understanding the power and communications distribution, to illustrate an exemplary rail system 100 and network “backbone” associated therewith. In typical communications networks, the backbone is often characterized as a part of the network which handles the “major” traffic. In this regard, the backbone typically employs the highest speed transmission paths in the network, and may also run the longest distance. Many communications systems utilize what is often characterized as a “collapsed” backbone. These types of collapsed backbones comprise a network configuration with the backbone in a centralized location, with “subnetworks” attached hereto. In contrast, the network 103 which is associated with the split bus rail system 100 is somewhat in opposition to the concept of a collapsed backbone. In fact, the backbone of the network 103 can better be described as a “distributed” backbone. Further, the network 103 can be characterized as being an “open” system, and even the backbone can be characterized as an “open” backbone. That is, the network and the backbone are not limited in terms of expansion and growth.
For purposes of understanding of this concept of the backbone,
As further shown in
In addition to applying appropriate power to each of the main rails 114, it is also necessary to interconnect the communication signals associated with the split bus rail system 100 which are applied on the communications buses DC3 of the DC bus configurations 210 associated with each of the main rails 114. For this purpose, DC communications cables 910 are utilized, as shown in
Correspondingly, the DC communications bus DC3 associated with main rail 114B is coupled to the DC communications bus DC3 associated with the main rail 114C through the same type of interconnection, namely through a power entry connector module 400 associated with main rail 114B, through a DC communications cable 910 and through a further power entry connector module 400 associated with the main rail 114C. A DC communications cable 910 is also coupled between a jumper module 402 associated with main rail 114J1 and a power entry connector module 400 associated with main rail 114J2.
In accordance with the foregoing, not only is AC and DC power applied to the AC buses 174 and DC buses DC1 and DC2 of the DC bus configuration 210 associated with all the main rails 114, but the DC buses DC3 of the DC bus configurations 210 for each main rail 114 are also coupled together, through the DC communications cables 910. With the particular configuration illustrated in
Also, the DC communications bus DC3 associated with DC buses 210 of each main rail 114 is coupled to another DC communications bus DC3 of the DC buses 210 associated with another main rail 114. In this manner, all of the DC communication buses DC3 are linked together, through a “backbone” as previously described with respect to
As earlier stated, the system layout 912 shown in
Still further, it can be assumed that the light bank 914 has been “programmed” to be under control of a switch 920. The switch 920 may be any one of a number of different types of switches, such as the pressure switch 880 previously described with respect to
Correspondingly, and as previously mentioned, the system layout 912 illustrated in
The projection screen 922 is shown as being interconnected to a receptacle module 480 through an AC power cable 925. The receptacle module 480 is coupled to the main rail 114H. For control of the automated projection screen 922, it may be assumed that the user has “programmed” a controlling/controlled relationship between the screen 922 and the switch 924. The switch 924 may be any of a number of different types of switches, such as a pressure switch 880 as previously described with respect to
Another aspect of system layout 912 of a split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention should be mentioned. Specifically, the layout 912 has been described with respect to the use of DC communication cables 910. As further shown in
To this point, discussion regarding the network portion of the split bus rail system 100 has focused around the AC and DC buses 174, 210, respectively, various types of connector modules, the power entry box 580 and interconnection of various application devices and to the network 103. Numerous times, however, reference has also been made to the concept of “programming” the control and reconfiguration of control relationships among various application devices which may be utilized with the rail system 100. As an example, the discussion regarding
Further, it can be assumed that it is the desire of a user 950 to establish a controlling/controlled relationship between the switch 946 and the light 942. For this purpose, and as shown in
The control wand 952 may also include a trigger 960, for purposes of initiating transmission of IR signals. Still further, the control wand 952 may include mode select switches, such as mode select switch 962 and mode select switch 964. These mode select switches would be utilized to allow manual selection of particular commands which may be generated utilizing the control wand 952. The control wand 952 would also utilize a controller (not shown) or similar computerized devices for purposes of providing requisite electronics within the control wand 952 for use with the trigger 960, mode select switches 962, 964, light source 956 and IR emitter 958. An example of the use of such a wand, along with attendant commands which may be generated using the same, is described in commonly assigned International Patent Application No. PCT/US03/12210, filed Apr. 18, 2003.
Referring back to
The user could than “point” the wand 952 to the IR receiver 500 associated with the switch 946. When the wand 952 again has an appropriate directional configuration, as indicated by the light source 956, the trigger 960 could again be activated, thereby transmitting the appropriate IR signals 954. This concept is illustrated in
As earlier described, certain application devices, such as the lighting fixture 942, may be located somewhat far away from their associated receptacle connector module 480. In this instance, an additional IR receiver 500 could be coupled to the IR receiver 500 associated with the receptacle connector module 480, and attached in a convenient location to the lighting fixture 942 itself. This concept was previously described with respect to
In addition to the foregoing, signaling may be used, for purposes of changing the on and off states of various elements. For example, with RF signaling, an individual could possibly turn on all of the elements in an office or other commercial interior with a general signal rather than with a specific switch.
Reference is again made to
As described in the foregoing, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention facilitates flexibility and reconfiguration in the location of various devices which may be supported and mounted in a releasable and reconfigurable manner within the rail system 100. The split bus rail system 100 also facilitates access to locations where a commercial interior designer may wish to locate various functional or utilitarian devices, including electrical power receptacles and the like. As described herein, the split bus rail system 100 carries not only AC power (of varying voltages) but also DC power and DC communication signals. The communication signals are associated with a communications bus structure permitting the “programming” of controlled relationships among various devices. The programming (or reprogramming) may be accomplished at the location of the controlled and controlling elements, and my be accomplished by a lay person without significant training or expertise.
The split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention facilitates the reconfiguration of a commercial interior in “real time.” Not only may various functional elements be quickly relocated from a “physical” sense, but relationships among functional or utilitarian devices can also be altered, in accordance with the prior description relating to programming of control relationships. The split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention presents a “totality” of concepts which provide a commercial interior readily adapted for use with various devices, and with the capability of reconfiguration without necessarily requiring additional physical wiring or substantial rewiring. With this capability of relatively rapid reconfiguration, change can be provided in a building's infrastructure quickly, ensuring that the attendant commercial interior does not require costly disassembly and reassembly, and is not “down” for any substantial period of time. Further, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention, with attendant devices, permits occupants to allow their needs to “drive” the structure and function of the infrastructure and layout.
In addition to the foregoing, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention overcomes other issues, particularly related to governmental and institutional codes and regulations associated with electrical power, mechanical support of overhead structures and the like. For example, it is advantageous to provide availability throughout a number of locations within a commercial interior. The rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides the advantages of an overhead structure for distributing power (both AC and DC) and communications signals. However, structural elements carrying electrical signals (either in the form of power or communications) are regulated as to mechanical load-bearing parameters. As described herein, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention utilizes a suspension bracket for supporting elements such as bracing supports and the like throughout the overhead structure. With the use of these elements in accordance with the invention, the load resulting from these support elements is directly supported through elements coupled to the building structure of the commercial interior. Accordingly, rail elements carrying power and communication signals do not support the mechanical loads resulting from various other support and hanger components associated with the rail system 100. This provides significant advantages, in that regulations do not permit power and communication distribution systems to carry significant mechanical loads. That is, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides for both power distribution and a distributed communications network, notwithstanding governmental and institutional restrictive codes and regulations.
Still other advantages exist in accordance with certain aspects of the invention. For example, the rail system 100 provides for carrying relatively high voltage cables, such as 277 volt AC power cables. With the use of wireways as previously described herein, such cabling can be appropriately shielded, and meet all necessary codes and regulations. Still further, the rail system 100 in accordance with certain other aspects of the invention carries both DC “working” power, and a DC communications network. DC power advantageously is generated from building power, through AC/DC converters associated with the power entry boxes.
Still further advantages in accordance with certain aspects of the invention relate to the carrying of both AC and DC power. Again, governmental and institutional codes and regulations include some relatively severe restrictions on mechanical structures incorporating buses carrying both AC and AC power. The split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides for a mechanical and electrical structure which includes distribution of AC and DC power, with a mechanical structure which should meet most codes and regulations.
Still further, the split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention includes the concept of providing both wireways and cable trays for carrying AC and DC cables. The rail system 100 includes not only capability of providing for a single set of cable trays and wireways, but also provides for “stacking” of the same. Still further, other governmental and institutional codes and regulations include restrictions relating to objects which extend below a certain minimum distance above ground level, with respect to support of such objects. The split bus rail system 100 in accordance with the invention provides for breakaway hanger assemblies, again for meeting certain codes and regulations. Still further, with a distributed power system such as the split bus rail system 100, it is necessary to transmit power between various types of structural elements, such as different lengths of main rails. Advantageously, with the particular mechanical and electrical structure of the rail system 100, flexible jumpers can be utilized to transmit power from one main rail length to another.
In addition to the foregoing, the rail system 100 can be characterized as not only a distributed power network, but also a distributed “intelligence” network. That is, when various types of application devices are connected into the network of the rail system 100, “smart” connectors will often be utilized. It is this intelligence associated with the application devices and their connectivity to the network which permits a user to “configure” the rail system 100 and associated devices as desired. This is achieved without requiring any type of centralized computer or control systems.
Still further, the rail system 100 in accordance with another aspect of the invention may be characterized as an “open” system. That is, the rail system 100 can readily be added to, with respect to both structural elements and functional devices.
Other advantageous concepts also exist with respect to the rail system 100 in accordance with the invention. For example, mechanical elements utilized for supporting the rail system 100 from the building structure itself permit the “height” of the rail system 100 from the floor to be varied.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that other embodiments of rail systems in accordance with the invention may be designed. That is, the principles of a rail system for providing distributed power and distributed intelligence among various types of functional devices, are not limited to the specific embodiment described herein. For example, and as earlier stated, certain types of communications which occur through the use of cables in the split bus rail system 100 may be achieved through wireless configurations. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiment of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
Claims
1. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting a plurality of application devices, said system comprising:
- a plurality of main rails interconnected so as to form a structural grid, said structural grid forming at least one visual plane relative to said building infrastructure;
- said structural grid further forming a plurality of panel insert areas open to said building infrastructure;
- a plurality of panels, said panels being inserted into said panel insert areas, said panels limiting access to space above said visual plane from below said visual plane; and
- said plurality of main rails comprises means for permitting passage of cabling from above said visual plane to below said visual plane, in the absence of requiring any of said cabling to be passed through apertures of any of said panels.
2. An overhead system for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices electrically connectable to said overhead system, said system comprising at least one elongated main rail assembly forming a mechanical structure, constructed as a dual rail comprising an elongated power rail and an elongated communications rail.
3. An overhead system in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that said system further comprises connector means coupled to said at least one elongated main rail assembly for supporting vertically disposed functional elements below said elongated main rail assembly.
4. An overhead system in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that said functional elements comprise one or more space dividers.
5. An overhead system in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that said system further comprises:
- a plurality of elongated main rail assemblies; and
- connector means connected to said elongated main rail assemblies for supporting horizontally disposed functional elements from said main rail assemblies.
6. An overhead system in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that said functional elements comprise visual shields.
7. An overhead system in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that said system further comprises:
- a plurality of elongated main rail assemblies;
- connector means connected to said main rail assembly for supporting a plurality of functional elements above and/or below said main rail assembly; and
- said functional elements consist of one or more of the following group: space dividers; visual shields; projection screens; visual projectors; and electric motors.
8. An overhead system in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that said system further comprises power distribution means adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power for energizing said application devices.
9. An overhead system in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that said system further comprises communications distribution means for carrying communication signals.
10. An overhead system in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that:
- said power distribution means comprises a power bus assembly adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power, and coupled to said power rail so as to distribute said electrical power along the length of said elongated power rail for energizing said application devices; and
- said communications distribution means comprises a communications bus assembly coupled to said communications rail, so as to carry communication signals along the length of said communications rail.
11. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said power distribution means further comprises a plurality of connector modules electrically connected to said power supply means through said power bus assembly and locatable at desired connectable positions along said main rail assembly, so as to be electrically connectable with said application devices to be energized.
12. An overhead system in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that said system is configured so as to provide for releasable interconnection of said connector modules substantially along a continuum of said main rail assembly.
13. An overhead system in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that each of said plurality of connector modules comprises means responsive to a subset of said communication signals for selectively controlling application of electrical power from said connector modules to said devices.
14. An overhead system in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that a subset of said plurality of connector modules comprises means for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from said communications distribution means and at least a subset of said application devices.
15. An overhead system in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that:
- said at least one main rail assembly forms a centralized and elongated channel; and
- at least a subset of said plurality of connector modules are mechanically and electrically coupled to said at least one main rail assembly with said subset of connector modules fitting within said channel.
16. An overhead system in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that said power distribution means further comprises DC means connected to at least one source of DC power for distributing said DC power to said plurality of connector modules.
17. An overhead system in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that:
- said overhead system is used within an infrastructure; and
- said power distribution means and said communication distribution means are reconfigurable, independent of assembly, disassembly or modifications to said infrastructure.
18. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that:
- said overhead system comprises a plurality of main rails forming said mechanical structure, each of said main rails supporting said power distribution means and said communications distribution means; and
- said overhead system is an open architectural system, in that said plurality of main rails, said power distribution means and said communication distribution means can be expanded as to size, either singularly or in combination, without requiring substitute or other replacement of components of a first, original structure of said mechanical structure, said power distribution means or said communications distribution means.
19. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system comprises means for distributing electrical power and for providing a distributed intelligence system for transmitting and receiving certain of said communication signals from application devices physically located throughout an entirety of said mechanical structure.
20. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises device connection means physically connectable to said mechanical structure, for mechanically connecting said application devices to said mechanical structure.
21. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises device connection means manually releasable and movable so as to be connected at a desired one of a plurality of different locations throughout said mechanical structure, and so as to provide for releasable interconnection and movement of said application devices throughout said mechanical structure.
22. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises means for positioning sets of electrical conductors in vertically disposed configurations.
23. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises one or more wireways for distributing and carrying sets of electrical cables throughout said mechanical structure.
24. An overhead system in accordance with claim 23, characterized in that said wireways comprise means for electrically isolating and shielding said electrical cables from other electrical and communication signal conductors associated with said overhead system.
25. An overhead system in accordance with claim 23, characterized in that said system further comprises means for vertically stacking a plurality of said wireways, one above the other.
26. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises height adjustment means coupled to said support means, for varying the height of a general horizontal plane of said mechanical structure.
27. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises application device height adjustment means for selectively varying vertical locations of selected ones of said devices, relative to a general horizontal plane of said mechanical structure.
28. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said main rail assembly is configured so as to provide for releasable interconnection of said application devices substantially along a continuum of said main rail assembly.
29. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said overhead system is used within a building infrastructure, and said system further comprises:
- a first set of structural components comprising a plurality of said main rails, with said first set of structural components carrying components of said power distribution means and components of said communications distribution means;
- a second set of structural components;
- support means for supporting said plurality of said main rails from said infrastructure; and
- said overhead system further comprises suspension bracket means coupled to said support means and to said mechanical structure for translating gravitational loads from said second set of structural components directly to said support means, so that substantially none of any gravitational loads from said second set of structural components are carried by said first set of structural components.
30. An overhead system in accordance with claim 29, characterized in that said suspension bracket means comprises means for translating gravitational loads of said first set of structural components directly to said support means.
31. An overhead system in accordance with claim 29, characterized in that said suspension bracket means comprises individual means for connecting to a single one of said first set of said structural components, and to a pair of said second set of said structural components.
32. An overhead system in accordance with claim 31, characterized in that gravitational loads exerted on said suspension bracket means from said pair of said second set of structural components act so as to increase coupling forces between certain components of said suspension bracket means.
33. An overhead system in accordance with claim 29, characterized in that said support means comprise a plurality of support rods, and each of said suspension bracket means comprises means for connecting to a single one of said plurality of support rods.
34. An overhead system in accordance with claim 29, characterized in that said system further comprises:
- at least one wireway for distributing and carrying sets of electrical cables throughout said overhead system; and
- said wireway is carried on said overhead system so that gravitational loads are carried by said support means, and not carried by either said first set of structural components or said second set of structural components.
35. An overhead system in accordance with claim 34, characterized in that:
- said support means comprises a plurality of vertically disposed support rods; and
- said suspension bracket means comprises a plurality of suspension brackets, each of said suspension brackets being stackable on individual ones of said support rods, with said suspension brackets being independent of any connection to said first set of structural components or said second set of structural components.
36. An overhead system in accordance with claim 34, characterized in that said suspension bracket means comprise means for vertically stacking said second set of structural components.
37. An overhead system in accordance with claim 29, characterized in that:
- said support means comprises a plurality of vertically disposed support rods; and
- said suspension bracket means comprise a plurality of suspension brackets, with each of said suspension brackets being connectable to any single one of said plurality of support rods.
38. An overhead system in accordance with claim 29, characterized in that
- said suspension bracket means comprises a plurality of suspension brackets, each of said suspension brackets comprising:
- first section means connected to a first one of said second set of structural components;
- second section means connected to a second one of said second set of structural components;
- central support section means connected to a first one of said first set of structural components, said first section means, said second section means and said support means; and
- said central support section means is connected to said support means so that gravitational loads from said first section means and said second section means are translated directly to said support means, and said gravitational loads are not carried by said first one of said first set of structural components.
39. An overhead system in accordance with claim 38, characterized in that:
- said first section means comprises a central portion having a leg formed on one side thereof, so as to configure a capturing slot, and an arcuate arm formed on an opposing side of said central portion;
- said second section means is substantially identical to said first section means; and
- when assembled, said arcuate arm of said first section means is captured within said capturing slot of said second section means, and said arcuate arm of said second section means is captured within said capturing slot of said first section means.
40. An overhead system in accordance with claim 38, characterized in that:
- said first section means comprises a first suspension bracket section half; and
- said second section means comprises a second suspension bracket section half, with said second suspension bracket section half being substantially identical to said first suspension bracket section half.
41. An overhead system in accordance with claim 40, characterized in that when one of said suspension brackets is assembled with said first and said second suspension bracket section halves being coupled together, outwardly directed forces exerted on said suspension bracket section halves of said one suspension bracket will act so as to increase coupling forces between said first and said second suspension bracket section halves.
42. An overhead system in accordance with claim 29, characterized in that:
- said suspension bracket means comprises a plurality of suspension brackets, each of said suspension brackets comprising a universal suspension plate assembly connected to said support means; and
- said universal suspension plate assembly is adapted to be used independently of other components of said suspension bracket, for purposes of directly securing structural elements to said support means.
43. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said main rail assembly comprises:
- a power rail assembly supporting said power bus assembly; and
- a communications rail assembly supporting said communications bus assembly.
44. An overhead system in accordance with claim 43, characterized in that said power rail assembly is substantially a mirror image of said communications rail assembly as supported and made part of said main rail assembly.
45. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said power bus assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart AC power buses, each of said power buses being electrically isolated from others of said power buses.
46. An overhead system in accordance with claim 45, characterized in that each of said AC power buses faces laterally outwardly, relative to a longitudinal axis of said rail assembly, said power buses being utilized to provide a continuum of AC electrical power along the length of said main rail assembly.
47. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said communications bus assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart communication buses, each of said buses being electrically isolated from others of said communications buses.
48. An overhead system in accordance with claim 47, characterized in that said communications buses function so as to provide a continuum of DC power and communications signals along the length of said main rail assembly.
49. An overhead system in accordance with claim 47, characterized in that said communications buses face laterally outwardly, relative to a longitudinal axis of said main rail assembly.
50. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises:
- a power rail assembly supporting said power bus assembly;
- a communications rail assembly supporting said communications bus assembly;
- said power bus assembly comprising a plurality of AC power buses; and
- said communications rail assembly comprising a plurality of communications buses.
51. An overhead system in accordance with claim 50, characterized in that said plurality of AC buses provide multiple, separate AC circuits selectively available to a user for purposes of energizing said application devices.
52. An overhead system in accordance with claim 50, characterized in that:
- said plurality of communications buses comprise at least three communication buses;
- at least two of said communications buses carry DC power along said main rail; and
- said communications buses comprise buses carrying communications signals along said main rail.
53. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system is used within an infrastructure, and said system further comprises:
- a plurality of main rails;
- support means for supporting said plurality of said main rails from said infrastructure;
- a plurality of bracing supports connected between said main rails;
- said support means comprises a plurality of suspension brackets and a plurality of elongated supporting elements connected to said infrastructure and further connected to at least one main rail; and
- said plurality of main rails, said plurality of suspension brackets, said plurality of bracing supports and said plurality of elongated supporting elements form a structural grid comprising a common base for implementing various configurations of said overhead system.
54. An overhead system in accordance with claim 53, characterized in that an overhead system of an initial structural configuration can be expanded in size so as to form a second overhead system without modification of said initial structural configuration.
55. An overhead system in accordance with claim 53, characterized in that:
- said system comprises a plurality of suspension points or nodes, where each suspension point or node is formed at a location along one of said main rails, and where ends of a pair of said bracing supports, one of said suspension brackets and one of said elongated supporting elements are coupled together; and
- said coupling is provided by said suspension bracket supporting, at least in part, said pair of said bracing supports, and said elongated supporting element supporting said suspension bracket, said main rail in part, and said pair of structural channels.
56. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system is used within an infrastructure, and said system further comprises:
- a plurality of main rail assemblies;
- support means for supporting said main rail assemblies from said infrastructure; and
- said plurality of main rail assemblies comprises a series of spaced apart apertures, said spaced apart apertures adapted to permit passage of electrical cables therethrough.
57. An overhead system in accordance with claim 56, characterized in that said main rail assemblies are supported by said support means, and load ratings of any given one of said main rail assemblies may be varied by varying the intervals at which said main rail assemblies are supported by said support means.
58. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system is used within an infrastructure, and said system further comprises:
- a plurality of main rails;
- support means for supporting said main rails from said infrastructure; and
- a plurality of cross channels, each of said cross channels being coupled to and supported by said support means.
59. An overhead system in accordance with claim 58, characterized in that each of said plurality of cross channels has opposing ends positioned adjacent said main rails, with each of said cross channels being supported by said support means.
60. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said overhead system is used within a building infrastructure, and said system comprises:
- a plurality of main rails interconnected so as to form a structural grid, said structural grid forming at least one substantially horizontal plane relative to said building infrastructure; and
- connection means connectable to components of said structural grid and to a subset of said application devices, so as to support said subset of said application devices above and below said substantially horizontal plane of said structural grid.
61. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises:
- a plurality of connector modules electrically connected to said power supply means and locatable at desired connectable positions along said main rail, so as to be electrically connectable with said application devices to be energized;
- wireway means for carrying electrical cables carrying electrical power and/or communication signals separate and independent of other conductors of said power distribution means and/or said communication distribution means which are carrying electrical power and/or communication signals, respectively; and
- wireway access means for tapping into said electrical cables at locations throughout said system, for purposes of supplying electrical power and/or communication signals to one or more of said plurality of connector modules, and/or one or more of said application devices.
62. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system is used within a building infrastructure, and said system further comprises:
- a plurality of elongated main structural channel rails interconnected so as to form a structural grid;
- support means for supporting said main structural channel rails from said building infrastructure; and
- a plurality of universal suspension plate assemblies connectable to said main structural channel rails and to said support means in a first configuration for supporting said main structural channel rails from said building infrastructure.
63. An overhead system in accordance with claim 62, characterized in that each of said universal suspension plate assemblies is further adapted to be connectable to said main structural channel rails in a second configuration so as to support various elements from said main structural channel rails, with said elements being positioned below said main structural channel rails.
64. An overhead system in accordance with claim 62, characterized in that said universal suspension plate assemblies are adapted to be configured in a third configuration, whereby a single one of said universal suspension plate assemblies in said third configuration is connected to said support means and is also mechanically interconnected to adjacent ends of a pair of said main structural channel rails.
65. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises:
- a plurality of main structural channel rails;
- a plurality of cross channels mechanically interconnected between two or more of said main structural channel rails, so as to form a structural grid;
- bracket configuration means mechanically supported on one or more of said cross channels, for purposes of supporting application devices above a general plane of said structural grid; and
- said bracket configuration means has a plurality of braces and a plurality of T-brackets and 90° brackets for purposes of interconnecting together two or more of said braces of said bracket assembly means, and for also connecting said braces to said cross channels.
66. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said system further comprises:
- at least one cableway adapted to be positioned above said main rail, and comprising individual cableway sections for carrying conductors, with said conductors carrying low voltage power and/or communication signals; and
- each of said cableway sections comprises a living hinge for access to interiors of said cableway sections.
67. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that:
- said system further comprises a plurality of main rails adapted to support various components of said overhead system, including said power distribution means and said communication distribution means; and
- said main rails are configured so as to include apertures therein, whereby space is provided for structural and electrical components of said overhead system to be extended from above a general plane of said main rails through center portions of said main rails.
68. An overhead system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said power distribution means further comprise power entry means directly connected to said power supply means for applying electrical power from said power supply means to other components of said power distribution means.
69. An overhead system in accordance with claim 68, characterized in that said power entry means comprise means responsive to said power supply means for generating DC power.
70. An overhead system in accordance with claim 68, characterized in that said power entry means comprise:
- a plurality of power entry boxes directly connected to said power supply means, and adapted to be secured to and supported by components of said mechanical structure; and
- a plurality of power box connectors, each connector associated with a corresponding one of said power entry boxes, and having means for electrically connecting said power entry boxes to components of said power distribution means.
71. An overhead system in accordance with claim 68, characterized in that at least a subset of said power entry means comprises means for receiving power of multiple voltages from said power supply means.
72. An overhead system in accordance with claim 68, characterized in that said power entry means comprise network circuit means for providing certain circuit paths for said communication signals.
73. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices which primarily depend downwardly from said overhead system, said system comprising:
- at least one main rail for providing a mechanical structure for said overhead system, said one main rail comprising first and second opposing lateral sides;
- support means for supporting said one main rail from said building infrastructure;
- power distribution means electrically connected to power supply means for distributing electrical power along said main rail;
- communications distribution means for distributing communication signals along said main rail;
- said power distribution means comprises a power bus assembly mounted on said first opposing lateral side of said one main rail; and
- said communications distribution means comprises a communications bus assembly mounted on said second opposing lateral side.
74. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices, said system comprising:
- at least one main rail for providing a mechanical structure for said overhead system, said one main rail comprising first and second opposing lateral sides;
- support means for supporting said one main rail from said building infrastructure;
- power distribution means electrically connected to power supply means for distributing electrical power along said main rail;
- communications distribution means for distributing communication signals along said main rail; and
- spacer means positioned intermediate said first and second opposing lateral sides, for ensuring separation of said power distribution means and said communications distribution means, and for providing relative rigidity for the connection of said power distribution means and said communication distribution means to said main rail.
75. An overhead system in accordance with claim 74, characterized in that said spacer means provide isolation of said power distribution means, and isolation of said communications distribution means.
76. An overhead system in accordance with claim 74, characterized in that said spacer means comprises a plurality of bus spacers, longitudinally spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of said main rail, with each of said bus spacers connected to both said first and said second opposing lateral sides.
77. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices, said system comprising:
- a plurality of main rails for providing a mechanical structure for said overhead system;
- a plurality of cross channels connected between pairs of said plurality of main rails;
- support means for supporting said main rails and said cross channels from said infrastructure;
- power distribution means electrically connected to power supply means for distributing electrical power along said main rail;
- communications distribution means for distributing communication signals along said main rail;
- a plurality of suspension brackets coupled to said support means and to said mechanical structure for translating gravitational loads from said cross channels to said support means, so that substantially none of any gravitational loads from said cross channels are carried by said main rails; and
- said main rails carry components of said power distribution means and components of said communication distribution means.
78. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices, said system comprising:
- a plurality of main structural channel rails for providing a mechanical structure for said overhead system;
- support means for supporting said structural channel rails from said building infrastructure;
- power distribution means electrically connected to power supply means for distributing electrical power along said main rails;
- communications distribution means for distributing communication signals along said main rails; and
- a plurality of cross rails coupled to and supported by one or more of said main structural channel rails.
79. An overhead system in accordance with claim 78, characterized in that said system further comprises connection means for connecting one or more of said cross rails to one or more of said main structural channel rails, at an acute angle relative to an elongated length of an interconnected one of said main-structural channel rails.
80. An overhead system in accordance with claim 79, characterized in that said connection means comprises a cross rail connector assembly, said cross rail connector assembly comprising:
- a universal structural channel attachment assembly, comprising a pair of opposing left side and right side brackets, said brackets adapted to be coupled to one of said main structural channel rails; and
- a suspension rod coupled to said pair of opposing brackets and to said cross rail.
81. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices, said system comprising:
- at least one main rail for providing a mechanical structure for said overhead system;
- support means for supporting said one main rail from said infrastructure;
- power distribution means electrically connected to power supply means for distributing electrical power along said main rail;
- communications distribution means for distributing communication signals along said main rail;
- a wireway adapted to carry electrical cables at a position above a general plane of said mechanical structure;
- said wireway comprising a plurality of elongated wireway sections, each section having means for electrically and physically isolating said electrical cables from other electrical components associated with said overhead system; and
- said wireway further comprises joiner sections for mechanically interconnecting ends of pairs of adjacent wireway sections, so as to maintain electrical isolation of said electrical cables as said electrical cables pass from one of said wireway sections to an adjacent one of said wireway sections.
82. An overhead system in accordance with claim 81, characterized in that each of said wireway sections comprises a hinged cover for providing access to said electrical cables, while also selectively maintaining an isolating covering for each of said wireway sections.
83. An overhead system in accordance with claim 82, characterized in that:
- said mechanical structure further comprises a plurality of suspension brackets, for mechanically coupling other components of said mechanical structure to said support means;
- each of said wireways is sized and configured so as to be supported on said suspension brackets; and
- said wireways and said suspension brackets comprise means for securing said wireways to said suspension brackets.
84. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices from said overhead system, said system comprising:
- a plurality of split bus rail sections, for providing a mechanical structure for said overhead system, with at least two of said rail sections having a coaxial configuration;
- power distribution means electrically connected to power supply means for distributing electrical power along said split bus rail sections;
- said power distribution means comprises a plurality of power entry boxes, with at least a subset of said split bus rail sections each having a power entry box adjacent to at least one end of each of said subset of said split bus rail sections; and
- said power entry boxes having outgoing electrical power cables.
85. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting a plurality of application devices, said system comprising:
- a structural grid comprising a plurality of dual rails and a plurality of cross channels;
- a plurality of suspension brackets;
- a plurality of supporting elements connected to said building infrastructure and to said structural grid;
- said structural grid comprises a plurality of suspension nodes, each node comprising a spatial location where one of said suspension brackets is connected to one of said supporting elements, one of said dual rails, and a pair of said cross channels; and
- said suspension nodes are formed so that said structural grid can physically support ceiling coverings, space dividers, lighting fixtures, ductwork and other application devices, with said suspension nodes providing for gravitational loads of said dual rails, said cross channels, said ceiling coverings, said space dividers and said application devices being carried by said plurality of supporting elements.
86. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices coupled to said overhead system, said system comprising:
- a plurality of elongated main rails forming a mechanical structure;
- power distribution means electrically connected to a source of electrical power for distributing said electrical power throughout said mechanical structure;
- communications distribution means for distributing communication signals throughout said mechanical structure;
- power entry means comprising network circuits forming circuit paths for said communication signals; and
- means for daisy chaining together individual ones of said power entry means, so as to link said network circuits together to form a communications network.
87. An overhead system in accordance with claim 86, characterized in that said system further comprises:
- flexible connectors for electrically interconnecting appropriate ones of said main rails;
- a first switch communicatively coupled to said communication distribution means through a first connector module located on a first one of said main rails; and
- light fixtures interconnected to one or more connector modules, located on either the same or different ones of said main rails, relative to said main rail to which said first connector module coupled to said first switch is located.
88. An overhead system in accordance with claim 87, characterized in that:
- said communications distribution means are programmed so that said first switch controls said light fixtures as to individual states of said light fixtures; and
- programming of correlation between said light fixtures and said first switch results in enablement of said first switch causing communication signals to be applied through said first connector module coupled to said first switch and to said connector modules coupled to said light fixtures.
89. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices from said overhead system, said system comprising:
- at least one main rail for providing a mechanical structure for said overhead system;
- support means for supporting said one main rail from said infrastructure;
- power distribution means electrically connected to power supply means for distributing electrical power along said main rail;
- communications distribution means for distributing communication signals along said main rail;
- said power distribution means comprise a plurality of connector modules electrically connected to said power supply means and located at desired positions along said main rail; and
- each of said plurality of connector modules comprises input power connection means for releasably interconnecting said connector module to other components of said power distribution means, with each of said plurality of connector modules being adapted to be mechanically coupled to said main rail along said main rail.
90. An overhead system in accordance with claim 89, characterized in that said connector modules comprise locking means manually operable by a user for selectively locking said connector modules onto said main rails at desired positions.
91. An overhead system in accordance with claim 90, characterized in that said connector modules comprise limit means for limiting rotation of said locking means.
92. An overhead system in accordance with claim 91, characterized in that:
- said locking means comprises a rotatable locking bar;
- each of said connector modules further comprises an elongated shaft rotating in correspondence with said locking bar; and
- said limit means comprises an elongated stop arm positioned at a lower end of said elongated shaft, and rotating in correspondence with said elongated shaft.
93. An overhead system in accordance with claim 89 characterized in that:
- said power distribution means comprises a power bus assembly mounted on said main rail;
- said communications distribution means comprises a communications bus assembly mounted on said main rail;
- at least one of said plurality of connector modules comprises an AC power side block having electrical and mechanical elements for selectively engaging said AC power bus assembly;
- said one connector module further comprising a DC power side block having electrical and mechanical elements for selectively engaging said communications bus assembly.
94. An overhead system in accordance with claim 93, characterized in that:
- when said one connector module is properly connected to said one main rail, said AC power side block is positioned adjacent a first lateral side of said one main rail, and said DC power side block is positioned adjacent a second lateral side of said main rail, said second lateral side opposing said first lateral side; and
- said one main rail and said one connector block comprise stop means for preventing a user from inadvertently positioning said one connector module in a reverse orientation on said one main rail.
95. An overhead system in accordance with claim 94, characterized in that said stop means is provided, in part, by said DC power side block being shorter in height then said AC power side block.
96. An overhead system in accordance with claim 93, characterized in that said one connector module comprises an extendable contact section for selectively engaging and disengaging electrical bus contacts of said power bus assembly and said communications bus assembly.
97. An overhead system in accordance with claim 96, characterized in that:
- said extendable contact section can be maintained in a retracted position, and manual forces can be exerted so as to move said extendable contact section into an extended position, thereby engaging said electrical bus contacts; and
- said one connector module further comprises catch means for releasably locking said extendable contact section.
98. An overhead system in accordance with claim 97, characterized in that:
- said one connector module comprises a locking bar manually operable by a user for securing and locking said one connector module to said one main rail; and
- said connector module further comprises means for preventing said extendable contact section from being moved from said retracted position to said extended position, when said locking bar is in an unlocked position.
99. An overhead system in accordance with claim 98, characterized in that:
- said one connector module further comprises safety means for preventing, in certain situations, said one connector module from being moved from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration relative to said one main rail; and
- said safety means operates so that when said extendable contact section is in an extended position, where said bus contacts of said one connector module are engaged with said power bus assembly and said communications bus assembly, said locking bar is prevented from being moved from a locked position to an unlocked position.
100. An overhead system in accordance with claim 97, characterized in that:
- said one connector module further comprises catch means for releasably securing said extendable contact section in said extended position; and
- said catch means further comprises means responsive to external forces so as to be released, and further so as to permit said extendable contact section to be moved from said extended position to said retracted position.
101. An overhead system in accordance with claim 93, characterized in that:
- said extendable contact section comprises a pair of spaced apart and tapered arms, said tapered arms abutting either a set of AC bus contacts or a set of DC bus contacts; and
- when said extendable contact section is moved from said retracted position to said extended position, said tapered arms move inwardly toward a main body of said connector module, and cause said AC bus contacts to electrically engage said power bus assembly and said DC bus contacts to electrically engage said communications bus assembly.
102. An overhead system for use within a building infrastructure for supporting and energizing a plurality of application devices from said overhead system, said system comprising:
- at least one main rail for providing a mechanical structure for said overhead system;
- power distribution means for distributing electrical power along said main rail;
- communication distribution means for distributing communication signals along said main rail;
- a plurality of connector modules, with at least a subset of said plurality of said connector modules comprising: input power connection means for releasably interconnecting said connector modules to said power distribution means, and for receiving electrical power; output power connection means coupled to said input power connection means, and releasably connectable to one or more of said application devices, for energizing said application devices; communication input connection means for releasably interconnecting said subset of said connector modules to said communication distribution means, and for receiving a first set of communication signals; processor means responsive to said first set of communication signals, for generating a first set of power control signals; and said output power connection means is responsive to said first set of power control signals, so as to selectively apply electrical power as output signals from said output power connection means.
103. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that:
- said processor means are further responsive to said received first set of communication signals, for generating a second set of communication signals as output communication signals; and
- said communication connection means are further adapted to apply said second set of said communication signals to said communications distribution means.
104. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that each of said subset of connector modules comprises means for receiving DC power from said communications distribution means, and using said DC power for operating components of said connector module.
105. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that each of said subset of said connector modules further comprises:
- spatial signal receiving means for receiving spatial control signals from external sources; and
- means for applying said received spatial control signals to said processor means.
106. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that each of said subset of connector modules further comprises at least one connector port for transmitting and for receiving communication signals directly from application devices.
107. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that each of said connector ports further comprises means for transmitting DC power to a subset of said application devices.
108. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that said output power connection means comprises at least one outlet receptacle adapted to releasably receive a conventional AC plug from an application device.
109. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that said output power connection means comprise at least one universal connector adapted to receive a multi-terminal mating power connector associated with one of said application devices.
110. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that said output power connection means comprises at least one dimmer relay adapted to be releasably connected to a dimmer switch of one of said application devices.
111. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that each of said subset of connector modules comprises visual means for visually indicating to a user a status of said connector module.
112. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that said system further comprises spatial signal receiver means for receiving spatial control signals from a user, with said receiving means being connected to and remote from a second subset of said plurality of said connector modules.
113. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that at least a subset of said communication signals on said communications distribution means are utilized to control and reconfigure control among various ones of said application devices.
114. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that said system provides for reconfiguration in real time of control relationships between and among at least a subset of said application devices.
115. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that:
- at least a subset of said plurality of connector modules are electrically coupled to certain of said application devices; and
- said connector modules comprise processor means and associated circuitry responsive to a subset of said communication signals, so as to selectively control said interconnected application devices, in response to certain of said communication signals being received from others of said application devices.
116. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that said subset of said plurality of connector modules comprise means for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from said communications distribution means and at least a subset of said application devices.
117. An overhead system in accordance with claim 102, characterized in that:
- said application devices comprise at least one controlling device, said controlling device having signal generating means for generating a first set of said communication signals;
- said application devices further comprise at least one controlled device, said controlled device being associated with one of said plurality of connector modules, and having at least first and second states; and
- said first set of said communication signals are utilized to effect a logical control relationship between said controlling device and said controlled device, so that said controlling device controls whether said controlled device is in said first state or said second state.
118. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that
- said logical control relationship between said controlling device and said controlled device is capable of reconfiguration at least in part with a second set of said communication signals, in the absence of any physical relocation of any physical wiring associated with said controlling device and said controlled device.
119. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that said controlling device is communicatively coupled to a first one of said connector modules, and said first set of said communication signals is applied to said communications distribution means through said first connector module.
120. An overhead system in accordance with claim 119, characterized in that said controlled device is electrically coupled to a second one of said connector modules, and said second one of said connector modules is responsive to said first set of said communication signals to selectively apply electrical power to said controlled device, so as to cause said controlled device to function in either said first state or said second state.
121. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that
- said controlling device comprises processor means responsive to external control signals for generating communication signals so as to effect said logical control relationship between said controlling device and said controlled device.
122. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that said controlling device is electrically coupled to a first connector module through a series of connector ports and at least one patch cord.
123. An overhead system in accordance with claim 122, characterized in that said patch cord and said connector ports are adapted to apply DC power to said controlling device.
124. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that:
- said first set of said communication signals generated from said controlling device are applied as input signals to a first one of said connector modules;
- said first connector module comprises processor means responsive to said first set of communication signals, for generating a second set of said communication signals; and
- said first connector module comprises means responsive to said second set of communication signals for applying said second set of communication signals to said communications distribution means.
125. An overhead system in accordance with claim 124, characterized in that:
- said controlled device is electrically coupled to a second one of said connector modules;
- said second connector module comprises means for receiving said second set of communication signals; and
- said second connector module further comprises processor means responsive to said second set of communication signals for generating control signals and a third set of communication signals indicative of whether said controlled device is to be controlled by said controlling device.
126. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that at least a subset of said connector modules comprise processor means programmable by a user so as to initiate or otherwise modify said logical control relationship among controlling and controlled devices.
127. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that
- said system comprises remote programming means for transmitting spatial signals to one or more of said connector modules.
128. An overhead system in accordance with claim 127, characterized in that
- said remote programming means further comprises means for transmitting spatial signals to said controlling device, thereby causing said controlling device to be assigned as a control for said first connector module.
129. An overhead system in accordance with claim 127, characterized in that
- said spatial signals transmitted to said first connector module announce to said communications distribution means that said first connector module is available for purposes of control.
130. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that
- said first set of said communication signals generated by said controlling device are applied to said communications distribution means as wireless signals.
131. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that
- said system comprises a first manually operable programming means for transmitting programming signals to said controlling device and to said connector module associated with said controlled device, for transmitting programming signals so as to effect said logical control relationship.
132. An overhead system in accordance with claim 131, characterized in that
- said programming means comprises a hand-held wand.
133. An overhead system in accordance with claim 117, characterized in that
- said connector module coupled to said controlled device is programmable so as to have a unique address identifiable through said communications distribution means.
134. A suspension bracket system for suspending a plurality of structural elements from a building structure, said system comprising:
- at least one suspension bracket;
- support means connected to said suspension bracket for supporting said suspension bracket; and
- said plurality of structural elements comprising: a first set of first structural elements comprising at least one first structural element; and a second set of second structural elements comprising at least a pair of said second structural elements;
- said suspension bracket comprises first connection means for releasably connecting said suspension bracket to said at least one first structural element;
- said suspension bracket further comprises second connection means for releasably connecting said suspension bracket to said at least one pair of said second structural elements; and
- when said suspension bracket is connected to said at least one first structural element and said at least a pair of second structural elements, said first connection means and said second connection means act so as to cause at least a portion of gravitational loads of said pair of second structural elements to be carried by said support means, to cause at least a portion of said gravitational loads of said at least one first structural element to be carried by said support means, and to substantially prevent any gravitational loads of said pair of second structural elements from being carried by said at least one first structural element.
135. A suspension bracket system in accordance with claim 134, characterized in that gravitational loads exerted on said suspension bracket from said pair of said second set of second structural elements act so as to increase coupling forces between certain components of said suspension bracket.
136. A suspension bracket system in accordance with claim 134, characterized in that said support means comprise a plurality of support rods, and said suspension bracket comprises means for connecting to a single one of said plurality of support rods.
137. A suspension bracket system in accordance with claim 134, characterized in that:
- said support means comprises a plurality of vertically disposed support rods; and
- said system further comprises a plurality of said suspension brackets, each of said suspension brackets being stackable on individual ones of said support rods, with said suspension brackets being independent of any connection to said first set of structural elements or said second set of structural elements.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 29, 2005
Publication Date: Dec 11, 2008
Inventors: Robert W. Insalaco (Holland, MI), James B. Long (Kentwood, MI), W. Daniel Hillis (Encino, CA), Russel Howe (Glendale, CA)
Application Number: 11/658,714
International Classification: E04C 2/52 (20060101);
