Modular power distribution unit, module for the power distribution unit, and method of using the same

• US 20050170678A1
• Filed: 04/04/2005
• Published: 08/04/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: William F. Donahue IV
• Original Assignee: William F. Donahue IV
• Inventors: Donahue, William F. IV
• Granted Patent: US 7,365,964 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/214
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/514 composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6658 on printed circuit board H01R13/6666 - H01R13/6691 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7038 making use of a remote controlled switch, e.g. relais, solid state switch activated by the engagement of the coupling parts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts

Abstract

A modular power distribution unit (PDU) for supplying electric power to attached equipment in environments such as data centers, computer rooms, and communication centers, where power requirements for attached equipment may vary. The power distribution unit includes a frame and one or more user-replaceable power modules, which fit into slots in the frame. Each power module provides one of more plug receptacles for attaching equipment to provide power thereto. The power modules are available in a variety of receptacle types, receptacle numbers, and power rating configurations to accommodate various equipment in a particular environment, as needed. The frame includes an internal connector panel for distributing power from a power source to the power modules when they are inserted in the frame. The power modules may be removed, installed, and interchanged in the frame without interrupting power to other power modules or to the power distribution unit. In an alternative embodiment, the power distribution unit includes a control unit for receiving remote control signals to provide power sequencing or individual control of the power modules. In still another alternative embodiment, electronic entertainment products such as VCRs and DVDs may be adapted use in countries having different electrical source voltages, frequencies and plug types. The product includes a slot for accepting a power module adapted for receiving and converting power from a country'"'"'s domestic electric power system for use in powering the product. The power module includes a receptacle for the country of use.

Claims

1-26. -26. (canceled)

27. A module for a power distribution unit, comprising:

a support member;

an electrical connector supported on the support member; and

a first selected plug receptacle supported on the support member and being coupled to the electrical connector, the first selected plug receptacle being constructed and arranged to receive power from a power distribution unit and to distribute power therethrough when the electrical connector is coupled to a power distribution unit.

28. The module of claim 27, wherein the support member comprises a first support portion and a second support portion positioned perpendicular to the first support portion.

29. The module of claim 28, wherein the electrical connectors are supported on the second support portion and the first selected plug receptacle is supported on the first support portion.

30. The module of claim 29, further comprising a second selected plug receptacle.

31. The module of claim 30, wherein the second selected plug receptacle is the different than the first selected plug receptacle.

32. The module of claim 31, wherein the second selected plug receptacle is the same as the first selected plug receptacle.

33. The module of claim 28, further comprising a breaker positioned on the first support portion.

36. The module of claim 33, wherein the connector is a male connector.

37. The module of claim 33, wherein the connector is a female connector.

34-35. -35. (canceled)

38-49. -49. (canceled)

50. An electrical product for operating in local environments having different electrical power sources;

a housing;

an electrical circuit within the housing;

at least one power module slot in the housing for receiving and coupling a power module to the electrical circuit; and

at least one power module adapted for coupling with an electric power source from a local environment and for converting the electric power for use by the electrical circuit.

51. An electrical product as recited in claim 50, wherein the power module includes a receptacle adapted for coupling with the electric power source from the local environment.

52. An electrical product as recited in claim 50, wherein the product is an electronic entertainment product.

59. An electrical product as recited in claim 50 wherein the power module includes a support member having a first support portion and a second support portion position perpendicular to the first support portion.

60. An electrical product as recited in claim 59 including an electrical connector supported on the second support portion and a selected plug receptacle supported on the first support portion.

61. An electrical product as recited in claim 60 wherein the electrical connector is supported at a rear of the second support portion and the plug receptacle is supported on the face of the first support portion.

53-58. -58. (canceled)

62. A module for a power distribution unit, comprising:

a support member;

an electrical connector supported on the support member;

a first selected plug receptacle supported on the support member and being coupled to the electrical connector, the first selected plug receptacle being constructed and arranged to receive power from a power distribution unit and to distribute power therethrough when the electrical connector is coupled to a power distribution unit; and

said support member comprising a bezel mounted perpendicularly with a card, an electrical connector being supported on said card and said plug receptacle being supported on said bezel.

63. An electrical product as recited in claim 62 wherein said electrical connector is supported at the rear of said card and said receptacle is supported on the face of said bezel.

64. An electrical product as recited in claim 63 further including a track for receiving said card and a mating electrical connector for mating with said electrical connector when the card is slid on said track.