Dimmer rack
First Claim
1. A rack adapted for supporting a plurality of dimmer modules comprising:
- a vertically elongated housing;
a plurality of module holders attached to the housing and adapted for receiving the plurality of dimmer modules stacked in a vertical file;
first electrical termination means incorporated into a first side of the housing for receiving and distributing control signals;
second electrical termination means, incorporated into said first side of the housing adjacent to said first means, for receiving and distributing input power to be controlled by the dimmer modules, andthird electrical termination means incorporated into the side of the housing opposite the first side for receiving output power from the dimmer modules and transmitting said power to a lighting load located remotely relative to the dimmer rack, said first, second and third termination means being disposed in relation to the module holders for being electrically contacted by each individual one of the dimmer modules on a plug-in basis.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A dimmer rack for mounting a plurality of modular units called dimmer modules is disclosed. Each of the modules is used to provide dimming control for each lighting circuit in a lighting system. The rack is a vertical enclosure and utilizes a plurality of modular shelving elements attached to the sides of each file to define individual receptacles for each module. Tabs in the shelving register with grovoes on the external housing of the dimmer modules, whereby precise tongue and groove mounting of each dimmer module is obtained. The rack provides vertical input power and control signal busses which are mounted side by side at the rear of the rack which register with and are engaged by first mating connectors on the rear of each of the dimmer modules at one end therof. A vertical output power bus is provided at the seat of the rack on the side opposite the power and control signal busses which registers with and engages other mating connectors on the rear of the dimmer modules at the end opposite the first connectors. A vertical neutral bus strip is mounted adjacent the output power bus to provide a return wire connection point for each lighting circuit. Where three phase power is supplied to the rack, the dimmer modules are grouped vertically by phase, one below the other. This permits quick and efficient rack to rack bussing.
34 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A rack adapted for supporting a plurality of dimmer modules comprising:
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a vertically elongated housing; a plurality of module holders attached to the housing and adapted for receiving the plurality of dimmer modules stacked in a vertical file; first electrical termination means incorporated into a first side of the housing for receiving and distributing control signals; second electrical termination means, incorporated into said first side of the housing adjacent to said first means, for receiving and distributing input power to be controlled by the dimmer modules, and third electrical termination means incorporated into the side of the housing opposite the first side for receiving output power from the dimmer modules and transmitting said power to a lighting load located remotely relative to the dimmer rack, said first, second and third termination means being disposed in relation to the module holders for being electrically contacted by each individual one of the dimmer modules on a plug-in basis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An assembly device comprising a plurality of racks positioned side by side, each rack being adapted for supporting a plurality of dimmer modules, and each rack comprising:
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a vertically elongated housing; multiple module holders attached to the housing and adapted for receiving a respective plurality of the dimmer modules stacked in a vertical file; first electrical termination means incorporated into a first side of the housing for receiving and distributing control signals; second electrical termination means, incorporated into said first side of the housing adjacent to said first means, for receiving and distributing input power to be controlled by the dimmer modules, and third electrical termination means incorporated into the side of the housing opposite the first side for receiving output power from the dimmer modules and transmitting said power to a lighting load located remotely relative to each rack, said first, second and third termination means being disposed in relation to the module holders for being electrically contacted by each one of the respective plurality of dimmer modules on a plug-in basis, wherein the device further comprises means for electrically interconnecting the first termination means of each rack. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification