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

• US 7,365,964 B2
• Filed: 04/04/2005
• Issued: 04/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: William F. Donahue IV
• Original Assignee: William F. Donahue IV
• Inventors: Donahue, William F. IV
• Primary Examiner(s): Thompson; Gregory D
• Application Number:
  US11/098,211
• Publication Number:
  US 20050170678A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,121 Days
• Field of Search: 361/622, 361/641, 439 52- 53, 439/166, 439/172
• US Class Current: 361/622
• 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. 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;

wherein the support member comprises a first support portion and a second support portion;

wherein the electrical connector is supported on the second support portion; and

the first selected plug receptacle is supported on the first support portion;

and wherein said second support portion is slidably received in said power distribution unit in order to complete electrical contact from said power distribution unit to said first selected plug receptacle.

2. The module of claim 1, wherein said second support portion is positioned perpendicular to said first support portion.

3. 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;

wherein the support member comprises a first support portion and a second support portion positioned perpendicular to the first support portion;

wherein the electrical connector is supported on the second support portion and the first selected plug receptacle is supported on the first support portion.

4. The module of claim 3, further comprising a second selected plug receptacle.

5. The module of claim 4, wherein the second selected plug receptacle is the different than the first selected plug receptacle.

6. The module of claim 5, wherein the second selected plug receptacle is the same as the first selected plug receptacle.

7. The module of claim 3 further comprising a breaker positioned on the first support portion.

8. The module of claim 7, wherein the connector is a male connector.

9. The module of claim 7, wherein the connector is a female connector.

10. 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;

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;

including an electrical connector supported on the second support portion and a selected plug receptacle supported on the first support portion.

11. An electrical product as recited in claim 10 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.

12. An electrical product as recited in claim 10, wherein the power module includes a receptacle adapted for coupling with the electric power source from the local environment.

13. An electrical product as recited in claim 10 wherein the product is an electronic entertainment product.

14. 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.

15. A module as recited in claim 14 wherein said electrical connector is supported at the rear of said card and said receptacle is supported on the face of said bezel.