US5398159A — Modular packaging system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 134 words

A modular packaging system for electrical equipment, comprising: two or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a cabinet including an interior adapted to receive the electrical equipment, the cabinet including an inner cabinet wall and a rear cabinet wall, the inner cabinet wall and the rear cabinet wall forming an air shaft, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the second opening being formed in the inner cabinet wall, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior, out the second opening of the cabinet, and into the air shaft such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; and a chimney formed by aligning the air shafts of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 134 words

A modular packaging system for electrical equipment, comprising: two or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a cabinet including an interior adapted to receive the electrical equipment, the cabinet including an inner cabinet wall and a rear cabinet wall, the inner cabinet wall and the rear cabinet wall forming an air shaft, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the second opening being formed in the inner cabinet wall, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior, out the second opening of the cabinet, and into the air shaft such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; and a chimney formed by aligning the air shafts of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 59 words

The modular packaging system as set forth in claim 1, wherein, in each module, the cabinet further includes a vertical space extending between a top and a bottom opening in the cabinet, the modular packaging system further comprising a vertical cable chute formed by aligning the vertical spaces of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 59 words

The modular packaging system as set forth in claim 1, wherein, in each module, the cabinet further includes a horizontal space extending between a left and a right opening in the cabinet, the modular packaging system further comprising a horizontal cable chute formed by aligning the horizontal spaces of two or more modules arranged horizontally relative to one another.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 59 words

The modular packaging system as set forth in claim 2, wherein, in each module, the cabinet further includes a horizontal space extending between a left and a right opening in the cabinet, the modular packaging system further comprising a horizontal cable chute formed by aligning the horizontal spaces of two or more modules arranged horizontally relative to one another.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 269 words

A modular packaging system for electrical equipment, comprising: three or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a cabinet including an interior adapted to receive the electrical equipment, the cabinet including an inner cabinet wall, forming an air shaft, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the second opening being formed in the inner cabinet wall, the cabinet further including a vertical space extending between a top and a bottom opening in the cabinet, and a horizontal space extending between a left and a right opening in the cabinet, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior, out the second opening of the cabinet, and into the air shaft such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; and a chimney formed by aligning the air shafts of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another, wherein, in each module, the cabinet has four sides and includes four horizontal arms extending in the same direction from four corners of the cabinet and a cover removably attachable to ends of the four arms, the cover, the arms, and the sides defining the top and bottom openings between which the vertical space extends and the left and right openings between which the horizontal space extends, the modular packaging system further comprising a vertical cable chute formed by aligning the vertical spaces of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another and a horizontal cable chute formed by aligning the horizontal spaces of two or more modules arranged horizontally relative to one another.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 269 words

A modular packaging system for electrical equipment, comprising: three or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a cabinet including an interior adapted to receive the electrical equipment, the cabinet including an inner cabinet wall, forming an air shaft, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the second opening being formed in the inner cabinet wall, the cabinet further including a vertical space extending between a top and a bottom opening in the cabinet, and a horizontal space extending between a left and a right opening in the cabinet, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior, out the second opening of the cabinet, and into the air shaft such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; and a chimney formed by aligning the air shafts of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another, wherein, in each module, the cabinet has four sides and includes four horizontal arms extending in the same direction from four corners of the cabinet and a cover removably attachable to ends of the four arms, the cover, the arms, and the sides defining the top and bottom openings between which the vertical space extends and the left and right openings between which the horizontal space extends, the modular packaging system further comprising a vertical cable chute formed by aligning the vertical spaces of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another and a horizontal cable chute formed by aligning the horizontal spaces of two or more modules arranged horizontally relative to one another.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 38 words

The modular packaging system as set forth in claim 1, wherein each module further includes means, disposed in the cabinet, for distributing air forced through the interior by the air forcing means in a primary air flow pattern.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 54 words

The modular packaging system as set forth in claim 6, wherein, in each module, the air forcing means includes a pair of fans and the distributing means is formed such that, upon failure of either one of the fans, a secondary air flow pattern is established which provides sufficient air flow through the interior.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 62 words

The modular packaging system as set forth in claim 1, wherein each module further includes an air-permeable subrack assembly adapted for mounting the electrical equipment therein, the subrack assembly being mounted in the cabinet such that first and second spaces are formed between the subrack assembly and the cabinet, the first and second spaces extending to the first and second openings, respectively.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 23 words

The modular packaging system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a base upon which a vertical stack of modules is mountable.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 168 words

A modular packaging system for electrical equipment, comprising: two or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a cabinet including an interior adapted to receive the electrical equipment, the cabinet including an inner cabinet wall forming an air shaft, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the second opening being formed in the inner cabinet wall, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior, out the second opening of the cabinet, and into the air shaft such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; a chimney formed by aligning the air shafts of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another; and a chimney cover attachable above the chimney, wherein, in each module, the air forcing means includes a housing, a top surface of the housing of a top one of the two or more vertically arranged modules and the cover forming a top cover of a stack of modules.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 168 words

A modular packaging system for electrical equipment, comprising: two or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a cabinet including an interior adapted to receive the electrical equipment, the cabinet including an inner cabinet wall forming an air shaft, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the second opening being formed in the inner cabinet wall, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior, out the second opening of the cabinet, and into the air shaft such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; a chimney formed by aligning the air shafts of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another; and a chimney cover attachable above the chimney, wherein, in each module, the air forcing means includes a housing, a top surface of the housing of a top one of the two or more vertically arranged modules and the cover forming a top cover of a stack of modules.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 201 words

A modular packaging system for a radio base station, comprising: two or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a rectangular cabinet having eight corners defining an interior adapted to receive the electrical equipment, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the cabinet further being formed with a first vertical space extending between a top and a bottom opening, the first vertical space being disposed within the eight comers of the cabinet, the cabinet further having a vertical inner cabinet wall and a rear cabinet wall, the inner cabinet wall and the rear cabinet wall defining a second vertical space, the second opening extending through the inner cabinet wall, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior of the cabinet, out the second opening of the cabinet, and into the second vertical space such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; a vertical cable chute formed by aligning the first vertical spaces of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another; and a chimney formed by aligning the second vertical spaces of the two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 201 words

A modular packaging system for a radio base station, comprising: two or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a rectangular cabinet having eight corners defining an interior adapted to receive the electrical equipment, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the cabinet further being formed with a first vertical space extending between a top and a bottom opening, the first vertical space being disposed within the eight comers of the cabinet, the cabinet further having a vertical inner cabinet wall and a rear cabinet wall, the inner cabinet wall and the rear cabinet wall defining a second vertical space, the second opening extending through the inner cabinet wall, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior of the cabinet, out the second opening of the cabinet, and into the second vertical space such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; a vertical cable chute formed by aligning the first vertical spaces of two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another; and a chimney formed by aligning the second vertical spaces of the two or more modules arranged vertically relative to one another.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 161 words

A modular packaging system for a radio base station, comprising: two or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a cabinet in which the electrical equipment is disposed, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the cabinet further being formed with a horizontal space extending between a front of the cabinet and a rear opening in a rear wall of the cabinet, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior of the cabinet, and out the second opening of the cabinet such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; and a horizontal cable chute formed by aligning the horizontal spaces of two or more of the modules arranged horizontally, rear wall to rear wall, relative to one another, such that the horizontal cable chute extends from a front of a first one of the cabinets to a front of a second one of the cabinets.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 161 words

A modular packaging system for a radio base station, comprising: two or more modules adapted to enclose electrical equipment, each module including a cabinet in which the electrical equipment is disposed, the cabinet being formed with a first and a second opening, the cabinet further being formed with a horizontal space extending between a front of the cabinet and a rear opening in a rear wall of the cabinet, and means for forcing air through the first opening of the cabinet, through the interior of the cabinet, and out the second opening of the cabinet such that the interior of the cabinet is continuously cooled; and a horizontal cable chute formed by aligning the horizontal spaces of two or more of the modules arranged horizontally, rear wall to rear wall, relative to one another, such that the horizontal cable chute extends from a front of a first one of the cabinets to a front of a second one of the cabinets.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 70 words

The modular packaging system as set forth in claim 12, the modular packaging system comprising three or more modules, wherein, in each module, the cabinet further includes a vertical space extending between a top and a bottom opening in the cabinet, the modular packaging system further comprising a vertical cable chute formed by aligning the vertical spaces of two or more of the modules arranged vertically relative to one another.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 226 words

A module for a modular packaging system, comprising: a cabinet, the cabinet having four sides and four horizontal arms extending in the same direction from four corners of the cabinet, the cabinet including a cover removably attachable to ends of the four arms, the cover, the arms, and the sides defining top and bottom cabinet openings between which a vertical space extends and left and right cabinet openings between which a horizontal space extends, the cover being formed with apertures, the cabinet being formed with an outlet opening; an air-permeable subrack assembly, electrical equipment being adapted to be mounted in the interior of the subrack assembly, the subrack assembly being mounted in the cabinet such that first and second spaces are formed between the subrack assembly and the cabinet, the first and second spaces extending to the apertures in the cover and the outlet opening, respectively; and means for forcing air through the apertures in the cover, through the subrack assembly, and out the outlet opening of the cabinet to permit continuous cooling of the interior of the subrack assembly; wherein the module is adapted to be vertically arranged relative to another module such that the vertical spaces of the modules are aligned, and the module is adapted to be horizontally arranged relative to another module such that the horizontal spaces of the modules are aligned.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 226 words

A module for a modular packaging system, comprising: a cabinet, the cabinet having four sides and four horizontal arms extending in the same direction from four corners of the cabinet, the cabinet including a cover removably attachable to ends of the four arms, the cover, the arms, and the sides defining top and bottom cabinet openings between which a vertical space extends and left and right cabinet openings between which a horizontal space extends, the cover being formed with apertures, the cabinet being formed with an outlet opening; an air-permeable subrack assembly, electrical equipment being adapted to be mounted in the interior of the subrack assembly, the subrack assembly being mounted in the cabinet such that first and second spaces are formed between the subrack assembly and the cabinet, the first and second spaces extending to the apertures in the cover and the outlet opening, respectively; and means for forcing air through the apertures in the cover, through the subrack assembly, and out the outlet opening of the cabinet to permit continuous cooling of the interior of the subrack assembly; wherein the module is adapted to be vertically arranged relative to another module such that the vertical spaces of the modules are aligned, and the module is adapted to be horizontally arranged relative to another module such that the horizontal spaces of the modules are aligned.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 40 words

The module as set forth in claim 14, further comprising means, disposed both on the exterior of and on the interior of the subrack assembly, for forming electrical connections with electrical equipment mounted in the interior of the subrack assembly.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 30 words

The module as set forth in claim 15, wherein the subrack assembly and the electrical connection means provides electromagnetic shielding for equipment mounted in the interior of the subrack assembly.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 91 words

The module as set forth in claim 14, wherein the cabinet further includes an interior cabinet wall defining, with a rear wall and portions of left and right walls of the cabinet, an air shaft, the air shaft extending between the outlet opening of the cabinet and a bottom opening of the cabinet, the interior cabinet wall being formed with an interior cabinet wall opening through which air forced by the air forcing means through the subrack assembly passes to the air shaft and out the outlet opening of the cabinet.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 51 words

The module as set forth in claim 17, further comprising a passage extending between an opening in the inner cabinet wall and an opening in the rear wall and wherein, when the module is horizontally arranged relative to another module, the openings in the rear walls of the modules are aligned.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 31 words

The module as set forth in claim 17, wherein, when the module is vertically arranged relative to another module, the air shafts of the modules are aligned and form a chimney.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 18 words

The module as set forth in claim 17, wherein the inner cabinet wall resists deformation of the cabinet.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 34 words

The module as set forth in claim 14, further comprising means, disposed in the cabinet, for distributing air forced through the subrack assembly by the air forcing means in a primary air flow pattern.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 54 words

The module as set forth in claim 21, wherein the air forcing means includes a pair of fans and the distributing means is formed such that, upon failure of either one of the fans, a secondary air flow pattern is established through the subrack assembly which provides sufficient air flow through the subrack assembly.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 21 words

The module as set forth in claim 21, wherein the air forcing means includes a housing disposed above the subrack assembly.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 21 words

The module as set forth in claim 23, wherein the distributing means includes a plate formed with a pattern of apertures.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 17 words

The module as set forth in claim 24, wherein the plate forms a bottom of the housing.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 17 words

The module as set forth in claim 24, wherein the plate forms a top of the subrack.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 25 words

The module as set forth in claim 24, wherein the plate is disposed between a bottom of the housing and a top of the subrack.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 21 words

The module as set forth in claim 21, wherein the distributing means includes a plate formed with a pattern of apertures.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 14 words

The module as set forth in claim 28, wherein the apertures are unevenly spaced.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 57 words

The module as set forth in claim 14, wherein the module includes a rear wall in which an rear opening is formed and a passage extends between the rear opening and the first space and wherein, when the module is horizontally arranged relative to another module, the openings in the rear walls of the modules are aligned.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1998-03-13	1998-09-12	1999-03-14	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2002-03-13	2002-09-12	2003-03-14	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2006-03-13	2006-09-12	2007-03-14	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Modular packaging system

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