Ventilation – Electronic cabinet
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-14
2001-10-09
Wayner, William (Department: 3744)
Ventilation
Electronic cabinet
C165S080300, C361S691000, C454S341000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299526
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems for controlling or modifying the temperature of telecommunications and/or electronic network devices and enclosures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for stabilizing the temperature of network interface devices (NIDs). The present invention also relates to a system for using indoor ambient-temperature air to stabilize the temperature in an outdoor enclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Certain consumers may receive telecommunications, cable television, and other media from separate suppliers. The signals are provided to each customer via coaxial cables and tip and ring wires connected to an outdoor enclosure known as a network interface device (NID). A network interface device may be attached to the exterior wall of the customer's house or garage, for example. Such devices provide a physical interface or point of access for testing, maintenance, service enhancement or modification, safety and the like.
Network interface devices may be mounted outdoors in unsheltered locations where access by the service provider is readily available. Therefore, such devices are subject to environmental weathering conditions which can be severe. Enclosures for such devices may be fabricated from polymeric materials to accommodate the need for high volume manufacturing and low cost. However, extremes of temperature and other factors can cause degradation of the polymers and thereby shorten the useful life of the enclosure and/or the devices located therein. Additionally, numerous cables entering the network interface device, as well as the active electronics inside, may produce a significant amount of heat. The same components that create heat are themselves sometimes heat sensitive, and therefore, some form of temperature stabilization is desirable.
Currently, outdoor enclosures that use active cooling are large and electrically or battery powered. The cooling is generally provided by an air-conditioning unit similar in architecture to a residential air conditioning unit. There is a need in the art for an inexpensive, low maintenance system for actively controlling the temperature of a network interface device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for controlling the temperature of an outdoor enclosure or device. According to one aspect of the invention, a fan draws air from indoors, passes it through the outdoor enclosure, and discharges it out of the box through an opening. Temperature stabilization with the ambient indoor temperature is thus provided to the outdoor enclosure. In the summer, when the indoor temperature is cooler than outdoors, cooler air from inside the dwelling chills the components in the outdoor enclosure (and the enclosure itself). Conversely, during the winter months, warm air from indoors heats the enclosed components.
According to one aspect of the invention, the fan is powered by an electrical source located in the dwelling. The source may be arranged so that it does not exceed forty volts direct current (V DC). If the preferred voltage is exceeded, a licensed electrician may be required to install the fan, which would increase the cost and time associated with installing the enclosure.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fan causes temperature-controlled air to flow through a conduit formed in the building exterior wall. The same conduit may also contain communications and electrical wires for the network interface device. Thus, the same conduit that carries the data wires can also be used to transport the temperate indoor air.
After passing through the outdoor enclosure, the ambient indoor air exits through one or more openings formed in the outdoor enclosure. The opening(s) may be sized to prevent dust, rain and other particles and debris from entering the outdoor enclosure. In addition, the ambient air rushing out of the enclosure through the opening(s) may prevent or discourage insects from entering the enclosure.
Insects may pose a significant risk to the components and wiring housed within the enclosure. If insects were allowed to nest within the enclosure, they could potentially destroy fragile wiring and sensitive components. It is further undesirable to have insects in the enclosure because they could enter the adjacent structure and pose sanitary, health or aesthetic problems. Because the enclosure provides a shelter from the natural elements, along with a temperate environment, insects might want to enter the enclosure. Use of a small opening (or openings) by which air leaves the box addresses the insect problem. Air current is directed out of the enclosure through the small opening(s). The steady flow of escaping air creates an environment that is hostile to insects and discourages them from nesting within the enclosure.
An object of the invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive, and easy to maintain temperature control mechanism for a network interface device and/or other enclosures.
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Cowan Douglas L.
David Anthony Joseph
Kay Jason A.
Kerr David Stevens
Pawlenko Ivan
Avaya Technology Corp.
Dickstein , Shapiro, Morin & Oshinsky, LLP
Wayner William
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