Power distribution using hydra cable systems

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for reliable redundant power distribution. Some embodiments include micro Automatic Transfer Switches (micro-ATSs), including various components and techniques for facilitating reliable auto-switching functionality in a small footprint (e.g., less than ten cubic inches, with at least one dimension being less than a standard NEMA rack height). Other embodiments include systems and techniques for integrating a number of micro-ATSs into a parallel auto-switching module for redundant power delivery to a number of devices. Implementations of the parallel auto-switching module are configured to be mounted in, on top of, or on the side of standard equipment racks. Still other embodiments provide power distribution topologies that exploit functionality of the micro-ATSs and/or the parallel micro-ATS modules.

1 . A multi-head power cord apparatus, comprising:
 a first power cord portion terminating in a first coupler for coupling to a power port of a power source;   second and third power cord portions terminating in respective second and third couplers for coupling to electronic equipment;   at least one junction assembly for electronically interconnecting said first power cord portion to each of said second and third power cord portions free from any intervening electronic equipment associated with said junction for altering an electronic power signal communicated between said first power cord portion and said second and third power cord portions; and   at least one locking system for locking at least one coupler of said first, second and third couplers so as to inhibit unintended separation of said at least one coupler from a mating power port, said locking system including a release mechanism to assist in separation of said at least one coupler from said mating power port when desired.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one locking system comprises at least two locking mechanisms for locking at least two of said first, second and third couplers. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said at least two locking mechanisms comprise a first locking mechanism for locking said first coupler and a second locking mechanism for locking said second coupler. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said at least two locking mechanisms comprise first, second and third locking mechanisms for locking said first, second and third couplers. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus includes one or more additional power cord portions that are electrically interconnected to said first power cord portion. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said power source is a power distribution unit and said first coupler is adapted for locking engagement with a power output port of said power distribution unit. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said junction comprises a power cord branch point where a conductor strand of said first power cord portion branches to form conductor strands of each of said second and third power cord portions so as to define a continuous electrical connection between said first coupler and each of said second and third couplers. 
     
     
         8 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A power cord apparatus, comprising:
 a first power cord portion terminating in a first coupler for coupling to a power port of a power source; and   at least one junction assembly for electronically interconnecting said first power cord portion to each of second and third power cord portions;   wherein said junction assembly comprises a first junction housing supporting a first coupler, a second junction housing supporting a second coupler, and a flexible power cord for interconnecting said first and second junction housings.   
     
     
         18 . An apparatus as set forth in claim  9 , wherein said junction assembly including at least one mini-coupler having a maximum pin spacing dimension of no more than about 12 mm. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein said maximum pin spacing is no more than about 10 mm. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein said mini-coupler is a female coupler having recesses for receiving pins of a male coupler and said maximum pin dimension is defined by two of said recesses. 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 18 , further comprising a power connecter assembly for connecting said mini-coupler to a power port of a piece of electronic equipment, said power port having a maximum pin spacing of greater than 12 mm. 
     
     
         22 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein said power connector assembly comprises a power cord. 
     
     
         23 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein said power connector assembly comprises a junction cover wherein said junction cover attaches to said junction assembly on a first side of said cover and attaches to said power connector assembly on a second side of said cover. 
     
     
         24 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein said junction assembly comprises a junction housing having multiple mini-couplers disposed thereon. 
     
     
         25 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 17 , further comprising support structure for supporting at least a portion of said junction assembly so that said portion maintains a desired configuration. 
     
     
         26 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein said support structure comprises a mounting assembly for mounting said portion of said junction assembly to a rigid support. 
     
     
         27 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein said support structure comprises a rigid housing extending between said second and third couplers. 
     
     
         28 .- 60 . (canceled) 
     
     
         61 . A multi-head power cord method, comprising:
 providing a multi-head power cord comprising a first power cord portion terminating in a first coupler for coupling to a power port of a power source, second and third power cord portions terminating in respective second and third couplers for coupling to electronic equipment, at least one junction assembly for electronically interconnecting said first power cord portion to each of said second and third power cord portions free from any intervening electronic equipment associated with said junction for altering an electronic power signal communicated between said first power cord portion and said second and third power cord portions, and at least one locking system for locking at least one coupler of said first, second and third couplers so as to inhibit unintended separation of said at least one coupler from a mating power port, said locking system including a release mechanism to assist in separation of said at least one coupler from said mating power port when desired;   connecting said first coupler to said first power port; and connecting each of said second and third couplers to respective pieces of said electronic equipment, wherein at least one of said first, second, and third couplers is associated with said at least one locking system.   
     
     
         62 . A method as set forth in  claim 61 , wherein said at least one locking system comprises at least two locking mechanisms for locking at least two of said first, second and third couplers. 
     
     
         63 . A method as set forth in  claim 62 , wherein said at least two locking mechanisms comprise a first locking mechanism for locking said first coupler and a second locking mechanism for locking said second coupler. 
     
     
         64 . A method as set forth in  claim 62 , wherein said at least two locking mechanisms comprise first, second and third locking mechanisms for locking said first, second and third couplers. 
     
     
         65 . A method as set forth in  claim 61 , wherein said multi-head power cord includes one or more additional power cord portions that are electrically interconnected to said first power cord portion. 
     
     
         66 . A method as set forth in  claim 61 , wherein said power source is a power distribution unit and said first coupler is adapted for locking engagement with a power output port of said power distribution unit. 
     
     
         67 . A method as set forth in  claim 61 , wherein said junction comprises a power cord branch point where a conductor strand of said first power cord portion branches to form conductor strands of each of said second and third power cord portions so as to define a continuous electrical connection between said first coupler and each of said second and third couplers.