Calix Networks, Inc.

Cisco Technology, Inc.

Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.p.

Enphase Energy, Inc.

Matthew K Meeker

Thomas A Austin

Martin Fornage

Stephen S Greer

Leo Stearns

Dwayne C Green

Apparatus for coupling power generated by a photovoltaic (PV) module to an output. The apparatus comprises a universal connector assembly, comprising a connector housing, adapted for coupling to the PV module, comprising a DC connection assembly for coupling power from the PV module to a power module via a first plurality of connectors; and a base for supporting the power module spaced apart from the PV module in a manner that exposes at least a portion of the power module facing the PV module to the air and prevents air from being trapped between the power module and the PV module.

Apparatus for coupling power generated by a photovoltaic module to an output

A method and apparatus for effecting 1:1 or N:1 equipment protection switching in the line units of a voice-and-data access and transport network includes three sets of switches associated with the line units that can be selectively provisioned by the system operator into protect groups. In one embodiment, the switches are arranged and controlled within the protect groups by one or more dedicated microprocessors such that, upon the failure of a protected one of the line units in a protect group, the stream of traffic to an associated, protect one of the line units in the protect group is dropped, and the traffic stream to the failed line unit is switched over to the protect line unit for continued processing.

N to one and one to one equipment protection switching

A faceplate (indicating operation status of an apparatus) includes a bezel and a light-pipe, which are integrated into a piece. The faceplate can be injection-molded with an optically clear plastic. The light-pipe includes a lens and a light guide. The lens focuses light from a light source toward the light guide and is shaped so as to focus and collect the light within a boundary of the light guide. The surface of the light guide includes a number of mini refracting lenses to promote illumination of the light. Alternatively, an ink can be applied on the surface of the light guide to promote the illumination of the light. Further, a diffusing lens can be formed on the surface of the light guide to promote illumination of the, light. The faceplate can include multiple light-pipes.

Faceplate with integrated light-pipe

A combination device includes an optical fiber guide connected to a fastener for attaching a heatsink to a component and/or to be printed circuit board. As a component on a printed circuit board usually needs to be fastened to a heatsink for cooling, combining a heatsink fastener and a fiber guide allows a more efficient use of board space than using a fiber guide and a heatsink fastener separately. In one embodiment, the device includes a frame, one or more fiber guides attached to the frame, and one or more fasteners (e.g., a snap-on mechanism) connected to the frame. The frame may generally have a rectangular shape, with fiber guides attached to the four corners of the rectangular frame and fasteners attached to the side of the rectangular frame. The fiber guide may be designed to protect the fragile optical fiber and prevent bending of the cable beyond its minimum bend radius.

Fiber guide connected to a heatsink fastener

A card shelf fire suppression system includes a card shelf having a backplane and a plurality of slots. The slots are each configured to receive an electronic card adapted for engagement with the backplane. The system also includes an airflow path for providing airflow adjacent the electronic card for dissipating thermal energy generated by the electronic card. The system further includes a damper system disposed proximate the slots and operable to passively activate to substantially prevent airflow through the slots and adjacent the electronic card. The damper system includes a damper, a support, and a thermal fuse. In response to an elevated temperature condition, the thermal fuse deforms causing the damper to become unsupported by the support, thereby accommodating movement of the damper from an open position to a closed position to substantially prevent airflow to the electronic cards.

Card shelf fire suppression system and method

An enclosure which acts as a heat sink for dissipating heat generated by electronic components within the housing. The outer surface of the enclosure includes numerous cooling fins, preferably on all six faces of the enclosure, to help dissipate heat. The fins are diagonally oriented, rather than vertical or horizontal, to permit them to be effective whether the unit is mounted horizontally or vertically. In addition to dissipating heat, the enclosure is rain tight, EMI-tight and ESD-tight. The inside major surfaces of the enclosure include a number of pins extending inwardly to help increase the surface area for heat transfer into the enclosure material. The pins extend deeply into the interior of the enclosure, and are made shorter only where necessary to avoid large components on the printed circuit card. The spaces between the pins allow convection of the heated air whether the enclosure is vertically or horizontally mounted. The fins and pins together maximize heat dissipation from the electronics within the enclosure regardless of whether the enclosure is vertically or horizontally mounted.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Rosa, CA, United States of America

Matthew K Meeker