Flush to grade underground cabinet

Abstract

Flush to Grade Underground Cabinet is an underground, heat dissipating, electronics cabinet/enclosure that employs remotely vented above-ground atmospheric air to meet electronics cooling and moisture control requirements, including existing and anticipated future battery technology. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a vault having air ducts passing through it leading to an above-ground ventilation pedestal on one end and an enclosure inside the vault that houses batteries and electronic equipment on the other end. The preferred embodiment also is a hybrid system utilizing a closed loop heat-exchanger that cools electronics while managing moisture and eliminating dust/pollution with filters while using tubes to vent battery compartment gases. Alternative embodiments of the invention may incorporate different heat-exchangers, different ventilation pedestals or points, different heat-exchanger locations, different techniques for moisture control air ducts, sumps for moisture control, dehumidifiers, and a variety of latching devices for the vault and enclosure and lifting devices for the various components. To use the preferred embodiment of Flush to Grade Underground Cabinet, an individual would install the vault and enclosure underground, preferably six inches to one foot below grade. The ventilation pedestal would be placed above-ground and connected to the enclosure through the vault via the first air duct and the second air duct attached to the first pressure coupling and the second pressure coupling. The enclosure is preferably bolted down to an optional concrete pad to secure it from forces during flooding conditions. The heat-exchanger on the enclosure has fans to pull cool air coming from the ventilation pedestal through the first air duct and into the enclosure through the heat-exchanger and into a battery tube connected to a battery tray within the enclosure. A separate battery tube also permits warm air and gases from the battery tray to travel into the heat-exchanger and out of the enclosure through a second air duct connected to the ventilation pedestal. When servicing is required, the lid of the vault is unbolted and the enclosure cover is opened to access the various components.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application does not claim priority to any United States Provisional Patent Application or any foreign patent application.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to cabinets for telecommunication equipment. The invention discussed herein is in the general classification of underground cabinets for telecommunication equipment.

BACKGROUND

VDSL (Very-High-Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line) cabinets are enclosures for holding various electronics, including telecommunications equipment and the like, which generate heat when in use.

There is a very significant public and civic resistance to placing above-ground cabinets deep within a network (as required by Lightspeed VDSL service). Hence, most cabinets must be placed below ground where it is more difficult to efficiently dissipate heat from the use of the electronics within the cabinet.

VDSL cabinets also need to be placed much deeper in the neighborhood than DLC (Digital Loop Carrier) service, closer to homes and businesses, leading to a slower deployment rate. This requirement raises service provider costs for easements and right of ways. It also often results in litigation with civic authorities and may lead to denial of permits for deployment of infrastructure in city right-of-ways.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,728 entitled “Cross-Connect Cabinet” discloses a cross-connect cabinet for an underground telecommunication installation wherein the bundle of conductors electrically connecting the splice connector with a pivoted terminal field is so constructed and arranged to avoid bending the bundle of conductors across the longitudinal axis of the conductors in a manner likely to cause fatigue or other premature conductor failure during the opening and closing of the terminal field of the cross-connect cabinet.

This cabinet is inadequate because it is intended for use with passive electronic components and does not provide a cooling mechanism for active electronics. It also primarily focuses on twisting the cables rather than bending them as the cross connect field comes up for service.

United States Patent Application No. 2007/062670 entitled “Casing with Cooling Means” discloses a casing for containing apparatus which in use generates heat, the casing including a heat-exchanger arranged to act as a removable wall, preferably a lid, of the casing, and fluid directing means arranged to be on the exterior of the removable wall for directing a heat transfer fluid in thermal contact with the wall in use, such that heat generated in the interior of the casing is transferred to the heat transfer fluid by conduction through the material of the wall.

This casing is inadequate because it utilizes a sealed air-to-air heat-exchanger with the heat-exchanger as part of the removable cover. The heat is either dumped into the surrounding vault fluid or through heat pipes buried in the ground remotely. This solution tends to be costly, bulky and not effective for high power densities.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20006/000,628 entitled “Underground Cabinet Cooling Apparatus and Method” discloses a connection system for interconnecting communication media with a housing including a cavity and an airflow opening, a cover adapted to cooperate with the housing to define an air reservoir, and an airflow agitator for causing air to move from the air reservoir to the housing through the airflow opening. The air reservoir contains at least a portion of the housing including the airflow opening. The air reservoir and the housing cooperate to prevent fluid from entering the cavity. One method for dissipating heat within a connection system comprises providing a connection system including a housing with an airflow opening and a cover adapted to cooperate with the housing to define an air reservoir containing at least a portion of the housing and the airflow opening. The method further includes forcing air from the air reservoir to the housing through the airflow opening.

This solution is inadequate because it is essentially an actively vented Bell Jar approach that does not address moisture control within the electronics cavity. Internal heat is dumped into the surrounding vault fluid. This does not address functionality under flooding conditions or provide for internal moisture/condensation control. The inlet/exhaust are integral to the enclosure and draw cooling air within the immediate surrounding air which also is ineffective.

Publication No. WO 2004/091,065 entitled “Connection System” discloses a junction box to seal the contents from the effects of dust and moisture while providing convenient access inside the box. The junction box has a housing defining an internal cavity, an opening to allow access, one or more apertures extending through the housing to receive communications media, one or more connectors mounted within the housing adapted to interconnect the communications media extending through the aperture(s) and a cover adapted to cooperate with the housing to define an air reservoir containing at least a portion of the housing including the opening, the reservoir and the housing cooperating to prevent fluid entering the cavity.

This system is not adequate because it is defined as an airtight enclosure (which may be underground) for cable connections, and has no mechanism for cooling active heat dissipating electronics or controls, either through sealed heat-exchanger or through venting while maintaining dry air inside. The invention disclosed also uses a pivoting frame to access the “connectors” but not the electronics.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/196605 entitled “Purge and Cooling System for Enclosure for Hazardous Environment” notes that a purge system develops a positive pressure in an enclosure, with sufficient volumetric air flow to cool the electrical components. The system includes an air inlet hose, with the input into the inlet hose positioned in an unclassified (i.e. safe) area. The inlet hose couples to the suction of an air blower, which may be mounted inside or outside the enclosure, while the discharge of the air blower is inside the enclosure, thereby providing the necessary positive pressure (purge) within the enclosure. The air discharged from the air blower strikes a baffle, which distributes the blowing air throughout the bottom of the enclosure. The distributed air is then drawn into controller cabinets by dedicated cooling fans. A conduit system connects the controller cabinets to take the now heated air from the cabinets to a discharge outside the enclosure. The outlet of the conduit system may include a counter-weighted flapper valve to maintain the pressure within the enclosure.

This system also is not adequate because it is devised to deliver constant cooling air, above local atmospheric pressure, in an above-ground equipment enclosure to prevent ingress of explosive external gases.

In addition, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,164,369, 6,877,551 and 6,889,752 involve heat-exchanger and “waterproof” cabinets but they are actually only “water resistant” and lack the other features required in an underground application as discussed herein.

Hence, there is a need in the art for a convenient to install, reliable, inexpensive, durable, safe and effective device for holding active electronics equipment that can be located underground and that has appropriate venting to control cooling and moisture and provide for safe remote venting outside of the electronics enclosure of battery compartment gases.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Flush to Grade Underground Cabinet is an underground, heat dissipating, electronics cabinet/enclosure that employs remotely vented above-ground atmospheric air to meet electronics cooling and moisture control requirements, including existing and anticipated future battery technology.

The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a vault having air ducts passing through it leading to an above-ground ventilation pedestal on one end and an enclosure inside the vault that houses batteries and electronic equipment on the other end. The preferred embodiment also is a hybrid system utilizing a closed loop heat-exchanger that cools electronics while managing moisture and eliminating dust/pollution with filters while using tubes to vent battery compartment gases.

Alternative embodiments of the invention may incorporate different heat-exchangers, different ventilation pedestals or points, different heat-exchanger locations, different techniques for moisture control air ducts, sumps for moisture control, dehumidifiers, and a variety of latching devices for the vault and enclosure and lifting devices for the various components.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a device that houses electronics equipment, including telecommunications equipment, in a protected environment and can be located underground.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for housing electronics that has appropriate cooling means for electronics equipment, including active heat-dissipating electronics components.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that has appropriate venting to control moisture.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that reduces public/civic resistance to installation because it is underground and out of sight.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that does not create public safety concerns.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for housing electronics that is relatively inexpensive to install and maintain.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for housing electronics that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of this invention is to provide a relatively small device for housing electronics.

Another object of this invention is to provide an easily installed device for housing electronics that preferably requires only one day of site preparation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a reliable device for housing electronics.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for explosive battery gas venting.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a durable and water resistant device for housing electronics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the vault, ventilation pedestal and ducting.

FIG. 2 depicts an overhead perspective view of one embodiment of the vault, ventilation pedestal and ducting with the lid of the vault removed.

FIG. 3 depicts an overhead view of the vault and enclosure of FIG. 2 with the lid of the vault removed.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of the enclosure shown in FIGS. 2-3.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of the enclosure shown in FIGS. 2-4 inserted into a vault with the enclosure cover lifted.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the equipment rack.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the enclosure of FIGS. 2-5 with a side removed.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the enclosure of FIGS. 2-5 and FIG. 7 with a side removed and the equipment rack lifted.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of a portion of the enclosure of FIGS. 2-7 and FIGS. 7-8 with a side removed, showing the battery tray.

FIG. 10 depicts an inside perspective view of the front end of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure with a heat-exchanger attached.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure of FIG. 10 with a side removed.

FIG. 12 depicts a frontal perspective view of the heat-exchanger of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 13 depicts a rear perspective view of the heat-exchanger of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts a frontal perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure of FIGS. 10-11 with the front end removed.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the ventilation pedestal.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the ventilation pedestal of FIG. 15 with cover removed.

FIG. 17 depicts an alternative embodiment of the vault with a sump.

FIG. 18 depicts the alternative embodiment of the vault with a sump of FIG. 17 with the cover to the sump removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of Flush to Grade Underground Cabinet is comprised of at least some of the following: a vault having air ducts passing through it leading to an above-ground ventilation pedestal on one end and an enclosure inside the vault that houses batteries and electronic equipment on the other end. The preferred embodiment also is a hybrid system utilizing a closed loop heat-exchanger that cools electronics while managing moisture and eliminating dust/pollution with filters while using tubes to vent battery compartment gases.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the vault, ventilation pedestal and ducting. A vault 1 that is approximately rectangular has a lid 2 that can be removed from the vault 1. In this preferred embodiment, the lid 2 is bolted to the vault 1 and partitioned into four evenly sized sections. The vault 1 and lid 2 are made of stainless steel in this preferred embodiment. The vault 1 is 96 inches in length, 51 inches in width and 48 inches in height. All of the dimensions of the vault may vary widely but usually range from 96-124 inches in length. A first air duct 3 and a second air duct 4 emanate from the vault 1 and connect on one end to a ventilation pedestal 5. The first air duct 3 and the second air duct 4 are standard commercial PVC conduits that are five inches in diameter and L-shaped to permit them to reach the ventilation pedestal 5. In some embodiments, the ducting may be co-axial, duct-in-duct, and may be insulated or otherwise arranged to reduce the possibility of condensation and to ease installation. The vault 1 is placed below ground while the ventilation pedestal 5 is placed above-ground.

FIG. 2 depicts an overhead perspective view of one embodiment of the vault, ventilation pedestal and ducting with the lid of the vault removed. A vault 20, ventilation pedestal 21, a first air duct 22 and a second air duct 23 similar to those described in conjunction with FIG. 1 are visible from this view as well. An enclosure 24 is located within the vault 20 and connected to the first air duct 22 and the second air duct 23. The vault 20 serves to retain soil and keep other underground materials, insects and the like from the enclosure 24 that contains a variety of electronics beneath a cover 28.

FIG. 3 depicts an overhead view of the vault and enclosure of FIG. 2 with the lid of the vault removed. The enclosure 24 located within the vault 20 has a first pressure coupling 25 and a second pressure coupling 26 located on the front end and a cover 28 on the top. The first pressure coupling 25 and the second pressure coupling 26 have flanges made of rubber that connect to the first air duct and second air duct. The first pressure coupling 25 and the second pressure coupling 26 with flanges provide flexibility to allow for settling, frost heave and minor movement in flooding. Any flexible, relatively short pipe coupling which has a property of maintaining fluid separation during relative movement of ducts and enclosure could suffice as the pressure coupling for this enclosure. Other sealing methods are possible, including any and all cables that can be terminated in similar ducts to the air ducts or within the air ducts.

The enclosure 24 also has standard Out Side Plant (OSP) cable terminations 27 with heatshrink techniques/materials commonly used for repeaters and optics located on the front.

The enclosure 24 is shown shifted to one side of the vault 20 to allow maximum room within the vault 20 for sealing and terminating the first air duct and second air duct, terminating grounds and bolting down the enclosure 24 to the vault 20 or to a concrete anchor pad beneath the enclosure 24. The enclosure 24 is approximately rectangular and is 60 inches in length, 42 inches in width and 30.3 inches in height. The dimensions of the enclosure also vary with the length usually ranging from 60 to 88 inches, but it is adaptable to any reasonable size and relatively high rate of heat-dissipating electronics equipment.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of the enclosure shown in FIGS. 2-3. The enclosure cover 28 is attached to the enclosure 24 via cover dog latches 41 in this preferred embodiment. The cover dog latches 41 surround three sides of the enclosure cover 28 with a hinge attached to the fourth side to seal the enclosure cover 28 to the enclosure 24 and make it water tight.

Crane lifting eyelets 42 (features) are also located on the upper corners of the enclosure 24. Bolt down eyelets 43 (features) are also located on each lower corner of the enclosure 24 to allow the enclosure 24 to be bolted to a concrete anchor pad to combat buoyancy forces during a flood. The first pressure coupling 25 and second pressure coupling 26 are also visible in this view.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of the enclosure shown in FIGS. 2-4 inserted into a vault with the enclosure cover lifted. The enclosure cover 28 is held open by two pivoting arms 52 that lock into place when the cover dog latches 41 are opened and the enclosure cover 28 is lifted. The pivoting arms 52 connect on one end to the enclosure cover 28 and on the other end to the enclosure 24. The equipment rack 50 is visible in the top of the enclosure 24 which is placed inside the vault 51.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the equipment rack. The equipment rack 50 has an AC panel 60, surge panel 62 and outlet 63 on one corner and Sealed Expansion Modules (SEM) 64 on the opposite corner. An air exhaust baffle 61 is also present on the equipment rack 50. Two ARAM's 65 are located in the middle of the equipment rack 50 above an enclosure fan module 66. Lightning surge protection blocks 67 are also located on the bottom of the rack.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the enclosure of FIGS. 2-5 with a side removed. A battery tray 70 is located beneath the equipment rack 50. An equipment lifting mechanism consisting of a first arm 73 and a second arm 74 with a screw jack is designed to lift the equipment rack 50 out of position to allow access to the battery tray 70. The first arm 73 is connected to the bottom of the enclosure 24 and the side of the equipment rack 50. The second arm 74 is connected to the side of the equipment rack 50 and the first arm 73. A splice chamber 72 is also present next to the battery tray 70 and beneath the equipment rack 50 and can also be accessed by lifting the equipment rack 50. A variety of alternative lifting mechanisms may be employed for raising the equipment rack, including a cable winch system.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the enclosure of FIGS. 2-5 and FIG. 7 with a side removed and the equipment rack lifted. The enclosure 24, first arm 73, second arm 74, and equipment rack 50 are all still visible in this view. The battery tray screw jack 81 for lifting the battery tray 70 is also visible beneath the battery tray 70.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of a portion of the enclosure of FIGS. 2-5 and FIGS. 7-8 with a side removed, showing the battery tray. The scissor lift 90 located beneath the battery tray 70 has been deployed using the battery tray screw jack 81 and battery tray screw jack rod 91, allowing a user to access the battery tray 70 without reaching deep into the enclosure 24. The battery tray 70 is capable of holding a variety of batteries, including LMP, VRLA and NiCad along with potentially other future battery technology.

FIG. 10 depicts an inside perspective view of the front end of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure with a heat-exchanger attached. The enclosure 100 is approximately 17 inches longer in this embodiment than the enclosure of FIGS. 2-5 and FIGS. 7-9 and capable of housing a heat-exchanger 101. In other respects, the enclosure 100 is similar to that described in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 2-7 and FIGS. 7-9. The heat-exchanger 101 is attached to the front of the enclosure 100. A first battery vent tube 102 and a second battery vent tube 103 attach to the heat-exchanger 101 and lead to the battery tray within the enclosure 100 on the opposite end. The first battery vent tube 102 and the second battery vent tube 103 are ideally three inches in diameter and flexible to permit the battery tray to be raised and lowered without disconnecting them from the heat-exchanger 101. The first battery tube 102 provides a path from the heat-exchanger to the battery tray to provide cool air. The second battery tube 103 provides a path from the battery tray to the heat-exchanger to purge battery out gassing products generated by the battery to the atmosphere.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure of FIG. 10 with a side removed. The first battery tube 102 and the second battery tube 103 that create paths between the battery tray 110 and the heat-exchanger 101 can be seen within the enclosure 100. The equipment rack 111 is shown above the battery tray 110. The first air duct 112 and the second air duct 113 enter the front of the enclosure 100.

FIG. 12 depicts a frontal perspective view of the heat-exchanger of the preferred embodiment. On the front, a first fan 121, a second fan 122 and a third fan 123 are aligned in a column on the heat-exchanger 101 and intake cooler air entering the enclosure through the first pressure coupling coming from the first air duct. The air is blown through the first fan 121, the second fan 122 and the third fan 123 into the first battery tube leading to the battery tray through the first battery tube receptacle 126. On the opposite side of the heat-exchanger 101, a vent 125 allows air coming from the battery tray through the second battery tube and into the second battery tube receptacle 127 to escape into the second air duct. Although the exact size of the heat-exchanger 101 may vary, the preferred embodiment is approximately 16.5 inches in length, 29.25 inches in width and 29 inches in height.

FIG. 13 depicts a rear perspective view of the heat-exchanger of the preferred embodiment. The inner loop exhaust 130 is located opposite the first fan, second fan and third fan on the heat-exchanger 101. The inner loop intake 131 is on the opposite side of the heat-exchanger 101 from the vent 125.

FIG. 14 depicts a frontal perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure of FIGS. 10-11 with the front end removed. The front of the heat-exchanger 101 with the first fan 121, second fan 122 and third fan 123 are visible in the enclosure 100. A catch basin 140 is also inserted to catch the liquid condensate that accumulates beneath the third fan 123. The exhaust air is blown over the catch basin 140 to promote water evaporation.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the ventilation pedestal. The ventilation pedestal 150 can be proximate to the Serving Area Interface (SAI) enclosure where the trench for expansion cables terminate, making use of existing right of ways. The ventilation pedestal 150 is approximately rectangular with a height of 43 inches, width of 20.3 inches and depth of 9.25 inches in this preferred embodiment. The ventilation pedestal 150 permits gases and heat from the battery tray and electronics components to be vented above-ground to prevent a dangerous build-up of gases in the vault or enclosure. A cover 151 located on the front of the ventilation pedestal 150 prevents insects and debris from entering. The cover 151 also serves to provide acoustic attenuation.

In some embodiments, a Power Transfer Switch (PTS) and AC Utility meter base are integrated with the ventilation pedestal to reduce footprint, cost and number of installations. The PTS function is sometimes used to provide enclosure gas generator AC power during commercial AC power outages.

A ventilation pedestal could be as simple as two pipes sticking out of the ground with a cover to prevent rain ingress. However, in most embodiments, the ventilation pedestal will have cosmetic treatments, acoustic abatement features, and the ability to be co-located next to existing telecom structures and right-of-ways or easements.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the ventilation pedestal of FIG. 15 with cover removed. The interior of the ventilation pedestal 150 has internal baffling and/or diffusers 160 to minimize noise. All of the internal surfaces of the ventilation pedestal 150 have sound insulation to further dampen noise. In this preferred embodiment, the ventilation pedestal is partitioned in the middle to create two separate chambers. The bottom of the ventilation pedestal has a first opening 161 and second opening 162 to permit the first air duct and second duct to enter.

FIG. 17 depicts an alternative embodiment of the vault with a sump. A sump 170 can be attached next to the side of the vault 171 to permit condensation coming from the ventilation pedestal to drain prior to entering the enclosure within the vault 170. The sump 170 would be particularly useful in locations with high relative humidity. The sump 170 is attached to the first air duct and the second air duct via a hot air exhaust pipe 172 and a cool air intake pipe 173. A weeping tile (drain pipe) 175 connected to the sump 170 allows water to flow out of the sump 170.

Condensation management can be further enhanced by using insulated ducting or ducting arrangements that are self-insulating. For example, the intake pipe can be located inside the outlet pipe with insulation between the pipes and from the soil.

FIG. 18 depicts the alternative embodiment of the vault with a sump of FIG. 17 with the cover to the sump removed. A sump pump 180 with a power cord 181 and a check valve 182 are located under the sump pump cover. The sump pump 180 allows water to be pumped through the check valve 182 and into the weeping tile 175. The check valve 182 prevents back flow from the weeping tile 175.

Most embodiments of the invention are intended to provide a one-hundred percent flush-to-grade underground active electronics cabinet with a volume of at least 42 cubic feet and the capability of housing 384 lines of xDSL equipment and supporting electronics, protection, power connection and control systems. Most embodiments also maintain an enclosed electronic high thermal density/dissipation system of at least 2 kW at 46 degrees Celsius external ambient and can protect against water intrusion, ideally at least 7 days at 10 feet of water head.

Most embodiments utilize the simple and cost-effective screw jacks lift systems for the electronic system and battery to make access thereto easy and help affect faster maintenance and repairs and provide more safety than cable winch systems.

To use the preferred embodiment of Flush to Grade Underground Cabinet, an individual would install the vault, concrete pad and enclosure underground, preferably six inches to one foot below grade. The ventilation pedestal would be placed above-ground and connected to the enclosure through the vault via the first air duct and the second air duct attached to the first pressure coupling and the second pressure coupling. The enclosure is preferably bolted down to an optional concrete pad to secure it from forces during flooding conditions. When servicing is required, the lid of the vault is unbolted and the cover dog latches of the enclosure cover are undone. The cover of the enclosure is then lifted and the pivoting arms are locked in place. The equipment rack can be moved out of place via the equipment lifting mechanism if access to the battery tray is desired. The battery tray screw jack can be used to raise the scissor lift under the battery tray for easier servicing.

The preferred embodiment of the device having a heat-exchanger permits fans to pull cool air coming from the ventilation pedestal through the first air duct and into the enclosure through the heat-exchanger and into a battery tube connected to the battery tray. A separate battery tube also permits warm air and gases from the battery tray to travel into the heat-exchanger and out of the enclosure through a second air duct connected to the ventilation pedestal. Certain embodiments having a sump prevent water from being pulled into the enclosure.

The materials utilized for Flush to Grade Underground Cabinet may vary widely but will likely include metal, plastic composite and electronic components. The metals used for the enclosure would ideally be selected from available steel or alloys of steel and aluminum. The production process related to the use of these metals insures that the material is non-corrosive, durable and strong. The selected metal should have high impact strength and be capable of accepting and retaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.

The materials used in the production of the device will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materials would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.

The plastic/composite components of Flush to Grade Underground Cabinet can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.

It should be obvious that the components of the present invention can be of various shapes and sizes. It should also be obvious that the components of the invention can be made of different types of plastics, metals or other suitable materials and can be of any color.

Although this invention is discussed in conjunction with VDSL cabinets, it is applicable to many other services and technologies, including telecom and IP. It is also suitable for use as an active electronics cabinet close to the home such as with fiber to the home.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An electronics cabinet comprising: (a) a first air duct and a second air duct entering a vault locatable underground; and(b) a ventilation pedestal for placement above-ground connectable to an enclosure located within the vault via the first air duct and the second air duct.

2. The cabinet of claim 1 further comprising an equipment rack and a battery tray located within the enclosure.

3. The cabinet of claim 1 further comprising a removable lid secured to the top of the vault.

4. The cabinet of claim 1 further comprising a first pressure coupling and a second pressure coupling located on the enclosure connectable with the first air duct and the second air duct.

5. The cabinet of claim 1 further comprising a cover located on the enclosure having a set of cover dog latches and a first pivoting arm and a second pivoting arm connected to the cover and the enclosure.

6. The cabinet of claim 1 further comprising a set of crane lifting eyelets on the upper corners of the enclosure and a set of bolt down eyelets located on the lower corners of the enclosure for securing to a concrete anchor pad beneath the enclosure.

7. The cabinet of claim 2 further comprising an equipment lifting mechanism for the equipment rack and a battery lifting mechanism for the battery tray.

8. The cabinet of claim 7 wherein the equipment lifting mechanism is a first arm connected to the bottom of the enclosure and the side of the equipment rack and a second arm connected to the side of the equipment rack and the first arm and a screw jack located on the second arm.

9. The cabinet of claim 7 wherein the battery lifting mechanism is a battery tray screw jack with a battery tray screw jack rod operatively connected to a scissor lift.

10. The cabinet of claim 2 further comprising a heat-exchanger attached to the front of the enclosure having a first battery vent tube and a second battery vent tube connected to the battery tray.

11. The cabinet of claim 10 further comprising a first fan, a second fan and a third fan with a catch basin located on one side of the heat-exchanger and a vent on the opposite side of the heat-exchanger.

12. An electronics cabinet comprising: (a) a ventilation pedestal for placement above-ground connectable to a first pressure coupling and a second pressure coupling located on an enclosure within a vault via a first air duct and a second air duct;(b) an equipment rack and a battery tray located within the enclosure;(c) a removable lid bolted to the top of the vault;(d) a cover located on the enclosure having a set of cover dog latches and a first pivoting arm and a second pivoting arm connected to the cover and the enclosure;(e) a set of crane lifting eyelets on the upper corners of the enclosure and a set of bolt down eyelets located on the lower corners of the enclosure for securing to a concrete anchor pad beneath the enclosure;(f) a first arm connected to the bottom of the enclosure and the side of the equipment rack and a second arm connected to the side of the equipment rack and the first arm and a screw jack located on the second arm;(g) a battery tray screw jack with a battery tray screw jack rod operatively connected to a scissor lift beneath the battery tray;(h) a heat-exchanger attached to the front of the enclosure having a first battery vent tube and a second battery vent tube connected to the battery tray; and(i) a first fan, a second fan and a third fan with a catch basin located on one side of the heat-exchanger and a vent on the opposite side of the heat-exchanger.

13. The electronics cabinet of claim 12 further comprising a set of sealed OSP cable terminations located on the enclosure.

14. An electronics cabinet comprising: (a) a ventilation pedestal attached to a first air duct and a second air duct;(b) a sump having a cool air intake pipe attached to the first air duct and a hot air exhaust pipe connected to the second air duct; and(c) an enclosure located within a vault and connected to the cool air intake pipe and the hot air exhaust pipe opposite the ventilation pedestal.

15. The cabinet of claim 14 further comprising a weeping tile with a check valve attached to the sump.

16. The cabinet of claim 14 wherein the first air duct and the second air duct are insulated.