PATENT ABSTRACT
Disclosed is system, method, and rack stand portion for the advantageous cooling of computer equipment  305 . The rack stand  200  includes a hollow body  210, 212  that may be formed of cartridges  2416 . Gas from an airflow source  5204  is guided into the rack stand body and then into a sealed case of the computer equipment. Air flow is then guided out of the computer equipment for recirculation, exhaust, or other purpose.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. provisional patent application 62/158,529 titled Server Rack with Integrated Precision Air Flow filed on May 7, 2015. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a computer server rack and more particularly, a computer server rack system that can be used to efficiently direct air flow to electric equipment such as servers and other network devices for dissipation of heat. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Existing rack-mount server systems include a server rack and a plurality of server units received in the server rack. Typically each of the server units is mounted to the server rack with a pair of mounting brackets or rails respectively fixed to the inside surface of opposite sidewalls of a server rack. There have been numerous efforts to direct air and other fluids to electronic equipment to aid in heat dissipation. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The server rack according to the invention includes a frame that includes hollow tubular support posts on the front sides and rear sides of the device. Between the front and rear posts are forward side panels and rearward side panels. The panels receive a complement of cartridges that have valve members to control the flow of air from a rear cavity though passages in the cartridges, through the rail and into servers. A plurality of side rails for receiving servers are attached to the front and rear posts. The rails have passages through the sidewalls that correspond with passages provided on the sidewalls of the servers. 
         [0005]    In a preferred embodiment, air conditioned air is introduced to forward side panels through passages provided on the upper and lower surfaces. Next, air travels from the forward panel, though one or more passages that is provided through a cartridge member, and then, into a front section of a server through a passage that is provided on the lateral sidewall of the server. Air travels through the server from the front section of the server to a rear section and then exits through a passage in the lateral sidewall to a cartridge that is provided in a rear panel. Next the air is returned to the air conditioner unit for recirculation. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment the sever rack is approximately 6 feet tall and designed to accommodate forty-two server units in 4.445 cm (1.75 inch) increments. Rail members are provided at each unit segment on the side panels and support a server, in embodiments further discussed below, passages through the cartridges have at least one valve member that can be individually electromechanically or manually controlled. When no server is provided in a specific rack unit, or when the temperature is otherwise adequately controlled in a particular server unit, the aperture may be closed, in embodiments, a controller automatically opens or closes valve members provide in cartridges in response to a signal from a thermometer. 
         [0007]    As such, it should be appreciated that the valves or passages can be opened and closed variably for each server depending on the cooling needs for the server. Further, as discussed herein, the degree of air flow through the aperture can be controlled using a damper or weir arrangement. Therefore, in embodiments, a local controller is provided and can receive input information from thermometers reading the temperatures of the servers and can adjust the opening and dosing valves aperture accordingly. Alternatively the dampers may be manually adjusted. In yet further embodiments a central controller receives signals from a plurality of server racks. 
         [0008]    Each of the openings on the post is provided with a releasable seal to block flow depending on the particular configuration of servers. In embodiments, flexible manifolds extend from the posts to direct the fluid to and from access areas provided on the servers. While the preferred embodiment contemplates the use of air flow, in embodiments the frame is configured to receive a liquid and the posts and manifold direct fluid to heat exchange elements that engaged the respective servers. 
         [0009]    In yet further embodiments the rack is configured to allow both liquid flow and air flow. 
         [0010]    These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive. Furthermore, some features may apply to certain versions of the invention, but not others. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art server rack and side panel. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2 a    is a perspective view of a partial rack assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2 b    is a perspective view of two side panels of a partial rack assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective exploded view of a first rail assembly, a server and a second rail assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a top exploded view of a first rail assembly, a server and a second rail assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of a first rail assembly, a server and a second rail assembly attached together according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective exploded view of a side panel and server in alignment before assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a side panel and server attached to one another.  FIG. 7  is a perspective exploded view of side panel rails, a server and a second panel according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of side panel rails, a server and a second panel according to embodiment of  FIG. 7  that has been assembled. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a rack assembly including side panels, rails, and a server that schematically illustrates a server sliding into the assembly. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a side panel, rails, a server and a second panel that further includes cartridges received in the forward and rearward side panels that illustrate a server sliding into the assembly. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10  with a server secured within the device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of the invention that includes a schematic representation of the direction of air flow from the forward panels to a server. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of the invention that includes a schematic representation of the direction of air flow from a server through rearward side panels. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a rail assembly that is used connection with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the rail assembly that is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view in elevation of the rail assembly with the front section extended from the rear section that is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the rail assembly with the front section extended from the rear section. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a forward side panel and forward post according to an embodiment of the invention depicting the top surface of the panel. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a forward side panel and forward post shown in  FIG. 18  depicting the bottom surface of the panel. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the forward side panel and forward post shown in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a top sectional view of the forward side panel and forward post shown in  FIG. 18  also depicting a cartridge and the manner in which it is received in the panel. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a top sectional view of the forward side panel and forward post shown in  FIG. 18  with a cartridge retained in the panel. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a front view in elevation of a post member used in connection with the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a fragmented view in elevation of a forward side panel, a series of cartridges, a cover plate and a forward post according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a front view in elevation of a forward panel having a complete complement of cartridges. 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a rearward side panel depicting the top surface.  FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a rearward side panel depicting the lower surface. 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is a top view of an iris air flow control valve used in a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a side view of an iris valve used in a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 30 a    is a perspective view of an iris valve used in a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 30 b    is a perspective view of an iris valve used in a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention in a partial opened position. 
           [0042]      FIG. 30 c    is a perspective view of an iris valve used in a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention in a fully opened position. 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is a side fractional view in elevation of a cartridge assembly with the valves partially opened. 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is a side fractional view in elevation of a cartridge assembly with the valves fully opened. 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a side sectional fractional view in elevation of a cartridge assembly.  FIG. 34  is side sectional fractional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 34B  is side sectional fractional view of a cartridge according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 35  is a perspective partial view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 36  is a perspective partial view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention depicting a central channel impeded by a block member. 
           [0049]      FIG. 37  is a perspective partial view of a cartridge according to a further embodiment of the invention with a central channel that is partially impeded by an adjustable shutter and that schematically depicts air flow through the device.  FIG. 38  isperspective partial view of a cartridge according to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 36  that schematically depicts air flow through the device. 
           [0050]      FIG. 39  is a perspective partial view of an alternative cartridge according to a further embodiment of the invention with iris valves in partially open position that schematically depicts air flow through the device. 
           [0051]      FIG. 40  is a perspective partial view of a cartridge according to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 39  with iris valves in fully open position and that schematically depicts air flow through the device. 
           [0052]      FIG. 41  is a perspective fractional front view of side panel members and servers that schematically depicts air flow through the device. 
           [0053]      FIG. 42  is a perspective fractional rear view of side panel members and servers that schematically depicts air flow through the device. 
           [0054]      FIG. 43  is a perspective partial view of a cartridge according to a further embodiment of the invention with a series of circular passages. 
           [0055]      FIG. 43A  is a side sectional view of the cartridge embodiment depicted in  FIG. 43  without the top seal member. 
           [0056]      FIG. 43B  is a sectional view of a forward panel, a cartridge rail and server that illustrates the direction of airflow through the elements. 
           [0057]      FIG. 43C  is a sectional view of a forward panel, a cartridge, a rail and server that illustrates the direction of airflow through the elements according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0058]      FIG. 43D  is a sectional view of a rearward panel, a cartridge, a rail and server that illustrates the direction of airflow through the elements according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 44  is a perspective partial view of a cartridge according to the embodiment of  43  with the passages obstructed. 
           [0060]      FIG. 45  is a perspective fractional view of a forward side panel depicting a plurality of different cartridges. 
           [0061]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view of a forward side panel depicting a plurality of different cartridges. 
           [0062]      FIG. 47  is a perspective view of a forward side panel in an alternative embodiment depicting a plurality of different cartridges. 
           [0063]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view of a forward side panel depicting a plurality of different cartridges that are all devoid of passages. 
           [0064]      FIG. 49  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the rack according to the invention with a full complement of servers. 
           [0065]      FIG. 50  is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the rack of the invention and depicting external paneling. 
           [0066]      FIG. 51  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention depicting a controller and external paneling. 
           [0067]      FIG. 52  is a perspective fractional top view of an embodiment of the invention with an air conditioner and air pump system with a schematic representation of an air flow system. 
           [0068]      FIG. 53  is a perspective fractional bottom view of an embodiment of the invention with a schematic representation of an air flow system with an air conditioner and air pump system. 
           [0069]      FIG. 54  is a perspective fractional front view of an embodiment of the invention wherein air is delivered from the side panel cartridge to the front of a server using a flexible hose. 
           [0070]      FIG. 55  is a top view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 54 . 
           [0071]      FIG. 56  is a perspective fractional front view of an embodiment of the invention wherein air is delivered from the side panel cartridge to an opening in the top of a server using a flexible hose. 
           [0072]      FIG. 57  is a top view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 54 . 
           [0073]      FIG. 58  is a perspective fractional front view of an embodiment of the invention wherein air is delivered from the rear of a server to a rear cartridge using a flexible hose. 
           [0074]      FIG. 59  is a top view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 58   
           [0075]      FIG. 60  is a perspective view of a further embodiment that uses two servers in a single rack unit and an alternative air flow configuration. 
           [0076]      FIG. 61  is a perspective view of a plurality of blade servers according to prior art. 
           [0077]      FIG. 62  is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement of blade servers according to the prior art. 
           [0078]      FIG. 63  is a front perspective fractional view of a chassis containing a number of blade servers according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0079]      FIG. 64  is a front perspective fractional view of a chassis containing a number of blade servers in multiple rows. 
           [0080]      FIG. 65  is a front fractional view of a chassis containing a number of blade servers according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0081]      FIG. 66  is a front perspective fractional view of a chassis containing a number of blade servers in multiple rows according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0082]      FIG. 67  is a schematic illustration of a system used according in connection with a data center. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0083]    The forgoing description, including the accompanying drawings, is illustrated by way of example and is not to be construed as limitations with respect to the invention. Now referring to  FIG. 1 , a prior art rack system is depicted that includes upright members and side members and is configured to receive a plurality of servers. 
         [0084]      FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  depicts aspects of an embodiment of the invention  200  including forward side panel  204  and  202  and rearward side panels  201  and  203 . As best seen in  FIG. 2B  the side panels have respective cavities  210  and  212  on their inner sides. The opposite side panels may be attached together by a rear member or rear panel or other transverse members that spans the opposite sidewalls of the device. 
         [0085]    Now referring to  FIG. 3 , a further feature of embodiments of the invention includes use of a rail member  307  which is configured to be attached to server  305 . On the opposite side of the server is rail  309  which includes passages  315  and  322  which correspond with adjacent passages such as passages  310  and  320  that are located on the lateral sidewall  312  of the server  305 .  FIG. 4 a    is a top view of the invention illustrates how rails  307  and  309  engage server  305  using fasteners  410 ,  411  and  412  on one side and  414 ,  415  and  416  on the opposite side.  FIG. 4 b    depicts the rails attached to the server  305 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 5  shows a plurality of rails  307 ,  308  and  309  that are secured to lateral panels  505 . These rails are configured to engage server  305 .  FIG. 6  depicts the side panel  505  wherein server  305  is engaged with the panel at the top rail. 
         [0087]      FIG. 7  depicts an exploded view of the assembly of rack assembly components including side panel  505 , rails  307  and  309  and opposite side panel  702 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 8  is an embodiment of the invention holding server  305  between panels  505  and  702 . Server  305  slides along rails  307  and  309  which are affixed to the side panel sections  505  and  702 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 9  depicts how the server  305  slides in to the rack system from the front along the opposite rails  307  and  309  attached to panels  505  and  702  in an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0090]      FIG. 10  depicts assembly  1000  that includes a depiction of the air passages  1010 ,  1011 ,  1015 , and  1020  in the lateral side panels. In this embodiment there are plurality of cartridges provided in the side panels such as cartridges  1028  and  1025  and  1030 . A server is received in the rack member by sliding it in the direction illustrated along the opposite rails. 
         [0091]      FIG. 11  depicts the rack invention including server  305  in engagement with the rails in position. The panel depicts a series of cartridges attached and connected to the panel wherein the cartridges are designed to control the flow of air from the panel to the servers. 
         [0092]      FIG. 12  illustrates the airflow though the rack of the invention. Airflow enters the left and right side panels through passages that are provided on the top and bottom surface and passes from the front of the panel, through cartridges, through side and into a server. As best seen in  FIG. 13 , air from the servers passes rearward and out passages in the sidewall back to a rear panel section. Air passes from the through passages provided on the top and bottom of the panels. 
         [0093]    Now referring to  FIG. 14 , a two part rail member is depicted that includes passages  1450  and  1451  to allow for air flow and are located at the front of rail member  1400  and passages  1460  and  1461  near the opposite end. The two parts of the rail slide along one another to allow the rail to extend, such as that used in a conventional drawer. In embodiments the rails may include bearing and roller elements. Each end of rail  1400  has attachment sections  1480  and  1481  that are oriented perpendicular to the length of the rail element and includes fastening means to engage the upright members. The rail includes fastener elements  1420 ,  1421 , and  1422  that engage the server.  FIG. 15 , a top view of the rail  1400 , depicts the fastening members  1420 ,  1421  and  1422 . As seen in  FIG. 16 , the passages  1450 ,  1451 ,  1460 , &amp;  1461  allow air flow though the rail.  FIG. 17  depicts a rail with the forward member fully extended. 
         [0094]      FIG. 18  depicts panel  1800  that includes a front hollow upright member  1825  and rear upright member  1850  that frame panel  1828 . Panel  1800  includes passages  1830  that allows airflow into the panel member. Along the inside surface of panel are a series of electrical contact pins  1840  that are designed to receive the cartridge members.  FIG. 19  depicts panel  1800  illustrating the bottom surface  1905  that includes a services of passages such as passages  1910 ,  1911 ,  1913 , and  1914  that allow air flow into the panel. In embodiments, interior horizontal surface  1980  of the panel is provided with an elastomeric material on the surface which can engage opposite surfaces of the cartridge and establish an air tight seal. Vertical surface  1940  has a series of contact pins  1945  that can establish an electrical connection with the cartridge members. Like surface  1980 , in embodiments, the surface  1940  panel is provided with an elastomeric material on the surface which can engage opposite surfaces of the cartridge and establish an air tight seal. 
         [0095]      FIG. 20  is a top view of panel member  2100  showing openings  2140 ,  2142 , and  2143  through top surface  2150 . The openings provide an entrance for air flow to a section of the panel member. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 21 and 22  are top sectional view of panel  2100  that shows how cartridge is received in the panel. In this regard, the cartridge is retained in place by pins  2165  and  2166  which engage upright members  2168  and  2169  located in the lateral panel. The assembly creates a void  2159  behind the cartridge.  FIG. 22  depicts a top section view of the engagement of the cartridge with a side panel member  2100 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 24  includes a side view of a series of different cartridges  2410 ,  2412 ,  2414 , and  2416  that have passages through their respective lateral sides that are at different locations. The cartridges are designed to complement different servers that may be used in the rack system. Cartridge  2416  is depicted in engagement with side panel member  2400 . It is in electrical connection to a central bus  2455  by control wire  2450  that is routed through a cavity in the side portion of panel  2400 . The cavity within the side panel is covered by plate  2420  or plate  2425 .  FIG. 23  is a front view of member  2482  and surface  2302  depicts holes provided for attachment of the rails members. Flange section  2480  is provided for attachment to the supporting frame for the rack system. 
         [0098]      FIG. 25  depicts a side view of an exemplary panel containing a plurality of cartridges, such as cartridges  2510 ,  2511 ,  2512 , and  2513 . In addition,  FIG. 25  depicts an alternative configuration of cover plates to  2420  or  2425 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 26  depicts a rearward side panel  2600  designed to be used in the rack system of the invention. Like the front panel, rearward panel includes a series of vertical passages  2620 ,  2621 ,  2622 , and  2623  though top surface  2605  of panel  2600 . The passages terminate in the recess region  2608  defined by upright members  2630  and  2631  and horizontal members  2635  and  2636  and rear flat section  2618 . The panel  2600  is attached to the supporting frame for the rack using flange member  2675 . At the rear of the section, upright post member  2650  provides additional structural support for the panel. As shown in  FIG. 27 , panel  2600  also includes passages through the lower member  2635  such as passage  2620 . A series of connector pins  2615  is provided on upright member  2631  for engagement to the cartridges. 
         [0100]    Now referring to  FIGS. 28-30  an exemplary iris control valve is shown. The valve includes movable panel  2804  that can be opened and closed to define different sized openings that are retained by an annular ring  2802 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 31  depicts cartridge assembly  3100  that includes a control switch  1301  which can be used to slide the pin members into or out of the panel to lock the cartridges into place. In embodiments, a control value is manually manipulated to selectively open and close the values  1340 ,  1341 ,  1342  and  1343 . In further contemplated embodiments, valves may be opened and closed using a sliding planar sheet that covers the passage. In yet further embodiment the cartridge may use a motorized screw gear that may be controlled by a rotating handle at the top of the panel attached to an extended threaded rod and the rotational movement of the rod is translated to rectilinear motion. In yet a further embodiment the cartridge may use a servo-motor that may be connected to the iris valve selector arm by a connecting rod. In embodiments, on the ends of the cartridge are spring biased contact pins such as pin  1310  that is designed to engage the lateral interior side surfaces of forward or rearward panel members. As seen in  FIG. 33 , sensor  1391  is designed to detect the presence of an adjacent server. In an embodiment, the sensor includes is an infrared light  1320  and photo detector  1356  wherein light is reflected from a reflective surface provided on the server can be detected. When the server is present opposite the detector infrared light is reflected off of a surface on the server and impinges on the photo detector. The photo detector then sends a signal via wire  1371  to controller  1348  which in turn can provide a signal to open the valves, such as valve  1340 , on the cartridge opposite the sever and allow air to flow. 
         [0102]    In yet further contemplated embodiments the sensor can communicate with the server transmitted by the server, such as a signal containing information relating to the internal temperature of the server components. This signal is transmitted to the controller and may be further related to the processor associated with a server rack. The server rack processor received data from the various servers and the status of the valves that are associated with the cartridges. As discussed below the processor may be configured to communicate with a remote computer that may include a display that allows for remote monitoring and control by an administrator and alerts that provide information that relates to the status of the respective servers. Such communication may employ an Ethernet connection, USB connection, other cabling, or using wireless technology. 
         [0103]    As best seen in  FIG. 33 , pin  1310  is also connected to the controller  1348  which can bring power and control signals from an external source. Contact member  1340  is on the opposite end of the cartridge  3300  from pin  1310 . Contact member  1340  engages its adjacent side panel in order to complete a power circuit. The contact surfaces along the side surface and top interior surfaces are made of an elastomeric material and, when the cartridges are in an engaged position with the panel, an air tight seal is established wherein a cavity formed in the panel behind the cartridges can be pressurized. 
         [0104]    Controller  1348  is attached to valves  1340 ,  1341 ,  1342 , and  1343 . In an embodiment, sensor  1319  includes an infrared light source and photo detector and will send a signal to the controlled reflecting the presence of absence of a server opposite the sensor. If a server is present, the valves will be opened. If no server is detected opposite the sensor, the valves remain closed. 
         [0105]    Now referring to  FIG. 34 , cartridge  3300  is shown opposite side members  2168  and  2169 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 34B  depicts a further embodiment wherein the cartridge includes a reservoir  3412  (not shown to scale) which contains an inert gas under pressure that can be used for fire suppression. Reservoir  3412  is connected to a valve  3414  by tubular passage  3413 . Valve  3414  controls the regulation of the inert gas into one of the passageways through cartridge  3400 . Valve  3414  is controlled by controller  3401  and, in embodiments, a temperature control sensor in communication with the central controller can send a signal indicative of temperature. The central controller is programmed to send a signal to local controller  3401  over wire  3415  when the temperature within a server has rapidly increased thereby reflecting a possible fire event. 
         [0107]      FIG. 35  depicts air flow through an exemplary cartridge  3500  that includes valves  3505 ,  3511 ,  3512 , and  3513  in a partially-opened position. As shown in  FIG. 36  an alternative embodiment of the cartridge  3600  depicts cavity  3608  that may receive removable insert  3610  that functions to block airflow through the cartridge. In a further embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 37  and cartridge  3700 , a movable flap  3709  is provided to regulate air flow. As depicted the shutter  3709  or shutter is mounted for pivotal movement and only allows flow through gap  3707 . In embodiments shutter is  3709  is incrementally opened using a stepper motor that can incrementally adjust the position of the shutter and correspondingly incrementally adjust the size of the opening. In other embodiments the shutter can be manually adjusted. It is contemplated that this cartridge design may be used with a server that has corresponding rectangular passages on the lateral sidewall (not shown). Referring to  FIG. 38 , the shutter is depicted in a fully opened position and the gap or opening is defined by space  3809 . In this position the air flow through the cartridge is maximized. 
         [0108]      FIG. 39  illustrates a fractional view of a cartridge  3900  having a series of valves  3910 ,  3911 ,  3912 , and  3913  in a partially open position and depicts the direction of airflow through the valves.  FIG. 40  depicts valves  3910 ,  3911 ,  3912 , and  3913  in a fully open position wherein the air flow is increased. 
         [0109]      FIG. 41  is a sectional view of a front section of a rack system and server depicting air flow first into the received cavity section  4105  of panel  4100  from both the lower and upper directions. Air flows into passage  4120 , through a rail section (not shown) and into server  4150 . Another flow path that is illustrated travels from the panel cavity  4105  through passage  4125  that is provided through cartridge  4109 . Air introduced in the front of servers  4150  and  4151  cools components within the servers and flows rearward. As shown in  FIG. 42 , air flows from the front of server  4150  passes through passage  4195  that is provided though cartridge  4185  and into panel cavity section  4205 . From the rear cavity  4205  the air flows either upwardly or downwardly to the passages in the top and bottom of the rearward side panel section. 
         [0110]      FIG. 43  depicts an embodiment of a cartridge member  4300  having a plurality of passages  4310 ,  4311 ,  4312 , and  4313  depicted in an open position. In this embodiment there is a sealing member  4370  received in a groove  4325  provided along the top surface of the cartridge member  4300 . Sealing member  4370  designed to engage the bottom surface of an adjacent cartridge or a top horizontal member of a panel and form an air tight seal. Sealing member  4370  can be raised and lowered via a mechanical connection with member  4380 . When member  4380  is in the retracted position, pins  4381  and  4382  will be retracted along with seal  4370  being lowered. When member  4380  is in the engaged position, pins  4381  and  4382  will be moved forward and seal  4370  will be in the raised position. The bottom of the cartridge is also provided with a lower groove  4330  that can be received the top of a cartridge positioned under cartridge  4300 . In this embodiment a flat blocking member  4330  is provided within the cartridge  4300  which can be controlled by engagement of member  4345  to laterally slide the member to block the passages and thereby impede the flow of air through the cartridge. In this embodiment pin  4381  and pin  4382  are spring biased and can be retracted by sliding control lever  4380  in a lateral direction. Upon release of the lever, the pins may be received in opposite openings provided on the side panel members to retain the cartridge members in place. In  FIG. 43A , blocking member  4330  is depicted retained within opposite grooves  4351  and  4352  provided in the interior top surface  4370  and bottom interior surface  4372  of the cartridge  4300  and engaged to allow for movement within the grooves. 
         [0111]      FIG. 43B  depicts a sectional view of an assembly that includes the planar sheet member  4105  that defines a void region through which air flows into the rear of a cartridge  4110 . The cartridge includes a top sealing member  4370  that is comprised of a resilient material which is provided to assist with forming a seal with an adjacent cartridge. The air flow is interfered by member  4351  which will slide to open and close a passage  4310  that allows air flow to server  4150 . The rail member is depicted as two part member  307  and  308  through which is provided with a passage to allow for air flow from cartridge  4110  to server  4150 . 
         [0112]      FIG. 43C  depicts a further embodiment that include annular seal ring member  4398 . In this embodiment an annular fabric shroud will axially extend from the annular ring  4399  provided at the junction of air passages and, in response to air flow, shroud  4399  is radially displaced to seal the junction between the components. As such when air flows, the shroud fills the gap between the cartridge, rail, and server. 
         [0113]      FIG. 43D  schematically depicts air flow from server  4150  to a rear panel. Like the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 43C , the embodiment includes annular seal member  3488  and shroud member  4389  that, in response to air flow is displaced to minimize the air loss through the interface between server  4150 , rail members  307  and  308  and cartridge  4162 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 44  depicts cartridge  4300  wherein the blocking member  4330  has been moved to close the passages  4310 ,  4311 ,  4312 , and  4313  and the pins  4381  and  4382  are depicted in a retracted position. In embodiments, the seal is mechanically lifted by rotation of a cam member that alternatively lowers and raises a seal member such as seal member  4370 . In yet alternative embodiments, the resilient member is spring biased and can be displaced downwardly upon assembly. In yet further embodiments, a mechanical switch is provided that lifts and mechanically locks the resilient member by lateral movement of a switch extension that is accessible through an L shaped opening.  FIG. 45  illustrates a side panel assembly  4500  including a plurality of cartridges such as cartridges  4550  and  4551  that span upright member  4521  and upright member  4520 . The rear surface of the cartridges define a front surface of an internal cavity of the panel. Adjacent to upright member  4521  is an upright front post member  4575  that is provided to support the servers and rails of the device. 
         [0115]      FIG. 46  depicts a completely assembled forward panel including upright front post member  4575 , section and cartridges such as  4558 ,  4559 ,  4560 .  FIG. 47  depicts an alternative assembly that includes a number of cartridges that are devoid of valves and passages.  FIG. 48  depicts a further alternative assembly where the cartridges that were selected include no valves or passages. Thus  FIGS. 47 and 48  illustrate alternative configurations of cartridges that may be used with the invention. As best seen in  FIG. 47 , the cartridges may have different vertical dimensions to conform the vertical dimension of a server. In addition, in embodiments cartridges may have different lateral placement of the iris valves and passages to conform to the needs of differing servers and network equipment. 
         [0116]      FIG. 49  depicts a server assembly with a full complement of single rack unit servers. 
         [0117]    As shown in  FIG. 50 , the server rack assembly and servers are optionally enclosed in a cabinet  5000  that includes side exterior panels  5005  and  5006 , top exterior panel  5025  and bottom exterior panel  5008 . All of the quarter panels are attached to an intermediate frame to be fully supported. The entire rack is elevated from a support surface by legs  5020  or  5021  or, alternatively, on casters. The top panel is provided with passages that allow air to flow to the forward panel  5012  and rearward panel  5010  that is contained within exterior panels. Additional passages, not pictured, may be added to  5008  and  5025  for power, network cables, and other cabling. 
         [0118]    Referring now to  FIG. 51 , an assembled rack system  5100  includes exterior side panels  5008  and  5009  that contain the side forward panels and rearward side panels. 
         [0119]    In embodiments, there are front and rear doors provided that can be used to close and lock the whole rack. In further embodiments, the panels used are insulated. Again referring to  FIG. 51 , the top of the device includes front top passages  5121  and  5130  that communicate with the forward lateral side panels. Next to the inlet passages  5121  and  5130  are pressure relief valves  5128  and  5131 . When the pressure in the system exceeds a predetermined pressure, the values will release air to the atmosphere and prevent damage to components of the system. Similar pressure relief values  5138  and  5142  are located in the rear panel. On the top of the panel is a controller  5150  that is in communication with the cartridges via wires  5140 . 
         [0120]    A top view of a rack device  5200  is depicted in  FIG. 52  that includes an air conditioner  5204  that provides cool air to top inlet passages in forward panels thought conduits  5220  and  5223 . Air, after it has passed through a server, flows to the rearward panels and may exit through top passages  5282  and  5285 . Air exiting the panels is then directed through conduits  5228  and  5229  to pump  5229  that maintains negative pressure in the exhaust system and moves the air from the forward panels, through the servers and out to the rearward panels. Air from the pump may be transferred back to the air conditioner through passages (not shown) for recirculation through the system. 
         [0121]    As shown in  FIG. 53  the bottom surface  5310  of a rack system  5300  receives cool air from air conditioner  5340  from conduits  5325 . Air is vented from the system through conduits  5329  and  5330 . A pump  5345  is provided that creates and maintains negative pressure in the exhaust air flow system and may transfer air back through passages (not shown) to the air conditioner. 
         [0122]    In embodiments, the system includes a controller and servo motor that can adjust the flow parameters depending on the temperature of the server or group of servers. In further embodiments, the system includes a control board that includes a small circuit board with an Ethernet communications port for communication with the servers, a valve controller, air conditioner, heat pump, and a remote central monitoring and control location. 
         [0123]    Referring now to  FIG. 54 , in a further embodiment  5400  air is directed from a cartridge member  5410  to openings provided in the front panel  5412  of server  5415  using flexible tubular members  5420 ,  5421 , and  5422 . The depiction includes panels  5428  and  5429  that receive the cartridges that are described herein,  FIG. 55  depicts a top view of the system described above and includes the flexible tubes  5420 ,  5421 , and  5422  that are depicted extending past the front edge of the server  5417 . 
         [0124]    In another embodiment of the invention that is depicted in  FIG. 56 , air is distributed from cartridge member  5602  through flexible tubular members  5620 ,  5621 , and  5622  to openings on the top of a server  5615 . In this embodiment, server  5615  only extends one half the distance of the server rack.  FIG. 57 , a top view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 56 , shows conduits that extend from the lateral panel  5627  to the top of server  5615 . Now referring to  FIG. 58 , a further aspect of the invention is depicted wherein air is removed or vented from the rear of server  5905  using flexible hoses or tubular members to cartridge  5930  in rear panel  5908 . As seen in  FIG. 59 , the air is directed from server  5905  to the rear panel section  5908  using tubular members  5917 ,  5916  and  5915 . 
         [0125]      FIG. 60  depicts a schematic representation of an alternative air flow arrangement in a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment servers  6011  and  6012  are attached to the same vertical location that is in turn attached to the front side panel  6005  and rear side panel  6006 . Also shown are servers  6010  and  6009  that are also attached to the front side panel opposite  6005  and rear side panel opposite  6006  using conventional a rack mount hardware. Air from cartridges provided in the front panel  6005  and rear panel  6006  flows laterally into the servers  6009 ,  6010 ,  6011 , and  6012  and exits the servers through openings such as openings  6025 ,  6076 ,  6027  and  6078 . The openings are on the opposite sides of the servers and passages on cartridges (not shown) provided on lateral panels (not shown) that are opposite panels  6005  and  6006  and which receive from the servers and distribute the air out of the panels. 
         [0126]      FIG. 61  is a depiction of prior art blade server system  6100  wherein a plurality of server blades  6121 ,  6122 ,  6123 ,  6124 ,  6125 ,  6126 ,  6127  and  6128  are oriented in a vertical direction and contained in an external housing  6110 . External hosing  6110  is designed to be received in server rack.  FIG. 62  depicts a further alternative wherein an external housing  6120  encloses a plurality of servers such as  6221  and  6222 . Blade server system  6200  includes two rows of vertically oriented servers.  FIG. 63  depicts an embodiment of the invention adapted to provide cool air to and remove air from vertically oriented blade servers. Here, conduit  6320  is connected to a cartridge according to one of the embodiments of the invention discussed above and direct air to an opening provided on the top surface of server  6301 . Air is removed from server  6301  using hollow tubular conduit  6328  which is directed air to a cartridge provided in rearward lateral panel as described above.  FIG. 63  therefore depicts a server device in which each of the serves  6301 ,  36302 ,  6303 ,  6304   6307 ,  6308 ,  6309  and  6310  are provided with air flow to and from the server. These conduits pass through the external casing  6340  that retains the servers and then direct the air laterally. 
         [0127]      FIG. 64  depicts a further embodiment  6400  wherein hollow tubular cooling conduits such as  6420  and  6421  provide airflow into servers  6401  and  6402 . Air is removed from the servers in a similar manner as described with respect to the embodiment  6300  depicted herein. 
         [0128]      FIG. 65  depicts a blade server arrangement  6500  wherein air is distributed to servers through openings on their bottom surfaces through tubular conduits  6530 ,  6531 ,  6532 ,  6533 ,  6534 ,  6535 ,  6536  and  6537 . Air is removed from the servers using tubular conduits  6538 ,  6539 ,  6540 ,  6541 ,  6542 ,  6543  and  6544  and is directed laterally wherein it can be received by cartridge members as described herein provided on lateral panels. In a further embodiment  6600  depicted in  FIG. 66 , a row of blade servers includes multiple rows of servers oriented vertically. Air is provided to servers on a lower row using through tubular conduits such as  6630  and  6631 . These conduits provide air flow from lateral sides of the device  6600  and deliver the air to the bottom surface of severs. Air is removed from the servers using similar conduits and directed laterally. 
         [0129]    In further embodiments (not shown), fans are provided in the cartridges to assist with air flow to the servers and to assist with the removal of air from the servers. In yet other embodiments the fans may be provided in connection with the intake openings and exhaust opening in the panels, or along the conduits that provide for air handling to and from the panels. 
         [0130]      FIG. 67  is a schematic view of an embodiment wherein a plurality of racks  6705  are positioned in a building structure  6701  to constitute a server facility or data center. The data center includes a central controller  6730  that may be in proximity to the data center or in remote communication. The system optionally includes an air conditioner system that includes conventional exterior components  6710  such as a compressor, condenser element and a fan and interior components  6711  that include fans, evaporator coils, and an expansion device for the coolant used in the system. The system may also include heat pump technology including interior components  6721  (not shown) which may include a blower, an expansion device, and an exterior coil and conventional exterior components  6720  including a compressor, check valves, an expansion device, exterior coils and a fan. 
         [0131]    In yet further embodiments, a variety of rails members are provided in connection with the rack systems to receive different server models, wherein the rails have different designs with different passages to complement the passages in different servers. 
         [0132]    It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the embodiment have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the embodiment, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in the matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 
         [0133]    Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0134]    The present invention permits the efficient cooling of computer equipment, particularly aggregated computer equipment confined to enclosed spaces. The power use of server farms, co-location facilities, and other data centers that specialize in providing computation and storage availability are using a sizeable percentage of available electricity. Much of this power use is related, not only to operating the computer equipment, but also cooling the computer equipment. The present invention represents a substantial advance in the effectiveness of cooling this equipment in way that does not require the substantial modifications to facilities, and allows a modular and upgradable solution.