Patent ID: 12256518

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various examples. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible examples are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various examples. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding examples of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Although the figures show parts with clean lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and/or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and/or lines may be unobservable, blended, and/or irregular. Use of terms such as up, down, top, bottom, side, end, front, back, etc. herein are used with reference to a currently considered or illustrated orientation. If they are considered with respect to another orientation, it should be understood that such terms must be correspondingly modified.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed examples of the disclosure provide a number of advantages over existing techniques for retaining components of networks while providing for increased thermal dissipation. Generally speaking, a component of a network, such as, for example, a PON, as utilized herein, which may be in the form of a last mile termination unit (e.g., an optical network terminal (ONT), an optical network unit (ONU), and/or an optical line terminal (OLT)) disposed at customer premises). Such a component may be retained within an enclosure. The enclosures described herein may accommodate advanced and/or higher-powered networking components while allowing for adequate heat dissipation to reduce and/or eliminate occurrences of overheating or other damaging events. More specifically, the enclosure may incorporate multiple chambers, one of which being adapted to retain a dielectric fluid that may take advantage of thermal conductivity properties to efficiently and effectively remove thermal energy generated from the networking equipment retained within the enclosure. Additionally, by using fluid to cool the networking equipment, such fluid may provide additional and insulation protection from external forces such as accidental contact (e.g., from a vehicle hitting the enclosure) and/or from other forces such as vibrational and/or electrical shocks and/or pulses. Further, by incorporating an adjustable overflow assembly, such a system may automatically account for any changes to the volume of dielectric fluid retained within the desired chamber at any given time without requiring user intervention. The enclosures described herein may also allow a user (e.g., a service technician) to access, modify, and/or create data connections with the networking equipment while the networking equipment remains submerged within the dielectric fluid in its respective chamber, thereby reducing overall maintenance and/or service times while also limiting exposure to the networking equipment.

Turning now to the Figures, an enclosure100is provided for retaining at least one networking component10(e.g., an ONT, ONU, OLT, and/or any other networking devices such as transport and/or data center equipment, which may include reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADM), ethernet, router, and/or server devices, etc.). The enclosure100may include a shell110having a lower portion110a, an upper portion110b, a first chamber112, and a second chamber120separated by a partition116. It is to be appreciated that the shell110may include any number of additional chambers as desired. Generally speaking, the first chamber112is adapted to retain the active networking component10in addition to any other components that may benefit from thermal energy dissipation. In some examples, the shell110may be constructed from any number and/or combination of rigid, fluid impermeable materials such as, for example, metals, polymers, and or any combination of these or other suitable materials that may retain a fluid therein while restricting the fluid from leaking or otherwise flowing to an exterior region thereof. In some examples, the shell110may additionally include a lining111constructed from a fluid impermeable material such as, for example, a silicone material, a rubber material, a polymeric material, and the like. Other examples are possible. Such a lining may prevent any fluids disposed therein from inadvertently leaking from the shell110. While the illustrated enclosure100is in the form of a generally rectangular box, it is to be appreciated that the enclosure100may take any number of suitable shapes, forms, and/or configurations. Further, in the illustrated examples, the shell110may have an overall length dimension between approximately 1 m-2 m, and a width dimension between approximately 0.5 m-1 m. However, other examples are possible.

The enclosure100further includes a mounting mechanism130used to couple the networking component10therewith. In some examples, the mounting mechanism130may include at least one coupling member132in the form of a track, rail, or similar rack member operably coupled with the shell110(e.g., a sidewall or floor member thereof) that may slidably receive a corresponding bracket member (not illustrated) coupled with or otherwise formed on the networking component10. The mounting mechanism130may take any number of suitable shapes or arrangements to accommodate any desired quantity of networking equipment10having varying dimensions and/or orientations. It is to be appreciated that any number of suitable approaches may be used to couple the networking component10with the mounting mechanism130.

As previously noted, the first chamber112may be arranged to receive any number of components (e.g., active networking components10and any other elements). In addition to these active networking components10, the first chamber112may also be dimensioned to accommodate a primary power source106. In some examples, the primary power source106may be in the form of a direct current (“DC”) power supply capable of providing between approximately 200-400 Ah of power. In some approaches, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery banks may be provided. Other examples are possible, depending on the desired requirements of the enclosure100.

The first chamber112accommodates a dielectric fluid101. Advantageously, the dielectric fluid101remains electrically nonconductive, and as such, may allow electronic components (such as, for example, the networking component(s)10, the primary power source106, and/or any other desired components at least partially disposed within the first chamber112) to be disposed therein without incurring damage thereto while transferring generated thermal energy (e.g., heat) therefrom. It is to be appreciated that any number of suitable dielectric fluids101may be used, such as, for example, non-compressible, isotropic, Newtonian fluids having a dielectric strength of greater than approximately 60 kV and a resistivity of greater than 1×1014. Further, the dielectric fluid101may have a dielectric constant between approximately 2.0 and 2.5, with a density between approximately 0.80 and 0.85 g/cc at 20° C. Further, in some examples, the dielectric fluid101may have a coefficient of thermal expansion between approximately 0.0007 and 0.0006 volume/C, and a thermal conductivity between approximately 0.13 and 0.16 W/mK at 60° C. Other examples are possible.

A coolant distribution line140is also at least partially disposed within the first chamber112. In the illustrated examples, the coolant distribution line140includes an elongated member142having at least one opening144or hole formed thereon. As will be discussed in further detail herein, the coolant distribution line140is provided to distribute cooled dielectric fluid101into the first chamber112of the shell110.

A heat sink150is also operably coupled with the shell110. In some examples, the heat sink150may be in the form of a radiator having a number of fins arranged to dissipate thermal energy from the dielectric fluid101to an external ambient air environment. The heat sink150may include internal tubing and/or may define a fluid flow path that accommodates and causes the dielectric fluid101to flow from an inlet152to an outlet154thereof. As illustrated in the Figures, the outlet154of the heat sink150is operably coupled with the coolant distribution line140such that the dielectric fluid101enters the fluid distribution line140upon being thermally cooled by the heat sink150. In some examples, the shell110may include an opening that allows the outlet154of the heat sink150and/or a portion of the fluid distribution line140to be inserted therethrough to permit the dielectric fluid101to enter the first chamber112. Such an opening may be sealed via any suitable approach to prevent unintended leakage of the dielectric fluid101. It is to be appreciated that any number of heat sinks, heat exchangers, radiators, and the like may be provided.

An adjustable overflow assembly160is also provided to retain and assist with circulating the dielectric fluid101. In some arrangements, portions of the adjustable overflow assembly160are disposed within the first chamber112of the shell110, and other portions of the adjustable overflow assembly160are disposed within the second chamber120of the shell110. In some arrangements, the adjustable overflow assembly160may include a trough162having an open upper end162aand an outlet164disposed on or near an angled lower wall165. This trough162may be disposed within the first chamber112. As will be discussed further below, the open upper end162aof the trough162is arranged to receive dielectric fluid101having a higher thermal temperature due to being in contact with the active networking component(s)10.

The adjustable overflow assembly160is movable with respect to the shell110. More specifically, the adjustable overflow assembly160includes any number of float members161that are operably coupled with the trough162. In the illustrated examples, two float members161are operably coupled with the trough162at the upper end thereof. It is to be appreciated that any number of suitable approaches for coupling the float member(s)161with the trough162such as, for example fasteners, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, etc., may be used. In some examples, the float members may be constructed from any number of suitable materials having sufficient buoyancy such as, for example, hollow metal or plastic tubes and the like.

The adjustable overflow assembly160further includes a track member166that guides movement of the trough162. More specifically, the track member166may have a guide channel167that operably couples with any number of engaging protrusions168. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the track member166is coupled with the trough and the engaging protrusion168is coupled with a portion of the shell (e.g., the partition116), and in other examples, the track member166may be coupled with a portion of the shell (e.g., the partition116) while the engaging protrusion168is coupled with the trough162. Generally speaking, the track member166is oriented vertically such that the engaging protrusion168slides or otherwise travels in a vertical direction with respect to the shell110. It is to be appreciated that any number of track members166and corresponding engaging protrusions168may be used as desired.

A coolant circulator170is provided in the form of a pumping mechanism. In the illustrated examples, the coolant circulator170is disposed within the second chamber120of the shell110. However, in other arrangements, the coolant circulator170may be disposed within the first chamber112and/or positioned externally to the shell112. The coolant circulator170includes a number of fluid lines172that fluidly couple components with an inlet174and/or an outlet176thereof. More specifically, in some arrangements, the outlet164of the trough162may be fluidly coupled with the inlet174of the coolant circulator170via a first fluid line172. Further, in some arrangements, the outlet176of the coolant circulator170may be fluidly coupled with the inlet152of the heat sink150via a second fluid line172. It is to be appreciated that the fluid lines172may be constructed from any number of suitable materials such as, for example, flexible tubing, rigid tubing, and the like.

Further, it is to be appreciated that in the illustrated examples, the fluid lines172are arranged to transfer the dielectric fluid101between the first chamber112and the second chamber120. In such arrangements, the fluid lines172may be inserted through a hole or other opening (not illustrated) formed in the partition116which may include any number of sealing mechanisms (not illustrated) incorporated thereon to prevent unintentional leakage. In other examples, the partition116may include a flange or other suitable coupling mechanism (not illustrated) that receives discrete portions of the fluid lines on each side of the partition116. Other arrangements are possible.

In addition to the coolant circulator170, the second chamber120may also accommodate a secondary power source108. In some examples, the secondary power source108may be in the form of a direct current (“DC”) power supply capable of providing similar levels of power as the primary power source106. In other arrangements, the secondary power source108may provide more or less power than the primary power source106as desired. In the event of damage or other disruption of power from the primary power source106, the secondary power source108may be arranged to automatically begin providing power to the active networking components10and/or any other components of the enclosure100. Other examples are possible, depending on the desired requirements of the enclosure100.

The second chamber120of the shell110may also include a connection panel180. In contrast to the components (e.g., the active networking component10) disposed within the first chamber112, the connection panel180is adapted to be accessible by a user to make necessary data connections to external equipment. Put differently, the second chamber120may be a “high-touch” chamber that may be readily accessible by users as needed to establish and/or modify data connections. The connection panel180may include any number of inputs and outputs (e.g., between approximately 24 and 200 inputs and/or outputs) as desired.

The active networking components10are operably coupled with the connection panel180via any number of transmission cables184. For example, the transmission cable(s)184may be in the form of fiber optic cables, power cables, and the like. Other examples include copper cables such as ethernet Cat6, coaxial, and the like. In some arrangements, the active networking component(s)10may be oriented “face-up” such that the connection ports on the active networking components10are either not submerged within the dielectric fluid101or are positioned just below the height of the fluid level. So arranged, the transmission cables184may be easily routed from the first chamber112to the second chamber120. In some examples, the partition116may not extend the total height of the shell110such that the transmissions cables184may be routed over the partition116. In other examples, the partition116may include additional holes or openings that allow the transmission cables184to pass therethrough. It is to be appreciated that any number of approaches for sealing the opening(s) to prevent the dielectric fluid101from entering the second chamber120may be provided.

The connection panel180may include any number of ports or couplings186as desired to allow for data transmission to the active networking component(s) from an external environment and vice-versa. Generally, the connection panel180provides networking connectivity originating from a serving central office (CO). Such networking connectivity typically is provided via fiber optics cables. Further, the connection panel180may also provide outbound networking connectivity to customer-facing outside plant hubs. The connection panel180may operate as a demarcation point to provide cross-connections. In some examples, the connection panel180may be arranged such that the couplings186are disposed through an opening of the second chamber120of the shell110such that the shell110needn't be opened to access such ports. However, in other examples, the couplings186of the connection panel180may be disposed within the second chamber, and may be accessible via a door182that provides access to the second chamber120of the shell110. In some examples, the door182may selectively provide access to the first chamber112of the shell110. In other examples, a separate door (not illustrated) may be provided to ensure the first chamber112remains “low-touch” and is not opened or otherwise unnecessarily accessed.

In operation, a user (e.g. a service technician) may dispose the shell110in a desired off-site location, then place various components (e.g., the active networking component(s), the primary power source106, the secondary power source108, the adjustable overflow assembly160, the coolant circulator170, and/or the connection panel180) within the respective first chamber112and/or the second chamber120while making any necessary connections using power and/or transmission cables184. With respect to the adjustable overflow assembly160, a user may couple the track member166with the partition116, and couple the engaging protrusion184with the trough162(or vice versa), then slidably couple the engaging protrusion184with the guide channel167. Additionally, a user may couple the float member(s)161with the trough162. The dielectric fluid101may then be added to the first chamber112, whereupon the first chamber112may be sealed using a door, lid183, and/or any other suitable approach. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the active networking component(s)10may be submerged within the dielectric fluid101prior to coupling the transmission cable(s)184therewith to assist with eliminating air bubbles. After the desired power and/or data connections are established, a user may activate the coolant circulator170and close the door162.

The dielectric fluid101is routinely (e.g., periodically and/or constantly) cycled through the first chamber112via the coolant circulator170. Thermally cooled dielectric fluid101enters the first chamber112via the coolant distribution line140, whereupon it exits the elongated member142via the holes144. The cooled dielectric fluid101then contacts the active networking component(s)10, thereby drawing thermal energy therefrom to assist with effectively lowering the operating temperature of the active networking component(s). Because dielectric fluid101having a relatively higher temperature will rise, and because the volume of dielectric fluid101added to the first chamber112is greater than the upper height of the trough162, the heated dielectric fluid101rises to the top of the first chamber112and cascades over the open upper end162aof the trough162.

Further, because the float member or members161are positioned above the upper end162aof the trough162, the upper end162aof the trough162will be positioned below the overall fluid height of dielectric fluid101within the first chamber112. In some examples, the float member(s)161have a dimension (e.g., a diameter) between approximately 0.5″ and approximately 5″, and therefore cause the upper end162aof the trough162to be positioned below the fluid line by this corresponding dimensional value. As a result, in the event that the volume of dielectric fluid101within the first chamber112increases or decreases, the float member(s)161will cause the trough162to move between the lower portion110aand the upper portion110bof the shell110via the sliding engagement of the track member166and the engaging protrusion168. This relative movement will result in the upper end162aof the trough162to remain below the fluid line of the dielectric fluid101, thus ensuring consistent flow of dielectric fluid into the fluid trough162. Notably, this arrangement causes the warmer dielectric fluid101(i.e., dielectric fluid101having relatively higher thermal energy) to continually exit the first chamber112due to the thermodynamic principle of heat convection.

The dielectric fluid101within the trough162then exits the trough162via the outlet164, and travels (via fluid lines172) to the inlet174of the fluid circulator170. The coolant circulator170then forces or otherwise urges the dielectric fluid101through the outlet176and to the inlet152of the heat sink150. The fluid circulator170urges this dielectric fluid101through the heat sink, which effectively dissipates thermal energy retained within the dielectric fluid101. Last, the cooled dielectric fluid101exits the outlet154of the heat sink150and enters the coolant distribution line140, where it continues the cycle of removing thermal energy created by the active networking component(s) as it passes by the equipment. As mentioned, this cooling process may be continuous, on-demand, and/or conducted at any desired interval.

In some arrangements, it is to be appreciated that some of the equipment may require slight modifications to ensure effective operation in a submerged environment. For example, some active networking component(s)10and/or power sources (e.g., the primary power source106) may incorporate fans or other active cooling mechanisms that needn't operate given the use of liquid cooling approaches described herein. In such examples, a user may disable and/or program the electronics in a way that the component “thinks” the fan is operational despite being disengaged and/or otherwise deactivated. As a non-limiting example, the fans may be removed from the components, and relevant breakers and/or fuses may subsequently be shorted or otherwise disconnected to allow the components to work in a submerged environment. Other examples are possible.

In some examples, the enclosure100may be relatively maintenance-free after an initial installation process. For example, the coolant circulator170may use a replaceable filter member (not illustrated). In some examples, to ensure longevity of the coolant circulator170, the filter and/or dielectric fluid101may be replaced after a brief installation period to accommodate for buildup of particles. After this initial installation period, the enclosure100may be capable of operating without user intervention for extended periods (e.g., approximately 20 years or more). However, it is to be appreciated that a user may access the “dry-side” components (e.g., those retained within or otherwise coupled with the second chamber120) as needed to establish or modify connections or to swap out components. Such tasks will advantageously limit or avoid exposure to the “wet-side” components (e.g., those retained within or otherwise coupled with the first chamber112) so as to limit unintended damage thereto.

So arranged, by forcing the dielectric fluid101(which has a greater thermal density and thus increased capacity to retain heat compared with forced air approaches) past the active networking components10, the overall size of the enclosure100may be reduced. Additionally, such reduced enclosure100size, combined with the use of liquid cooling approaches, may reduce power consumption by up to approximately 50% as compared with conventional cooling approaches.

In some implementations, the enclosure100may include additional components that may assist with cooling the components and/or dielectric fluid101. For example, any number of flow meters190may be coupled with the coolant circulator170to monitor the flow rate of the dielectric fluid101. In the event the flow meter190senses a flow value outside of an acceptable threshold, the flow meter190may trigger an alarm192to alert the user of an issue. Other examples and/or arrangements are possible.

Further, with reference toFIG.4, in some arrangements, the enclosure100may be powered using a solar power maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system. In such arrangements, a solar power system192may include any number of solar panels194that are operably and/or electrically coupled with the primary power source106. In some examples, a MPPT solar regulator may simulate the load required by the solar panel to achieve the maximum power from the primary power source106. Such a system will determine at which point the primary power source106outputs the maximum power, and derive from this the voltage and current outputs required for maximum power to be achieved. In such arrangements, the secondary power source may or may not be provided as desired.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. Numerous alternative examples could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. Additionally, the described embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting example the term is defined to be within 10%, in another example within 5%, in another example within 1% and in another example within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, “A, B or C” refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, and (7) A with B and with C. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to any combination or subset of A and B such as (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to any combination or subset of A and B such as (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed examples require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

By way of example, and not limitation, the disclosure herein contemplates at least the following examples:

1. An enclosure for retaining at least one networking component, the enclosure comprising: a shell forming a first chamber and a second chamber and having a lower portion and an upper portion, a dielectric fluid adapted to be disposed in the first chamber, an adjustable overflow assembly adapted to be disposed in the first chamber, the adjustable overflow assembly adapted to move between the lower portion and the upper portion of the shell, a mounting mechanism at least partially disposed within the first chamber, the mounting mechanism including at least one coupling member adapted to retain at least one active networking component, a coolant distribution line at least partially disposed within the first chamber of the shell, the coolant distribution line including an elongated member having at least one opening formed on a portion thereof, a coolant circulator at least partially disposed within the shell, the coolant circulator adapted to circulate the dielectric fluid within the first chamber of the shell via the coolant distribution line, wherein at least a portion of the mounting mechanism and the adjustable overflow assembly are adapted to be submerged in the dielectric fluid.

2. The enclosure of example 1, wherein the adjustable overflow assembly includes: an overflow reservoir having a body including an upper end, and at least one float member operably coupled with the body, the at least one float member adapted to position the upper end of the overflow reservoir below a fluid level of the dielectric fluid.

3. The enclosure of example 2, wherein the upper end of the overflow reservoir includes at least one opening adapted to receive the dielectric fluid.

4. The enclosure of example 2 or 3, wherein the body of the overflow reservoir includes an angled lower wall.

5. The enclosure of example 4, wherein the angled lower wall includes an outlet port.

6. The enclosure of any one of examples 2-5, wherein the adjustable overflow assembly further includes a track member operably coupled with the body of the overflow reservoir, the track member adapted to permit translative movement of the overflow reservoir relative to the shell.

7. The enclosure of example 6, wherein the track member includes a guide channel and an engaging protrusion adapted to operably couple with the guide channel.

8. The enclosure of example 7, wherein one of the guide channel or the engaging protrusion is coupled with the body of the overflow reservoir.

9. The enclosure of any one of examples 1-8, further comprising a connection panel at least partially disposed in the second chamber of the shell, the connection adapted to be accessible by a user via a door.

10. The enclosure of example 9, further comprising at least one transmission cable, the at least one transmission cable adapted to operably couple with the at least one active networking component retained in the first chamber and the connection panel disposed in the second chamber.

11. The enclosure of any one of examples 1-10, further comprising a primary power source at least partially disposed within the first chamber, the primary power source adapted to be submerged in the dielectric fluid and to provide power to the at least one active networking component.

12. The enclosure of any one of examples 1-11, further including a heat sink operably coupled with the shell, the heat sink positioned between the coolant circulator and the coolant distribution line to dissipate thermal energy from the dielectric fluid exiting the coolant circulator before entering the coolant distribution line.

13. The enclosure of any one of examples 1-12, further including a cover adapted to seal the first chamber and the second chamber of the shell.

14. An enclosure for retaining at least one networking component, the enclosure comprising: a shell forming a first chamber and a second chamber and having a lower portion and an upper portion, a dielectric fluid adapted to be disposed in the first chamber, an adjustable overflow assembly adapted to be disposed in the first chamber, the adjustable overflow assembly including an overflow reservoir having a first end, the overflow reservoir adapted to move between the lower portion and the upper portion of the shell, a mounting mechanism at least partially disposed within the first chamber, the mounting mechanism including at least one coupling member adapted to retain at least one active networking component, a coolant distribution line at least partially disposed within the first chamber of the shell, the coolant distribution line including an elongated member having at least one opening formed on a portion thereof, and a coolant circulator at least partially disposed within the shell, the coolant circulator adapted to circulate the dielectric fluid within the first chamber of the shell via the coolant distribution line, wherein the adjustable overflow assembly is adapted to automatically position the first end of the overflow reservoir below a height of the dielectric fluid disposed in the first chamber.

15. The enclosure of example 14, wherein the overflow reservoir is positioned such that it receives dielectric fluid having high thermal energy.

16. The enclosure of example 14 or 15, wherein at least a portion of the mounting mechanism and the adjustable overflow assembly are adapted to be submerged in the dielectric fluid.

17. The enclosure of any one of examples 14-16, wherein the adjustable overflow assembly includes: an overflow reservoir having a body including an upper end, and at least one float member operably coupled with the body, the at least one float member adapted to position the upper end of the overflow reservoir below a fluid level of the dielectric fluid.

18. The enclosure of any one of examples 14-17, wherein the adjustable overflow assembly further includes a track member operably coupled with the body of the overflow reservoir, the track member adapted to permit translative movement of the overflow reservoir relative to the shell.

Additionally, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.

Finally, any references, including, but not limited to, publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s). The systems and methods described herein are directed to an improvement to computer functionality, and improve the functioning of conventional computers.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.