GB2423645A

GB2423645A - Rack mounted equipment case

Info

Publication number: GB2423645A
Application number: GB0521822A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Grice; Alan Eddleston; Peter Whitbread; Samuel Boyce
Original assignee: ZERO CASES
Current assignee: ZERO CASES
Priority date: 2005-10-26
Filing date: 2005-10-26
Publication date: 2006-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2025-10-26
Also published as: GB0521822D0; GB2423645B

Abstract

A case for rack mounted equipment comprises an outer shell (100, Fig 1) divided into a plurality of self-contained chambers 301, 302 that are electromagnetically shielded from each other, such that a rack mounted in one chamber is shielded from a rack mounted in another chamber. Connections may be provided in the front panel (103, Fig 1). The case may be shock-proof.

Description

RACK MOUNTED EQUIPMENT CASE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cases for containing rack mounted equipment.

Background to the Invention

Rack mounted equipment cases, which are also conventionally known as rack mount cases, are known in industrial, commercial and military applications for accommodating rack mounted electronics modules. Typically such equipment modules are made to a standard size known as the "19 inch rack" standard, which is a US standard having a front mounted plate of width 19 inches (48.2 cm) and a unit height of 1.75 inches (44.5 mm). A wide range of scientific, domestic, commercial and electronic modules are manufactured to such a standard, for example typical domestic hi-fl equipment, commercial audio recording equipment, digital and analog, scientific and engineering instrumentation, communications, radar and computer equipment, and the like.

Rack mounted equipment cases have many applications and uses, particularly where equipment needs to be transported and where electronic, optical or other rack mounted components need to be protected from harsh environments where they may be subjected to extremes of heat, cold, humidity, shock, vibration, or dampness.

:.:. 25 Known ruggedised cases for containing rack mounted equipment in harsh S. * ** environments are typically either of the metal case type having a metal outer casing, with metal internal rack mountings for fixing equipment modules to, or of the plastics type, having a molded plastics outer casing, and having either plastics or metal internal rack mount fixings. Metal type rack mounted equipment *:*:.* 30 cases are typically made from aluminum due to its strength and lightness, but may also be made from other materials. They usually have a body tube which has a substantially rectangular cross section closed at each end by removable covers. This shape makes the cases easily stackable in external racks, for example within a vehicle, and capable of being stacked one on top of another.

Technical Problem In some specific applications of rack mounted equipment, particularly military or scientific applications, there are restrictions on where the rack mounted equipment can be placed in relation to other items of electronic equipment.

These restrictions are aimed at ensuring that electromagnetic interference between two items of equipment which could result in spurious errors of data, or of operation of either piece of equipment are avoided. Typically, items of equipment may be security classified according to a classification system which defines different security classes for different equipment items. Typically there are distance restrictions on how close to one another different security rated items, this being a distance that an equipment item needs to be placed apart from other electronic rack mounted equipment items in order to ensure the necessary degree of electromagnetic isolation between two items of rack mounted equipment. For example items may need to be spaced apart from each other by a distance of up to I to 1.2 meters, in order to satisfy the specification for installation of such equipment items.

On the other hand, in various military or scientific applications, electronic and/or optical rack mounted equipment is expected to operate in harsh environmental conditions, where the equipment is exposed to shock, vibration, extremes of temperature, extremes of humidity or dryness, and high radiation levels. At present, known rack mounted equipment cases designed to give a degree of protection from such environments are bulky. For example, for a rack mounted equipment item having a standard 19 inch rack width, and a known S.....

* : height of for example 2 units (a unit being approximately 1% inches height) once I.....

* S installed in a rack mounted casing, this may add to the external size by *:*:.* 30 approximate 10- 30% in each dimension. *..

S *...

In many instances installation space is at a premium. Therefore, where two rack mounted equipment items which need to be electromagnetically isolated by a distance of 1 meter or more are to be used in the same vehicle, for example an armed fighting vehicle or a military support vehicle, or in a scientific installation where internal space is at a premium, the restriction on placing the equipment items apart places severe constraints on internal vehicle space for the crew and for other equipment items.

Since, in general known casings are optimized for use of materials to save weight and reduce size, further reductions in material thickness and dimensions impinge on the ruggedness and rigidity of the cases. However, there remains the problem of reducing the space taken up by equipment items whilst still ensuring sufficient isolation between sensitive equipment modules.

Particularly in military applications, 19 inch rack mounted equipment can be custom made. However, it is now common for commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipment such as conventional commercially available personal computers, printers and the like, to be used in military applications. Consequently, the COTS equipment cannot be assumed to be ruggedly designed, to a military specification, and therefore it is important that extra attention is paid to the protection of non military specification equipment when used in military applications in harsh environments.

Summary of the Invention

A solution to the above problems is addressed by providing a rack mounted equipment case, having internally shock isolated frames, in which individual items of rack mounted equipment which need to be electromagnetically isolated from * each other are each placed within their own respective separate S.....

* electromagnetically isolated chambers within a same rack mounted equipment * :* : * 30 casing unit. Each of a plurality of chambers are electromagnetically sealed and *.. isolated from each other, so that stray electromagnetic radiation either cannot *S*.

pass between chambers or is attenuated to a high degree between chambers, such that electromagnetic radiation from one rack mounted equipment item does not cause interference with the operation of other rack mounted equipment items in adjacent chambers of the same casing.

The interior of each chamber is surrounded by conductive walls, so that each chamber is electromagnetically isolated from each other chamber.

Electronic and/or optical terminals and connections to each chamber may be each provided in separate recessed panels on the cover of the case, so that io connections to one rack mounted equipment module are physically isolated and separated from connections to another adjacent rack mounted equipment item present in the same casing.

In the specific embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a case is containing a plurality of individual internal racks, each capable of containing electronics equipment items, and the electronic equipment items in one rack are isolated or shielded from each other both electrically and electro - magnetically and are isolated from each other physically. Electromagnetic and physical isolation between individual racks is provided by placing the inner racks in different individual chambers which are physically separated and electrically and electro - magnetically isolated from each other.

According to one aspect there is provided a rack mount instrument case comprising: * ** S 25 *** S an outer shell and * *5*IS* * at leasttwo racks; S..... * S

*:*:.* 30 characterised in that: S... *.

said outer shell is divided into a plurality of individual self contained chambers wherein each of said chambers is electro-magnetically shielded from each other; and said at least one rack is mounted in a said chamber, such that said rack is electro - magnetically shielded from other ones of said chambers.

Suitably, each of said racks are shock and vibration isolated from each other.

According to a second aspect there is provided a rack mount instrument case comprising: an outer shell partitioned into a plurality of chambers, each chamber being physically and electro- magnetically isolated from each other chamber; and a plurality of mounting racks mounted within said plurality of chambers, such that one or more racks mounted within a first said chamber are electro - magnetically isolated from one or more other said racks mounted in another said chamber.

Other aspects are as recited in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

:.: * . 25 For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present *S.*..

* invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: * S * * : * 30 Figure 1 illustrates in perspective view from the front and one side a casing *: : : :* for rack mounted equipment according to a first specific embodiment; Figure 2 illustrates schematically a front cover of the rack mounted equipment casing of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows in perspective view from the rear an outer shell and internal chambers and equipment mounting racks of the case; Figure 4 illustrates a view from the front, the outer shell with internal mounting racks; Figure 5 illustrates a view of the case from the other side, absent of an external cooling device; Figure 6 illustrates schematically in partial cut away view from the one side of the case, showing internal chamber partitions and internal mounting racks; Figure 7 shows a view of the rear of the case, absent of a cooling device; Figure 8 illustrates schematically in partial cut away view upper and lower mounting rails for mounting upper and lower racks internally of the casing; and Figure 9 illustrates schematically in cut away view a front fixing means for attaching a front or rear cover to the outer casing.

:.:, 25 Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example specific embodiments contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific * details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be **S...

* apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be ** 30 practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well * known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to S...

unnecessarily obscure the description.

In this specification, the term "rack" describes a frame structure or construction to which one or more units of electronic or other equipment is attached to and/or are housed in, held by or otherwise secured to or contained by. Conventionally, such a rack may be known as an "equipment rack", but in this specification are referred to as racks for clarity. Such a rack may contain either one or a plurality of bays, each bay designed to hold a unit of equipment, e.g. such as a computer server. Typically, the equipment unit may be mounted in the rack and secured in place with screws. In this specification, the term "rack" is used interchangeably with the term "frame" to mean the same thing.

In this specification the term "rack mount equipment" is used to describe any type of equipment which is designed to be mounted on or in a rack as herein described, and includes rack mount equipment designed according to the known 19 inch rack standard.

In this specification the term "electro magnetic" comprises D.C and A.C.

isolation, and encompasses all types of electrical signals such as radio frequency (VHF, UHF and the like), and microwave frequency isolation. The term "electro magnetically shielded" refers to shielding of these types of radiation. The term electromagnetically isolated means isolation of all types of interference.

Referring to Fig I herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view, a rack mount equipment case for containing electronics, optical, RF or like equipment such as communications equipment, range finding equipment, targeting and tracking equipment, commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipment, or the like.

*...S. * *

****** * The case comprises a tubular outer shell 100 having first and second ends 101, 102 respectively; a first cover 103 for closing off said first end of outer shell; and a second cover 104 for closing off said second end of said outer shell. ***.

Preferably the outer shell, first cover and second cover are formed from a light weight, strong, metal material, for example aluminium, or an aluminium alloy.

However, in other embodiments, the outer casing, first and second covers may be formed from a durable plastics or composite material.

The first and second covers provide respective front and rear closure members for closing off the first and second ends 101,102 respectively of the rigid tubular shell 100.

The front cover 103 comprises a pressed sheet aluminum panel having a front face, first and second side faces respectively, an upper face and a lower face. Between the front face and the side faces, there are provided first and second rounded edges 105, 106 respectively. Between the front face and upper and lower faces, there are formed upper and lower rounded edges, 107, 108 respectively. The front face forms four corners with the first and second side faces, the upper face and the lower face. Each said corner is provided with a rounded corner shaped aluminum patch 109 - 112 respectively which fits over the front panel and is affixed thereto to provide strengthening at the four corners.

The front cover may further comprise upper and lower recess panels, 113, 114 respectively, which are provided with apertures for fitment of electrical and/or optical connections for connecting to equipment items contained within the case.

A first set of electrical and/or optical connections are fitted within said first recessed panel, in the example shown an upper panel, and a second set of electrical and/or optical connectors are fitted within said second recess panel, for connecting to a second equipment item contained within a second lower chamber of said case. The first set of connectors are physically isolated from the second set of connectors, since each set of connectors is provided within their own dI*SSS * : recessed panel.

a..... * S

Each recessed panel is substantially in the shape of a trough, which is * recessed with respect to an outer surface of the front panel member, so that the *5S1 connections do not protrude beyond the front panel member externally of the casing, and are thereby afforded some degree of protection from accidental damage when the casing is dropped onto the front cover, or when other items are placed against the casing.

Each recessed panel 113, 114 comprises a substantially planer panel member in which are formed a plurality of apertures; first and second side members disposed transverse to said plate member; upper and lower members, each positioned transverse to said substantially planer panel, and an outer peripheral flange positioned on an opposite end of said side members and upper and lower members to said substantially planer panel member, said flange extending substantially parallel to said panel member.

The internal and / or external walls of the outer shell, front cover and rear cover may be coated with an electrically conductive material, for example a conductive Alochrome or the like, in order to provide an electromagnetically shielded environment within each chamber.

Referring to Fig 2 herein, there is illustrated schematically a front cover of the rack mounted equipment case of Fig 1.

The case is illustrated in view from the front, showing the front cover 103, without the external electrical and/or optical connectors for connecting to equipment contained within the case. a plurality of apertures are provided within the front cover for passing through electrical and/or optical connectors fitted thereto. When fitting the electrical and/or optical connectors, each of those connectors are supported in recessed panels 205, 206 the connectors passing through apertures provided in each of the recess panels. Connection between the connectors and the metal of the material of the recess panel is made * environmentally sealed, e.g. by use of rubber gaskets or grommets, and/or by providing sealing between the connectors and the panels such that leakage of electromagnetic radiation into and out of the chambers via the gaps between the electrical/optical connectors and the panel are minimised, and additionally, the connections maintain the environmental isolation between the exterior of the case and the interior compartments of the case.

The connecting members between the rear end of the outer shell and the rear cover and between the front end of the outer shell and the front cover are arranged in corresponding male - female pairs. At the rear cover, either the connecting member at the rear of the outer shell, or the connecting member around the periphery of the rear cover may be shaped in a first (male or female configuration), and the corresponding other cover may be shaped in an opposite female or male configuration, so that mating between a male connecting member and a female connecting member is made. One or other or both of the connecting members may be provided with a rubberised or plastics gasket seal, where the rubberised material or plastics material is conductive, containing conductive elements such as to maintain electric conductivity between the rear cover and the outer casing. Additionally, a separate earth connections are provided for earthing the outer shell to the rear cover, and for earthing the outer shell to the front cover.

Similarly, the front end of the outer shell, the front cover is in electrical connection with the front end of the outer shell by virtue of the connecting members extending around and across the front cover and the connecting member extending around and across the front end of the outer shell. Similarly to the rear connecting members, the connecting members at the front of the casing may be provided with rubberised or plasticised gasket seals which are electrically conductive. * ,. * I p S.. I...

0, Referring to Figure 3 herein, there is illustrated in view from the rear with the rear cover removed, the outer shell showing upper and lower chambers and S.,,. * upper and lower inner racks. The case is divided into a plurality of separate S.....

* chambers, each chamber being electromagentically isolated from each other chamber. The dividing partition 315 between chambers extends across the outer shell, dividing the case. The dividing partition has a front seal 316 which in this embodiment may co- operate with a corresponding seal on the outer edge of a partition across the rear cover.

Within each chamber 301, 302, there is provided a shock isolated inner rack member, 303, 304 respectively.

An earthing strap is provided for connecting an outer casing of an equipment item to be contained within a chamber to the mounting rack within the chamber, so that the equipment and the mounting rack are of a common electrical earth within each chamber. Each equipment item can be earthed individually and independently of each other equipment item within the casing.

For convenience of description, a single rack member mounted within a single chamber shall now be described. It will be appreciated by the skilled is person that each other chamber may similarly have a corresponding respective rack member mounted likewise there within. Lower inner rack member 304 comprises an upper front cross member; an upper rear cross member 305, the upper rear cross member spaced apart from the upper front cross member and extending substantially parallel thereto; a lower front cross member 306; a lower rear cross member 307; said lower rear cross member extending substantially parallel to said lower front cross member and spaced apart there from; a first front side member 308, said first front side member extending between said lower front cross member and said upper front cross member; a second front side member 309, extending between said lower front cross member and said upper :... 25 front cross member and spaced apart from said first front side member and S...

S. * .. disposed substantially parallel thereto; a first rear upright side member 310, said first rear upright side member positioned between said lower rear cross member *. and said upper rear cross member; a second rear upright side member 311, extending between said lower rear cross member and said upper rear cross *.*. 30 member and positioned spaced apart from said first upright rear side member *::::* and disposed substantially parallel thereto; a first rigid edge member 312 positioned between a connection of said first front side member and said lower front cross member, and having a second end connecting said lower rear cross member and a lower end of said upright rear side member; a first upper edge member 313 having a first end connecting an upper portion of said first upright front side member and said upper front cross member and having a second end connecting an upper end of said first rear upright side member and a first end of said upper rear cross member; a second lower edge member 314 having a first end which connects between a second end of said front lower cross member and a first end of second upright front side member, and having a second end which connects between a second end of said lower cross member and a first end of said second rear upright side member; and a second upper edge member 315 having a first end which extends between a second (upper) end of said front cross member and a second upper end of said second upright front side member, and having a second end which connects between a second end of said upper rear cross member and a second (upper) end of said second rear is upright side member.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a rear end of the upper chamber 301 is closed off by an internal peripheral flange 316 which provides a mounting for an electro-magnetically shielding sheet membrane which allows passage of air into and out of the chamber, but acts to electro magnetically isolate the upper chamber from the lower chamber.

Referring to Fig 4 herein, there is illustrated schematically in view form the front the outer shell of the case with the front cover removed. Upper and lower chambers 301, 302 respectively are visible, with their corresponding respective * S. S * s's. inner racks. Each rack is mounted to the outer case by a plurality of shock mountings per rack. The shock mountings 400 - 405 mount the inner racks to the outer shell and the partition walls of the outer shell. The shock mountings *SSa*S * provide two main functions, the first being to isolate the rack mounted * : * :.* 30 equipment from shocks experienced by the case and the second being to isolate *5S the equipment from ongoing repetitive vibrations, such as may be encountered in tracked vehicles or the like. Additionally, transmission of movements of one equipment item within a first chamber should not be transmitted to another item of rack mount equipment mounted in a different chamber of the same case.

In various embodiments shock mountings may be provided underneath the racks, so that the racks sit on the shock mountings, or shock mountings may be provided underneath and! or above or to one side of a rack so that the rack is suspended by and for mounted on shock mountings. The precise number of shock mountings between the rack and the outer shell may be determined by calculations of load and shock transmission between the rack and shell for an equipment item of a particular known mass, depending on the shock and vibration tolerance specification of the equipment item. Where the maximum G loading and mass of an equipment item is known, the specification of an appropriate shock mount can be calculated, and an optimum number of shock mounts per rack can be determined Within each chamber, individual equipment items may have different masses to each other, and the shock mountings within each chamber may be selected so as to optimize the dynamic movement of each rack to suit the individual equipment item(s) held by that rack. Therefore, shocks which are experienced by the case as a whole can be absorbed by the shock mountings of one rack differently to the shock mountings of another rack, and the equipment in a first rack may move and for oscillate with a different frequency and! or mode of oscillation from equipment in a second rack, under conditions of a same : * movement of the whole casing.

S.. 25 **S.

The shock mountings can be formed of a rubber block having metal * : * connector plates, or alternatively can be coil spring mounts consisting of a coil spring between two metal mounting plates. Other known like types of shock mount may alternatively be used. * * * * S * S.

Referring to Fig 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically in view from one side, the case, showing the front and rear covers, the outer shell, and the connecting portions between the front cover and the front end of the outer shell, and the connecting members between the rear cover and the rear end of the outer shell. Sides of the connecting members are visible on the exterior of the case.

Outer shell 100 is provided with a first carry handle 500 on one side of the outer shell, and a second carry handle on an opposite side of the case on a another side of the outer shell, such that, in use when containing equipment, the carry handles are positioned substantially so that the case balances along a plane which intersects the first and second carry handles.

Each end of the tubular outer shell 100 is provided with a peripheral connecting member 501, 502 which extends around an outer perimeter of the end of the outer shell. Taking for convenience of description, a front end of the outer shell, the front cover comprises a corresponding peripheral connecting member which extends around a perimeter of the front cover 103 such that when the front cover is in fitted engagement with the outer shell 100, the peripheral connecting member 501 on the front end of the outer shell engages the corresponding connecting member 503 on the front cover, to provide an environmentally and electromagentically isolating seal, which is weather proof, and prevents the leakage of electromagentic radiation between the inside of the casing and the outside of the casing (and vice versa), and also between individual chambers within the case. * I.

:.: 25 At the rear end of the outer shell, the rear cover 504 comprises a I...

sI', corresponding peripheral connecting member 505 which engages with the rear peripheral connecting member 502 of the outer shell 100, providing an * environmentally isolating and electromagnetically isolating gasket which seals between the rear cover and the rear end of the outer shell 100. * S * S * * S. * S.. * * S...

A Peltier effect cooling device or other cooling device is optionally fitted to the rear cover, and may protrude externally from the rear cover for cooling the equipment contained therein.

Referring to Fig 6 herein, there is illustrated schematically the case in partial cut away view from one side. The rear cover 104 could comprise an internal partition wall 600 which separate the cover into a plurality of sections, so that each section of the second cover corresponds to a respective compartment of the case. The partition wall is provided with a connecting member 601 which extends across the rear cover, peripheral to the partition wall, and in use engages with a corresponding respective connecting member 602 extending across the rear end of the outer shell, and fitted on an outer edge of a partition wall member 603 which divides the outer shell into a plurality of chambers.

Across the front cover 103 there is also provided a partition wall, at a position which matches the position of the partition wall of the outer shell 100.

The partition wall across the front cover is provided with a peripheral connecting member which engages a corresponding respective peripheralconnecting member provided on an outer front edge of the partition wall 603 of the outer casing 100, such that when the front cover is fitted to the front of the outer shell 100, the peripheral connecting member, including the portion which extends across the first cover engages closely with the corresponding peripheral connecting member at the first end of the outer shell 100, including the portion of that connecting member which extends across the partition wall, to provide an environmentally and electromagnetically isolating seal both between the upper and lower chambers of the case, and isolating the upper and lower chambers * from the external environment of the case.

****** * * * * Additionally shown in Fig 6 herein, the shock mounts 601,604 between the *... 30 rack and the outer shell can be optionally angled inwardly towards the center of *S..

* ** the chamber in opposite directions to each other.

Referring to Figure 7 herein, there is illustrated a view of the case from the rear. The rear cover of the case may be provided with a cooling device, which protrudes beyond the rear cover on an outer side of the rear cover, and is housed partially within the rear cover, for cooling the equipment items contained within the case. The rear cover 104 of the case comprises first to fourth rear recesses700 - 703, two of which are placed on an upper end of the rear cover, and two of which are placed on a lower end of the rear cover. Each recess is provided with a corresponding respective rotary knob704 -707, which is hand operable so as to be rotateable by hand. Each knob is connected to a shaft which has a pawl, which engages with a corresponding strike positioned oppositely on the rear end of the shell 100, so that the outer cover can be engaged with the rear end of the outer shell, so that the connecting members of the respective outer shell and rear cover engage each other in sealing engagement, and the rear cover can be secured and tightened to the rear end of is the outer shell by hand tightening the rotary knobs7O4 - 707, thereby securely sealing the rear cover to the outer shell, and sealing the internal compartments such that they are isolated from each other, and from the environment externally of the case.

Referring to Fig 8 herein, there is illustrated schematically in partial cut away view upper and lower mounting rails for mounting an upper and lower racks internally of the casing, wherein an upper rack is mounted within an upper compartment and a lower rack is mounted within a lower compartment, : underneath the upper compartment.

*.. 25 At a junction between an inner partition wall of the outer shell and a tubular * . ...: outer wall of the outer shell, and positioned at the inter section of the partition and the outer wall is a diagonally extending plate member which extends along a length of the outer shell. The mounting plate member is positioned for engaging *... 30 a shock absorbing mounting which is positioned between the mounting member * : : ::* and an inner rack of the case. Typically the mounting may be made from a shock absorbing material such as rubber or a spring.

Each edge member comprises a substantially upright planar member, a substantially horizontal planar member, and a connecting member which extends between said substantially upright planar member and said substantially horizontal planar member at a diagonal angle there between.

Referring to Fig 9 herein, there is illustrated schematically in cut away side view a fixing means for attaching a front or rear cover to the outer shell. In this case, a connecting member 900 extending around a periphery of the outer shell is of a female type, and engages with a corresponding male connecting member 901 extending peripherally around an outer edge of the outer shell 100.

In the above embodiment, a casing manufactured from a sheet metal material, preferably aluminum sheet is described. In an alternative embodiment, the casing comprising an outer shell, first cover, second cover and first and second inner racks may be formed from a plastics material, for example an injection molded plastics material, each component having substantially similar shape and dimensions as described herein above. In an embodiment in which the components are formed from plastics material, the interior surfaces of the outer shell member, first cover, and second cover, and racks may be coated with an electrically conducting and electrically shielding material, for example a conductive paint as described herein above.

:.:. 25 In yet further embodiments, the casing front cover and rear cover may be * S. S formed from an alternative rigid material such as a composite material, e.g fibre CTt). . . . glass or Keviar,.%whlch may improve the anti ballistic performance of the case, or * may be formed form a multi layered material.

I..... * S

*... 30 The embodiments described above comprise first and second isolated *:::* chambers within a single casing. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a casing having three, four or several isolated chambers may be constructed using the same principles of construction as described herein.

In the embodiments described herein, substantially rectangular cross sectional chambers are provided, one on top of the other in a casing, so that in normal use, 19 inch rack mounted equipment is stacked in vertically stacked chambers one on top of the other, each chamber isolated from the other.

However, it would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that in a 19 inch rack mounted system, the whole rack mounting system may be placed 90 degrees on its side, such that the normal 19 inch spacing between connections to the rack extends vertically, and the rack mounted equipment is actually mounted on its side in a casing. In this alternative embodiment, then two or more successive isolated chambers for containing rack mounted equipment, each having a partitioned wall there between and isolated from each other may be placed side by side, with the rack mounted equipment stacked side ways. * SS * S S S*. * *SSS * S S... 5.5.. * S

S..... * S * . S * S * S* 555S * p

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Claims

Claims: 1. A rack mount instrument case comprising: an outer shell and at

least two racks; characterised in that: said outer shell is divided into a plurality of individual self contained chambers wherein each of said chambers are electromagnetically shielded from each other; and at least one said rack is mounted in a said chamber, such that said rack is electro magnetically shielded from other ones of said chambers.
2. The case as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of individual rack structures, suitable for rack mountable equipment items to be connectable to, each said rack structure being mounted within a corresponding said chamber of said case, such that each said rack structure is physically independently mounted with respect to each other said rack structure.
3. The case as claimed in claim 2, wherein individual said racks are mounted on different shock mountings to each other, said different shock mountings providing different amounts of damping, such as to dampen different masses in said different racks. * *

**.s..

*
4. The case as claimed in claim I or 2, comprising a plurality of shock *:*:.* 30 mounted racks within a single case, each said rack contained within its own Is..

* .* corresponding respective chamber.
5. The case as claimed in claim 4, wherein each said rack is mounted such that vibrations and br shocks generated by an equipment item mounted in a first rack are substantially isolated from an equipment item mounted in another rack of said case.

S
6. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a first said chamber is contained within a second said chamber.
7. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having a plurality of shock mounts positioned between a said rack and the outer shell, for mounting the rack within a said chamber, wherein said plurality of shock mounts are angled inwardly towards the center of the chamber.
8. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising is at least one partition member extending across said outer shell do as to divide said outer shell into a plurality of individual self contained chambers.
9. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said outer shell comprises a rigid tubular shell having a first end and a second end, said case further comprising: a front cover configured to fit to said first end of said outer shell, for closing off said first end of said outer shell; and * ** :.: 25 a rear cover, configured for fitting to said second end of said outer shell, for * ** * s''. closing off said second end of said outer shell.

S

S.....

*
10. The case as claimed in claim 9, wherein said outer shell and said * front and rear covers form a first said chamber, and a second said chamber

30 resides within said first chamber. *... * *. S.
11. The case as claimed in claim 9, wherein said front cover comprises a partition member extending across said front cover so as to divide said front cover into a plurality of individual sections, said sections corresponding to said plurality of individual self contained chambers of said case.
12. The case as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein said rear cover comprises a partition member extending across said rear cover so as to divide said rear cover into a plurality of individual sections, said sections corresponding to said plurality of individual self contained chambers of said case.
13.. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising sealing means for sealing said at least one cover to said end of said outer shell.
14. The case as claimed in claim 13, wherein said sealing means is operable to create an environmentally isolating seal under conditions of urging said cover to said end of said outer shell.
15. The case as claimed in claim 13, wherein said sealing means is operable to create an electromagnetically isolating when said cover is fitted to said end of said outer shell.
16. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said outer shell comprises a first end having a peripheral connecting member which extends around an outer perimeter of said first end of said outer shell; and said first cover comprises a corresponding peripheral connecting member, arranged to co-operate with said first peripheral connecting member of said outer *1* shell, for forming an environmentally and electromagnetically isolating seal when said first and second connecting members engage each other.
17. The case as claimed in claim 16, comprising an electrically conductive gasket between said front cover and said outer shell.
18. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer shell comprises a rear end having a rear peripheral connecting member which extends around an outer perimeter of said second end of said outer shell; and said rear cover comprises a corresponding peripheral connecting member, arranged to co-operate with said rear peripheral connecting member of said outer shell, for forming an environmentally and electromagnetically isolating seal between said outer shell and said rear cover when said connecting members engage each other.
19. The case as claimed in claim 18, comprising an electrically conductive gasket for fitting between said rear cover and said outer shell.
20. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said chamber is internally coated with an electrically conductive material.
21. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, constructed from a material selected from the set: * I, aluminium; *,, S aluminium alloys * 0*t * S 55*55 a plastics material; a composite material; a multilayered material a metallic or partially metallic material.
22. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, constructed from a material selected from the set: aluminium; aluminium alloys; a plastics material; a composite material; a multi- layered material a metallic or partially metallic material.

* * * S S * * * * . S I * S S * S S S S ISS S S S S. S S ** S S S I * . 5 S e S S. * **. S SSS
23. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of mounting racks mounted within said plurality of chambers, such that one or more said racks mounted within a first said chamber are electromagnetically isolated from one or more other said racks mounted in another said chamber.

* S S S S * S * S S S * S S S * * S * S 555 5 S * S. S * 55 S S I S S S S S S S * *5 S SSS S *55

22. A rack mount instrument case comprising: an outer shell partitioned into a plurality of chambers, each chamber being physically and electromagnetically isolated from each other chamber; and a plurality of mounting racks mounted within said plurality of chambers, such that one or more racks mounted within a first said chamber are electromagnetically isolated from one or more other said racks mounted in another said chamber.

23. A rack mount equipment case for containing at least one item of rack mountable equipment, said equipment case comprising: an outer shell partitioned into a plurality of chambers, each chamber being physically and electromagnetically isolated from each other chamber; and at least one rack suitable for holding at least one item of rack mount equipment, said rack being mounted within one of said plurality of chambers, such that said any said equipment mounted within said chamber is : electromagnetically isolated from any other equipment mounted or contained * 25 within another said chamber. I.e

S * S.

S * S

*5* II * S S. * S S * S. S.'. S * S.

Amendments to the claims Claims: 1. A rack mount equipment case for containing at least one item of rack mountable equipment, said equipment case comprising: an outer shell partitioned into a plurality of chambers, each chamber being electromagnetically isolated from each other chamber; and at least one rack suitable for holding at least one item of rack mount equipment, said rack being mounted within one of said plurality of chambers, such that when a said item of equipment is mounted to said at least one rack, said equipment item is electromagnetically isolated from any other equipment mounted in or contained within another said chamber.

2. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said chamber is physically isolated from each other said chamber.

3. The case as claimed in claim I or 2, comprising a plurality of individual racks suitable for rack mountable equipment items to be connectable to, each said rack being mounted within a corresponding said chamber of said case, such that each said rack is physically independently mounted with respect to each other said rack.

4. The case as claimed in claim 3, wherein individual said racks are mounted on different shock mountings to each other, said different shock mountings providing different amounts of damping, such as to dampen different masses in said different racks.

5. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of shock mounted racks within a single said case, each said rack contained within its own corresponding respective chamber.

* . S S * * * * * S S S S * * S S * S *S* * * S S. S S ** * . . . * . S S S * S S. S **S S *** 6. The case as claimed in claim 5, wherein each said rack is mounted such that vibrations and br shocks generated by an equipment item mounted in a first said rack are substantially isolated from an equipment item mounted in another said rack of said case.

7. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a first said chamber is contained within a second said chamber.

8. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having a plurality of shock mounts positioned between a said rack and the outer shell, for mounting the rack within a said chamber, wherein said plurality of shock mounts are angled inwardly towards the center of the chamber.

9. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one partition member extending across said outer shell do as to divide said outer shell into a plurality of individual self contained chambers.

10. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said outer shell comprises a rigid tubular shell having a first end and a second end, said case further comprising: a front cover configured to fit to said first end of said outer shell, for closing off said first end of said outer shell; and a rear cover, configured for fitting to said second end of said outer shell, for closing off said second end of said outer shell.

11. The case as claimed in claim 10, wherein said outer shell and said front and rear covers form a first said chamber, and a second said chamber resides within said first chamber.

12. The case as claimed in claim 10, wherein said front cover comprises a partition member extending across said front cover so as to divide S S * . * . . . S S S * S S * S S S S *S* 0 S S 4* S S 5* 5 S S S S S I S * S S S*5 S **S -1" said front cover into a plurality of individual sections, said sections corresponding to said plurality of individual self contained chambers of said case.

13. The case as claimed in claim 10, wherein said rear cover comprises a partition member extending across said rear cover so as to divide said rear cover into a plurality of individual sections, said sections corresponding to said plurality of individual self contained chambers of said case.

14. The case as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising sealing means for sealing said at least one cover to said end of said outer shell.

15. The case as claimed in claim 14, wherein said sealing means is operable to create an environmentally isolating seal under conditions of urging said cover to said end of said outer shell.

16. The case as claimed in claim 14, wherein said sealing means is operable to create an electromagnetically isolating when said cover is fitted to said end of said outer shell.

17. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said outer shell comprises a first end having a peripheral connecting member which extends around an outer perimeter of said first end; and said first cover comprises a corresponding peripheral connecting member, arranged to co-operate with said first peripheral connecting member of said outer shell, for forming an environmentally and electromagnetically isolating seal when said first and second connecting members engage each other.

18. The case as claimed in claim 17, comprising an electrically conductive gasket between said front cover and said outer shell.

* * * S S * * * S S S * * S S * S S * S *SS S S S ** S S S* * S S S * S S S S S S S. S 555 5 555 19. The case as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein said outer shell comprises a rear end having a rear peripheral connecting member which extends around an outer perimeter of said second end of said outer shell; and said rear cover comprises a corresponding peripheral connecting member, arranged to co-operate with said rear peripheral connecting member of said outer shell, for forming an environmentally and electro magnetically isolating seal between said outer shell and said rear cover when said connecting members engage each other.

20. The case as claimed in claim 19, comprising an electrically conductive gasket for fitting between said rear cover and said outer shell.

21. The case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said chamber is internally coated with an electrically conductive material.