An electromagnetic shielding cabinet

Abstract

An electromagnetic shielding cabinet is described comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of framework sections positioned to define one or more cavities, the framework sections comprising two or more transverse sections extending a transverse length of the frame and two or more upright sections extending a height of the frame; and a rear panel; wherein each of the one or more cavities is delimited by cavity walls formed by the frame and by the rear panel; each cavity includes at least one panel port disposed in the rear panel and at least one cavity wall port disposed in a cavity wall, the panel port being spaced away from the cavity wall port in a transverse direction across the cavity; and one or more capsules received in the cavities, each capsule comprising: a capsule body having an external casing, the capsule body defining a chamber; at least one chamber side access port disposed at a side wall of the capsule body and being aligned with the at least one cavity wall port; and at least one chamber rear access port disposed at a rear wall of the capsule body and being aligned with the at least one panel port; each capsule being arranged to house an amenity which enters the cabinet through a panel port, enters a chamber by passing through its aligned chamber rear access port, then extends transversely across the chamber to exit the chamber through a chamber side access port and exits the cabinet through its aligned cavity wall port.

Description

AN ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING CABINETFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding cabinet. More particularly, this invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding cabinet in which are mounted capsules each having one or more access ports disposed to require a transverse passage of an amenity associated with the one or more access ports.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Physical access control in a construction is achieved with various security features such as, walls, doors and locks. To prevent physical attack, high security environments make use of more complex and more secure walls, doors and locks.

[0003] Modem life relies heavily on electronic and electrical devices for communication, commerce, and national security. This crucial equipment requires protection from significant threats that could damage operability or functionality and cause major damage to networks and disruptions to services. Various access controls are required to provide emission security (emsec).

[0004] Additionally, undesired electromagnetic radiation presents a serious threat which may originate naturally from lightning, solar storms & solar flares or from man-made sources including power lines and electromagnetic pulses (EMP). In addition to the physical protection of electronic equipment, there is a need to protect sensitive data and information stored and transmitted by said equipment. Emanations containing data from electronic devices can be susceptible to interception. To prevent such interception, the generated radiation can be blocked or filtered.

[0005] Electronic devices and equipment are commonly protected from electromagnetic threats by surrounding the area of interest with electromagnetic (EM) shielding to block or attenuate EM waves by reflection, absorption, or dissipation. These enclosures are commonly referred to as a Faraday Cage or a Faraday Shield. The shield may be formed of a continuous covering of conductive material or a cage consisting of a mesh of conductive material.

[0006] EM shielding is most effective when it is an uninterrupted barrier that fully encloses the space requiring protection. However, for enclosures to be functional and allow persons to work or otherwise occupy the interior, penetrations are required for thetransit of amenities such as air, water, power, and communications. These penetrations create unavoidable apertures in the enclosure which can degrade the overall shielding effectiveness (SE).

[0007] Singular purpose penetration devices and penetration panels are available which allow for the transit of required amenities into a shielded room. In addition, cabinets, or rack, type devices are available, which protect electrical devices within the cabinet.

[0008] With the increasing use and reliance on electronics and electrical equipment, the need for enclosures to provide electromagnetic shielding is increasing. Improving the shielding effectiveness of unavoidable apertures will enhance the over shielding efficacy of the enclosure.

[0009] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In a first aspect the present invention provides an electromagnetic shielding cabinet comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of framework sections positioned to define one or more cavities, the framework sections comprising two or more transverse sections extending a transverse length of the frame and two or more upright sections extending a height of the frame; and a rear panel; wherein each of the one or more cavities is delimited by cavity walls formed by the frame and by the rear panel; each cavity includes at least one panel port disposed in the rear panel and at least one cavity wall port disposed in a cavity wall, the panel port being spaced away from the cavity wall port in a transverse direction across the cavity; and one or more capsules received in the cavities, each capsule comprising: a capsule body having an external casing, the capsule body defining a chamber; at least one chamber side access port disposed at a side wall of the capsule body and being aligned with the at least one cavity wall port; and at least one chamber rear access port disposed at a rear wall of the capsule body and being aligned with the at least one panel port;each capsule being arranged to house an amenity which enters the cabinet through a panel port, enters a chamber by passing through its aligned chamber rear access port, then extends transversely across the chamber to exit the chamber through a chamber side access port and exits the cabinet through its aligned cavity wall port.

[0011] Each capsule may comprise one chamber or a series of segmented chambers.

[0012] The capsule body may comprise a series of holes or other receptacles for fasteners such as, security screws.

[0013] At least one of the capsules may include a transparent front panel.

[0014] The external casing of at least one capsule may comprise an internal surface comprising one or more slots for receiving an insert panel.

[0015] The at least one capsule may house one or more insert panels.

[0016] The one or more amenities comprises at least one of air, water, power and communications.

[0017] The passage of the amenity through the cabinet may effect a change in direction of the amenity of at least 90 degrees.

[0018] The cavity walls may comprise a cavity wall rebate.

[0019] Further aspects of the present invention will also be described in the detailed description of the invention below.

[0020] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below, along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any one or combination of embodiments. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0021] For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purposes of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 shows an isometric perspective view of one embodiment of an electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to the invention with capsules installed.

[0024] Figure 2A shows an isometric perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 without capsules installed.

[0025] Figure 2B shows a close-up view of the section circled and labelled “E” in Figure 2A, showing the routed edge of the cavity.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a rear view of the embodiment of Figure 1 installed in a mounting frame.

[0028] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1 with an exploded view of one embodiment of a capsule.

[0029] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a capsule according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to the invention with one capsule removed and ready for insertion into a cavity and other capsules inserted into other cavities.

[0031] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cabinet frame.

[0032] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the cabinet frame of figure 8.

[0033] Figure 10 is a side view of the cabinet frame of figure 8.

[0034] Figure 11 is a rear view of the cabinet frame of figure 8.

[0035] Figure 12 is a front perspective view of a capsule body for use with the cabinet frame of figure 8.

[0036] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the capsule body of figure 12.

[0037] Figure 14 shows the capsule body of figure 13 being prepared for use in conjunction with an electrical filter.

[0038] Figure 15 shows the capsule body of figure 12 being prepared for use for the delivery of air.

[0039] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.TABLE OF PARTSDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in Figure 1, which shows a safe side or front side of the electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0041] Conventional solutions for providing adequate shielding to penetrations tend to treat each problem individually, which sees these solutions provided in an ad hoc manner. Advantageously, the invention groups the required penetrations into a confined area which provides for an enhanced level of shielding and utilizes a standardized method of transitioning desired amenities into and out of the enclosure.

[0042] In one embodiment the invention relates generally to cabinet for preventing undesired electromagnetic radiation from entering or exiting and to allow access for one ormore amenity. Advantageously, the invention also prevents electromagnetic radiation from escaping the cabinet and being captured by a receiver.

[0043] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an electromagnetic shielding cabinet and enclosure comprising the cabinet. The electromagnetic shielding cabinet comprises an enclosed volume chamber design with separate transverse cavities and capsules for the transit of diverse amenities into the cabinet. The electromagnetic shielding cabinet may provide electromagnetic shielding to attenuate unwanted radiation incursions or emanations. Exchangeable capsules provide individual security access and feature interchangeable and adaptable insert panels for various functions.

[0044] In brief, the invention describes a novel and enhanced system for transiting amenities into an enclosure or other shielded environment / enclosure. Existing penetration devices or panels (where they exist) are typically linear in design, this means that the shielding space available is limited by the thickness of the wall. The present invention takes advantage of the horizontal axis of the enclosure wall allowing for enhanced shielding and greater flexibility with amenity transition / transit into the enclosure. The cabinet permits the co-locating of amenity penetrations for added convenience.

[0045] When the electromagnetic shielding cabinet of the invention is installed, it will allow the configuration of capsules which are adaptable depending on the amenity transiting into the enclosure. The capsules may be insulated from the cabinet and be fitted with electromagnetically shielded opaque or transparent front panels that may be removable and fitted with security and tamper evident measures where required.

[0046] The capsules may be isolated from each other allowing for the access to each capsule to be monitored and permit selective access. This will mean that amenities can be inspected and serviced by authorised personnel while maintaining security of the capsules.

[0047] The capsules may allow for the inclusion of various insert panels which will be interchangeable and adaptable according to the amenity required. Insert panels may use existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) penetration devices and / or ones that have been developed specifically for the electromagnetic shielding cabinet.

[0048] One or more port may be fitted on the back of the cabinets and / or front, or side, of the cabinet. These ports are adaptable depending on the amenity being transited.

[0049] The electromagnetic shielding cabinet has the advantage of being able to incorporate other non-penetration related, functionality and / or devices such as, a battery and / or an air pressurisation unit. A battery would normally be on the outside of theenclosure, however there may be a need for an uninterruptable power source (UPS), this could be enclosed in one of the capsules.

[0050] A Table of Parts is provided in Table 1 above.

[0051] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of an electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100 comprising a frame 1000 having a plurality of framework sections 1100 positioned to define one or more cavities 1020.

[0052] Framework sections 1100 are illustrated to comprise two or more transverse sections 1200 extending a transverse length of frame 100 and two or more upright sections 1300 extending along a height of frame 1000. The two or more transverse sections 1200 comprise opposing transverse border sections 1210 and the two or more upright sections 1300 comprise opposing upright border sections 1310.

[0053] Figures 1 and 2A illustrate the opposing transverse border sections 1210 to comprise a top border section 1212 and a bottom border section 1214 and the two or more transverse sections 1200 to further comprise one or more intermediate transverse sections 1220 positioned between the opposing transverse border sections 1210 (see Figure 7 for label).

[0054] While the drawings only show two opposing upright border sections 1300, comprising a left border section 1312 and a right border section 1314, in other embodiments framework sections 1100 may comprise one or more intermediate upright section 1300 disposed between the upright border sections 1310 (1312, 1314).

[0055] Frame 1000 is illustrated in Figure 1 to be integrally formed with framework sections 1100 that are continuous with one another. In other embodiments, frame 100 is formed by framework sections 1100 which are connected together.

[0056] Frame 1000 is illustrated, see Figures 2A and 3, to comprise one or more cavity wall ports 1050 disposed in one of the opposing upright border sections 1310. The one or more cavity wall ports 1050 are disposed in one of the opposing upright border sections 1310 and not the other 1310. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2A the one or more cavity wall ports 1050 are disposed in the left cavity wall 1035. The one or more cavity wall ports 1050 are disposed to require an amenity entering and the exiting cabinet 100 to travel at least part of a transverse length of cabinet 100.

[0057] Each cavity 1020 is delimited by a cavity wall 1030 formed by the frame 1000. As will be elucidated below, cavities 1020 are adapted to receive a respective capsule 200.

[0058] The four-sided cavity wall 1030 illustrated has four sections, lower cavity wall 1033, upper cavity wall 1034, left cavity wall 1035 and right cavity wall 1036. If a cavity1020 is formed with a different shape, a different number of walls may be comprised. If a cavity 1020 is circular, with one or more cavity wall ports 1050 disposed in one of the upright border sections 1310, cavity 1020 will be disposed in left cavity wall 1035 or a right cavity wall 1036.

[0059] A solid rear panel 120 is illustrated in Figure 4 to enclose an attack side or rear side of frame 1000. Rear panel 120 is a security grade rear panel suitable for an attack side of an enclosure. Rear panel 120 is illustrated to house one or more rear panel access ports 122 disposed at one side of the rear panel 120 which is positioned and adapted to require an amenity to travel at least part of a transverse length of the frame.

[0060] As illustrated in Figures 1; 5; 6 and 7, the electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100 is be fitted with one or more capsules 200 to aid in the provisioning of electromagnetic shielding to various amenities supplied through cabinet 100. These capsules 200 have a standard dimension matched to the respective cabinet 100 but have the flexibility to be modified to suit the amenity being transited and / or to adapt to specific country standards.

[0061] From the teaching herein, a skilled person can readily select suitable dimensions for cabinet 100 and capsule 200.

[0062] Advantageously, each capsule 200 is modular such that, each capsule 200 is interchangeable within a cavity 1020.

[0063] Capsules 200 allow an enhanced flexibility, adaptability, and security to the provision of amenities.

[0064] Capsule 200 is illustrated to comprise a capsule body 202 having at least an external casing 210, the capsule body 202 defining at least one chamber 204. The at least one chamber 204 maybe a series of segmented chambers 204.

[0065] Capsule 200 also comprises at least one chamber side access port 222 disposed at a side of capsule 200 and a chamber rear access port (not visible in these figures- see figure 13) disposed at the rear face of the capsule. Significantly, the at least one chamber side access port 222 and rear access ports are positioned to require an amenity entering and existing capsule 200 to travel at least part of a transverse length of capsule 200. In the embodiment illustrated, the at least one chamber access port 222 is positioned and adapted to require an amenity entering and exiting capsule 200 to travel at least part of a transverse length of capsule 200.

[0066] Advantageously, capsules 200 may have individual security-controlled access and be fitted with security measures such as, an alarm or tamper evident measures, commensurate with the requirements of cabinet 100. For example, the one or moresecurity measure may comprise one or more switch such as, a microswitch, which may be activated by removal of one or more of the front panel 230 or transparent screen 232 or removal of capsule 200. The one or more switches may be connected to an alarm system. The one or more tamper evident measure may for example be one or more sticker placed, for example, on the front panel 230.

[0067] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, cavity wall 1030 may comprise a cavity wall rebate 1032, shown in the form of a cavity wall infill rebate, which in the embodiment illustrated was manufactured as a computer numerical control (CNC) routed infill rebate. The cavity wall rebate 1032 aids in seating capsule 200 by virtue of external casing 210 comprising flange 216 which abuts cavity wall rebate 1032. Cavity wall rebate is shown to be comprised on cavity wall surface 1040.

[0068] Each capsule 200 may fitted with one or more screens 232, which in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a transparent screen 232 with EM shielding. The one or more transparent screens 232 are illustrated to be part of one or more front panels 230, illustrated in the form of a transparent panel 230, which is fitted into a recess in capsule200 and secured with screws per security requirements, a conductive gasket is also included to ensure SE is maintained. The one or more transparent screens 232 may be comprised on a safe side of the capsule 200. Each transparent screen 232 of the one or more transparent screens 232 may comprise electromagnetic shielding such as, one or more conductive gasket. The one or more front panel 230 may comprise a series of transparent screens 232. As shown the one or more transparent screens 232 cover a face of capsule 200.

[0069] Capsule body 202 is illustrated to comprise a series of holes or other receptacles201 which receive security screws to secure the one or more front panel 230 to a respective capsule 200. The series of holes or other receptacles 201 traverse an outer face of external casing 210. As illustrated the series of holes or other receptacles 201 are evenly spaced, in the embodiment illustrated, the series of holes are 40 mm apart.

[0070] Figure 7 shows the one or more front panels 230 to comprise one or more front panel access ports 234 which are disposed at a side of front panel 230. As illustrated in Figure 7, the one or more front panel access port 234 is disposed at a distal side relative to the chamber access port 222.

[0071] In the example shown, advantageously, the one or more front panel access port 234 is disposed and / or adapted to require an amenity entering and exiting capsule 200 to travel at least part of a transverse length of capsule 200.

[0072] As will be appreciated by the skilled person, each of the one or more capsules 200 may be insulated from the electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100 and each of the one or more capsules 200 may be isolated from other capsules 200.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, external casing 210 comprises an internal surface 212 which comprises one or more slots 214 for receiving an insert panel 2100. Slot 214 is routed. The one or more slots 214 may be angled or straight. For example, the orientation of a slot 214 may be straight to dispose a received insert panel 2100 in a perpendicular orientation to the front face of cabinet 100.

[0074] Insert panels 2100 may be interchangeable and provide another layer of adaptability depending on the purpose of the amenity to be provided. The position of slots 214 also grants significant flexibility with the orientation of insert panels 2100 and adaptability with the transit of amenities. Insert panels 2100 may be fitted with existing penetration shielding products or bespoke shielding devices.

[0075] For example, the one or more insert panels 2100 may comprise electromagnetic shielding material such as, metal honeycomb. Each insert panel 2100 may be adapted for a respective amenity.

[0076] Referring now to figures 8 to 15, a slightly modified form of cabinet with capsule inserts will be described using the like reference numerals annotated with a backtick (').

[0077] In figures 8 to I l a cabinet frame 1000' is shown which includes four cavities 1020' . Each cavity 1020' includes a cavity wall port 1050' and a rear panel port 122' .

[0078] Referring to figures 12 and 13, a capsule body 202' includes a chamber side access port 222' and a chamber rear access port 236' . The ports 222' and 236' are disposed on the capsule body 202' so that when the capsule body 202' is installed in a cavity 1020' the chamber side access port 222' is aligned with the cavity wall port 1050' and the chamber rear access port 236' is aligned with the panel port 122' of the cavity.

[0079] In this way, a capsule can be arranged to house an amenity which enters the cabinet through a panel port, enters a chamber by passing through its aligned chamber rear access port, then extends the transverse length of the chamber to exit the chamber through a chamber side access port and exits the cabinet through its aligned cavity wall port.

[0080] All of the ports are in the shape of an elongate oval with a recessed rectangular border. When configured for use with an amenity, the ports are fitted with suitable insert plate which includes a suitable sized and located aperture to accommodate the amenity.

[0081] Referring to figure 14, a capsule body 202' is shown being set up to house an electronic filter. A shielded housing 248' sits upon an installed shelf 240' . The filter (not shown) will be mounted inside the housing 248' . The chamber side access port 222' and chamber rear access port 236' currently hold blank inserts but will be fitted with insert plates provided with through holes to accommodate the electrical cables coming into and out of the filter.

[0082] Referring to figure 15, a capsule body 202' is shown being set up to function as an air delivery amenity. A honeycomb insert 250' has been inserted into the capsule body. The chamber side access port 222' and chamber rear access port 236' will be fitted with insert plates provided honeycomb through holes to allow air to pass into and out of the capsule.

[0083] As will be understood from the above, each of the one or more rear panel access ports 122, the one or more cavity wall ports 1050, the one or more chamber access ports 222, 236 and the one or more front panel access ports 234 are adapted to provide an amenity through the capsule 200. The one or more amenities may comprise at least one or air, water, power and communications. The amenity may be provided in one or more pipe, tube, cable or conduit.

[0084] Each of the one or more rear panel access ports 122, one or more cavity wall ports 1050; one or more chamber access ports 222, 236 and one or more front panel access ports 234 may be filled with a removable plug.

[0085] Framework sections 1100 may be fabricated by casting, cutting out from a solid block of material or by additive manufacturing. The framework sections 1100 illustrated in the example are manufactured by a computer-controlled cutting machine such as a CNC router. From the teaching herein, the person of skill in the art is readily able to select other suitable manufacturing techniques.

[0086] The framework sections 1100 may be comprised of aluminium or other metal or composite material. In a particular embodiment, the framework sections 1100 are comprised of aluminium. The framework sections 1100 may be coated with another metal or a composite material.

[0087] Capsules 200 may be fabricated in a similar method to the cabinet 100 and constructed of similar material. In the example shown, capsule 200 is comprised ofaluminium. In other embodiments, capsule 200 may be comprised of another metal or composite material. Capsule 200 may be coated with another metal or a composite material.

[0088] Although not illustrated, the cabinet 100 and various components such as, each or one or more capsule 200 and each or one or more insert panel 2100, may be fitted with an earthing connection. For example, cabinet 100 may comprise a cabinet earthing connection 102 (not illustrated) in the form of a conventional earthing connection disposed on frame 1000.

[0089] Furthermore, one or more, or each capsule 200 may comprise a respective capsule earthing connection 206 (not illustrated) which, for example, could be in the form of a male insert capsule earthing connection for insertion into a respective female earthing connection 104 (not illustrated) disposed on cabinet 100.

[0090] Similarly, one or more, or each insert panel 2100 may comprise a respective insert earthing connection 2102 (not illustrated), which may also take the form of a male insert earthing connection for insertion into a female cabinet earthing connection 208 disposed on a respective capsule.

[0091] Advantageously, one or more of a battery and / or an air pressurisation unit may be comprised in the electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100.

[0092] Although not illustrated, framework 1100 may comprise an external routing to allow the cabinet to site flush with an external wall of an enclosure.

[0093] Advantageously, electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100 ensures any associated secure enclosure is functional, by catering for various conduits e.g. pipes, cables, and wires. Additionally, apertures for other amenities such as air vents may be provided. By increasing the length over which a conduit is shielded, the amount of electromagnetic radiation can be reduced. Advantageously, the configuration of the electromagnetic shielding transversely in the cabinet 100 allows for a greater ‘length’ of shielding, providing superior protection over wider frequency range than the more traditional method of linear perpendicular transit through a wall.

[0094] The cabinet 100 is designed to form part of the wall of an enclosure and may be fixed in place using various techniques including welding or bolted to the wall with a mounting frame 300, see Figure 4, or metal strip. The edge of the cabinet 100 may be routed to allow it to sit flush with the external wall of the enclosure.

[0095] The installation of electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100 may, in part, be influenced by whether it is being placed in a new enclosure or retrofitted to an existingenclosure. In new builds, electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100 may be designed to form part of the enclosure wall. To retrofit electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100 in an existing enclosure, it may be necessary to cut a hole in a wall to accommodate the electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100. In either case the electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100 may be secured by welding to the wall or fixed using a metal mounting frame 300.

[0096] The following non-limiting examples illustrate the invention. These examples should not be construed as limiting: the examples are included for the purposes of illustration only. The Examples will be understood to represent an exemplification of the invention.Examples

[0097] The following are some example amenities that may be provided through electromagnetic shielding cabinet 100.

[0098] Water (Potable): Option 1) transit by pipe through a capsule 200. Option 2) capsule 200 contains water transit via inlet & outlet apertures.

[0099] Water (Fire sprinklers): Option 1) transit by pipe through capsule 200. Option 2) capsule contains water transit via inlet & outlet apertures.

[0100] Fire (suppression) Dry chemical; Inert gases.

[0101] Fire (control cabling).

[0102] Gas: Option 1) protection of water pipe. Option 2) capsule contains gas transit via inlet & outlet apertures.

[0103] Electricity: Low voltage (may also include surge protector device). High voltage (may also include surge protector device).

[0104] Air (mechanical ventilation).

[0105] Data and security.

[0106] Air (pressurisation) includes diaphragm insert(s).

[0107] Communications: Standard. Secure.

[0108] Except where otherwise specified, the components of the framework 1100 and capsule 200 may all be formed from aluminium or other metal or composition material, although different materials may be used for different applications. The components may be formed as manufactured with a computer controlled cutting machine, such as a computer numerical control router.

[0109] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list ofelements does not include those elements solely but may well include other elements not listed.

[0110] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of framework sections positioned to define one or more cavities, the framework sections comprising two or more transverse sections extending a transverse length of the frame and two or more upright sections extending a height of the frame; and a rear panel; wherein each of the one or more cavities is delimited by cavity walls formed by the frame and by the rear panel; each cavity includes at least one panel port disposed in the rear panel and at least one cavity wall port disposed in a cavity wall, the panel port being spaced away from the cavity wall port in a transverse direction across the cavity; and one or more capsules received in the cavities, each capsule comprising: a capsule body having an external casing, the capsule body defining a chamber; at least one chamber side access port disposed at a side wall of the capsule body and being aligned with the at least one cavity wall port; and at least one chamber rear access port disposed at a rear wall of the capsule body and being aligned with the at least one panel port; each capsule being arranged to house an amenity which enters the cabinet through a panel port, enters a chamber by passing through its aligned chamber rear access port, then extends transversely across the chamber to exit the chamber through a chamber side access port and exits the cabinet through its aligned cavity wall port.

2. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to claim 1 wherein each capsule comprises one chamber or a series of segmented chambers.

3. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to either of claims 1 or 2 wherein the capsule body comprises a series of holes or other receptacles for fasteners such as, security screws.

4. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to any preceding claim wherein at least one capsule includes a transparent front panel.

5. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to any preceding claim wherein the external casing of at least one capsule comprises an internal surface comprising one or more slots for receiving an insert panel.

6. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one capsule houses one or more insert panels.

7. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more amenities comprises at least one of air, water, power and communications.

8. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to any preceding claim wherein the passage of the amenity through the cabinet effects a change in direction of the amenity of at least 90 degrees.

9. An electromagnetic shielding cabinet according to any preceding claim wherein the cavity walls comprise a cavity wall rebate.

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