Electric power conversion systems – Current conversion – Encased in plug housing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-30
2001-04-03
Nguyen, Matthew (Department: 2838)
Electric power conversion systems
Current conversion
Encased in plug housing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212088
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to voltage adapters and, more particularly to an alternating current to direct current (AC-DC) voltage adapter including modules for providing multiple and variable DC output voltages.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional AC-DC adapters, used to convert an AC voltage, using a transformer, to a predetermined DC voltage, are well known and are used extensively. AC-DC adapters are generally able to receive a single AC input voltage and transform the AC voltage into a single DC output voltage. Some adapters have the capability to receive one of a variety of AC input voltages and subsequently, convert it to a single DC output voltage. This type of adapter is particularly useful for international travelers, who may encounter different commercial power standards in various countries.
Although, conventional AC-DC adapters are useful in providing AC-DC voltage conversion, the adapters are typically useful only with one electrical appliance at a time. Since the transformer in a conventional adapter is generally configured to provide one DC output voltage per AC input voltage, the adapter cannot be used simultaneously with multiple appliances requiring different DC operating voltages. Thus, each appliance must have provided a separate adapter. In the situation where access to AC power is limited to one, or else a few sources, the simultaneous use of multiple appliances requiring AC-DC conversion is limited.
What is needed is an adapter, which can provide multiple, simultaneous DC output voltages from a single AC power source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a voltage adapter, which may be used in conjunction with voltage modules to provide multiple and variable DC output voltages from a single AC input voltage. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the voltage adapter includes a circuit for stepping down an AC input voltage to multiple, lower AC output voltages. The AC output voltages are then accessible through a voltage distribution bus. Advantageously, a voltage module is provided having an interface bus configured to be coupleable to the distribution bus on the voltage adapter. Preferably, the voltage module includes the capability of converting or transforming the AC output voltages received from the adapter to DC output voltages. Once the adapter and voltage module are coupled together, the module allows the user to select among the multiple DC output voltages provided.
In another embodiment, the voltage adapter includes the conversion capability for converting the stepped-down AC voltages into DC output voltages. The selected DC output voltage from the voltage module is sent out from the voltage module via a wire pair or the like, to an appropriate appliance plug, to power an appliance or other device.
In accordance with the present invention, the voltage module has a module distribution bus, similar in configuration to the distribution bus on the voltage adapter. The module distribution bus allows for an additional separate voltage module to be coupled to the first voltage module to form a modular stack of voltage modules. Like the first voltage module, the second voltage module may have a selectable output voltage. In the manner described above, multiple voltage modules may be stacked together, as desired. Once, a desired number of modules are stacked together, an end cap is provided for coupling to the final distribution bus for protection of the module and the user.
In one aspect of the invention, an arrangement of interconnected voltage adapter modules is provided. A converter module connectable to a power source is included for converting AC electrical power to a plurality of output voltages. Also included is a first voltage module, electrically coupleable to the converter module. The first voltage module is configured to provide a settable DC output voltage selected from the plurality of output voltages.
In yet another aspect of the invention, an arrangement of interconnected voltage adapter modules is provided including a means for providing a plurality of output voltages. A first adapter module is also provided which has a means for selecting and outputting one of the plurality of output voltages.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for providing a variable output voltage from a single power source through an arrangement of interconnected voltage modules. The method includes transforming an AC voltage into a plurality of output voltages; converting the output voltages to alternate output voltages; and selecting and outputting one of the converted output voltages.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for providing a variable output voltage from a single power source through an arrangement of interconnected voltage modules. The method includes providing an AC-DC adapter which transforms an AC voltage into a plurality of output voltages. The method also includes coupling a first voltage module to the adapter, where the voltage module has a voltage selector means. The method further includes selecting and outputting one of the plurality of converted output voltages.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5347211 (1994-09-01), Jakubowski
patent: 5568370 (1996-10-01), Goldenstein et al.
patent: 5599204 (1997-02-01), Glassford
patent: 5726875 (1998-03-01), Hirabayashi et al.
patent: 5838559 (1998-11-01), Lam
patent: 5885109 (1999-03-01), Lee et al.
patent: 6067241 (2000-05-01), Lu
Lopez Theodore P.
Nguyen Matthew
Skjerven Morrill & MacPherson LLP
WaferMasters Incorporated
LandOfFree
Modular voltage adapter and method for using same does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Modular voltage adapter and method for using same, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modular voltage adapter and method for using same will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2517900