Multiple source power adapter for output power control

Details Multiple source power adapter for output power control Multiple source power adapter for output power control

2000-12-29

2002-03-19

Nguyen, Khiem (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

With insulation other than conductor sheath

Plural-contact coupling part

C439S956000, C439S507000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06358096

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to power adapters for portable electronic devices, and more particularly, to power adapters for providing power to portable electronic devices from multiple types of power sources.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Today, people are highly mobile and require that their electronic tools with which they conduct their business be likewise mobile. Part of meeting that requirement is to provide portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones and laptop computers, with the power those devices need. Portable devices are usually equipped with rechargeable batteries, but even the most expensive and heavy batteries are rarely sufficient to deliver electrical power over a significant time period. These batteries need to be recharged periodically from various power sources, sometimes on the road.
Accordingly, portable devices are often equipped with power adapters for charging their batteries. The most common of these adapters plug directly into a wall outlet, or socket. Some adapters are designed to plug into the power outlet, more commonly known as the cigarette lighter socket with which most automobiles—and some boats and other vehicles—are equipped. Still further, some airlines are equipping their passenger airplanes with power sockets for charging and powering portable electronic devices. Primex Aerospace of St. Petersburg, Florida has developed what has become the standard in airline power sources, a system it calls the EmPower™ system. For added convenience, many manufacturers have produced power adapters with multiple plugs for connecting to multiple types of power sources. Notably, auto-air power adapters include one plug for connecting to an airline socket and another plug for connecting to a cigarette lighter socket, where the former plug is inserted into the latter plug when the adapter is connected to a cigarette lighter socket.
Existing auto-air power adapters need to provide portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers, with increasing power requirements. For airline power sources, a standard has been established that mandates a 5-amp circuit breaker for a 15-volt power socket, resulting in a maximum power delivery of 75 watts before the airline circuit breaker is tripped. Taking the efficiency of the power adapter into account (typically, about 90%), this results in an effective power output of slightly less than 70 watts to the portable device. However, for optimum performance, many notebook computers today require power levels that exceed 70 watts. While an airline power socket cannot deliver that preferred power output level, a cigarette lighter socket in an automobile or other vehicle can deliver such a power output level.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a power adapter is herein described for providing power from multiple power sources. The adapter is configured to supply distinct levels of power outputs depending on which power source to which the adapter is connected. Power outputs from various sources can thus be configured to meet the design requirements and limitations of various power sources.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a power adapter provides electrical power from multiple power sources. The power adapter includes first and second plugs adapted to be electrically coupled to first and second power sources, respectively. The power adapter is configured to provide a first power output from the first power source, and a second power output from the second power source, to the electronic device, depending on which power source to which the power adapter is coupled.
In one aspect of a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first power source may be an airline power socket and the second power source may be a cigarette light socket. In another aspect of a particular embodiment, the power adapter may limit the first power output from the first power source to a predetermined maximum.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3833821 (1974-09-01), Weaver
patent: 4053788 (1977-10-01), Robie
patent: 5181858 (1993-01-01), Matz et al.
patent: 5369352 (1994-11-01), Toepfer et al.
National Semiconductor Adapter Interface Circuit-AIC-IC Optimizes Safety and Power Control Functions for Notebook Computers,[on-line], Aug. 28, 2000, [retrieved on Sep. 15, 2000], retrieved from Business Wire, Santa Clara, CA Internet , <URL: http://access.nearac.com/WNDABASM>.
Port, Inc. Introduced Universal Auto/Air Adapter and Power Tips. [on-line], Apr. 12, 2000 [retrieved on Sep. 15, 2000] retrieved from PR Newswire, Internet: <URL: http://access.nearac.com/WNDABASM>.
Cynthia Bournellis, Bernard McAleer, Gateway 2000 Powerxtender Adapter [on-line][retrieved on Sep. 15, 2000] retrieved from Electronic News Internet: <URL: http://access.nearac.com/WNDABASM>.
Gateway 2000 Announces Airplane/Auto Power Adapter for Portables [on-line], Aug. 25, 1997 [retrieved on Sep. 15, 2000], retrieved from Newswire pp 08251423, Internet: <URL: http://access.nearac.com/WNDABASM>.
Connecting Abroad (traveling with a laptop) [on-line], [retrieved on Sep. 15, 2000] retrieved from Industry Week, vol. V247, No. n13, p. 53(1)., Internet: <URL: http://access.nearac.com/WNDABASM>.
Transmonde Technologies Announces New PowerXtender DC Airplane and Auto Adapter; DC Adapter Accessory Frees Up Battery in the Air and on the Road. [on-line] Jul. 7, 1997 [retrieved on Sep. 15, 1997], retrieved from Business Wire pp. 07071034, Internet: <URL: http://access.nearac.com/WNDABASM>.
Targus.com [on-line], May 30, 2001, [retrieved Sep. 19, 2000] Internet: <URL: www.targus.com>.
SAS Corporate Communications [on-line] [retrieved on Sep. 19, 2000] Internet: <URL www.scandinavian.net/company
ewsfacts/press>.
PowerXtender Airplane & Auto Adapters [on-line] May 30, 2001 [retrieved Sep. 15, 2000], Internet: <URL www.powerxtender.com/products/dcAdapters.html>.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Multiple source power adapter for output power control does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Multiple source power adapter for output power control, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multiple source power adapter for output power control will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2822300