Programmable power adaptor

• US 20060071558A1
• Filed: 09/30/2004
• Published: 04/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Targus International LLC
• Original Assignee: Targus Group International Incorporated (Targus International LLC)
• Inventors: Smith, Scott
• Granted Patent: US 7,646,107 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/11
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/40 adapted for charging from various sources, e.g. AC, DC or multivoltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0068 Battery or charger load switching, e.g. concurrent charging and load supply H02J7/0013 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 for DC powered loads

Abstract

Methods and systems for programmable power adaptors that can be programmed to adapt electrical power for one or more electronic devices. A programmable power adaptor optionally includes a user interface and/or other user input mechanism(s), which allows users to preset voltage requirements for one or more electronic devices. The pre-settings are stored in memory for future use. The programmable power adaptor is optionally configurable for multiple electronic devices, and/or multiple users. The programmable power adaptor optionally informs users of faults, proper device usage, and/or provides database access.

Claims

1. A programmable power adaptor, comprising:

an electrical input port;

an electrical output port;

a user interface;

a memory; and

a programmable controller coupled to the electrical input port, the electrical output port, the user interface, and to the memory;

wherein the memory includes information associated with an electronic device including electrical power requirement;

wherein the programmable controller adapts input electrical power for the electronic device according to the stored information.

2. The programmable power adaptor according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of tips that are selectively attachable to the electrical output port, wherein the memory associates a selected one of the plurality of tips with the electrical power requirements of the electronic device.

3. The programmable power adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the memory stores information associated with a plurality of electronic devices.

4. The programmable power adaptor according to claim 3, wherein the memory stores information associated with a plurality of electronic devices for a plurality of users.

5. The programmable power adaptor according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of electrical output ports, wherein the programmable controller simultaneously adapts input electrical power for more than one electronic device.

6. The programmable power adaptor according to claim 1, further comprising a battery coupled to the user interface and memory, wherein the battery provides back-up power for user interface and the memory.

7. The programmable power adaptor according to claim 6, wherein the battery further provides at least temporary back-up power to one or more electronic devices coupled to the electrical output port.

8. The programmable power adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a liquid crystal display.

9. The programmable power adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a touch-sensitive liquid crystal display.

10. The power adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the programmable controller adapts alternating current to direct current.

11. The power adaptor according to claim 10, wherein the programmable controller further adapts a first direct current voltage to a second direct current voltage.

12. The power adaptor according to claim 10, wherein the programmable controller is configured to adapt a variety of alternating current frequencies to a direct current.

13. The power adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the programmable controller is configured to identify a tip coupled to the electrical output port.

14. The power adaptor according to claim 13, wherein the programmable controller is configured to identify the tip through feedback received from the tip.

15. The power adaptor according to claim 13, wherein the programmable controller is configured to identify the tip through input received from the user interface.

16. A method for adapting electrical power for an electronic device, comprising:

storing electrical power requirements for a plurality of electronic devices;

identifying at least one of the electronic devices coupled to a power adaptor;

converting an input electrical source according to the stored electrical power requirements for the at least one electronic device that is coupled to the power adaptor.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the storing comprises storing an identification of a connector tip associated at least one of the electronic devices.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the identifying comprises determining that the tip is coupled to the power adaptor and retrieving electrical power requirements associated with the tip.

19. The method according to claim 16 wherein the converting comprises converting an alternating current electrical source to a direct current.

20. The method according to claim 16, further comprising receiving user input identifying an electronic device and associating the electronic device with a tip.