PORTABLE MULTI-DEVICE POWER SUPPLY, BATTERY CHARGER, AND DOCKING SYSTEM

• US 20100067197A1
• Filed: 09/12/2008
• Published: 03/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Callpod Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Callpod Incorporated
• Inventors: Lurey, Craig B., Guccione, Darren S.
• Granted Patent: US 8,107,243 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/728
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C

Abstract

A multiple electronic device power supply, battery charger, and USB docking system has a plurality of power ports for charging/powering electronic devices and a plurality of USB ports for coupling peripheral devices to a computer or large electronic device. Electronic devices which may be charged using the present invention can require current from less than 500 mA to approximately 6 A. Voltage setting resistors in specialized adapters serve to set the voltage needed for individual devices in order to manage current and voltage distribution throughout the present invention, particularly when large and mid-sized electronic devices are connected to the present multiple device charger and docking system. Default settings set the voltage output at 24 volts if not otherwise directed.

Claims

1. A portable multiple electronic device power supply, battery charger, and docking system comprising:

a power circuit configured to simultaneously power a plurality of electronic devices;

a plurality of power ports;

an integral USB hub having a plurality of USB ports;

at least one fixed voltage regulator; and

at least one adjustable voltage regulator,

wherein the at least one fixed voltage regulator provides a voltage to the USB hub and to at least one of the plurality of power ports, and

wherein the at least one adjustable voltage regulator receives voltage regulating input and adjusts an output voltage.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the power circuit provides both overcurrent and short circuit protection.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a housing.

4. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the circuit has a dimmer switch.

5. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the system is configured to power a first device requiring less than 500 mA of current and a second device requiring more than 500 mA of current.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the system is configured to power a first device requiring less than 500 mA of current and a second device requiring between 500 mA and 6 A of current.

7. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the power circuit further comprises a power converter.

8. A circuit for powering multiple electronic devices and a USB hub simultaneously, the circuit comprising:

a power converter;

at least one voltage setting resistor;

at least one fixed voltage regulator; and

at least one adjustable voltage regulator,

wherein the at least one fixed voltage regulator provides a voltage to at least one of a USB hub and to at least one of the plurality of electronic devices,

wherein the at least one adjustable voltage regulator receives input from the at least one voltage setting resistor and adjusts an output voltage.

9. The circuit in accordance with claim 8 further comprising an overcurrent protection circuit.

10. The circuit in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a short-circuit protection circuit.

11. A method for powering a plurality of power ports and at least one USB hub simultaneously, the method comprising:

providing an input voltage to a power converter; and

modifying an output voltage of the power converter, wherein the output voltage of the power converter is divided between at least one fixed voltage regulator and at least one adjustable voltage regulator,

wherein the at least one fixed voltage regulator provides a voltage to the USB hub and to at least one of a plurality of power ports,

wherein the at least one adjustable voltage regulator receives an input and adjusts an output voltage.

12. The method in accordance with claim 11, wherein an output voltage of the fixed voltage regulator and an output voltage of the adjustable voltage regulators are provided with overcurrent and short circuit protection.