Video game power controller

• US 5,795,229 A
• Filed: 10/23/1996
• Issued: 08/18/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Edward J. Johnson
• Original Assignee: Edward J. Johnson
• Inventors: Johnson, Edward J.
• Primary Examiner(s): MANUEL, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US08/735,524
• Time in Patent Office: 664 Days
• Field of Search: 463/46, 463/47, 273/237, 273/238, 363/13, 363/15, 363/34, 363/63, 363/146, 320/14, 320/15, 323/349, 323/351, 439/502, 439/505
• US Class Current: 463/47
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/14 Balancing the load in a network
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/50 for selectively controlling the operation of the loads
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/14 by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading

Abstract

A video game power controller selectively supplies power to multiple different video game systems. The controller includes a built-in master switch, surge protection, an EMI filter, and a parental lock-out switch. The controller is adaptable to either 110 VAC or 220 VAC power and includes a plurality of primary, independently switched DC video power plugs, at least one independently switched AC video power plug and at least one auxiliary switched DC video plug.

Claims

1. A video game power controller for selective connection between an input power source and one or more of a plurality of video game systems, comprising:

a. an input including a wire pair connectable to a line power outlet;

b. a master switch connected in series with one wire of said wire pair;

c. a step-down transformer connected to said wire pair;

d. a first AC/DC power supply connectable to said transformer;

e. a plurality of power outputs, each of which is equipped with a power jack for connection to a respective one of said video game systems;

f. a plurality of switches, each of which is connected between said first power supply and a respective one of said power outputs;

g. a second AC/DC power supply connectable to said transformer;

h. at least one auxiliary power output which is equipped with an auxiliary power jack for connection to an auxiliary video game system; and

i. an auxiliary power switch which is connected between said second power supply and said auxiliary power outputs.

2. A controller as in claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a surge protection device connected across said wire pair.

3. A controller as in claim 1 and further comprising:

a. an Electromagnetic Noise Interference filter connected to said wire pair.

4. A controller as in claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a parental lock-out switch connected in series with one wire of said wire pair.

5. A controller as in claim 1 and wherein said transformer includes a primary coil and a pair of secondary coils, each of which forms a portion of a respective one of said first and second AC/DC power supplies, said controller also comprising:

a. an additional coil; and

b. a power control switch selectively connecting said additional coil in series with said transformer primary coil across said wire pair to complete a voltage divider circuit across said wire pair.

6. A controller as in claim 1 and further comprising:

a. at least one AC power output connected across one of said secondary coils, which AC power output is equipped with an AC power jack for connection to a video game system; and

b. an AC power switch which is connected between said one secondary coil and said AC power output.

7. A controller as in claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a visual indicator means in said first AC/DC power supply providing a visual indication of power in said first AC/DC power supply.

8. A controller as in claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a current overload protection device provided in each of said first and second AC/DC power supplies.

9. A video game power controller for selective connection between an input power source and one or more of a plurality of video game systems, comprising:

a. an input including a wire pair connectable to a line power outlet;

b. a master switch connected in series with one wire of said wire pair;

c. a step-down transformer connected to said wire pair, said transformer including;

i. a primary coil;

ii. first and second secondary coils;

iii. an additional coil; and

iv. a power control switch selectively connecting said additional coil in series with said transformer primary coil across said wire pair;

d. a first AC/DC power supply connectable to said first secondary coil of said transformer;

e. a plurality of power outputs, each of which is equipped with a power jack for connection to a respective one of said video game systems;

f. a plurality of switches, each of which is connected between said first power supply and a respective one of said power outputs;

g. a second AC/DC power supply connectable to said second secondary coil of said transformer;

h. at least one auxiliary power output which is equipped with an auxiliary power jack for connection to an auxiliary video game system;

i. an auxiliary power switch which is connected between said second power supply and said auxiliary power outputs;

j. at least one AC power output connected across one of said secondary coils, which AC power output is equipped with an AC power jack for connection to a video game system; and

k. an AC power switch which is connected between said one secondary coil and said AC power output.

10. A controller as in claim 9 and further comprising:

a. a surge protection device connected across said wire pair.

11. A controller as in claim 9 and further comprising:

a. an Electromagnetic Noise Interference filter connected to said wire pair.

12. A controller as in claim 9 and further comprising:

a. a parental lock-out switch connected in series with one wire of said wire pair.

13. A controller as in claim 9 and further comprising:

a. a visual indicator means in said first AC/DC power supply providing a visual indication of power in said first AC/DC power supply.

14. A controller as in claim 9 and further comprising:

a. a current overload protection device provided in each of said first and second AC/DC power supplies.

15. A video game power controller for selective connection between an input power source and one or more of a plurality of video game systems, comprising:

a. an input including a wire pair connectable to a line power outlet;

b. a master switch connected in series with one wire of said wire pair;

c. a step-down transformer connected to said wire pair, said transformer including;

i. a primary coil;

ii. first and second secondary coils;

iii. an additional coil; and

iv. a power control switch selectively connecting said additional coil in series with said transformer primary coil across said wire pair;

d. a first AC/DC power supply connectable to said first secondary coil of said transformer;

e. a plurality of power outputs, each of which is equipped with a power jack for connection to a respective one of said video game systems;

f. a plurality of switches, each of which is connected between said first power supply and a respective one of said power outputs;

g. second AC/DC power supply connectable to said second secondary coil of said transformer;

h. at least one auxiliary power output which is equipped with an auxiliary power jack for connection to an auxiliary video game system;

i. an auxiliary power switch which is connected between said second power supply and said auxiliary power outputs;

j. at least one AC power output connected across one of said secondary coils, which AC power output is equipped with an AC power jack for connection to a video game system;

k. an AC power switch which is connected between said one secondary coil and said AC power output;

l. a surge protection device connected across said wire pair;

m. an Electromagnetic Noise Interference filter connected to said wire pair; and

n. a parental lock-out switch connected in series with one wire of said wire pair.

16. A controller as in claim 15 and further comprising:

a. a visual indicator means in said first AC/DC power supply providing a visual indication of power in said first AC/DC power supply.

17. A controller as in claim 15 and further comprising:

a. a current overload protection device provided in each of said first and second AC/DC power supplies.