GPS power/data cable system

• US 6,007,372 A
• Filed: 09/16/1997
• Issued: 12/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Delorme Publishing Company Incorporated (Garmin Limited)
• Original Assignee: Delorme Publishing Company Incorporated (Garmin Limited)
• Inventors: Wood, Craig S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stephan, Steven L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PATEL, TULSIDAS C
• Application Number:
  US08/931,664
• Time in Patent Office: 833 Days
• Field of Search: 439/502, 439/638, 439/650, 439/652
• US Class Current: 439/502
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/13 Receivers
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/34 Power consumption
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/35 Constructional details or hardware or software details of the signal processing chain
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/005 Intermediate parts for distributing signals

Abstract

A device for coupling global positioning system (GPS) receivers to computer systems in a way that takes advantage of available power supplies. The device includes an adaptive power base that may be used to replace the standard battery-pack bases of many portable GPS receivers. The adaptive power base is coupled through an interface cabling system to an external power supply. The power supply may be associated with the computer means, such as a mouse or keyboard port, or it may be a completely separate source, such as an automobile'"'"'s cigarette lighter outlet. The interface cabling system includes couplings for linking the data communications ports of the GPS receiver and the computer system together. Through the design of the present invention, the GPS receiver is more adaptive to available power sources and therefore may be used for longer periods of time and in a variety of locations. The design is simple in that it includes standard connectors.

Claims

1. A system for exchanging data between a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and a computer means for supplying power to the GPS receiver, the system comprising:

a. a computer device including a data exchange port and a power-providing port selected from the group consisting of a mouse port, a keyboard port, and a combination mouse/keyboard port;

b. a GPS receiver device; and

c. an interface cabling system coupled to said GPS receiver device and means for coupling to said data exchange port and said power providing port of said computer device, wherein said interface cabling system provides for an exchange of data between said computer device and said GPS receiver device, and wherein said interface cabling system provides for powering of said GPS receiver device by said computer device.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an adaptive removable power supply base attachable to the GPS receiver device.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said interface cabling system includes:

a. a first cable coupled to said GPS receiver device; and

b. a second cable having a first coupling end for coupling to said first cable, and a second coupling end including a data coupling cable that is said means for coupling said GPS receiver device to said data exchange port, and a power coupling cable having an adaptive end for coupling said GPS receiver device to said power providing port of said computer device.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein an adaptive end of said data coupling cable is a DB-9 female connector and said first coupling end of said second cable includes a DB-9 male connector for coupling said second cable to said first cable, and wherein said adaptive end of said power coupling cable is a 6-pin mini DIN fitting.