Modular voltage adapter and method for using same
First Claim
1. An arrangement of interconnected voltage adapter units, comprising:
- a converter unit connectable to an AC power source for providing a plurality of output voltages; and
a first voltage unit being configured to receive said plurality of output voltages from said converter unit and output a settable DC output voltage selected from said plurality of output voltages;
a reception bus of said first voltage unit coupleable to a distribution bus of said converter unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An adapter used in conjunction with voltage modules to provide multiple and variable DC output voltages. The adapter may include a circuit for stepping down an AC input voltage to lower AC output voltages. A voltage module is provided having an interface bus, configured to be coupleable to a distribution bus on the voltage adapter. Preferably, the voltage module includes AC-DC conversion circuitry, such that the AC output voltages received from the adapter may be converted to DC voltages. Once the adapter and voltage module are coupled together, the voltage module allows the user to select among the multiple DC output voltages provided. In some embodiments, the adapter includes additional circuitry for converting the stepped-down AC voltages into DC output voltages. Additional separate voltage modules may be coupled to the first voltage module, in series, to form a modular stack of voltage modules. Like the first voltage module, the second voltage module may have a selectable output voltage, as well.
37 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An arrangement of interconnected voltage adapter units, comprising:
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a converter unit connectable to an AC power source for providing a plurality of output voltages; and
a first voltage unit being configured to receive said plurality of output voltages from said converter unit and output a settable DC output voltage selected from said plurality of output voltages;
a reception bus of said first voltage unit coupleable to a distribution bus of said converter unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for providing a variable output voltage from a single power source through an arrangement of interconnected voltage units, said method comprising:
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coupling a first unit to an AC power source;
transforming an AC voltage in said first unit into a plurality of stepped-down output voltages;
coupling a second unit to said first unit to receive said plurality of stepped-down output voltages and for converting said stepped-down output voltages to alternate output voltages; and
selecting and outputting one of said alternate output voltages from said second unit. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
electrically coupling a third unit to said second unit; and
selecting and outputting one of said alternate output voltages from said third unit.
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16. The method of claim 15, wherein the alternate output voltage selected and output from said second unit is different from the alternate output voltage selected and output from said third unit.
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17. An arrangement of interconnected voltage units comprising:
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a converter unit for receiving electrical power from an AC power source, and for providing a plurality of lesser output voltages; and
a first voltage unit electrically coupleable to said converter unit and configured to receive said plurality of lesser output voltages and output a settable output voltage selected from said plurality of lesser output voltages. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification