Multiple source power adapter for output power control

• US 6,358,096 B1
• Filed: 12/29/2000
• Issued: 03/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gateway Incorporated (Acer, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Gateway Incorporated (Acer, Inc.)
• Inventors: Beckman, Jerry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KHIEM M
• Application Number:
  US09/751,578
• Time in Patent Office: 445 Days
• Field of Search: 439/188, 439/353, 439/489, 439/507, 439/490, 439/509, 439/638, 439/955, 439/956, 307/116, 307/125, 307/140
• US Class Current: 439/638
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6272 comprising a single latching arm
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7031 Shorting, shunting or bussing of different terminals interrupted or effected on engagement of coupling part, e.g. for ESD protection, line continuity
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7039 the coupling part with coding means activating the switch to establish different circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 29/00 Coupling parts for selective co-operation with a counterpart in different ways to establish different circuits, e.g. for voltage selection, for series-parallel selection, programmable connectors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/956 with means to allow selection of diverse voltage or polarity

Abstract

A power adapter provides electrical power from multiple power sources. The power adapter includes first and second plugs adapted to be electrically coupled to first and second power sources, respectively. The power adapter is configured to provide a first power output from the first power source (e.g., airline power socket), and a second power output from the second power source (e.g., cigarette lighter socket), to the electronic device, depending on which power source to which the power adapter is coupled. The power adapter may also limit the first power output from the first power source to a predetermined maximum.

Claims

1. An electrical power adapter for providing power to a portable electronic device from multiple power sources, the power adapter comprising:

a power cord capable of electrically coupling to the electronic device and providing electrical power thereto;

a first plug electrically coupled to the power cord, the first plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a first power source;

a second plug having first and second ends, the first end adapted to be electrically coupled to the first plug, the second end adapted to be electrically coupled to a second power source;

a switch having first and second positions, wherein the switch is in the second position when the second plug is electrically coupled to the first plug, and the switch is in the first position otherwise; and

a power control circuit electrically coupled to the switch, wherein the power control circuit controls the electrical power that the power adapter provides to the electronic device;

wherein the power adapter provides a first power output from the first power source to the electronic device when the switch is in the first position and a second power output from the second power source to the electronic device when the switch is in the second position, the first power output and the second power output being distinct.

2. The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the power control circuit limits the first power output to be substantially within a predetermined maximum.

3. The power adapter of claim 2, wherein the predetermined maximum is based on standards for the first power output.

4. The power adapter of claim 1, the switch comprising a pair of conductors electrically coupled to the power control circuit, wherein the conductors are electrically isolated when the switch is in the first position, and the conductors are electrically coupled when the switch is in the second position.

5. The power adapter of claim 4, further comprising a third conductor, wherein the pair of conductors are disposed on the first plug and the third conductor is disposed on the second plug, and further wherein when the switch is in the second position, the third conductor contacts and electrically couples the pair of conductors.

6. The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the first power source is an airline power socket.

7. The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the second power source is a cigarette lighter socket.