Power supply methods and configurations

• US 20030085621A1
• Filed: 09/30/2002
• Published: 05/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Patrick Henry Potega
• Original Assignee: Patrick Henry Potega
• Inventors: Potega, Patrick Henry
• Granted Patent: US 7,002,265 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/18
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/26 Rail vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/11 DC charging controlled by the charging station, e.g. mode 4
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/22 Balancing the charge of battery modules
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/36 Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3648 comprising digital calculation means, e.g. for performing an algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3835 involving only voltage measurements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/263 Arrangements for using multiple switchable power supplies, e.g. battery and AC G06F1/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/40 The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/44 for aircrafts
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/48 for electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00041 in response to measured battery parameters, e.g. voltage, current or temperature profile
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0068 Battery or charger load switching, e.g. concurrent charging and load supply H02J7/0013 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 for DC powered loads
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

A power supply detects power requirements of an electrical device and configures itself to provide the correct power to the device. By using a connector that isolates the device from its battery, the power supply can provide power to the device, recharge the battery, recharge the battery while at the same time providing power to the device, or provide power to the device while preventing the battery from being recharged. A switch used with the connector creates various circuits and is controllable by the power supply, the electrical device, by signals from the electrical device, or by a third device. The power supply may provide power to a plurality of devices and may be used with other power supplies to form a power grid. A master control unit receives inputs from each of the power supplies and controls the delivery and supply of power being the power supplies.

Claims

1. A power supply for delivering electrical power to an electrical device, comprising:

a first input for receiving a source of electrical power;

a second input for receiving a power signal directed to a power input port of the electrical device, the electrical device being operated by power delivered to the power input port;

a regulator, connected to the first input, for outputting a regulated source of electrical power; and

a processor for processing the power signal and for controlling an output of the regulator;

wherein the processor determines power requirements of the electrical device from the power signal and controls the regulator so that a required power output is delivered to the power input port of the electrical device.

2. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the processor receives the power signal from a battery associated with the electrical device.

3. The power supply as set forth in claim 2, wherein power signal comprises a voltage signal and the processor determines the required power output based on the voltage signal from the battery.

4. The power supply as set forth in claim 3, wherein the processor adjusts the power output from the regulator at least one time before controlling the regulator so that the power output is at the required power output.

5. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the power signal comprises a battery data signal obtained from the battery.

6. The power supply as set forth in claim 5, wherein the battery data signal provides at least one characteristic of the battery.

7. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the power signal provides a measurement of current being drawn by the electrical device and the processor controls a voltage output by the regulator based on the measurement of current.

8. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the power signal comprises a data signal received by the processor from the electrical device.

9. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical device is connected to a battery and to a circuit for recharging the battery and the processor detects activation of the recharging circuit.

10. The power supply as set forth in claim 9, wherein the processor issues a warning after detecting activation of the recharging circuit.

11. The power supply as set forth in claim 9, wherein the processor disconnects the recharging circuit from the battery after detecting activation of the recharging circuit.

12. The power supply as set forth in claim 10, wherein the processor sends the alert to a data-enabled smart battery.

13. The power supply as set forth in claim 10, wherein the processor issues the warning as a visual indicator.

14. The power supply as set forth in claim 13, wherein the visual indicator comprises an illuminated warning light.

15. The power supply as set forth in claim 13, wherein the visual indicator is displayed on a screen.

16. The power supply as set forth in claim 13, wherein the warning is displayed to a user for causing the user to remove a battery associated with the electrical device.

17. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the power signal comprises a current signature of the electrical device and the processor determines the required amount of power based on the current signature.

18. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the processor performs a polarity check on the power input port for the electrical device.

19. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a recharging circuit for recharging a battery associated with the electrical device.

20. The power supply as set forth in claim 19, wherein the processor determines a chemistry of the battery.

21. The power supply as set forth in claim 19, wherein the processor controls the recharging circuit to recharge the battery while the regulator provides power to the electrical device.

22. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a transceiver for receiving communication signals.

23. The power supply as set forth in claim 22, wherein the transceiver comprises an infrared transceiver.

24. The power supply as set forth in claim 22, wherein the transceiver comprises an acoustical transceiver.

25. The power supply as set forth in claim 22, wherein the transceiver comprises a radio frequency transceiver.

26. The power supply as set forth in claim 22, wherein the transceiver performs power line modulation.

27. The power supply as set forth in claim 22, wherein the transceiver comprises a modem.

28. The power supply as set forth in claim 22, wherein the communication signals comprise data signals from the electrical device.

29. The power supply as set forth in claim 22, wherein the communication signals comprise data signals from a battery associated with the electrical device.

30. The power supply as set forth in claim 22, wherein the communication signals comprise control signals from a network controller, the processor adjusting the output of the regulator based on the control signals.

31. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a connector having a first set of contacts connected to the power input port of the electrical device, a second set of contacts connected to a battery associated with the electrical device, a dielectric layer for isolating the first set of contacts from the second set of contacts, a first set of conductors connected to the first set of contacts, and a second set of conductors connected to the second set of contacts.

32. The power supply as set forth in claim 31, further comprising a controller and a switch, the switch having a first terminal connected to the first set of conductors, a second terminal connected to the second set of conductors, and a third terminal, wherein the controller controls the switch to connect the third terminal to at least one of the first terminal or the second terminal.

33. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, wherein the third terminal is connected to an output of the regulator and the controller controls the switch to supply the output of the regulator to at least one of the battery or the electrical device.

34. The power supply as set forth in claim 33, wherein the controller controls the switch so that the output of the regulator is supplied to both the battery and the electrical device.

35. The power supply as set forth in claim 33, wherein the switch further includes a fourth terminal connected to a second electrical device and the controller controls the switch to supply the output of the regulator to the second electrical device.

36. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, wherein the third terminal is connected to the second input and wherein the controller connects the third terminal to the first terminal so that the power signal is received from the supplied device.

37. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, wherein the third terminal is connected to the second input and wherein the controller connects the third terminal to the second terminal so that the power signal is received from the battery.

38. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, wherein the third terminal is connected to a second source of power and the controller controls the switch so that the second source of power is supplied to the electrical device.

39. The power supply as set forth in claim 38, wherein the second source of power is a battery.

40. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, wherein the third terminal is connected to a second source of power and the controller controls the switch so that the second source of power is supplied to the battery.

41. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, further including a sensor for sensing at least one of a voltage or current delivered from a battery associated with the electrical device.

42. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, further including a sensor for detecting heat generated within the power supply.

43. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, further including a third input for receiving a second source of power.

44. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the regulator is a variable voltage output regulator.

45. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least part of the power supply forms part of a tray.

46. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the power signal is an analog signal and the power supply further includes an analog-to-digital converter for converting the power signal into a digital power signal.

94. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, wherein the electrical device controls the switch so that the output of the regulator is supplied to the battery and the electrical device.

95. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, wherein the battery controls the switch so that the output of the regulator is supplied to the battery and the electrical device.

96. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, wherein the switch receives the power signal and the power signal controls the switch so that the output of the regulator is supplied to the battery and the electrical device.

97. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, further including a connectable jumper assembly for coupling the output of the regulator to the battery and the electrical device.

99. The power supply as set forth in claim 32, further including a sensor for detecting at least one of a voltage or current of the power signal wherein the sensor provides its output to the processor.

100. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least part of the power supply is a part of a horizontal support surface on which a powered electrical device sits.

101. The power supply as set forth in claim 100, wherein the part of the power supply is a retractable power cord for delivering power from the power supply to the electrical device.

102. The power supply as set forth in claim 100, wherein the part of the power supply includes a device selected from the group consisting of a logic circuit, a smart circuit, a sensor, a processor, a conductor, and a switch.

222. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, wherein the processor is part of the electrical device.

226. The power supply as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a transceiver for sending and receiving communication signals.

227. The power supply as set forth in claim 226, wherein the communication signals comprise data signals to and from the electrical device.

228. The power supply as set forth in claim 226, wherein the communication signals comprise data signals from a battery associated with the electrical device.

47. A network for providing power to a plurality of electrical devices that may have unknown and varied requirements of power, comprising:

a plurality of power supplies, wherein;

each power supply is connectable to at least one electrical device and is for providing power to each connected electrical device,

each power supply receives a control input, and

each power supply adjusts its power output based on the control input;

means connected to each of the electrical devices for receiving power control signals, the power control signals representing desired power demanded at each electrical device;

a master control unit for receiving the power control signals, for determining a desired power output of each power supply, and for generating the control input for each power supply so that the power supply adjusts its power output to the desired power output.

48. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein each power supply includes:

a first input for receiving a source of electrical power;

a second input for receiving a power control signal directed to a power input port of the electrical device, the electrical device being operated by power delivered to the power input port;

a regulator, connected to the first input, for outputting a regulated source of electrical power; and

a processor for controlling an output of the regulator based on the control input received from the master control unit.

49. The network as set forth in claim 48, wherein the means for receiving the power control signal comprises a communications transceiver for receiving the power control signal from the electrical device.

50. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the means for receiving includes at least one sensor for detecting a voltage of a battery associated with the electrical device.

51. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the means for receiving includes at least one sensor for detecting a current being supplied to the electrical device.

52. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the power control signals are sent from batteries associated with the electrical devices.

53. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the power control signals are indications of power being consumed by the electrical devices.

54. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the master control unit determines the desired power outputs for each power supply based on loads at the electrical devices.

55. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the master control unit detects battery recharging activity occurring at any one of the electrical devices.

56. The network as set forth in claim 55, wherein the master control unit disconnects the at least one electrical device from its battery after detecting activation of a battery recharging circuit within the at least one electrical device.

57. The network as set forth in claim 55, wherein the master control unit issues an alert to the at least one electrical device after detecting activation of the battery recharging circuit.

58. The network as set forth in claim 47, further including at least one recharging circuit for recharging a battery associated with one of the electrical devices.

59. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the master control unit determines battery chemistry of a battery associated with at least one of the electrical devices using the power control signal from the one electrical device.

60. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the power supplies are located within a cabin compartment of an airplane.

61. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the master control unit directs power from one power supply to at least one other power supply.

62. The network as set forth in claim 47, further including an activation unit for permitting a user to receive power for one of the electrical devices.

63. The network as set forth in claim 62, wherein the activation unit receives information for billing the user for the power.

64. The network as set forth in claim 62, wherein the activation unit includes an in-flight telephone.

98. The power supply as set forth in claim 117, wherein the jumper assembly configures the connector so that the output of the regulator is supplied to the electrical device independently of supplying power to the battery.

103. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein each power supply includes means for sending captured power-related information signals on each connected electrical device to the master control unit.

104. The network as set forth in claim 103, wherein the power-related information signals are analog power signals from a battery associated with each electrical device.

105. The network as set forth in claim 103, wherein the power-related information signals indicate an amount of power being consumed by the electrical device.

106. The network as set forth in claim 103, wherein the power-related information signals are power signatures for the electrical devices.

107. The network as set forth in claim 103, wherein the power-related information signals are battery data signals obtained from a battery associated with the electrical device.

108. The network as set forth in claim 103, wherein the means for sending the power-related information signals supply comprises a communications transceiver for sending the power-related information signals to the master control unit.

109. The network as set forth in claim 108, wherein the communications transceiver is an infrared transceiver.

110. The network as set forth in claim 103, wherein the master control unit determines the desired power output for each power supply based on the power-related information signals received from each power supply.

111. The network as set forth in claim 57, wherein the alert is for shutting down the recharging circuit.

112. The network as set forth in claim 55, wherein the master control unit issues a warning to at least one electrical device after detecting activation of the battery recharging circuit.

113. The network as set forth in claim 58, wherein the charging circuit is for charging a battery associated with at least one of the power supplies, the battery being used as a reserve stand-by power to assist at least one of the power supplies in powering at least one of the electrical devices.

114. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the power supplies receive input power from a power grid of a transportation vehicle.

115. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein at least one of the power supplies receives input power from the power grid of an airplane, the at least one power supply delivering its output power to one of the electrical device via a power cable which retracts into a food service tray on the airplane.

116. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the power supplies deliver power to installed or passenger-provided electrical devices on a transportation vehicle.

117. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein a single one of the plurality of power supplies delivers power to a plurality of local electrical devices on a transportation vehicle.

118. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the master control unit controls the power state of at least one power supply in the network.

119. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the master control unit directs power from one power supply to another, directs a reserve battery to supplement the available power of one of the power supplies, and controls the power state of a power supply, whereby the master control unit shares the load of a quantity of power supplies in a managed way.

120. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein the master control unit controls the power state of each of a quantity of power supplies and manages total available power resources of a power grid of a transportation vehicle.

121. The network as set forth in claim 47, wherein at least one power supply is embedded in a transportation vehicle.

65. A method of delivering electrical power to an electrical device, comprising:

receiving a source of electrical power;

capturing a power signal directed to a power input port of the electrical device, the electrical device being operated by power delivered to the power input port;

determining power requirements of the electrical device from the power signal;

adjusting an output of a power supply based on determined power requirements to a desired power output; and

providing the desired power output to the electrical device.

66. The method as set forth in claim 65, wherein the capturing of the power signal includes capturing the power signal from a battery associated with the electrical device.

67. The method as set forth in claim 66, wherein the capturing includes receiving data signals from the battery.

68. The method as set forth in claim 65, wherein the capturing includes monitoring a load at the electrical device.

69. The method as set forth in claim 65, wherein the capturing includes detecting a current signature at the electrical device.

70. The method as set forth in claim 65, wherein determining includes determining a class of the electrical device by performing a look-up of the desired power output based on a current reading.

71. The method as set forth in claim 65, wherein the adjusting includes power factor correcting the output of the power supply to the desired power output.

72. The method as set forth in claim 65, further including detecting a recharging of a battery associated with the electrical device.

73. The method as set forth in claim 65, further including preventing a recharging of a battery associated with the electrical device.

74. The method as set forth in claim 65, further including determining a chemistry of a battery associated with the electrical device.

75. The method as set forth in claim 65, further including recharging a battery associated with the electrical device.

76. The method as set forth in claim 65, further including supplying power to a second electrical device.

122. The method as set forth in claim 65, wherein the capturing includes detecting a quantity of power-related activities at the electrical device that collectively constitute a power signature of the electrical device.

123. The method as set forth in claim 65, wherein a current signature of the electrical device is expressed as values in a look-up table used by a processor to determine the output power signal of the power supply.

124. The method as set forth in claim 65, wherein determining includes determining a class of related electrical device by capturing a quantity of power-related values of the electrical device that are referenced in a look-up table.

77. A computer-readable medium for storing software used in delivering power to an electrical device, the software being executable by a computer and is used in performing a method of:

receiving a query concerning power requirements of the electrical device;

determining desired power requirements for the electrical device;

generating a power control signal reflecting the desired power requirements; and

transmitting the power control signal;

wherein the power control signal is used in adjusting an output of the power supply so that the output provides the desired power output to the electrical device.

78. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein receiving the query includes receiving the query from a master control unit.

79. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein receiving the query includes receiving the query from the power supply.

80. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the determining includes reading data regarding the electrical device.

81. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the electrical device is the computer.

82. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the transmitting is transmitting the power control signals via a communications link.

83. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the determining includes checking a state of a battery associated with the electrical device.

84. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the determining includes monitoring a load of the electrical device.

85. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the determining includes performing power factor correction.

86. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the determining includes detecting a current signature of the electrical device.

87. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the transmitting includes transmitting information on a configuration of the electrical device.

88. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 87, wherein the transmitting includes transmitting information on a boot-up sequence of the electrical device.

89. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the transmitting includes transmitting voltage information on the electrical device.

90. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, further including confirming actual power delivered to the electrical device is at the desired power output.

91. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 90, wherein the power control signal includes information on a desired voltage supplied to the electrical device and the confirming includes comparing an actual voltage supplied to the electrical device to the desired voltage.

92. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the determining includes reading data from a smart battery associated with the electrical device.

93. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 77, wherein the determining includes receiving data from the electrical device.

125. A method of delivering a nominal voltage signal to power an electrical device for which an associated battery source of power is not available, comprising:

connecting conductors from the output of a power supply not associated with the electrical device to an input power port of the electrical device;

configuring the power supply to vary its output voltage;

increasing the variable output voltage of the power supply in an upward progression continuously from the lowest to the highest voltage;

repeating the progression of the power supply'"'"'s variable output voltage in a continuous loop;

setting an ON/OFF power switch of the electrical device to the ON position;

monitoring changes in current flowing along the conductors from the output of the power supply and to the input power port of the electrical device;

signaling the power supply to stop increasing its variable output voltage when a change in current is detected;

continuing the monitoring of changes in current flow and output voltage along the conductors from the power supply to the electrical device;

signaling the power supply to make at least one incremental increase in output voltage based on monitored changes in current flow and output voltage; and

halting the power supply'"'"'s incremental increases in output voltage when the power supply is delivering a nominal voltage signal to the electrical device.

126. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the connecting of the power supply includes connecting to an input power port on the electrical device that is normally used to provide power access to an external power supply.

127. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the connecting of the power supply includes connecting to an input power port on the electrical device that is normally used to provide power access to a battery associated with the electrical device.

128. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the configuring of the power supply includes a power supply that can vary its output voltage upon commands received from a source of logic.

129. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the configuring of the power supply includes memory.

130. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the repeating of the progression of power supply'"'"'s output voltage includes a software routine running in the source of logic.

131. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the setting of the electrical device'"'"'s ON/OFF switch to the ON position includes setting the switch manually.

132. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the monitoring of changes in current flowing along the conductors from the output of the power supply to an input power port of the electrical device includes an analog-to-digital converter and source of logic.

133. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the monitoring of changes in current flowing along the conductors from the power supply to a power port of the electrical device includes an analog-to-digital converter and source of logic that detects that the electrical device has activated and is, essentially, in an ON state.

134. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the signaling of the power supply to stop increasing its variable output voltage includes a processor signaling the power supply to discontinue further increases in its output voltage, based on the detecting of the electrical device'"'"'s ON state as an indicator of the delivery of a nominal voltage output from the processor'"'"'s associated power supply.

135. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the continuing of the monitoring of changes in current and output voltage includes an analog-to-digital converter and source of logic.

136. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the continuing of the monitoring of changes in current and output voltage includes an analog-to-digital converter and source of logic that monitor electrical-current-based activities in the electrical device which, optionally, may include a BIOS POST sequence.

137. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the signaling of the power supply to make at least one incremental increase in output voltage includes a source of logic that detects temperature increases in the power supply.

138. The method set forth in claim 125, wherein the halting of the power supply'"'"'s incremental output voltage increases includes a source of logic that controls the power supply.

139. A method of delivering a sustainable voltage signal to power an electrical device which has a rechargeable battery and an associated charging circuit, comprising:

connecting conductors from the output of a power supply not associated with the electrical device to an input power port of the electrical device;

configuring the power supply to vary its output voltage;

increasing the variable output voltage of the power supply in an upward progression from the lowest to the highest voltage;

monitoring changes in current flowing along the conductors from the output of the power supply to the input power port of the electrical device;

signaling the power supply to stop increasing its variable output voltage when a change in current is detected, as an option;

signaling the power supply to make at least one incremental increase in output voltage, as an option; and

halting the power supply'"'"'s incremental increases in output voltage when the power supply is delivering a sustainable voltage signal to the electrical device, as an option.

140. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the connecting of the output of the power supply to an input power port on the electrical device includes connecting to an input power port that is normally used to provide power access from an external power supply to the electrical device'"'"'s battery charging circuit, and the same port also providing power to the electrical device.

141. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the configuring of the power supply includes a power supply that can vary its output voltage upon commands received from a source of logic that is from one of a group consisting of a processor, DSP, or microcontroller.

142. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the monitoring of changes in current flowing along the conductors from the output of the power supply to an input power port of the electrical device includes an analog-to-digital converter and source of logic.

143. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the monitoring of changes in current flowing along the conductors from the power supply to a power port of the electrical device includes an analog-to-digital converter and source of logic that detects that the battery charging circuit associated with the electrical device has activated and is, essentially, in an ON state.

144. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the signaling of the power supply to stop increasing its variable output voltage includes a processor'"'"'s detecting of the charging circuit associated with the electrical device being in an ON state as an indicator of the delivery of a sustainable voltage output from the processor'"'"'s associated power supply.

145. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the signaling of the power supply to stop increasing its variable output voltage includes a processor signaling the power supply to discontinue further increases in its output voltage, based on the detecting of the charging circuit associated with the electrical device being in an ON state as an indicator of the delivery of a nominal voltage output from the processor'"'"'s associated power supply.

146. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the monitoring of changes in current to a power port of the electrical device includes a processor signaling its associated power to maintain the last voltage having been output, based on the detecting of the charging circuit associated with the electrical device being in an ON state.

147. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the monitoring of changes in current to a power port of the electrical device includes the communicating of data from a data-enabled battery to a processor associated with the power supply

148. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the signaling of the power supply to, optionally, make at least one incremental increase in output voltage includes a source of logic that controls the output voltage of the power supply.

149. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the signaling of the power supply to, optionally, make at least one incremental increase in output voltage includes making any incremental increases in voltage by implementing an algorithm that defines the voltage increases, including decreasing the voltage rise proportionately over a series of such voltage increases.

150. The method set forth in claim 139, wherein the signaling of the power supply to, optionally, make at least one incremental increase in output voltage includes making any incremental increases in voltage using an algorithm that assumes that the battery charging circuit has activated, and that the electrical device has also subsequently been turned on.

151. A method of delivering a sustainable voltage signal to power an electrical device which has an associated rechargeable battery and charging circuit, without charging the battery, comprising:

configuring a set of conductors from a power supply not associated with the electrical device to a rechargeable battery;

configuring a set of conductors from the power supply to the electrical device;

capturing power related values;

calculating a voltage value appropriate to powering the electrical device;

setting the output voltage of a power supply;

reconfiguring the set of conductors from the power supply to isolate the rechargeable battery;

reconfiguring the set of conductors from the power supply to the electrical device, thus delivering a sustainable voltage signal to power an electrical device which has an associated rechargeable battery and charging circuit, without charging the battery.

152. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein the configuring a set of conductors from the power supply to the electrical device includes manipulating the configuration of the dielectric and contacts of the connector assembly to be temporarily capable of bi-directionally transferring power signals between the battery and the power supply, without any power signals being received by the electrical device.

153. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein capturing power-related values includes sending and receiving power-related signals along conductors and contacts of the configured connector, said power signals received by the power supply from the rechargeable battery.

154. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein capturing power-related values includes receiving power-related signals from the rechargeable battery at an analog-to-digital converter associated with a processor in the power supply.

155. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein capturing power-related values includes receiving at least one power-related signal from the rechargeable battery that represents Vmax, or output voltage of the battery under no-load.

156. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein capturing power-related values includes receiving a power-related signal from the rechargeable battery at the processor that represents Vmin, or output voltage of the battery under load.

157. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein capturing power-related values includes applying a load at the conductors to the power supply so that the power-related value received by the processor represents Vmin, or output voltage of the battery under load.

158. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein capturing power-related values includes capturing digital data relating to power values from a data-enabled rechargeable battery at the processor associated with the power supply.

159. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein calculating a voltage value appropriate to powering the electrical device includes accepting the voltage value Vmax, or output voltage of the battery under no load.

160. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein calculating a voltage value appropriate to powering the electrical device includes deriving a value between the received battery output voltage value Vmax to the received battery output voltage value Vmin.

161. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein calculating a voltage value appropriate to powering the electrical device includes a processor associated with the power supply calculating a voltage value.

162. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein setting the output voltage of a power supply includes the processor setting the power supply that can vary its output voltage to the calculated voltage appropriate for powering the electrical device.

163. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein setting the output voltage of a power supply includes the processor setting the power supply that can vary its output voltage to the calculated voltage Vmax as the appropriate voltage for powering the electrical device.

164. The method set forth in claim 151, wherein setting the output voltage of a power supply includes the processor setting the power supply that can vary its output voltage to the calculated voltage which is at values between Vmax and Vmin.

165. A system for providing power to an electrical device associated with a battery, comprising:

a connector for isolating the battery from the electrical device, the connector having;

a first set of contacts for being electrically connected to at least one terminal of the battery;

a second set of contacts for being electrically connected to at least one terminal of the electrical device; and

a dielectric for isolating the first set of contacts from the second set of contacts; and

a power supply having;

a first input for receiving a source of electrical power;

a second input for receiving a power signal from the connector;

a regulator for adjusting its power output based on a control signal; and

a processor for receiving the power signal from the connector and for determining power requirements of the electrical device, the processor generating the control signal so that the power output from the regulator meets the power requirements of the electrical device.

166. The system as set forth in claim 165, further including a switch, the processor selectively controlling the switch so that the power output from the regulator is applied to either the first set of contacts thereby providing power to the battery or to the second set of contacts thereby providing power to the electrical device.

167. The system as set forth in claim 166, further including a controller, the controller controlling the switch based on an output from the processor.

168. The system as set forth in claim 165, wherein the processor controls the switch so that the power output from the regulator is provided to both the battery and to the electrical device.

169. The system as set forth in claim 165, wherein the processor controls the switch so that the power output from the regulator is provided to the battery.

170. The system as set forth in claim 165, wherein the processor receives the power signal from the battery through the first set of contacts on the connector.

171. The system as set forth in claim 165, wherein the processor receives the power signal from the electrical device through the second set of contacts on the connector.

172. The system as set forth in claim 165, wherein the power supply further includes a charging circuit for recharging the battery.

173. The system as set forth in claim 165, wherein the switch is selectively controlled so that the power output from the regulator is applied to either the first set of contacts thereby providing power to the battery or to the second set of contacts thereby providing power to the electrical device.

174. A system for providing power to an electrical device associated with a battery, comprising:

a connector for isolating the battery from the electrical device, the connector having;

a first set of contacts for contacting at least one terminal of the battery;

a second set of contacts for contacting at least one terminal of the electrical device; and

a dielectric for isolating the first set of contacts from the second set of contacts;

a power supply having;

a first input for receiving a source of electrical power;

a second input for receiving a power signal from the connector; and

a regulator for adjusting its power output based on a control signal; and

a processor for receiving the power signal from the connector and for determining power requirements of the electrical device, the processor generating the control signal and providing the regulator with the control signal so that the power output from the regulator meets the power requirements of the electrical device.

175. The system as set forth in claim 174, wherein the power supply includes the processor.

176. The system as set forth in claim 174, wherein the processor forms part of the electrical device.

177. The system as set forth in claim 174, wherein the electrical device includes a circuit for recharging the battery and the connector prevents the recharging circuit from recharging the battery.

178. A system for providing power to an electrical device having a rechargeable battery and a circuit for recharging the battery, comprising:

a power supply for outputting a source of electrical power; and

an isolation device for electrically isolating the battery from the electrical device;

wherein the power supply routes power to the electrical device through the isolation device and wherein the isolation device prevents the recharging circuit from recharging the battery.

179. The system as set forth in claim 178, wherein the isolation device is a connector having a first set of contacts connected to at least one terminal of the battery and a second set of contacts connected to at least one terminal of the electrical device.

180. The system as set forth in claim 178, wherein the isolation device includes a switch for connecting the power supply to at least one of the electrical device or the battery.

181. The system as set forth in claim 178, wherein the isolation device includes conductors for connecting data terminals of the battery to data lines of the electrical device.

182. The system as set forth in claim 178, wherein the isolation device includes conductors for connecting data terminals of the battery to data lines of the power supply.

183. A computer-readable medium for storing software used in delivering power to an electronic device, the software being executable by a source of logic that includes memory and an analog-to-digital converter, and is used in performing a method of:

detecting the connecting of the electrical device;

receiving a query concerning power requirements of the electronic device, if said power supply is part of a network of power supplies controlled by a master control unit;

determining desired power requirements for the electronic device;

generating power control signals reflecting the desired power requirements; and

transmitting the power-related signals and control signals;

wherein the power control signals are used in adjusting an output of the power supply so that the output provides the desired power requirements to the electronic device,

whereby the computer-readable medium for storing software enables a system for automatically configuring the power output of a power supply without any prior information about the power requirements of the electrical device, and without any particular skills on the part of the user of said electronic device.

184. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the detecting includes using the analog-to-digital converter to sense and capture power-related values of the battery associated with the electronic device.

185. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein detecting includes detecting at the analog-to-digital converter the presence of a voltage of the battery associated with the electronic device by monitoring for voltage values at the conductors between the power supply and the battery.

186. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the receiving of the query includes transmitting to the master control unit the detecting of the connection of the electrical device, said master control unit being present only if two or more power supplies are networked.

187. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the receiving of the query includes the master control unit having the computer-readable medium installed so that the software is running on the network at the master control unit.

188. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 187, wherein receiving the query includes the master control unit receiving the query from the power supply.

189. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the determining includes reading data regarding the electronic device.

190. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the determining includes receiving data from the electronic device.

191. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the determining includes capturing at least one voltage value of the battery while under load.

192. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the determining includes monitoring a quantity of current-load values of the electronic device, particularly during a boot-up sequence of the electronic device, this being a means of determining the desired power requirements if no useable battery information is available.

193. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 192, wherein the determining includes comparing the quantity of current-load values of the electronic device to a look-up table, thereby calculating the desired power requirements of the electronic device.

194. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the determining includes an alternative means of determining the desired power requirements of the electronic device by receiving digital data on voltages from a data-enabled battery associated with the electronic device.

195. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the determining includes an alternative means of determining the desired power requirements by receiving said power-requirement-data from the electronic device.

196. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the generating power control signals includes the power supply in a network communicating the power requirements of the electronic device to the master control unit, said requirements having been determined by at least one of a quantity of heretofore indicated methods.

197. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the generating power control signals includes the source of logic in the power supply configuring the output of the power supply, using the voltage value that has been determined by at least one of a quantity of heretofore indicated methods.

198. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the power control signals include information on a desired voltage supplied to the electronic device and the confirming includes comparing an actual voltage supplied to the electronic device to the desired voltage.

199. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, further including confirming actual power delivered to the electronic device is at the desired power requirements.

200. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the transmitting is transmitting the power control signals via a communications link.

201. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 200, wherein the communications link is an infrared link.

202. The computer-readable medium as set forth in claim 183, wherein the transmitting includes transmitting information on a configuration of the electronic device.

203. A power supply for delivering electrical power to an electrical device, comprising:

an input for receiving a source of electrical power;

an input/output port for receiving a power signal directed to a power input port of the electrical device and for delivering power to the electrical device;

a regulator, connected to the input/output port, for receiving a control signal and for adjusting its output based on the control signal; and

a logic circuit for processing the power signal and for generating the control signal to control the output of the regulator;

wherein the logic circuit determines power requirements of the electrical device from the power signal and adjusts the control signal so that the output of the regulator meets the power requirements of the electrical device.

204. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic unit receives the power signal from a battery associated with the electrical device.

205. The power supply as set forth in claim 204, wherein the power signal comprises voltage and current signals and the logic unit adjusts the output of the regulator with the control signal based on the voltage and current signals from the battery.

206. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic circuit adjusts the control signal and thus the power output from the regulator at least one time before controlling the regulator so that the output of the regulator meets the power requirements of the electrical device.

207. The power supply as set forth in claim 204, wherein the power signal from the battery comprises a digital data signal.

208. The power supply as set forth in claim 204, wherein the power signal provides at least one power-related parameter of the battery.

209. The power supply as set forth in claim 207, wherein the logic circuit outputs battery signals for controlling the battery.

210. The power supply as set forth in claim 209, further including a processor for controlling a charge function of the battery.

211. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the power signal is an analog signal for providing at least one power-related parameter of the battery.

212. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the power signal provides a detection and measurement of current being drawn by the electrical device and the logic circuit controls a voltage output by the regulator based on the detection and measurement of current.

213. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic circuit detects activation of a battery charging circuit in determining power requirements of the electrical device.

214. The power supply as set forth in claim 204, wherein the logic circuit provides a disable signal to the data-enabled battery for disabling a battery charging function.

215. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic circuit detects activation of a battery charging circuit and prevents the output of the regulator from delivering power to the charging circuit.

216. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic circuit issues a message after detecting activation of a recharging circuit for a battery.

217. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, further comprising a transceiver for sending and receiving communication signals.

218. The power supply as set forth in claim 217, wherein the communication signals comprise data signals to and from the electronic device.

219. The power supply as set forth in claim 217, wherein the communication signals comprise data signals to and from a battery associated with the electronic device.

220. The power supply as set forth in claim 217, wherein the communication signals comprise control signals from a network controller, the logic circuit adjusting the output of the regulator based on the control signals.

221. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic circuit detects activation of a recharging circuit for a battery associated with the electrical device and sends an alert to a data-enabled battery as a means of deactivating the recharging circiut.

223. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic circuit determines the required power output signal based on at least one detected load indicator of the electrical device.

224. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the input power signals comprise data signals received by the logic circuit from the supplied device.

225. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the power supply is connected to a circuit related to charging the battery and the processor detects an activation of the battery'"'"'s charging circuit.

229. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic circuit issues a message, after detecting activation of the charging circuit, as a visual indicator, said message being comunicated by at least two conductors connected between the power supply and the electrical device.

230. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the power signals comprise a current signature of the electrical device and the logic circuit determines the required amount of power based on the current signature.

231. The power supply as set forth in claim 203, wherein the logic circuit determines a chemistry of a battery associated with the electrical device.

232. The power supply as set forth in claim 225, wherein the logic circuit controls the charging circuit to recharge the battery while the regulator provides power to the electrical device.

233. A method of isolating an electrical device from its battery, the isolating also providing a separate power supply to deliver its power to the electrical device without delivering electrical power to the battery, comprising:

providing a connector assembly which is configurable by manipulating the activation of its contact and dielectric elements;

inserting the connector assembly into an existing electrical circuit of a battery and its electrical device;

attaching to the connector assembly a power supply capable of varying its power output;

providing at least one controller means which will;

determine the power output of the power supply;

manipulate the connector assembly in a first and second configuration;

manipulating a first time the dielectric and contacts of the connector assembly;

receiving at the power supply power-related signals traveling along conductors attached to the connector;

determining the power output of the power supply from the received power-related signals;

manipulating a second time the contacts and dielectric of the connector assembly;

wherein the battery is isolated so that the power output of the power supply travels along conductors attached to the connector and then only to the electrical device, and

wherein the battery cannot be charged while the electrical device is in use, said battery always being charged when a separate power supply is attached to the traditional external power port of said electrical device, said battery charging activity not always being desirable.

234. A method of creating a look-up table for use with a processor-controllable-output-voltage power supply based on observable power characteristics of hardware devices within an electrical device, said look-up table being used to assist in determining the optimal output voltage of a connected power supply, and to determine battery charging activity in an electrical device in order to prevent said battery charging, comprising:

configuring a power supply to vary its output voltage by using a source of logic;

turning on an electrical device by supplying voltage from the processor-controlled power supply;

monitoring changes in current-load along a set of conductors from the output of the power supply to an input power port of the electrical device;

capturing detected changes in current-load during a predicted sequence of hardware events occurring within the electrical device;

logging the acquired current values to a first look-up table in the order each of the associated hardware events occur;

comparing the values in the first look-up table to known equivalent historical values;

determining if there is battery charging activity, based on values captured and compared;

issuing a first warning whenever battery charging activity is detected, causing the removing of the battery associated with the electrical device by a user, thus preventing further battery charging;

issuing a second warning whenever battery charging activity is detected, said warning advising a user of the electrical device that the output of the power supply will be discontinued if the battery pack is not removed, so that the user responds to this warning by removing the battery, thus preventing further battery charging;

issuing an alert to the battery or its charging system whenever battery charging activity is detected, said alert causing the charging circuit to shut down, thus preventing further battery charging. optional supplementing of the first look-up table with a software utility in the electrical device that is capable of operating associated hardware devices in the electrical device;

running the software utility in the electrical device to turn ON and OFF in a pre-determined series known to equivalent software in the processor-equipped power supply;

communicating the turning ON and OFF of associated hardware devices within the electrical device so that the processor associated with the power supply monitors the sequence of turnings ON and OFF;

capturing at the processor detected changes in current-load during the turning ON and OFF of associated hardware devices within the electrical device;

logging the captured current-load values to a second look-up table in the order each of the associated hardware events occur;

comparing the second look-up table to the first look-up table;

comparing the second and first look-up tables to known equivalent historical values;

updating known historical values, if necessary;

applying the results of the comparing of all look-up tables to the power supply, thus optimizing the output voltage of the power supply;

applying the results of the comparing of all look-up tables, thus determining whether the battery charging circuit in the electrical device is active;

issuing a first warning whenever battery charging activity is detected, causing the removing of the battery associated with the electrical device by a user, thus preventing further battery charging;

issuing a second warning whenever battery charging activity is detected, said warning advising a user of the electrical device that the output of the power supply will be discontinued if the battery pack is not removed, so that the user responds to this warning by removing the battery, thus preventing further battery charging;

issuing an alert to the battery or its charging system whenever battery charging activity is detected, said alert causing the charging circuit to shut down, thus preventing further battery charging.

monitoring the ongoing activities of hardware devices in the electrical device;

comparing of the current-loads generated by the ongoing hardware activities to values in all look-up tables, thus determining whether the battery charging circuit later becomes active;

reactivating software on the electrical device, if necessary, to re-capture baseline data to be logged into additional updated look-up tables, as an optional means;

issuing a first warning whenever battery charging activity is detected, causing the removing of the battery associated with the electrical device by a user, thus preventing further battery charging;

issuing a second warning whenever battery charging activity is detected, said warning advising a user of the electrical device that the output of the power supply will be discontinued if the battery pack is not removed, so that the user responds to this warning by removing the battery, thus preventing further battery charging;

issuing an alert to the battery or its charging system whenever battery charging activity is detected, said alert causing the charging circuit to shut down, thus preventing further battery charging.