Abstract: A power converter capable of receiving either an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage and generating a programmable DC output voltage. The converter comprises a first circuit that converts an AC input voltage to a predetermined DC first output voltage, and a second circuit that converts a DC input voltage to a predetermined second DC output voltage. The converter also comprise a third circuit which is adapted to receive the first and second DC voltages from first and second circuits to generate a selectable output DC voltage. In selected embodiments, the first and second DC output voltages provided by the first and second circuits, respectively, are generally the same value and are coupled to a common node that feeds the input terminal of the third circuit. Moreover, the third circuit is adapted to provide a selectable output DC voltage which may be set higher or lower than its DC input voltage.

Abstract: A dual input battery assisted power converter (10) which provides a continuous, regulated DC voltage output to a user-connected mobile device, such as, a lap top computer or a cell phone, for example. The power converter (10) comprises a power supply circuit (12) and a separate, detachable power storage circuit comprising a battery pack (14) having a re-chargeable battery (36). The power supply (12) is adapted to deliver a pair of regulated DC output voltages, of opposite voltage potentials, to a pair of respective output terminals. Preferably these output voltages are derived from two external input voltages: an AC input voltage and a DC input voltage. Advantageously, if both of the external input voltages are temporarily removed, the battery pack (14) will advantageously serve as a substitute DC input power source, thereby allowing the power supply (12) to deliver the same regulated DC output voltage to the user-connected mobile device without interruption.

Abstract: A dual input AC/DC power converter (10) having dual inputs (12,14) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output (16) and a second DC output (18). The dual input AC/DC power converter (10) comprises a power converter circuit (20) having an AC-to-DC converter (22), a DC-to-DC booster converter (24), a feedback circuit (26), a filter circuit (25) and a DC-to-DC buck converter (28). Advantageously, the power converter (10) resolves many of the system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the feedback circuit (26) comprises single feedback loop having stacked photocouplers, one (PH1) controlling the AC-to-DC converter (22) and the other (PH3) controlling the DC-to-DC booster converter (24), to select the overall DC output voltage.

Abstract: A bridge accessible by a host processor can expand access over a first bus to a second bus. The first bus and the second bus are each adapted to separately connect to respective ones of a plurality of bus-compatible devices. Allowable ones of the devices include memory devices and input/output devices. The bridge has a link, together with a first and a second interface. The first interface is coupled between the first bus and the link. The second interface is coupled between the second bus and the link.

Abstract: A dual input AC/DC power converter (10) having dual inputs (12, 14) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output (16) and a second DC output (18). The dual input AC/DC power converter (10) comprises a power converter circuit (20) having an AC-to-DC converter (22), a DC-to-DC booster converter (24), a feedback circuit (26), a filter circuit (25) and a DC-to-DC buck converter (28). Advantageously, the power converter (10) resolves many of system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the power converter (10) also advantageously includes dual output voltage terminals (16/18) to allow for multiple mobile devices of varying power requirements to be powered, simultaneously, by a single converter.

Abstract: A power converter capable of receiving either an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage and generating a programmable DC output voltage. The converter comprises a first circuit that converts an AC input voltage to a predetermined DC first output voltage, and a second circuit that converts a DC input voltage to a predetermined second DC output voltage. The converter also comprise a third circuit which is adapted to receive the first and second DC voltages from first and second circuits to generate a selectable output DC voltage. In selected embodiments, the first and second DC output voltages provided by the first and second circuits, respectively, are generally the same value and are coupled to a common node that feeds the input terminal of the third circuit. Moreover, the third circuit is adapted to provide a selectable output DC voltage which may be set higher or lower than its DC input voltage.

Abstract: A dual input AC/DC power converter (10) having dual inputs (12,14) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output (16) and a second DC output (18). The dual input AC/DC power converter (10) comprises a power converter circuit (20) having an AC-to-DC converter (22), a DC-to-DC booster converter (24), a feedback circuit (26), a filter circuit (25) and a DC-to-DC buck converter (28). Advantageously, the power converter (10) resolves many of the system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the feedback circuit (26) comprises single feedback loop having stacked photocouplers, one (PH1) controlling the AC-to-DC converter (22) and the other (PH3) controlling the DC-to-DC booster converter (24), to select the overall DC output voltage.

Abstract: A power converter capable of receiving either an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage and generating a programmable DC output voltage. The converter comprises a first circuit that converts an AC input voltage to a predetermined DC first output voltage, and a second circuit that converts a DC input voltage to a predetermined second DC output voltage. The converter also comprise a third circuit which is adapted to receive the first and second DC voltages from first and second circuits to generate a selectable output DC voltage. In selected embodiments, the first and second DC output voltages provided by the first and second circuits, respectively, are generally the same value and are coupled to a common node that feeds the input terminal of the third circuit. Moreover, the third circuit is adapted to provide a selectable output DC voltage which may be set higher or lower than its DC input voltage.

Abstract: An improved extended cardbus/PC card controller (20) incorporating proprietary Split-Bridge™ high speed serial communication technology for interconnecting a conventional parallel system bus via a high speed serial link with a remote peripheral device. The extend cardbus/PC card controller is adapted to interface the parallel system bus, which may be PCI, PCMCIA, integrated, or some other parallel I/O bus architecture, with peripheral devices via PC cards, and now optionally via a high speed serial link using the proprietary serial Split-Bridge™ technology. The serial Split-Bridge™ technology provides real time interconnection between the parallel system bus and the remote device which may also be based on a parallel system data bus architecture, over a serial link, which serial link appears to be transparent between the buses and thus facilitates high speed data transfer exceeding data rates of 1.0 GigaHertz.

Abstract: An adaptor for quickly connecting a computer cable connection to a receiving member including a body, a first and second port connector, and a biasing member. The biasing member maintains ratchet like teeth particularly useful in grasping internal threading such as that found in computer port housing. The connection apparatus securingly connects a traditional jack screw-type receiving member cable connection to a receiving member via actuation of the biasing member. The biasing member may preferably be a resilient member such as a spring or spring-like mechanism.

Abstract: A bridge accessible by a host processor can expand access over a first bus to a second bus. The first bus and the second bus are each adapted to separately connect to respective ones of a plurality of bus-compatible devices. Allowable ones of the devices include memory devices and input/output devices. The bridge has a link, together with a first and a second interface. The first interface is coupled between the first bus and the link.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus adapted to angle and space a laptop computer above a surface. The apparatus is a laptop stand and comprises a concave member having a first portion and a second portion adapted to receive a laptop computer. The first portion is at a height which is substantially higher than the second portion so as angle the laptop as it lies atop the stand. The invention cantilevers the laptop to advantageously cool the laptop at a greater rate than if the laptop were directly in contact with a surface, such as a desk top, and, simultaneously, provides laptop users with a more user-friendly angle from which to operate the laptop keyboard.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for interconnecting computer peripherals with portable and desktop computers and other digital devices. More specifically, the present invention includes a system and method for simultaneously connecting multiple portable computer peripherals to a single portable computer interface slot, for connecting portable computer peripherals to a desktop computer, and for connecting a portable ZIP™ drive to a portable computer. A system for providing a supplemental power supply for the computer peripheral is also provided.

Abstract: Two juxtaposed retraction reels automatically and independently retract an output power plug cable and an input power cable connected to an accessory power input plug. The cables are connected to a power converter for converting electrical power to voltage and current power levels for use in lap top computers and so on. The input plug has a second Em power plug / auto-air adapter mechanically and ohmically coupled thereto for use with other power sources such as in airplanes and so on. A slider holds the plug tip to the carrying housing in the carrying mode, the retraction reel holding the other power input plug end to the housing via its cable.