With Means To Connect The Input To Diverse Power Sources Patents (Class 363/142)
  • Patent number: 7541793
    Abstract: An active droop current sharing technique combined with current limiting function is employed in a parallel power supply. The parallel power supply is characterized with a current sensing amplifier that generates a current feedback signal representing a difference between a nominal output voltage and a fractional output voltage. The current sensing amplifier is coupled to a threshold level generator providing a threshold level defining a voltage level corresponding to a maximum allowed output current of the parallel power supply. If the voltage level of the current feedback signal exceeds the threshold level, the threshold level generator is turned on and the current feedback signal is coupled to a switching controller to adjust the output voltage of the power converter for properly addressing the current imbalance among plural parallel power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignees: Delta Electronics, Inc., Delta Electronics (Thailand) Public Company, Limited
    Inventors: Sakda Saeueng, Ming Chun Xu
  • Patent number: 7528734
    Abstract: A system for automatically detecting power supply voltage includes a voltage divider connected to a power supply, an A/D converter connected to the voltage divider, a detection module connected to the A/D converter for comparing a digital signal converted by the A/D converter with a reference signal stored in the detection module, a relay driving circuit connected to the detection module, a relay connected to the relay driving circuit and the power supply respectively, and an outlet coupled to the relay for outputting voltage. If the digital signal matches the reference signal, the detection module controls the relay driving circuit to turn on the relay to output voltage at the outlet. Relevant method for detecting power supply voltage is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heng-Chen Kuo
  • Patent number: 7502233
    Abstract: There is provided a power supply for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion which receives the DC power supplied from airplanes, vehicles and vessels as well as normal AC power, and converts the power to DC power and supplies it to portable electronic products. The power supply for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion includes an AC input 10, a DC input 20, a switch 30 for selecting AC input power or DC input power, a DC output 40, and a circuit used for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion 100 which converts the power input from the AC input or the DC input to DC power having predetermined values of current and voltage, and a secondary side of a transformer (TL) for AC/DC conversion inside the circuit for conversion serves as an inductor for performing DC/DC conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Smart Power Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun-Jun Kim, Dae-Young Youn, Sang-Min Kim
  • Patent number: 7482712
    Abstract: A multi-mode electromagnetic radiation emitting device comprising at least one source of electromagnetic radiation which emits radiation according to predefined or programmable user selectable instruction sets is disclosed. Reversal of the polarity of the device's power supply allows for enhanced features to be accessed including multiple instruction sets per switch setting, reprogramming mode, infra-red (covert) mode, night mode and water activation mode. A switch mechanism for providing selectable switched circuit connections is also disclosed as well as a power supply for supplying DC power to an electronic circuit comprising at least one microcontroller or microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: The Flewelling Ford Family Trust
    Inventors: Timothy Ford, Stephane Gascon
  • Patent number: 7457141
    Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an AC adaptor capable of achieving downsizing and cost reduction, and having both a constant-voltage/constant-current control function necessary for battery charge, and an optimum current control function for driving of a low-power-consumption electronic apparatus. This AC adaptor includes a first constant-current control device which performs first constant-current control for charging a battery, a second constant-current control device which performs second constant-current control for supplying an electric current necessary to drive an electronic apparatus, and a voltage detecting device which detects the voltage drop of a DC output. If the output voltage becomes lower than a preset value, the second constant-current control for supplying the electric current necessary to drive the electronic apparatus is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7453171
    Abstract: An adapter device includes a DC/DC adapter to receive DC power from a DC power source, and output a regulated DC voltage (Vout). A source determination circuitry receives the DC power from the DC power source and compares a magnitude of a voltage of the DC power with a reference magnitude of a reference voltage (Vref). When the magnitude of the voltage of the DC power is greater than the reference magnitude, a data signal (Vdata) having a first value is output. When the magnitude of the voltage of the DC power is less than the reference magnitude, the Vdata signal having a second value is output. The Vdata signal is received by control circuitry of an electronic device. When the Vdata signal has the first value, the electronic device operates in a first mode where battery charging circuitry is disabled. When the Vdata signal has the second value, the battery charging circuitry is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 7436687
    Abstract: A power supply including a power supplying connector, a direct current (DC) connector, an information extractor, power adaptor electronics, and variable voltage electronics. The information extractor being configured to extract digitally encoded data from a carrier wave. The digitally encoded data can specify power requirements of the DC power receiving device. The variable voltage electronics can adapt DC power generated by the power adaptor in accordance with settings provided by the information extractor. This adapted power can be provided to the DC power receiving device connected to the power supply via the DC connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Paritosh D. Patel
  • Patent number: 7414828
    Abstract: A current distributor includes a common, uninterrupted first main busbar as a main current supply and a number of current distributor modules which are each associated with a respective circuit breaker and can be disposed in a row along the main busbar. The current distributor module or each current distributor module has a first connection line for supplying current to a load circuit. The current distributor module or each current distributor module has a housing, a slot formed on a front side of the housing for plugging on an associated circuit breaker, and a first channel which passes through the housing in a transverse direction for accommodating the first main busbar. A first contact opening of the slot corresponds to the first channel and a second contact opening of the slot corresponds to a housing receptacle for a connection socket of the first connection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Birner
  • Patent number: 7405544
    Abstract: A voltage regulating circuit has a first switch, a transformer and a second switch. The first switch has an input node, a first node and a second node. The transformer is connected to the switches has a first coil and a second coil. The first coil and the second coil respectively have an end, and the second coil is connected to the first coil in series at a node. The node between the first and second coils is connected to the second node of the first switch. The second switch is connected to the transformer and has a first node, a second node and an output node. The first node is connected to the end of the first coil. The second node is connected to the first node of the first switch. The transformer will not heat up when the transformer needs not to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cyber Power System Inc.
    Inventors: Shou-Ting Yeh, Lien-Hsun Ho, Yuan-Liang Hsu
  • Patent number: 7394675
    Abstract: A power supply operable from a plurality of alternating current inputs had having protection from abnormal operation. The power supply includes a switchable rectifier and a voltage to voltage converter. Protection circuits switch off at least one of the rectifier and the converter if the rectified voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage value and/or a current through the converter exceeds a predetermined current value. The protection circuits include latch circuits to prevent cyclic operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-hoon Hwang
  • Patent number: 7394676
    Abstract: A power supply including a power supplying connector, a direct current (DC) connector, an information extractor, power adaptor electronics, and variable voltage electronics. The information extractor being configured to extract digitally encoded data from a carrier wave. The digitally encoded data can specify power requirements of the DC power receiving device. The variable voltage electronics can adapt DC power generated by the power adaptor in accordance with settings provided by the information extractor. This adapted power can be provided to the DC power receiving device connected to the power supply via the DC connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Paritosh D. Patel
  • Patent number: 7304835
    Abstract: A mainframe and power supply arrangement is disclosed to include a mainframe, which has a base frame holding a DC power jack and connector modules, a circuit module, which includes a sliding carrier detachably slidably inserted into the base frame and a circuit board carried on the sliding carrier and having connectors connectable to respective connecting portions of the connector module and a electric power distribution module for distribution of DC power supply received to the DC power jack, and an external power supply unit set outside the mainframe and connectable to the DC power jack for converting AC power supply into DC power supply and providing converted DC power supply to the electric power distribution module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Datavan International Corp.
    Inventors: Kang Ku, Hsien-Tang Liu, Chia-Yen Hsu
  • Patent number: 7276887
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes first and second power supply circuits. The first power supply circuit has a first voltage generation circuit and the second power supply circuit has a second voltage generation circuit and an operational amplifier. When a load is in a low power consumption mode, only the first power supply circuit operates to output a first voltage to the load. When the load is in a normal operation mode, the second power supply circuit also operates to output a desired power supply voltage based on a reference voltage generated by the second voltage generation circuit. In this case, the operational amplifier controls not only the second power supply circuit but also the first power supply circuit. Thus, a desired power supply voltage is output to the load regardless of whether the first voltage is greater than the desired power supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Miki, Mitsuhiro Kanayama
  • Patent number: 7258572
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing DC power to a portable computer operating at a source voltage and a peripheral device operating at step down voltage having a lower magnitude has an input cord for connection to an AC/DC converter that supplies the source voltage, a first output cord for connection to the peripheral device, and a second output cord for connection to the portable computer. An adapter circuit lights an indicating LED when the DC source voltage is connected to the input cord, generates the DC step down voltage to the first output cord and lights another indicating LED and generates the DC source voltage to the second output cord. The adapter circuit includes a switch for selecting between a first magnitude step down voltage lower than a magnitude of the source voltage and second magnitude lower than a magnitude of the source voltage and higher than the first magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Henry Milan
  • Patent number: 7254048
    Abstract: A programmable AC/DC power converter receives a plurality of input voltages and outputs a single voltage from an input voltage system. A transformer receives the single voltage. One of the plurality of input voltages is provided at a center tap of a secondary winding of the transformer. A transformed voltage is output. A rectifier receives the transformed voltage and outputs a DC voltage. A buck regulator receives a DC voltage, creates a regulated voltage, and outputs the regulated voltage and a regulated current to a portable appliance. A error correction system receives a programming signal and regulated signals and verifies that the regulated signal to programming signal ratio is within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W Lanni
  • Patent number: 7249267
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for programming the digital filter compensation coefficients of a digitally controlled switched mode power supply within a distributed power system. The distributed power system comprises a plurality of point-of-load (POL) regulators each comprising at least one power switch adapted to convey power to a load and a digital controller adapted to control operation of the power switch responsive to a feedback measurement. The digital controller further comprises a digital filter having a transfer function defined by plural filter coefficients. A serial data bus operatively connects each of the plurality of POL regulators. A system controller is connected to the serial data bus and is adapted to communicate digital data to the plurality of POL regulators via the serial data bus. The digital data includes programming data for programming the plural filter coefficients. The system controller further comprises a user interface adapted to receive the programming data therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Power-One, Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Chapuis
  • Publication number: 20070165433
    Abstract: One of a plurality of voltages is adapted to be applied to power supply terminals (2a, 2b, 2c). A rectifying circuit (6) rectifies the applied voltage and develops a rectified voltage between the output terminals (6a, 6b) thereof. Inverters (16a, 16b) are connected into one of a plurality of inverter connections between the rectifier output terminals (6a, 6b) in response to one of a plurality of inverter connection indicative signals. The inverter connections are set to correspond to respective ones of the plurality of voltages, so that a predetermined voltage can be applied to each inverter whichever one of the plurality of voltages is applied to the power supply terminals. An inverter connection indicative signal generating circuit (34) is manually operated to generate a desired one of the inverter connection indicative signals. A thyristor (8) is disposed between the rectifier output terminals (6a, 6b) and the inverters (16a, 16b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Masao Katooka, Tetsuro Ikeda, Kenzo Danjo, Takeshi Morimoto, Hideo Ishii
  • Patent number: 7235759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding type power is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding, cutting or induction heating. The welding type current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and a controller power supply can also receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller, and a voltage independent of the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Geissler
  • Patent number: 7193873
    Abstract: A cradle casing has a DC/DC adapter to receive DC power from a DC power source and generate a first DC power signal. A sleeve accepts an AC/DC adapter, and guides movement of the AC/DC adapter when the AC/DC adapter is inserted into the cradle casing. The AC/DC adapter is capable of receiving AC power from an AC power source and generating a second DC power signal. A circuit receives at least one of the first DC power signal and the second DC power signal and outputs a third DC power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 7149099
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a portable electric power storage arrangement (14) and a power panel (18) all mounted in or on a common housing (11) that includes a carrying feature or handle (12) by which the housing may be easily carried. The electrical power storage arrangement (14) provides DC electrical power for the power panel (18) and preferably includes one or more rechargeable batteries. Apparatus (10) further includes an inverter circuit (15) mounted in or on the housing (11) for inverting power from one or more batteries associate with the apparatus to produce a modeler's AC output. The modeler's AC power output comprises an AC power signal that is sufficient to drive an AC powered charging circuit (52) for charging batteries associated with a modeler's transmitter (53) or receiver (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Equalizer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray Asbery
  • Patent number: 7139181
    Abstract: A power converter reducing a maximum available output power during extreme operating temperature conditions. The output power is adapted to be reduced during higher operating temperatures to maintain the power converter housing within acceptable operating temperatures. The power converter may then increase the available operating power as the converter housing temperature is reduced such that an acceptable output power is available during higher operating temperatures, rather than simply turning off the power converter during the excessive temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ejaz Afzal, Charles Mollo
  • Patent number: 7106607
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combined AC-DC to DC converter. The converter provides the option of coupling to an AC supply source with at least one phase and the further option of coupling to at least one DC supply source. The converter obtains supply from at least one supply source at a time; and the converter contains controllable contact means that are, upon switching between supply sources, capable of connecting and disconnecting the individual supply sources to/from the converter, whereby a pulse signal is generated. The converter contains at least one coil that is in connection with at least one DC output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Denmark APS
    Inventor: Henning Roar Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7049546
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a welding current is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding. The welding current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and an auxiliary power controller that can receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Thommes
  • Patent number: 7038333
    Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from a primary battery cell and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell, set to provide a fixed output voltage that is less than the full charge voltage of the rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply includes a circuit including a primary battery current control that senses primary battery current, and controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the primary battery side of the hybrid power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Jordan T. Bourilkov, David N. Klein, John Rotondo
  • Patent number: 7035126
    Abstract: A power supply capable of receiving an AC or DC input power signal and converting the received input power signal into a DC output power signal includes retractable AC and DC input plugs as well as a retractable output cable. One or more interchangeable tips may be attached to the end of the output cable to change a characteristic of the output power to meet a power requirement of an electronic device to which power is being supplied. The tips may be stored in a recess in the outer housing of the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 7012825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combined AC-DC to DC converter. The converter provides the option of coupling to an AC supply source with at least one phase and the further option of coupling to at least one DC supply source. The converter obtains supply from at least one supply source at a time; and the converter contains controllable contact means that are, upon switching between supply sources, capable of connecting and disconnecting the individual supply sources to/from the converter; whereby a pulse signal is generated. The converter contains at least one coil that is in connection with at least one DC output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Denmark ApS
    Inventor: Henning Roar Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6987242
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding type power is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding, cutting or induction heating. The welding type current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and a controller power supply can also receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller, and a voltage independent of the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Geissler
  • Patent number: 6937490
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert MacDonald, Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 6920056
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert MacDonald, Richard Garrison Dubose, Chia hua Wang
  • Patent number: 6903950
    Abstract: A power converter (10) adapted for receiving an AC input signal and a DC input signal and responsive thereto for providing a converted DC signal in which the converted DC signal has electrical characteristics which are selectable. The converter includes a programming circuitry (726) having a programmable memory (715) for storing a selection code, the programming circuitry (726) is cooperable for establishing the electrical characteristics of the converted DC signal based on the selection code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ejaz Afzal, Richard Garrison DuBose
  • Patent number: 6860762
    Abstract: An electrical cable and connector assembly having an electrical cable comprising a 12 Volt supply conductor and a 5 Volt supply conductor; and an electrical connector connected to the electrical cable. The electrical connector includes a 12 Volt supply contact connected to the 12 Volt supply conductor, a 5 Volt supply contact connected to the 5 Volt supply conductor, and a 3.3 Volt supply contact connected to the 5 Volt supply conductor by a voltage step down system located inside a housing of the electrical connector. With this embodiment, the connector can be connected to a device, such as a disc drive, requiring 12 and 5 Volt inputs or alternatively can be connected to a device requiring 12 and 3.3 Volt inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Conway F. Spykerman, Steve Y. Wong, Douglas L. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6815639
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding type power is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding, cutting or induction heating. The welding type current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and a controller power supply can also receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller, and a voltage independent of the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Geissler
  • Patent number: 6791853
    Abstract: A peripheral power hub (PPH) (44) providing power to a plurality of outputs (46). The PPH provides multiple predetermined DC voltages which may be converted by an associated voltage converter circuit (28) to provide the power requirements to an associated mobile device (72). Alternatively, the voltage converter circuits (28) may be internal to the PPH. A programmable Ac/Dc converter (42) may provide a DC voltage to the PPH, which may be configured as an an accessory while powering another mobile device, such as a laptop computer (50). The voltage converter circuits (28) may be buck circuits or boost circuits depending on the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ejaz Afzal, Garry DuBose, Gil MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20040170039
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: MOBILITY ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gilbert MacDonald, Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 6781855
    Abstract: A power diverter is presented. The power diverter includes a first ninety degree hybrid having one output coupled to a positive adjustable phase shifter and another output coupled to a negative adjustable phase shifter providing a negative phase shift. The value of the phase shift provided by the positive phase shifter and the negative phase shifter is the same amount of degrees but opposite. A second ninety degree hybrid combines the outputs of the phase shifters. The circuit is provided comprising only analog linear components such that no spurious signals are introduced, and the circuit is impedance matched on all ports such that no degradation of noise figure is introduced. The power diverter can also be configured as a programmable tap of a delay line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Daniel E. Oates
  • Patent number: 6775163
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert McDonald, Charles Lord, Steve Smith, Garry DuBose
  • Patent number: 6751109
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Doss, Richard Garrison DuBose, Alexei A. Piatetsky, Gilbert MacDonald, Charles Lord, Scott Smith
  • Publication number: 20040100807
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: MOBILITY ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gilbert MacDonald, Richard Garrison Dubose, Chia Hua Wang
  • Publication number: 20040085793
    Abstract: A power converter (10) adapted for receiving an AC input signal and a DC input signal and responsive thereto for providing a converted DC signal in which the converted DC signal has electrical characteristics which are selectable. The converter includes a programming circuitry (726) having a programmable memory (715) for storing a selection code, the programming circuitry (726) is cooperable for establishing the electrical characteristics of the converted DC signal based on the selection code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ejaz Afzal, Richard Garrison DuBose
  • Publication number: 20040071004
    Abstract: A DC/DC converter interconnecting a first DC voltage source having a first potential and a second DC voltage source having a second potential and having a stepup/stepdown transformer coupled between the two voltage sources; a controlled switching circuit coupled to the transformer for switching pulsed direct current through the transformer between the voltage sources; and a controller controlling a switching operation of the switching circuit to allow the pulsed direct current to flow between the two voltage sources, whereby current flows between the two voltage sources in dependence on load demands imposed on respective ones of the two voltage sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Ray King
  • Patent number: 6700808
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert MacDonald, Scott Smith
  • Publication number: 20040037102
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: MOBILITY ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gilbert McDonald, Charles Lord, Scott Smith, Garry DuBose
  • Patent number: 6678181
    Abstract: An industrial power supply module includes a heatsinking structure, e.g., an extruded aluminum structure, comprising a plurality of walls joined to define a channel. first and circuit board assemblies comprising respective booster and DC/DC converter circuits are mounted to the heatsinking structure such that at least portions of the circuit board assemblies lie in the channel. First and second end caps are attached to the heatsinking structure at respective first and second ends of the channel. Environmental seals may be provided at the first and second ends of the channel. The booster circuit may be operative to produce a first DC voltage and the DC/DC converter circuit may be operative to produce a second DC voltage from the first DC voltage such that the second DC voltage is at least about ten times less than the first DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Karol, James Pagella, John Meldrum Porter, Ludi Van Deurse
  • Publication number: 20030227786
    Abstract: A dual supply voltages converter divides a supply voltage by a constant to produce a feature voltage larger than one when the supply voltage is a first voltage and smaller than 1 when the supply voltage is a second voltage and squares the feature voltage for comparing with itself. After squared, a value larger than one will larger than itself and a value small than 1 will smaller than itself. As a result, the supply voltage is determined to be the first or second voltage and thereby to be converted to the desired output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiang Chiou
  • Patent number: 6650560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert MacDonald, Richard Garrison Dubose, Chia hua Wang
  • Patent number: 6643158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert McDonald, Charles Lord, Steve Smith, Gary DuBose
  • Patent number: 6608401
    Abstract: An alternator/inverter system for use with a portable generator which includes a voltage regulation system. The alternator/inverter incorporates a pair of permanent magnet generators (PMGs), a pair of active rectifier circuits, a pair of DC bus capacitors and a pair of H-bridge inverters, forming two distinct alternator/inverter sections. Each alternator/inverter section provides a 120 VAC output, and a 240 VAC output is formed between the two alternator/inverters sections. The voltage regulation system is formed from a pair of voltage regulation circuits that are associated with each alternator/inverter section. The circuits monitor the DC bus voltage of each alternator/inverter and determine the DC losses resulting from electrical cabling coupling the alternator/inverters to external loads, as well as the H-bridge inverters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Walter
  • Publication number: 20030151936
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Gilbert MacDonald, Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 6604960
    Abstract: A power adapter is disclosed. The power adapter comprises a housing having an AC inlet, a circuit board installed in the housing and connected with the AC inlet for converting AC to DC, a power cord with one end thereof connected with the circuit board, and a power cord take-up device having a bottom plate and a centered projecting member, wherein a top of the centered projecting member is connected with the housing, so as to wind the power cord around the centered projecting member to receive the power cord in the power cord take-up device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chia-Fu Liu
  • Patent number: 6548755
    Abstract: A power supply adapter with a foldable plug is disclosed. The power supply adapter includes a first casing, a second casing, a rotatable cylinder, a projecting plug, and a lighter connector. A cavity is formed on the front end of the first casing. Two vertical plates are mounted on the second casing for supporting the rotatable cylinder. A lighter connector is connected to the front end of the projecting plug for insertion into a lighter socket. The projecting plug is formed on the front end of the rotatable cylinder and extends from a cavity space defined by the front end of the first casing and the second casing. By rotating the rotatable cylinder, the angle of the projecting plug is changed. A voltage converting circuit is arranged in the adapter for supplying a first and a second output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Formosa Electronic Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wu