Modular power adapters and methods of implementing modular power adapters
AssigneeSmart Power Partners LLC
InventorJohn Joseph King
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A switching module configured to apply power to a device is described. The switching module may comprise a first plurality of contact elements adapted to receive power and apply to power to the device in response to a control signal; a recess adapted to receive a control module; a second plurality of contact elements positioned within the recess and adapted to be coupled to corresponding contact elements of the control module; and a switching element that controls the application of the power to the device in response to a control signal; wherein the switching module is adapted to receive data from the control module to determine whether the control module is authorized to operate with the switching module.
Claims20
A plug-in power adapter configured to be plugged into an outlet, the plug-in power adapter comprising:
- a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element of a plug adapted to receive power;
- a transformer coupled to receive the power from the first contact element, wherein the transformer is adapted to generate a power signal;
- a control circuit coupled to receive the power signal;
- a second plurality of contact elements positioned on a surface and adapted to receive a control signal by way of a second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements;
- and
- a wireless communication circuit coupled to the control circuit;
- wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to receive signals axccording to a wireless communication protocol.
A plug-in power adapter configured to be plugged into an outlet, the plug-in power adapter comprising:
- a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element of a plug adapted to receive power;
- a surface adapted to receive a control module;
- a control button associated with the plug-in power adapter, wherein the control button is accessible by a user of the plug-in power adapter and enables communication with the plug-in power adapter;
- and
- a second plurality of contact elements positioned on the surface and adapted to be coupled to corresponding contact elements of the control module;
- wherein the plug-in power adapter is adapted to receive a control signal by way of the second plurality of contact elements.
A method of controlling an application of power by a plug-in power adapter configured to be plugged into an outlet, the method comprising:
- providing a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element of a plug adapted to receive power;
- providing a transformer in the plug-in power adapter, wherein the transformer is coupled to receive the power from the first contact element and adapted to generate a power signal;
- coupling a control circuit of the plug-in power adapter to receive the power signal;
- providing a second plurality of contact elements on a surface of the plug-in power adapter, wherein the second plurality of contact elements is adapted to receive a control signal by way of a second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements;
- and
- receiving signals by way of a wireless communication circuit;
- wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to receive the signals according to a wireless communication protocol.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.