U.S. patent application number 15/090127 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for apparatus for charging batteries of devices at a selected dc voltage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Magnadyne Corporation. Invention is credited to Barry L. Caren, Wen-Tsan Yeh.
Application Number | 20160218536 15/090127 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54070030 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160218536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caren; Barry L. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2016 |
Apparatus for Charging Batteries of Devices at a Selected DC
Voltage
Abstract
A battery charging apparatus for charging batteries of fixed
voltage charge receiving batteries and flexible voltage charge
receiving batteries. A wall receptacle charger outlet, an
"all-in-one" vehicle or home charger, a hands-free docking station
charger, a wall mountable USB charging strip and a holder for
multiple charger receiving devices that includes a charger are
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Caren; Barry L.; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Yeh; Wen-Tsan; (Torrance, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Magnadyne Corporation |
Compton |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54070030 |
Appl. No.: |
15/090127 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14215177 |
Mar 17, 2014 |
9356454 |
|
|
15090127 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0027 20130101;
H04M 1/04 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101; Y02E 60/10 20130101; H02J
7/0042 20130101; H04M 1/11 20130101; H02J 2207/20 20200101; H02J
7/00034 20200101; H02J 7/0045 20130101; H02J 7/007 20130101; H02J
7/0044 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; H04M 1/04 20060101 H04M001/04 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A holder for a plurality of portable battery operated devices
that is adapted to charge a selectable charge receiving device
powered by a DC battery, the holder comprising: a rack for
retaining the plurality of battery operated devices; a housing
provided on the rack; at least one multiple voltage output
receptacle provided on the housing and adapted to provide a default
level of voltage and a device selected predetermined level of
voltage that is greater than the default level of voltage for
charging the selectable charge receiving device; wherein the
housing encloses: a control circuit that communicates with the
selectable charge receiving device that is adapted to be charged at
the predetermined level of voltage and that provides a charging
level signal; a voltage switching circuit that receives the
charging level signal; and a multiple voltage output circuit
controlled by the voltage switching circuit that is configured to
provide the predetermined level of voltage to the selectable charge
receiving device.
17. The holder of claim 16 wherein the housing further encloses at
least one single voltage receptacle and a fixed output converter
circuit that provides a fixed voltage level to at least one fixed
charge receiving device connected to the single voltage
receptacle.
18. The holder of claim 16, wherein the multiple voltage output
circuit includes a variable output AC/DC converter circuit.
19. A holder for a plurality of portable battery operated devices
comprising: a rack for retaining the plurality of battery operated
devices; a housing coupled to the rack; a control circuit retained
within the housing, the control circuit being configured to provide
a charging level signal in response to a signal from a selectable
charge receiving device; a variable output converter circuit
retained within the housing, the variable output converter circuit
being configured to provide a DC charging voltage to the selectable
charge receiving device; a voltage switching circuit retained
within the housing, the voltage switching circuit being configured
to control the DC charging voltage provided by the variable output
converter circuit in response to receiving the charging level
signal; and a multiple voltage receptacle arranged on the housing
for charging the selectable charge receiving device, the multiple
voltage receptacle being electrically coupled to the variable
output converter circuit and adapted to provide a default level of
voltage and a predetermined level of voltage that is greater than
the default level of voltage.
20. The holder of claim 19, wherein the variable output converter
circuit includes a DC-DC converter.
21. The holder of claim 19, wherein the variable output converter
circuit includes an AC-DC converter.
22. The holder of claim 19, wherein the housing is arranged at a
bottom portion of the rack.
23. The holder of claim 19, further comprising a fixed output
converter circuit retained within the housing, the fixed output
converter circuit being configured to provide a fixed DC charging
voltage, and a fixed voltage receptacle provided on the housing
that is electrically coupled to the fixed output converter circuit
and adapted to provide a fixed voltage level for a fixed charge
receiving device that may only be charged at a fixed voltage
level.
24. A mobile device charging station comprising: a rack configured
to hold a plurality of mobile batter-operated devices; a housing
having a multiple voltage receptacle and a fixed voltage receptacle
arranged thereon, the housing being coupled to the rack; a control
circuit retained within the housing, the control circuit being
configured to provide a charging level signal in response to a
signal from a selectable charge receiving device; a variable output
converter circuit retained within the housing, the variable output
converter circuit being electrically coupled to the multiple
voltage receptacle and configured to provide a DC charging voltage
to the selectable charge receiving device by providing a default
level of voltage and a predetermined level of voltage that is
greater than the default level of voltage; a voltage switching
circuit retained within the housing, the voltage switching circuit
being configured to control the DC charging voltage provided by the
variable output converter circuit in response to receiving the
charging level signal; and a fixed output converter circuit
retained within the housing, the fixed output converter circuit
being configured to provide a fixed DC charging voltage and being
electrically coupled to the fixed voltage receptacle.
25. The mobile device charging station of claim 24, wherein the
variable output converter circuit includes a DC-DC converter.
26. The mobile device charging station of claim 24, wherein the
variable output converter circuit includes an AC-DC converter.
27. The mobile device charging station of claim 24, wherein the
housing is arranged at a bottom portion of the rack.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to apparatus that have receptacles
for charging one or more devices that are powered with DC battery
at a voltage level selected based upon signals received from the
device receiving the charge.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Battery powered devices must be periodically recharged. Most
battery powered devices are configured to be charged at a
predetermined voltage. Most chargers are configured to provide a
predetermined level of current at a set voltage. Given these
limitations, a substantial period of time is required to charge the
battery of a battery powered device depending upon the extent of
depletion of the battery.
[0003] Most battery chargers for cellular telephones and tablet
computers provide a fixed voltage level that is typically 5 volts.
Some battery powered rapid charge cellular telephones have been
developed that can be charged with a dedicated AC charger that is
plugged into a conventional AC wall receptacle that has a DC output
wire that is plugged into the device that can provide a higher
level of voltage for charging rapid charge telephones.
Alternatively, the rapid charge telephones may be charged with a
car charger that is connected by a wire to a vehicle DC charge
outlet or Universal Serial Bus (USB) receptacle.
[0004] Many consumers have several such devices including some
fixed five volt devices and possibly other rapid charge devices
that are charged at a higher voltage. This creates potential
compatibility problems when different chargers are used to charge
different devices. A rapid charge device will not achieve rapid
charging when charged with a conventional low voltage charger.
[0005] As a result of the proliferation of battery powered portable
devices there is a need to conveniently charge many devices at the
same time. While wall mounted multiple USB receptacles are
available that may be used to several battery powered devices all
of the receptacles are limited to providing the same voltage
output. There is no multiple receptacle system for providing a
device selected voltage output for more rapid charging. Wall
mounted multiple USB receptacles that are currently available are
limited to being powered by an AC power source.
[0006] Battery powered devices may also be recharged by so called
"all-in-one" chargers from either a DC power source socket in a
vehicle or an AC power source in a building. All-in-one chargers
provide a fixed level of charge to the device receiving the charge
and do not accommodate a device selected voltage output for more
rapid charging.
[0007] Another approach to charging battery powered devices is to
charge them while in a "hands-free" docking device that is
connected to the DC power supply of the vehicle. Alternatively,
battery powered devices may be charged while in a docking station
in an office or in a home that is powered by an AC power source.
These prior charging implements are all limited to charging battery
powered devices at a fixed voltage and cannot accommodate battery
powered devices that may be charged more quickly with a device
selected voltage output for more rapid charging.
[0008] This disclosure is directed to solving the above problem and
other problems as summarized below.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a receptacle
assembly is disclosed for charging a selectable charge receiving
device powered by a DC battery that is adapted to be mounted in a
wall. The receptacle assembly comprises a housing adapted to be
secured to the wall and a cover plate that is attached to the
housing. At least one multiple voltage output receptacle is
provided on the cover plate and is adapted to provide a default
level of voltage and a device selected predetermined level of
voltage that is greater than the default level of voltage for
charging the selectable charge receiving device.
[0010] According to other aspects of this disclosure as it relates
to the receptacle assembly, at least one single voltage receptacle
may be provided on the cover plate that is adapted to provide a
fixed voltage level for a fixed charge receiving device that may
only be charged at a fixed voltage level. The at least one single
voltage receptacle may be provided with a fixed output converter
circuit that provides a fixed voltage to fixed charge receiving
devices connected to the single voltage receptacle and is enclosed
by the housing and cover plate.
[0011] The housing and cover plate may enclose a control circuit
that communicates with the selectable charge receiving device that
is adapted to be charged at the predetermined level of voltage and
that provides a charging level signal, a voltage switching circuit
that receives the charging level signal, and a variable output
AC/DC converter circuit controlled by the voltage switching circuit
that is configured to provide the predetermined level of voltage to
the selectable charge receiving device. Alternatively, the housing
and cover plate may enclose a control circuit that communicates
with the selectable charge receiving device that is adapted to be
charged at the predetermined level of voltage and that provides a
charging level signal, a voltage switching circuit that receives
the charging level signal, and a variable output DC/DC converter
circuit controlled by the voltage switching circuit that is
configured to provide the predetermined level of voltage to the
selected charge receiving device.
[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a portable
battery charger is disclosed for a selectable charge receiving
device. The portable battery charger comprises a housing having a
first plug adapted to be inserted into a DC receptacle and a second
plug adapted to be inserted into an AC receptacle. At least one
multiple voltage receptacle is provided on the housing for charging
the selectable charge receiving device and is adapted to provide a
default level of voltage and a predetermined level of voltage that
is greater than the default level of voltage.
[0013] The portable battery charger housing encloses a control
circuit that communicates with the selectable charge receiving
device that is adapted to be charged at a predetermined level of
voltage that the device may be charged at and that also provides a
charging level signal. A voltage switching circuit receives the
charging level signal and controls a variable output converter
circuit that is configured to provide a DC charging voltage to the
selectable charge receiving device.
[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a hands-free
docking station is provided for a cellular telephone. The docking
station includes a cellular telephone holder and a connector that
is adapted to charge the cellular telephone in the holder. The
connector is adapted to provide a default level of voltage and a
cellular telephone selected predetermined level of voltage that is
greater than the default level of voltage.
[0015] The hands-free docking station may further comprise a
control circuit that communicates with the cellular telephone that
is adapted to be charged at a predetermined level of voltage that
is greater than the default level of voltage for charging the
cellular telephone and that provides a charging level signal. A
voltage switching circuit receives the charging level signal and
controls a variable output converter circuit that is configured to
provide a DC charging voltage to the cellular telephone.
[0016] According to other aspects of this disclosure relating to
the hands-free docking station, the variable output converter
circuit may be adapted to be connected to a DC power supply.
Alternatively, the variable output converter circuit may be adapted
to be connected to an AC power supply. The control circuit, the
voltage switching circuit and the converter circuit may all be
enclosed within a housing.
[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a receptacle
strip assembly is disclosed that is adapted to be mounted on a wall
for charging a selectable charge receiving device powered by a DC
battery. The assembly comprises a housing adapted to be secured to
the wall and at least one multiple voltage output receptacle
provided on the housing and adapted to provide a default level of
voltage and a device selected predetermined level of voltage that
is greater than the default level of voltage for charging the
selectable charge receiving device.
[0018] The housing encloses a control circuit that communicates
with the selectable charge receiving device. The selectable charge
receiving device is adapted to be charged at the predetermined
level of voltage and also provides a charging level signal. A
voltage switching circuit receives the charging level signal and
controls a variable output AC/DC converter circuit that is
configured to provide the predetermined level of voltage to the
selectable charge receiving device. The housing further encloses at
least one single voltage receptacle and a fixed output converter
circuit that provides a fixed voltage level to at least one fixed
charge receiving device connected to the single voltage
receptacle.
[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a holder is
disclosed for a plurality of portable battery operated devices that
is adapted to charge a selectable charge receiving device powered
by a DC battery. The holder comprises a rack for retaining the
plurality of battery operated devices. A housing is provided on the
rack that includes at least one multiple voltage output receptacle
provided on the housing that is adapted to provide a default level
of voltage and a device selected predetermined level of voltage
that is greater than the default level of voltage for charging the
selectable charge receiving device. The housing encloses a control
circuit that communicates with the selectable charge receiving
device that is adapted to be charged at the predetermined level of
voltage. The control circuit also provides a charging level signal
to a voltage switching circuit. A variable output AC/DC converter
circuit is controlled by the voltage switching circuit and is
configured to provide the predetermined level of voltage to the
selectable charge receiving device.
[0020] The above aspects of this disclosure and other aspects are
described in greater detail below with reference to the attached
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a wall mounted
charging receptacle that is connected to a power source and that
includes four USB receptacles.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic of the charging receptacle shown in
FIG. 1 that is configured to provide AC/DC voltage conversion and a
multiple voltage output and an AC/DC voltage conversion and a fixed
voltage output.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic of the charging receptacle shown in
FIG. 1 that is configured to provide DC/DC voltage conversion and a
multiple voltage output and a DC/DC voltage conversion and a fixed
voltage output.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery charger including
a vehicle DC power adapter and an AC wall plug that a may be
alternatively utilized to provide either a multiple voltage or a
fixed voltage to a battery of a battery powered device.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hands-free device that is
used to provide either a multiple voltage or a fixed voltage to a
battery of a battery powered device.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a simplified flow chart showing how the charger
provides a fixed voltage output as a default but then communicates
with the selected charging device to provide a selected higher
charging voltage.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wall mountable strip
charging receptacle that is used to provide either a multiple
voltage or a fixed voltage to a battery of a battery powered
device.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a holder for a plurality
of portable battery operated devices that is used to provide either
a multiple voltage or a fixed voltage to a plurality of a battery
powered devices.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the holder shown in
FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to
the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are intended to be merely examples that may be embodied
in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily
to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show
details of particular components. The specific structural and
functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting,
but as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
how to practice the disclosed concepts.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a receptacle assembly generally
indicated by reference numeral 10 includes a housing 12 that is
adapted to be mounted in a wall 14 of a building or a recreational
vehicle. The housing 12 is configured to be received in a standard
electrical box 16. The housing has mounting tabs 18 that receive
screws or bolts 20 for connecting the housing to the electrical box
16. A cover plate 22 encloses the housing 12 that is configured to
be received in a standard opening 38 in a cover plate 22.
[0032] Three fixed voltage receptacles 24 are illustrated that are
provided on the housing 12 above a multiple voltage receptacle 26.
The receptacles 24 and 26 as illustrated are Universal Serial Bus
(USB) receptacles but it should be understood that other types of
receptacles could be used as an alternative.
[0033] An electrical cable 30, or wire, is connected to a power
supply 32 and is connected in the housing to the USB receptacles as
will be more fully described below with reference to FIG. 2. The
power supply for a building would be an AC power supply but the
power supply for a recreational vehicle would be a DC power supply.
An LED power indicator 34 may be provided on the housing to
indicate that the receptacles are connected to a source of AC power
32.
[0034] A standard wall plate 36 is illustrated that defines a
standardized wall plate opening 38. The cover plate 22 attached to
the housing 12 is adapted to be received in the opening 38 after
the housing 12 is secured within the electrical box 16.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, an AC/DC control circuit is
schematically illustrated that may be incorporated in the
receptacle assembly 10. The control circuit is capable of charging
a flexible charge receiving device 42 at different device selected
charging voltages.
[0036] Handshaking signals are sent and received on dedicated data
pins 44 of the multiple voltage USB receptacle 26 to connectors
that connect the controller circuit 40 to the selected charge
receiving device 42. The controller circuit 40 may be an
application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), a microprocessor
microcontroller, or a programmable logic device. The controller
circuit 40 queries the selected charge receiving device 42 to
determine if the selected charge receiving device is adapted to
receive a charge at a different voltage level than a standard
voltage of, for example, 5 volts DC. If so, the controller circuit
40 sends a signal at 46 to a voltage and switching and feedback
circuit 48 that controls an AC/DC converter circuit 50 to change
the charging voltage supplied on the line 52 to the selected charge
receiving device 42.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, three fixed voltage
USB receptacles 24 are shown that are each connected to a fixed
charge receiving device 54 and an AC/DC charge converter 56. For
illustration purposes only one AC/DC converter circuit 56 is shown
in FIG. 2 that may be connected to a plurality of USB sockets. The
AC/DC charge converter 56 provides a fixed voltage level on the
line 58 to the fixed charge receiving device 54.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, a DC/DC controller circuit 60 is
schematically illustrated that may be incorporated in the
receptacle assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1. The controller circuit 60
is capable of charging a selected charge receiving device 62 at
different charging rates based upon the voltage provided by the
receptacle assembly 10.
[0039] Handshaking signals are sent and received on dedicated data
pins 64 of the multiple voltage USB receptacle 26 to connectors
that connect the controller circuit 60 to the selected charge
receiving device 62. The DC/DC controller circuit 60 may be an
ASIC, a microprocessor microcontroller or a programmable logic
device. The controller circuit 60 communicates with the selected
charge receiving device 62 to determine if the selected charge
receiving device is adapted to receive a charge at a different
voltage level than a standard voltage. If so, the controller
circuit 60 sends a signal at 66 to a voltage and switching and
feedback circuit 68 that controls a DC/DC converter circuit 70 to
change the charging voltage supplied on the line 72 to the selected
charge receiving device 62.
[0040] In FIG. 1, three fixed voltage USB receptacles 24 are each
connected to a fixed charge receiving device 74 and a DC/DC charge
converter 76. Only one DC/DC converter circuit 76 is shown in FIG.
3 that may be connected to several USB receptacles. The DC/DC
charge converter 76 provides a fixed voltage level on the line 78
to the fixed charge receiving device 74.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, an "all-in-one" charger 80 is
illustrated that includes a 12 volt plug 82 on one end is adapted
to be received in a 12 volt power accessory socket in a vehicle
(not shown). A pair of AC plug prongs 84 are provided on the
charger 80 that are adapted to be received in an AC receptacle wall
socket (not shown). At least one socket 86A, and as illustrated,
two USB sockets 86A and 86B, may be provided on a housing 88 of the
charger 80.
[0042] Socket 86A is a multiple voltage receptacle and socket 86B
is a fixed voltage receptacle. The 12 volt plug 82 may be connected
to the controller circuit 60, voltage switching circuit 68, and
variable output AC/DC converter circuit 70 that may all be
contained within the housing 88.
[0043] Socket 86B is a fixed voltage receptacle that is connected
to a fixed output DC/DC converter circuit 76 that provides a fixed
voltage to a fixed charge receiving device 74. The fixed output
DC/DC converter circuit 76 is also contained within the housing
88.
[0044] The prongs 84 for the AC receptacle may be connected to the
controller circuit 40 (as shown in FIG. 2), the voltage switching
circuit 48, and variable output AC/DC converter circuit 50 that are
all contained within the housing 88. Socket 86A provides a multiple
voltage from the controller circuit 40, the voltage switching
circuit 48, and variable output AC/DC converter circuit 50 to a
selected charge receiving device 42. A fixed charge receiving
device 54 may be connected to the socket 86B to receive a fixed
voltage charge from the fixed output AC/DC converter circuit 76
that is disposed within the housing 88.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, a hands-free device 90 is
disclosed that is used to provide either a multiple voltage or a
fixed voltage to a battery of a battery powered device that is
docked in a docking station 92. The hands-free device 90 may be
used in a vehicle having 12 volt DC power or may be connected to a
source of 110 volt AC power, A socket 93 is provided on the docking
station 92 that is adapted to be connected to either a fixed charge
receiving battery powered telephone or a selected charge receiving
battery powered telephone.
[0046] If the hands-free device 90 is connected to an AC power
source 32, the controller circuit 40, the voltage switching circuit
48, and variable output AC/DC converter circuit 50 are disposed
within the hands free device 90 to charge a selected charge
receiving device 42. If the hands-free device is connected to a DC
power source 32 such as a vehicle, the controller circuit 60,
voltage switching circuit 68, and variable output DC/DC converter
circuit 70 may all be contained within the hands-free device
90.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, a simplified flow chart 94 is
provided that illustrates the algorithm used to provide either a
multiple voltage to a selected charge receiving device 42 or 62 or
a fixed voltage to a fixed charge device 54 or 74. Initially, at
96, the charger is shown to be providing a fixed voltage as a
default output. When a selected charge device is attached to the
charger, at 98 the controller circuit 40 or 60 determines, at 100,
whether a valid variable output voltage request was received from
the selected charge receiving device 42 or 62. If so, the charger
output is changed, at 102, to the voltage requested from the device
selected charge receiving device. If a valid request is not
received at 100 the charger output remains unchanged, at for
example 5 volts, at 104.
[0048] A more extensive description of the charger circuitry is
disclosed in applicants assignee's co-pending application Ser. No.
14/108884 filed Dec. 17, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, a USB receptacle strip assembly is
illustrated and is generally indicated by reference numeral 110.
The USB receptacle strip assembly 110 includes a housing 112 that
has fastener slots 114 at opposite ends that are adapted to receive
fasteners such as screws or bolts for securing the housing 112 to a
wall (not shown). Three fixed voltage receptacles 116 and one
multiple voltage output receptacle 118 are provided on the housing
112. The fixed voltage receptacles 116 are adapted to provide a
fixed voltage output to a fixed charge receiving device or a
flexible charge receiving device. The flexible voltage receptacle
118 is adapted to provide a default level of voltage or a device
selected predetermined level of voltage that is greater than the
default level of voltage.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, the housing 112 encloses a
controller circuit 40 that communicates with the selectable charge
receiving device 42 that is adapted to be charged at the
predetermined level of voltage. The controller circuit 40 provides
the charging level signal at 46 to the voltage switching circuit
48. The variable output AC/DC converter circuit 50 is controlled by
the voltage switching circuit 48 that is configured to provide the
predetermined level of voltage on line 52 to the selectable charge
receiving device 42. The housing 112 further encloses the fixed
output converter circuit 56 that provides a fixed voltage level to
at least one fixed charge receiving device 54 that may be connected
to the fixed voltage receptacles 116. A LED indicator light 120 is
provided to indicate that the receptacle strip is connected through
the wire 122 to a source of power 124. Alternatively, the source of
power may be a DC power source in that case the schematic of FIG. 3
would be referenced.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, a holder 130 for a plurality of
portable battery operated devices 132 is illustrated that is
adapted to charge a selectable charge receiving device 134 powered
by a DC battery (not shown). The holder 130 comprises a rack 136
including a plurality of vertical walls for retaining the plurality
of battery operated devices.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 9, a housing 138 provided on the bottom of
the rack 136. At least one multiple voltage output receptacle 140
is provided on the housing 138 and is adapted to provide a default
level of voltage and a device selected predetermined level of
voltage that is greater than the default level of voltage for
charging the selectable charge receiving device 134.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 9, the housing 138 encloses a
controller circuit 40 that communicates with the selectable charge
receiving device 42 that is adapted to be charged at the
predetermined level of voltage and that provides a charging level
signal 46 to the voltage switching circuit 48. The variable output
AC/DC converter circuit 50 is controlled by the voltage switching
circuit 48 that is configured to provide the predetermined level of
voltage on line 52 to the selectable charge receiving device 42.
The housing 138 further encloses the fixed output converter circuit
56 that provides a fixed voltage level to at least one fixed charge
receiving device 54 that may be connected to the fixed voltage
receptacles 142. The housing 138 may also include at least one
single voltage receptacle 142 and a fixed output converter circuit
56 or 76 that provides a fixed voltage level to at least one fixed
charge receiving device connected to the single voltage receptacle
142.
[0054] The embodiments described above are specific examples that
do not describe all possible forms of the disclosure. The features
of the illustrated embodiments may be combined to form further
embodiments of the disclosed concepts. The words used in the
specification are words of description rather than limitation. The
scope of the following claims is broader than the specifically
disclosed embodiments and also includes modifications of the
illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *