Abstract:
A power source having a housing is disclosed. A first power cord extends from the housing. The first power cord has a first connector positioned at a distal end thereof for selective connection to an external power source. A second power cord extends from the housing. The second power cord having a second connector positioned at a distal end thereof for selective connection to an electronic device. A power adapter is connected between the first and second power cord. Upon connecting the external power source, the power adapter detects the presence of and receives external power through the first power cord and transfers power to the electronic device through the second cord. The power adapter also retains a charge therein for providing power to the electronic device when no external power source is detected.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates a power source, and more specifically, to a device for providing power to electronic devices having a recharging cell and a rechargeable power cell contained therein. The device includes retractable cords for connection to an AC power source and an electronic device for providing power thereto. The device can simultaneously provide power to an electronic device when connected to an AC power source and recharge the rechargeable power cell system via the recharging cell. Upon being disconnected from the AC power source, the device can continue to provide power to the electronic device using power stored in the rechargeable power cell. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Numerous other power sources exist in the prior art. Typical of these are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,131,805; 4,229,686; 4,558,270; 5,150,032; 5,642,028; 5,689,412; 6,005,368; 6,160,378; 6,337,557; 6,459,175; and European Patent Number EP1128517. While these power sources may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,805 
   Inventor: James Austin 
   Issued: Dec. 26, 1978 
   A line power cord voltage-magnitude adaptor is described herein. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the power plug, line cord, and adaptor plug are pre-assembled as one component of the electrical equipment system; various voltage requirements can thus be prepared-for, whereby the equipment need not be altered, regardless of the eventual market for the equipment. The present invention can be used with virtually all kinds of electrical equipment energized by AC power, including computer systems. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,686 
   Inventor: Ferdinand H. Mullersman 
   Issued: Oct. 21, 1980 
   A charging system for rechargeable batteries of the 9 volt type includes a charger adapted to accept a plurality of cells of different sizes and electrical characteristics and an adapter module for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the charger to a 9 volt size battery. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,270 
   Inventor: James P. Liautand 
   Issued: Dec. 10, 1985 
   A battery charger system for supplying charging current to either a battery-powered transceiver or to the rechargeable battery pack of the transceiver includes a housing housing a receptacle for receiving the transceiver. Upon insertion of the transceiver into the receptacle an electric contact projecting from the bottom wall of the receptacle contacts the transceiver to establish electrical communication between the device and charging circuitry within the housing. When supplying charging current to the battery pack an adapter having a smaller receptacle is inserted into the receptacle to establish electrical communication between the contacts and the battery pack. A reciprocatively mounted actuator stem in the adapter housing enables actuation of a deep-discharge mode select switch through an aperture in the bottom wall of the receptacle. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,032 
   Inventor: Joseph K. P. Ho 
   Issued: Sep. 22, 1992 
   A combined charging circuit for a rechargeable battery and supply circuit has a battery for supplying power to an output supply and an adaptor to provide from a mains supply power at a voltage greater than the fully charged voltage of the battery, both to supply power to the output in place of the battery and to charge the battery. A buck convertor acts as switching charger for the battery and comprises a rectifier across the battery, and an inductor and an electronic switch in series with on another and with the supply from the battery to the output supply, the switch acting as the switching element of the switching charger when the adaptor is powered from the mains and as a low ON resistance power switch when the battery is supplying power to the output supply. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,028 
   Inventor: Minng-Hwa Tai 
   Issued: Jun. 23, 1997 
   A rechargeable battery assembly including a charging circuit and an electric plug assembly for connecting external power supply to the charging circuit, the charging circuit including an AC power input means to receive AC power supply, voltage dropping and power supply rectifying means connected to the AC power input means to drop AC power supply voltage and to change AC power supply into DC power supply, a battery, voltage detection and power supply control means, switch means connected between the voltage dropping and power supply rectifying means and controlled by the voltage detection and power supply control means to charge the battery. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,412 
   Inventor: James Chin-Ming Chen 
   Issued: Nov. 18, 1997 
   This invention is a multi-function power supply, i.e., a power-mate unit, for providing DC input to a portable electronic device, e.g., a notebook computer, operable with a rechargeable battery. The power-mate unit includes an AC plug for electrically connecting to an AC power source for receiving the AC input current. The power-mate unit further includes an AC/DC power supply for converting the AC input current to an external DC operation current suitable for operating the portable electronic device. The power-mate unit further includes a backup battery pack connected to the AC/DC power supply for receiving a backup battery charging current for charging the backup battery pack wherein the backup battery pack further providing a backup DC current to the portable electronic device. The power-mate unit further includes a backup battery monitoring and display for continuously monitoring a charge capacity of the backup battery pack and for displaying the charge capacity. And, the power-mate unit further includes an electronic device plug-in jack for electrically connecting the power-mate unit to the electronic device for providing the external DC operation current and the backup DC current to the electronic device. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,368 
   Inventor: Robert C. Frame 
   Issued: Dec. 21, 1999 
   A portable computer and docking station combination, comprising first and second batteries and first and second battery charging circuit portions, with automatic sequencing of charging between the batteries. The system includes means for charging a first battery based on an amount of current flowing into the computer circuitry, and means for charging a second battery based on an amount of current flowing into the first battery and into the computer circuitry. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,378 
   Inventor: Jacques H. Helot 
   Issued: Dec. 12, 2000 
   A battery charger utilizes detachable mechanical adapters, so that the battery charger can operate as a single battery charger or a dual battery charger. The detachable mechanical adapters are battery holders to connect a battery to the battery charger for recharging. Preferably, the battery charger is designed to charge one or two depleted notebook batteries. In the preferred embodiment, the battery charger also operates as an AC/DC converter to provide operating DC from AC, which is derived from AC received from an external source, to a notebook computer that is coupled to the battery charger. The battery charger includes an AC/DC adapter and a charging unit. The charging unit of the battery charger includes a central module and two detachable mechanical adapters. The central module of the charging unit contains battery-charging circuitry that provides the charging current from the received DC to the detachable mechanical adapters. The charging current is used to recharge any notebook batteries that are held by the detachable mechanical adapters. The central module includes two fold-out connectors that can be utilized to physically attach one or both mechanical adapters to the central module. In a first embodiment, the battery compartments of the mechanical adapters are designed to hold a particular type of notebook batteries having a fixed thickness. In a second embodiment, the battery compartments of the mechanical adapters are designed to hold one of two types of notebook batteries having different thicknesses. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,337,557 
   Inventor: Barry K. Kates 
   Issued: Jan. 8, 2002 
   An external universal battery charging apparatus which can include external universal battery charger circuitry having at least one universal battery charger circuitry input and at least one universal battery charger circuitry output. The universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one battery charger output, which itself can include at least one universal battery connector and at least one universal battery charger cable. The at least one universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one adapter pass through output, which itself can include at least one connector adapted to operably connect to an electronic device. The external universal battery charger circuitry can include at least one battery recognition and parameter adjustment circuit, battery current parameter adjustment circuit, charged voltage parameter adjustment circuit, and maximum power draw parameter adjustment circuit. The external universal battery charging apparatus can include a maximum rated power supply determination unit. The method can include detecting a battery, identifying characteristics of the battery, and adjusting at least one parameter in universal battery charger circuitry in response to the characteristics of the battery such that optimum battery charging is achieved. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,459,175 
   Inventor: Patrick H. Potega 
   Issued: Oct. 1, 2002 
   A power supply detects power requirements of an electrical device and configures itself to provide the correct power to the device. By using a connector that isolates the device from its battery, the power supply can provide power to the device, recharge the battery, recharge the battery while at the same time providing power to the device, or provide power to the device while preventing the battery from being recharged. A switch used with the connector creates various circuits and is controllable by the power supply, the electrical device, by signals from the electrical device, or by a third device. The power supply may provide power to a plurality of devices and may be used with other power supplies to form a power grid. A master control unit receives inputs from each of the power supplies and controls the delivery and supply of power being the power supplies. 
   European Patent Number EP1128517 
   Inventor: Kazuyuki Sakakibara 
   Issued: Aug. 29, 2001 
   Control portion 26 of battery charger 10 controls power source circuit 24 upon receipt of instructions from control portion 41 of adapter 30. Based upon these instructions, adapter 30 enables charging operations for battery pack 50B that does not have a memory storing charging parameters and/or information. Moreover, battery charger 10 also may be designed to charge a battery pack 50B even though battery charger was not originally designed to charge battery pack 50B. Adapter 30 also may enable charging operations for battery pack 50 that contains memory 61 storing charging parameters and/or battery identification information. In this case, adapter 30 reads information stored in memory 61 and generates optimal charging instructions based upon a charging program stored in control portion 41 (FIG. 1). 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   The present invention relates a power source, and more specifically, to a device for providing power to electronic devices having a recharging cell and a rechargeable power cell contained therein. The device includes retractable cords for connection to an AC power source and an electronic device for providing power thereto. The device can simultaneously provide power to an electronic device when connected to an AC power source and recharge the rechargeable power cell system via the recharging cell. Upon being disconnected from the AC power source, the device can continue to provide power to the electronic device using power stored in the rechargeable power cell. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide a power source that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. 
   Another, secondary object of the present invention is to provide a power source that includes a rechargeable power cell which is charged via a charging cell. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a power source that includes an AC to DC power converter. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power source including first cord for connecting the device to an AC power source. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a power source including a second cord for connection the device to an electronic device. 
   Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a power source for providing DC power to an electronic device. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to provide a power source wherein the first and second cords are retractable. 
   Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a power source that simultaneously provides power to an electronic device and recharges the rechargeable power cell. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a power source for providing power to an electronic device without the power source being connected to an AC power source. 
   Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a power source wherein upon being disconnected from the AC power source, the rechargeable power cell provides power to an electronic device connected thereto. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a power source for providing power to an electronic device including at least one of a cell phone, a laptop computer, a printer, a digital camera, a portable CD player, a minidisc player, a personal digital assistant, and a voice recorder. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a power source wherein only one of either the first or second cords are retractable. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power source wherein the non-retractable cord has a fixed length. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a power source that is simple and easy to use. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a power source device that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate. 
   Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
   The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a device for providing power to electronic devices having a recharging cell and a rechargeable power cell contained therein. The device includes retractable cords for connection to an AC power source and an electronic device for providing power thereto. The device can simultaneously provide power to an electronic device when connected to an AC power source as well as recharge the rechargeable power cell system via the recharging cell. Upon being disconnected from the AC power source, the device can continue to provide power to the electronic device using power stored in the rechargeable power cell. 
   The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawing, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
   The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the power source of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a cut away view of the power source of the present invention showing the cords as retractable; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the left side of the power source of the present invention showing a plug for connecting to an AC power source; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the right side of the power source of the present invention showing a connector for connecting the power source to an electronic device; 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the power source of the present invention with the cords in a retracted position; 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the power source of the present invention connected to an external AC power source; 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the power source of the present invention using power stored in the rechargeable power cell to provide power to an electronic device; 
       FIG. 8  is flowchart of the power source of the present invention detailing how power from an external AC power source is used in powering an electronic device and charging the rechargeable power cell; and 
       FIG. 9  is flowchart of the power source of the present invention detailing how power stored in the rechargeable power cell is used to power an electronic device. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the power source of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing Figures.
           10  power source of the present invention     12  first cord     13  second cord     14  first connector     16  second connector     18  housing     19  first recess     20  first channel     21  second recess     22  second channel     24  first retracting mechanism     26  second retracting mechanism     28  external AC power source     30  AC/DC converter     32  power adapter     34  charging cell     36  rechargeable power cell     38  switch     40  electronic device       

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 9  illustrate a power source of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral  10 . 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the power source  10  of the present invention. The power source  10  includes a housing  18 . A first cord  12  having a first connector  14  positioned at a distal end thereof extends from the housing  18 . Preferably, the first connector  14  is an AC power adapter for insertion into a standard AC power outlet. The power source  10  further includes a second cord  13  having a second connector  16  positioned at a distal end thereof extending from the housing  18 . The second connector  16  is a standard plug that is able to be received by an electronic device that requires power. Additionally, the present invention may include a plurality of adapters (not shown) further connected to the second connector  16  so as to enable the power source  10  to be selectively connected to any electronic device requiring an external power source. Furthermore, the cords  12 ,  13  having connectors  14  and  16  respectively, are described for purposes of example only and either cord may have either connector positioned at a distal end thereof. 
   As will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 6–9 , the power source  10  includes a rechargeable power cell positioned therein. Thus, when the first connector  14  is connected to an AC outlet, the power source  10  is able to selectively charge the rechargeable power cell while simultaneously providing power to an electronic device connected to the second connector  16 . The rechargeable power cell is able to selectively provide power to the electronic device connected to connector  16  even after the first connector is removed from the AC outlet. 
     FIG. 2  is a cut away view of the power source of the present invention showing the cords as retractable. The power source  10  includes the housing  18 . The first cord  12  having the first connector  14  positioned at a distal end thereof extends from the housing  18 . Preferably, the first connector  14  is an AC power adapter for insertion into a standard AC power outlet. The power source  10  further includes the second cord  13  having the second connector  16  positioned at a distal end thereof extending from the housing  18 . The second connector  16  is a standard plug that is able to be received by an electronic device that requires power. Additionally, the present invention may include a plurality of adapters (not shown) further connected to the second connector  16  so as to enable the power source  10  to be selectively connected to any electronic device requiring an external power source. Furthermore, the cords  12 ,  13  having connectors  14  and  16  respectively, are described for purposes of example only and either cord may have either connector positioned at a distal end thereof. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the housing includes a first channel  20  through which the first cord  12  extends along the length thereof. At one end of the first channel  20  is a first recess  19  which extends through the housing  18 . The first cord  12  further extends through the first recess  19  outwardly from the housing. Positioned at the end of the first channel  20  opposite the first recess  19  is a first retracting mechanism  24 . The first retracting mechanism  24  selectively retracts the first cord  12  when the first connector  14  is not connected to an AC power outlet. The first retracting mechanism  24  is a conventional retracting mechanism which is known in the art. 
   The housing  18  also includes a second channel  22  through which the second cord  13  extends along the length thereof. At one end of the second channel  22  is a second recess  21  which extends through the housing  18 . The second cord  12  further extends through the second recess  21  outwardly from the housing. Positioned at the end of the second channel  22  opposite the second recess  21  is a second retracting mechanism  26 . The second retracting mechanism  24  selectively retracts the second cord  12  when the second connector  16  is not connected to an electronic device. Similarly to the first retracting mechanism  24 , the second retracting mechanism  26  is a conventional retracting mechanism which is known in the art. 
   Alternatively, the power source  10  of the present invention could merely include the first and second cords  12  and  13  respectively, wherein each cord extends outwardly from the their respective recess  19 ,  21  and has a fixed length. Also, the power source  10  of the present invention may include only a single retracting mechanism  24  or  26  for retracting a either the first cord  12  or the second cord  13 . 
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the left side of the power source of the present invention showing a plug for connecting to an AC power source. The power source  10  includes the housing  18 . The first cord  12  having the first connector  14  positioned at a distal end thereof extends from the housing  18 . Preferably, the first connector  14  is an AC power adapter for insertion into a standard AC power outlet. The power source  10  further includes the second cord  13  having the second connector  16  positioned at a distal end thereof extending from the housing  18 . The second connector  16  is a standard plug that is able to be received by an electronic device that requires power. Additionally, the present invention may include a plurality of adapters (not shown) further connected to the second connector  16  so as to enable the power source  10  to be selectively connected to any electronic device requiring an external power source. Furthermore, the cords  12 ,  13  having connectors  14  and  16  respectively, are described for purposes of example only and either cord may have either connector positioned at a distal end thereof. 
   The housing includes a first channel  20  through which the first cord  12  extends along the length thereof. At one end of the first channel  20  is a first recess  19  which extends through the housing  18 . The first cord  12  further extends through the first recess  19  outwardly from the housing. Positioned at the end of the first channel  20  opposite the first recess  19  is a first retracting mechanism  24 . The first retracting mechanism  24  selectively retracts the first cord  12  when the first connector  14  is not connected to an AC power outlet. The first retracting mechanism  24  is a conventional retracting mechanism which is known in the art. 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the right side of the power source of the present invention showing a connector for connecting the power source to an electronic device. The power source  10  includes the housing  18 . The first cord  12  having the first connector  14  positioned at a distal end thereof extends from the housing  18 . Preferably, the first connector  14  is an AC power adapter for insertion into a standard AC power outlet. The power source  10  further includes the second cord  13  having the second connector  16  positioned at a distal end thereof extending from the housing  18 . The second connector  16  is a standard plug that is able to be received by an electronic device that requires power. Additionally, the present invention may include a plurality of adapters (not shown) further connected to the second connector  16  so as to enable the power source  10  to be selectively connected to any electronic device requiring an external power source. Furthermore, the cords  12 ,  13  having connectors  14  and  16  respectively, are described for purposes of example only and either cord may have either connector positioned at a distal end thereof. 
   The housing  18  also includes a second channel  22  through which the second cord  13  extends along the length thereof. At one end of the second channel  22  is a second recess  21  which extends through the housing  18 . The second cord  12  further extends through the second recess  21  outwardly from the housing. Positioned at the end of the second channel  22  opposite the second recess  21  is a second retracting mechanism  26 . The second retracting mechanism  24  selectively retracts the second cord  12  when the second connector  16  is not connected to an electronic device. Similarly to the first retracting mechanism  24 , the second retracting mechanism  26  is a conventional retracting mechanism which is known in the art. 
     FIG. 5  is a top view of the power source of the present invention with the cords in a retracted position. The power source  10  includes the housing  18 . The first cord  12  having the first connector  14  positioned at a distal end thereof extends from the housing  18 . Preferably, the first connector  14  is an AC power adapter for insertion into a standard AC power outlet. The power source  10  further includes the second cord  13  having the second connector  16  positioned at a distal end thereof extending from the housing  18 . The second connector  16  is a standard plug that is able to be received by an electronic device that requires power. Additionally, the present invention may include a plurality of adapters (not shown) further connected to the second connector  16  so as to enable the power source  10  to be selectively connected to any electronic device requiring an external power source. Furthermore, the cords  12 ,  13  having connectors  14  and  16  respectively, are described for purposes of example only and either cord may have either connector positioned at a distal end thereof. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the housing includes a first channel  20  through which the first cord  12  extends along the length thereof. At one end of the first channel  20  is a first recess  19  which extends through the housing  18 . The first cord  12  further extends through the first recess  19  outwardly from the housing. Positioned at the end of the first channel  20  opposite the first recess  19  is a first retracting mechanism  24 . The first retracting mechanism  24  selectively retracts the first cord  12  when the first connector  14  is not connected to an AC power outlet. The first retracting mechanism  24  is a conventional retracting mechanism which is known in the art. 
   The housing  18  also includes a second channel  22  through which the second cord  13  extends along the length thereof. At one end of the second channel  22  is a second recess  21  which extends through the housing  18 . The second cord  12  further extends through the second recess  21  outwardly from the housing. Positioned at the end of the second channel  22  opposite the second recess  21  is a second retracting mechanism  26 . The second retracting mechanism  24  selectively retracts the second cord  12  when the second connector  16  is not connected to an electronic device. Similarly to the first retracting mechanism  24 , the second retracting mechanism  26  is a conventional retracting mechanism which is known in the art. 
     FIG. 5  shows both the first cord  12  and the second cord  13  completely retracted within the housing  18 . When the power source  10  of the present invention is not in use, the user retracts the cords in order to have a compact and easily stored or transportable power source. When the power source  10  is transported, the user can selectively release the retracted second cord  13  and connect the second connector  16  to an electronic device that needs an external power source. When the user is finished using the external device, the second cord  13  can be retracted once again thereby leaving the power source as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the power source  10  of the present invention connected to an external AC power source  28 . Preferably, the AC power source is a wall outlet in which the first connector  14  is plugged into. Positioned within the housing  18  is an AC/DC converter  30  for converting alternating current to direct current. The AC/DC converter is connected to a power adapter  32 . The power source further includes a charging cell  34  which is connected to the power adapter  32 . The charging cell  34  is further connected to a battery  36 . Both the power adapter  32  and the battery  36  are connected to the second cord  13  via a sensor switch  38 . The sensor switch  38  selectively determines the source from which the external device  40  connected by the second connector  16  to the second cord  13  receives power. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first connector  14  is connected to the AC power source  28 . The AC power source  28  provides power to the power adapter  32 . The sensor switch  38  detects that the power is being provided by the AC power source and is in a first position. Upon the sensor switch  38  being in a first position, the power adapter  32  provides power through the second cord  13 , further though the second connector  16  in order to power the device  40 . Additionally, while power is being provided to the device  40 , the power adapter  32  provides power to the charging cell  34  which charges the battery  36 . 
     FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the power source of the present invention using power stored in the rechargeable power cell to provide power to an electronic device. Positioned within the housing  18  is an AC/DC converter  30  for converting alternating current to direct current. The AC/DC converter is connected to a power adapter  32 . The power source further includes a charging cell  34  which is connected to the power adapter  32 . The charging cell  34  is further connected to a battery  36 . Both the power adapter  32  and the battery  36  are connected to the second cord  13  via a sensor switch  38 . The sensor switch  38  selectively determines the source from which the external device  40  connected by the second connector  16  to the second cord  13  receives power. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , the power source  10  of the present invention is not connected to the AC power source  28  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Therefore, the sensor switch  38  detects that no external AC power is provided and moves from a first position to a second position. Upon the switch moving from the first position to the second position, the device  40  connected to the power source  10  via the second connector  16  is powered by the battery  36 . The power source  10  of the present invention successfully provides power to any external device  40  connected thereto. Additionally, the power source  10 , despite not being connected to an AC power source  28 , can provide a sufficient level of power in order any battery contained within the device  40  could be charged as well. 
     FIG. 8  is flowchart of the power source of the present invention detailing how power from an external AC power source is used in powering an electronic device and charging the rechargeable power cell. The first connecter  14  of the power source  10  is selectively connected to the AC outlet as stated in step S 100 . The AC current is converted into DC current by the AC-DC converter as in step S 102 . Thereafter, the sensor switch  38  determines if the voltage/current is greater than or equal to a pre-determined value. If the determination made in step S 104  is greater than the predetermined value step S 106  determines whether or not the power source  10  includes a battery. If the power source  10  does not have a battery, then the DC pulse power is output to an electronic device  40  as in step S 108  and the device is powered as in step S 126 . 
   Returning to the inquiry of step S 106 , if the power source  10  includes a battery, then the battery is disconnected from an output line as in step S 110 . A power adapter is then connected to a charging cell as in step S 112 . Thereafter, the battery is charged by the charging cell as in step S 14 . Additionally, if the power source  10  does have a battery determined by step S 106 , the DC pulse power is output to electronic devices as in step S 108  and the electronic device is powered as in step S 126 . 
   If it is determined in step S 104  that the voltage/current is not greater than a predetermined value, then an inquiry as to whether or not the power source  10  includes a battery as in step S 116 . If the power source  10  does not have a battery, then step S 118  shows that no power is provided to any device connected to the power source  10 . If the outcome of the inquiry in step S 116  is that the power source  10  includes a battery, then the charging cell is disconnected from battery in step S 120 . An output from the battery is then connected to an output line in step S 122 . Power is then provided via the output line to an electronic device as in step S 124 . Thereafter, the electronic device connected to the output line receives power as in step S 126 . 
     FIG. 9  is flowchart of the power source of the present invention detailing how power stored in the rechargeable power cell is used to power an electronic device. The power source  10  of the present invention as shown in step S 200 , is connected to an electronic device as in step S 202 . Step S 204  determines whether or not the voltage/current is greater than a pre-determined value. If the voltage/current is not greater than the pre-determined value then the device is disconnected from the power source  10  as in step S 206  and the electronic device is powered by its own internal battery as in step S 208 . 
   If the voltage/current determined in step S 204  is greater than the pre-determined value then a determination as to whether or not voltage/current is qualified pulse power. If the power is not qualified pulse power, then a determination is made as to whether or not the power is qualified DC power as in step S 212 . If the power is not qualified DC power then the electronic device is disconnected from the power source as discussed above in step S 206  and the device would need to be powered by the internal unit battery as in step S 208 . If the power is qualified DC power then the internal battery of the electronic device is disconnected as in step S 214  and the electronic device is powered by the power source  10  as in step S 216 . 
   If the result of the inquiry of step S 210  determines that there is qualified pulse power, then step S 218  determines if the electronic device has in internal battery. If the device does not have an internal battery then the power is provided to the electronic device as in step S 222 . If the device does have a battery then the internal battery is charged by the power source as in step S 220 . While the battery is being charged in step S 220 , the power source simultaneously provides power to the electronic device as in step  222 . 
   It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
   While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
   Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.