Abstract:
The instant application discloses, among other things, an external power supply that may allow a cordless tool to be operated while connected to an external power source. Various adapters may be available to fit different cordless tools.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates generally to an External Power Supply. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Users of electrically-powered tools often may need to balance the mobility of a cordless tool with the duration that the battery can be used. A cordless tool may typically have greater mobility compared to a corded tool, which may connect to an electrical wall socket; but a corded tool may be used for a greater duration, as the cordless tool may need to be recharged. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The instant application discloses, among other things an External Power Supply. An External Power Supply may be connected to a cordless tool, which may provide similar functionality to a corded tool. An External Power Supply may be connected to generator or wall outlet, and provide appropriate power to act as a battery replacement for a cordless tool. An External Power Supply may allow a cordless tool to be powered for extended periods of time. Additionally, the External Power Supply may provide battery charging functionality. 
         [0004]    Cordless tools may have different battery requirements; different manufacturers may require different form factors, and one manufacturer may offer different form factors over time or for different battery voltage and current ratings. Various interchangeable connectors may be provided to allow one Battery Adapter to be used for various tools at various times. For example, one connector may fit a DeWALT® 20v drill, while another may fit a ROYOBI® 18v drill. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system where an External Power Supply may be used, according to one embodiment. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates parts of an External Power Supply, according to one embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an External Power Supply used as a battery charger, according to one embodiment. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of an External Power Supply used as a battery charger, according to one embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an External Power Supply with a pigtail outlet, according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    A more particular description of certain embodiments of Smart Tiles may be had by references to the embodiments shown in the drawings that form a part of this specification, in which like numerals represent like objects. 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system where an External Power Supply  100  may be used according to one embodiment. 
         [0012]    Cordless Drill  110  may have Battery Adapter  130  attached, using mechanical and electrical contacts normally used by a battery. Battery Adapter  130  may be coupled to External Power Supply  100  by Connector  140 . Connector  140  may be used to couple various Battery Adapters  130  to External Power Supply  100  to permit batteries of various form factors to be replaced by a battery adapter. Transformer  150  may be powered by conventional 120 volt (v) alternating current (AC) by plugging Power Plug  120  into an outlet, which may be powered by an electrical grid or a generator, for example. Regulator  160  may be deployed within a housing for Transformer  150 , or may be external. Regulator  160  may include a rectifier to provide a direct current (DC) output from an alternating current (AC) source. Regulator  160  may provide a consistent voltage level output from External Power Supply  100 . 
         [0013]    External Power Supply  100  may also have settings to configure input power specifications and output power specifications. For example, External Power Supply  100  may be switchable for 12v, 14v, 18v, or 20v DC output, and for 120v or 240v AC input. Settings may be selected manually by a user, or may be automatically determined by detecting a Battery Adapter&#39;s  130  requirements. For example, if a Battery Adapter  130  is attached to use with a DeWALT™ 18v device, External Power Supply  100  may detect the requirements and configure itself accordingly. In another embodiment, External Power Supply  100  may have a rotary switch to select a desired output voltage. 
         [0014]    External Power Supply  100  may be deployed in a waterproof case. 
         [0015]    One having skill in the art will recognize that many different configurations may be available and implemented in various ways well known on the art. 
         [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates parts of an External Power Supply, according to one embodiment. Battery Adapter  130  may have Electrical Contacts  210 , which may match a location of electrical contacts on a battery that Battery Adapter  130  is replacing. 
         [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an External Power Supply  100  used as a battery charger, according to one embodiment. Battery  310  may be inserted into a corresponding Charging Receptacle  320  on External Power Supply  100 , which may allow Battery  310  to be charged. Charger Adapter  330  may be an insert which allows External Power Supply  100  to be used for charging batteries of differing form factors, electrical, and mechanical specifications. 
         [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of an External Power Supply used as a battery charger, according to one embodiment. Charger Adapter  330  may be made of various materials, for example plastic, metal, carbon fiber, or combinations thereof. Charger Adapter  330  may adjust a mechanical fit of a battery into External Power Supply  100 , it may include electrical circuitry to adjust electrical specifications to those appropriate for a type of battery, or it may contain an identifying characteristic, which may allow External Power Supply to automatically adjust electrical specifications to those appropriate for a type of battery. Charging Receptacle  320  may be various shapes and sizes to fit different batteries. Multiple Charger Adapter  330   s  may be available and swappable to allow one External Power Supply  100  to support charging various types of batteries at different times. External Power Supply  100  may also have a capability of charging several batteries at once, for example, by providing an ability to support a plurality of Charger Adapter  330   s.    
         [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an External Power Supply with a pigtail outlet, according to one embodiment. Power Outlet  510  may be used to power a battery charger or other device.