Patent ID: 6845023

Claim:
A universal adapter for use with a rechargeable handheld communication device, the universal adapter including a power module comprising: a rectifier circuit operable to convert an AC power signal into a rectified power signal; a DC transformer circuit operable to receive the rectified power signal and output a DC transformed power signal; a top switch feedback loop circuit coupled to the DC transformer circuit and operable to regulate the DC transformed power signal; a DC to DC switching converter circuit coupled to the DC transformer circuit and operable to convert the DC transformed power signal to a converted DC power signal; and a feedback control circuit coupled to the DC to DC converter circuit and operable to regulate the converted DC signal; and further comprising: a) a case defining a socket and a button opening, the socket having a plurality of first electrical contacts, the socket defining a first notch and a first groove extending along a first side of the socket from the first notch; b) a plurality of adapter plugs, i. each adapter plug having a plurality of recessed second electrical contacts configured to communicate with a corresponding one of the first electrical contacts; ii. each adapter plug having a first protrusion; iii. each adapter plug configured to mate with the socket by inserting the first protrusion into the first notch and turning the adapter plug to slidably engage the first protrusion with the first groove; and iv. each adapter plug further configured to mate with a style of electrical wall socket; c) a locking mechanism operative to lock the adapter plug into the socket; and d) a detent button located in the button opening operative to release the locking mechanism, thereby to release the adapter plug from the socket.