Patent ID: 7597570

Claim:
A universal power adapter comprising: a base having conducting pins for electrical connection with respective conductors of an electrical power socket providing main electrical power, electrical terminals on a first side of the base, respectively corresponding to and respectively connected electrically to the corresponding pins on a second side of the base, a rotatable safety cover having openings and rotatable between a first position shielding the electrical terminals and a second position providing access to the electrical terminals through the openings, and a first rotational mechanical coupler on the base; and an adapter body including a second rotational mechanical coupler co-operating with and rotating relative to the first rotational mechanical coupler to secure the body to the base, the safety cover being rotated by the adapter body to the second position upon connection of the adapter body to the base, respective electrical contacts in the body and engaging corresponding electrical terminals of the base, when the adapter body and the base are secured to each other; and a power converter module within the adapter body and converting electrical power at a first voltage and applied to the conducting pins to electrical power at a different, second voltage, different from the first voltage, output from the adapter body.