The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 02, 2010
Filed:
Aug. 04, 2006
Robert Thomas Cato, Raleigh, NC (US);
Timothy Wayne Crockett, Raleigh, NC (US);
Robert Thomas Cato, Raleigh, NC (US);
Timothy Wayne Crockett, Raleigh, NC (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
Apparatus is provided to limit the current drawn from a power supply output connected to furnish power to a docking station or electronic device, when a fault connects the output to ground or other docking connection. The power supply is disconnected when such fault is present during power-up. In one embodiment, the apparatus controllably limits current delivered to a docking station and a mobile device connected thereto. The apparatus includes a switch device located along a current path extending between the power supply and docking station, to regulate current flow. A current limiting entity operates the switch device to prevent current flow, when the fault affects the circuit, and current through the path exceeds a pre-specified threshold level. The pre-specified current threshold level can be less than the current level provided to the docking station and mobile device without said fault. A disabling component de-activates the current limiting entity, when current is flowing to the charging station but the current is unaffected by the fault.