GPS power/data cable system
US6007372A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R31/005
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for coupling global positioning system (GPS) receivers to computer systems in a way that takes advantage of available power supplies. The device includes an adaptive power base that may be used to replace the standard battery-pack bases of many portable GPS receivers. The adaptive power base is coupled through an interface cabling system to an external power supply. The power supply may be associated with the computer means, such as a mouse or keyboard port, or it may be a completely separate source, such as an automobile's cigarette lighter outlet. The interface cabling system includes couplings for linking the data communications ports of the GPS receiver and the computer system together. Through the design of the present invention, the GPS receiver is more adaptive to available power sources and therefore may be used for longer periods of time and in a variety of locations. The design is simple in that it includes standard connectors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.