Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The power supply equipment includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power drawn by the electronic device. A cable extends from the adapter. The power supply equipment further includes a tip which has an input side and an output side. The input side of the tip is detachable mateable to the cable. The output side of the tip is detachably mateable to the electronic device. The tip output side has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device. The tip provides the data signal, as well as the DC power, to the electronic device. Different tips may be used to provide appropriate data signals to different electronic devices.

A vacuum cleaner includes a suction inlet, a motor, and an impeller connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction inlet upon operation of the motor. The vacuum cleaner further includes a power connector mounted to the vacuum cleaner and selectively connectable to a direct current (DC) power source and an alternating current (AC) power source. The power connector includes external terminals accessible from an exterior of the vacuum cleaner. The external terminals are configured for removable mechanical connection to each of the DC power source and an AC power supply cord such that the DC power source and the AC power supply cord are selectively and mechanically connectable to the same external power connector terminals.

A vacuum cleaner includes a suction inlet, a motor, and an impeller connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction inlet upon operation of the motor. The vacuum cleaner further includes a power connector mounted to the vacuum cleaner and selectively connectable to a direct current (DC) power source and an alternating current (AC) power source. The power connector includes external terminals accessible from an exterior of the vacuum cleaner. The external terminals are configured for removable mechanical connection to each of the DC power source and an AC power supply cord such that the DC power source and the AC power supply cord are selectively and mechanically connectable to the same external power connector terminals.

A switch assembly for a battery module comprises a base unit, a first plug, and a second plug. The base unit defines a socket in which are located first and second positive contacts and first and second negative contacts. The first plug is configured to be inserted into the socket and comprises a first connector operable to connect the first positive contact to the second positive contact and a second connector operable to connect the first negative contact to the second negative contact when the first plug is inserted into the socket. The second plug comprises a connector operable to connect only the first positive contact to the second negative contact when the second plug is inserted into the socket.

A switch assembly for a battery module comprises a base unit, a first plug, and a second plug. The base unit defines a socket in which are located first and second positive contacts and first and second negative contacts. The first plug is configured to be inserted into the socket and comprises a first connector operable to connect the first positive contact to the second positive contact and a second connector operable to connect the first negative contact to the second negative contact when the first plug is inserted into the socket. The second plug comprises a connector operable to connect only the first positive contact to the second negative contact when the second plug is inserted into the socket.

Exemplary power supply systems and methods according to the present invention include circuitry that is configured to provide DC power and configured to receive a input signal that originates from a portable electronic device (the “PED”) and to provide a output signal to be sent to the PED. Such circuitry is configured to be coupled to the PED via a connector having a first, second, third, and fourth conductor. Such a connector is configured to be detachably mated with a power input interface of the PED to transfer the DC power to the PED, a ground reference to the PED, the input signal from the PED to the circuitry, and, in coordination with the input signal, the output signal from the circuitry to the PED, which is usable by the PED in connection with control of charging a battery of the PED based on the DC power provided by the circuitry.

A connection apparatus for connecting electrical devices, in particular electric motors to an AC system, has a housing which has at least one housing portion. A plurality of first and second conductor terminals are arranged in the at least one housing portion. Each conductor terminal has at least one or two or more individual terminals and a configuration plug. The configuration plug electrically connects individual or a plurality of the first and/or second conductor terminals in at least two different positions in order to obtain at least two different circuit types. The configuration plug is rotatably or slidably guided in or on the housing or at least on the at least one housing portion. Due to this relative movement, plug can be rotated and/or displaced into at least two different positions, in order to provide the at least two different circuit types.

A connection apparatus for connecting electrical devices, in particular electric motors to an AC system, has a housing which has at least one housing portion. A plurality of first and second conductor terminals are arranged in the at least one housing portion. Each conductor terminal has at least one or two or more individual terminals and a configuration plug. The configuration plug electrically connects individual or a plurality of the first and/or second conductor terminals in at least two different positions in order to obtain at least two different circuit types. The configuration plug is rotatably or slidably guided in or on the housing or at least on the at least one housing portion. Due to this relative movement, plug can be rotated and/or displaced into at least two different positions, in order to provide the at least two different circuit types.

One variation of a portable radio system includes: a portable radio configured to transmit and receive audio communication, including a connector receptacle arranged on a rear face of the portable radio and a channel extending from the connector receptacle; a cable, configured to couple the portable radio to a secondary device, including a straight section configured to seat within the channel and defining a length greater than a length of the channel; a connector, coupled to the straight section of the cable, configured to seat within the connector receptacle to couple the cable to the portable radio in an upward and downward orientation; and a clip including a base section configured to transiently couple to the body over the connector and a clamp section configured to pivot relative the base section and to attach the portable radio to a user.

One variation of a portable radio system includes: a portable radio configured to transmit and receive audio communication, including a connector receptacle arranged on a rear face of the portable radio and a channel extending from the connector receptacle; a cable, configured to couple the portable radio to a secondary device, including a straight section configured to seat within the channel and defining a length greater than a length of the channel; a connector, coupled to the straight section of the cable, configured to seat within the connector receptacle to couple the cable to the portable radio in an upward and downward orientation; and a clip including a base section configured to transiently couple to the body over the connector and a clamp section configured to pivot relative the base section and to attach the portable radio to a user.