A signal repeater for receiving and re-transmitting signals from environmental transducers and the like, and for mechanically and electrically cooperating with existing electrically powered fixtures. More particularly, the present invention includes a housing unit for mechanically and electrically coupling to the powered fixture, a transceiver unit, and a first power supply electrically connected to the transceiver circuit and housed by the housing unit. The repeater is adapted to maintain the functionality of the fixture.
1. A repeater for mounting to an electrically powered fluorescent light fixture, said repeater unit comprising:
a transceiver unit;
a first power supply electrically coupled to said transceiver unit;
a plug configured to mate with a fluorescent light fixture socket;
a housing unit for housing the transceiver and first power supply, wherein said plug is provided to said housing unit, said housing unit adapted to accept a fluorescent bulb; and
a first fluorescent bulb, in conjuction with said repeater, configured to replace a standard fluorescent bulb, said first fluorescent bulb provided to said housing to allow functionality of the fluorescent light fixture to be maintained.
2. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said first power supply includes a rechargeable power storage module, said module being recharged by said electrical power when supplied to said fluorescent light fixture socket.
3. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said first power supply includes a rechargeable power storage cell and a power charger, said power charger recharging said rechargeable power storage cell when electric power is supplied to said fluorescent light fixture socket.
4. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said housing unit further includes at least one fluorescent light socket.
5. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said housing unit comprises a first mating structure for mechanically installing into said fluorescent light fixture.
6. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said housing unit further comprises a fluorescent light socket for maintaining said fluorescent light fixture functionality.
7. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said first power supply is powered-on when said fluorescent light fixture is powered-off.
8. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said first power supply is powered-off when said fluorescent light fixture is powered-on.
9. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said first power supply is being recharged when said fluorescent light fixture is powered-on.
10. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said first power supply is adapted to provide power to said transceiver unit even when electrical power is unavailable to the fluorescent light fixtures.
11. The repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said fluorescent light fixture is located in an apartment building and a transducer sends a signal to said electrically powered fixture.
12. A repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said transceiver unit receives a signal from at least one transducer and re-transmits said signal to a base station.
13. A repeater in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said housing unit is adapted to insert into an exit sign.