Conformal repeater unit

Abstract

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, comprising:
 a transceiver unit;   a rechargeable power supply electrically provided to said transceiver unit; and   a housing unit for housing said transceiver and said rechargeable power supply, said housing including a lamp base, wherein an electrical connection is provided from said lamp base to a light socket such that said light socket receives electrical power from said lamp base, said light socket disposed at a base of a cavity in said housing, said cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a light bulb, said housing unit configured to reduce a distance between said lamp base and said light socket by disposing at least a portion of said rechargeable power supply beside said cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein said rechargeable power supply is provided to said lamp base. 
     
     
         3 . The repeater of  claim 1 , further comprising a heat shield disposed in said cavity. 
     
     
         4 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein said rechargeable power supply comprises one or more rechargeable batteries. 
     
     
         5 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein a shape of said housing is substantially conformal to at least a portion of a light bulb. 
     
     
         6 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver is powered by electrical power from said lamp base when said lamp base receives electrical power. 
     
     
         7 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver is powered by electrical power from said rechargeable power supply when electrical power is not available from said lamp base. 
     
     
         8 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein said rechargeable power supply is recharged by at least a portion of electrical power provided to said lamp base. 
     
     
         9 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein said transceiver unit receives a signal from at least one transducer and re-transmits said signal to a base station. 
     
     
         10 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein said lamp base comprises a candelabra lamp base. 
     
     
         11 . The repeater of  claim 1 , wherein said cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of an R30 type bulb.