Timed auxiliary power adapter

An apparatus for powering and controlling an auxiliary load from an automatic lighting fixture, the fixture having a support structure and a control module removably mounted thereto, the control module having a first plug for engaging a first socket on the structure, the control module receiving electrical power from a power source and periodically delivering the power to a main load of the fixture in a main drive cycle, the power source and the main load being connected between the structure and the control module through the first socket and the first plug, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a housing for mounting between the support structure and the control module;
• (b) a second socket on the housing for engaging the first plug;
• (c) a second plug on the housing for engaging the the first socket;
• (d) a first conductor for connecting the source of power from the second plug to the second socket;
• (e) a second conductor for connecting the main load from the second socket to the second plug;
• (e) means for connecting the auxiliary load to the source of power;
• and
• (f) means for interrupting the connecting means during a predetermined period of time in each cycle.

A method for converting an automatic lighting fixture to power and control an auxiliary load, the fixture having a support structure and a control module removably mounted thereto, the control module having a first plug for engaging a first socket on the structure, the control module receiving electrical power from a power source and periodically delivering the power to a main load of the fixture in a main drive cycle, the power source and the main load being connected between the structure and the control module through the first socket and the first plug, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) selecting an apparatus comprising:
• (i) a housing;
• (ii) a second socket on the housing for engaging the first plug;
• (iii) a second plug on the housing for engaging the first socket;
• (iv) a first conductor for connecting the source of power from the second plug to the second socket;
• (v) a second conductor for connecting the main load from the second socket to the second plug;
• (vi) an auxiliary socket on the housing and connected between the first and second conductors;
• and
• (vii) means for interrupting the connection to the auxiliary socket during a predetermined period of time in each cycle;
• (b) removing the control module from the fixture;
• (c) attaching the apparatus to the fixture by connecting the second plug to the first socket;
• (d) attaching the control module to the apparatus by connecting the first plug to the second socket;
• and
• (e) connecting the auxiliary load to the auxiliary socket.

A method for powering and controlling an auxiliary load from an automatic lighting fixture, the fixture having a support structure and a control module removably mounted thereto, the control module having a first plug for engaging a first socket on the structure, the control module receiving electrical power from a power source and periodically delivering the power to a main load of the fixture in a main drive cycle, the power source and the main load being connected between the structure and the control module through the first socket and the first plug, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) feeding the power to the control module through a housing, the housing having a second socket engaging the first plug and second plug engaging the first socket;
• (b) feeding the main load through the housing from the control module between second socket and the second plug;
• (c) feeding the auxiliary load with power from within the housing;
• and
• (d) interrupting the power to the auxiliary load during a predetermined period of time in each main drive cycle.