WO2008094940A1

WO2008094940A1 - Power supply apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008094940A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/052354
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Ward; David Main
Original assignee: Element Labs Inc
Current assignee: Element Labs Inc
Priority date: 2007-01-29
Filing date: 2008-01-29
Publication date: 2008-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2009-07-29
Also published as: WO2008094940A9

Abstract

An apparatus and method for supplying power to an externally powered device are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a housing, a power supply unit disposed therein, a first cover and a second cover. The first cover is removably secured to a first end of the housing, and the second cover is removably secured to a second end of the housing. Further, the apparatus is configured to electrically connect to the externally powered device.

Description

POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS Cross-reference to Related Applications

10001] This application, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), claims priority to U.S.

Patent Application Serial No. 60/887,075 filed on January 29, 2007 and entitled "Power Supply In Conduit" in the name of Matthew Ward and David Main, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to power supply units. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an improved method and apparatus for supplying power to an externally powered device, such as a light emitting apparatus or a light emitting system.

Background Art

[0003] Display units for entertainment, architectural, and advertising purposes have commonly been constructed from numbers of light emitting elements, such as light emitting diodes ("LEDs") or incandescent lamps mounted onto flat panels. The light emitting elements may be selectively turned on and off to create patterns, graphics, and video displays for both informational and aesthetic purposes. It is well known to construct these displays as tiles or large panels which are assembled in position for a specific entertainment show or event, or also as an architectural or advertising display. Examples of such systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.: 6,813,853, 6,704,989 and 6,314,669.

[0004] As the LED video market expands into new domains, the classic fixed structure of the LED video panel may become a limitation. Designers, architects, and advertisers may desire the flexibility and versatility to use only one or a few products within the rapidly changing environment of the modern era. For example, a panel or modular box system may work well in a stadium score board or as an advertisement on the Las Vegas Strip, but the large panels may have limitations on transparency and weight. [0005] Accordingly, there may be a requirement at an event or within a theatrical production to use a display system that is easily removable, for example, moving the display system in between scenes of a play and as the needs of the production dictates. A display apparatus constructed as a large panel or as a series of solid tiles bolted or permanently fixed together may be very inappropriate for such an application or need. The displays may be large and heavy, and require abundant support machinery, time, and storage space for installation. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,704,989, issued to Lutz, an electronic signal display system requires the individual display sections be lifted out of storage cases with a lifting truss and then joined and stacked appropriately for display.

[0006] To improve upon these limitations, as described above, many existing products are being developed with a degree of transparency and to weigh less than their panel based counterparts. An example of such a prior art display apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,237,290 ("Tokimoto").

[0007] Tokimoto discloses a system that effectively integrates the electronic and structural components for use in a building. In this case, the LED ribs are incorporated into a void in the glass wall of the building. However, there may be limitations to the method disclosed in Tokimoto. For example, maintaining the system within the void is complicated. The system disclosed by Tokimoto could be used to back light a graphic on the glass exterior; however, issues with line of sight would prevent the system from acting as a part of the graphic. This may be the result in the alignment of the system and the graphic shifting as the viewer moves. Further, the system may not function as a finished surface and may be difficult to access and maintain.

[0008] Another requirement for display systems used for entertainment and architectural purposes, such as providing a large distributed system on the side of an architectural structure, is to seamlessly integrate the power supply units of these display units with the architecture. In smaller display systems, the power supply unit may be easily integrated into the display system itself. For example, a panel display system, such as an LED video panel display, may have the power supply unit built directly into the panel. Including the power supply unit into the panel may then increase the size of the display system, but this increase may be minimal for smaller display systems. However, for larger display systems, the addition of a power supply unit into the display system may significantly increase the size of the system and decrease the transparency and seamless integration of the system into the architectural structure.

[0009] Further, larger display systems used for architectural purposes may have an exterior and/or outdoor installation with respect to the architectural structure. If the power supply unit is installed adjacent to the display system, the power supply unit may then not be easily accessible, such as by having the power supply unit on the exterior of the architectural structure. Alternatively, if not located adjacent the display system, the power supply unit may end up within a junction box or isolated room to protect the power supply unit. In this case, the power supply unit may still be remote and isolated from the display systems, thereby increasing difficulty if the power supply units require voltage regulation and adjustment. Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus and/or method to supply power that improves upon these prior art methods for continued development and success within the light emitting industry, in addition to any industry that may benefit from a more seamlessly integrated power supply unit.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus to supply power to an externally powered device. The apparatus includes a housing, a power supply unit disposed within the housing, a first cover removably secured to a first end of the housing, and a second cover removably secured to a second end of the housing. Further, the apparatus is configured to electrically connect to the externally powered device.

[0011] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of supplying power to an externally powered device on an exterior of a structure. The method includes providing a wall of the structure with a hole disposed therein, providing a housing with a power supply unit mounted therein, a first cover removably secured to a first end of the housing, and a second cover removably secured to a second end of the housing. The method then further includes disposing the housing within the hole of the structure and electrically connecting the housing to the externally powered device to supply power from the housing to the externally powered device.

[0012] In yet another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of manufacturing a power supply apparatus. The method includes providing a housing and a power supply unit, mounting the power supply unit within the housing, removably securing a first cover to a first end of the housing, and removably securing a second cover to a second end of the housing. Further, the power supply apparatus is configured to electrically connect to an externally powered device.

[0013] Further, in yet another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus to supply power to an externally powered device. The apparatus includes a housing, a power supply unit disposed within the housing, a first cover removably secured to a first end of the housing and electrically connected to the power supply unit, and a second cover removably secured to a second end of the housing and electrically connected to the power supply unit.

[0014] Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure IA shows a perspective shaded view of a power supply apparatus in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0016] Figure IB shows a perspective transparent view of a power supply apparatus in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a perspective interior view of a power supply apparatus in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0018] Figure 3 A shows a perspective transparent top view of a power supply apparatus in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 3B shows a perspective transparent side view of a power supply apparatus in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0020] Figure 4 shows a perspective line view of a power supply apparatus mounted or disposed within a wall in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. [0021] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a primary component and a secondary component of a power supply apparatus in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details, hi other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0023] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an apparatus for supplying power to an externally powered device. The apparatus includes a housing with a power supply unit disposed therein, and two covers removably secured to two separate ends of the housing. The apparatus is then configured to electrically connect to the externally powered device. Further, assuming the externally powered device is disposed upon or adjacent a wall of a structure, the power supply apparatus may be disposed, at least partially, within the wall with one end accessible from one side of the wall and the other end accessible from the other side of the wall. Furthermore, the first cover and the second cover may be electrically connected to the power supply unit, and then the first cover and the second cover may be configured to electrically connect to the externally powered device. Finally, the apparatus may include inductive coupling components and a wireless data transfer unit to facilitate communication with the apparatus and supply power to the externally powered device.

[0024] Referring now to Figures IA and IB, perspective views of an apparatus 101 configured to supply power to an externally powered device (not shown) in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. Specifically, to provide a more thorough view of the power supply apparatus 101, Figure IA shows a perspective shaded view of the apparatus 101, and Figure IB shows a perspective transparent view of the apparatus 101. The apparatus 101 includes a housing 103 having a first end 105 and a second end 107. A first cover 111, as shown, is configured to removably secure to the first end 105 of the housing 103, and the second cover 121 is configured to removably secure to the second end 107 of the housing 103.

[0025] As used herein, "removably secure" refers to the ability of the covers to secure, such as attach and detach, as desired with the ends of the housing. As such, to removably secure either one or both of the covers 111, 121 to the ends 105, 107, respectively, the covers 111, 121 may threadingly engage the ends 105, 107, the covers 111, 121 may attach to the ends 105, 107 using an attaching mechanism {e.g., bolts, screws), the covers 111, 121 may attach to the ends 105, 107 using an interference fit, or the covers 111, 121 may attach to the ends 105, 107 using any other means known in the art. As shown in this embodiment, the first cover 111, removably secured to the first end 105 of the housing 103, and the second cover 121, removably secured to the second end 107 of the housing 103, may be disposed substantially opposite from each other on the apparatus 101. Further, the housing 103 also includes a power supply unit disposed therein (discussed more below).

[0026] In addition to being able to be removably secured to the first end 105 and the second end 107, both, or at least one of, the first cover 111 and the second cover 121 may additionally electrically connect to the housing 103. For example, in this embodiment, the first cover 11 1 may electrically connect to the first end 105 of the housing 103 using an electrical connector 131 {e.g., a blade connector). Though a blade connector is shown in the following embodiments, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any type of electrical connector may electrically connect the housing of the apparatus to the cover. Regardless, the first cover 111 may then electrically connect to the housing 103 of the apparatus 101, in which the power supply unit disposed within the housing 103 may then electrically connect to the first cover 111. Similarly, the second cover 121 may also electrically connect to the power supply unit of the housing 103.

[0027] Referring now to Figure 2, a perspective line view of the interior of a housing 203 of a power supply apparatus 201 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. As discussed above, the housing 203 of the apparatus 201 includes a power supply unit 241 disposed therein. The power supply unit 241 may include power supply electrical components 243 disposed upon and electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 245. As such, the power supply unit will supply power to an externally powered device. For example, as is common, the power supply unit may receive power through one end of the housing. The power supply unit may then convert the incoming power to another desired form and/or voltage, in which the power from the power supply unit may then be supplied through the other end of the housing to an externally powered device. Thus, the power supply unit may convert and/or regulate the power incoming and being supplied to the externally powered device. Further, the power supply unit may include an energy storage device, such as a battery, to supply power from the energy storage device to the externally device.

[0028] Regardless, as shown in Figure 2, the power supply unit 241 may be mounted, either removably or permanently, within the housing 203 of the apparatus 201. Specifically, as shown in this embodiment, a slot 247 may be formed within the housing 203, in which the PCB 245 may mount within the slot 247. As such, the PCB 245 may be removably or permanently mounted within and secured to the slot 247. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other methods may be used to mount, both removably and permanently, the power supply unit within the housing of the apparatus.

[0029] Accordingly, by having the first cover and the second cover (both not shown here) removably secured to the housing 203, these covers may be detached from the housing 203 as desired to access the power supply unit 241 disposed within the apparatus 101. Therefore, assuming the power supply unit 241 is then removably mounted within the housing 203, the power supply unit 241 may be entirely removed from the housing 203 from either side of the housing 203. Otherwise, if not removably mounted within the housing 203, the power supply unit 241 may be still be accessed from either side, with the covers detached, and repaired as needed or desired. As such, a hole 249 is shown, in which the covers may attach to the housing by having an attachment mechanism, such as a bolt or screw, engage the hole 249 through the covers, thereby removably securing the covers to the housing 203.

[0030] Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, an above transparent perspective view and a side transparent perspective view, respectively, of a power supply apparatus 301 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. As compared to Figures IA and IB, Figures 3A and 3B may show an enlarged view of a first cover 311 removably securing to a first end 105 of a housing 303. Further, the first cover 311 may electrically connect to the housing 303, the housing 303 having a power supply unit disposed therein, such as by using an electrical connector 331. For example, the electrical connector 331 may have a first end 331 A attached to the housing 303 and a second end 33 IB attached to the first cover 311. The first end 33 IA and the second end 33 IB of the electrical connector 331 may then electrically connect when the first cover 311 is removably secured to the first end 305 of the housing 303, thereby electrically connecting the first cover 311 to the power supply unit disposed within the housing 303.

[0031] Further, in this embodiment, the first cover 311 includes holes 313 distributed adjacent the outside of the cover 311 , and the first end 305 of the housing 303 includes holes 349 distributed adjacent the outside of the housing 303. As such, the location of the holes 313 of the first cover 311 may correspond to the location of the holes 349 of the first end 305, To have the first cover 311 removably secure to the first end 305 of the housing 303, attachment mechanisms may be disposed through the holes 313 of the first cover 311 to engage, such as threadingly engage, the holes 349 of the first end 305 of the housing 303. Though not shown, the second cover may then similarly removably secure to the second end of the housing. However, as discussed above, the first cover and the second cover may removably secure to the first end and the second end of the housing by any means known in the art.

[0032] Accordingly, as shown and described above, the power supply apparatus may be used to supply power to an externally powered device. Specifically, an externally powered device will not have an internal power supply unit. As such, a power supply apparatus, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, may be electrically connected to the externally powered device to supply power to the externally powered device. As used herein, "electrically connect" refers to the ability of one electrical device to be configured to communicate and transfer power and/or data to another electrical device. Thus, one electrical device may electrically connect, with or without wires, to another electrical device (discussed more below). For example, the externally powered device may include a light emitting apparatus, in which the light emitting apparatus is disposed on the exterior of an architectural structure. The light emitting apparatus may be mounted upon or disposed adjacent to a wall of the architectural structure. Accordingly, the power supply apparatus of the present disclosure may be disposed within the wall of the structure, at least partially, and electrically connected to the light emitting apparatus to supply power to the light emitting apparatus. By including the power supply apparatus within the wall of the structure, the power supply apparatus may seamlessly integrate with the structure and not provide a distraction when viewing the light emitting apparatus.

[0033] Accordingly, if the power supply apparatus of the present disclosure is disposed within the wall of the architectural structure, the power supply apparatus may be arranged within the wall such that both the first cover and the second cover of the apparatus are still accessible. The first cover may be accessible from one side of the wall, and the second cover may be accessible from the other side of the wall. For example, as shown in Figure 4, an above line perspective view of a power supply apparatus 401 disposed or mounted within a wall 461 of a structure (not shown) in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. In this embodiment, the apparatus 401 is partially disposed within the wall 461. Specifically, a portion of a housing 403 of the apparatus 401 is disposed within the wall 461, and a first cover 411 and a second cover 421 of the apparatus 401 project and extend out of the wall 461. The apparatus 401 may also be disposed within the wall 461 so as to have the first cover 411 and the second cover 421 flush and even with the wall 461, or possibly have the first cover 411 and the second cover 421 recessed within the wall 461. However, in this embodiment, only the housing 403 of the power supply apparatus 401 is disposed within the wall 461.

[0034] Regardless, by having the power supply apparatus 401 disposed within the wall 461, the first cover 41 1 may be accessible from a first side A of the wall 461, and the second cover 421 may be accessible from a second side B of the wall 461. This arrangement may then enable the housing 401 to be accessed and maintained from either side A or B of the wall 461, which ever side may be more convenient. As such, the first cover 411 may removably secure and electrically connect to a first end 405 of the housing 403, and the second cover 421 may removably secure and electrically connect to the second end 407 of the housing 403. [0035] With the power supply apparatus 401 disposed within the wall 461, the power supply apparatus 401 may then supply power to an externally powered device. For example, either one of the first cover 411 and the second cover 421 may electrically connect and supply power to the externally powered device. Further, if needed, the other of the first cover 411 and the second cover 421 may then electrically connect to a power source, in which the power supply unit disposed within the housing 403 may convert and/or regulate power for the externally powered device.

[0036] When electrically connecting to the externally powered device, the power supply apparatus may then connect to the externally powered device using wires and lines. These wires may then transfer power to the externally powered device from the power supply apparatus, in addition to possibly providing mechanical support. However, rather than only using wires, the present disclosure may also inductively couple with the externally powered device.

[0037 J When inductively coupling with the externally powered device, the power supply apparatus may transfer or supply power from the apparatus to the externally powered device, such as, through a shared magnetic field. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the power supply apparatus may include a primary component 571, such as an antenna, for inductive coupling, and the externally powered device may include a secondary component 573, such as a receiver, for inductive coupling. The primary component 571 may then have a change in current flow therein, in which this change in current flow may induce a change in current flow in the secondary component 573. The change in current flow of the secondary component 573 may then be used to supply power to the externally powered device. The primary component 571 may be disposed within the power supply apparatus, such as within the housing or either of the covers of the apparatus, and the secondary component maybe disposed within or merely electrically connected to the externally powered device. Regardless though, the power supply apparatus may supply power to the externally powered device using inductive coupling, thereby eliminating direct contact between the power supply apparatus and the externally powered device if desired.

[0038] Further, in addition supplying power, the power supply apparatus may be configured to receive and/or supply data. For example, referring back to Figure 4, the second end 421 may be configured to receive data from a data source for the apparatus 401. This data may then be used to control, at least partially, the power supply apparatus 401, and/or this data may be transferred through the first cover 411 of the power supply apparatus 401 to the externally powered device. By incorporating a data transfer through the power supply apparatus, this may eliminate any further wall mounts or penetrations. Assuming the power supply apparatus is used to receive and/or supply data, the power supply apparatus may have a shielded section formed therein. For example, a portion of the housing may be formed with a shielded section, in which the data, when passing through the housing, may transfer through the shielded section. This may prevent any corruption of the data when within the power supply apparatus.

[0039] When receiving and/or supplying data to the power supply apparatus, the power supply apparatus may include a wireless data transfer unit disposed therein. For example, a wireless transfer unit may be disposed within the housing of the power supply apparatus, in which the wireless transfer unit may receive a wireless data signal to control the power supply apparatus and/or be used to transmit a subsequent wireless signal to the externally powered device. By including a wireless data transfer unit within the power supply apparatus, this may eliminate any direct contact between the power supply apparatus with the externally powered device and/or the data source.

[0040] Preferably, the power supply apparatus, particularly the housing, is electrically rated, such as electrically tested and approved. Assuming the housing is electrically rated, the power supply apparatus may be more safely used to supply power to an externally powered device, such as by reducing the risk of over heating, or of causing damage to either of the power supply apparatus, the externally powered device, or the structure supporting the power supply apparatus. As such, the benefits of using an electrically rated housing may be realized.

[0041] Further, to additionally optimize the power supply apparatus, or for additional safety precautions, the power supply apparatus may include a heat sink. For example, at least one of the first cover and the second cover may be or include a heat sink, thereby having the at least one of the first cover and the second cover dissipating the heat to the environment that may accumulate within the power supply apparatus. To assist the heat sink, a thermal via may also be disposed within the power supply apparatus. The thermal via may be adjacent to the power supply unit, in which the thermal via would collect and transfer heat from the power supply unit to the heat sink; the heat sink then dissipating the heat to the environment. Additionally, the power supply apparatus may include a reflective material to further reflect and avoid any unnecessary heat from the environment. For example, at least one of the first cover and the second cover may be partially or completely covered by or formed from the reflective material, in which the reflective material may reflect environmental heat, such as radiation from the sun, rather than having the power supply apparatus accumulating this heat from the environment.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in the above embodiments, the power supply apparatus may have a conduit shape. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures IA and IB, the housing 103, in addition to the first cover 1 11 and the second cover 121, are conduit shaped. Having a conduit shape for the apparatus may increase the functionality and maximize the space within the apparatus, in addition to possibly providing an optimal shape for the apparatus to be integrated within an architectural structure. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other shapes and sizes may be used for the power supply apparatus, such as a triangle or rectangle cross-section for the power supply apparatus, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] Embodiments disclosed herein may provide for one or more of the following advantages. First, the present disclosure may provide a power supply apparatus that may be easily and/or seamlessly integrated with a structure. The power supply apparatus may be incorporated into a wall of the structure, in which the apparatus supplies power through the wall of the structure to an externally powered device, thereby enabling the power supply apparatus to not have a large appearance to the ordinary observer. Next, the present disclosure may provide for a power supply apparatus that not only supplies power to an externally powered device, but may also provide data to the externally powered device. By supplying power and data to the externally powered device, a structure supporting the externally powered device may have fewer penetrations formed therein to assist the externally powered device. Further, the present disclosure may provide for a power supply apparatus that does not require contact with the externally powered device. By having inductive coupling and/or a wireless data transfer unit, the power supply apparatus may not have to directly contact the externally powered device, much less a power or data source that is being supplied to the externally powered device. Finally, the present disclosure may provide for a power supply apparatus that supplies power to any type of externally powered device. As described above, the externally powered device may be a light emitting apparatus. However, other types of externally powered devices may be used as well. While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be limited only by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus to supply power to an externally powered device, comprising: a housing; a power supply unit disposed within the housing; a first cover removably secured to a first end of the housing; and a second cover removably secured to a second end of the housing; wherein the apparatus is configured to electrically connect to the externally powered device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cover and the second cover are disposed substantially opposite from each other on the housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the externally powered device is disposed adjacent a wall of an architectural structure, wherein the apparatus is configured to be disposed at least partially within the wall, wherein the first cover is configured to be accessible from one side of the wall, and wherein the second cover is configured to be accessible from the other side of the wall.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the apparatus is disposed within the wall of the structure, wherein the apparatus is electrically connected to the externally powered device through one of the first cover and the second cover.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to inductively couple with the externally powered device.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus comprises a primary component configured to inductively couple with a secondary component of the externally powered device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the primary component comprises a transmitter antenna and the secondary component comprises a receiver antenna.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power supply unit comprises power supply electrical components disposed upon and electrically connected to a printed circuit board.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the printed circuit board is mounted within a slot of the housing.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover is electrically connected to the power supply unit and is configured to electrically connect with the externally powered device.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one of the first cover and the second cover is electrically connected to the power supply unit with an electrical connector.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover comprises a heat sink.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a thermal via to transfer heat from the power supply unit to the heat sink.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover comprises a reflective material.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to transfer data to the externally powered device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a shielded section formed within the housing, wherein the data is transferred through the shielded section of the apparatus.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a wireless data transfer unit disposed within the apparatus.

18. A method of supplying power to an externally powered device on an exterior of a structure, the method comprising: providing a wall of the structure with a hole disposed therein; providing a housing with a power supply unit mounted therein, a first cover removably secured to a first end of the housing, and a second cover removably secured to a second end of the housing; disposing the housing within the hole of the structure; and electrically connecting the housing to the externally powered device to supply power from the housing to the externally powered device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first cover is configured to be accessible from one side of the wall, and wherein the second cover is configured to be accessible from the other side of the wall.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the housing comprises a wireless data transfer unit, the method further comprising: transferring data to the wireless data transfer unit from a data source.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover is electrically connected to the power supply unit.

22. A method of manufacturing a power supply apparatus, the method comprising: providing a housing and a power supply unit; mounting the power supply unit within the housing; removably securing a first cover to a first end of the housing; and removably securing a second cover to a second end of the housing; wherein the power supply apparatus is configured to electrically connect to an externally powered device.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: electrically connecting the first cover to the power supply unit; and electrically connecting the second cover to the power supply unit.

24. An apparatus to supply power to an externally powered device, comprising: a housing; a power supply unit disposed within the housing; a first cover removably secured to a first end of the housing and electrically connected to the power supply unit; a second cover removably secured to a second end of the housing and electrically connected to the power supply unit.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the externally powered device is a light emitting apparatus, wherein the apparatus is electrically connected to the light emitting apparatus.