Patent ID: 7198520

Claim:
An apparatus for providing power to one or more devices, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising an integrated power input connector for directly receiving a power cord; an integrated power output cord connected in series to the integrated power input connector, the integrated power output cord configured to mate directly with a power input connector on a first powered device to provide alternating current to the first powered device; a power supply mounted within the housing, the power supply connected in parallel to the power input connector and operative to generate direct current for delivery to at least a second powered device; a cable assembly extending from the housing, the cable assembly connected to an output of the power supply and operative to deliver the direct current to the second powered device; and a control circuit mounted within the housing, the circuit operative to receive an input signal from the second device powered by the direct current of the power supply and, based on the input signal, to allow or prevent the flow of the alternating current to the integrated power output cord.