`(12)Patent Application
`VAN DE VEN et 3].
`
`Publication
`
`(10)Pub.No.:US 2008/0084701A1
`(43)Pub. Date:
`Apr.
`I0, 2008
`
`US 2008008470]/X1
`
`(54) LIGHTING ASSEMBLIES, METHODS OF
`INSTALLING SAME, AND METHODS OF
`RICI-‘I.A(fIi\’(}LIUIITS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Antony Paul VAN DE \"l*lt\'.llung
`Kong Sar (CN): Gerald H. Neglcy.
`Durham. NC‘ (US)
`
`.-\dd.rt.:ss:
`Currcspotidcncc
`BURR & BROWN
`PO BOX 7068
`SYRACUSIC, NY 1326]-?llfi8 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: LED Lighting Fixtures.
`ville. NC
`
`Inc.. Morris
`
`(21) Appl. No;
`
`11/859,048
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sop. 21. Z007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 6O»'S46,222.filed on Sep.
`21. 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. (II.
`FZJV 29/ill]
`FZIV I5/0]
`(52) U.S. (Tl.
`
`(2(}{)6.(ll)
`(20()(1.(ll)
`
`362/373: 362362
`
`(57)
`
`.-\BS'l‘RA(I'l‘
`
`A lighting assembly comprising a light engine housing, a
`circuit hoard. a heat translirr mzttorial. an electrically con
`ductive lug zuul at solid stutc light cmiltcr. The cmitlcr is in
`contact with atfirst end of the leg. The leg extends through
`the circuit board. A second end of the leg,extends into the
`l‘lC’Hltransfer material. Also. a lighting assembly as described
`above. which lurther cotnpriscs atlixturc housing. in which
`the licut trartslisr material is in contact with the light engine
`housing and the light engine housing is connected to the
`fixture housing. in addition. it method of installing o lighting
`assotilhly. comprising contlcclitlg an clcclrical cutiduclur
`and l1]5C]1il‘lgtlic lighting
`ztsscntbly
`through
`a l‘lL]lCin :1
`construction element such that clips attached to a lixture
`housing engage the construction element. Also. a method of
`changing a lign emitter in a lighting assembly.
`
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`
`US 2008/008470] At
`
`Apr. 10, 2008
`
`LIGIITING ASSl€l\'ll3I.llCS, METHODS (Ill-"
`INSTALLING SAME, AND METHODS OF
`REPLACING LIGHTS
`
`CROSS-RlLFHRIENCIE TO Rlil./\'l‘l-I1)
`APPLIC“.-KTIONS
`
`light emitters) are already being used, clforts are ongoing to
`provide lighting assemblies (which include light emitting
`diodes or other solid state light emitters) which are
`improved. e.g.. with respect
`to energy ellicieticy. color
`rendering index [CR] Ra), contrast, cflicacy (l1'nfW). a11d./ttr
`duration of service.
`
`[lllllll] This application claims the benelit of US. Provi
`siottal Patent Application No. 60./846.222, filed Sep. 21.
`2006. the entirety of which is incorporated herein by refer
`ence.
`
`[0008] Although the development of light emitting diodes
`has in many ways revolutionized the lighting industry, some
`of the characteristics of light emitting diodes have presented
`challenges. some of which have not yet been fully met.
`
`l"[|'£l,[)OF Tllli
`
`lNVl€NTl()N
`
`IERIIIF SUMMARY OI-‘Tllli
`
`lNVliN'l"l()N
`
`[0002] The present ilivcntion relates to lighting assemblies
`for emitting light, medtods of installing lighting assemblies
`and methods of replacing light emitters included in lighting
`assemblies. 111sotne embodiments.
`the present
`invention
`relates to lighting assemblies which include solid state light
`emitters. for example. light entitling diodes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] A large proportion (some estimates are as high as
`twenty-five percent) of the electricity generated in the
`United States each year goes to lighting. Accordingly, there
`is an ongoing need to provide lighting which is more
`energy-eilicient.
`It is Well-known tt1at incandescent
`ligltt
`httlbs are very energy-ineflicient light sourees—about ninety
`percent of the electricity they consume is released as heat
`rather than light. Fluorescent
`light bttlbs are 111oreefizieient
`tl1a11incandescent
`light httlbs (hy a factor of ‘abnttt H1] bttt
`are still less eflicient than solid state light emitters. such as
`light emitting diodes.
`
`I11addition. as compared tt1the normal lifetimes of
`[0004]
`solid state light emitters. e.g._.light emitting diodes. incan
`descent
`light bulbs have relatively short
`lifetitnes.
`i.e._
`typically about 750-1000 hours. In comparison, light emit
`ting diodes,
`for example. have typical
`lifetimes betwee11
`50.000 a11d 70,0(H') hours).
`l"luort.'scet1t bulbs have longer
`lifetimes (e.g.. 10,000-20,000 hours)
`than incandescent
`lights. but provide less favorable color reproduction.
`
`[0005] Another issue faced by conventional light fixtures
`is the need to periodically replace the lighting devices (e.g._.
`light bttlbs. ctc.). Such issues are p2u'ticularly pronounced
`where access is dillicult (e.g.._vaulted ceilings. bridges. high
`buildings. traflic tumtels) andfor where change-out costs are
`extremely high. The typical lifetime of conventional fixtures
`is about 20 years. corresponding to a light-producing device
`usage ol‘at least about 44.000 hours [based on usage of 5
`hours per day for 20 years]. l,ight-producing device lifetime
`is typically mttch shorter. thus creating the need for periodic
`change-outs.
`[0006] Also. there is an ongoing need to provide lighting
`assemblies which can be installed and/or repaired more
`easily. with less ntodilication of or damage to construction
`elements (e.g.. ceilings, walls a.r1dlloors) in which such
`lighting assemblies are mounted. and itt which light emitters
`can be tnore easily changed.
`
`[0007] Additionally. efforts have been ongoing to develop
`ways by which solid state light emitters can be used in place
`of incandescent lights. fluorescent lights and other light
`getteratittg devices itt a wide variety of applications.
`ln
`addition. where light emitting diodes (or other solid state
`
`ln accordance with a first aspect according to the
`[0009]
`present invention.
`there is provided a lighting assembly.
`comprising:
`
`[0010]
`
`a fixture housing;
`
`[0011]
`
`[0012]
`
`[00 1:1]
`
`a limit engine housing:
`a circuit board;
`
`a heat transfer material:
`
`[0014]
`
`at least a first electrically conductive leg; and
`
`[0015]
`
`at least a lirst solid state light emitter,
`
`[0016]
`the first solid state light emitter being in contact
`with a first end ol‘the lirst electrically conductive leg.
`
`the first electrically conductive leg extending
`[0017]
`through the circuit board.
`
`a second end ofthe lirst electrically conductive leg
`[0018]
`extending into the heat transfer material.
`
`the heat transfer material being in contact with the
`[0019]
`light engine housing.
`
`the light engine housing being connected to the
`[0020]
`fixture housing.
`
`In some embodiments according to this aspect of
`[0021]
`the present invention. the first solid state light emitter is an
`l.[il).
`
`In accordance with a second aspect according to
`[0022]
`the present invention. t.here is provided a lighting assembly.
`coniprising:
`
`[0023]
`
`[0024]
`
`[0025]
`
`a ligltt engine housing;
`a circuit board:
`
`a heat transfer material;
`
`[0026]
`
`at least a first electrically conductive leg: and
`
`[0027]
`
`at least a first solid state light emitter;
`
`the first solid state light emitter being in contact
`[0021-2]
`with a lirst e11dol‘ the first electrically conductive leg,
`
`the lirst electrically conductive leg extending
`[0029]
`through the circuit hoard.
`
`a second end ofthe first electrically conductive leg
`[0030]
`extending into tl1cheat transfer material.
`
`In sotne etnbodiments according to this aspect of
`[0031]
`the present irtvention. the first solid state light emitter is an
`I.[-fl).
`
`
`
`US 2008/008470] Al
`
`Apr. lt), 2008
`
`I11accordance with a third aspect according to the
`[U032]
`present invention. there is provided a method of installing a
`lighting assembly. comprising:
`
`[IIII33] Connecting an electrical conductor on a lighting
`assembly to an electrical supply component. the lighting
`assembly comprising a fixture housing and at least two clips
`attached to the fixture housing and extending away from a
`periphery of the fixture housing; a11d
`
`inserting the lighting assembly through a t1olein a
`[0034]
`construction element such that the clips engage the con
`struction element.
`
`In some embodiments according to this aspect of
`[D035]
`the present inventiort. the first etuitter is a solid state light
`etnitter.
`
`In some embodiments according to this aspect of
`[0036]
`tl1e present invention. solid state light emitter is an l.|il).
`
`In accordance with a fourth aspect according to the
`[0037]
`present invention. there is provided a method of changing a
`light emitter in a lighting assembly, comprising:
`
`retracting clips attached to a fixture housing out of
`[U038]
`contact with a constniction element;
`
`[III]!-I9] the method fitrther comprises:
`
`removing the light engine housing from the
`[U050]
`Iixture housing;
`
`removing the first light emitter from the light
`[U051]
`CIIEIHC:
`
`attaching a replacement light emitter on the light
`[D052]
`engine: and
`
`attaching the light engine housing to the fixture
`[0053]
`housing.
`
`In some embodiments according to this fourth
`[0054]
`aspect of the present invention. the lighting assembly com
`prises:
`
`[0055]
`
`the fixture housing:
`
`[0055]
`
`a light engine housing:
`
`[0057]
`
`[0058]
`
`a circuit hoard;
`
`a heat transter material:
`
`[0059]
`
`at least a first electrically conductive leg: and
`
`[0000]
`
`at least a first emitter.
`
`[0039] moving the lighting assembly through a hole in a
`construction element; and
`
`the first solid state light emitter is in contact with a
`[0061]
`first e11dof the first electrically conductive leg,
`
`disconnecting an electrical conductor on the Iigl1t
`[0040]
`ing assembly from an electrical supply component.
`the
`lighting assembly comprising a fixture housing and at least
`two clips attached to the Iixture housing and extending away
`front a periphery of the fixture housings
`
`In some embodiments according to this aspect of
`[U041]
`the present
`invention.
`the lighti11gassembly comprises a
`fixture housing, a light engine housing. a light engine and at
`least a first tign emitter. the first light emitter being mounted
`on the light engine. the light engine being mounted on the
`light engine housing. and
`
`[D042]
`
`the method further comprises:
`
`removing the light engine housing tron] the
`[0043]
`fixture housing:
`
`removing the light engine from the light engine
`[0044]
`housing;
`
`attaching a replacement light engine to the light
`[U045]
`engine housing: and
`
`attaching the light cngirte housing to the fixture
`[U046]
`housing.
`
`the 111ethod Iitrther
`I11 some such embodiniellts.
`[U047]
`comprises inserting the lighting assembly through the hole
`in the construction element such that the clips engage the
`construction element.
`
`In some enihodiincnts according to this fourth
`[U048]
`aspect ofthe present invention. the lighting assembly com
`prises a fixture housing. a light engine housing. a light
`engine and at least a first light emitter. the first light emitter
`being mounted on the light engine, the light -engine being
`mounted on the light engine housing. and
`
`the electrically conductive leg is electrically con
`[0062]
`nected to the electrical contiluctor.
`
`the first electrically conductive leg extends through
`[0063]
`the circuit board,
`
`a second end of the first electrically conductive leg
`[0064]
`extends into the heat transfer material.
`
`the heat transfer material is in contact with the light
`[00 65]
`engine housing, and
`
`[0066]
`housing.
`
`the light engine housing is connected to the fixture
`
`[IIUET] 'Ihe invention may be more fitlly tmderstood with
`reference to the accompanying drawings and the following
`detailed description of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`I"I(iURIiS
`
`[0068] FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of a lighting
`assembly in accordance with the present invention.
`
`[lltl69] FIG. 2 is a perspective view ola lighting assembly.
`
`[0070] FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view ofthe lighting
`assembly depicted in FIG. 2.
`
`FIG. 4 is a sectional view ofthe lighting assembly
`[0071]
`depicted in FIG. 2.
`
`[0072] FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view ofa portion
`of t.l1elighting assenibly depicted in FIG. 2.
`
`[0073] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of sub-assem
`blies of the lighting assembly depicted in I"l(i. 2.
`
`[0074] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fixture housing
`of the lighting assembly depicted in l‘I(:l. 2.. with clips
`attached thereto and with gaps 42 Ionlled therein
`
`
`
`US 2008/008470] At
`
`Apr. 10, 2008
`
`l"l(i. 9 is a perspective View showing a portion of
`[lll]'i'5]
`a clip_.a portiott ofa rim. a portion of a lens and a portiott
`of a tixtttre housing.
`
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion of
`[0076]
`a clip and a portion ofzt fixture housing.
`
`[D077] FIG. ll
`
`is a perspective view showing a clip.
`
`l)l']'l“AIl.l€l) l.)liS(.TRIl-"l‘I()N O1" Tllfi
`INVI *'.N'l'[()-N
`
`[D078] The present invention now will be described more
`fttlly hereinafter with reference to tlte accompanying draw
`ings. in which entbodintettts of the invention are shown.
`However. this invention should ttot be construed as litttited
`to tlte embodiments set forth herein. Rather. these embodi
`ments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
`and complete. and will
`fully convey the scope of the
`invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to
`like elements tltrougltout. As used herein the term “and»'or“
`includes any and all contbittatiotts of one or more of the
`associated listed itemst
`
`[U079] The tertrtinology t.tsedherein is for tlte purpose of
`describing particular embodiments only and is not itltcndcd
`to be limiting of the invention. As usod herein. tlte singular
`forms “a”.
`and “the” are intended to include tlte plural
`forms as well. unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
`ll will be further understood that the tenns “comprises”
`kIt't(.lft)t'“comprising.” when used irt this specification. specify
`the presence of stated featttres. integers. steps. operations.
`elements. andfor components, but do not preclude the pres
`ence or addition of one or more other features. integers.
`steps. operations. elements. components, and/or groups
`thereof.
`
`[l]ll'8ll] A statement herein that two components in a device
`arc “electrically connected.“ means that there arc no corn
`pottents electrically between the components. the insertion
`ofwhjch materially affect the fitnction or functions provided
`by the device. For example. tvvocomponents can be referred
`to as being electrically connected. even thottglt tltey rttay
`ltave a stuall resistor between them which does ttol materi
`ally afl'ect the function or fitttctions provided by the device
`(indeed. a wire connecting two components can be thought
`of as a small resistor]:
`likewise. two componettts can be
`referred to as being electrically connected. even though they
`may ltave an additional electrical component between them
`which allows the device to perform an additional function.
`while not materially alfecting the function or functions
`provided by a device which is idctttical except
`liar not
`including the additional component; similarly, two compo
`nents which are directly connected to each other. or which
`are directly cormected to opposite ends of a wire or a trace
`on a circuit board or anotltcr medium, are electrically
`connected.
`
`[llllfil] The expression “mounted on”. as ttscd herein.
`nteans that the first structure which is “on” a second struc
`ture can be itt contact with tltc second structure, or can be
`separated from the second structure by one or more inter
`vening structures (each side. of opposite sides. of wh.iclt is
`in contact with the lirst structure. the second strttcture or one
`of the intervening structures].
`
`another elcmcnt. it can be directly on or extend directly onto
`the other eletnettt or intervening elements may also be
`present. In contrast. when an element is referred to herein as
`being “directly on" or extending “directly onto“ another
`element.
`there are tto intervening elements present. Also.
`when an elemettt is referred to herein as being,“connected”
`or “coupled” to another element. it can be directly connected
`or coupled to the other elemettt or intervening elements may
`be present. In contrast. when an element is referred to herein
`as being “directly connected“ or “directly coupled“ to
`another element. there are no intervening elements present.
`
`[IHIBJ] Altlto-ugh the terms “first”. “second”. etc. may be
`used herein to describe various elements. components.
`regions. layers. sections andfor pztrameters. these elements.
`components.
`regions,
`layers.
`sections and.-‘orparameters
`should not he limited by these terms. These terms klrconly
`used to distinguish one element. component. region. layer or
`section from another region. layer or section. Thus, a first
`element. component.
`region.
`layer or section discussed
`below could be tenued a second element, component.
`rcgiott. layer or section without departing front the teachings
`of the present invcrttiont
`
`[IHIB4] The expression “illlttnination“ (or “illt|n1inatcd“).
`as used herein when referring to a solid state ligltt emitter.
`means that at least sonte current is being supplied to the solid
`state light emitterto cause the solid state light emitter to emit
`at least some light. The expression “illuminated” encom
`passes situations where the solid state light emitter emits
`ligtt continuously or intermittently at a rate such that a
`human eye would perceive it as emitting light oontittuously.
`or where a plurality of solid state light ent.itters of the saute
`color or dilfcrcnt colors are ctnitting light intemiittently
`andfor altcrnatingly [with or without overlap in “on” times)
`in such a way that a human eye would perceive them as
`emitting light continuously (and. in cases where different
`colors are emitted. as a mixture of those colors).
`
`[0085] The expression “excited”. as used herein when
`referring to a lttmiphor. means that at least some electro
`magnetic radiation [e.g._.visible light. UV light or infrared
`light) is contacting the ltuniphor, causing llte lunliphor to
`etu.it at least some ligltt. The expression “excited” encom
`passes situations where the ltttttiphor emits light continu
`ously or intermittently at a rate such that a human eye would
`perceive it as emitting light continuously, or where a pitt
`rality of lumiphors of the sante color or different colors are
`emitting light intenttittently andfor alternatingly [with or
`without overlap irt “on” times) in such a way that a human
`eye would perceive them as emitting ligltt contittuottsly
`(and.
`itt cases where different colors are emitted. as a
`mixture of tltose colors).
`
`[lllllifil As used herein. the term “substantially.” ctgt, in the
`expressions “substantially conical”. “substantially parallel”.
`“substantially frustoconical”. “substantially cylindrical”,
`“substantially co-linear“. “substantially coaxial“, “substan
`tially scmi-elliptical”. means at least about 90% correspon
`dence with the feature recited, e.g..
`
`“substantially parallel" means that two lirtes (or
`[U087]
`two planes) diverge front each otltcr at tnost by an angle
`of 10% of 90 degrees. i.e.. 9 degrees:
`
`[U082] When an element such as a layer, region or sub
`strate is referrod to herein as being “on” or extending “onto”
`
`that a
`“substantially semi-elliptical" means
`[U088]
`semi-ellipse can be drawn having the fortnttla x2!'a1+
`
`
`
`US 2008/008470] Al
`
`Apr. 10, 2008
`
`y'fh2= l. vt-hereyétl. and imaginary axes can be drawn
`at a location where tlte y coordinate ofeach point on the
`structure is withitt 0.90 to 1.10 times the value obtained
`by inserting the x coordinate of sttclt point into suclt
`formula:
`
`tltc exprcssion “substantially coaxial“ meatts
`[0089]
`tltat the axes of tlte respective surfaces conte to within
`a distance of not more tltan 10% of the largest diluen
`sion of tlte respective surfaces. and that tlte respective
`axes define an angle of not greater than 10 degrees:
`
`the expression “substantially cylindrical”. as
`[0090]
`ttsed herein, means that at least 90% ofthe points in the
`surface which is characterized as being substantially
`cylittdrical are located on one of or between a pair of
`imaginary cylindrical structures which are spaced front
`each other by a distance of not more than 10% of their
`largest dimension:
`
`tlte expression “substantially conical“. as used
`[0119]]
`herein. means that at least 90% of the points in the
`surface which is characterized as being substantially
`conical are located on one of or between a pair of
`imaginary conical structures which are spaced front
`each other by a distance of not more than 10% of their
`largest dimension:
`
`the expression “Substantially fmstncottical”. as
`[01192]
`used herein, means that at least 90% ofthe points in the
`surface which is characterized as being substantially
`frustoconical are located on otte ofor between a pair of
`imaginary frustnconical structures which are spaced
`from each other by a distance ofnot more than lD%of
`their largest dimension: and
`
`as used herein.
`the expression “co-linear”.
`[01193]
`means that
`two lines which are described as being
`co-linear are spaced from each other by not ntore than
`l(l% of a largest dimension of any strttcture being
`described, and that coordinate axes can be defined such
`that respective x-y slopes oflhe two lines diller by not
`more than 10%. and respective x-z slopes of the two
`lines differ by not more than 10%.
`
`[D094] Unless otherwise defined. all terms (including tech
`nical and scientific terms] used herein have the sante incan
`ing as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the
`art
`to which this invention belongs.
`lt will be fuI1her
`understood that terms. suclt as those defined in commonly
`used dictionaries. should be interpreted as having a meaning
`that is consistent with their meaning i.ttthe context of the
`relevant an attd the present disclosure and will not be
`interpreted itt an idealized or overly formal sense tutless
`expressly so delilted herein. It will also he appreciated by
`those of skill in the art
`that references to a structure or
`feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have
`portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
`
`[0095] As noted above. in a first aspect of the present
`invention, tltere is provided a ligtting assembly. comprising:
`
`[D096]
`
`a fixture housing:
`
`[D097]
`
`a ligltt engine housing;
`
`[U098]
`
`a circuit board;
`
`[U099]
`
`a ltcat transfer material;
`
`[lllllll]
`
`at least a first electrically conductive leg; and
`
`[llllll]
`
`at least a first solid state ligltt entitter.
`
`The housing can be formed of any material which
`[llllll]
`catt he lltoldcd andfor shaped. a Wide variety of which are
`well-known attd readily available. l-‘rclierably,the housing is
`formed of a ntaterial which is an etfective heat sink (i.e..
`which ltas ltiglt themtal conductivity and/or high heat capac
`ity) and/or which is reflective [or which is coated with a
`reflective material). A representative example of a material
`out of which the fixture housing can be made is sheet metal.
`
`[0103] The lixture housing can he any desired sltape. A
`representative shape for the fixture housing is hollow cylin
`drical. e.g.. as in conventional “can” light fixtures. Other
`representative shapes include hollow conical (or substan
`tially conical). hollow frustoconical (or substantially frus
`toconical] and hollow scnti-elliptical (or substantially senti
`elliptical). or any shape which includes one or more portions
`which are individually selected front among hollow conical
`(or substantially conical). hollow trtlstoconical (or substan
`tially lirustoconical). hollow cylindrical
`(or substantially
`cylindrical) and hollow senti-elliptical
`(or substantially
`senti-elliptical).
`
`the fixture housing can
`In sotne embodiments.
`[IHII4]
`include a reflective element (andror one or more of its
`surfaces are reflective). so that light from some or all of the
`solid state light eI1tittcl'5 is rellected by such rellective
`surfaces. Such reflective elentents (and surfaces) are Well
`known and readily available to persotts skilled in the arL A
`representative example ofa suitable material out of which a
`reflective element can be made is a material marketed by
`l"u.rukawa (a Japanese corporation) under the tradetttark
`MC]-‘liTCliJ.
`
`ltt some etnbodintents according to the prcscttt
`[0105]
`invention. the fixture housing is cylindrical and includes
`serrations. whereby a hole catt he formed in a cottstmclittll
`element (e.g.. a wall. a floor or a ceiling) in which the fixture
`housing is being mounted by holding the fixture housing in
`contact with the constructiott element attd rotating the lixture
`housing about its cylindrical axis so as to cttt a hole in the
`construction element. the hole having about the sante diant
`eter as the fixture housing.
`
`[0106] The light engine housing is connected to the liXturc
`housing. and it can be made ofany suitable material. a Wide
`variety of which are well-known and readily available.
`Representative examples ofntaterials utlt ofwlticlt the light
`engine ltousing can be tttade are die cast alunlinuttl. liquid
`crystal polymer. polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or a composite
`material.
`
`[0107] The light engine housing can be any desired shape.
`A representative shape for the light engine housing is
`cylindrical.
`
`[0108] The circuit board can be made of any suitable
`material. a wide variety ofwlticlt are well-known and readily
`available. Skilled artisans are very familiar with a Wide
`variety of ways to construct circuit boards. and they ltave
`access to the materials needed to make such circuit boards.
`In addition. skilled artisans can readily design the conduc
`tive features needed to provide all of the electrical connec
`tions rleodcd to op-crate any of the light engines described
`herein. Representative well-known types of circuit boards
`
`
`
`US 2008/008470] Al
`
`Apr. ll), 2008
`
`include layers of insulating material and conductive mate
`rial. in which the insulating material is, for example, FR-4
`(fiberglass impregnated with epoxy resin) or FR-2 (paper
`impregnated with phenolic resin) and./or polyimide. and in
`which the conductive material is etched copper sheetsi
`
`transfer material can he tnade of any
`[U109] The heat
`suitable material. a wide variety of which are well-known
`and readily available. A representative example ofa suitable
`heat transfer material is a composition containing 50 to S5
`percent by weight epoxy and 15 to SOpercent by weight SiC
`(silicon earbide)[e.gi.
`fl‘400 Si(T).
`
`is i11contact with the
`The heat transfer material
`[llllll]
`light engine housing. and can he in any desired shape. ln
`some embodiments according to the present invention, the
`light engine housing and the circuit board together define a
`heat transfer space in which the heat transfer material is
`positioned (in some cases. the heat transfer material sub
`stantially or completely fills the heat transfer space. except
`For the spact.:(s) occupied by leg(s) extending li'ot11the solid
`state light emitter(s) described below).
`
`[0111] The one or more solid state light emitter can be any
`suitable solid state light emitter. a wide variety of which are
`well-known and readily available to persons skilled in the
`art. Solid state light emitters include inorganic and organic
`light emitters.
`lixamples of types of such light emitters
`include a wide variety of light emitting diodes (inorganic or
`organic. including polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs)).
`laser diodes.
`thin lilm electroluminescent devices.
`light
`emitting polymers (Ll £1-‘s),a variety of each of which are
`well-known in the art (and therefore it is not necessary to
`describe in detail such devices. and/or the materials out of
`which such devices are made). The expression “solid state
`light emitter". as used herein. can refer to a component
`including one or more solid slate light emitter or a compo
`nent inclttding one or more solid state light emitter as well
`as one or more lumiphor. In some embodiments according to
`the present invention, a lighting assembly includes one or
`more solid state light emitters which include at hast one
`solid state light emitter and at least one lumiphor which
`emits liflt. at least a portion of such light emitted by the
`luminescent element being emitted in response to lumines
`cent material in the luminescent element being excited by
`light emitted by the at least one solid state light emitter.
`
`[D112] As noted above. one type nfsolid state light emitter
`which can be employed are I,l7,l)s. Such l.lil)s can be
`selected lmni among miy light emitting diodes (a wide
`variety of which are readily obtainable and well known to
`those skilled in the art. and therefore it is not necessary to
`describe in detail such devices, andfor the materials out of
`which such devices are made). For instance, examples of
`types of light emitting diodes include inorganic and organic
`light emitting diodes. a variety of each of which are well
`known it1 the art.
`
`[0113] Representative examples of such LEDs_.many of
`which are known in the art. cam include lead frames.
`lurnipl1orS. encapsulant
`regions. etc.
`
`[D114] Representative examples of suitable LEDs are
`described in:
`
`(1) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/753.138. filed
`[D115]
`on Dec. 22. 21105,entitled “lighting Device" (inventor:
`Gerald ll. Neglcy: attorney docket number '93l_LlO3 PRO).
`
`the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
`and U.S. patent application Ser. No. l1r’6l4,l30. filed Dec.
`21. ZOUGL
`
`(2) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/294.379. filed
`[0116]
`on Apr. 24. 2006. entitled “Shifting Spectral Content
`in
`I.l€Ds by Spatially Separating I.t.ttt'tiplt01'l:ilm5”(inventors:
`Gerald ll. Negley and Antony Paul van dc Von: attorney
`docket number 9."-ll_0(lfi PRO],
`the entirety of which is
`hereby incorporated by reference. and U.S. patent applica
`tion Ser. No. 111624.811. filed Jan. I9. 2007:
`
`(3) U.S. Patent Application No. 6t}/803.702. filed
`[0117]
`on May 26. 2006, entitled “Lighting Device“ (inventors:
`Gerald II. Negley attd Antony Paul va.t1de Ven; attorney
`docket number 93l_O(l9 PRU). the entirety of which is
`hereby incorporated by reference, and U.S. patent applica
`tion Ser. No. ll./751.932. filed May 22. 2007:
`
`(4) U.S. Patent Application Nu. GO/8118.925.liled
`[ll] Ill]
`on May 26, 2006. entitled “Solid State Light Emitting
`Device and Method of Making Same“ (inventors: Gerald H.
`Negley and Neal llunter; attorney docket number 931 O10
`PRU),
`the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
`reference. and U.S. patem application Ser. No. 111753.103.
`filed May