Light-emitting diode module for retrofit to flashlights using incandescent bulbs
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An LED illumination module for a flashlight, comprising:
- a housing;
electronic control circuitry; and
one or more LEDs connected in series and to the circuitry;
characterized in that the module is shaped to modularly replace an incandescent-bulb in an existing flashlight.
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Abstract
An LED illumination module for a flashlight has a housing, electronic control circuitry, and one or more LEDs connected in series and to the circuitry. The module is characterized in that the module is shaped to modularly replace an incandescent-bulb in an existing flashlight. In one aspect the control circuitry operates in a dual mode to extend life of the unit, and to warn when battery replacement is warranted.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An LED illumination module for a flashlight, comprising:
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a housing;
electronic control circuitry; and
one or more LEDs connected in series and to the circuitry;
characterized in that the module is shaped to modularly replace an incandescent-bulb in an existing flashlight. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. The LED module of claim 7 wherein the reverse polarity protection circuitry comprises a MOSFET configured to block the flow of current of reverse polarity, and to conduct current of correct polarity, said MOSFET being turned on by a voltage higher than that of the battery and provided by a DC/DC voltage boost converter.
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8. In a LED illumination module having one or more LEDs, a control system for regulating power conversion and illumination intensity of the LED module comprising:
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a voltage boost DC/DC converter, operating from a battery and powering said LEDs;
a first feedback mechanism for regulating LED current by controlling said voltage boost DC/DC converter;
a second feedback mechanism for regulating battery voltage by controlling said voltage boost DC/DC converter; and
a mechanism for automatically transitioning between the first and the second feedback mechanisms in response to a predetermined battery voltage threshold. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for controlling a LED module having one or more LEDs, comprising steps of:
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(a) providing power to the one or more LEDs through a DC/DC converter from a battery pack providing an input voltage;
(b) feeding back a signal representative of LED current to the converter to maintain a substantially constant LED current as the batteries discharge and the input voltage decreases; and
(c) beginning at a preset value for input voltage, switching to a mode of battery voltage control feedback to the converter to reduce current to the LEDs in a manner to maintain the battery voltage at a substantially constant value. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for retrofitting a flashlight having a body cylinder and an incandescent bulb mounted with a reflector in an insulator receptacle translatable by rotating a head assembly relative to the body cylinder, said translation opening or closing a contact to the body cylinder as an on-off mechanism, the method comprising steps of:
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(a) removing the head assembly;
(b) replacing the reflector with an adapter ring;
(c) removing the incandescent bulb;
(d) removing the translatable insulator receptacle, and replacing it with a LED module of substantially the same geometry, but comprising one or more white-light LEDs; and
(e) replacing the head assembly. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification