LED white-light devices for direct form, fit, and function replacement of existing incandescent and compact fluorescent lighting devices

• US 20100008086A1
• Filed: 07/09/2009
• Published: 01/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Troy R. Broitzman
• Original Assignee: Troy R. Broitzman
• Inventors: Broitzman, Troy R.
• Application Number:
  US12/459,876
• Publication Number:
  US 20100008086A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/231
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/507 of means for protecting lighting devices from damage, e.g. housings
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/83 the elements having apertures, ducts or channels, e.g. heat radiation holes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/85 characterised by the material liquid coolants F21V29/56
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/02 characterised by the shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/04 characterised by materials, surface treatments or coatings
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

A white light LED-based lighting device configured for direct form, fit, and function replacement of existing incandescent and compact fluorescent devices is provided. The white light LED-based lighting device comprises a group of solid state light emitting diodes, electronics to activate the light emitting diodes, and an encapsulating housing configured for direct form, fit, and function replacement of existing incandescent and compact fluorescent devices.

Claims

1. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R20 lighting device structure.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the group of solid state emitters comprises a red, green, and blue light emitting diode.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the encapsulating housing includes a diffusing element on its end face.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the encapsulating housing includes a reflective element on its inboard surface excluding the end face.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the encapsulating housing includes air vents.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the encapsulating housing is in mechanical contact with a heat sinking element.

7. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R30 lighting device structure

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the group of solid state emitters comprises a red, green, and blue light emitting diode.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein the encapsulating housing includes a diffusing element on its end face.

10. The device of claim 7 wherein the encapsulating housing includes a reflective element on its inboard surface excluding the end face.

11. The device of claim 7 wherein the encapsulating housing includes air vents.

12. The device of claim 7 wherein the encapsulating housing is in mechanical contact with a heat sinking element.

13. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R40 lighting device structure.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the group of solid state emitters comprises a red, green, and blue light emitting diode.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the encapsulating housing includes a diffusing element on its end face.

16. The device of claim 13 wherein the encapsulating housing includes a reflective element on its inboard surface excluding the end face.

17. The device of claim 13 wherein the encapsulating housing includes air vents.

18. The device of claim 13 wherein the encapsulating housing is in mechanical contact with a heat sinking element.

19. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R20 lighting device structure.

20. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R30 lighting device structure.

21. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R40 lighting device structure

22. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R20 lighting device structure.

23. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R30 lighting device structure.

24. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R40 lighting device structure.

25. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R20 lighting device structure.

26. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R30 lighting device structure.

27. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) R40 lighting device structure.

28. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) BR25, BR30, or BR40 lighting device structures.

29. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) PAR15, PAR 20, or PAR305 lighting device structures.

30. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A15, A19, A21 or A23 lighting device structures.

31. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B10½

or B13 lighting device structures.

32. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) BR25, BR30, or BR40 lighting device structures.

33. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) PAR15, PAR20, or PAR305 lighting device structures.

34. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A15, A19, A21 or A23 lighting device structures.

35. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B10½

or B13 lighting device structures.

36. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) BR25, BR30, or BR40 lighting device structures.

37. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) PAR15, PAR 20, or PAR305 lighting device structures.

38. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A15, A19, A21 or A23 lighting device structures.

39. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B10½

or B13 lighting device structures.

40. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) BR25, BR30, or BR40 lighting device structures.

41. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) PAR15, PAR 20, or PAR305 lighting device structures.

42. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A15, A19, A21 or A23 lighting device structures.

43. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B10½

or B13 lighting device structures.

44. A modular insert device for insertion into a light encapsulating housing comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage;

a circuit board to attach and connect said solid state light emitters and said electronics;

a diffusing element attached to said circuit board interposed between the solid state light emitters and said encapsulating housing;

a threaded housing with metal overlay mounting threads and an end-face metal cap on its'"'"' distal end and said electronics on its'"'"' opposing end;

a first electrical lead connecting said electronics to said metal overlay mounting threads, and

a second electrical lead connecting said electronics to said end-face metal cap.

45. The device of claim 44 wherein the diffusing element is attached directly to the solid state light emitters.

46. The device of claim 44 wherein the diffusing element is a lens.

47. The device of claim 46 wherein the lens has a negative focal length.

48. The device of claim 44 wherein the diffusing element is comprised of an opal-like material.

49. A modular insert device for insertion into a light encapsulating housing comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs;

a circuit board to attach and connect said solid state light emitters and said electronics;

a diffusing element attached to said circuit board interposed between the solid state light emitters and said encapsulating housing;

a threaded housing with metal overlay mounting threads and an end-face metal cap on its'"'"' distal end and said electronics on its'"'"' opposing end;

a first electrical lead connecting said electronics to said metal overlay mounting threads, and

a second electrical lead connecting said electronics to said end-face metal cap.

50. The device of claim 49 wherein the diffusing element is attached directly to the solid state light emitters.

51. The device of claim 49 wherein the diffusing element is a lens.

52. The device of claim 51 wherein the lens has a negative focal length.

53. The device of claim 49 wherein the diffusing element is comprised of an opal-like material.

54. A modular insert device for insertion into a light encapsulating housing comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a circuit board to attach and connect said solid state light emitters and said electronics;

a diffusing element attached to said circuit board interposed between the solid state light emitters and said encapsulating housing;

a threaded housing with metal overlay mounting threads and an end-face metal cap on its'"'"' distal end and said electronics on its'"'"' opposing end;

a first electrical lead connecting said electronics to said metal overlay mounting threads, and

a second electrical lead connecting said electronics to said end-face metal cap.

55. The device of claim 54 wherein the diffusing element is attached directly to the solid state light emitters.

56. The device of claim 54 wherein the diffusing element is a lens.

57. The device of claim 56 wherein the lens has a negative focal length.

58. The device of claim 54 wherein the diffusing element is comprised of an opal-like material.

59. A modular insert device for insertion into a light encapsulating housing comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs;

a circuit board to attach and connect said solid state light emitters and said electronics;

a diffusing element attached to said circuit board interposed between the solid state light emitters and said encapsulating housing;

a threaded housing with metal overlay mounting threads and an end-face metal cap on its'"'"' distal end and said electronics on its'"'"' opposing end;

a first electrical lead connecting said electronics to said metal overlay mounting threads, and

a second electrical lead connecting said electronics to said end-face metal cap.

60. The device of claim 59 wherein the diffusing element is attached directly to the solid state light emitters.

61. The device of claim 59 wherein the diffusing element is a lens.

62. The device of claim 61 wherein the lens has a negative focal length.

63. The device of claim 59 wherein the diffusing element is comprised of an opal-like material.

64. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics converts 120 volt 60 cycles per second alternating current to a steady state direct current (DC) voltage; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) G15½

, G25, or G40 lighting device structure.

65. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by a direct current (DC) voltage;

a housing configured to supply a direct current (DC) voltage to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a DC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) G15½

, G25, or G40 lighting device structure.

66. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a group of solid state light emitters, said group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) G15½

, G25, or G40 lighting device structure.

67. A lighting device for generating diffuse white light comprising:

a first group of solid state light emitters, said first group including light emitting diodes energized by an alternating current (AC) drive voltage;

a second group of solid state light emitters, said second group including light emitting diodes energized by an direct current (DC) drive voltage;

a housing configured to supply a 120 volt AC (60 Hertz) input signal to the base of the lighting device;

electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein one channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-AC converter to apply the appropriate AC voltage(s) and drive currents to the AC driven LEDs;

a second channel of the electronics to activate the solid state light emitters, wherein said second channel of the electronics may be configured as a AC-to-DC converter to apply the appropriate DC voltage(s) and drive currents to the DC driven LEDs; and

an encapsulating housing enclosing the solid state light emitters and the activating electronics with a shape and form factor substantially equivalent to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) G15½

, G25, or G40 lighting device structure.