LED Replacement Light For Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures

• US 20100148673A1
• Filed: 12/12/2008
• Published: 06/17/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/12/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Spirit Merchandise Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Spirit Merchandise Group, Inc.
• Inventors: Stewart, Glenn, Deans, Thomas O.
• Application Number:
  US12/334,261
• Publication Number:
  US 20100148673A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 315/121
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/325 Pulse-width modulation [PWM]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/37 Converter circuits
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]

Abstract

An LED replacement light for a fluorescent lighting fixture. The replacement light assembly includes a metal housing for heat dissipation and structural support. A standard plug for mating with the original lighting fixture connector is provided to allow direct replacement of an existing fluorescent light bulb. A control circuit having a power supply, a current controller, and a current sensor converts the fluorescent lamp power supply output to an output sufficient to drive the LEDs. The current controller generates a variable pulse width waveform for powering the LEDs, and a current sensor circuit regulates the flow of current through the LEDs. High-brightness LEDs are utilized and are spaced sufficiently apart to provide fewer point-sources of light while retaining overall equivalent luminance. A glare shield controls the light pattern emanating from the LEDs to direct the pattern illumination.

Claims

1. An LED illumination device for retrofitting a fluorescent lighting fixture, the device comprising:

an electrical connector configured for mating with the socket of an existing lighting fixture in essentially the same manner as the original fluorescent bulb;

at least one LED;

a control circuit for powering the at least one LED from the original lighting fixture power source, the control circuit comprising;

an isolation circuit to physically isolate the original lighting fixture power source from the control circuit; and

a constant current regulator for providing current to the at least one LED; and

a housing, the housing comprising;

an internal cavity for containing the control circuit; and

an opening through which light from the at least one LED may exit.

2. The device of claim 1, the housing further comprising:

at least two tangs capable of engaging the opening of the lighting fixture, wherein the tangs allow releasable retention of the device within the fixture opening.

3. The device of claim 1, the control circuit further comprising:

a high voltage primary circuit that interfaces with the lighting fixture power source and is electrically isolated from a lower voltage secondary circuit that powers the at least one LED.

4. The device of claim 3, the control circuit further comprising:

a constant current source for powering the at least one LED.

5. The device of claim 4, the control circuit further comprising:

a voltage clamp to limit voltage in the event of an LED failure.

6. The device of claim 1, the housing further comprising:

a glare shield integral with the opening of the housing.

7. The device of claim 6, the device further comprising:

at least one LED mounting, wherein the at least one LED is affixed to the mounting such that the LED is offset from the centerline of the housing opening.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the LED mounting may be rotated to place the LED offset on the other side of the centerline.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the original lighting fixture utilizes a GX23-type base connector.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing opening comprises a transparent or translucent covering.