Light emitting diode replacement lamp

• US 7,597,456 B2
• Filed: 10/05/2007
• Issued: 10/06/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LEDVANCE LLC (MLS Co. Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Technology Assessment Group (IQVIA Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Catalano, Anthony, Harrison, Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Ward; John A
• Application Number:
  US11/868,406
• Publication Number:
  US 20080024070A1
• Time in Patent Office: 732 Days
• Field of Search: 362/240, 362/249, 362/252, 362/257, 362/545, 362/800, 315/185, 315/185.R, 315/246, 315/307
• US Class Current: 362/249.02
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/233 specially adapted for generating a spot light distribution, e.g. for substitution of reflector lamps
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/65 specially adapted for changing the characteristics or the distribution of the light, e.g. by adjustment of parts
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/022 Emergency lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/04 by movement of reflectors in vehicle head lamps F21S41/675
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/06 by movement of refractors in vehicle head lamps F21S41/635
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/02 with provision for adjustment F21V17/04 - F21V17/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/045 the sensor receiving a signal from a remote controller
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/83 the elements having apertures, ducts or channels, e.g. heat radiation holes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/007 Array of lenses or refractors for a cluster of light sources, e.g. for arrangement of multiple light sources in one plane combination of two or more refractors F21V5/008
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2107/90 on two opposite sides of supports or substrates
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/48091 Arched
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 25/0753 the devices being arranged next to each other
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00014 the subject-matter covered by the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group, being disclosed without further technical details
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/60 Reflective elements
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/10 Controlling the intensity of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/3725 Switched mode power supply [SMPS]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/38 using boost topology
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/40 : Details of LED load circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/185 : via power line carrier transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 : Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 : Light emitting diode

Abstract

The invention is a replacement for a conventional incandescent or halogen light bulb. Besides providing regular illumination, it has advantages over a conventional bulb while maintaining the bulb'"'"'s decorative function, such as visual effects associated with the bulb'"'"'s envelope or shade. The invention comprises a connector equivalent to a standard light bulb base, at least one light emitting diode (LED), and a driving circuit hosted on a module such as a printed circuit board and adapting the supply voltage to the requirements of the LED. Compensation for the effects of temperature may be included. The invention may also include other circuitry to support various enhanced features such as novel decorative features or control over the brightness, color, or other characteristics—all potentially varying over time or being controlled remotely.

Claims

1. A method of providing illumination capable of replacing the illumination from incandescent light bulbs, including halogen light bulbs, comprising steps of

providing a standard light bulb power connector the same as that as for a conventional incandescent light bulb which the device replaces, the power connector adapted to fit into at least one of many standard light bulb power sockets, the power connector having input power contacts for receiving an input voltage from a power source;

electrically connecting a circuit module to the input power contacts of the power connector;

electrically connecting at least one LED to an output of the module;

physically connecting each LED to the module;

physically connecting the module to the power connector;

fitting the module and all LEDs into the volume envelope of the incandescent light bulb;

converting the input voltage to a voltage required by the LEDs;

providing light from the LEDs to produce decorative illumination in addition to general, non-decorative illumination.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of directing at least some of the illumination onto a shade.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of responding to commands from a wireless remote control device in order to control characteristics of the illumination.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of providing manual control of characteristics of the illumination.

5. The method of claim 4, in which a switch provides the manual control.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of responding to commands from a wireless remote control device.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of detecting a level of environmental, ambient illumination.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of changing at least one of the decorative and non-decorative illumination in response to a proximity sensor.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of communicating with other illumination devices.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of continuing operation if source voltage fails.

11. The method of claim 10, in which a back-up battery provides for the continuing operation.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of preventing excessive current flow through the LEDs.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of preventing heating of components beyond specified temperatures.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of utilizing a D.C. (direct current) source voltage.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of utilizing an A.C. (alternating current) source voltage.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of positioning at least one lens with respect to at least one LED to focus and direct its illumination to change the illumination characteristics.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the positioning is accomplished by moving the lens electro-mechanically.