LED-BASED FIXTURES AND RELATED METHODS FOR THERMAL
`
`-1-
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`MANAGEMENT
`
`Background
`
`
`
`the size of the primary light sources, along with required optics and glare shielding techniques,
`
`[0001]
`
`Advent of digital fighting technologies, i.e. illumination based on semiconductor light
`
`sources, such as light—emitting diodes (LEDs), offers a viable alternative to traditional
`
`fluorescent, HID, and incandescent lamps. Functional advantages and benefits of LEDs include
`
`high energy conversion and optical efficiency, robustness, lower operating costs, and many
`
`others. For example, LEDs are particularly suitable for applications requiring small or low-
`
`profile light fixtures. The LEDs’ smaller size, long operating life, low energy consumption, and
`
`durability make them a great choice when space is at a premium.
`
`[0002]
`
`A “downlight” is a light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling and
`
`often referred to as a “recessed light” or “can light.” When installed, it appears to concentrate
`
`light in a downward direction from the ceiling as a broad floodlight or narrow spotlight.
`
`Generally, there are two parts to recessed lights, the trim and housing. The trim is the visible
`
`portion of the light and includes the decorative lining around the edge of the light. The housing is
`
`the fixture itself that is installed inside the ceiling and contains the light socket.
`
`[0003]
`
`An alternative to recessed lights is a surface—mount or suspended downlight,
`
`combining the general functionality of a downlight with flexibility and ease of installation over
`
`conventional junction boxes, particularly where disposal of the recessed light housing in the
`
`ceiling is impractical. In this regard, architects, engineers and lighting designers are often under
`
`considerable pressure to use low—profile, shallow-depth fixtures. Fundamentally, in connection
`
`with multiple—floor buildings, floor-to—floor heights are limited by developers looking to
`
`maximize their floor-to-area ratio; yet designers often want to maximize the volume of the space
`
`by including the tallest ceilings possible. This contradiction sets up a conflict between various
`
`utilities, including lighting, that are competing for the limited recess depth found between the
`
`finished ceiling and the structural slab above.
`
`[0004]
`
`Designers have also shunned most surface-mounted general-illumination solutions;
`
`quickly makes the fixtures too large to be aesthetically acceptable by most designers. Also, the
`
`1185284.1
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 1
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 1
`
`

`

`-2—
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`compromises made to achieve low profile mounting heights in fixtures with traditional light
`
`sources typically negatively impacts overall fixture efficacy. In fact, total fixture efficacy for
`
`many surface mounted compact fluorescent units averages only 30 lumenleatt.
`
`Salaam
`
`[0005]
`
`In view of the foregoing, Applicants have recognized and appreciated that it is
`
`desirable to provide a downlight fixture employing LED-based light sources that addresses a
`
`number of disadvantages of conventional downlight fixtures, particularly those associated with
`
`thermal management, light output, and ease of installation. Accordingly, one object of the
`
`technology disclosed herein is to provide a shallow surface-mount fixture — as shallow as 1”-2”
`
`overall height — to alleviate the undesirable constraints of shallow recess depths for many
`
`designers; in fact, it could help many projects reclaim up to 6” of ceiling height. Additionally, it
`
`would offer an elegant solution to projects with no recess cavity at all (mounting directly to
`
`concrete slabs). Another object is to achieve an overall fixture efficacy of about 30 lumens/Watt
`
`or better in order to set various implementations of this technology on an equal plane with
`
`fluorescent sources, yet at output levels normally associated with incandescent fixtures, thus
`
`setting this fixture up well for environments with low ambient light levels.
`
`[0006]
`
`Additionally, Applicants have recognized and appreciated that maintaining a proper
`
`LED junction temperature is an important component to developing an efficient LED—based
`
`lighting system, as the LEDs perform with a higher efficacy when run at cooler temperatures.
`
`The use of active cooling via fans and other mechanical air moving systems, however, is
`
`typically discouraged in the general lighting industry primarily due to its inherent noise, cost and
`
`high maintenance needs. Thus, it is desirable to achieve air flow rates comparable to that of an
`
`actively cooled system Without the noise, cost or moving parts.
`
`[0007]
`
`Accordingly, the technology disclosed herein generally relates to lighting fixtures
`
`employing LED—based light sources that are suitable for general illumination in surface-mount or
`
`suspended installations, as well as other fixture types. More specifically, this technology is
`
`thermal resistance between one or more LEDs associated with the fixture (particularly the LED
`
`junctions). In contrast to conventional naturally—cooled heat sink designs relying solely on
`
`considerations of form factor, surface area, and mass to dissipate a generated thermal load, in its
`
`
`
`directed to improving heat dissipation properties of such fixtures by generally decreasing a
`
`1185284.]
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 2
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 2
`
`

`

`-3-
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`various inventive aspects and particular implementations, the technology disclosed herein
`
`additionally contemplates creating and maintaining a “chimney effect” within the fixture,
`
`employed alone or in combination with other factors relating to decreased thermal resistance,
`
`such as increased surface area of heat dissipating elements (e.g., one or more heat sinks) and
`
`improved thermal coupling between the LED(s) of the fixture and one or more heat dissipating
`
`elements. The resulting high flow rate, natural convection cooling system is capable of
`
`efficiently dissipating the waste heat from an LED lighting module without active cooling.
`
`[0008]
`
`The technique for enhancing the air flow through a heat sink disclosed herein can be
`
`used with different kinds of LED—based lighting fixtures. In some exemplary embodiments, the
`
`air flow enhancement techniques disclosed herein can be implemented with particular efficiency
`
`for fixtures configured to project light unidirectionally, in particular, downward (i.e. in a
`
`[0009]
`
`In one implementation, a low—profile downlight fixture for unicolor, for example,
`
`white illumination, is disclosed, capitalizing on the low profile of LED lighting modules to create
`
`a surface—mounted fixture thinner than any other fixture utilizing conventional light sources. The
`
`fixture also capitalizes upon the directionality and optic capabilities of LEDs to create a total
`
`fixture efficacy that matches or surpasses even fluorescent sources. A unique thermal venting
`
`design maintains appropriate thermal dissipation while creating a “clean” minimalist,
`
`contemporary appearance.
`
`[0010]
`
`In another implementation, this disclosure features a hanging Spot pendant,
`
`particularly suitable for the general ambient illumination of a small, intimate environment, such
`
`as a dining, kitchen island, or conference room setting. It could also be used for task lighting,
`
`low ambient mood lighting, accent lighting and other puiposes.
`
`[0011]
`
`In still another implementation, this disclosure features a track head fixture suitable
`
`for general illumination and accent lighting of objects and architectural features and configured
`
`for installation with a conventional open architecture track.
`
`substantially vertical orientation). Such fixtures include downlights, pendants, track lights, and
`SCOIICCS.
`
`
`
`11852341
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 3
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 3
`
`

`

`-4-
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`Relevant Terminology
`
`[0012]
`
`As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED” should be
`
`understood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier injection/junction-
`
`based system that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electric signal. Thus, the
`
`term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor—based structures that emit light
`
`in resPonse to current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs),
`
`electrolumineSCent strips, and the like.
`
`[0013]
`
`In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types (including
`
`semi—conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generate radiation
`
`in one or more of the infrared spectnim, ultraviolet spectrum, and various portions of the visible
`
`spectmm (generally including radiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to
`
`approximately 700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various
`
`types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs,
`
`amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs (discussed further below). It also should be
`
`appreciated that LEDs may be configured and/or controlled to generate radiation having various
`
`bandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a given spectrum (e.g., narrow
`
`bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety of dominant wavelengths within a given general
`
`color categorization.
`
`[0014]
`
`For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generate essentially white
`
`of electroluminescence that, in combination, mix to form essentially white light. In another
`
`implementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphor material that converts
`
`electrolumineSCence having a first spectrum to a different second Spectrum. In one example of
`
`this implementation, electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrow
`
`bandwidth spectrum “pumps” the phosPhor material, which in turn radiates longer wavelength
`
`radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.
`
`[0015]
`
`It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and/or
`
`electrical package type of an LED. For example, as discussed above, an LED may refer to a
`
`single light emitting device having multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit different
`
`spectra of radiation (e. g., that may or may not be individually controllable). Also, an LED may
`
`
`
`light (e. g., a white LED) may include a number of dies which respectively emit different Spectra
`
`11852841
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 4
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 4
`
`

`

`-5-
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USDO
`
`of white LEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non—packaged LEDs,
`
`surface mount LEDs, chip—on—board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs, radial package LEDs,
`
`power package LEDs, LEDs including some type of encasement andfor optical element (e.g., a
`
`diffusing lens), etc.
`
`[0016]
`
`The term “light source” should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety
`
`of radiation sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources (including one or more
`
`LEDs as defined above), incandescent sources (e.g., filament lamps, halogen lamps), fluorescent
`
`sources, phosphorescent sources, high—intensity discharge sources (e.g., sodium vapor, mercury
`
`vapor, and metal halide lamps), lasers, other types of electroluminescent sources, pyro—
`
`lurninescent sources (e.g., flames), candle—luminescent sources (e.g., gas mantles, carbon arc
`
`radiation sources), photo~1uminescent sources (e.g., gaseous discharge sources), cathode
`
`luminescent sources using electronic satiation, galvano—luminescent sources, crystallo-
`
`luminescent sources, kine—luminescent sources, thermo—luminescent sources, triboluminescent
`
`sources, sonoluminescent sources, radioluminescent sources, and luminescent polymers.
`
`[0017]
`
`A given light source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within
`
`the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. Hence, the terms
`
`-
`
`“light” and “radiation” are used interchangeably herein. Additionally, a light source may include
`
`as an integral component one or more filters (e. g., color filters), lenses, or other optical
`
`components. Also, it should be understood that light sources may be configured for a variety of
`
`applications, including, but not limited to, indication, display, and/or illumination. An
`
`“illumination source” is a light source that is particularly configured to generate radiation having
`
`a sufficient intensity to effectively illuminate an interior or exterior space. In this context,
`
`“sufficient intensity” refers to sufficient radiant power in the visible spectrum generated in the
`
`space or environment (the unit “lumens” often is employed to represent the total light output
`
`from a light source in all directions, in terms of radiant power or “luminous flux”) to provide
`
`ambient illumination (i.e., light that may be perceived indirectly and that may be, for example,
`
`reflected off of one or more of a variety of intervening surfaces before being perceived in whole
`
`or in part).
`
`[0018]
`
`The term “spectrum” should be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies (or
`
`be associated with a phosphor that is considered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types
`
`
`
`11852841
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 5
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 5
`
`

`

`~6~
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more light sources. Accordingly, the term
`
`“spectrum” refers to frequencies (or wavelengths) not only in the visible range, but also
`
`frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other areas of the overall
`
`a FWHM having essentially few frequency or wavelength components) or a relatively wide
`
`bandwidth (several frequency or wavelength components having various relative strengths). It
`
`should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may be the result of a mixing of two or more
`
`other spectra (e. g., mixing radiation respectively emitted from multiple light sources).
`
`[0019]
`
`For purposes of this disclosure, the term “color” is used interchangeably with the term.
`
`“spectrum.” However, the term “color” generally is used to refer primarily to a property of
`
`radiation that is perceivable by an observer (although this usage is not intended to limit the scope
`
`of this term). Accordingly, the terms “different colors” implicitly refer to multiple spectra
`
`having different wavelength components and/or bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that
`
`the term “color” may be used in connection with both white and non—white light.
`
`[0020]
`
`The term “color temperature” generally is used herein in connection with white light,
`
`although this Usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term. Color temperature essentially
`
`refers to a particular color content or shade (e.g., reddish, bluish) of white light. The color
`
`temperature of a given radiation sample conventionally is characterized according to the
`
`temperature in degrees Kelvin (K) of a black body radiator that radiates essentially the same
`
`spectrum as the radiation sample in question. Black body radiator color temperatures generally
`
`fall within a range of from approximately 700 degrees K (typically considered the first visible to
`
`the human eye) to over 10,000 degrees K; white light generally is perceived at color
`
`temperatures above 1500—2000 degrees K.
`
`[0021]
`
`Lower color temperatures generally indicate white light having a more significant red
`
`component or a “warmer feel,” while higher color temperatures generally indicate white light
`
`having a more significant blue component or a “cooler feel.” By way of example, fire has a
`
`color temperature of approximately 1,800 degrees K, a conventional incandescent bulb has a
`
`color temperature of approximately 2848 degrees K, early morning daylight has a color
`
`temperature of approximately 3,000 degrees K, and overcast midday skies have a color
`
`temperature of approximately 10,000 degrees K. A color image viewed under white light having
`
`electromagnetic spectrum. Also, a given spectrum may have a relatively narrow bandwidth (e.g.,
`
`
`
`11852841
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 6
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 6
`
`

`

`-7-
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163U300
`
`a color temperature of approximately 3,000 degree K has a relatively reddish tone, whereas the
`
`same color image viewed under white light having a color temperature of approximately 10,000
`
`degrees K has a relatively bluish tone.
`
`[0022]
`
`The term “lighting fixture” is used herein to refer to an implementation or
`
`arrangement of one or more lighting units in a particular form factor, assembly, or package. The
`
`term “lighting unit” is used herein to refer to an apparatus including one or more light sources of
`
`same or different types. A given lighting unit may have any one of a variety of mounting
`
`arrangements for the light source(s), enclosure/housing arrangements and shapes, andfor
`
`electrical and mechanical connection configurations. Additionally, a given lighting unit
`
`optionally may be associated with (e.g., include, be coupled to and/or packaged together with)
`
`various other components (e.g., control circuitry) relating to the operation of the light source(s).
`
`An “LED—based lighting unit” refers to a lighting unit that includes one or more LED—based light
`
`sources as discussed above, alone or in combination with other non LED-based light sources. A
`
`“multi—channel” lighting unit refers to an LED~based or non LED—based lighting unit that
`
`includes at least two light sources configured to respectively generate different spectrums of
`
`radiation, wherein each different source spectrum may be referred to as a “channel” of the multi-
`
`channel lighting unit.
`
`[0023]
`
`The term “controller” is used herein generally to describe various apparatus relating
`
`to the operation of one or more light sources. A controller can be implemented in numerous
`
`ways (e.g., such as with dedicated hardware) to perform various functions discussed herein. A
`
`be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform various functions discussed herein.
`
`A controller may be implemented with or without employing a processor, and also may be
`
`implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform Some functions and a processor
`
`(e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other
`
`functions. Examples of controller components that may be employed in various embodiments of
`
`the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application
`
`specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field—programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
`
`[0024]
`
`In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or
`
`more storage media (generically referred to herein as “memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile
`
`
`
`“processor” is one example of a controller which employs one or more microprocessors that may
`
`11852841
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 7
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 7
`
`

`

`—S—
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks,
`
`optical disks, magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded
`
`with one 01' more programs that, when executed on one or more processors andfor controllers,
`
`perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. Various storage media may be fixed
`
`within a processor or controller 01' may be transportable, such that the one or more programs
`
`stored thereon can be loaded into a pi'OCessor or controller so as to implement various aspects of
`
`the present disclosure discussed herein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used
`
`can be employed to program one or more processors or controllers.
`
`[0025]
`
`The term “addressable” is used herein to refer to a device (e.g., a light source in
`
`general, a lighting unit or fixture, a controller or processor associated with one or more light
`
`sources or lighting units, other non-lighting related devices, etc.) that is configured to receive
`
`information (e. g., data) intended for multiple devices, including itself, and to selectively respond
`
`to particular information intended for it. The term “addressable” often is used in connection with
`
`a networked environment (or a “network,” discussed fiu‘ther below), in which multiple devices
`
`are coupled together via some connnunications medium 01' media.
`
`[0026]
`
`In one network implementation, one or more devices coupled to a network may serve
`
`as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to the network (e.g., in a master/slave
`
`relationship). In another implementation, a networked environment may include one or more
`
`dedicated controllers that are configured to control one or more of the devices coupled to the
`
`network. Generally, multiple devices coupled to the network each may have access to data that
`
`is present on the communications medium or media; however, a given device may be
`
`“addressable” in that it is configured to selectively exchange data with (Le, receive data from
`
`and/or transmit data to) the network, based, for example, on one or more particular identifiers
`
`(e.g., “addresses”) assigned to it.
`
`[0027]
`
`The term “network” as used herein refers to any interconnection of two or more
`
`devices (including controllers or processors) that facilitates the transport of information (e. g. for
`
`device control, data storage, data exchange, etc.) between any two or more devices and/or among
`
`multiple devices coupled to the network. As should be readily appreciated, various
`
`implementations of networks suitable for interconnecting multiple devices may include any of a
`
`herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that
`
`
`
`11852841
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 8
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 8
`
`

`

`-9-
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`variety of network topologies and employ any of a variety of communication protocols.
`
`Additionally, in various networks according to the present disclosure, any one connection
`
`between two devices may represent a dedicated connection between the two systems, or
`
`alternatively a non—dedicated connection. In addition to carrying information intended for the
`
`either of the two devices (e.g., an open network connection). Furthermore, it should be readily
`
`appreciated that various networks of devices as discussed herein may employ one or more
`
`wireless, wire/cable, andfor fiber optic links to facilitate information transport throughout the
`
`network.
`
`[0028]
`
`The term “user interface” as used herein refers to an interface between a human user
`
`or operator and one or more devices that enables communication between the user and the
`
`device(s). Examples of user interfaces that may be employed in various implementations of the
`
`present disclosure include, but are not limited to, switches, potentiometers, buttons, dials, sliders,
`
`a mouse, keyboard, keypad, various types of game controllers (e.g., joysticks), track balls,
`
`display screens, various types of graphical user interfaces (GUIS), touch screens, microphones
`
`and other types of sensors that may receive some form of human—generated stimulus and
`
`generate a signal in response thereto.
`
`[0029]
`
`It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also
`
`may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference below should be accorded a meaning
`
`most consistent with the particular inventive concepts disclosed herein.
`
`Related Patents and Patent Applications
`
`[0030]
`
`The following patents and patent applications, relevant to the present disclosure and
`
`any inventive concepts contained therein , are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
`
`[0031]
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,016,038, issued January 18, 2000, entitled “Multicolored LED
`
`Lighting Method and Apparatus;”
`
`[0032]
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,211,626, issued April 3, 2001, entitled “Illumination Components;”
`
`[0033]
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,720,745 issued April 13, 2004, entitled “Data Delivery Track;”
`
`[0034]
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,965,205, issued November 15, 2005, entitled “Light Emitting
`
`two devices, such a non-dedicated connection may carry information not necessarily intended for
`
`
`
`11852841
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 9
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 9
`
`

`

`Diode Based Products;"
`
`Attorney Docket No.: Cl 104.70163USOO
`
`[0035]
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,975,079, issued December 13, 2005, entitled “Systems and
`
`Methods for Controlling Illumination Sources;”
`
`[0036]
`
`U.S. Patent No. 7,014,336, issued March 21, 2006, entitled “Systems and. Methods for
`
`Generating and Modulating Illumination Conditions;”
`
`[0037]
`
`U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/ 163,085, filed June 5, 2002, entitled “Systems
`
`and Methods for Controlling Programmable Lighting Systems;”
`
`[0038]
`
`U.S. Patent No. 7,038,399, issued May 2, 2006, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for
`
`Providing Power to Lighting Devices;”
`
`[0039]
`
`U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/828,933, filed April 21, 2004, entitled "I‘ile
`
`Lighting Methods and Systems;”
`
`[0040]
`
`U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/010,840, filed December 13, 2004, entitled
`
`“Thermal Management Methods and Apparatus for Lighting Devices;”
`
`[0041]
`
`U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/079,904, filed March 14, 2005, entitled “LED
`
`Power Control Methods and Apparatus;”
`
`[0042]
`
`U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/225,377, filed September 12, 2005, entitled
`
`“Power Control Methods and Apparatus for Variable Loads;”
`
`[0043]
`
`U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/429,715, filed May 8, 2006, entitled “Power
`
`Control Methods and Apparatus;” and
`
`[0044]
`
`U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/419,995, filed May 23, 2006, entitled “Modular
`
`LED~Based Lighting Fixtures Having Socket Engagement Features.”
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`[0045]
`
`In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout
`
`the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally
`
`being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
`
`
`
`FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a controlled LED—based light source suitable for use
`
`[0046]
`
`with a downlight fixture disclosed herein.
`
`1135284.]
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 10
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 10
`
`

`

`—l 1—
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`[0047]
`
`FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a networked system of LED—based light sources of
`
`
`
`[0048]
`
`FIGS. 3A illustrate a downlight fixture assembly according to one implementation of
`
`the present technology.
`
`[0049]
`
`FIGS. 3B illustrate the downlight fixture assembly of FIG. 3A with a bezel cover
`
`removed
`
`[0050]
`
`FIGS. 4—6 illustrate some of the components of the downlight fixture assembly shown
`
`in FIGS. 3Aw3B.
`
`[0051] -
`
`FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of the downlight fixture assembly of FIGS. 3A,
`
`showing an air gap for creating a chimney effect with the fixture.
`
`[0052]
`
`FIGS. 8A—8D illustrate a hanging spot pendant fixture according to another
`
`implementation of the present technology.
`
`[0053]
`
`FIGS. 9A—9B illustrate CFD simulations of temperature and air flow distribution in a
`
`cross section of the pendant fixture shown in FIGS. 8A—8D.
`
`[0054]
`
`FIGS. IDA-10B illustrate a track head fixture assembly according to yet another
`
`implementation of the present technology.
`
`[0055]
`
`FIGS. 11-13 illustrate some of the components of the track head fixture assembly
`
`shown in FIGS. lOA—lOB.
`
`Detailed Description
`
`[0056]
`
`Various implementations of the present technology and related inventive concepts are
`
`described below, including certain embodiments relating particularly to LED—based light sources.
`
`It should be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular
`
`manner of implementation, and that the various embodiments discussed explicitly herein are
`
`primarily for purposes of illustration. For example, the various concepts discussed herein may
`
`be suitably implemented in a variety of environments involving LED—based light sources, other
`
`types of light sources not including LEDs, environments that involve both LEDs and other types
`
`of light sources in combination, and environments that involve non—lighting—related devices alone
`
`or in combination with various types of light sources.
`
`11852841
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 11
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 11
`
`

`

`~12~
`
`Attorney Docket No: C1104.70163U300
`
`[0057]
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a lighting unit 100 that is suitable for use with any
`
`of the fixtures described herein. Some general examples of LED—based lighting units similar to
`
`those that are described below in connection with FIG. 1 may be found, for example, in U.S.
`
`Patent No. 6,016,038, issued January 18, 2000 to Mueller et al., entitled “Multicolored LED
`
`a1, entitled “Illumination Components,” which patents are both hereby incorporated herein by
`
`reference.
`
`[0058]
`
`In various implementations, the fighting unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be used alone
`
`or together with other similar lighting units in a system of lighting units (e.g., as discussed
`
`further below in connection with Fig. 2). Used alone or in combination with other lighting units,
`
`the lighting unit 100 may be employed in a variety of applications including, but not limited to,
`
`direct—view or indirect-view interior or exterior space (e.g., architectural) lighting and
`
`illumination in general, direct or indirect illumination of objects or spaces, theatrical or other
`
`entertainment-basedfspecial effects lighting, decorative lighting, safety-oriented lighting,
`
`vehicular lighting, lighting associated with, or illumination of, displays and/or merchandise (e.g.
`
`for advertising and/or in retaillconsumer environments), combined lighting or illumination and
`
`communication systems, etc., as well as for various indication, display and informational
`
`purposes.
`
`[0059]
`
`Additionally, one or more lighting units similar to that described in connection with
`
`FIG. 1 may be implemented in a variety of products including, but not limited to, various forms
`
`of light modules or bulbs having various shapes and electrical/mechanical ecupljng arrangements
`
`(including replacement or “retrofit” modules or bulbs adapted for use in conventional sockets or
`
`fixtures), as well as a variety of con5ume1' and/or household products (e.g., night lights, toys,
`
`games or game components, entertainment components or systems, utensils, appliances, kitchen
`
`aids, cleaning products, etc.) and architectural components (e.g., lighted panels for walls, floors,
`
`ceilings, lighted trim and ornamentation components, etc.).
`
`[0060]
`
`The lighting unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include one or more light sources 104A,
`
`104B, 104C, and 104D (shown collectively as 104), wherein one or more of the light sources
`
`may be an LED-based light source that includes one or more LEDs. Any two or more of the
`
`light sources may be adapted to generate radiation of different colors (e.g. red, green, blue); in
`
`Lighting Method and Apparatus,” and U.S. Patent No. 6,211,626, issued April 3, 2001 to Lys et
`
`
`
`1135284.]
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 12
`
`PETITIONERS, Ex. 1012; PG. 12
`
`

`

`-l3—
`
`Attorney Docket No.: C1104.70163USOO
`
`this respect, as discussed above, each of the different color light sources generates a different
`
`source spectrum that constitutes a different “channel” of a “multi-channel” lighting unit.
`
`Although Fig. 1 shows four light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D, it should be appreciated
`
`that the lighting unit is not limited in this respect, as different numbers and various types of light
`
`sources (all LED-based light sources, LED—based and non—LED—based light sources in
`
`combination, etc.) adapted to generate radiation of a variety of different colors, including
`
`essentially white light, may be employed in the lighting unit 100, as discussed further below.
`
`[0061]
`
`Still referring to FIG. 1, the lighting unit 100 also may include a controller 105 that is
`
`configured to output one or more control signals to drive the light sources so as to generate
`
`Various intensities of light from the light sources. For example, in one implementation, the
`
`controller 105 may be configured to output at least one control signal for each light source so as
`
`to independently control the intensity of light (e.g., radiant power in lumens) generated by each
`
`light source; alternatively, the controller 105 may be configured to output one or more control
`
`signals to collectively control a group of two or more light sources identically. Some examples
`
`of control signals that may be generated by the controller to control the light sources include, but
`
`are not limited to, pu15e modulated signals, pulse width mo