Abstract:
Linear LED lighting is disclosed. The linear LED lighting includes a flexible PCB on which a number of LED light engines are disposed, typically at a regular pitch. The PCB is surrounded by a flexible, translucent covering, which may be a plastic, such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The covering has a light modifying property or effect, typically lensing, diffusion, or a combination of the two. For example, the covering may form a plano-convex or plano-concave lens, or it may form a prism. Additionally or alternatively, the coating may include an additive that diffuses the light, or have a coating with that additive that does so. Exemplary additives include beads, microspheres, fibers, or other particles of glass and silica, as well as plastics like poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, and poly(ethylene terephthalate). In some embodiments, the covering may be mechanically modified to diffuse light, e.g., by an impressed pattern or by abrasion.
Abstract:
A strip of linear lighting with distributed power conversion is disclosed. The linear lighting includes a flexible PCB. The flexible PCB is divided into repeating blocks, which are arranged electrically in parallel with one another between power and ground. Each repeating block includes power conversion and conditioning circuits. A plurality of LED light engines are connected to the outputs of the power conversion and conditioning circuits, electrically in series with one another. The power conversion and conditioning circuits typically include at least a full-bridge rectifier. A pair of conductors run the length of the PCB adjacent to it and are connected to each of the repeating blocks. A flexible, transparent covering surrounds the PCB and pair of conductors.
Abstract:
Junction boxes for enclosing and making electrical connections to LED drivers are disclosed. The junction boxes include a bottom or base and a cover. Dividers arising from the base divide the junction box into high-voltage and low-voltage compartments. A cut-out open at the top of each divider allows a driver to be placed in a junction box without having to pull wires through holes or openings. Typically, the base is open along the top and along at least a portion of one sidewall, with the cover being L- or U-shaped to complete the enclosure. Various mounting mechanisms are disclosed for securing drivers within junction boxes. Embodiments that can house several drivers or components within one junction box are disclosed, as are weather- and water-resistant embodiments.
Abstract:
Junction boxes for enclosing and making electrical connections to LED drivers are disclosed. The junction boxes include a bottom or base and a cover. Dividers arising from the base divide the junction box into high-voltage and low-voltage compartments. A cut-out open at the top of each divider allows drivers to be placed in a junction box without having to pull wires through holes or openings. Typically, the base is open along one long sidewall, with the cover being L-shaped to complete the enclosure. Various mounting mechanisms are disclosed for securing drivers within junction boxes.
Abstract:
A power and control assembly is disclosed. An LED driver is sized and adapted to fit within a single compartment of an electrical gang box. The driver has a groove or channel, and an electrical element, such as a switch, is sized to fit within the groove.
Abstract:
A strip of linear lighting with distributed power conversion is disclosed. The linear lighting includes a flexible PCB. The flexible PCB is divided into repeating blocks, which are arranged electrically in parallel with one another between power and ground. Each repeating block includes power conversion and conditioning circuits. A plurality of LED light engines are connected to the outputs of the power conversion and conditioning circuits, electrically in series with one another. The power conversion and conditioning circuits typically include at least a full-bridge rectifier, and a filter may be connected to each of the LED light engines. A pair of conductors run the length of the PCB adjacent to it and are connected to each of the repeating blocks. A flexible, transparent covering surrounds the PCB and pair of conductors.
Abstract:
Junction boxes for enclosing and making electrical connections to multiple LED drivers are disclosed. The junction boxes include a bottom or base and a cover. Dividers arising from the base divide the junction box into high-voltage and low-voltage compartments. A cut-out open at the top of each divider allows drivers to be placed in a junction box without having to pull wires through holes or openings. Typically, the base is open along two sidewalls, with the cover being U-shaped to complete the enclosure. Various mounting mechanisms are disclosed for securing drivers within junction boxes.
Abstract:
A wiring and connection management system is disclosed. The system comprises a set of power distribution members that are attached to a substrate and are connected together, forming a power grid to distribute power across the substrate. The members include a number of connectors disposed at regular intervals along their lengths. Corresponding sets of cables and connectors on the substrate convey power from the members to areas on the substrate where power is desired. The substrate may be, for example, a shelving unit. The system provides a robust, flexible source of power that is easily installed with minimal training and is also easily maintained.
Abstract:
An LED connector half (500) mates with a wire connector half (300) to connect a light strip (100) comprising LEDs (115) to a pair of wires. The LED half includes a hinged top (700) with an opening (705) to admit an end LED on the strip when the top is closed, securing the strip to the connector half without blocking the LED. The wire half secures a pair of wires (315) to terminals (305) in a housing (310). The wire half is inserted into the LED half, connecting the Electrodes and terminals. The halves are held together by a tongue (320) and socket (800). In another aspect, a connector (1100) joins two light strips by capturing the LEDs at the ends of the strips in openings (1110) and clamping conductive electrodes (1140) against the strips by closing a lid (1105) against the body, without obscuring LED light output.
Abstract:
A power and control assembly is disclosed. An LED driver is sized and adapted to fit within a single compartment of an electrical gang box, such as a two-gang box. An alternating current (AC) dimmer or other component is installed in an adjacent compartment. The AC dimmer supplies its output to the LED driver, which converts the AC power to an appropriate direct current (DC) power for LED lighting fixtures. The LED driver is typically recessed into the compartment, and is covered by a switch or another control element. In some cases, the switch may be a mechanical dummy selected for its aesthetic or fascial characteristics. In other cases, the switch or control element may be functional. With similar multiple-gang boxes, a number of drivers may be installed in the gang box and switches may allow both dimming and zone control.