Abstract: A modular power supply particularly adapted for mounting to standard junction boxes in a system to provide a solid state lighting system compatible power signal. One embodiment of a modular power supply for mounting to a junction box according to the present invention includes a housing holding internal electronic components and a first extension integral to the housing for mounting to a junction box. The extension has an opening to the interior of the housing with primary wires passing from the interior of the housing through the extension. The first extension is positioned so that the power supply is capable of being mounted to the mounting surface of a junction box when the power supply is at different orientations.

Abstract: An elongated flexible lighting system according to the present invention includes an array of light sources that are illuminated by electric power. It further includes an elongated translucent extrusion of flexible material. The array of light sources is integral to the extrusion with said extrusion transmitting and dispersing the light from the array such that the lighting system gives the appearance that the array of light sources is a continuous light source. The elongated lighting system can be used for many different applications including, but not limited to, the lighting of structural features and illumination of sign features.

Abstract: A high-power LED lamp comprises a cylindrical housing having a cavity and an open end with the housing made of a heat conductive material. One or more high power LEDs are mounted within the cavity such that at least some of the light from the LEDs is directed out the open end of the housing. An encapsulating material fills the cavity and surrounds the LEDs with the encapsulating material providing a waterproof covering over the LEDs and at least partially transmitting light from the LEDs out the opening. Heat from the LEDs conducts away from the LEDs and through the encapsulating material and the housing to dissipate in the ambient around the lamp.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter light comprising a linear array of light sources (LEDs) that are electrically illuminated. The array of light sources is disposed within an elongated transparent tube, with the tube transmitting and dispersing the light from the array giving the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source. The array of light sources is capable of being cut at intervals down its length to shorten it. The light sources that remain in the array continue to emit light and the tube can be cut to match the length of said array. Systems for lighting structural features comprising a plurality of elongated perimeter lights electrically coupled in a daisy chain with the electrical power at each of the perimeter lights being transmitted to the successive light. Each of the perimeter lights can be cut at intervals down its length.

Abstract: A lighting system comprising a central controller for generating control signals and one or more lighting subsystems each of which accepts the control signals from the controller. Each of the subsystems comprises first and second lighting units connected in series. Each of the lighting units comprises a plurality of emitting diodes (LEDs), each being a different type emitting a different color of light. Each of said lighting units has a power lead and a respective lead from each of its LEDs. Each of the lighting units comprises similar types of LEDs emitting similar colors of light. Electronic circuitry is included, some of which is arranged between the first and second serially connected lighting units. The electronic circuitry accepts the controller control signals corresponding to power and each of said type of the LEDs. The control signals and electronic circuitry are arranged to cause one or more pairs of the corresponding similar LEDs types in said LED units to emit light.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system for illuminating multiple LEDs has a plurality of LEDs and a controller programmed to provide a plurality of serial binary signals, each of which drives a respective one of the plurality of LEDs. Each of the serial binary signals has a series of pulses with each of said plurality of LEDs emitting light during each pulse of its respective one of the serial binary signals. The emitting intensity of each of the plurality of LEDs depends on the number of pulses in its respective one of the serial binary signals, wherein the light from the plurality of LEDs combines to emit a color of light.

Abstract: A channel letter lighting system according to the present invention comprising a channel letter housing with a translucent channel letter cover. A plurality of electrically connected lighting units are mounted to the channel letter housing and conductors provide an electrical signal to each of the units. Each of the units comprises a lighting unit housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within said housing. The PCB has a plurality of light emitting elements, such as light emitting diodes, with the electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causing them to generate light substantially away from the housing. The PCB conducts and dissipates heat from the light emitting elements, the unit further comprises a space between most of the PCB and the lighting unit housing to allow heat from the PCB to dissipate into the surrounding ambient. A mounting mechanism is included for each unit to the channel letter housing.

Abstract: A method for bending a perimeter light and a perimeter light for illuminating curved surfaces. One embodiment of a bending method according to the present invention comprises heating a perimeter light to make it pliable. A radius tool is then provided having a curved surface with a shape and radius for the desired bend in the perimeter light. The heated perimeter light is mounted to the radius tool curved surface. The perimeter light is then cooled and removed from the radius tool. One embodiment of a bent elongated perimeter light according to the present invention comprises an array of light sources and an elongated tube bent to match a curve or shape. The array of light sources is disposed within the tube and the tube transmits and disperses the light from the array to give the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source. The array of light sources is cuttable at intervals to shorten the array while allowing the remaining light sources in the array to emit light.

Abstract: An elongated flexible lighting system according to the present invention includes an array of light sources that are illuminated by electric power. It further includes an elongated translucent extrusion of flexible material. The array of light sources is integral to the extrusion with said extrusion transmitting and dispersing the light from the array such that the lighting system gives the appearance that the array of light sources is a continuous light source. The elongated lighting system can be used for many different applications including, but not limited to, the lighting of structural features and illumination of sign features.

Abstract: A method for bending a perimeter light and a perimeter light for illuminating curved surfaces. One embodiment of a bending method according to the present invention comprises heating a perimeter light to make it pliable. A radius tool is then provided having a curved surface with a shape and radius for the desired bend in the perimeter light. The heated perimeter light is mounted to the radius tool curved surface. The perimeter light is then cooled and removed from the radius tool.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter light is disclosed, which comprises a linear array of light sources (LEDs) that are electrically illuminated. The array of light sources is disposed within an elongated transparent tube, with the tube transmitting and dispersing the light from the array giving the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source. The array of light sources is capable of being cut at intervals down its length to shorten it. The light sources that remain in the array continue to emit light and the tube can be cut to match the length of said array. The present invention also discloses systems for lighting structural features, with one system according to the present invention comprising a plurality of elongated perimeter lights. The perimeter lights are electrically coupled in a daisy chain with the electrical power at each of the perimeter lights being transmitted to the successive light.

Abstract: A channel letter lighting unit according to the present invention comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of linearly mounted light emitting elements. Input wires transmit a power signal to the PCB to illuminate the plurality of light emitting elements, and output wires transmit the power signal from the PCB. The PCB is mounted in the extrusion and the light emitting elements transmit light away from the extrusion. The extrusion promotes the dissipation of heat from the light emitting elements. A mounting mechanism is included for mounting the extrusion within a housing. A further embodiment according to the invention comprises a plurality of channel lighting units electrically connected to one another so that a power signal applied to the lighting system is transmitted to each of the plurality of lighting units. A still further embodiment according to the invention comprises an illuminated channel letter system having a housing in the shape of a letter.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter light is disclosed, which comprises a linear array of light sources (LEDs) that are electrically illuminated. The array of light sources is disposed within an elongated transparent tube, with the tube transmitting and dispersing the light from the array giving the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source. The array of light sources is capable of being cut at intervals down its length to shorten it. The light sources that remain in the array continue to emit light and the tube can be cut to match the length of said array. The present invention also discloses systems for lighting structural features, with one system according to the present invention comprising a plurality of elongated perimeter lights. The perimeter lights are electrically coupled in a daisy chain with the electrical power at each of the perimeter lights being transmitted to the successive light.

Abstract: A channel letter lighting unit according to the present invention comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of linearly mounted light emitting elements. Input wires transmit a power signal to the PCB to illuminate the plurality of light emitting elements, and output wires transmit the power signal from the PCB. The PCB is mounted in the extrusion and the light emitting elements transmit light away from the extrusion. The extrusion promotes the dissipation of heat from the light emitting elements. A mounting mechanism is included for mounting the extrusion within a housing. A further embodiment according to the invention comprises a plurality of channel lighting units electrically connected to one another so that a power signal applied to the lighting system is transmitted to each of the plurality of lighting units. A still further embodiment according to the invention comprises an illuminated channel letter system having a housing in the shape of a letter.