Abstract: In certain embodiments there is provided a blank for a printed circuit board and methods pertaining to same. In some embodiments, the blank is provided in a generally straight configuration and is capable of being deformed in-plane into a bent configuration, such as, but not limited to, a generally ring-shaped configuration, a generally square shape, or a generally S-shape. In some embodiments, the PCB is used with a lighting fixture and is populated with light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A light engine with a heat sink having a curved recessed cavity that receives a flexed or cupped PCB bearing a plurality of LEDs. Once situated within the cavity and released, the PCB has a tendency to return to its flat state, but flanges or other suitable mechanisms at the ends of the cavity restrain the edges of the PCB and prevent the PCB from returning to its flat state. In this way, the PCB is securely retained within and biased against the cavity by its own forces. As the PCB heats, the PCB expands, further biasing the PCB against the cavity of the heat sink and increasing the thermal conductivity between the two components.

Abstract: A metal core printed circuit board that is mechanically deformed so as to improve the mechanical properties (e.g., improved section modulus or stiffness) of the board. The board is configured to be self-retaining such that it retains the deformation(s) without the help of other support structure. More specifically, the metal layer in the board is plastically (and permanently) deformed so as to retain the deformation(s) in the board.

Abstract: In certain embodiments there is provided a blank for a printed circuit board and methods pertaining to same. In some embodiments, the blank is provided in a generally straight configuration and is capable of being deformed in-plane into a bent configuration, such as, but not limited to, a generally ring-shaped configuration, a generally square shape, or a generally S-shape. In some embodiments, the PCB is used with a lighting fixture and is populated with light emitting diodes.

Abstract: Modular heat sinks formed by a plurality of interlocked modules. The modules include fins that define channels. In some embodiments, the fins and channels extend along an axis that is not parallel to an axis in which the heat sink extends and/or to a plane in which one of the top or bottom walls of at least one module of the heat sink extends. In some embodiments of the heat sink, the channels extend through the thickness of the heat sink to allow air easily to enter the channels from below and pass through and exit the channels from above to facilitate heat dissipation.

Abstract: Light fixtures for illuminating spaces that use light emitting diode-based light sources and that incorporate chip on board technology that enables the light emitting diode to be mounted directly on a portion of the light fixture. In some embodiments, the light fixture includes a reflector assembly onto which the light emitting diode is directly mounted. In other embodiments, the reflector assembly includes an aperture that receives a board having chip on board technology onto which the light emitting diode is directly mounted. In some embodiments, the light fixture also includes a diffuser for diffusing the light emanating from the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: Display cases having lighting assemblies and methods of illuminating display cases with such lighting assemblies. Embodiments of the lighting assemblies may be used in display cases of any type and particularly in those where the purchaser selects via an external mechanism (e.g., buttons) a product from a variety of products stored inside the display, such as a vending machine. Lighting assemblies are installed within a vending machine, such as on or within the vending machine shelves or product dividers, and their light emission controlled depending on the product being selected from the vending machine. In on embodiment, all light sources within the vending machine except those illuminating the selected product are dimmed. In this way, the product being selected by the purchaser can be emphasized. In other embodiments, color or multi-color LEDs are used to emit light that best compliments the color of products housed within the vending machine.

Abstract: Display cases having lighting assemblies and methods of illuminating display cases with such lighting assemblies. Embodiments of the lighting assemblies may be used in display cases of any type and particularly in those where the purchaser selects via an external mechanism (e.g., buttons) a product from a variety of products stored inside the display, such as a vending machine. Lighting assemblies are installed within a vending machine, such as on or within the vending machine shelves or product dividers, and their light emission controlled depending on the product being selected from the vending machine. In on embodiment, all light sources within the vending machine except those illuminating the selected product are dimmed. In this way, the product being selected by the purchaser can be emphasized. In other embodiments, color or multi-color LEDs are used to emit light that best compliments the color of products housed within the vending machine.