Abstract:
A light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting module comprising a core having a cavity for enhancing the cooling capabilities of the LED lighting module. Wherein cooling via the cavity may be accomplished by active cooling, and/or passive cooling. The LED lighting module further boasts retrofitting capabilities applicable in retail, commercial and household units.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting modules, systems, and methods with retrofit capability. Specifically, the present invention discloses a LED lighting fixture comprising a heat dissipation component. Furthermore, the inventive LED lighting fixture comprises retrofitting capabilities integrated into the heat dissipation component. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Conventional lighting was carried out by bulbs that used a heated filament encapsulated by an outer casing. The entrapped filament is filled with a gas that prevented the filament from burning up, and protected the filament from foreign items. 
         [0003]    In recent times, the traditional filament lighting fixture has been replaced by much more efficient and longer lasting lighting elements, such as LED lighting fixtures. An LED generally includes a diode mounted onto a die or chip. The diode is then surrounded by an encapsulate for protecting the diode. The die receives electrical power from a power source and supplies power to the diode. 
         [0004]    However, retrofitting of these LED lighting fixtures upon traditional filament lighting fixtures isn&#39;t quite as easy as it would seem. As LED lighting fixtures have wholly different needs and characteristics as compared with previous bulbs, adaptation and modification of the LED lighting fixture is required. 
         [0005]    Specifically, the greatest problem between LED lighting fixtures and conventional filament lighting fixtures happens to be the dissipation of heat. Although various methods have been disclosed, such as heat transfer paths, and heat sinks, and active cooling. The problem still remains, and is especially relevant in high power LED lighting fixtures. The conventional heat dissipation systems (i.e. radiating a large percentage of heat to a front lens of a lamp) do not adequately reduce heat in higher power LED systems. Consequently, high power LED systems tend to run at high operating temperatures, High operating temperatures degrade the performance of the LED lighting systems. Empirical data has shown that LED lighting systems may have lifetimes approaching 50,000 hours while at room temperature; however, operation at dose to 90°0 C., reduces LED life to less than 7,000 hours. 
         [0006]    The present invention recognized and addresses the fact that LED lighting fixtures have wholly different needs and characteristics as compared with previous bulbs that used a filament, And specifically discloses modules, systems and methods for effectively and efficiently dissipating heat from LED lighting, fixtures. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Various embodiments of the present invention will undoubtedly find utility in society. For example, in one embodiment the present invention teaches a LED lighting fixture comprising a cavity extending at least partially through about the center of the LED lighting fixture, wherein the cavity allows for dissipation of heat. 
         [0008]    In various embodiments, the dissipation of heat through the cavity may be configured to be passive, active, or a combination of both. By way of example, active dissipation of heat may be facilitated by channeling cooling lines through the cavity, channeling liquid through the cavity, allowing for condensation/evaporation of a coolant through the cavity, as well as other similar cooling methods know in the art. 
         [0009]    In yet another embodiment, the dissipation of heat away from the LED lighting module may be accomplished by a passive mechanism, namely, an adequate amount of heat dissipation material attached to the LED. 
         [0010]    For a better understanding of the structure of the LED lighting module, system, and method, and its functions, detailed explanations are given below with reference to the attached drawings. The LED lighting fixture is not limited, however, to the particular arrangements and/or configurations portrayed in the subject drawing figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and active cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts a front view of an LED lighting fixture and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  depicts a side view of an LED lighting fixture and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  provides a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  depicts a top view of an LED lighting fixture and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  depicts a side view of an LED lighting fixture and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and active cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and active cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  displays a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and both active cooling system and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  provides a front view of an LED lighting fixture and both active cooling system and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  depicts a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  provides a perspective cross-sectional view of tubing incorporated in the LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  depicts a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  provides a chart containing the results of heat dissipation incorporating the LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  provides a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and active cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  provides a partially exploded perspective view of an LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    The attached drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the attached drawings, like numbering represents like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    The present invention discloses a LED lighting module, system and method for use in any and all applications where lighting is required, as well as applications desirous of retrofitting LED lighting. In particular, the present invention teaches a LED lighting fixture configured to allow for more efficient and better cooling of LED lighting. Specifically, the present invention is adaptable for active cooling of LED lights, passive cooling of LED lights, as well as combinations of active and passive cooling of LED lights. 
         [0034]    Referring now to the Figures.  FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  depicts a LED module  10 , configured with at least one light emitting member  16 . The LED module  10  further comprises a mounting frame  14  affixed to the core  12 , wherein the mounting frame  14  has conductive properties for conducting electricity. The core  12  which provides support for the LED module  10 , is configured to be at least partially convex in shape in at least one axis. The at least one light emitting member  16  is mounted to the core  12 , and is in electronic communication with the mounting frame  14 . The light emitting member  16  may comprise a circuit board for electronic communication with the mounting frame  14 , or a circuit board may be integrated into the mounting frame  14 , for electrical communication with the light emitting member  16 . The light emitting member  16  may be a two-lead semiconductor light source, such as a light emitting diode, organic light emitting diodes (OLED), quantum dot LED, phosphor-based LED, combinations therefrom, and derivatives thereof. When a suitable voltage is applied to the leads, electrons are able to recombine with electron holes within the device, releasing energy in the form of photons. 
         [0035]    The core  12  is preferably constructed from a non-conductive material, such as ceramic, glass, plastics, plastic composites, resins, impregnated foam, combinations therefrom, and derivatives thereof. The mounting frame  14  is preferably constructed from a conductive material, including metals, alloys, carbon, plastic composites, metallic composites, combinations therefrom, and derivatives thereof. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment, the core  12  may be coated with a non-conductive element, establishing a buffer layer between the core  12  and mounting frame  14 . In this embodiment, the core  12  may be constructed of any material, however, materials having a higher dissipation factor (“DF”—is a measure of loss-rate of energy of a mode of oscillation in a dissipative system), would provide additional utility to the present invention. In addition, this embodiment would dictate the buffer layer be preferably constructed from a non-conductive material. 
         [0037]    The LED module  10  further comprises a cavity  20  situated in the core  12 . The cavity  20  may project through the entire length of the LED module  10 , or may only partially project into the core  12  of the LED module  10 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the cavity  20  is centered along the circumference of the LED module  10 , and extends the entire length of the LED module  10 . The shape, width (w), height (h) of the cavity  20  is constricted only by the size of the core  12 , such that the cavity  20  does not extend beyond the external width (w) and height (h) of the core  20 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of an LED module  10  and active cooling system  24  in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 2  depicts the modular capabilities of the LED module  10  depicted in  FIG. 1 . As depicted, multiple LED modules  10  (a, b, c . . . x) may be configured in conjunction with one another to increase luminosity and the capabilities of the subject LED lighting module, system and method. Although the LED modules  10  (a, b, c . . . x) may be configured on axis, as shown in  FIG. 2 , one of skill in the art may contemplate numerous configurations of the LED modules  10  to suit specific and varying needs for lighting and/or design factors (See  FIGS. 13-15 ). By way of example, the LED modules  10  may be configured atop one another, in a circular or oval pattern, and/or at various angles to promote or dissipate hot spots. In further embodiments, the LED modules  10  may also be independently reconfigurable in one of more axes, allowing for variations in lighting. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  further depicts capillary tubing  42 , which is a component of the active cooling system  24 . The capillary tubing  42  is configured in the cavity  20  for active dissipation of heat from the LED modules  10  using a coolant. A complete disclosure of the active cooling system  24  and associated cooling elements are further disclosed below. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an LED module  10  and passive cooling system  22  in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  depicts the use of multiple LED modules  10  configured a distance from each other, and in communication with each other via a passive cooling system  22 . The passive cooling system  22  is configured to provide adequate heat dissipating material to dissipate heat generated by each LED module  10 . In addition the passive cooling system  22  is further configured to allow for mounting of the lighting fixture using mounting holes  30 . As a unit, the passive cooling system  22  is preferably constructed from one or more materials having a high dissipation factor (“DF”) such as aluminum, copper or gold, to name a few. Furthermore,  FIG. 3  (and to greater degree,  FIG. 5 ) depicts an embodiment of the LED module  10  having a flat section  26  along the convex surface  28  of the core  12 . The flat section  26  is configured to increase surface area in communication with the passive cooling system  22 , thus increasing the rate and/or efficiency of dissipation of heat. 
         [0041]    In the example provided in  FIGS. 3-5 , each twenty ( 20 ) watt LED module  10  produces approximately  1200  joules of heat per minute. The amount of heat dissipation material needed to adequately reduce the temperature of the LED module  10  to near-optimal performance levels is dependent on specific heat capacity of the heat dissipation material (e.g.—AL 0.904 J/g/C; Iron 0.449 J/g/C), as well as the mass and orientation of the heat dissipation material. In the example presented in  FIGS. 3-5 , the heat dissipation material has a specific heat capacity of approximately 0.9 J/g/C, thus using 0.147 pounds (mass) of material to reduce the temperature of the LED module  10  to near-optimal levels. (For additional heat dissipation details please reference  FIG. 17 , below) 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4 and 5  depict front and side views, respectively, of at least one LED module  10  and passive cooling system  22  in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  shows three LED modules  10  mounted to the passive cooling system  22 .  FIG. 5  details the attachment of the flat section  26  of the LED module  10  to the passive cooling system  22 . Further depicted in  FIG. 5  are the LEDs  16  attached to the core  12  and/or mounting frame  14 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  provides a perspective view of an LED modules  10  and passive cooling system  22  in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  depicts a top view of an LED modules  10  and passive cooling system  22  disclosed in  FIG. 6 . And  FIG. 8  depicts a side view of an LED modules  10  and passive cooling system  22  disclosed in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Specifically,  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8  provide disclosure of LED modules  10  and passive cooling system  22  configured for retrofitting into a standard industrial fluorescent light fixture. The LED modules  10  are spaced a distance from one another and are in electrical communication with one another. The enlarged surface area of the passive cooling system  22  allows for the use of less (thinner) material, while achieving efficient heat dissipation. Similar to the embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 , the passive cooling system  22  is further configured to allow for mounting of the lighting unit using mounting holes  30 . 
         [0044]      FIGS. 9 and 10  provide perspective views of an LED module  10  and active cooling system  24  in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 9 and 10  provide additional embodiments of configuring the present invention for application in extremely high luminosity lighting fixtures.  FIG. 9  depicts a single row lantern-type fixture configured in a circular arrangement. LEDs  16  are mounted to the outer surface of the core  12 , with multiple cavities  20  configured throughout the core  12  to allow for greater cooling. Although each cavity  20  in  FIG. 9  is depicted to have an active cooling system  24 , various iterations comprising of active cooling systems  24  and passive cooling systems  22  are contemplated herein. By way of example, an embodiment of the present invention may include staggered passive cooling systems  22  and active cooling systems  24 , configured in the core  12 . Additionally, LEDs  16  may be mounted on the interior surface of the core  12  for increased luminosity. Even further, the core  12  may be cylindrical in shape to allow for additional LEDs  16  configured in a circular pattern to provide even light in all three axes. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 11 and 12  display perspective and front views, respectively, of an LED module  10  comprising an active cooling system  24  in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIGS. 11 and 12  disclose the active cooling system  24 , and components associated with the active cooling system  24 , as well as the interaction between the active cooling system  24  and the LED modules  10 . The active cooling system  24  comprises a network of tubes  34  that passively cycle coolant through the tubes incorporating evaporation and re-condensation for exchanging heat and driving the coolant cycle. 
         [0046]    The active cooling system  24  comprises a reservoir  32  containing coolant. This reservoir  32  is situated such that when the reservoir  32  is filled with coolant and sealed, a small amount of pressure is established in the tubes  34 . This positive pressure is enough to drive the coolant through the active cooling system  24 , and in conjunction with tubing orientation, restricts movement of the coolant to a particular direction. 
         [0047]    The coolant leaves the reservoir  32  and travels down and through the inlet tubing  36  to reach the LED modules  10 . As stated previously, the pressure generated in the reservoir  32 , drives the coolant up the vertical portion of the inlet tubing  36 . The reservoir  32  is configured with enough coolant such that the reservoir  32  and the inlet tubing  36  is completely filled with coolant. 
         [0048]    The reservoir  32  comprises a caped service port  38  containing a one-way valve  40 . The one-way valve  40  allows for pressure to be removed from the system but does not allow pressure to enter. By creating a slight vacuum through the service port  38 , negative pressure is created in the active cooling system  24 , thus lowering the vapor point of the coolant, and allowing the coolant to become a gas at a lower temperature. This also allows for the coolant to expand since there are no air pockets within the system that are already taking up volume, which in turn allows the coolant to cycle much faster than if the vaporized coolant were to compete for space with any existing air in the system. 
         [0049]    Once the coolant has travelled through the inlet tubing  36  it is ready to enter the LED modules. Passing through the cavity  20  of the LED modules  10  is capillary tubing  42  which allows for the continued flow of coolant through the active cooling system  24 . The capillary tubing  42  is attached to the inlet tubing  36  at one end, and further attached to the outlet tubing  44  at the opposing end. The capillary tubing  42  runs through the core  12  and helps facilitate heat exchange with the LED modules  10 . The specific function of capillary tubing (in comparison to normal tubing—See  FIG. 16 ) is such that it utilizes a liquid&#39;s tendency to create adhesion between the fluid and the solid inner wall and allows a fluid to “climb up” through the capillary tubing  42  in cases where fluid in regular tubing cannot. The relevance of capillary tubing  42  in this section of the system is important because the capillary tubing running through the core  12  of the LED modules  10  is not completely horizontal, but is configured at a small degree upwards. Capillary tubing  42  is required in this sloped orientation because the pressure generated by the reservoir  32  is not great enough to push the fluid up this section. The capillary action allows the coolant to draw itself up from the start of the capillary tubing  42  through to the end of the capillary tubing  42 , and expel the coolant into the outlet tubing  44 . 
         [0050]    When the LED modules  10  are in use, they generate a tremendous amount of heat. This heat is conducted by and through the core  12  to the capillary tubes  42 . After the capillary tubes  42  reach a certain temperature, the coolant evaporates and gas is created. The inherent nature of the gas rises up through the outlet tubing  44  and is cooled back to liquid coolant before being deposited into the reservoir  32 . This heat exchange between the LED modules  10  and capillary tubing  42  is what cools down the LEDs. The heat is being drawn away from the LEDs via the core  12  and capillary tubing  42  and thus allows the LED modules  10  to sustain a stable and much lower operating temperature. 
         [0051]    This entire process is repeated as the LED modules  10  are being powered and the cycle combination of the reservoir  32 , capillary tubing  42 , evaporation, condensation, and gravity drives the active cooling system  24  without the need for any external pumping system. 
         [0052]    By reference, and incorporated in whole herein, certain principals of the present invention may take advantage of a scientific principal known as Capillary action (sometimes capillarity, capillary motion, or wicking). Identified as the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in opposition to, external forces like gravity. The effect can be seen in the drawing up of liquids between the hairs of a paint-brush, in a thin tube, in porous materials such as paper, in some non-porous materials such as liquefied carbon fiber, or in a cell. Due to intermolecular forces between the liquid and surrounding solid surfaces, the liquid is drawn against external forces. if the diameter of the tube is sufficiently small, then the combination of surface tension (which is caused by cohesion within the liquid) and adhesive forces between the liquid and container act to lift the liquid. In short, the capillary action is due to the pressure of cohesion and adhesion which cause the liquid to work against gravity. 
         [0053]    An exemplary coolant for the above referenced inventive active cooling system  24  may be composed of about 50% to 85% denatured alcohol and about 15% to 50% antifreeze. Additional coolants may be derived from ethanol and distilled water, derivatives therefrom and combinations thereof. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 13, 14 and 15  are images that provide perspective views of LED modules in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIGS. 13, 14 and 15  provide various designs which may be configured incorporating the inventive LED module, system and method described herein. 
         [0055]      FIG. 17  depicts a perspective view of an LED lighting fixture and passive cooling system in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically,  FIG. 17  provides an LED  10  and passive cooling system  22  which was one of the exemplary subjects tested and reported on in the chart provided in  FIG. 18 . The specific LED lighting fixture  10  depicted in  FIG. 17  comprises a  20  watt LED unit, contains  20  individual LEDs, the dimensions of the LED lighting fixture  10  are approximately twenty millimeter in length, with a circumference of approximately fifteen millimeters. The circumference of the LED lighting fixture  10  has a flattened portion, configured for mounting to the passive cooling system  22 , that is approximately ten millimeters in width, and runs the length of the LED lighting fixture  10 . The flattened portion of the LED lighting fixture  10  is mounted to a passive cooling system  22 , comprising predominantly of aluminum in material. The dimensions of passive cooling system  22  are approximately one-hundred millimeter (length), by one-hundred millimeter (width), by approximately 3.2 millimeters (height). The passive cooling system  22  has an approximate mass of 0.15 pounds. 
         [0056]      FIG. 18  provides a chart containing the results of heat dissipation incorporating the LED lighting fixture depicted in  FIG. 17  in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 18  provides data points for heat dissipation in relation to time (minutes) for five (5) variants of the present subject matter incorporating a passive cooling system  22  only. Column 1 provides data for a twenty watt LED with a load wattage of seventeen at 6.2 volts and 2.7 amperage. Column 2 provides data for the same LED as in Column 1, however the cooling system  22  is mounted to a conventional steel plate. The steel plate would be indicative of retrofitting the LED lighting fixture  10  to a conventional ceiling/wall fluorescent unit. Column 3 provides data for a fifteen watt LED with a load wattage of fourteen at 6.2 volts and 2.2 amperage. Column 4 provides data for the same LED as in Column 3, however the cooling system  22  is mounted to a conventional steel plate. As before the steel plate would be indicative of retrofitting the LED lighting fixture  10  to a conventional ceiling/wall fluorescent unit. Column 5 provides data for a fifteen watt LED with a load wattage of seven at 5.8 volts and 1.2 amperage, wherein the cooling system  22  is mounted to a conventional steel plate. The steel plate would be indicative of retrofitting the LED lighting fixture  10  to a conventional ceiling/wall fluorescent unit. 
         [0057]      FIG. 19  provide a LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. Of particular interest in  FIG. 19  is the active cooling system  24 , which may be adapted to act the support or frame for the LED module  10 . As depicted in  FIG. 19 , the LED module  10  is configured with at least one light emitting member  16 , wherein the LED module  10  comprises a mounting frame  14  affixed to the core  12 . The core  12  which provides support for the LED module  10 , is configured to be at least partially convex in shape in at least one axis. The at least one light emitting member  16  is mounted to the core  12 , and is in electronic communication with the mounting frame  14 . The light emitting member  16  may comprise a circuit board for electronic communication with the mounting frame  14 , or a circuit board may be integrated into the mounting frame  14 , for electrical communication with the light emitting member  16 . 
         [0058]    As disclosed earlier, the LED module  10  comprises a cavity  20  situated in the core  12 . The cavity  20  may project through the entire length of the LED module  10 , or may only partially project into the core  12  of the LED module  10 . As depicted in  FIG. 19 , the cavity  20  is centered along the circumference of the LED module  10 , and extends the entire length of the LED module  10 . The shape, width (w), height (h) of the cavity  20  is constricted only by the size of the core  12 , such that the cavity  20  does not extend beyond the external width (w) and height (h) of the core  20 . 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 19 , the cavity  20  is at least partially occupied by the capillary tubing  42 , which is a component of the active cooling system  24 . The capillary tubing  42  is configured in the cavity  20  for active dissipation of heat from the LED modules  10  using a coolant. A complete disclosure of the active cooling system  24  and associated cooling elements are disclosed above, and are further incorporated by reference herein.  FIG. 19  depicts one embodiment wherein the active cooling system  24  is configured to provide structural support to the LED modules  10 , and simultaneously provide active cooling to the LED module  10 . In various embodiments, the active cooling system  24  may be operational when a set temperature range is reached, and dormant if the temperature is outside said set temperature range. 
         [0060]    In yet another embodiment, the capillary tubing  42  depicted in  FIG. 19  may be substituted and/or partially replaced by solid tubing. Thus replacing the active cooling system  24 , with a passive cooling system  22 . As can be appreciated by some one of skill in the art, various combinations of active and passive cooling systems may be incorporated using hollow, partially hollow, and solid tubing for dissipation of heat from the LED modules  10 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 20  provides a partially exploded perspective view of an LED lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment or portion of an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically,  FIG. 20  provides a partially exploded view of and embodiment of the LED module  10  provided in  FIG. 1 , wherein the LED module  10  is configured with at least one light emitting member  16  provided around a core  12 , as well as a mounting frame  14  affixed to the core  12 , wherein the mounting frame  14  has conductive properties for conducting electricity. 
         [0062]    Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.