Modular articulating lighting

Apparatus and methods for lighting. The apparatus may include a first jewel and a second jewel. The first jewel may support the second jewel by a first link. The first jewel may support the second jewel by a second link. The first link and second links may be configured for transmission of current between the first jewel and the second jewel. The first and second links may be the only attachments of the second jewel to the first jewel. The first jewel may be configured to selectively emit three different colors of light. The second jewel may be configured to selectively emit three different colors of light. The second jewel may be configured to selectively emit the three different colors of the first jewel. The selection may be performed by a user using a switch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a nonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Applications No. 63/401,813 filed Aug. 29, 2002, and 63/426,841, filed Nov. 21, 2022, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Lighting fixtures based on concatenated lamp heads that extend away from a power source typically include articulating links between the lamp heads that provide illumination. When the articulating links are used to transmit power to the lamp heads, the illumination is typically limited to a choice between two different illumination colors.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a light fixture with concatenated lamp heads that provide more than two different illumination colors.

The leftmost digit (e.g., “L”) of a three-digit reference numeral (e.g., “LRR”), and the two leftmost digits (e.g., “LL”) of a four-digit reference numeral (e.g., “LLRR”), generally identify the first figure in which a part is called-out.

DESCRIPTION

Apparatus and methods for lighting are provided.

The apparatus may include one or more jewels. A jewel may include a lamp head. A lamp head may include one or more of a light-emitting diode (“LED”) light source, a circuit for providing current to the LED light source, structure for connection to another jewel, conductors for electrical continuity with another jewel, optically diffusive material, ornamental material and any other suitable features.

Elements of components that are in electrical continuity may include copper, aluminum or any other suitable electrically conductive material.

The apparatus may include a first jewel. The apparatus may include a second jewel. The first jewel may support the second jewel. The first jewel may support the second jewel by a first link. The first link may be configured to provide current from the first jewel to the second jewel. The first jewel may support the second jewel by a second link. The first link that may be configured for transmission of current between the first jewel and the second jewel. The second link that may be configured for transmission of current between the first jewel and the second jewel.

A link may provide articulation between neighboring jewels. A link may be a link that does not provide articulation between neighboring jewels.

The first and second links may be the only attachments of the second jewel to the first jewel. The first jewel may be configured to selectively emit three different colors of light. The second jewel may be configured to selectively emit three different colors of light. The second jewel may be configured to selectively emit the three different colors of the first jewel. The selection may be performed by a user using a switch. The switch may include a mechanical switch. The switch may include an electrical switch. The switch may include a software switch.

The first and second links may be the only electrical conductors between the first and second jewels.

The first link may be configured to have a first voltage that corresponds to a first driver pole. The second link may be configured to have a second voltage that corresponds to a second driver pole.

The three colors may correspond to a color-1 LED string, a color-2 LED string and the color-1 LED string and the color-2 LED string. A string may coincide with all or some of a branch.

The color-1 LED string may be configured to emit a first of the three colors. The color-2 LED string may be configured to emit a second of the three colors.

The color-1 LED string may have a high end that is coupled to the first voltage. The color-1 LED string may have a low end that is coupled to the second voltage. The color-2 LED string may have a high end that is coupled to the second voltage. The color-2 LED string may have a low end that is coupled to the first voltage.

One or more of the jewels may include one or more of the strings. A color-1 string may be disposed in the second jewel. A color-2 string may be disposed in the second jewel.

The first jewel may include a color-1 LED string. The first jewel may include a color-2 LED string. The color-1 LED string may have a high end that is coupled to a first pole voltage. The color-1 LED string may have a low end that is coupled to a second pole voltage. The color-2 LED string may have a high end that is coupled to a second pole voltage. The color-2 LED string may have a low end that is coupled to a first pole voltage.

A first of the three colors may correspond to a first correlated color temperature (“CCT”). A second of the three colors may correspond to a second CCT. A third of the three colors may correspond to a third CCT.

One or more of the three colors may correspond to red, green, blue or any other suitable color.

The apparatus may include a user-operable switch. The switch may be configured for selection of one of the three colors.

The first jewel may be configured to emit the three lights.

The apparatus may include a third jewel. The third jewel may be supported by the second jewel. The third jewel may be supported by the second jewel by a third link. The third link may be configured to provide current from the second jewel to the third jewel. The third jewel may be supported by the second jewel by a fourth link. The fourth link may be configured to provide current from the second jewel to the third jewel.

The third and fourth links may be the only attachments of the third jewel to the second jewel. The third jewel may be configured to emit the three colors.

The apparatus may include a terminal jewel. The terminal jewel may be configured to link only to a single neighboring jewel. The terminal jewel may include links on only one end of the terminal jewel. A terminal end of terminal jewel may include a surface with no structural extensions. The terminal end may include an ornamental surface.

The terminal jewel may be configured to link only to two neighboring jewels. The terminal link may be configured to link mechanically to both of the neighboring jewels and electrically with only one of the neighboring jewels.

A user may connect a number of jewels to the end of a chain of jewels without performing an electrical wiring task other than connection of an addition jewel to the last jewel of the chain via links.

The apparatus may include a microcontroller. The microcontroller may be configured to distribute current between the first link and the second link.

The apparatus may include a transistor bridge. The bridge may adjust current flow through the first and second links. The bridge may adjust the current in conformance with signals from the microcontroller.

The apparatus may include a canopy. The canopy may be configured to be fixed to a ceiling, a wall or any other suitable structure.

The microcontroller and the transistor bridge may be disposed in the canopy.

The apparatus may include a user-operable switch that is configured for selection of one of the three colors. The switch may be disposed in the canopy. The switch may be in communication with the microcontroller.

The microcontroller may be configured to provide positive voltage to the first pole to energize color-1 LED strings. The microcontroller may be configured to provide positive voltage to the first pole to energize color-2 LED strings.

The first color may include a high CCT emission. The second color may include a low CCT emission. The third color may include a mixture of the high CCT emission and the low CCT emission.

The microcontroller may be configured to alternately energize the color-1 and color-2 LED strings to produce a third of the three colors. Alternation between the color-1 and color-2 LED strings may be a temporal alternation.

the fixture may include a canopy. The canopy may be mounted to a ceiling. The fixture may include one or more lamp heads. Four lamp heads are shown. The lamp heads may be attached to each other by one or more links. One or more lamp heads may be attached to the canopy by a one or more links. The links may be electrically conductive.

The fixture may include a section or sections. A section may include one or more jewels. A section may include a chain. The sections may be modular such that a section may be installable at the end of another section or to the canopy. Different sections may have different numbers of jewels. Different sections may have different lengths.

A section may be an “intermediate section.” An intermediate section may include linking features on both ends. A section may be an “end section.” An end section may have a linking feature on an end. An end section may have an attachment feature on the end. An end section may have an attachment feature on a different end. The attachment feature may provide for the addition or deployment of a linking feature.

The fixture may include a first section having jewels that are powered by a first driver. The fixture may include a second section having jewels that are powered by a second driver. The first section and the second section may be linked to each other by terminal jewels that are mechanically linked to each other but may be electrically isolated from each other.

Table 1 lists illustrative numbers of jewels in a section along with illustrative corresponding lengths.

TABLE 1Illustrative numbers of jewels in a section along with illustrativecorresponding lengths.Illustrative numbers of jewels per section, lengthsNumber of jewels (N)Length (in.)624836144818842210840132Other suitable numbersOther suitable lengths

A swag and suspension cable may be provided for decoration that may include an additional suspension point.

The fixture may be a fixture that includes no more than two drivers to power up to 40 jewels. This may reduce a size requirement of the canopy.

A link may include a hinge, a pin, a snap, a tab, a hook, a magnet or any other suitable attachment arrangement. The link may conduct electricity. The link may provide for articulation of the jewels relative to each other or relative to the canopy. A top jewel may be linked to the canopy.

A jewel may have a form. The form may include a bulb, a jewel, a crystal, a panel, a tile or any other suitable form. The panel may be square, rectangular, triangular or any other suitable shape.

Each jewel may include one or more LED (“light-emitting diode”) light sources. The fixture may include an electrical path. The path may include a first branch that runs from the canopy through the jewels to a terminal jewel. The path may include a second branch that runs from the terminal jewel through the jewels to the canopy.

A branch may include a link. A branch may include a printed circuit board (“PCB”). A branch may include a light-emitting diode (“LED”). A branch may include a conductor. A branch may include a wire. The branch may be a branch that does not include a wire. The branch may be a branch that includes a wire that is not part of the link. A branch may include one or more of the foregoing. A branch may include one or more of the foregoing in series. A branch may include one or more of the foregoing in parallel. A branch may provide power to LEDs along the branch by conducting current through one or more of the foregoing.

A first jewel may provide current to a second jewel along a path. A segment of the path that provides the current from the first jewel to the second jewel may be a segment that does not include wire. The segment may maintain electrical continuity between the first jewel and the second jewel through a range of orientations of the second jewel relative to the first jewel. The segment may maintain a mechanical relationship between the first jewel and the second jewel through the range of orientations. The segment may include a hinge. The hinge may provide sufficient friction to hold the second jewel in a user-selected orientation relative to the first jewel. The hinge may be a hinge that does not provide sufficient friction to hold the second jewel, under the weight of the second jewel, in an orientation relative to the first jewel.

The segment may include a plastically deformable material. The segment may include an elastically deformable material.

The fixture may include an LED driver circuit. The fixture may include a power supply. One or both of the driver circuit and the power supply may be disposed in the canopy. The fixture may include a switch. The switch may have a selector. The selector may have one or more settings. A first setting may correspond to a first LED type. A second setting may correspond to a second LED type. A third setting may correspond to a third LED type. An LED type may correspond to a color. The color may include red. The color may include green. The color may include white. The color may include a correlated color temperature (“CCT”).

The electrical path may be in electrical continuity with the driver circuit. The driver circuit may include a positive voltage output terminal. The driver circuit may include a negative voltage output terminal. The first branch may be coupled to the positive voltage output terminal. The second branch may be coupled to the negative voltage output terminal. The first branch and the second branch may be coupled to each other at the terminal jewel.

The apparatus may include a first jewel. The apparatus may include a second jewel. The first jewel may include a first LED light source. The second jewel may include a second LED light source. The apparatus may include a first LED light source control circuit. The apparatus may include a second LED light source control circuit.

The first jewel may be configured to be mechanically and electrically linked to a first jewel chain that is configured to be powered by the first LED light source control unit. The second jewel may be configured to be mechanically and electrically linked to a second jewel chain that is configured to be powered by the second LED light source control unit. The second jewel may be configured to be mechanically linked to and electrically isolated from the first jewel. Both the first and the second jewel may be jewels that are configured such that a user can select from three different colors of light for emission by the jewels.

FIG.1shows illustrative fixture100. Fixture100may include canopy102. Canopy102may be configured to be attached to a support. The support may include a ceiling.

Fixture100may include chain104of jewels (J1. . . J4). Chain104may define central axis Lc. Axes may define an upward direction. The upward direction may be designated by (+). Axes may define a downward direction. The downward direction may be designated by (−). Axis Lc may follow a central path through chain104. Chain may104may have a straight configuration. Chain104may have a curved configuration.

Fixture100may include one or more links such as114,116,118,120,122,124,126,128and any other suitable links. A link may include an upper extension such as134. The link may include a lower extension such as136. The upper and lower extension may be joined by a pin such as138.

Jewel112may be a terminal jewel. A terminal jewel may have links on only a (+) end. Jewel112may include terminal end130. Terminal end130may be an end that does not include structure on a (−) end for supporting a jewel. Terminal end130may include one or more ornamental surfaces. Terminal end130may be translucent. Terminal end130may include flat surface132.

Canopy102may include LED current distribution circuitry (not shown). The circuitry may include a first voltage pole. The circuitry may include a second voltage pole. The two voltage poles be in electrical continuity with the links.

Chain104may define a first branch. Chain104may define a second branch. The first branch may be equipotential with the first pole. The second branch may be equipotential with the second pole. Links114,118,122and126may be part of the first branch. Links116,120,124and128may be part of the second branch. The first and second poles may be separated by electrical insulation. The first and second branches may be separated by electrical insulation. The insulation may include insulation140,142,144and146.

The first branch may deliver current to jewels J1. . . J4to emit light of a first color. The second branch may deliver current to jewels J1. . . J4to emit light of a second color. The first and second branches may deliver current to jewels J1. . . J4to emit light of a third color.

Fixture100may have a user-operable switch (not shown) for selecting between the first color, the second color and the third color. The user-operable switch may be disposed in canopy102.

Each jewel may include a color-1 LED string (not shown) to emit light of the first color. Each jewel may include a color-2 LED string (not shown) to emit light of the second color. The circuitry may produce the third color using the color-1 LED string and the color-2 LED string.

The links may be the only structural connections between the jewels. The links may be the only electrical connections between the jewels. Links114and116may be the only structural connections between canopy102and jewel106. Links114and116may be the only electrical connections between canopy102and jewel106.

FIG.2shows illustrative architecture200for providing three CCTs. Architecture200may include illustrative driver202. Architecture200may include illustrative controller204. Architecture200may include illustrative LED branches1and2. Branch1may include LEDs (“LED group 1”) of a first CCT. Branch2may include LEDs (“LED group 2”) of a second CCT. The second CCT may be different from the first CCT. The first CCT may be 3,000° K. The second CCT may be 4,000° K.

Controller204may include user-operable CCT selector206. Selector206may have two or more settings, e.g., “1,” “2,” and “3.” The different settings may correspond to different outputs at poles208(“A”) and210(“B”). Architecture200may include illustrative LED module circuit212. Selector206may be mechanically operable. Selector206may be electronically operable. Selector206may be operably electronically by software. Selector206may be operably remotely from a mobile device. Selector206may be operably wirelessly.

Table 2 lists illustrative ranges that may include nominal CCT values for a first CCT or a second CCT.

TABLE 2Illustrative ranges that may include nominal CCT values for thefirst and second CCTs.Illustrative range endpoints (º K)LowerUpperLowerUpper<1800180034003500180019003500360019002000360037002000210037003800210022003800390022002300390040002300240040004100240025004100420025002600420043002600270043004400270028004400450028002900450046002900300046004700300031004700480031003200480049003200330049005000330034005000>5000OtherOtherOtherOther suitablesuitablesuitablesuitableupperlowerupperlowerendpointsendpointsendpointsendpoints

When selector206is in position “1”, the controller will control pole A to be the “+” pole, pole B to be the “−” pole, LED group1will be on, and LED group2will be off. At this time, the color temperature of the module is the LED group1color temperature.

When selector206is in position “3”, the controller will control pole A to be the “−” pole, pole B to be the “+” pole, LED group1will be off, and LED group2will be on. At this time, the color temperature of the module is LED2color temperature.

When selector206is in position “2”, the controller will control pole A a first fraction of the time to be the “+” pole and a second fraction of the time to be the “−” pole. Pole B will have polarity opposite that of pole A. When the positive and negative switching frequency is large enough, the color temperature of the fixture is a mixture of the CCTs of LED group1and LED group2. The mixed CCT may be a CCT value in a range listed in Table 2. The mixed CCT may be 3,500° K, for example.

A switching cycle, during which LED group1are illuminated for a first fraction and LED group2are illuminated for a second fraction, may have any suitable duration.

The first and second fractions may be the same. The first and second fractions may be different. A sum of the first and second fractions may be about 1. The first and second fractions may be sized to result in a desired CCT mix between LED group1and LED group2. Table 4 lists illustrative ranges that may include the first and second fractions.

TABLE 3Ranges that may include the first and second fractions.Illustrative range endpointsLowerUpperLowerUpper<0.050.050.500.550.050.100.550.600.100.150.600.650.150.200.650.700.200.250.700.750.250.300.750.800.300.350.800.850.350.400.850.900.400.450.900.950.450.500.95>0.95OtherOtherOtherOther suitablesuitablesuitablesuitableupperlowerupperlowerendpointsendpointsendpointsendpoints

FIG.3shows illustrative angulation of the jewels about hinges. Jewels Jn, n=1−N, may rotate relative to neighboring jewels through angles αJn,Jn−1Jewel J1may rotate relative to canopy102. Table 4 lists illustrative ranges that may include angles α.

FIG.4shows illustrative jewel J2disconnected from neighboring jewels.FIG.4shows an illustrative jewel. The jewel may include inner hinge posts (top left). One of the inner hinge posts may be part of branch1. The other may be part of branch2. The jewel may include outer hinge posts (bottom right). One of the outer hinge posts may be part of branch1. The other may be part of branch2. The inner hinge posts may of the jewel may be connected mechanically to outer hinge posts of neighboring hinge posts. The connections may be made by a pin. The connections may provide electrical continuity in a branch.

FIG.5is a view taken along view lines5,6-5,6(shown inFIG.4). The Jewel J2may include optically diffusive element502. Jewel J2may include conductive base504. Jewel J2may include conductive base506. Jewel J2may include electrical insulator508. Jewel J2may include pole510. Jewel J2may include pole512. The poles may include LEDs. Jewel J2may include electrical insulator514.

Poles510and512may include material that provides structural support to jewel J2. Poles510and512may be fastened to bases504and506by electrically conductive fasteners. The electrically conductive fasteners may include screws such as screws507. Poles510and512may include holes516and518to receive the fasteners. A hole may traverse the length of the pole. A hole may not traverse the length of the pole. The fasteners may include screws.

Poles510and512may correspond to poles A and B ofFIG.2. Poles A and B may provide voltage across a circuit board. The circuit board may include LEDs such as those in branches1and2ofFIG.2.

Poles510and512may thus be part of branches1and2, respectively. The top of the jewel may be constructed in an analogous manner to what is shown inFIG.8.

FIG.6shows that insulator508may have an outer edge that is aligned with the outer edges of bases504and506.

FIG.7shows jewel J2linked to jewel j3in view7(shown inFIG.1) with diffusive elements removed. Base504of jewel J2may be linked to base702of jewel J3. The link may include pivot706. Base506of jewel J2may be linked to base704of jewel J3. The link may include pivot (not shown;708). The bases and the pivots may be electrically conducting. Pole708may be in electrical continuity with base702via fasteners712. Fasteners712may include screws. Pole708, base702and fasteners712may be part of the first branch.

Pole710may be in electrical continuity with base704via fasteners714. Fasteners714may include screws. Pole710, base704and fasteners714may be part of the second branch.

Jewel J3may include electrical insulation714. Jewel J3may include insulation716. Pole708may include hole718. Pole710may include hole720. Holes718and720may have one or more features in common with holes516and518. Each of poles708and710may include one or more other holes corresponding to fasteners712and714.

Pole510may include hole722. Pole512may include hole724. Holes722and724may have one or more features in common with holes516and518.

Base702may include shoulder726. Shoulder726may be contoured to provide clearance for boss728of base504. Base702may include shoulder730. Shoulder730may be contoured to provide clearance for boss732of base506. Bases504and506may include corresponding shoulders for bosses734and736of bases702and704.

FIG.8shows jewel J2in a view taken along lines8-8(shown inFIG.4). Jewel J2may include printed circuit board (“PCB”)802. PCB802may include an LED module circuit (not shown). The circuit may have one or more features in common with LED module circuit212(shown inFIG.2). PCB802may include LEDs such as804. Some of the LEDs may be arranged along the first branch. Some of the LEDs may be arranged along the second branch. Some of the LEDs may be correspond to LED group1(shown inFIG.2). Some of the LEDs may be correspond to LED group2(shown inFIG.2). Jewel2may include jumpers such as806and808. Jumper806may be in electrical continuity with pole510and the LED module circuit. Jumper806may be in electrical continuity with pole510and the LED module circuit.

Base504may be in electrical continuity with jewel J3. Base504may be in electrical continuity with screw810. Screw810may be in electrical continuity with pole510. Pole510may be in electrical continuity with screw814. Screw814may be in electrical continuity with base818. Base818may be in electrical continuity with jewel J1.

Base506may be in electrical continuity with jewel J3. Base506may be in electrical continuity with screw812. Screw812may be in electrical continuity with pole512. Pole512may be in electrical continuity with screw816. Screw816may be in electrical continuity with base820. Base820may be in electrical continuity with jewel J1.

FIG.9shows a portion of jewel J2.

FIG.10shows in part a view of jewel J2taken along lines10-10(shown inFIG.9). Jumpers806and808may be fixed to and in electrical communication with terminals (not shown) in PCB802that correspond to poles A and B (shown inFIG.2) at contacts1002and1004, respectively. Contacts1002and1004may include solder, welding, fasteners or any other suitable contacts.

FIG.11shows illustrative jewel1102in a view similar to that taken along lines8-8(shown inFIG.4). Jewel1102may have one or more features in common with one or more of jewels Jn. Jewel1102may be linked to jewel1104. Jewel1102may be linked to jewel1106. Jewel1102may include pole1108. Jewel1102may include pole1110. Pole1108may correspond to pole A (shown inFIG.2). Pole1110may correspond to pole B (shown inFIG.2).

PCB1102may include an LED module circuit (not shown). The circuit may have one or more features in common with LED module circuit212(shown inFIG.2). PCB1102may include LEDs such as1104. Some of the LEDs may be arranged along the first branch. Some of the LEDs may be arranged along the second branch. Some of the LEDs may be correspond to LED group1(shown inFIG.2). Some of the LEDs may be correspond to LED group2(shown inFIG.2).

The LED module circuit may include a first LED string that corresponds to LED group1(shown inFIG.2). The LED module circuit may include a second LED string that corresponds to LED group1(shown inFIG.2). The first a second string may be arranged electronically parallel to each other. The LED module circuit may include a third LED string that corresponds to LED group2(shown inFIG.2). The LED module circuit may include a fourth LED string that corresponds to LED group2(shown inFIG.2).

Jewel1102may include jumpers such as1116and1118. Jumper1116may be in electrical continuity with pole1108. Jumper1118may be in electrical continuity with pole1110. Jumper1116may be in electrical continuity with pole1120of PCB1112. Jumper1118may be in electrical continuity with pole1122of PCB1112. Both of poles1120and1122may correspond to pole A (shown inFIG.2).

Jewel1102may include jumpers such as1124and1126. Jumper1124may be in electrical continuity with pole1110. Jumper1126may be in electrical continuity with pole1110. Jumper1124may be in electrical continuity with pole1128of PCB1112. Jumper1126may be in electrical continuity with pole1130of PCB1112. Both of poles1128and1130may correspond to pole B (shown inFIG.2).

FIG.12shows illustrative PCB1202. PCB1202may be disposed in a jewel (not shown) such as one of the jewels Jn. The jewel may include poles such as poles510and512. PCB1202may be disposed on the poles. The jewel may include band1204. Band1204may retain PCB1202on the poles.

FIG.13shows illustrative LED module circuit1300. Circuit1300may be implemented on a PCB in a jewel such as one of jewels Jn. The PCB may have one or more features in common with one or more of PCBs802,1112and1202.

Circuit1300may include branch1302. Branch1302may include one or more warm CCT LED group1304(Wj). Group1304may correspond to LED Group1(shown inFIG.2). Branch1302may run from pole1306(A1) to pole1308(B1). Pole1306may correspond to pole A (shown inFIG.2). Pole1308may correspond to pole B (shown inFIG.2).

Circuit1300may include branch1310. Branch1310may include one or more cool CCT LED group1312(Ck). Group1312may correspond to LED Group2. Branch1310may run from pole1314(A2) to pole1316(B2). Pole1314may correspond to pole A (shown inFIG.2). Pole1316may correspond to pole B (shown inFIG.2).

FIG.14shows illustrative top layout1400. Layout1400may be provided in a jewel such as one of jewels Jn. Layout1400may include PCB1402. PCB1402may have one or more features in common with one or more of PCBs802,1112and1202. Layout1400may include pole1404(A1). Layout1400may include pole1406(A2). Poles1404(A1) and1406(A2) may correspond to pole A (shown inFIG.2). Layout1400may include pole1408(B1). Layout1400may include pole1410(B2). Poles1408(A1) and1410(A2) may correspond to pole B (shown inFIG.2).

Pole1404(A1) may correspond to pole1306(A1). Pole1406(A2) may correspond to pole1314(A2). Pole1408(B1) may correspond to pole1308(B1). Pole1410(B2) may correspond to pole1316(B2).

Layout1400may include LED group1412. LED group1412may include LEDs such as LED group1304(W1-W36) and LED group1312(C1-C36).

Warm CCT LEDs Wj may extend from pole1408

FIG.15shows illustrative bottom layout1500. Layout1500may be a bottom layout for PCB1402.

FIG.16shows an illustrative logic diagram of color temperature regulating circuit1600. The color temperature regulating circuit may have one or more features in common with architecture200. One or more of the components represented in the diagram may be disposed in a fixture such as fixture100. One or more of the components may be disposed in a canopy such as canopy102. One or more of the components may be disposed in a jewel such as Jn.

Circuit1600may receive a dimming signal from dimmer D. Dimmer D may include any suitable dimmer. Dimmer D may be a commercially available dimmer switch. Dimmer D may include a forward phase cut dimmer (e.g., magnetic low voltage (“MLV”) or Triac). Dimmer D may include a reverse phase dimmer (e.g., electronic low voltage (“ELV”)). Dimmer D may include a 0-10V dimmer. Dimmer D may be a wall-mounted dimmer switch.

AC power may enter dimmer D from L and N phase lines from standard AC Input Voltage IV.

Driver1602may be any suitable driver. Table 5 lists illustrative drivers for chains of different lengths. A fixture having one or more chains may have one or more drivers for each chain.

Driver1602may output voltage Vo. Vo may have a variable voltage. Vo may have a constant current. Driver1602may provide Vo to color switching unit1604. Driver1602may provide Vo to microcontroller unit (“MCU”) control circuit1608. Color switching unit1604may include LED module1650. Circuit1608may control the flow of current through LED group1and LED group2by controlling the states of MOSFETs Q1, Q2, Q3and Q4in color switching unit1604.

Power supply circuit1606may provide a constant voltage to MCU control circuit1608.

In a first state, MOSFETs1704(Q1) and1710(Q4) may be open (conducting) and MOSFETs1706(Q2) and1708(Q3) may be closed (non-conducting). In the first state, pole A may be HIGH and pole B may be LOW. Current may flow through LED group1, which are aligned to conduct from pole A to pole B when pole A is HIGH, and not through LED group2, which are aligned with polarity opposite LED group1.

In a second state, MOSFETs1706(Q2) and1708(Q3) may be closed and MOSFETs1704(Q1) and1710(Q4) may be open. In the second state, pole B may be HIGH and pole A may be LOW. Current may flow through LED group2, which are aligned to conduct from pole B to pole A when pole B is HIGH, and not through LED group1, which are aligned with polarity opposite LED group2.

In a third state, H-bridge1702may alternate between the first and second states. The alternation may have a duty cycle. The alternation may be based on fractions of the duty cycle.

The first, second and third states may correspond to positions of selector206.

The sum of signals1722(PWM1) and1724(PWM2) may correspond to a dimming level set by dimmer D. The difference of signals1722(PWM1) and1724(PWM2) may correspond to a difference in intensity of light emission from LED group1and LED group2. The difference may be based on an OFF condition in one of LED group1and LED group2. The difference may be based on a difference of ON conditions between LED group1and LED group2.

IC1716(U3) and IC1726(U4) may have similar or identical pin configurations. The inputs of signals1722(PWM1) and1724(PWM2) to IC1726(U4) pins HN and LN may be the reverse of the inputs of signals1722(PWM1) and1724(PWM2) to IC1716(U3) pins HN and LN. Current flow may be apportioned between LED group1and LED group2.

FIG.18shows illustrative MCU control circuit1608. Circuit1608may include MCU1802(U2). MCU1802(U2) may receive switch inputs1804,1806and1808, which may correspond to positions1,2and3of selector206. When selector206is at position1, MCU1802(U2) may output a high duty cycle PWM signal at pin1810(PA_10; PWM1) and a low duty cycle PWM signal at pin1812(PB_1; PWM2). The low duty cycle PWM signal may correspond to an OFF condition in LED group2. When selector206is at position2, MCU1802(U2) may output a low duty cycle PWM signal at pin1810(PA_10; PWM1) and a high duty cycle PWM signal at pin1812(PB_1; PWM2). The low duty cycle PWM signal may correspond to an OFF condition in LED group1. When selector206is at position3, MCU1802(U2) may switch the high and low duty cycles between pin1810(PA_10; PWM1) and1812(PB_1; PWM2). The switch may be performed repeatedly at the switching cycle. This may cause alternating illumination between LED group1and LED group2. The alternating illumination may provide illumination having a CCT that is a mix of the CCTs of LED group1and LED group2.

FIG.19shows illustrative power supply circuit1606. Circuit1606may receive voltage Vo. Circuit1606may provide voltage1902(V+), which is used by circuit1604to power LED group1and LED group2. Circuit1606may provide voltage1904(12V), which may provide operational voltage for ICs1716(U3) and1726(U4). Circuit1606may provide constant voltage1906(5V), which may provide operational voltage for MCU1802(U2).

Circuit1608may receive external control signal1814(Rx). Signal may be processed by the MCU U2to obtain signals PWM1and PWM2.

By controlling the turn-on time of the MOS Q1/Q4and Q2/Q3, the brightness of the LED light sources of LED group1and LED group2can be adjusted, so as to realize the adjustment of the color temperature of LED light source.

Table 6 lists illustrative parts that may be associated with one or more circuits.

FIG.20shows illustrative fixture2000. Fixture2000may have one or more features in common with fixture100. Table 7 lists illustrative parts that may be associated with a fixture.

FIG.21shows illustrative fixture2100. Fixture2100may have one or more features in common with one or more of fixtures100and2000. Fixture2100may include jewel chain2102. Fixture2100may include jewel chain2104. Fixture2100may include canopy2106. Fixture2100may include canopy2108. Chain2102may be suspended from canopy2108. Chain2104may be suspended from canopy2106.

Fixture2100may include a first LED driver circuit (not shown). The first LED driver circuit may provide power to LEDs in chain2102. Fixture2100may include a second LED driver circuit (not shown). The second LED driver circuit may provide power to LEDs in chain2102. The LEDs in chain2104may be electrically isolated from the first LED driver circuit. The LEDs in chain2102may electrically isolated from the second LED driver circuit. The first LED driver circuit may be disposed in canopy2106. The second LED driver circuit may be disposed is canopy2108.

Circuits for illuminating chain2106may be the same or similar to the circuits provided for chain104. Circuits for illuminating chain2108may be the same or similar to the circuits provided for chain104.

FIG.22shows illustrative link2202that may be included in fixture2100to link between chain2102and2104. Link2202may be formed between jewel2204and jewel2206. Jewel2204may have one or more features in common with one of jewels Jn. Jewel2206may have one or more features in common with one of jewels Jn.

Extension2208may be in electrical continuity through a first branch through jewel2204to circuitry in canopy2106. Extension2210may be in electrical continuity through a second branch through jewel2204to circuitry in canopy2106. The first and second branches may be maintained at different voltages from each other for operation of LEDs arranged between the first and second branches.

Extension2212may be in electrical continuity through a third branch through jewel2206to circuitry in canopy2108. Extension2214may be in electrical continuity through a fourth branch through jewel2206to circuitry in canopy2108. The third and fourth branches may be maintained at different voltages from each other for operation of LEDs arranged between the third and fourth branches.

Link2202may include pivot2216. Link2202may include pivot2218. Link2202may include washer2220. Link2202may include washer2222. Pivot2216and pivot2218may provide mechanical linkage between jewel2204and jewel2206. Link2202may include washer2220. Link2202may include washer2222. Pivots2216and2218and washers2220and2222may include non-conducting material. The non-conducting material may include a dielectric, polymer or other suitable non-conducting material. The first and third branches may thus be electrically isolated from each other. The second and fourth branches may thus be electrically isolated from each other. Chain2102and chain2104may thus be electrically isolated from each other.

All ranges and parameters disclosed herein shall be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein, every number between the endpoints, and the endpoints. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more (e.g. 1 to 6.1), and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 2.3 to 10.4, 3 to 8, 4 to 7), and finally to each number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 10 contained within the range.