Abstract:
Lighting apparatus and structures are described to space electrical drivers from a light panel. In this way, a driver box housing the driver can be spaced from the light panel to communicate with pre-existing facilities (e.g. electrical wiring) and can serve the additional advantage of keeping the driver box out of standing water that may accumulate on the structure.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/731,077, filed Mar. 24, 2010 and entitled “Lighting Apparatus and Connector Plate,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/254,107, filed Oct. 20, 2008 and entitled “Adjustable Lighting Apparatus,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/982,240, filed Oct. 24, 2007; the entire contents of each of these related applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Light panels, sometimes referred to as “luminaires,” are typically designed to provide a downward and outward distribution of light for many applications, including exterior illumination of gasoline service stations, convenience stores and drive-through restaurants, for example. Canopy luminaires typically include a box-like canopy fixture housing mounted to a horizontal ceiling or canopy support structure for enclosing and supporting lighting components and related structure of the canopy luminaire. The lighting components of the canopy luminaire include electrical control elements, such as ballasts, capacitors, and ignitors, which are electrically coupled to a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. The lamp is typically mounted horizontally in a lamp socket within the canopy fixture, and a reflector is provided above the light-emitting section of the lamp to distribute light downwardly through a glass or plastic lens assembly which encloses the lamp. 
     Replacement or conversion of canopy luminaires generally requires several or all of the existing lighting components and related structure of the luminaire to be removed from the existing canopy fixture housing to provide sufficient room in the fixture housing for installation of the replacement luminaire. In the past, replacement canopy luminaires have been shipped from the manufacturer as disassembled components which are then individually mounted and wired in the canopy fixture housing. It will be appreciated, however, that installation and wiring of the separate retrofit luminaire components in an existing canopy fixture installation is a complicated and time consuming process as the canopy fixture is generally only accessible by ladder. As any location or site may require replacement or conversion of ten or more canopy luminaires, the difficulty associated with installing, mounting, and wiring separate retrofit components of the existing canopy luminaires is significantly increased. 
     Thus, traditional luminaire assemblies are complicated and cumbersome to retrofit into an existing canopy luminaire or other canopy fixture housing. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is to be understood that both this summary of the present disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, with regard to terminology used herein, a reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the present disclosure, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the present disclosure. 
     Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure address problems previously described by providing lighting apparatus that are adapted for installation to facilitate situating a driver box of the apparatus adjacent to pre-existing facilities, such as electrical power. The lighting apparatus can be, in one embodiment, configured for installation into a pre-existing mount having facilities configured for a pre-existing lighting apparatus. In another embodiment, the lighting apparatus can comprise a driver box for driving one or more light sources of the apparatus and the driver box being situated to accommodate the facilities previously installed for a pre-existing lighting apparatus. In one example, this embodiment may include providing a diver box for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs) within lighting apparatus situated (e.g. elevated) to accommodate facilities of a pre-existing high-intensity discharge (HID) apparatus, or other types of lighting. 
     For example, in one an aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting apparatus is configured for installation in a canopy having a pre-existing electrical supply line elevated above the opening in the canopy. The lighting apparatus can include a boost between a light panel and a driver box to elevate the driver box to accommodate the elevation of the elevated electrical supply line. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure a lighting apparatus for installation into a structure, such as a canopy, and can comprise a driver box for driving one or more light sources of the lighting apparatus, with the driver box being spaced from the light sources and from the structure so as to separate the driver box from the structure. When the structure is a canopy, the spacing of the driver box elevates the driver box from the uppermost surface of the canopy where water (e.g. rain water) can accumulate and thus keeps the driver box out of pooling water. 
     A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of installing a lighting apparatus in an existing fixture having a housing with an inwardly directed flange at a lower end thereof surrounding and defining an opening in the fixture housing, the fixture housing further having a ballast coupled to a power source through a first set of electrical leads, a first lamp socket coupled to the ballast through a second set of electrical leads, a lamp mounted in the first lamp socket, a reflector and a lens assembly covering the opening. The method can include removing the lens assembly from the fixture housing to expose the interior of the housing through the opening therein. The first set of electrical leads coupled to the ballast can be disconnected. The lamp and the reflector can be removed from the fixture housing. A mounting plate can be provided that includes an upper surface and a lower surface, an outer perimeter, and an aperture defined by an inner perimeter. The mounting plate can be adapted to fit against and be connected to the flange of the housing. A light panel can be provided that includes a lighting unit or luminaire. Both a power control unit and a boost can be inserted through the aperture, where the power control unit operates the lighting unit and is electrically coupled to the lighting unit and the boost is between the power control unit and the light panel and is configured to support the power control unit through the aperture for permitting the coupling of the lighting power unit to an electrical cable present in the housing. 
     A further aspect of the invention comprises a lighting apparatus for installation in at opening in a structure having facilities elevated above the opening, the apparatus comprising: a light panel including one or more light sources; a driver box for housing a driver to be electrically coupled to the one or more light sources; and a boost between the light panel and the driver box and configured to space the driver box from the light panel. The facilities may be electrical supply wiring. The structure may be a canopy. The boost may facilitate placing the driver box in electrical communication with facilities. The boost may facilitate placing the driver box in electrical communication with facilities previously installed for communication with a different lighting apparatus. At least one of the one or more light sources may comprise an LED. At least one dimension of the boost may be adjustable. 
     Yet a further aspect of the invention comprises a method of installing a lighting apparatus in an existing structure with an opening defined therein and existing facilities, the lighting apparatus comprising a light panel including one or more light sources, a driver box for housing a driver to be electrically coupled to the one or more light sources, a boost, the method comprising: a) identifying a distance that the driver box need be spaced from the light panel to communicate with the existing facilities; and b) adjusting the size of the boost to facilitate space the driver box the distance from the light panel. The boost may be secured to the light panel. The boost may be secured to the driver box. The facilities may be electrical wiring. The driver box may be connected to the facilities. The structure may be a canopy. At least one of the one or more light sources may comprise an LED and the driver box may house a driver to power the LEDs. The facilities may comprise electrical wiring in an electrical conduit and the size of the boost may be adjusted by cutting the boost so as to be properly sized to space the driver box the distance from the light panel. 
     An additional aspect of the invention comprises a lighting apparatus for installation in a structure, the apparatus comprising: a light panel including one or more light sources; a driver box for housing a electrical elements for channeling electricity to the light sources; and a boost between the light panel and the driver box, spacing the driver box from the light panel such that the driver box is spaced from an upper surface of the structure. The structure may be a canopy. At least one of the one or more light sources may comprise an LED. The lighting apparatus may comprise a mounting plate. 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing embodiments and aspects can be combined or arranged in any practical combinations. Other features of embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the disclosure may be more fully understood from the following description when read together with the accompanying drawings, which are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as limiting. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one embodiment of a lighting apparatus, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  includes three views (A)-(C) showing a lighting apparatus, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of a connector plate with ballast, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a plan view showing a light panel installed on an external mounting panel, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a further cross-section of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  includes a set of drawings (A)-(B) showing a top and bottom view of a connector plate, respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  includes a set of drawings (A)-(B) showing a top and bottom view, respectively, of an external mounting panel, respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective, exploded view of a lighting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprising a driver box spaced from the light panel and structure to which the lighting apparatus is mounted. 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a left-side elevational view of the lighting apparatus of  FIG. 9  without a mounting plate. 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a front-side elevational view of the lighting apparatus of  FIG. 9  without a mounting plate. 
         FIG. 11  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the steps of a method of installing a lighting apparatus. 
     
    
    
     While certain embodiments are depicted in the drawings, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments depicted are illustrative and that variations of those shown, as well as other embodiments described herein, may be envisioned and practiced within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to for ease in comprehension. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to lighting apparatus that are adapted for installation in housings. The housings can be pre-existing ones, such as those installed for high-intensity discharge (HID) or for other types of lighting. The lighting apparatus can include a light unit (e.g., luminaire) with desired type of light source(s), for example, an array of LEDs. The apparatus can include structures that are adapted for use with the housings such that installation of a light unit requires a minimum of user effort and time. Such lighting apparatus, and related installation methods, can accordingly provide for the installation and use of high-efficiency lighting. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exploded view of a lighting apparatus  100 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The lighting apparatus  100  includes a light panel (or luminaire)  110  that includes one or more light sources, an external mounting plate  130 , and an internal mounting panel or “connector plate”  140  that is adapted to fit a housing  150 . The light panel  110  can include a lighting unit  120  that includes a number of light sources, e.g., an array of commercially available LEDs, as well as an optional optic (not shown) for protecting the light sources and/or directing/focusing optical output. 
     The housing  150  may have a flange  152  and a canopy  154 , as shown. The flange  152  may have a surface  153  projecting inward as shown. Surface  153  may be spaced apart (vertically and/or horizontally) from the canopy  154 . Optional moisture shield  158  is also shown and is also depicted in  FIG. 6 . The depicted moisture shields  158  protect the driver from moisture dripping down from the housing  150 . In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), the optional moisture shield is provided by an inverted U-shaped shield having the legs of the U mounted to the mounting panel such that the base of the U entirely covers the top-side of the driver to prevent moisture from dripping thereon, while leaving two sides of the driver (the elongated sides in one embodiment) open to air to permit cooling. The light panel  110  can be fit or connected to the housing  150  by the external mounting plate  130  and the connector plate  140 . The external mounting panel  130  can be connected to the connector plate  140  by a desired number of fasteners, e.g., screws  116 , as shown. The connector plate  140  includes an aperture  141  and is adapted to fit with flange  152  and/or  153  of the housing  150  and is adapted to the housing  150 . The connector plate  140  includes a number of fastener structures  149 , e.g., surfaces or apertures (threaded or unthreaded) for receiving screws  142  or bolts and the like. The fastener structure  149  can be located at a desired location on the connector plate  140 , e.g., around an outer perimeter and in inner perimeter, as shown. 
     The lighting unit  120  can be of any suitable type. Exemplary embodiments can include a CRO LED  100  unit made available by LSI Industries Inc. Other suitable lighting units, and related drivers or power control units (used interchangeably herein as “drivers”), are described in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/582,654, filed Oct. 20, 2009 and entitled “Solid State Lighting, Driver Circuits, and Related Software,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     When assembled, the light panel  110  can be connected to the housing  150  by way of the external mounting plate  130  and the connector plate  140 . Sealant  156  may be applied, e.g., in a bead around the flange  152  and a bead on the canopy  154 , to facilitate sealing of the connector plate  140  to the housing  150 . Any suitable sealant may be used, e.g., RTV compounds or silicone-based compounds. A related ballast or driver (not shown) for the light panel  110  can be positioned in the opening, or aperture  141 , of the connector plate  140 . The connector plate  140  itself can be attached to the housing  150  by a desired number of connections/fasteners  142 , e.g., six screws, with three #10 screws placed through existing self-locking sheet-metal receivers or resilient clips (e.g., so-called “Tinnerman” clips) and three self-drilling #10 screws used, as shown. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , for added safety and ease in the installation process, e.g., during a retrofit installation, a safety hook  144  (or clasp) may be present on the connector plate  140 , as shown. In installation, a safety cable  146  (or tether) that is connected to the external mounting panel  130  and light panel  110  can be hung on the hook  144 , allowing the connector plate  140  and housing  150  to hold the weight of the light panel  110 . For example, during installation, the exterior (or, outer) mounting panel  130  that has a light unit  110  (e.g., a LED unit) and a driver mounting plate (e.g., plate  262  of  FIG. 2 ) attached to it can be held to the connector plate  140  temporarily via a steel tether  146  and clasp  144  while the wiring portion of the installation is done. After that, the exterior mounting panel  130  can be swung into position and attached to the connector plate via fasteners, e.g., (4) #10 screws, to complete the installation. Security clips  148  may be present for securing the connector plate  140  to the housing  150 , e.g., by an installer bending them over and against an inner surfaced of the housing  150 . The external mounting plate  130  itself can also have features for facilitating ease (including speed) and safety of an installation process. For example, in some applications the external mounting plate  130  can have one or more keyhole slots  132  (preferably at opposite corners, as shown) allowing for quick hanging of the external mounting plate  130  and light panel  110  on the connector plate  140  and housing  150 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, a housing, e.g., housing  150  of  FIG. 1 , can be a pre-existing housing, such as one used for high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting. Common types of HID housings include, but are not limited to, so-called Richmond (or “RIC”) housings made available by LSI Industries Inc., so-called Whiteway Civic (“CVC”) housings made available by Hubbell Lighting Inc., and Icon housings made available by Jet-Phillips Lighting. Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with any other suitable type of housing. 
       FIG. 2  includes three views (A)-(C) showing a lighting apparatus assembly  200 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. View (A) depicts a top view of the assembly  200 , which includes a light panel  210 , an external mounting panel  230 , and a connector plate  240  with attached driver (power control unit)  260  and supporting driver plate  262 . Views (B)-(C) depict orthogonal side views of (A), one perpendicular to the long axis and one perpendicular to the short axis of the apparatus  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the external mounting panel  230  can be connected to the connector plate  240  and also to the light panel  210 , e.g., by central threaded connection  270  and threaded connectors  272  (only two or four are shown). Central threaded connection  270  can be hollow to facilitate electrical connection between the light panel  210  and the driver  260 . The driver  260  can be supported on a support surface, e.g., driver plate  262 . Optional moisture shields  248  and  249  may be present. As shown in views (B) and (C), a gasket  274  may be present to provide improved sealing of the assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the connector plate  240  can include one or more tabs or flanges  248  with support surfaces adapted to mate (e.g., by way of fastener  248 ′) with the inner surface of the related housing flange (e.g., surface  153  of  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the assembly  200  of  FIG. 2 . The view shows the external mounting plate  230  connected to the connector plate  240  and driver plate  262 . Optional ground straps  280  are also shown. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a plan view showing a light panel assembly  400 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The light panel assembly  400  can include a light panel  410  that includes one or more light sources. In the drawing, light panel  410  is shown as installed on an external mounting plate  430 . The light panel can include an optic  420  for protecting light sources. In exemplary embodiments, the light sources can include an array of LEDs  412 , as indicated. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , taken along cutting plane parallel to sides A-B of the housing canopy  154 . The reference characters of  FIG. 1  are used for the drawing. Threaded connections  170 ,  172  between the external mounting panel  130  and light panel (luminaire)  110  are shown. 
       FIG. 6  a further cross-section of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , taken along cutting plane parallel to sides C-D of the housing canopy  154 . The reference character of  FIG. 1  are used for the drawing. 
       FIG. 7  includes a set of drawings showing a top (A) and bottom (B) view of a connector plate  700 , respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Connector plate  700  includes a body  702  made of a suitable material, e.g., sheet metal, and includes an opening or aperture  704 . A number of fastener structures, e.g., holes  706  (threaded or non-threaded) can be located around an outer perimeter of the connector plate  700 . A number of fastener structures, e.g., holes  708  (threaded or non-threaded) can be located around an inner perimeter of aperture  704 . The holes, e.g.,  708 , can have associated surfaces or tabs. As shown in view (A), the inner perimeter of aperture  704  can have tabs or flanges that provide support surfaces  710  spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the body  702 . Such surfaces  710  can be used to connect to a flange (or inner surface) of a related housing (e.g., one that the connector plate has been deigned to fit or be adapted to). 
       FIG. 8  includes a set of drawings showing a top (A) and bottom (B) view of an external mounting panel  800 , respectively, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The external mounting panel  800  includes a body  802  made of suitable material, e.g., sheet metal. A number of fastener holes  804  may be present to facilitate connection with a related connector plate, e.g., plate  700  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  also shows that keyholes  804 ′ may be used. Such holes can allow for quick installation of the external mounting plate  800  and any attached light panel (not shown). Apertures/holes  806  can be provided to allow for connection (structural and/or electrical) of the external mounting panel to a light panel. 
       FIG. 9  depicts an exploded view of a lighting apparatus  900 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The lighting apparatus  900  includes a light panel  910 , an optional mounting plate  930 , a driver box  960 , and a driver boost  990 . The light panel  910  includes a lighting unit that comprises one or more light sources. In one exemplary embodiment, the lighting unit comprises an array of commercially available LEDs, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The light emitted from the LEDs may optionally be directed by optics, reflectors or the like (not shown). 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the lighting apparatus  900  can be mounted to a canopy  954  (only a portion of which is shown for the sake of clarity) for casting light onto a petroleum refilling station, such as a typical gas station, or the like. The lighting apparatus  900  of the present disclosure is not, however, limited to the structure to which it is mounted or the environment surrounding that structure. For example, the lighting apparatus  900  may alternatively be mounted to a drop ceiling in an office or warehouse or to a soffit to light a sidewalk. 
     The lighting apparatus  900  depicted in  FIG. 9  comprises an elevated driver box  960  elevated by driver boost  990 . The mounting plate  930  is secured to the light panel  910  in a manner sandwiching the canopy  954  there between. In this depicted embodiment, fasteners  972  and  972 ′ secure the canopy  954  to the light panel  910  using an existing hole  995  in the canopy  954  and gasket  974 . A central connection  970  can be connected to the driver box  960  by way of the driver boost  990  through hole  995 . The driver boost  990  can be hollow to facilitate electrical connection between the light panel  910  and the driver housed in the driver box  960 . In other illustrative embodiments, the driver boost  990  can be employed with lighting apparatus not having mounting plate  930  (as in  FIGS. 10A and 10B ) and for mounting to structures other than a canopy. 
     The driver box  960  can be manufactured from formed sheet metal, molded plastic or other construction to house a driver (not depicted) to power the light sources in the light panel  910 . Where the light sources are LEDs, the driver can be of the type described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/112,101 and 12/582,654, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference. When installed in a canopy  954 , the driver box  960  will be directly exposed to elements such as rain, snow, sun, etc. The driver boost  990  can be comprised of standard electrical conduit. In one embodiment, the driver boost  990  is comprised of a standard 0.5 inch trade size conduit. The driver boost  990  can, alternatively, be comprise any other appropriate construction. The driver box, conduit and all other elements of the lighting apparatus  900  should be constructed to comply with all applicable laws and ordinances. 
     In one optional embodiment, the driver box  960  is configured to be openable so as to provide access to the driver if and as necessary. In one example, the driver box  960  could be comprises of two sections hinged one to the other. The sections can take various forms as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one example, a first section comprises the bottom and the two elongated sides of the driver box  960  and the second section comprises the top and the shorter sides of the driver box  960 , forming an inverted U when the driver box  960  is closed. The two sections are hinged together, in one embodiment, where the end of one of the shorter sides of the second section meets the first section, such as at the lower-right-hand corner of the driver box  960  depicted in  FIG. 10A . In this optional configuration, the second section can be lifted to rotate about the hinge revealing the inside of the driver box  960  and the enclosed driver. 
     The driver boost  990  is connected to the driver box  960  and the light panel  910  by threaded or other connection. For example, the end of the driver boost  990  is threaded and inserted into a sheet metal knockout of the driver box  960  with a locking nut sandwiched on either side of the perimeter of the driver box knockout to lock the driver box  960  in place with respect to the driver boost  990 . The driver boost  990  can be connected to the light panel  910  in a similar manner. Nuts may be pre-assembled and secured to the driver boost  990  to eliminate the need for assembly at an installation site. In one embodiment, the driver box  960  and driver boost  990  are connected to each other at the factory or elsewhere to be delivered to an installer connected one to the other with the necessary wiring extending out of the driver boost  990  for quick installation. Alternatively, the driver boost  990  could be delivered to the installer connected to the light panel  910  to facilitate quick connection of wiring extending from the driver boost  990  to the driver box  960  to complete the connection after these elements sandwich the canopy  954 . 
     In some instances, the lighting apparatus  900  of the present disclosure may be used to replace a pre-existing lighting apparatus. A pre-existing lighting apparatus would typically have electrical wiring run to it via an electrical conduit  997 , which electrical conduit  997  is positioned so as to connect with a portion of the existing apparatus. The driver box  960  of the lighting apparatus  900  of the present disclosure may be smaller than portions of the pre-existing apparatus to be replaced such that the electrical conduit  997  run to the pre-existing apparatus is not readily connectable to the lighting apparatus  900  of the present disclosure. In such instances, the driver boost  990  increases simplicity of installation and universality of the light apparatus  900  by elevating the driver box  960  so as to align a conduit hole  993  in the driver box  960  with the pre-existing conduit  997  or other facility in place for the pre-existing lighting apparatus. 
     The driver boost  990  can be sized at the factory for replacement of a particular, known existing lighting apparatus for which the facilities will be elevated a known measurement. Alternatively, the driver boost  990  may be adjustable to facilitate on-site sizing of the driver boost  990 . In one example of adjustability, the driver boost  990  can be cut to size by an installer. 
     In another embodiment, the driver boost  990  of the present disclosure serves to elevate the driver box  960  from the upper surface of the canopy  954  to elevate it from standing water. Standing water can develop on the upper surface of a canopy  954  or the like creating the possibility of electrical shorts or other problems. Elevating the driver box  960  raises the driver box  960 , and the electrical elements contained therein, above the surface of the canopy  954  and water standing thereon. The height of the driver box  960  can be controlled by the length of the driver boost  990  according to the depth of anticipated standing water. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict elevational views of the lighting apparatus of  FIG. 9  without using a mounting plate  930 . The mounting plate  930  is not necessary in applications in which there is no hole  995  in the canopy  954  or other structure to which the lighting apparatus  900  is to be applied. For example, the lighting apparatus of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  can be installed in canopy  954  without a mounting plate  930  by simply creating holes in the canopy  954  to accommodate fasteners  972  and  972 ′ and allow the light panel  910  to be secured to the canopy  954 . 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide benefits relative to previous techniques. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for quick and easy retrofitting of improved lighting, with light sources and power control unit, into pre-existing light housings such as HID housings. 
     While certain light panels have been described with particularity, others are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, light panels or housings with adjustable light cartridges such as shown and described in co-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 12/254,104 may be used. Other suitable light panels may also be used. 
     When employing LEDs, one or more light boards, and more typically a printed circuit board (“PCB”) may be employed. The circuitry for controlling and powering the LEDs can also be mounted on the PCB, or remotely. In one suitable embodiment, the LEDs are white LEDs each comprising a gallium nitride (GaN)-based light emitting semiconductor device coupled to a coating containing one or more phosphors. The GaN-based semiconductor device emits light in the blue and/or ultraviolet range, and excites the phosphor coating to produce longer wavelength light. The combined light output approximates a white output. For example, a GaN-based semiconductor device generating blue light can be combined with a yellow phosphor to produce white light. Alternatively, a GaN-based semiconductor device generating ultraviolet light can be combined with red, green, and blue phosphors in a ratio and arrangement that produces white light. In yet another suitable embodiment, colored LEDs are used, such are phosphide-based semiconductor devices emitting red or green light, in which case the LEDs as a group produce light of the corresponding color. In still yet another suitable embodiment, if desired, the LED light board includes red, green, and blue LEDs distributed on the PCB in a selected pattern to produce light of a selected color using a red-green-blue (RGB) color composition arrangement. In this latter exemplary embodiment, the LED light board can be configured to emit a selectable color by selective operation of the red, green, and blue LEDs at selected optical intensities. 
     When one or more of the light sources comprise an LED, that light source may be a unit consisting of the light-generating diode and an associated optic or the light-generating diode without the optic. When present, the associated optic can be affixed directly to the diode, can be affixed to the substrate in a position next to or in contact with the diode by separate positioning and orientation means, or located or held without the assistance of the substrate or diode. The LED can be of any kind and capacity, though in a preferred embodiment, each LED provides a wide-angle light distribution pattern. A typical LED used in the present disclosure is the wide-angle LED known herein as the bilateral, high angular LED, such as Golden DRAGON® LED manufactured by Osram Sylvania or a Nichia 083B LED. Spacing between these adjacent LED lighting assemblies may be dependent upon the angle α of the bilateral, high angular LED. 
     While aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in connection with certain embodiments, it should be noted that variations can be made by one with skill in the applicable arts within the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, while the light housings have been described herein as pre-existing, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide housings for lighting apparatus. Moreover, while fasteners have been described herein as including screws, other types of fasteners may used in place of or in addition, e.g., bolts, rivets, snap-fit connections. Further, materials used for the components and structure described herein as not limited to metal or sheet metal; for example, suitably strong plastics and/or composite materials may be used. 
     Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and claimed embodiments. 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments and/or portions of embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in/with computer-readable storage media (e.g., hardware, software, firmware, or any combinations of such), and can be distributed over one or more networks. Steps described herein, including processing functions to derive, learn, or calculate formula and/or mathematical models utilized and/or produced by the embodiments of the present disclosure, can be processed by one or more suitable processors, e.g., central processing units (“CPUs), implementing suitable code/instructions in any suitable language (machine dependent on machine independent).