Patent Publication Number: US-8979304-B2

Title: LED light bulb

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a U.S. National Stage of International Application Number PCT/US2009/046641, filed Jun. 8, 2009, and claims priority from, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/059,609, filed Jun. 6, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Light emitting diode-based (LED-based or simply LED) light bulbs are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons. LED light bulbs have a longer lifespan and lesser environmental impact when compared to typical compact fluorescent bulbs. Further still, LED light bulbs are subject to much less of a spectrum shift over the lifetime of the bulb. Many present approaches for LED light bulbs are directed at creating light bulbs which require non-standard connectors. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein elements having the same reference numeral designations represent like elements throughout and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front-side perspective view of an LED bulb according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear-side perspective view of an LED bulb according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a high-level functional block diagram of an LED bulb according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a high-level functional block diagram of an LED bulb according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a high-level functional block diagram of an LED bulb according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a front plan view of the front face of an LED bulb according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a front plan view of the front face of an LED bulb according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a high-level process flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of an LED bulb according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of an LED bulb according to the  FIG. 9  embodiment without a power connection attached; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of an LED bulb according to the  FIG. 9  embodiment in a non-flat state; 
         FIG. 12  is a high-level functional block diagram of an LED bulb according to another embodiment lacking a direct physical connection between a bracket and a connector of the LED bulb; 
         FIG. 13  is a high-level functional block diagram of an LED bulb according to another embodiment lacking a bracket; 
         FIG. 14  is an image of an exemplary embodiment of an LED bulb according to  FIG. 13  installed in a fixture; 
         FIG. 15  is a high-level functional block diagram of an LED bulb according to another embodiment comprising a controller; 
         FIG. 16  is a high-level functional block diagram of a controller according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 17  is a high-level functional block diagram of an LED bulb according to another embodiment comprising a controller and a sensor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts a front-side view of an LED bulb  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Bulb  100  comprises a housing  102  operatively coupled with a bracket  104 . Housing  102  is box or parallelipiped-shaped and bracket  104  is U-shaped. In at least some alternative embodiments, housing  102  and bracket  104  may comprise different shapes and/or sizes. Housing  102  is formed of a plastic or other lightweight material. In at least some embodiments, housing  102  may comprise a metal, e.g., aluminum, steel, etc. Bracket  104  is formed of plastic; however, other materials may be used, e.g., metal. In differing embodiments, bulb  100  may comprise different sizes, shapes, and/or profiles, e.g., a BR40, BR30, BR20, PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38 and/or other configurations. 
     In at least some embodiments, an LED bulb  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present invention are used in a retrofit manner to replace an existing light bulb in an existing light fixture. As described below, LED bulb  100 , in at least some embodiments, comprises a bracket, housing, LED units, and a base arranged to enable the illumination-generating portion to be oriented within an existing light fixture (as a replacement for an existing light bulb or other illumination-generating device) to cause the generation of a desired illumination intensity and/or light pattern. LED bulb  100  may be oriented by, for example, sliding, centering, or rotating housing  102  within bracket  104  and/or performing a similar operation or positioning of the housing separate from the bracket and/or base connector. 
     In at least some embodiments, LED bulb  100  may be referred to as a retrofit LED bulb as the LED bulb is used to replace existing bulbs in existing fixtures. In some embodiments, the retrofit LED bulbs take advantage of features of the existing light fixture, e.g., light fixture heat sink design and/or capability. The retrofit LED bulb provides the capability to replace an existing bulb with a positionable light-generating device able to be oriented to provide different light patterns as needed by a particular installation, e.g., of a light fixture. 
     Housing  102  comprises two LED units  106  disposed on a front face  108  of the housing and arranged to generate light in a direction (generally indicated by reference A) away from the front face of the housing. Bracket  104  comprises a power connector  110  for connecting bulb  100  to a power connection, e.g., a receiving socket such as a light socket or other connection mechanism, and powering, via internal connections, LED units  106 . In use, power connector  110  of bulb  100  is screwed into a receiving socket to provide power to the LED units  106  and thereby generate light. 
     Although housing  102  is depicted as comprising two LED units  106 , in alternative embodiments housing  102  comprises variously at least one or more than two LED units. In alternative embodiments, LED units  106  may be different sizes and/or shapes. 
     Housing  102  also comprises a set of vanes  112  arranged about a rear face  114  of the housing for dissipating heat generated by bulb  100 . Each vane  112  extends longitudinally along housing  102 . In at least some embodiments, housing  102  does not comprise vanes  112 . In at least some embodiments, vanes  112  may reside between housing  102  and bracket  104 . In some embodiments, vanes  112  may comprise a separate component from housing  102 . 
     Bracket  104  comprises a U-shaped arm  116  arranged to cooperatively couple power connector  110  to housing  102 . Arm  116  forms a U-shape connecting to housing  102  at the opposing distal ends of the arm and connecting to power connector  110  at the base of the U shape arm. In alternate embodiments, arm  116  may comprise separate arms, e.g., two, joined together at the power connector  110  connection point. 
     Arm  116  comprises a flat land portion  118  to which power connector  110  connects, a pair of lengths  120  extending away from land portion  118  at an angle, and a pair of second lengths  122  extending away from angled lengths  120  and providing a connecting point for housing  102 . In at least some embodiments, arm  116  is formed of a single piece of material. In at least some embodiments, arm  116  comprises a single rounded piece of material forming the U shape instead of several angularly connected lengths. Arm  116  comprises one or more openings in the lengths. 
     Arm  116  connects to housing  102  via connecting points  124 . Connecting points  124  each connect to an opposing face of housing  102  from the other. In at least some embodiments, connecting points  124  are movably connected to housing  102 . In at least some embodiments, connecting points  124  provide a rotatable connection between housing  102  and bracket  104 . In at least some embodiments, housing  102  is able to rotate about an axis B which passes through connecting points  124 . 
     In at least some embodiments, connecting points  124  are configured to slide along second lengths  122  in a direction A to/from land portion  118 . In this manner, housing  102  may be positioned closer to or farther away from connector  110 . 
     Power connector  110  is electrically coupled with LED units  106  to provide power to the units for light generation. In at least some embodiments, the coupling between power connector  110  and LED units  106  is provided by a wire connection along one or both sides of arm  116 . In at least some embodiments, one or both of connecting points  124  provide a rotatable electrical connection to LED units  106  via housing  102 . 
     Power connector  110  may comprise at least one of a plurality of different connectors, e.g., a GU24, GU10, E11, E12, E17, E26, MR16, MR11, etc. In at least some embodiments, different mechanisms may be used to connect power connector  110  to arm  106 . In at least one embodiment, power connector  110  is formed as an integral part of arm  106 . In at least one embodiment, power connector  110  comprises wire leads for connecting bulb  100  to a power source, e.g. a driver circuit or a mains power source. In at least some embodiments, a driver circuit or a ballast may be attached to bracket  104 . In at least some embodiments, the driver circuit or ballast may be replaceable. In at least some embodiments, the driver circuit or ballast may be formed as an integral part of bracket  104 . 
     Bracket  104  is coupled in a removable manner with housing  102 . Bracket  104  is operatively coupled with housing  102  by one or more removable attaching devices, e.g., screws, bolts, etc, at connecting points  124 . In at least some embodiments, different releasable mounting mechanisms may be used to connect bracket  104  with housing  102 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a rear-side perspective view of an embodiment of an LED bulb  200  similarly arranged as LED bulb  100  except as noted herein. In at least some embodiments as depicted in  FIG. 2 , bulb  200  comprises a pair of cooling fans  202  arranged on a rear face  204  of housing  102 . In at least some embodiments, cooling fans  202  are attached to rear face  204  directly. In at least some embodiments, cooling fans  202  are attached to rear face  204  atop vanes  206  arranged on the rear face. In at least some embodiments, cooling fans  202  are configured to cause airflow to proceed in a direction away from housing  102 , whereas in other embodiments, cooling fans  202  force airflow through housing  102  toward front face  108 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a high-level functional block diagram of bulb  100  comprising housing  102  and bracket  104 . Housing  102  comprises LED units  106 , e.g., LED circuit, etc., a driver circuit  204  for controlling power provided to LED units  106 , and fan  202 . LED units  106  and fan  202  are operatively and electrically coupled to driver  204  which is, in turn, electrically coupled to connector  110  and power connection  206 . In at least some embodiments and as depicted in other Figures, driver circuit  204  is not a part of housing  102  and is instead connected between power connection  206  and connector  110 . 
     In at least some embodiments, LED units  106  and fan  202  are electrically coupled to a single connection to driver  204 . For example, in at least some embodiments, the electrical connection between driver  204  and LED units  106  and fan  202  comprises a single plug connection. The single plug connection may be plugged and unplugged by a user without requiring the use of tools. 
     In at least some embodiments, housing  102  may comprise a greater number of LED units  106 . In at least some embodiments, housing  102  may comprise a greater number of fans  202 . 
     LED units  106  generates light responsive to receipt of current from driver  204 . 
     Fan  202  rotates responsive to receipt of current from driver  204 . Rotation of fan  202  causes air to be drawn in through vents in front face  108  and expelled via vents in rear face  114 . The flow of air through bulb  100  by rotation of fan  202  removes heat from the vicinity of LED units  106  thereby reducing the temperature of the LED unit. Maintaining LED unit  106  below a predetermined temperature threshold maintains the functionality of LED unit  106 . In at least some embodiments, LED unit  106  is negatively affected by operation at a temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature threshold. In at least some embodiments, the number of vents is dependent on the amount of air flow needed through the interior of LED bulb  100  to maintain the temperature below the predetermined threshold. In at least some embodiments, fan  202  may be replaced by one or more cooling devices arranged to keep the temperature below the predetermined temperature threshold. For example, in some embodiments, fan  202  may be replaced by a movable membrane or a diaphragm or other similar powered cooling device. 
     In at least some embodiments, fan  202  is integrally formed as a part housing  102 . In at least some other embodiments, fan  202  is directly connected to housing  102 . In still further embodiments, fan  202  is physically connected and positioned exclusively within housing  102 . 
     In at least some embodiments, fan  202  may be operated at one or more rotational speeds. In at least some embodiments, fan  202  may be operated in a manner in order to draw air into bulb  100  via the vents on rear face  114  and expel air through vents on front face  108 . By using fan  202  in LED bulb  100 , thermal insulating material and/or thermal transfer material need not be used to remove heat from the LED bulb interior. 
     In at least some embodiments, fan  202  operates to draw air away from housing  102  and toward a heat sink adjacent LED bulb  100 . For example, given LED bulb  100  installed in a light fixture (see e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), fan  202  pulls air away from housing  102  and LED units  106  and pushes air toward the light fixture, specifically, air is moved from LED bulb  100  toward the light fixture. 
     In at least some embodiments, existing light fixtures for using high output bulbs, e.g., high-intensity discharge (HID), metal halide, and other bulbs, are designed such that the light fixture operates as a heatsink to remove the heat generated by the HID bulb from the portion of the fixture surrounding the bulb and the bulb itself. In a retrofit scenario in which LED bulb  100  replaces an existing light bulb, e.g. a HID bulb, in a light fixture designed for the existing light bulb, fan  202  of LED bulb  100  operates to move air from the LED bulb toward the existing heat sink of the light fixture. Because LED bulb  100  typically generates less heat than the existing bulb, the operation of fan  202  in connection with the LED bulb increases the life of the LED bulb within the light fixture. LED bulb  100  including fan  202  takes advantage of the design of the existing light fixture heatsink functionality. 
     Driver  204  comprises one or more electronic components to convert alternating current (AC) received from connector  110  connected to a power connection  206 , e.g., a mains power supply or receiving socket, to direct current (DC). Driver  204  transmits the converted current to LED units  106  and fan  202  in order to control operation of the LED unit and fan. In at least some embodiments, driver  204  is configured to provide additional functionality to bulb  100 . For example, in at least some embodiments, driver  204  enables dimming of the light produced by bulb  100 , e.g., in response to receipt of a different current and/or voltage from power connector  110 . 
     In at least some embodiments, driver  204  is integrated as a part of housing  102 . In at least some embodiments, driver  204  is configured to receiver a range of input voltage levels for driving components of housing  102 , i.e., LED units  106  and fan  202 . In at least some embodiments, driver  204  is configured to receive a single input voltage level. 
     Bracket  104  also comprises connection point  124  for removably and rotatably attaching the bracket and housing  102 . In at least some embodiments, connection point  124  is a screw. In at least some further embodiments, connection point  124  is a bolt, a reverse threading portion for receipt into housing  102 , a portion of a twist-lock or bayonet mechanism. 
     In operation, if one or more LED units  106  in a particular housing  102  degrades or fails to perform, the entire LED bulb  100  need not be replaced. In such a situation, only housing  102  needs replacing. Similarly, if driver  204  fails or degrades in performance, only housing  102  needs to be replaced. If, in accordance with alternate embodiments, driver circuit  204  is connected external of bulb  100 , driver circuit  204  may be replaced separate from bulb  100 . Because of the use of releasably coupled components, i.e., bracket  104  and housing  102 , the replacement of one or the other of the components may be performed on location with minimal or no tools required by a user. That is, the user may remove LED bulb  100  from a socket, replace housing  102  with a new housing, and replace the LED bulb into the socket in one operation. Removal of LED bulb  100  to another location or transport of the LED bulb to a geographically remote destination for service is not needed. Alternatively, the user may remove driver circuit  204  from between power connection  206  and connector  110 , in applicable embodiments, and replace the driver. 
     Also, if the user desires to replace a particular driver  204  of a bulb  100 , the user need only remove and replace the currently connected driver  204 . For example, a user may desire to replace a non-dimmable driver with a driver which supports dimming. Also, a user may desire to replace a driver having a shorter lifespan with a driver having a longer lifespan. Alternatively, a user may desire to replace a housing having a particular array of LED units  106  with a different selection of LED units  106 , e.g., different colors, intensity, luminance, lifespan, etc.; the user need only detach housing  102  from bracket  104  and reattach the new housing  102  to the bracket. 
       FIG. 4  depicts another embodiment of LED bulb  100  as described above, wherein driver circuit  204  is removed from housing  102  and connects between connector  110  and power source  206 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts another embodiment of LED bulb  100  as described above, wherein driver circuit  204  is removed from housing  102  as in  FIG. 4  and a fan is not needed to cool LED units  106 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a front plan view of a front face  300  of an LED bulb  100  comprising a plurality of front vents  302  according to another embodiment. Front vents  302  are radially disposed around LED unit  200 , similar to LED unit  106 . In one or more alternative embodiments, front vents  302  may be larger or smaller and there may be a greater or lesser number of front vents. In at least some embodiments, the number of front vents  302  is dependent on the amount of air flow needed through the interior of LED bulb  100  to maintain the temperature below the predetermined threshold. 
     In at least some embodiments, front vents  302  may be circular, oval, rectangular, or polygonal or another shape. Front vents  302  may also be slits or other shaped openings to the interior of housing  102 . In at least some embodiments, front vents  302  may be formed as a part of the opening in front face  300  for LED unit  200 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a front plan view of front face  400  of LED bulb  700  according to another embodiment wherein the bulb comprises more than one LED unit  200 . LED bulb  700  also comprises a plurality of front vents  302 . Because of the greater number of LED units  200 , there may be a greater number of front vents  302  or the front vents may be larger in size. 
     In at least some embodiments, LED units  200  may comprise different size, shape, and light-emitting characteristics. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a high-level process flow of a method  800  for replacing a housing  102  of an LED bulb  100 . The flow begins at a decoupling step  902  wherein a user disconnects housing  102  from bracket  104 . Next during electrical disconnect step  904 , the user disconnects the electrical connection between bracket  104  and housing  102 . In at least one embodiment, the user unplugs a single plug electrical connection connecting bracket  104  and housing  102 . In at least one embodiment, the user does not remove any thermal insulating and/or transfer material from LED bulb  100 . 
     The flow proceeds to electrical connect step  906  wherein the user electrically connects a new housing  102  to bracket  104 . For example, the user plugs the single plug electrical connection from housing  102  to bracket  104 . 
     The flow proceeds to coupling step  908  wherein the user connects housing  102  to the new base  104 . 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration of an embodiment of bulb  100  in a flat state. Also, bulb  100  as illustrated comprises connection point  124  affixed to housing  102 . Connection point  124  passes through openings in arm  116  of bracket  104  to enable housing  102  to be positioned along the length of the arm, in addition to enabling the rotation of the housing. Further,  FIG. 9  depicts bulb  100  with power connection  206  attached to connector  110 . 
       FIG. 10  is an illustration of the  FIG. 9  embodiment with power connection  206  removed from connector  110 . In both  FIGS. 9 and 10 , wire leads from connector  110  to housing  102  are disconnected. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration of the  FIG. 9  embodiment with housing  102  at an angular displacement around connection points  124  such that the housing is positioned at approximately a ninety degree angle with respect to arm  116 . 
     Further, as depicted in  FIGS. 9-11 , housing  102  may be slidably attached to bracket  104  by connection point  124 .  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate housing  102  slid partially along the openings in arm  116  of bracket  104  toward connector  110 .  FIG. 11  illustrates housing  102  slid to the distal end of the openings in arm  116  of bracket  104  away from connector  110 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts another embodiment of LED bulb  100  as described above, wherein driver circuit  204  is removed from housing  102  as in  FIG. 4  and a fan is not needed to cool LED units  106  as in  FIG. 5  and wherein bracket  104  is not directly connected with connector  110 . In accordance with at least some embodiments, such a configuration enables the housing  102 , comprising LEDs  106 , along with bracket  104  to be mounted to one portion of a fixture while the supply of electricity for driving bulb  100  is received from connector  110 , driver  204 , and power connection  206  at another location and/or position. In at least some embodiments, driver  204  is excluded from bulb  100 , e.g., LEDs  106  may be configured to operate on alternating current, and connector  110  connects directly to power connection  206 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of LED bulb  1300  as described above, wherein driver circuit  204  is removed from housing  102  as in  FIG. 4  and a fan is not needed to cool LED units  106  as in  FIG. 5  and wherein bracket  104  has been removed from bulb  1300 . In accordance with at least some embodiments, such a configuration enables housing  102  to be mounted at one location and/or position and only separately electrically connected with connector  110  to receive electrical power. In at least some embodiments, housing  102  may be physically connected with a light fixture or positioned in attachment to an area to be illuminated via one or more attaching mechanisms, e.g. a bolt, a screw, etc. In at least some other embodiments, housing  102  may be physically connected with a light fixture or positioned via a connection with one or both of connecting points  124 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts an image of an LED bulb  1400  similar to the  FIG. 13  embodiment installed in a light fixture  1402 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts an LED bulb  1500  according to an embodiment similar to LED bulb  100  as described above. Specifically, LED bulb  1500  differs from LED bulb  100  of  FIG. 5  in that the bulb further comprises a controller  1502  configured to control operation of LED bulb  1500 . In at least some embodiments, LED bulb  1500  may be configured with respect to one or more embodiments as depicted and described above. 
       FIG. 16  depicts a high-level functional block diagram of a controller embodiment  1600  of controller  1502  as a processing device for executing a set of instructions. Controller embodiment  1600  comprises a processing device  1602 , a memory  1604 , and an (optional) input/output (I/O) device  1606  each communicatively coupled with a bus  1608 . Controller embodiment  1600  optionally comprises a network interface device  1610  communicatively coupled with bus  1608 . Memory  1604  (also referred to as a computer-readable medium) is coupled to bus  1608  for storing data and information, e.g., instructions, to be executed by processing device  1602 . Memory  1604  also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processing device  1602 . Memory  1604  may also comprise a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device coupled to bus  1608  for storing static information and instructions for processing device  1602 . Memory may comprise static and/or dynamic devices for storage, e.g., optical, magnetic, and/or electronic media and/or a combination thereof. 
     Optional I/O device  1606  may comprise an input device, an output device, and/or a combined input/output device for enabling interaction with controller  1502 . For example, I/O device  1606  may comprise a user input device such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, microphone, scanner, or other input mechanism, and/or an output device such as a display, speakers, or other output mechanism. Additionally, I/O device  1606  may comprise an input and/or an output connection for interacting with one or more sensors, e.g., a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, etc. 
     Network I/F device  1610  comprises a mechanism for connecting to a network. In at least some embodiments, network I/F device  1610  may comprise a wired and/or wireless connection mechanism. In at least some embodiments, processing device  1602  may communicate with another processing device, e.g., a computer system, via network interface device  1610 . In at least some embodiments, controller embodiment  1600  may communicate with another controller embodiment via network interface device  1610 , i.e. a first LED bulb according to LED bulb embodiment  1500  may communicate via a network connection with a second LED bulb according to LED bulb embodiment  1500 . In this manner, two or more LED bulbs according to the above embodiment may communicate to transfer data and/or control commands between the LED bulbs. 
     Network I/F device  1610  comprises a serial and/or a parallel communication mechanism. Non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of network I/F device  1610  include at least a digital addressable lighting interface (DALI), an RS-232 interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, an Ethernet interface, a WiFi interface, a cellular interface, etc. 
       FIG. 17  depicts an LED bulb  1700  according to an embodiment similar to LED bulb  1500 . LED bulb  1700  additionally comprises a sensor  1702  communicatively coupled with at least controller  1502 . In at least some embodiments, LED bulb  1700  comprises more than one sensor. In at least some embodiments, sensor  1702  is a temperature sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, voltage sensor. In some embodiments, controller  1502  modifies operation of one or more of LED units  106  responsive to receipt of information and/or data from sensor  1702 . 
     For example, controller  1502  may be configured to execute a temperature control plan in which output of LED units  106  is reduced to a lower level after the controller receives a temperature value exceeding a first predetermined temperature threshold value from temperature sensor  1702 . If the detected temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature threshold value, controller  1502  terminates operation of LED units  106  until the detected temperature value falls below one or both of the predetermined temperature threshold values. 
     In accordance with another scenario in which sensor  1702  is a motion sensor, controller  1502  may be configured to control operation of LED units  106  based on whether motion is detected by motion sensor  1702 . If no motion is detected after a predetermined period of time, controller  1502  terminates or operates at a reduced output one or both of LED units  106 . 
     In accordance with another scenario in which sensor  1702  is a voltage sensor, controller  1502  may be configured to control operation of LED units  106  based on a detected voltage level exceeding or failing to meet (e.g., as in a brownout condition) a predetermined voltage level. 
     In at least some embodiments, sensor  1702  is electrically coupled with controller  1502  and/or connector  110 . In at least some other embodiments, sensor  1702  is electrically isolated from controller  1502  and communicatively coupled with the controller. In some embodiments, sensor  1702  is located external and/or disconnected from LED bulb  1700 . In at least some embodiments, controller  1502  performs daylight harvesting by adjusting the output of LED units  106  responsive to light level detected via sensor  1702 . 
     In at least some embodiments, memory  1604  (as a part of controller  1600  ( FIG. 16 )) may be used to store information and/or data related to the operation of LED bulb  1700 , e.g., historic data related to voltage levels, light activation times and durations, sensor data, and other parameters. An external device may remotely access the stored information and/or data from memory  1604  via a network I/F device  1610 . Additionally, in at least some embodiments, network I/F device  1610  may be used to enable remote monitoring of LED bulb  1700 . Via remote monitoring of LED bulb  1700 , vital information such as statistics related to the operation of the LED bulb may be downloaded to another device. In at least some other embodiments, network I/F device  1610  may be used to remotely control LED bulb  1700 . 
     It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed embodiments fulfill one or more of the advantages set forth above. After reading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary skill will be able to affect various changes, substitutions of equivalents and various other embodiments as broadly disclosed herein. It is therefore intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only by the definition contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.