Patent Publication Number: US-2009219720-A1

Title: Lighting

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the use of light sources, and more particularly to luminaires and methods of retrofitting applications previously using fluorescent lighting, such as refrigerated display cases. The luminaires and methods of the disclosure are particularly well suited for employing light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Display cases are commonly used in retail applications, such as the refrigerated cases in supermarkets and convenience stores, to display merchandise and are commonly arranged into banks of shelving displays or showcase displays for holding goods. 
     Typically, such display cases are illuminated by fluorescent light fixtures. While providing certain benefits over incandescent lighting, fluorescent lights themselves have inherent power and maintenance requirements and related costs. Fluorescent lights also contain mercury causing substantial environmental concerns and costs. 
     Certain techniques are currently being used to install alternate sources of lighting in place of fluorescent lights. Such techniques typically require contemporaneous altering of the structural support adjacent to the fluorescent light fixtures, such as by drilling holes. For applications including refrigerated food and beverage displays, such techniques can lead to unnecessary wasted cooling energy, excess labor, and possibly spoiling of the refrigerated items themselves as well as costs related to each. 
     What is currently lacking, therefore, are lighting systems and installation techniques that provide lighting with reduced power, installation, and maintenance costs compared with fluorescent lighting, particularly for retail goods displays and cases, including refrigerated cases, such as, for example, a retrofit for previous fluorescent lighting assemblies that minimizes replacement and installment costs and downtime of the display or case. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is directed to lighting structures, including light strips or luminaires, and methods, in which alternative light sources are utilized in place of fluorescent lights and that can facilitate quick and easy retrofit for previous fluorescent lighting applications. The disclosed techniques and systems (including components and structures) can be particularly useful when employing one or more LEDs as light sources. 
     An aspect of the present disclosure encompasses light source assemblies utilizing a strip with one or more light sources mounted on a support. The support can comprise more than one support member, such as mating pairs of complementary support members. The support can be attached to one or more brackets that are configured and arranged to fit with or connect to previously installed fluorescent light fixtures or mounting assemblies. For example, the brackets can snap into spring lampholder snap brackets of a previously installed fluorescent light assembly. One or more offset brackets can be used to move the support and light source(s) to a desired location, e.g., out of alignment with a centerline of the pre-existing snap brackets to reduce direct visibility of the support members and/or the light sources. Alternatively, the support can be held by a bracket implemented with a tab and/or set screw used to slip into a hole such as one pre-existing from a fluorescent lampholder. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure encompasses related methods for manufacturing LED light strip assemblies or portions thereof. For such manufacturing methods, a light strip of LEDs can be affixed to one or more support members. Each support member can be positioned on a supporting surface so that each LED light strip is substantially in a horizontal position. A lens can be formed (e.g., poured) on each LED, or along an entire circuit board, while the circuit board is in the substantially horizontal position, facilitating a customized lens for a particular application and/or eliminating potential lens damage during storage and prior manufacturing steps. Portions of such manufacturing can take place or be implemented on an assembly line or conveyor belt. The support members can be made of mating pairs of support members. In exemplary embodiments, each member of a pair can include an integrally formed male or female connection. 
     Other aspects, embodiments, and details of the of present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read together with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects and embodiments of the present 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. 1A  depicts a diagrammatic front perspective view of an embodiment of a refrigerated display case with lighting, in accordance with the present disclosure;  FIG. 1B  depicts a top view of the display case of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a close-up perspective view of a portion of  FIG. 1B  including a light strip attached by bracket assemblies to a center mullion of the display case; 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a diagrammatic end view of a bracket assembly of  FIG. 2 ;  FIG. 3B  depicts the view of  FIG. 3A  with an endplate removed; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a diagrammatic perspective view of a light strip mounted in a corner of the display case of  FIG. 1A  and employing a cutoff shield in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict diagrammatic views of a light strip mounted with brackets including a tab and set screw for a retrofit application, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;  FIGS. 5C-5F  depict close-up perspective views of brackets shown and described for  FIGS. 5A and 5B ;  FIG. 5G  is a photograph of a pre-existing fluorescent lampholder, for which embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5A-5F  may be used as retrofit installations. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  depict perspective and side views of an assembly line process of manufacturing a light strip assembly, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a flow chart for a method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cross section view of an alternate light source lens used with luminaires of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure provide luminaires and methods, in which alternative light sources (LEDs in exemplary embodiments) are utilized in place of, or replacing, fluorescent lights. While the preferred embodiment employs LED light sources, other light sources may also be employed or alternatively used within the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example only, other light sources such as plasma light sources may be used. Further, the term “LEDs” is intended to refer to all types of light emitting diodes including organic light emitting diodes or “OLEDs”. Such lighting according to the present disclosure can be used to retro-fit existing lighting assemblies and applications that utilize fluorescent lighting. Use of such lighting techniques can afford reduced energy and maintenance as well as reduced installation time and costs when compared to existing techniques. 
     While generally applicable to the retrofitting of most fluorescent light applications, embodiments of the present disclosure may be particularly well-suited for application of retro-fitting of refrigerated food cases such as those commonly found in supermarkets and convenience stores. Such refrigerated cases, can include cases for chilled foods and/or drinks, as well as those used to display frozen foods. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts a diagrammatic front perspective view of an embodiment  100  of lighting for a refrigerated display case, in accordance with the present disclosure that employs LEDs to emit light. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1A , a refrigerated case  102  can include top and bottom frame members  104 ,  106  that are separated by side members  108 ,  110 . The case  102  can include multiple doors, such as doors  112 ( 1 )- 112 ( 4 ) having transparent or translucent portions, such as by utilization of glass, clear plastic, or the like. Doors  112 ( 1 )- 112 ( 4 ) can be separated by mullions  114 ( 1 )- 114 ( 3 ) positioned between top and bottom members  104 ,  106 . A number of shelves can be located within the case  102 , such as the shelf stacks  116 ( 1 )- 116 ( 4 ) located behind the door  112 ( 1 )- 112 ( 4 ), as shown. 
       FIG. 1B  depicts a top view of the embodiment  100  of  FIG. 1A . Corner light strips  118 ( 1 ),  118 ( 2 ) are located in the interior of case  102  adjacent the junctions of side members  108  and  110 , respectively, with top member  104 . Center light strips  120 ( 1 )- 120 ( 3 ) are located on the interior of case  102 , adjacent to mullions  114 ( 1 )- 114 ( 3 ). The horizontal area of stacked shelving, e.g.,  116 ( 1 )- 116 ( 4 ), can be seen in  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a close-up perspective view of a portion of  FIG. 1B  including a light strip  120 ( 1 ) attached by bracket assemblies, including cylindrical brackets  130 ( 1 ),  130 ( 2 ) and offset members  132 ( 1 ),  132 ( 2 ), to center mullion  114 ( 1 ) on the interior of case  102 , i.e., the refrigerated area of the case removed from the walking area afforded to the general public. Center mullion  114 ( 1 ) connects top and bottom case members  104 ,  106  adjacent door  112 ( 2 ), as shown. Shelf stacks  116 ( 1 ) and  116 ( 2 ) are also shown. 
     Light strip  120 ( 1 ) includes a support member  122  having opposed ends that are held relative to snap brackets  128  by the bracket assemblies  130 ( 1 ),  130 ( 2 ),  132 ( 1 ) and  132 ( 2 ). In embodiments utilizing circuitry driven light sources such as LEDs, the support member  122  can have one or more printed circuit boards  124  of any size mounted on its surface. An inline configuration of three printed circuit boards  124  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The same or different configuration of one or more printed circuit boards (“PCB”)  124  could be present on the other side of support member  122  (and such would be hidden due to the perspective of the drawing). Each PCB  124  can include a plurality of light sources  126 ( 1 ). 
     The bracket assemblies can include a pair of cylindrical brackets  130 ( 1 ),  130 ( 2 ) and a pair of offset members or brackets  132 ( 1 ),  132 ( 2 ). Each cylindrical bracket can be configured to fit within a snap bracket  128 , which can be of the configuration commonly used for holding a fluorescent light bulb. Suitable fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, press-fit dowels, etc.)  134  and  138  may be used for the connections between the support member and/or the cylindrical brackets  130 ( 1 ),  130 ( 2 ). 
       FIG. 2  depicts the cylindrical brackets  130  and offset members  132  holding an end of the support member  122  in a snap bracket  128 , such as that from a pre-existing fluorescent light fixture. Quick retrofit of a fluorescent light fixture with a light strip or luminaire according to the present disclosure is thus facilitated by simply removing the pre-existing fluorescent light bulb from the snap brackets  128  and inserting the light strip or luminaire. One or more portions of pre-existing wiring from a fluorescent system may be used with embodiments of the present disclosure. When retrofitting a fluorescent system with an LED based system, it may be desirable or necessary, depending on the circuitry and system requirements to replace the power supply or to otherwise regulate the power, as required or desirable for the chosen light sources, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. 
     In exemplary embodiments, PCB  124  can include FR4 as printed circuit board material. Other epoxy-glass laminates may also be used. Solder pads can be present on each end of each PCB  124  for wire attachment. 
     In an exemplary embodiment in which LEDs are employed as the light sources, an assembly of LEDs (e.g., preferably a strip of LEDs) can be utilized with one or more light boards having power and control circuitry for the LEDs; such boards can provide one or more substrates on or in which each LED and other components of the assembly can be created or deposited, such as LEDs themselves, and a related optical element (such as a lens or other refractive element, or a reflector) for directing at least a portion of the light emitted from the LED. An LED assembly can hold one or more LEDs, and one or more optics (or optical elements), to a board, and can define the positioning of the one or more optics with respect to the LEDs. The optics can be positioned over each of the LEDs, respectively; a single optical element, e.g., a single cylindrical lens or a poured plastic lens, etc., can be positioned for use with one or more LEDs. Suitable examples of LED and optic trays that hold the optics in position with respect to LEDs on a printed circuit board are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/146531 and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/981,984; the entire contents of both of which applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The LEDs of this exemplary embodiment can be of any kind, color (e.g., emitting any color or white light or mixture of colors and white light as the intended lighting arrangement requires) and luminance capacity or intensity, preferably in the visible spectrum. Color selection can be made as the intended lighting arrangement requires. In accordance with the present disclosure, LEDs can comprise any semiconductor configuration and material or combination (alloy) that produce the intended array of color or colors. The LEDs can have a refractive optic built-in with the LED or placed over the LED, or no refractive optic; and can alternatively, or also, have a surrounding reflector, e.g., that re-directs low-angle and mid-angle LED light outwardly. 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 can emit light in the blue and/or ultraviolet range, and excites the phosphor coating to produce longer wavelength light. The combined light output can approximate a white light 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 (or another desired color). In yet another suitable embodiment, colored LEDs are used, such are phosphide-based semiconductor devices emitting red or green light, in which case the LED assembly produces light of the corresponding color. In still yet another suitable embodiment, the LED light board includes red, green, and blue LEDs distributed on the printed circuit board 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. Clusters of different kinds and colors of LED is also contemplated to obtain the benefits of blending their output. 
     Each PCB  124  can include an onboard driver to run the light sources, e.g., LEDs, with a desired current. For example, a current suitable for an LED may be used. For example, a representative current range could include, but is not limited to about 250 mA to about 800 mA; one exemplary current is about 350 mA. A circuit board  124  can have a bus, e.g., a 24V DC bus, going from one end to the other. Other voltages may of course be used for a bus. Any suitable number of suitable LEDs  126  can be disposed on a light strip board. In one illustrative example, five (5) Rebel LEDs (LUXEON® Rebel LEDs as made commercially available by the Philips Lumileds Lighting Company)—operational at 80 Lumens minimum may be employed with the luminaire of the present disclosure. Other suitable LEDs or alternative light sources and output values may be used within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , a diagrammatic end view of a bracket assembly of  FIG. 2  is shown including cylindrical bracket  130 ( 1 ) configured with offset member  132 ( 1 ). The cylindrical bracket  130 ( 1 ) may include one or more bosses or reinforced ribs  136  which may provide for a connection with the offset member  132 ( 1 ). The bracket may be secured mechanically by any suitable mechanical connection  134 , e.g., Velcro®, a screw, a pressed fit dowel, or rivet, etc. The cylindrical bracket  130 ( 1 ) can optionally include one or more apertures or holes  140  through which wiring can be run. Fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws)  138  can be present for attachment of offset member  132 ( 1 ) to an adjacent support member  122 . As described previously for  FIG. 2 , cylindrical bracket  130 ( 1 ) can be configured to fit within a standard snap bracket  128  used to hold fluorescent bulbs. Center line  160  indicates the centerline of such a corresponding snap bracket  128 . 
       FIG. 3B  depicts the view of  FIG. 3A  with an offset member  132 ( 1 ) removed to show the relation between the cylindrical bracket  130 ( 1 ), support member  122 , and circuit boards  124 . The cylindrical bracket  130 ( 1 ) is shown relative to the support member  122 , the circuit boards  124  and the LEDs  126 , as would be the configuration for a retrofit application to a pre-existing fluorescent lighting assembly including snap brackets  128  of  FIG. 2 . The outlines of the heads of fasteners  134  are shown in relation to bosses  136 . Representative A centerline  160 , representative of pre-existing lamp holder (or snap) brackets is shown as well. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , exemplary embodiments of support member  122  can include two support members  122 A- 122 B of complementary configuration that fit together. For example, the depicted embodiment comprises an exemplary male-female mating configuration  150  facilitating connection. As shown, the male-female elements of the support members  122 A,  122 B may, but need not be, integrally formed into the support members themselves. 
     In exemplary embodiments (e.g., as shown for  FIGS. 3A-3B ), offset members  132 ( 1 ),  132 ( 2 ) can be configured to allow support member  122  and attached light source(s)  126  to be positioned off of the centerline ( 160  of  FIG. 3A ) of a receiving snap bracket  128 . Such configurations can allow the LEDs to positioned at a desired location, e.g., closer to a center mullion or adjacent structural support member of a cooler. Observation of the support members  122 A,  122 B and the light sources  126  by individuals outside of a display case can accordingly be reduced or altogether eliminated, representing an advantage over prior art fluorescent lighting. If removing the luminaire from sight is not necessary or is otherwise facilitated by the location of the luminaire with respect to the structure on which it is mounted, then the offset members  132 ( 1 ),  132 ( 2 ) may locate the support members  122 A,  122 B on the centerline  160  or anywhere in relation thereto. The word “offset” in the term “offset member” merely refers to the depicted exemplary embodiment and is not intended to be limiting as to whether the support must be offset from the centerline  160 . For example, portions of the support members  122 A,  122 B can overlap a centerline  160  for some embodiments. 
     In exemplary embodiments, support members  122 A,  122 B may be made by extrusion of 6063T5 aluminum alloy constructed according to known extrusion techniques. In exemplary embodiments, cylindrical bracket  130 ( 1 ) can be made of 6063T5 aluminum alloy. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, the offset members  132  can be formed of suitable metal such as a sheet of aluminum alloy (e.g., with a thickness of 0.050 inches). Other suitable materials, e.g., plastics, may be used in addition to or substitution for the ones previously described for the support members, brackets and/or members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a diagrammatic perspective view is depicted of an exemplary embodiment of a light strip  400 , in accordance with the present disclosure. Light strip  400  is positioned in a corner configuration inside of a refrigerated case  402  with shelving  416 . Light strip  400  can include a support member  422  holding a circuit board  424  that includes a number of light sources  426  necessary for casting the desired amount of light onto the display area of the case  402 . 
     Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , cylindrical brackets  430 ( 1 )- 430 ( 2 ) and offset members  432 ( 1 )-( 2 ) may be used to hold support member  422  fixed relative to snap brackets  428 , such as, for example, may have been used with a pre-existing fluorescent lighting fixture. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 4  is an optional visual cutoff shield  450  that can be present for control of the light output of the light sources or prevention of direct observation of the light sources or support members  422 A,  422 B by customers outside case  402 . The optional visual cutoff shield  450  can be, but need not be, reflective to assist in directing light emitted from the light sources. Any suitable material can be used for cutoff shield  450 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, aluminum sheet metal of thickness of 30 or 40 mils (0.030 inch or 0.040 inch), painted all black, with a gloss finish can be used for shield  450 . Other materials and finishes may of course be used within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, reflective material may be placed on or adjacent to the adjacent mullion  114  to reflect light into the case. Alternatively, in a retrofit application, reflective material may already exist on the mullion for redirecting light from a pre-existing fluorescent bulb. 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  depict diagrammatic views of an alternative embodiment  500  in accordance the present disclosure, including a light strip used in conjunction with brackets and a set screw. Referring to  FIG. 5A , support member  522  can be used to support printed circuit board  524  having LEDs or other light sources  526 . Board  524  can be supported in a desired orientation relative to mullion  520 . Instead of a cylindrical bracket coupled to a plate bracket, as with the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , embodiment  500  includes a plate bracket  530  used in conjunction with a set screw  534  to hold the light strip support member  522  to the mullion  520 . 
     Bracket  530  may include a tab  538  configured to pass through a hole  536  in the mullion  520  as shown. A fastener (e.g., bolt)  532  may be used to connect bracket  530  to light strip support member  522 . Set screw  534  may be used to secure the connection between mullion  520  and support member  522 . Hole(s)  536  may be pre-existing holes, already having been formed for a pre-existing fluorescent lighting fixture. 
       FIG. 5B  depicts the other end of the support member  522  shown in  FIG. 5A  as positioned relative to mullion  520 . Bracket  530  may include tab  538  and may be used with fastener  532  to secure light strip support member  522  to mullion  520 . A dowel or pin may optionally be included with tab  538  to extend through a hole  536  in the mullion  520 . A set-screw is not required. 
       FIGS. 5C-5F  depict close-up perspective views of brackets shown and described for  FIGS. 5A-5B . In  FIG. 5C , bracket  530  is shown in conjunction with set screw  534 . Bracket  530  is secured to support member  522 , which supports printed circuit board  524  with LED  526 . Bracket  530  includes a tab portion  531  that can be configured with a threaded portion  533  to receive set screw  534 .  FIG. 5D  depicts a perspective view of the bracket  530  shown in  FIG. 5C . 
     In  FIG. 5E , bracket  530  is shown secured to support member  522 , which supports PCB  524  with LED  526 . Bracket  530  includes a tab portion  538  that can be configured to interface or connect with a previously installed hole for a fluorescent lampholder, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5G . A perspective view of the bracket  530  of  FIG. 5E  is shown in  FIG. 5F . 
       FIG. 5G  is a photograph of a prior art pre-existing fluorescent lamp holder  540 , for which embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5A-5F  could be used as retrofit installations. The lampholder  540  would removed (both top and bottom) allowing for the installation of set-screw design, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5F . 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  depict perspective and side diagrammatic views, respectively, of an assembly line manufacturing process  600  for providing light sources such as LEDs mounted on a support member  622  with lenses, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, one or more support members  622 A- 622 B may be placed on a support surface  650  in such a way that a circuit board  624  with light sources  626 , such as LEDs, is held in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position. Support members  622 A- 622 B may have end plates  630 A- 630 B, respectively. Support surface  650  may be part of an assembly line or conveyor belt, in exemplary embodiments. 
     When circuit board  624  is in a substantially horizontal position, a lens can be formed on each light source  626  (or one or more light sources). For example, a plastic lens may be formed by pouring a plastic-containing liquid with suitably colored or transparent plastic over each light source  626 , and then allowing the plastic to cool or cure (or otherwise causing the plastic to harden). In such a way, a lens of desired shape can be formed over each light source. In certain embodiments, lens materials including the following may be used: Lord Corporation Urethane model 7550, or Momentive (formerly GE) silicone models: TSE397, TSE397 or RTV 615. 
     Where the configuration of the support members does not alone facilitate orienting the circuit board horizontally, the support members may be placed on one or more related bases or supports to facilitate horizontal orientation. In the depicted embodiment of  FIGS. 6A-6B , the specific shape of support members  622 A,  622 B may not necessarily provide a horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation of the related circuit board when the support members are placed on a horizontal surface. Accordingly, each support member  622 A,  622 B can be placed on a base (e.g., trays  640 A,  640 B in  FIG. 6B ) having a corresponding configuration to accept the support members  622 A,  622 B in a manner orienting the circuit board(s) horizontally for lens application. In an embodiment, such a base, e.g., base  640 A, can be constructed from suitable material including, but not limited to, milled-plastic, wood, or the like. Other bases/platforms and manners of constructing the same will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a flow chart is depicted for a fabrication/construction method  700 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For method  700 , at least one support member for a lighting assembly can be formed, as described at  702 . In exemplary embodiments, two support members may be formed of extruded aluminum and these members may optionally include an integrally formed male-female connection, although other suitable connection are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. A printed circuit board with a plurality of light sources can be affixed to each support member, as described at  704 . Each support member can be positioned in a substantially horizontal position, as described at  706 . In exemplary embodiments, the support member(s) can be placed in a horizontal position on an assembly line or conveyor belt. A lens can then be formed on each light source while each light source and the circuit board is in the substantially horizontal position, as described at  708 . In exemplary embodiments, a plastic containing liquid with plastic of a desired transparency and/or color may be poured onto each light source to cure and form the lens according to standard techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a cross section view of an alternate lens embodiment  800  used for a light strip or luminaire according to the present disclosure. A printed circuit board  802  can support one or more LEDs  804 , similar to previously described embodiments. Instead of a lens formed over an individual LED or LED assembly, a plastic lens  806 , e.g., one that is semicylindrical in shape, may be configured around the circuit board  802  and LEDs  804  as shown. The assembly of the board  802 , LEDs  804 , and lens  806  can be mounted to brackets, for example by way of screws (not shown) and screw pockets  810 , and used for retrofit into prior fluorescent lighting applications, similar to previously described embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     Continuing with the description of  FIG. 8 , board  802  can be received by one or more grooves  808  in lens  806 . In exemplary embodiments, heat removal material  812  may be located adjacent board  802  as shown for heat removal, i.e., dissipation of heat generated by LEDs  804 . Material  812  can be selected as desired, and material selection can be based on heat removal/thermal conductance characteristics. In exemplary embodiments, potting compound can be utilized for material  812 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, lens  806  is made of an extrusion of polycarbonate. Such polycarbonate or other plastic may be selected as desired and may possess a desired degree of transparency (and, therefore, opaqueness) and may have a desired color. 
     In further embodiments, the formation of at least one support member can include forming a circuit board supporting face in the support member that is configured and arranged to support the circuit board (and attached light sources) in a desired orientation, e.g., as when the related assembly is placed in a retrofit application. A visual cutoff shield may also be mounted to a support member for some applications. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of lighting techniques according to the present disclosure can be used to retro-fit existing lighting assemblies and applications that were initially constructed to utilize fluorescent lighting. Such lighting according to the present disclosure can afford reduced energy, maintenance, and installation costs, as well as reduced installation time when compared to existing techniques. As described previously, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can utilize LEDs as light sources. 
     While certain embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the methods, systems, and apparatus of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, while aspects and embodiments herein have been described in the context of retrofit applications for refrigerated display cases, the present disclosure is not limited to such; for example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized generally for any retro-fit applications to pre-existing fluorescent lighting structures and fixtures. 
     Accordingly, the embodiments described herein, and as claimed in the attached claims, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative of the present disclosure and not restrictive.