Patent Publication Number: US-8525395-B2

Title: Multi-component LED lamp

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/301,632, filed Feb. 5, 20010 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/334,163, filed May 12, 2010. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to lamps, and more particularly, to a multi-component light emitting diode (LED) lamp comprising an array of LEDs disposed therein and configured to dissipate heat generated by the array of LEDs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The background information is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately provide background information for this patent application. However, the background information may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the background information are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. 
     Incandescent light bulbs have been and are currently used in a large variety of lighting products. An incandescent light bulb or lamp produces light by heating a metal filament wire to a high temperature until it glows. The hot filament is protected from air by a glass bulb that is filled with inert gas or evacuated. Most lamps are configured to be used in a socket and comprise a base, such as an Edison screw base, an MR16 shape with a bi-pin base, or a GU5.3 (Bipin cap) or GU10 (bayonet socket). 
     Even though incandescent light bulbs are relatively inexpensive, as compared to alternative light sources, incandescent light bulbs have several drawbacks. For example, incandescent light bulbs use a relatively large amount of power compared to other lighting products which increase energy costs. Also, incandescent light bulbs have a relatively short life causing repetitive replacement costs. 
     Recently, fluorescent lamps, particularly compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), have been developed to overcome some of the drawbacks associated with the incandescent lamps. For example, fluorescent lamps are more efficient and have a longer life than incandescent lamps. A fluorescent lamp is a gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor. The excited mercury atoms produce short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light. Fluorescent lamps convert electrical power into useful light more efficiently than incandescent lamps, lowering energy costs. Larger fluorescent lamps are mostly used in commercial or institutional buildings and CFLs have been developed to be used in the similar manner as incandescent. Even though fluorescent lamps have overcome some of the drawbacks associated with the incandescent lamps, drawbacks remain. For example, fluorescent lamps contain mercury which is hazardous to human health and they may have a delayed response time when turning on the lamp. 
     More recently, light emitting diode (LED) lamps have been developed to overcome some of the drawbacks associated with the incandescent and fluorescent lamp. An LED lamp is a solid-state lamp that uses LEDs as the source of light. An LED may comprise a conventional semiconductor light emitting diode or an organic or polymeric light emitting diode. The light emitted by an LED is caused by the generation of photons from materials within the LED and is not the product of an electrical current passing through an illuminating filament. LED lamps may have one or more advantages over fluorescent lamps, for example, LED lamps do not contain mercury, they may turn on instantly, they may have a longer service life, they may have a smaller size, and they may have a greater efficiency. 
     However, currently available LED lamps may not be well suited for some lighting applications. For example, LED lamps may require a plurality of LEDs to provide a desired amount of light generation which may generate excessive heat. The heat generated from the LEDs may accumulate within the lamp and raise the operating temperature of the LEDs. Operating LEDs at a higher temperature may adversely affect the service life of the LED lamp. Currently available LED lamps may be insufficient for dissipating the generated heat. Additionally, currently available LED lamps may require complex heat management systems to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs. Such requirements may introduce obstacles in designing LED lamps having a desired service life. 
     What is needed is an LED lamp that overcomes some of the obstacles associated with currently available LED lamps and provides a desired service life. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-component LED lamp comprises an outer case configured to house a first heat sink and an array of LEDs. The outer case comprises a plurality of vent openings and a light projecting end. An array of LEDs is disposed proximate the light projecting end of the outer case. A first heat sink is disposed in the outer case and is a separate component part of the LED lamp. The first heat sink comprises an outer peripheral portion disposed against an inner surface of the outer case, proximate the light projecting end of the outer case. The outer peripheral portion of the first heat sink is configured and disposed to provide conductive heat transfer between the outer case and the first heat sink. The first heat sink comprises an inner portion extending inwardly from the outer peripheral portion. The inner portion of the first heat sink comprises a plurality of vent openings in flow communication with the plurality of vent openings in the outer case and the light projecting end of the outer case. The inner portion of the first heat sink is configured and disposed to provide convective heat transfer to air flowing through the plurality of vent openings in the outer case and the light projecting end of the outer case. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, an LED lamp comprises an outer case with at least one vent opening and a light opening. A heat sink is disposed in conductive heat transfer communication with the outer case and comprises at least one vent opening therein, the heat sink is a separate component part of the LED lamp. The outer case and the heat sink are configured and disposed to provide convective heat transfer to air flowing between portions thereof. 
     In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-component LED lamp comprises an outer case comprising a plurality of vent openings and is configured to dispose at least one heat sink and at least one LED. The multi-component LED lamp also comprises at least one heat sink disposed in the outer case configured to conduct heat away from the at least one LED and to convect heat to air flowing through the plurality of vent openings in the outer case. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following figures, which are idealized, are not to scale and are intended to be merely illustrative of aspects of the present disclosure and non-limiting. In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multi-component LED lamp showing the disposition of vent openings therein; 
         FIG. 2  is cross-sectional exploded view of the multi-component LED lamp of  FIG. 1  showing component parts thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-component LED lamp of  FIG. 1  showing the disposition of the component parts in an assembled lamp and convective air currents therethrough with the lamp disposed in a first orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-component LED lamp of  FIG. 1  showing convective air currents therethrough with the lamp disposed in a second orientation; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-component LED lamp of  FIG. 1  showing convective air currents therethrough with the lamp disposed in a third orientation; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-component LED lamp showing the disposition of vent openings therein; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the multi-component LED lamp of  FIG. 6  showing component parts thereof; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-component LED lamp of  FIG. 6  showing the disposition of the component parts in an assembled lamp and convective air currents therethrough with the lamp disposed in a first orientation; and 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a potted multi-component LED lamp. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplary embodiments and aspects of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the figures to refer to the same or like parts. 
       FIG. 1  shows multi-component LED lamp  100  and the disposition of vent openings and other external components and features. Multi-component LED Lamp  100  is shown as comprising a connector  118  configured to connect LED lamp  100  to existing lamp sockets. Connector  118  may be an Edison screw base, as shown, a bi-pin base, a bayonet, or other connector configured to connect LED lamp  100  to a lamp socket. Alternatively, LED lamp  100  may be configured to connect any type of socket or may be a component part of a luminaire, hence not comprise a connector. Insulator  116  may be disposed between connector  118  and outer case  114 . Advantageously, insulator  116  is comprised of an electrical insulating material and may also be a heat insulating material, for example a polymeric material. Insulator  116  may be configured and disposed to insulate outer case  114  from a flow of electricity through connector  118 . 
     Outer case  114  extends from insulator  116  to an upper light projecting end. The terms upper and lower are used herein only to describe the disposition of components and features with relation to one another and the direction of natural convective air flow. The term lower means more proximate a natural convective air inlet while the term upper means more proximate a natural convective air outlet. Outer case  114  may comprise lower vent openings  120  in outer case  114  configured and disposed to allow cooling air to flow into and/or out of LED lamp  100 . Outer case  114  may also comprise upper vent openings  122  configured and disposed to allow cooling air to flow into and/or out of LED lamp  100 . 
     Lens  104  may be disposed about the light projecting end of outer case  114 . Lens  104  may have a plurality of collimators  136  and may have other or additional light refracting contours. Lens  104  may be a ring shaped lens and vented cap  102  may be disposed within a central opening in lens  104 . The outer portion  134  of vented cap  102  may extend outwardly from the light projecting end of outer case  114 , as shown, be disposed substantially with a plane of lens  104 , or may extend inwardly into the light projecting end of outer case  114 . Outer portion  134  of vented cap  102  may comprise a plurality of vent openings  132  configured and disposed to allow cooling air to flow into and/or out of LED lamp  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of multi-component LED lamp  100  showing separate component parts thereof. LED Lamp  100  may have insulator  116  configured to be disposed between connector  118  and outer case  114 . Outer case  114  may be configured to extend from insulator  116  to an upper light projecting end thereof. Outer case  114  may comprise a plurality of vent openings  120  and  122 . Outer case  114  may have a variety of configurations such as PAR38, PAR30, PAR20, BR30, or other configuration as is known in the art. Inner body  110  may be cylindrical and may be configured to support LED support  106  and other component parts within outer case  114 . For example, inner body  110  may have a plurality of inner body connectors  128  configured to cooperate with connecting pins  130  and support LED support  106  and lens  104 . LED support  106  may be configured to support a plurality of LEDs  108 . LED support  106  may comprise a Metal Core Printed Circuit Board (MCPCB), a Chip on Board (COB), and/or other LED support devices or materials as are known in the art. 
     Lens  104  may be configured to be disposed about the light projecting end of outer case  114 . Lens  104  may have a plurality of lens connectors  138  extending inward from an inner radius thereof, configured to cooperate with connecting pins  130  and inner body connectors  128 . Vented cap  102  may be configured to be disposed within a central opening in lens  104 . Vented cap  102  may have a cylindrical portion configured and disposed to be secured within inner body  110  and outer portion  134  may be configured to hide the cylindrical opening in inner body  110  and lens connectors  138 , from sight. 
     Heat sink  112  may be a separate component part and may be configured to be disposed in an inner cavity of outer case  114 . Heat sink  112  may comprise an outer peripheral portion configured to be disposed against the inner surface of outer case  114 , proximate the light projecting end in outer case  114 . Heat sink  112  may comprise an inner portion extending inwardly from the outer peripheral portion and may comprise a plurality of vent openings  124  configured to be disposed in flow communication with vent openings  122  in outer case  114  and the light projecting end in outer case  114 , through vent openings  132 . The inner portion of heat sink  112  may be configured to be disposed to provide convective heat transfer to air flowing through the plurality of vent openings  122  in outer case  114  and the light projecting end in outer case  114 , through vent openings  132  in vented cap  102 . 
     The outer peripheral portion of heat sink  112  may be configured to be disposed to support an array of LEDs  108  mounted on an LED support to allow convective air to flow between outer case  114  and LED support  106 . An inner portion of heat sink  114  may comprise a frustoconical portion  127  extending inwardly from the outer peripheral portion and may be configured to dispose a larger diameter proximate the light projecting end in outer case  114 . Frustoconical portion  127  may have a plurality of vent openings therein and each of these vent openings may have a tab  126  extending from an end thereof. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of assembled multi-component LED lamp  100  showing the disposition of the component parts and convective air currents therethrough. LED Lamp  100  may have connector  118  disposed about a lower end of inner body  110 . Insulator  116  may be disposed about inner body  110 , between connector  118  and outer case  114 . Outer case  114  may have a lower end extending into an upper portion of insulator  116  and about a lower portion of inner body  110 . Outer case  114  may have vent openings  120  in flow communication with an inner portion of inner body  110 . Vent openings  120  may be in flow communication with circuitry, not shown, disposed in connector  118  and/or inner body  110  wherein the circuitry may be configured to rectify AC power and convert voltage. It is to be understood that vent openings  120  may not be in inner body  110  and/or may be closed to air flow, as shown in  FIG. 9  having inner body  110  potted. 
     Inner body  110  may extend upward and receive a cylindrical extending portion of vented cap  102 . Vented cap  102  may have vent openings  132  disposed to be in flow communication with the inner portion of inner body  110  and air flowing outside of inner body  110 . Outer case  114  may flare outwardly in a parabolic configuration to a light projecting end. Vent openings  122  may be disposed in the parabolic portion of outer case  114  and may be in flow communication with vent openings  132 . Heat sink  112  may be a separate component part and may be disposed in an inner cavity of outer case  114 . Heat sink  112  and outer case  114  may be separate component parts of LED lamp  100 . Heat sink  112  may comprise an outer peripheral portion disposed against the inner surface of outer case  114 , proximate the light projecting end in outer case  114 . The outer peripheral portion of heat sink  112  may be configured and disposed to provide conductive heat transfer between outer case  114  and heat sink  112 . 
     Heat sink  112  may comprise an inner portion extending inwardly from the outer peripheral portion and may comprise a plurality of vent openings  124  in flow communication with vent openings  122  in outer case  114  and the light projecting end in outer case  114  through vent openings  132 . The inner portion of heat sink  112  may be configured and disposed to provide convective heat transfer to air flowing through the plurality of vent openings  122  in outer case  114  and the light projecting end in outer case  114 , through vent openings  132  in vented cap  102 . 
     Heat sink  112  may have a plurality of vent openings  124  disposed proximate outer case  114  and to be in flow communication with air flowing through outer case  114 . The outer peripheral portion of heat sink  112  may support an array of LEDs  108  mounted on an LED support  106 . LED support  106  may be disposed within vent openings  124 , allowing convective air to flow between outer case  114  and LED support  106 . LED support  106  may be comprised of a heat conductive material configured to conduct heat from LEDs  108  to heat sink  112 . An inner portion of heat sink  112  may comprise a frustoconical portion  127  extending inwardly from the outer peripheral portion and have a larger diameter proximate the light projecting end in outer case  114 . Frustoconical portion  127  may have a plurality of vent openings  125  therein and each of these vent openings may have a tab  126  extending from an end thereof. 
     Inner body  110  may have a plurality of inner body connectors  128  supporting LED support  106  and lens  104 . LED support  106  may support an array of LEDs and may comprise one or more PCBs, MCPCBs, COBs, heat sinks, or other LED supports as are known in the art. Lens  104  may be disposed about the light projecting end of outer case  114  and may have a plurality of lens connectors  138  extending inward from an inner radius thereof, connecting with inner body connectors  128 . Lens  104  may comprise an array of collimators  136 , each disposed substantially equidistantly about lens  104  and substantially equidistantly from an outer periphery of LED lamp  100 . Lens  104  may be comprised solely of a light transmissible material such as glass or polymeric materials. Lens  104  may comprise ridges or other light scattering pattern between each collimator  136  as shown or may have a smooth or other surface. Vented cap  102  may be disposed within a central opening in lens  104 . Vented cap  102  may have a cylindrical portion secured within inner body  110  and outer portion  134  hiding the cylindrical opening in inner body  110  and lens connectors  138 , from sight. 
     LED lamp  100  may be configured to provide natural convective air flow through and between component parts thereof. For example, orienting LED lamp  100  upward, as shown in  FIG. 3 , may cause heat transferred to inner body  110  to heat the air within inner body  110 . Air heated within inner body  110  may rise and exit LED lamp  100  through vent openings  132 . Air may then enter inner body  110  through vent openings  120 , as indicated by convective air flow pathway  131 . Heat transferred to heat sink  112  from LEDs  108  may heat air within the inner cavity of outer case  114  and exit LED lamp  100  through vent openings  132 . Air may then enter LED lamp  100  through vent openings  122 . Air may enter outer case  114  through vent openings  122 , as indicated by convective air flow pathways  133  and  135 . Air pathway  133  shows that convective air flow may enter vent openings  122  and flow into the inner portion  127  of heat sink  112  by flowing under inner portion  127  and/or through the vent openings  125  having tabs  126  extending from an end thereof. Air flowing into inner portion  127  may transfer heat from heat sink  112  and pass about LED support  106  and LEDs  108 , transferring heat therefrom and out of LED lamp  100  through vent openings  132 . Air flowing into vent openings  122  may also flow between the inner portion  127  of heat sink  112  and outer case  114  as indicated by air pathway  135 . Air flowing between inner portion  127  and outer case  114  may transfer heat from heat sink  112  and outer case  114  and flow about LED support  106 , through vent openings  124 , about LEDs  108 , and exit trough vent openings  132 . 
     It is to be understood that multi-component LED lamp  100  may have a variety of configurations to provide an open volume or cavity therein and be configured to provide a variety of convective air flow pathways. 
       FIG. 4  shows LED lamp  100  in a downward orientation and natural convective air flow therethrough. In this orientation, air heated within inner body  110  may rise and exit LED lamp  100  through vent openings  120 . Air may then enter inner body  110  through vent openings  132 , as indicated by convective air flow pathways  137 . Heat transferred to heat sink  112  may heat air within the inner cavity of outer case  114  and exit LED lamp  100  through vent openings  122 , as indicated by air pathways  139  and  141 . Air pathway  141  shows that air may enter LED lamp  100  through vent openings  132 , pass about LED support  106  and LEDs  108 , between outer case  114  and heat sink  112 , through vent openings  124 , and out through vent openings  122 . Air pathway  139  shows that air may enter LED lamp  100  through vent openings  132 , pass about LED support  106  and LEDs  108 , between heat sink  112  and inner body  110 , and out through vent openings  122 . A portion of the air may flow around inner portion  127  and another portion of the air may flow along tabs  126 . It is to be understood that air flowing into vent openings  132  and out vent openings  122  may mix within the inner open cavity of outer case  114 , providing additional air flow pathways within LED lamp  100 . 
       FIG. 5  shows LED lamp  100  in a horizontal orientation and natural convective air flow therethrough. In this orientation, air heated within inner body  110  may rise and exit LED lamp  100  through an upper portion of vent openings  120 ,  122 , and  132 . Air may then enter LED lamp  100  through a lower portion of vent openings  120 ,  122 , and  132 . For example, air may enter inner body  110  through a lower portion of vent openings  132  and a lower portion of vent openings  120 , as indicated by air flow pathways  151  and  143 . The air may then be heated with inner body  110  and flow out of LED lamp  100  through an upper portion of vent openings  132  and  120 , as indicated with flow pathways  153  and  145 . As indicated by convective air flow pathways  147  and, air may enter the inner open cavity of outer case  114  through a lower portion of vent openings  122  and  132  and exit LED lamp  100  through an upper portion of vent openings  122  and  132 . Air flowing into LED lamp  100  along flow pathways  147  and  151  and out along flow pathways  149  and  153  may mix within the inner open cavity of outer case  114  and provide convective heat transfer from the component parts housed therein. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of multi-component LED lamp  200  showing the disposition of vent openings and other external components and features. Multi-component LED lamp  200  is shown as comprising connector  118  adjacent driver heat sink  216 . Driver heat sink  216  may be configured to house circuitry which may be configured to rectify AC power and convert voltage. Driver heat sink  216  may have vent openings  220  spaced there around. Thermal insulator  213  may mount with driver heat sink  216  and outer case  214 . Outer case  214  may have a parabolic configuration and may extend from driver heat sink  216  to a light projecting end thereof. Vent openings  222  may be disposed about outer case  214  and configured to provide convective air flow through portions of LED lamp  200 . Vented cap  234  may be disposed on the light projecting end of outer case  214  and may have a plurality of vent openings  232  therein. Vented cap  234  may have portions comprised of a translucent material configured to permit light emitted from LEDs  108  to project therethrough. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of multi-component LED lamp  200  showing separate component parts thereof. LED Lamp  200  may have driver heat sink  216  configured to be disposed between connector  118  and thermal insulator  213 . Driver heat sink  216  may be configured to house to house circuitry for driving LEDs  108 . Driver heat sink  216  may have vent openings  220  disposed therein configured to cool the circuitry. Thermal insulator  213  may be configured to connect driver heat sink  216  to outer case  214  and prevent the conduction of heat therebetween. 
     Outer case  214  may be configured to be disposed to extend from thermal insulator  213  to an upper light projecting end. Outer case  214  may comprise a plurality of vent openings  222  configured and disposed to allow convective air to flow through LED lamp  200 . Vented cap  234  may be configured to be disposed about the light projecting end of outer case  214 . Vented cap  234  may be translucent and may comprise a plurality of vent openings  232  configured to be in flow communication with vent openings  220  and  222 . 
     LED lamp  200  may be configured to dispose heat sink  212  within outer case  214 . Heat sink  212  may be a separate component part of LED lamp  200 . Heat sink  212  may comprise an outer peripheral portion  231  configured to be disposed against an inner surface of outer case  214 , proximate its light projecting end. Outer peripheral portion  231  may be configured to be disposed to provide conductive heat transfer between outer case  214  and heat sink  212 . Step portion  229  may extend inward from outer peripheral portion  231  and may be configured to dispose an array of LEDs  108 . Heat sink  212  may comprise frustoconical portion  228  extending inwardly from outer peripheral portion  231  or stepped portion  229 . Frustoconical portion  228  may extend toward connector  118  and may comprise a plurality of vent openings  225 , configured and disposed to be in flow communication vent openings  220 ,  222 , and  232 . Frustoconical portion  228  may be configured to be disposed to provide convective heat transfer to air flowing through vent openings  220 ,  222 ,  225 , and  232 . Frustoconical portion  228  may have a larger diameter configured to be disposed proximate the light projecting end in outer case  214 . Frustoconical portion  228  may comprise a plurality of vent openings  225  therein. Each vent opening  225  may have a tab  226  extending from an end thereof, disposed and configured to provide convective heat transfer to air flowing through outer case  214 . Frustoconical portion  228  may have frustoconical portion  227  extending from the terminal end thereof. Frustoconical portion  227  may extend toward the light opening end of outer case  214 . Frustoconical portion  227  may comprise a vent opening central with the array of LEDs  108  and may be configured to extend beyond the array of LEDs  108 . 
     LED lamp  200  may be configured to dispose heat sink  240  about the array of LEDS  108 . Heat sink  240  and may be configured to conduct heat generated with by LEDs  108  and transfer the conducted heat to air flowing through vent openings  220 ,  222 ,  225 , and  232 . Heat sink  240  may have an outer peripheral wall  244  and an inner peripheral wall  246  extending from a radially extending wall  242 . The inner surfaces of outer peripheral wall  244  and inner peripheral wall  246  may be reflective and disposed to reflect light emitted by LEDs  108  out of the light projecting end of outer case  214 . Outer peripheral wall  244  may be configured to be disposed to conduct heat to outer case  214  and/or heat sink  212 . Heat sink  240  may be configured to dispose LED support  206  on radially extending wall  242 . LED support  206  may be configured to support a plurality of LEDs  108  and may comprise a Metal Core Printed Circuit Board (MCPCB), a Chip on Board (COB), and/or other LED support devices or materials as are known in the art. Advantageously, LED support comprises a heat conductive material and is configured to conduct heat generated by LEDs  108  to heat sink  240 . 
       FIG. 8  shows the disposition of the component parts in assembled lamp  200  and convective air currents therethrough. LED Lamp  200  may have driver heat sink  216  disposed between connector  118  and thermal insulator  213 . Driver heat sink  216  may be configured to house to house circuitry for driving LEDs  108 . Driver heat sink  216  may have vent openings  220  disposed therein to cool circuitry. Thermal insulator  213  may be configured and disposed to connect driver heat sink  216  to outer case  214 . Outer case  214  may be configured and disposed to extend from thermal insulator  213  to an upper light projecting end. Outer case  214  may comprise a plurality of vent openings  222  configured and disposed to allow convective air flow through LED lamp  200 . Vented cap  234  may be configured and disposed about the light projecting end of outer case  214 . Vented cap  234  may comprise a plurality of vent openings  232  configured to be in flow communication with vent openings  220  and  222 . 
     Heat sink  212  may be disposed within outer case  214  and may be a separate component part of LED lamp  200 . Heat sink  212  may comprise an outer peripheral portion  231  disposed against an inner surface of outer case  214 , proximate its light projecting end, and may be configured and disposed to provide conductive heat transfer to outer case  214 . Step portion  229  may extend inward from outer peripheral portion  231  and may be configured to dispose LEDs  108 . Heat sink  212  may comprise frustoconical portion  228  extending inwardly from outer peripheral portion  231  or stepped portion  229 . Frustoconical portion  228  may extend toward connector  118  and may comprise a plurality of vent openings  225 , configured and disposed to be in flow communication vent openings  220 ,  222 , and  232 . Frustoconical portion  228  may be configured and disposed to provide convective heat transfer to air flowing through vent openings  220 ,  222 ,  225 , and  232 . Frustoconical portion  228  may comprise a plurality of vent openings  225  therein, wherein each vent opening  225  may have a tab  226  extending from an end thereof. Each tab  226  may be configured and disposed to provide convective heat transfer to air flowing through outer case  214 . Frustoconical portion  228  may have frustoconical portion  227  extending from the terminal end thereof. Frustoconical portion  227  may extend toward the light opening end of outer case  214 . Frustoconical portion  227  may comprise a vent opening central with LEDs  108  and may be configured to extend beyond LEDs  108 . 
     Heat sink  240  may be disposed about LEDS  108 . Heat sink  240  and may be configured to conduct heat generated with by LEDs  108  and transfer the conducted heat to air flowing through vent openings  220 ,  222 ,  225 , and  232 . Heat sink  240  may have an outer peripheral wall  244  and an inner peripheral wall  246  extending from a radially extending wall  242 . Outer peripheral wall  244  may be configured and disposed to conduct heat to outer case  214  and/or heat sink  212 . Heat sink  240  may be configured to dispose LED support  206  on radially extending wall  242 . LED support  206  may be disposed to support a plurality of LEDs  108  and comprise a heat conductive material. 
     LED lamp  200  has a substantially open cavity within outer case  214 . Individual component heat sinks  212  and  240  are disposed within the cavity in outer case  214 , each configured to transfer heat from LEDs  108  to convective air flowing through lamp  200 . The direction of natural convective air flow pathways through LED lamp  200  are dependent on the orientation in which LED lamp is positioned. 
     Examples of natural convective air flow pathways through LED lamp  200  are shown in  FIG. 8  wherein LED lamp  200  is oriented with a light projecting end pointed up. Natural convective air flow pathway  233  shows that air may enter air vents  220 , pass through driver heat sink  216  and thermal insulator  213  and enter outer case  214 . The convective air may then flow about tabs  226  and frustoconical portion  227  of heat sink  212  and inner peripheral wall  246  of heat sink  240 . The air may then exit heat from LED lamp  200  through vent openings  232 . Natural convective air flow pathway  239  shows that air may enter vents  220 , pass through driver heat sink  216  and thermal insulator  213  and enter outer case  214 . The convective air may then flow through frustoconical portion  227  of heat sink  212  and remove heat from LED lamp  200  through vent openings  232 . Natural convective air flow pathway  237  shows that air may enter air vents  222  and flow through frustoconical portion  227  of heat sink  212  and remove heat from LED lamp  200  through vent openings  232 . Natural convective air flow pathway  235  shows that air may enter air vents  222  and flow about tabs  226  and frustoconical portion  227  of heat sink  212  and inner peripheral wall  246  of heat sink  240  and remove heat from LED lamp  200  through vent openings  232 . It is to be understood that there may be a multitude of natural convective air flow pathways about component parts of LED lamp  200 . 
       FIG. 9  shows that the multi-component lamp of the present disclosure may be potted. Potting compound III may be introduced into inner body  110  wherein it may fill a substantial portion of inner body  110  and connector  118 . Potting compound III may comprise a polymeric material, such as a thermosetting compound, and/or other potting compounds as are known in the art. Potting compound III may be configured and disposed to evenly distribute the heat therein and communicate it to the outer surface of the inner body  110 . Additionally, potting compound III may be disposed to encase circuitry in connector  118  and/or inner body  110  and be configured to provide resistance to shock and vibration, and the exclusion of moisture and corrosive agents. In this aspect of the multi-component lamp, there may be minimal or no air flow through inner body  110  and there may be no vent openings in a lower portion of inner body  110 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Aspects of the present disclosure provide LED lamps that may be retrofitted into existing luminaires. Other aspects of the present disclosure may also provide complete LED fixtures, fixture modules, luminaires, illuminates, or other lighting apparatuses. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may comprise non replaceable LED lamp(s) permanently mounted in a luminaire or other lighting apparatus. In this aspect, the LED lamp(s) may comprise a standard connector or industry standard base configuration or the LED lamp(s) may be a non removable part of the lighting apparatus and may not comprise an industry standard base configuration. 
     Some examples of LEDs that may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,552, entitled “Semiconductor light emitting diode producing visible light”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,052, entitled “Light emitting diode”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,930, entitled “Materials for multicolor light emitting diodes”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,085, entitled “Red-emitting organic light emitting devices (OLED&#39;s)”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,813, entitled “Chip-type LED and process of manufacturing the same”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,117, entitled “Method for producing high brightness LED”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,571, entitled “Phosphor for white LED and a white LED”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,285,802, entitled “Illumination assembly and method of making same”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,831, entitled “Adapting short-wavelength LED&#39;s for polychromatic, broadband, or “white” emission”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,838,317, entitled “Vertical nitride semiconductor light emitting diode and method of manufacturing the same”. 
     Some examples of LED supports that may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 7,674,987, entitled “Multilayer printed circuit board”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,903,938, entitled “Printed circuit board”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,174, entitled “Apparatus to connect LEDs at display panel to circuit board”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,432,450, entitled “Printed circuit board”, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,330, entitled “Printed circuit board assembly”. 
     Some examples of collimators that may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,423, entitled “LED collimation optics with improved performance and reduced size”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,654,175, entitled “Integrated LED/photodiode collimator array”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,927,919, entitled “Collimating lens, collimating system, and image displaying apparatus using collimating system”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,994, entitled “Collimating lens for LED lamp”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,526,162, entitled “Collimator”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,580,192, entitled “Collimation lens system for LED”; and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20070159847, entitled “Collimating lens for LED lamp”. 
     Some examples of circuitry that may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,679, entitled “Led light bulb”; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20090289267, entitled “Solid state led bridge rectifier light engine”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,679,292, entitled “LED lights with matched AC voltage using rectified circuitry”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,392, entitled “High efficiency LED driver”; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20100084990, entitled “Dimmable LED lamp”; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20070069663, entitled “Solid state LED bridge rectifier light engine”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,570,505, entitled “LED lamp with a fault-indicating impedance-changing circuit”. 
     The patents, patent applications, and patent publication listed above in the preceding 4 paragraphs are herein incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety. The purpose of incorporating U.S. patents is solely to provide additional information relating to technical features of one or more embodiments, which information may not be completely disclosed in the wording in the pages of this application. Words relating to the opinions and judgments of the author and not directly relating to the technical details of the description of the embodiments therein are not incorporated by reference. The words all, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee, particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly, continually, expediently, need, must, only, perpetual, precise, perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, and unnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to the above-mentioned words in this sentence, when not used to describe technical features of one or more embodiments, are not considered to be incorporated by reference herein. 
     The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure. 
     AT LEAST A PARTIAL LIST OF NOMENCLATURE 
     
         
           100  Multi-Component LED Lamp 
           102  Vented Cap 
           104  Lens 
           106  LED Support 
           108  LED 
           110  Inner Body 
           111  Potting Compound 
           112  Heat Sink 
           114  Outer Case 
           116  Insulator 
           118  Connector 
           120  Vent Openings in Outer Case 
           122  Vent Openings in Outer Case 
           124  Vent Opening in Heat Sink 
           125  Vent Openings 
           126  Tab 
           127  Inner Portion of Heat Sink 
           128  Inner Body Connector 
           130  Connecting Pin 
           131  Convective Air Flow Pathway 
           132  Vent Opening in Vented Cap 
           133  Convective Air Flow Pathway 
           134  Outer Portion of Vented Cap 
           135  Convective Air Flow Pathway 
           136  Collimator 
           138  Lens Connector 
           200  Multi-Component LED Lamp 
           206  LED Support 
           212  Heat Sink 
           213  Thermal Insulator 
           214  Outer Case 
           216  Driver Heat Sink 
           220  Vent Openings 
           222  Vent Openings 
           225  Vent Openings 
           226  Tab 
           227  Frustoconical Portion of Heat Sink 
           228  Frustoconical Portion of Heat Sink 
           229  Step Portion of Heat Sink 
           231  Outer Peripheral Portion of Heat Sink 
           232  Vent Openings 
           233  Convective Air Flow Pathway 
           234  Vented Cap 
           235  Convective Air Flow Pathway 
           237  Convective Air Flow Pathway 
           239  Convective Air Flow Pathway 
           240  Heat Sink 
           242  Radially Extending Wall of Heat Sink  240   
           244  Outer Peripheral Wall of Heat Sink  240   
           246  Inner Peripheral Wall of Heat Sink  240