Abstract:
A lighting device for an opening of a recessed light fixture includes a plate for mounting at the opening of the recessed light fixture, the plate having a first side for facing the recessed light fixture and a second side opposite to the first side, a light emitting diode lighting panel attached at the second side of the plate, and a power supply unit for insertion into a socket of the recessed light fixture, wherein the power supply unit is for providing power to the light emitting diode panel.

Description:
[0001]    This invention claims the benefit of the Provisional Patent Application No. 60/907,155 filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 22, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The embodiments of the invention relate to a lighting device. Although embodiments of the invention are suitable for a wide scope of applications, they are particularly suitable to a lighting device for a recessed light fixture. 
         [0003]    Various light fixtures are used to illuminate interior spaces. These include candelabras, chandeliers, track lighting and recessed light fixtures. The latter are used when the lighting bulbs are to be hidden from view or otherwise unobtrusive. Most commonly, incandescent lighting is used in recessed light fixtures. 
         [0004]      FIG. 1A  shows a prior art recessed can light fixture.  FIG. 1B  shows a bottom view of the recessed can light fixture of  FIG. 1A . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the recessed can light fixture  100  includes a can  101  for holding a light bulb  150 . The can is affixed to the ceiling  1  using the affixing tabs  102   a  and  102   b . The light fixture  10  includes a socket  103  into which an end of the light bulb  150  is inserted to provide electrical power to the light bulb  150 . 
         [0005]    The recessed can light fixture  100  also includes springs  104   a  and  104   b  for retaining a beauty ring  105  that covers the bottom edge  101   a  of the can  101 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . The beauty ring  105  is shown in profile in  FIG. 1A  and from the bottom in  FIG. 2A . The purpose of the beauty ring  105  is to completely cover the edge  101   a  of the can  101 , so only the light bulb  150  and the beauty ring  105  are visible when the can  101  is viewed from below, as shown in  FIG. 1B . Further, the beauty ring  105  covers the bottom edge  101   a  of the can  101 . 
         [0006]    A recent trend in interior lighting is to replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are advantageous over incandescent bulbs primarily because of their greater longevity and higher efficiency. In many cases, fluorescent bulbs can increase operating efficiencies several-fold without substantially sacrificing brightness, lighting quality or color. Fluorescent bulbs are used in recessed light fixtures as well with the same advantages. 
         [0007]    Interior lighting based on the use of light emitting diode technology is still relatively new. However, light emitting diode technology provides lighting capabilities at far greater efficiency than can be provided by fluorescent bulbs. Recent improvements have raised the brightness and lighting quality of light emitting diode light fixtures up to the standards of incandescent bulbs. However, light emitting diodes in the light emitting diode lighting panels used in light fixtures of various types are susceptible to overheating. When overheating occurs, the efficiency and lifetime of the light emitting diodes decreases. In some cases, overheating may lead to catastrophic failure in the light emitting diodes and/or create safety hazards. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a lighting device that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
         [0009]    An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a lighting device with a light emitting diode panel that can be affixed to a recessed fixture. 
         [0010]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a lighting device for a recessed fixture in which the light emitting diode panel is removably connected to a power supply. 
         [0011]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a lighting device in which a light emitting diode panel is affixed to a plate near the opening of the recessed fixture. 
         [0012]    Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or is learned by practice of embodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0013]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, a lighting device for an opening of a recessed light fixture includes a plate for mounting at the opening of the recessed light fixture, the plate having a first side for facing the recessed light fixture and a second side opposite to the first side, a light emitting diode lighting panel attached at the second side of the plate, and a power supply unit for insertion into a socket of the recessed light fixture, wherein the power supply unit is for providing power to the light emitting diode panel. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, a lighting device for an opening of a recessed light fixture includes a plate for mounting at the opening of the recessed light fixture, the plate having a first side for facing the recessed light fixture and a second side opposite to the first side, a light emitting diode lighting panel attached at the second side of the plate, the light emitting diode lighting panel having a first connector, and a power supply unit for insertion into a socket of the recessed light fixture, wherein the power supply unit has a second connector for connecting to the first connector. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, a lighting device for an opening of a recessed light fixture includes a plate for mounting at the opening of the recessed light fixture, the plate having a first side for facing the recessed light fixture and a second side opposite to the first side, a light emitting diode lighting panel attached at the second side of the plate, the light emitting diode lighting panel including a flexible strip of light emitting diodes, attachment mechanisms for affixing the light emitting diode lighting panel at the second side of the plate, and a power supply unit for insertion into a socket of the recessed light fixture, wherein the power supply unit has a second connector for connecting to the first connector. 
         [0016]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of embodiments of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding, of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1A  shows a prior art recessed can light fixture; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  shows a bottom view of the recessed can light fixture of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel retained by fixed posts; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  shows a top view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel retained by pinch-pins; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel retained by spade connectors; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel retained by bolts; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel having ventilation holes and retained by bolts; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel having ventilation holes and retained by bolts; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 7B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 7A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations is made in the embodiments of the invention, the lighting device, without departing from its spirit or scope. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel retained by fixed posts.  FIG. 2B  shows a top view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the recessed can light fixture  200  includes a can  201  for containing electrical connections and a light emitting diode panel  250 . 
         [0034]    The can  201  is affixed to the ceiling  1  using the affixing tabs  202   a  and  202   b . The affixing tabs  202   a  and  202   b  are either an integral part of the can  201 , or separate parts that fit into the can walls via a tab and slot mechanism (not shown). The can  201  is cylindrically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 1A . Alternatively, the can  201  has one of a number of different shapes, including that of a rectangular prism or a prism, with a triangular cross section. Alternatively, the can  201  has a spherical, semi-spherical, a shape with a circular cross section or other elliptical shape. The can  201  is made from metal, plastic or a combination thereof. The can  201  has a seamless wall. Alternatively, the can  201  has a seam, a hole or ancillary cavities (not shown) in the wall of the can  201 . 
         [0035]    The socket  203  supplies power to the light emitting diode panel  250  through a power supply  260 . The socket  203  can alternatively receive an incandescent light bulb (not shown) or a fluorescent light bulb (not shown). The power supply  260  is electrically connected to the socket  203 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . The light emitting diode panel  250  is then connected to the power supply  260  by connecting the connector  251  of the light emitting diode panel  250  to the connector  261  of the power supply  260 . The power supply  260  contains an AC/DC converter, a transformer and other power conversion devices (not shown). The connector  251  of the light emitting diode panel  250  and the connector  261  of the power supply  260  are reversibly connected, as shown in  FIG. 2A . Alternatively, the connector  251  of the light emitting diode panel  250  and the connector  261  of the power supply  260  are permanently connected. 
         [0036]    The connector  251  of the light emitting diode panel  250  and the connector  261  of the power supply  260  are reversibly connected using a plug and socket type connection, as shown in  FIG. 2A , or pins and sockets, tabs and slits and other types of reversible connectors (not shown). The connector  251  of the light emitting diode panel  250  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  250  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , or the connector  251  of the light emitting diode panel  250  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  250  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). The connector  261  of the power supply  260  is connected to the power supply  260  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , or in the alternative, connector  261  of the power supply  260  is connected to the power supply  260  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). 
         [0037]    Because the connector  251  of the light emitting diode panel  250  and the connector  261  of the power supply  260  are reversibly connected, either component is independently replaceable. In particular, disconnecting the connectors  251  and  261  allows one of the light emitting diode panel  250  and the power supply  260  to be replaced without having to replace the other component. This is useful since the lifetimes of the light emitting diode panel  250  and the power supply  260  differ so as to result in the need to replace one of these components more often than the other. For example, the electronics associated with the power supply  260  could be more prone to overheating and subject to short circuiting and burn-out. Reversibility of the connectors  251  and  261  allows the replacement of either the light emitting diode panel  250  or the power supply  260  as needed. Additionally, the reversibility of connectors  251  and  261  allows quick removal and repair of either the power supply  260  or the light emitting diode panel  250 . 
         [0038]    When the light emitting diode panel  250  and power supply  260  are not installed in the can  201 , a light bulb (not shown) could be inserted into the socket  203  so as to provide electrical power to the light bulb (not shown). The socket  203  is either a single bulb socket, as shown in  FIG. 2A , or is a multiple socket for multiple bulbs (not shown). In another alternative, the socket  203  has other features such as an outlet (not shown) for supplying power to electronic devices (not shown) or additional connections including wires (not shown), additional sockets (not shown) or pin connects (not shown). 
         [0039]    The recessed can light fixture  200  also includes springs  204   a  and  204   b  for retaining a plate  205  near the bottom edge  201   b  of the can  201 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . Alternatively, the plate  205  is affixed to the can  201  by fasteners (not shown) or a fastening mechanism (not shown) other than a spring. The springs  204   a  and  204   b  are fastened directly to the can, as shown in  FIG. 2A . Alternatively, the springs  204   a  and  204   b  are fastened indirectly to the walls of the can  201  through an intermediate part attached to the can  201  or through another portion of the recessed can light fixture  200 . 
         [0040]    The springs  204   a  and  204   b  allow the plate  205  to be temporarily displaced from the can  201  in a direction away from the socket  203 , when the plate is pulled in that direction by the user. Once the user ceases to pull on the plate  205 , the springs  204   a  and  204   b  cause the plate  205  to return to the original configuration shown in  FIG. 2A . The displacement of the plate  205  from the can  201  allowed by the springs  204   a  and  204   b  enable the removal and replacement of the light emitting diode panel  250  and the replacement of the power supply  260 . 
         [0041]    Typically, the plate  205  covers the bottom edge  201   b  of the can  201 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . Alternatively, portions of the plate  205  retaining the light emitting diode panel  250  cover only some portions of the bottom edge  201   b  of the can  201 . The plate  205  could have one of a number of shapes that provide attachment points for the light emitting diode panel  250 , including the ring shape shown in profile in  FIG. 2A . 
         [0042]    The plate  205  has posts  206   a  and  206   b , as shown in  FIG. 2A , for affixing the light emitting diode panel  250 . Although only two posts  206   a  and  206   b  are shown in profile in  FIG. 2A , there are four posts in total on the plate  205  and posts  206   c  and  206   d  are not shown. In the alternative, there could be two, three, five or more posts on the plate  205 . The number of posts in the plate  205  is at least equal to the number of post-accepting eyelets in the light emitting diode panel  250 . 
         [0043]    Each of the posts  206   a  and  206   b  is positioned around the circumference of the plate  205  to correspond to one of the post-accepting eyelets,  252   a - 252   d , respectively, on the light emitting diode panel  250 . Each of the posts  206   a  and  206   b  are placed into the post-accepting eyelets  252   a  and  252   b  of the light emitting diode panel  250  and either snap fastens to a post-accepting eyelet  252   a - 252   d  or is fixed in place by rotating the light emitting diode panel  250  until each of the posts  206   a  and  206   b  is fixed in a post-accepting eyelet  252   a  and  252   b . The fixed posts  206   a  and  206   b  lock the light emitting diode panel  250  to the plate  205  until the fixed posts  206   a  and  206   b  are deliberately dislodged from the post-accepting eyelets  252   a - 252   d  by the user either by pulling or rotating the light emitting diode panel  250 . 
         [0044]    The plate  205  has bumps  205   a  and  205   b  holding the plate  205  away from the ceiling  1  to provide ventilation to the interior  201   a  of the can  201  where the power supply  260  and the light emitting diode panel  250  are located. Two bumps, as shown in  FIG. 2A , or more than two bumps can be provide on the plate  205  to further stabilize the plate  205  with respect to the ceiling  1 . Air passages between the ceiling  1  and the plate  205  are created by the bumps  205   a  and  205   b  for ventilation. Such air passages cool both the power supply  260  and light emitting diode panel  250  both of which can heat-up, during normal operation, to temperatures that could degrade the operating efficiency or the lifetime of the power supply  260  and light emitting diode panel  250 . Cooling due to ventilation created by the bumps  205   a  and  205   b  prolongs the lifetime of the power supply  260 , light emitting diode panel  250  and other electronics or connections (not shown) in the can  201 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 2A , the light emitting diode panel  250  can also have a lens  270  for dispersing the light produced by the light emitting diodes (not shown) of the light emitting diode panel  250 . The lens  270  distributes the light emitted by the light emitting diode panel  250  to light interior spaces more efficiently. In the alternative, the lens  270  also includes reflective surfaces to increase the refraction of redirected light, or to redirect light to specific targets. In another alternative, the lens  270  has more than one lens for both focusing and dispersion of the light created by the light emitting diode panel  250 . In yet another alternative, the lens  270  further includes one or several optical elements (not shown), such as light guide panels, convex or concave lenses, filters, parabolic, flat mirrors, shaped-mirrors, polarizers or light blocking devices (not shown). 
         [0046]      FIG. 3A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel retained by pinch-pins.  FIG. 3B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel with pinch-pins of  FIG. 3A . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the recessed can light fixture  300  includes a can  301  for containing electrical connections and a light emitting diode panel  350 . 
         [0047]    The can  301  is affixed to the ceiling  1  using the affixing tabs  302   a  and  302   b . The affixing tabs  302   a  and  302   b  are either an integral part of the can  301 , or fit into the can walls via a tab and slot mechanism (not shown). The can  301  is cylindrically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 3A . Alternatively, the can  301  has one of a number of different shapes including that of a rectangular prism or a prism with a triangular cross section. Alternatively, the can  301  has a spherical, semi-spherical, a shape with a circular cross section or other elliptical shape. The can  301  is made from metal, plastic or a combination thereof. The can  301  has a seamless wall. Alternatively, the can  301  has a seam, holes or ancillary cavities (not shown) in the walls of the can  301 . 
         [0048]    The socket  303  supplies power to the light emitting diode panel  350  through a power supply  360 . The socket  303  can alternatively receive an incandescent light bulb (not shown) or a fluorescent light bulb (not shown). The power supply  360  is electrically connected to the socket  303 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . The light emitting diode panel  350  is then connected to the power supply  360  by connecting the connector  351  of the light emitting diode panel  350  to the connector  361  of the power supply  360 . The power supply  360  contains an AC/DC converter, a transformer and other power conversion devices (not shown). The connector  351  of the light emitting diode panel  350  and the connector  361  of the power supply  360  are reversibly connected, as shown in  FIG. 3A . Alternatively, the connector  351  of the light emitting diode panel  350  and the connector  361  of the power supply  360  are permanently connected. 
         [0049]    The connector  351  of the light emitting diode panel  350  and the connector  361  of the power supply  360  are reversibly connected using a plug and a socket type connection, as shown in  FIG. 3A , or pins and sockets, tabs and slits and other types of reversible connectors (not shown). The connector  351  of the light emitting diode panel  350  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  350  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , or the connector  351  of the light emitting diode panel  350  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  350  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). The connector  361  of the power supply  360  is connected to the power supply  360  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , or in the alternative, connector  361  of the power supply  360  is connected to the power supply  360  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). 
         [0050]    Because the connector  351  of the light emitting diode panel  350  and the connector  361  of the power supply  360  are reversibly connected, either component is independently replaceable. In particular, disconnecting the connectors  351  and  361  allows one of the light emitting diode panel  350  and the power supply  360  to be removed without having to remove the other component. This is useful since the lifetimes of the light emitting diode panel  350  and the power supply  360  differ so as to result in the need to replace one of these components more often than the other. For example, the electronics associated with the power supply  360  could be more prone to overheating and subject to short circuiting and burn-out. Reversibility of the connectors  351  and  361  allows the replacement of either the light emitting diode panel  350  or the power supply  360  as needed. Additionally, the reversibility of connectors  351  and  361  allows quick removal and repair of either the power supply  360  or the light emitting diode panel  350 . 
         [0051]    When the light emitting diode panel  350  and power supply  360  are not installed in the can  301 , a light bulb (not shown) can be inserted into the socket  303  so as to provide electrical power to the light bulb (not shown). The socket  303  is either a single bulb socket, as shown in  FIG. 3A , or is a multiple socket for multiple bulbs (not shown). In another alternative, the socket  303  has other features, such as an outlet (not shown) for supplying power to electronic devices (not shown) or additional connections including wires (not shown), additional sockets (not shown) or pin connects (not shown). 
         [0052]    The recessed can light fixture  300  also includes springs  304   a  and  304   b  for retaining a plate  305  near the bottom edge  31   b  of the can  301 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . Alternatively, the plate  305  is affixed to the can  301  by fasteners (not shown) or a fastening mechanism (not shown) other than a spring. The springs  304   a  and  304   b  are fastened directly to the can  301 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . Alternatively, the springs  304   a  and  304   b  are fastened indirectly to the walls of the can through an intermediate part attached to the can  301  or through another portion of the recessed can light fixture  300 . 
         [0053]    The springs  304   a  and  304   b  allow the plate  305  to be temporarily displaced from the can in a direction away from the socket  303 , when the plate is pulled in that direction by the user. Once the user ceases to pull on the plate  305 , the springs  304   a  and  304   b  cause the plate  305  to return to the original configuration shown in  FIG. 3A . The displacement of the plate  305  from the can  301  allowed by the he springs  304   a  and  304   b  enable the removal and replacement of the light emitting diode panel  350  and the replacement of the power supply  360 . 
         [0054]    Typically, the plate  305  covers the bottom edge  301   b  of the can  301 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . Alternatively, portions of the plate  305  do not cover some portions of the bottom edge  301   b  of the can  301  that do not retain the light emitting diode panel  350 . The plate  305  could have one of a number of shapes, including the ring shape shown in profile in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0055]    The light emitting diode panel could have pinch-pins  352   a - 352   d , the plate  305  has pinch-pin accepting holes  306   a  and  306   b  and the ceiling  1  has pinch-pin accepting holes  1   a  and  1   b , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , for affixing the light emitting diode panel  350 . Although the profile view of  FIG. 3A  only shows two pinch-pin accepting holes  306   a  and  306   b  in the plate  305  and two pinch-pin accepting holes  1   a  and  1   b  in the ceiling  1 , there are four pinch-pin accepting holes in total on the plate  305  and four pinch-pin accepting holes in total in the ceiling  1 . In the alternative, there could be two, three, five or more pinch-pin accepting holes and pinch-pins. The number of pinch-pin accepting holes in both the plate  305  and the ceiling  1  is at least equal to the number of pinch-pins. Each of the pinch-pin accepting holes  306   a  and  306   b  in the plate  305  and each of the pinch-pin accepting holes  1   a  and  1   b  in the ceiling  1  is positioned around the circumference of the plate  305  to correspond to a pinch-pin,  352   a  and  352   b , respectively. 
         [0056]    To attach the light emitting diode panel  350 , each of the pinch-pins  352   a  and  352   b  is collapsed by pinching (not shown) and then inserted into the respective pinch-pin accepting hole  306   a  and  306   b  in the plate  305  and the respective pinch-pin accepting hole  1   a  and  1   b  in the ceiling  1 . Subsequently, each of the pinch-pins  352   a  and  352   b  is released. The action of releasing the pinch-pins  352   a  and  352   b  inside the pinch-pin accepting holes  306   a  and  306   b , and  1   a  and  1   b , allows the pinch-pins  352   a  and  352   b  to expand, push on the walls of the pinch-pin accepting holes  306   a  and  306   b  and  1   a  and  1   b  and, thereby, create a force between the pinch-pins  352   a  and  352   b  and the plate  305  that prevents the light emitting diode panel  350  from separating from the plate  305 . In other words, the light emitting diode panel  350  is affixed to the plate  305  by the pinch-pins  352   a - 352   d . The light emitting diode panel  350  is separated from the plate  305  by pinching the pinch-pins  352   a - 352   d  and sliding the light emitting diode panel  350  downward until each of the pinch-pins  352   a - 352   d  exits the respective pinch-pin accepting holes in the ceiling  1  and then exits the respective pinch-pin accepting hole  306   a  and  306   b  in the plate  305 . 
         [0057]    The plate  305  has bumps  305   a  and  305   b  holding the plate  305  away from the ceiling  1  to provide ventilation to the interior  301   a  of the can  301  so as to dissipate heat from the power supply  360  and the light emitting diode panel  350 . There can be two bumps, as shown in  FIG. 3A , or more than two bumps to further stabilize the plate  305  with respect to the ceiling  1 . Ventilation from air passages created by the bumps  305   a  and  305   b  cools both the power supply  360  and light emitting diode panel  350  both of which can heat, during normal operation, to temperatures that could degrade the operating efficiency or the lifetime of the power supply  360  and light emitting diode panel  350 . Cooling due to ventilation created by the bumps  305   a  and  305   b  prolongs the lifetime of the power supply  360 , light emitting diode panel  350  and other electronics or connections (not shown) in the can  301 . 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , the light emitting diode panel  350  also has a lens  370  for dispersing the light produced by the light emitting diodes (not shown) of the light emitting diode panel  350 . The lens  370  distributes the light emitted by the light emitting diode panel  350  to light interior spaces more efficiently. In the alternative, the lens  370  also includes reflective surfaces to increase the refraction of redirected light, or to redirect light to specific targets. In another alternative, the lens  370  has more than one lens for both focusing and dispersion of the light created by the light emitting diode panel  350 . In yet another alternative, the lens  370  further includes one or several optical elements (not shown), such as light guide panels, convex or concave lenses, filters, parabolic, flat mirrors, shaped-mirrors, polarizers or light blocking devices (not shown). 
         [0059]      FIG. 4A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel retained by spade connectors.  FIG. 4B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 4A . As shown in  FIG. 4A , the recessed can light fixture  400  includes a can  401  for containing electrical connections and a light emitting diode panel  450 . 
         [0060]    The can  401  is affixed to the ceiling  1  using the affixing tabs  402   a  and  402   b . The affixing tabs  402   a  and  402   b  are an integral part of the can  401 , or fit into the can walls via a tab and slot mechanism (not shown). The can  401  is cylindrically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 4A . Alternatively, the can  401  has one of a number of different shapes including that of a rectangular prism or a prism with a triangular cross section. Alternatively, the can  401  has a spherical, semi-spherical, a shape with a circular cross section or other elliptical shape. The can  401  is made from metal, plastic or a combination thereof. The can  401  has a seamless wall. Alternatively, the can  401  has a seam, holes or ancillary cavities (not shown) in the walls of the can  401 . 
         [0061]    The socket  403  supplies power to the light emitting diode panel  450  through a power supply  460 . The socket  403  can alternatively receive an incandescent light bulb (not shown) or a fluorescent light bulb (not shown). The power supply  460  is electrically connected to the socket  403 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . The light emitting diode panel  450  is then connected to the power supply  460  by connecting the connector  451  of the light emitting diode panel  450  to the connector  461  of the power supply  460 . The power supply  460  contains an AC/DC converter, a transformer and other power conversion devices (not shown). The connector  451  of the light emitting diode panel  450  and the connector  461  of the power supply  460  are reversibly connected, as shown in  FIG. 4A . Alternatively, the connector  451  of the light emitting diode panel  450  and the connector  461  of the power supply  460  are permanently connected. 
         [0062]    The connector  451  of the light emitting diode panel  450  and the connector  461  of the power supply  460  are reversibly connected using a plug and a socket type connection, as shown in  FIG. 4A , or pins and sockets, tabs and slits and other types of reversible connectors (not shown). The connector  451  of the light emitting diode panel  450  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  450  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , or the connector  451  of the light emitting diode panel  450  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  450  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). The connector  461  of the power supply  460  is connected to the power supply  460  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , or in the alternative, connector  461  of the power supply  460  is connected to the power supply  460  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). 
         [0063]    Because the connector  451  of the light emitting diode panel  450  and the connector  461  of the power supply  460  are reversibly connected, either component is independently replaceable. In particular, disconnecting the connectors  451  and  461  allows one of the light emitting diode panel  450  and the power supply  460  to be removed without having to remove the other component. This is useful since the lifetimes of the light emitting diode panel  450  and the power supply  460  differ so as to result in the need to replace one of these components more often than the other. For example, the electronics associated with the power supply  460  could be more prone to overheating and subject to short circuiting and burn-out. Reversibility of the connectors  451  and  461  allows the replacement of either the light emitting diode panel  450  or the power supply  460  on the appropriate time scale. Additionally, the reversibility of connectors  451  and  461  allows the quick removal and repair of either the power supply  460  or the light emitting diode panel  450 . 
         [0064]    When the light emitting diode panel  450  and power supply  460  are not installed in the can  401 , a light bulb (not shown) could be inserted into the socket  403  so as to provide electrical power to the light bulb (not shown). The socket  403  is either a single bulb socket, as shown in  FIG. 4A , or is a multiple socket for multiple bulbs (not shown). In another alternative, the socket  403  has other features such as an outlet (not shown) for supplying power to electronic devices (not shown) or additional connections including wires (not shown), additional sockets (not shown) or pin connects (not shown). 
         [0065]    The recessed can light fixture  400  also includes springs  404   a  and  404   b  for retaining a plate  405  near the bottom edge  401   b  of the can  401 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . Alternatively, the plate  405  is affixed to the can  401  by fasteners (not shown) or a fastening mechanism (not shown) other than a spring. The springs  404   a  and  404   b  are fastened directly to the can, as shown in  FIG. 4A . Alternatively, the springs  404   a  and  404   b  are fastened indirectly to the walls of the can through an intermediate part attached to the can  401  or through another portion of the recessed can light fixture  400 . 
         [0066]    The springs  404   a  and  404   b  allow the plate  405  to be temporarily displaced from the can in a direction away from the socket  403 , when the plate is pulled in that direction by the user. Once the user ceases to pull on the plate  405 , the springs  404   a  and  404   b  cause the plate  405  to return to the original configuration shown in  FIG. 4A . The displacement of the plate  405  from the can  401  allowed by the springs  404   a  and  404   b  enable the removal and replacement of the light emitting diode panel  450  and the replacement of the power supply  460 . Typically, the plate  405  covers the bottom edge  401   b  of the can  401 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . Alternatively, portions of the plate  405  do not cover some portions of the bottom edge  401   b  of the can  401  that do not retain the light emitting diode panel  450 . The plate  405  could have one of a number of shapes, including the ring shape shown in profile in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0067]    The light emitting diode panel  450  has spade connectors  452   a - 452   d , the plate  405  has spade connector accepting holes  406   a  and  406   b  and the ceiling has spade connector accepting holes  1   a  and  1   b  as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , for affixing the light emitting diode panel  450 . Although the profile view of  FIG. 3A  only shows two spade connector accepting holes  406   a  and  406   b  in the plate  405  and two spade connector accepting holes  1   a  and  1   b  in the ceiling  1 , there are four spade connector accepting holes in total on the plate  405  and four spade connector accepting holes in total in the ceiling  1 . In the alternative, there could be two, three, five or more spade connector accepting holes and spade connectors. The number of spade connector accepting holes in the plate  405  and number of spade connector accepting holes in the ceiling  1  are at least equal to the number of spade connectors in the light emitting diode panel  450 . Each of the four spade connector accepting holes in the plate  405  and each of the four spade connector accepting holes in the ceiling  1  is positioned around the circumference of the plate  405  to correspond to a spade connector,  452   a ,  452   b ,  452   c  and  452   d , respectively. 
         [0068]    To mount the plate  405 , each of the spade connectors  452   a  and  452   b  is collapsed by pinching (not shown) and inserted into the respective spade connector accepting hole  406   a  and  406   b  in the plate  405  and into the respective spade connector accepting holes in the ceiling  1 . Subsequently, each of the spade connectors  452   a  and  452   b  is released. The action of releasing the spade connectors  452   a  and  452   b  inside spade connector accepting holes  1   a  and  1   b , allows the spade connectors to expand, push on the walls of the spade connector accepting holes and, thereby, create a force between the spade connectors  452   a  and  452   b  and the plate  405  that prevents the light emitting diode panel  450  from separating from the plate  405 . In other words, the light emitting diode panel  450  is affixed to the plate  405 . The light emitting diode panel  450  is separated from the plate  405  by pinching the spade connectors  452   a  and  452   b  and sliding the light emitting diode panel  450  downward until each of the spade connectors  452   a  and  452   b  first exits the respective spade connector accepting hole in the ceiling  1  and then exits the respective spade connector accepting hole in the plate  405 . 
         [0069]    The plate  405  has bumps  405   a  and  405   b  holding the plate  405  away from the ceiling  1  to provide ventilation to the interior  401   a  of the can  401  so as to dissipate heat from the power supply  460  and the light emitting diode panel  450 . There can be two bumps, as shown in  FIG. 4A , or more than two bumps to further stabilize the plate  405  with respect to the ceiling  1 . Ventilation from the air passages (not shown) created by the bumps  405   a  and  405   b  cools both the power supply  460  and light emitting diode panel  450  both of which can heat, during normal operation, to temperatures that could degrade the operating efficiency or the lifetime of the power supply  460  and light emitting diode panel  450 . Cooling due to ventilation created by the bumps  405   a  and  405   b  prolongs the lifetime of the power supply  460 , light emitting diode panel  450  and other electronics or connections (not shown) in the can  401 . 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the light emitting diode panel  450  also has a lens  470  for dispersing the light produced by the light emitting diodes (not shown) of the light emitting diode panel  450 . The lens  470  distributes the light emitted by the light emitting diode panel  450  to light interior spaces more efficiently. In the alternative, the lens  470  also includes reflective surfaces to increase the refraction of redirected light, or to redirect light to specific targets. In another alternative, the lens  470  has more than one lens for both focusing and dispersion of the light created by the light emitting diode panel  450 . In yet another alternative, the lens  470  further includes one or several optical elements (not shown), such as light guide panels, convex or concave lenses, filters, parabolic, flat mirrors, shaped-mirrors, polarizers or light blocking devices (not shown). 
         [0071]      FIG. 5A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel retained by bolts.  FIG. 5B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 5A . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the recessed can light fixture  500  includes a can  501  for containing electrical connections and a light emitting diode panel  550 . 
         [0072]    The can  501  is affixed to the ceiling  1  using the affixing tabs  502   a  and  502   b . The affixing tabs  502   a  and  502   b  are either a part of the can  501 , or fit into the can walls via a tab and slot mechanism (not shown). The can  501  is cylindrically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 5A . Alternatively, the can  501  has one of a number of different shapes including that of a rectangular prism or a prism with a triangular cross section. Alternatively, the can  501  has a spherical, semi-spherical, a shape with a circular cross section or other elliptical shape. The can  501  is made from metal, plastic or a combination thereof. The can  501  has a seamless wall. Alternatively, the can  501  has a seam, holes or ancillary cavities (not shown) in the walls of the can  501 . 
         [0073]    The socket  503  supplies power to the light emitting diode panel  550  through a power supply  560 . The socket  503  can alternatively receive an incandescent light bulb (not shown) or a fluorescent light bulb (not shown). The power supply  560  is electrically connected to the socket  503 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . The light emitting diode panel  550  is then connected to the power supply  560  by connecting the connector  551  of the light emitting diode panel  550  to the connector  561  of the power supply  560 . The power supply  560  contains an AC/DC converter, a transformer and other power conversion devices (not shown). The connector  551  of the light emitting diode panel  550  and the connector  561  of the power supply  560  are reversibly connected, as shown in  FIG. 5A . Alternatively, the connector  551  of the light emitting diode panel  550  and the connector  561  of the power supply  560  are permanently connected. 
         [0074]    The connector  551  of the light emitting diode panel  550  and the connector  561  of the power supply  560  are reversibly connected using a plug and a socket type connection, as shown in  FIG. 5A , or pins and sockets, tabs and slits and other types of reversible connectors (not shown). The connector  551  of the light emitting diode panel  550  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  550  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , or the connector  551  of the light emitting diode panel  550  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  550  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). The connector  561  of the power supply  560  is connected to the power supply  560  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , or in the alternative, connector  561  of the power supply  560  is connected to the power supply  560  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). 
         [0075]    Because the connector  551  of the light emitting diode panel  550  and the connector  561  of the power supply  560  are reversibly connected, either component is independently replaceable. In particular, disconnecting the connectors  551  and  561  allows one of the light emitting diode panel  550  and the power supply  560  to be removed without having to remove the other component. This is useful since the lifetimes of the light emitting diode panel  550  and the power supply  560  differ so as to result in the need to replace one of these components more often than the other. For example, the electronics associated with the power supply  560  could be more prone to overheating and subject to short circuiting and burn-out. Reversibility of the connectors  551  and  561  allows the replacement of either the light emitting diode panel  550  or the power supply  560  as needed. Additionally, the reversibility of connectors  551  and  561  allows the quick removal and repair of either the power supply  560  or the light emitting diode panel  550 . 
         [0076]    When the light emitting diode panel  550  and power supply  560  are not installed in the can  501 , a light bulb (not shown) could be inserted into the socket  503  so as to provide electrical power to the light bulb (not shown). The socket  503  is either a single bulb socket, as shown in  FIG. 5A , or is a multiple socket for multiple bulbs (not shown). In another alternative, the socket  503  has other features such as an outlet (not shown) for supplying power to electronic devices (not shown) or additional connections including wires (not shown), additional sockets (not shown) or pin connects (not shown). 
         [0077]    The recessed can light fixture  500  also includes springs  504   a  and  504   b  for retaining a plate  505  near the bottom edge  501   b  of the can  501 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . Alternatively, the plate  505  is affixed to the can  501  by fasteners (not shown) or a fastening mechanism (not shown) other than a spring. The springs  504   a  and  504   b  are fastened directly to the can, as shown in  FIG. 5A . Alternatively, the springs  504   a  and  504   b  are fastened indirectly to the walls of the can through an intermediate part attached to the can  501  or through another portion of the recessed can light fixture  500 . 
         [0078]    The springs  504   a  and  504   b  allow the plate  505  to be temporarily displaced from the can in a direction away from the socket  503 , when the plate is pulled in that direction by the user. Once the user ceases to pull on the plate  505 , the springs  504   a  and  504   b  cause the plate  505  to return to the original configuration shown in  FIG. 5A . The displacement of the plate  505  from the can  501  allowed by the springs  504   a  and  504   b  enable the removal and replacement of the light emitting diode panel  550  and the replacement of the power supply  560 . Typically, the plate  505  covers the bottom edge  501   b  of the can  501 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . Alternatively, portions of the plate  505  do not cover some portions of the bottom edge  501   b  of the can  501  if those portions of the plate  505  do not retain the light emitting diode panel  550 . The plate  505  could have one of a number of shapes, including the ring shape shown in profile in  FIG. 5A . 
         [0079]    The light emitting diode panel  550  has bolt accepting holes  552   a - 552   d  and the plate  505  has threaded bolt accepting holes  506   a  and  506   b , as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , for affixing the light emitting diode panel  550 . In addition, the light fixture  500  has bolts  507   a  and  507   b  and a beauty ring  508 . The beauty ring  508 , which has an annular shape, is shown in profile in  FIG. 5A . The purpose of the beauty ring  508  covers the bolt accepting holes  552   a  and  552   b  of the light emitting diode panel  550  and bolts  507   a  and  507   b . The beauty ring  508  is annular in shape, as shown in profile in  FIG. 5A , or has one of a number of other shapes including that of a square, triangle or ellipse. 
         [0080]    Although only two threaded bolt accepting holes  506   a  and  506   b  and two corresponding bolts  507   a  and  507   b  are shown in profile in  FIG. 5A , there are four threaded bolt accepting holes and bolts in total. In the alternative, there could be two, three, five or more threaded bolt accepting holes. The number of threaded bolt accepting holes in the plate  505  and the number of bolts are at least equal to the number of bolt accepting holes in the light emitting diode panel  550 . Each of the threaded bolt accepting holes  506   a  and  506   b  are positioned around the circumference of the plate  505  to a corresponding bolt,  507   a  and  507   b , and bolt accepting hole,  552   a  and  552   b , respectively. 
         [0081]    Each of the bolts  507   a  and  507   b  is slid through into a corresponding bolt accepting hole,  552   a  and  552   b , in the light emitting diode panel  550  and then screwed into a corresponding threaded bolt accepting holes  506   a  and  506   b  in the plate  505 . Screwing is accomplished using a screw driver (not shown) and the bolts are one of a number of types, including standard and philips head. The action of screwing the bolts  507   a  and  507   b  into the threaded bolt accepting holes  506   a  and  506   b  affixes the light emitting diode panel  550  to the plate  505 . Once the bolts  507   a  and  507   b  are screwed into the threaded bolt accepting holes  506   a  and  506   b , the beauty ring  508  is then affixed onto the light emitting diode panel  550 . The beauty ring  508  snaps onto the light emitting diode panel  550 , or is affixed by one of a number of other different methods, including using screws, bolts, pins or fasteners (not shown). 
         [0082]    The light emitting diode panel  550  is separated from the plate  505  by the following process. First, each of the bolts  507   a  and  507   b  is unscrewed from the threaded bolt accepting holes  506   a  and  506   b . Subsequently, the bolts  507   a  and  507   b  are removed from the bolt accepting holes,  552   a - 552   d  and the beauty ring  508  is removed. Then the light emitting diode panel  550  is separated from the plate  505 . 
         [0083]    The plate  505  has bumps  505   a  and  505   b  holding the plate  505  away from the ceiling  1  to provide ventilation to the interior  501   a  of the can  501  so as to dissipate heat from the power supply  560  and the light emitting diode panel  550 . There can be two bumps, as shown in  FIG. 5A , or more than two bumps to further stabilize the plate  505  with respect to the ceiling  1 . Ventilation from the air passages (not shown) created by the bumps  505   a  and  505   b  cools both the power supply  560  and light emitting diode panel  550  both of which can heat, during normal operation, to temperatures that could degrade the operating efficiency or the lifetime of the power supply  560  and light emitting diode panel  550 . Cooling due to ventilation created by the bumps  505   a  and  505   b  prolongs the lifetime of the power supply  560 , light emitting diode panel  550  and other electronics or connections (not shown) in the can  501 . 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIG. 5A , the light emitting diode panel  550  also has a lens  570  for dispersing the light produced by the light emitting diodes (not shown) of the light emitting diode panel  550 . The lens  570  distributes the light emitted by the light emitting diode panel  550  to light interior spaces more efficiently. In the alternative, the lens  570  also includes reflective surfaces to increase the refraction of redirected light, or to redirect light to specific targets. In another alternative, the lens  570  has more than one lens for both focusing and dispersion of the light created by the light emitting diode panel  550 . In yet another alternative, the lens  570  further includes one or several optical elements (not shown), such as light guide panels, convex or concave lenses, filters, parabolic, flat mirrors, shaped-mirrors, polarizers or light blocking devices (not shown). 
         [0085]      FIG. 6A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel with ventilation holes retained by bolts.  FIG. 6B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 6A . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the recessed can light fixture  600  includes a can  601  for containing electrical connections and a light emitting diode panel  650 . 
         [0086]    The can  601  is affixed to the ceiling  1  using the affixing tabs  602   a  and  602   b . The affixing tabs  602   a  and  602   b  are a part of the can  601 , or fit into the can walls via a tab and slot mechanism (not shown). The can  601  is cylindrically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 6A . Alternatively, the can  601  has one of a number of different shapes including that of a rectangular prism or a prism with a triangular cross section. Alternatively, the can  601  has a spherical, semi-spherical, a shape with a circular cross section or other elliptical shape. The can  601  is made from metal, plastic or a combination thereof. The can  601  has a seamless wall. Alternatively, the can  601  has a seam, holes or ancillary cavities (not shown) in the walls of the can  601 . 
         [0087]    The socket  603  supplies power to the light emitting diode panel  650  through a power supply  660 . The socket  603  can alternatively receive an incandescent light bulb (not shown) or a fluorescent light bulb (not shown). The power supply  660  is electrically connected to the socket  603 , as shown in  FIG. 6A . The light emitting diode panel  650  is then connected to the power supply  660  by connecting the connector  651  of the light emitting diode panel  650  to the connector  661  of the power supply  660 . The power supply  660  contains an AC/DC converter, a transformer and other power conversion devices (not shown). The connector  651  of the light emitting diode panel  650  and the connector  661  of the power supply  660  are reversibly connected, as shown in  FIG. 6A . Alternatively, the connector  651  of the light emitting diode panel  650  and the connector  661  of the power supply  660  are permanently connected. 
         [0088]    The connector  651  of the light emitting diode panel  650  and the connector  661  of the power supply  660  are reversibly connected using a plug and a socket type connection, as shown in  FIG. 6A , or pins and sockets, tabs and slits and other types of reversible connectors (not shown). The connector  651  of the light emitting diode panel  650  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  650  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , or the connector  651  of the light emitting diode panel  650  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  650  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). The connector  661  of the power supply  660  is connected to the power supply  660  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , or in the alternative, connector  661  of the power supply  660  is connected to the power supply  660  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). 
         [0089]    Because the connector  651  of the light emitting diode panel  650  and the connector  661  of the power supply  660  are reversibly connected, either component is independently replaceable. In particular, disconnecting the connectors  651  and  661  allows one of the light emitting diode panel  650  and the power supply  660  to be removed without having to remove the other component. This is useful since the lifetimes of the light emitting diode panel  650  and the power supply  660  differ so as to result in the need to replace one of these components more often than the other. For example, the electronics associated with the power supply  660  could be more prone to overheating and subject to short circuiting and burn-out. Reversibility of the connectors  651  and  661  allows the replacement of either the light emitting diode panel  650  or the power supply  660  as needed. Additionally, the reversibility of connectors  651  and  661  allows quick removal and repair of either the power supply  660  or the light emitting diode panel  650 . 
         [0090]    When the light emitting diode panel  650  and power supply  660  are not installed in the can  601 , a light bulb (not shown) could be inserted into the socket  603  so as to provide electrical power to the light bulb (not shown). The socket  603  is either a single bulb socket, as shown in  FIG. 6A , or is a multiple socket for multiple bulbs (not shown). In another alternative, the socket  603  has other features such as an outlet (not shown) for supplying power to electronic devices (not shown) or additional connections including wires (not shown), additional sockets (not shown) or pin connects (not shown). 
         [0091]    The recessed can light fixture  600  also includes springs  604   a  and  604   b  for retaining a plate  605  near the bottom edge  601   b  of the can  601 , as shown in  FIG. 6A . Alternatively, the plate  605  is affixed to the can  601  by fasteners (not shown) or a fastening mechanism (not shown) other than a spring. The springs  604   a  and  604   b  are fastened directly to the can, as shown in  FIG. 6A . Alternatively, the springs  604   a  and  604   b  are fastened indirectly to the walls of the can through an intermediate part attached to the can  601  or through another portion of the recessed can light fixture  600 . 
         [0092]    The springs  604   a  and  604   b  allow the plate  605  to be temporarily displaced from the can in a direction away from the socket  603 , when the plate is pulled in that direction by the user. Once the user ceases to pull on the plate  605 , the springs  604   a  and  604   b  cause the plate  605  to return to the original configuration shown in  FIG. 6A . The displacement of the plate  605  from the can  601  allowed by the springs  604   a  and  604   b  enable the removal and replacement of the light emitting diode panel  650  and the replacement of the power supply  660 . Typically, the plate  605  covers the bottom edge  601   b  of the can  601 , as shown in  FIG. 6A . Alternatively, portions of the plate  605  do not cover some portions of the bottom edge  601   b  of the can  601  if those portions of the plate  605  do not retain the light emitting diode panel  650 . The plate  605  could have one of a number of shapes, including the ring shape shown in profile in  FIG. 6A . 
         [0093]    The light emitting diode panel  650  has bolt accepting holes  652   a - 652   d  and the plate  605  has threaded bolt accepting holes  605   a  and  605   b , as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , for affixing the light emitting diode panel  650 . In addition, the light fixture  600  has bolts  606   a  and  606   b  and a beauty ring  607 . The beauty ring  607 , which has an annular shape, is shown in profile in  FIG. 6A . The purpose of the beauty ring  607  covers the bolt accepting holes  652   a - 652   d  of the light emitting diode panel  650  so that neither they nor the any bolts that they contain are visible from underneath the can  601 . The beauty ring  607  is annular in shape, as shown in profile in  FIG. 6A , or could have one of a number of other shapes including that of a square, triangle or ellipse. 
         [0094]    Although only two threaded bolt accepting holes  605   a  and  605   b  and two corresponding bolts  606   a  and  606   b  are shown in profile in  FIG. 6A , there are four threaded bolt accepting holes and bolts in total. In the alternative, there could be two, three, five or more threaded bolt accepting holes, bolts and bolt accepting holes. The number of threaded bolt accepting holes in the plate  605  and the number of bolts are at least equal to the number of bolt accepting holes in the light emitting diode panel  260 . Each of threaded bolt accepting holes  605   a  and  605   b  is positioned around the circumference of the plate  605  to correspond to a bolt  606   a  and  606   b , and bolt accepting hole  652   a  and  652   b , respectively. 
         [0095]    Each of the bolts  606   a  and  606   b  is slid through into a corresponding bolt accepting hole  652   a  and  652   b  in the light emitting diode panel  650 , and then screwed into a corresponding threaded bolt accepting holes  605   a  and  605   b  in the plate  605 . Screwing is accomplished using a screw driver (not shown) and the bolts is of one of a number of types, including standard and philips head. The action of screwing the bolts  606   a  and  606   b  into the threaded bolt accepting holes  605   a  and  605   b  affixes the light emitting diode panel  650  to the plate  605 . Once the bolts  606   a  and  606   b  are screwed into the threaded bolt accepting holes  605   a  and  605   b , the beauty ring  607  is affixed onto the light emitting diode panel  650 . The beauty ring  607  can snap onto the light emitting diode panel  650 , or is affixed by one of a number of other different methods including using screws, bolts, pins or fasteners (not shown). 
         [0096]    The light emitting diode panel  650  is separated from the plate  605  by the following process. First, each of the bolts  606   a  and  606   b  is unscrewed from the threaded bolt accepting holes  605   a  and  605   b . Subsequently, the bolts  606   a  and  606   b  are removed from the bolt accepting holes,  651   a - 651   d  and the beauty ring  607  is removed. Then the light emitting diode panel  650  is separated from the plate  605 . 
         [0097]    The light emitting diode panel  650  has ventilation holes  653   a - 653   h  to provide ventilation to the interior  601   a  of the can  601  so as to dissipate heat from the power supply  660  and the light emitting diode panel  650  emits heat during operation. There are eight ventilation holes, as shown in  FIG. 6B , or there are either more or fewer than eight ventilation holes. Air flow through the ventilation holes  653   a - 653   h  cools both the power supply  660  and light emitting diode panel  650  both of which can heat, during normal operation, to temperatures that could degrade the operating efficiency or the lifetime of the power supply  660  and light emitting diode panel  650 . Cooling from the air flow through the ventilation holes  653   a - 653   h  prolongs the lifetime of the power supply  660 , light emitting diode panel  650  and other electronics or connections (not shown) in the can  601 . 
         [0098]    As shown in  FIG. 6A , the light emitting diode panel  650  also has a lens  670  for dispersing the light produced by the light emitting diodes (not shown) of the light emitting diode panel  650 . The lens  670  distributes the light emitted by the light emitting diode panel  650  to light interior spaces more efficiently. In the alternative, the lens  670  also includes reflective surfaces to increase the refraction of redirected light, or to redirect light to specific targets. In another alternative, the lens  670  has more than one lens for both focusing and dispersion of the light created by the light emitting diode panel  650 . In yet another alternative, the lens  670  further includes one or several optical elements (not shown), such as light guide panels, convex or concave lenses, filters, parabolic, flat mirrors, shaped-mirrors, polarizers or light blocking devices (not shown). 
         [0099]      FIG. 7A  shows a recessed can light fixture with a light emitting diode panel with ventilation holes retained by bolts.  FIG. 7B  shows a top a view of the light emitting diode panel of  FIG. 7A . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the recessed can light fixture  700  includes a can  701  for containing electrical connections and a light emitting diode panel  750 . 
         [0100]    The can  701  is affixed to the ceiling  1  using the affixing tabs  702   a  and  702   b . The affixing tabs  702   a  and  702   b  are a part of the can  701 , or fit into the can walls via a tab and slot mechanism (not shown). The can  701  is cylindrically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 7A . Alternatively, the can  701  has one of a number of different shapes including that of a rectangular prism or a prism with a triangular cross section. Alternatively, the can  701  has a spherical, semi-spherical, a shape with a circular cross section or other elliptical shape. The can  701  is made from metal, plastic or a combination thereof. The can  701  has a seamless wall. Alternatively, the can  701  has a seam, holes or ancillary cavities (not shown) in the walls of the can  701 . 
         [0101]    The socket  703  supplies power to the light emitting diode panel  750  through a power supply  760 . The socket  703  can alternatively receive an incandescent light bulb (not shown) or a fluorescent light bulb (not shown). The power supply  760  is electrically connected to the socket  703 , as shown in  FIG. 7A . The light emitting diode panel  750  is then connected to the power supply  760  by connecting the connector  751  of the light emitting diode panel  750  to the connector  761  of the power supply  760 . The power supply  760  contains an AC/DC converter, a transformer and other power conversion devices (not shown). The connector  751  of the light emitting diode panel  750  and the connector  761  of the power supply  760  are reversibly connected, as shown in  FIG. 7A . Alternatively, the connector  751  of the light emitting diode panel  750  and the connector  761  of the power supply  760  are permanently connected. 
         [0102]    The connector  751  of the light emitting diode panel  750  and the connector  761  of the power supply  760  are reversibly connected using a plug and a socket type connection, as shown in  FIG. 7A , or pins and sockets, tabs and slits and other types of reversible connectors (not shown). The connector  751  of the light emitting diode panel  750  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  750  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , or the connector  751  of the light emitting diode panel  750  is connected to the light emitting diode panel  750  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). The connector  761  of the power supply  760  is connected to the power supply  760  via a flexible wire as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , or in the alternative, connector  761  of the power supply  760  is connected to the power supply  760  via another type of interconnection, such as an inflexible wire, flexible or inflexible ribbon, flexible or inflexible post (not shown). 
         [0103]    Because the connector  751  of the light emitting diode panel  750  and the connector  761  of the power supply  760  are reversibly connected, either component is independently replaceable. In particular, disconnecting the connectors  751  and  761  allows one of the light emitting diode panel  750  and the power supply  760  to be removed without having to remove the other component. This is useful since the lifetimes of the light emitting diode panel  750  and the power supply  760  differ so as to result in the need to replace one of these components more often than the other. For example, the electronics associated with the power supply  760  could be more prone to overheating and subject to short circuiting and burn-out. Reversibility of the connectors  751  and  761  allows the replacement of either the light emitting diode panel  750  or the power supply  760  as needed. Additionally, the reversibility of connectors  751  and  761  allows quick removal and repair of either the power supply  760  or the light emitting diode panel  750 . 
         [0104]    When the light emitting diode panel  750  and power supply  760  are not installed in the can  701 , a light bulb (not shown) could be inserted into the socket  703  so as to provide electrical power to the light bulb (not shown). The socket  703  is either a single bulb socket, as shown in  FIG. 7A , could have spaces for multiple bulbs (not shown). In another alternative, the socket  703  has other features, such as an outlet (not shown) for supplying power to electronic devices (not shown), or additional connections, including wires (not shown), additional sockets (not shown) or pin connects (not shown). 
         [0105]    The recessed can light fixture  700  also includes springs  704   a  and  704   b  for retaining a plate  705  near the bottom edge  701   b  of the can  701 , as shown in  FIG. 7A . Alternatively, the plate  705  is affixed to the can  701  by fasteners (not shown) or a fastening mechanism (not shown) other than a spring. The springs  704   a  and  704   b  are fastened directly to the can, as shown in  FIG. 7A . Alternatively, the springs  704   a  and  704   b  are fastened indirectly to the walls of the can through an intermediate part attached to the can  701  or through another portion of the recessed can light fixture  700 . 
         [0106]    The springs  704   a  and  704   b  allow the plate  705  to be temporarily displaced from the can in a direction away from the socket  703 , when the plate is pulled in that direction by the user. Once the user ceases to pull on the plate  705 , the springs  704   a  and  704   b  cause the plate  705  to return to the original configuration shown in  FIG. 7A . The displacement of the plate  705  from the can  701  allowed by the springs  704   a  and  704   b  enable the removal and replacement of the light emitting diode panel  750  and the replacement of the power supply  760 . Typically, the plate  705  covers the bottom edge  701   b  of the can  701 , as shown in  FIG. 7A . Alternatively, portions of the plate  705  do not cover some portions of the bottom edge  701   b  of the can  701  if those portions of the plate  705  do not retain the light emitting diode panel  750 . The plate  705  could have one of a number of shapes, including the ring shape shown in profile in  FIG. 7A . 
         [0107]    The light emitting diode panel  750  has bolt accepting holes  752   a - 752   d  and the plate  705  has bolt accepting holes  705   a  and  705   b , as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , for affixing the light emitting diode panel  750 . In addition, the light fixture  700  has bolts  706   a  and  706   b , nuts  708   a  and  708   b  as well as a beauty ring  707 . The beauty ring  707 , which has an annular shape, is shown in profile in  FIG. 7A . The purpose of the beauty ring  707  covers the bolt accepting holes  752   a - 752   d  of the light emitting diode panel  750  so that neither the bolt accepting holes  752   a - 752   d  nor the nuts contained within them are visible from underneath the can  701 . The beauty ring  707  is annular in shape, as shown in profile in  FIG. 7A , could have one of a number of other shapes including that of a square, triangle or ellipse. 
         [0108]    Although only two bolt accepting holes  705   a  and  705   b , two corresponding bolts  706   a  and  706   b  and two corresponding nuts  708   a  and  708   b  are shown in profile in  FIG. 7A , there are four bolt accepting holes, bolts and nuts in total on the plate  705 . In the alternative, there could be two, three, or five bolt accepting holes in the plate  705 , bolts, bolt accepting holes in the light emitting diode panel  750 . The number of bolt accepting holes in the plate  705 , the number of bolts and the number of nuts are at least equal to the number of bolt accepting holes in the light emitting diode panel  750 . Each of the bolt accepting holes  705   a  and  705   b  is positioned around the circumference of the plate  705  to correspond to a bolt  706   a  and  706   b , nut  708   a  and  708   b , and bolt accepting hole  752   a - 752   d , respectively. 
         [0109]    Each of the bolts  706   a  and  706   b  is slid first through a corresponding bolt accepting hole  705   a  and  705   b  in the plate  705 , then is slid through a corresponding bolt accepting hole  752   a  and  752   b  in the light emitting diode panel  750 . Subsequently, each of the bolts  706   a  and  706   b  is screwed into a corresponding nut  708   a  and  708   d . Screwing the bolts  706   a  and  706   b  into the nuts  708   a  and  708   b  is accomplished using a screw driver (not shown). Each of the bolts  706   a  and  706   b  is of one of a number of types, including standard and philips head. The action of screwing the bolts  706   a  and  706   b  into the nuts  708   a  and  708   b  affixes the light emitting diode panel  750  to the plate  705 . Once the bolts  706   a  and  706   b  are screwed into the into the nuts  708   a  and  708   b , the beauty ring  707  is then affixed onto the light emitting diode panel  750 . The beauty ring  707  can snap onto the light emitting diode panel  750 , or is affixed by one of a number of other different methods including using screws, bolts, pins or fasteners (not shown). 
         [0110]    The light emitting diode panel  750  is separated from the plate  705  by the following process. First, each of the bolts  706   a  and  706   b  is unscrewed from one of the nuts  708   a  and  708   b . Subsequently, the bolts  706   a  and  706   b  are removed from the bolt accepting holes  752   a - 752   d  and the beauty ring  707  is removed. Then the light emitting diode panel  750  is separated from the plate  705 . 
         [0111]    The light emitting diode panel  750  has ventilation holes  753   a - 753   h  to provide ventilation to the interior  701   a  of the can  701  so as to dissipate heat from the power supply  760  and the light emitting diode panel  750  emits heat during operation. There are eight ventilation holes, as shown in  FIG. 7B , or there are either more or fewer than eight ventilation holes. Air flow through the ventilation holes  753   a - 753   h  cools both the power supply  760  and light emitting diode panel  750  both of which can heat, during normal operation, to temperatures that could degrade the operating efficiency or the lifetime of the power supply  760  and light emitting diode panel  750 . Cooling from the air flow through the ventilation holes  753   a - 753   h  prolongs the lifetime of the power supply  760 , light emitting diode panel  750  and other electronics or connections (not shown) in the can  701 . 
         [0112]    As shown in  FIG. 7A , the light emitting diode panel  750  also has a lens  770  for dispersing the light produced by the light emitting diodes (not shown) of the light emitting diode panel  750 . The lens  770  distributes the light emitted by the light emitting diode panel  750  to light interior spaces more efficiently. In the alternative, the lens  770  also includes reflective surfaces to increase the refraction of redirected light, or to redirect light to specific targets. In another alternative, the lens  770  has more than one lens for both focusing and dispersion of the light created by the light emitting diode panel  750 . In yet another alternative, the lens  770  further includes one or several optical elements (not shown), such as light guide panels, convex or concave lenses, filters, parabolic, flat mirrors, shaped-mirrors, polarizers or light blocking devices (not shown). 
         [0113]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations is made in the recessed can light fixture of embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.