USOO9144129B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9,144,129 B2 Munday et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep. 22, 2015

(54) SWITCHABLE LUMINANCE LED LIGHT 6, 2012, provisional application No. 61/667,982, filed BULB on Jul. 4, 2012. (71) Applicant: The Regents of the University of (51) Int. Cl. California, Oakland, CA (US) H05B 39/00 (2006.01) H05B33/08 (2006.01) (72) Inventors: David Munday, Santa Cruz, CA (US); (52) U.S. Cl. Ryan Baker, Santa Cruz, CA (US); CPC ...... H05B33/0839 (2013.01); H05B33/0803 Julian Dahan, Santa Cruz, CA (US); (2013.01); H05B33/0815 (2013.01); Y02B Russell Petersen, Santa Cruz, CA (US); 20/346 (2013.01) Craig Sloan, Santa Cruz, CA (US) (58) Field of Classification Search None (73) Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE See application file for complete search history. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNLA, Oakland, CA (US) (56) References Cited (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS patent is extended or adjusted under 35 8,853.950 B1* 10, 2014 Ch 315/127 U.S.C. 154(b) by 420 days. 2011/O133655w - - A1 6, 2011 Reckerall et. . . . al...... 315, 159 (21) Appl. No.: 13/727,463 * cited by examiner (22) Filed: Dec. 26, 2012 Primary Examiner — Lincoln Donovan O O Assistant Examiner — Khareem EAlmo (65) Prior Publication Data (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Adam Warwick Bell: US 2013/0328493 A1 Dec. 12, 2013 Matthew Rupert Kaser Related U.S. Application Data (57) ABSTRACT (63) Continuation of application No. 13/727,463, filed on A switchable luminance LED light bulb, including embodi Dec. 26, 2012. ments that may be used with any common commercial fitting. (60) Provisional application No. 61/656,021, filed on Jun. 9 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets

10

110 U.S. Patent Sep. 22, 2015 Sheet 1 of 6 US 9,144,129 B2

10

20

Fig. 1 U.S. Patent Sep. 22, 2015 Sheet 2 of 6 US 9,144,129 B2

Fig. 2 U.S. Patent Sep. 22, 2015 Sheet 3 of 6 US 9,144,129 B2

20 1 10IV Diffuser Clips 40 Light Engine FR4 PCB

Screw 46

Edison Screw Cap Fig. 3 U.S. Patent Sep. 22, 2015 Sheet 4 of 6 US 9,144,129 B2

- 10

Driver Output: 175mA, 320mA LM3444 Bridge Driver IC Rectifier

BuckUC Switch Converter

Light Engine

Fig. 4 U.S. Patent Sep. 22, 2015 Sheet 5 of 6 US 9,144,129 B2

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D5 128 166 10 U2 DL5244. D3 L 164 W 120 82OLF W

Neutral Cowtoo L U3 LM3444

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COFF SNS 160 FIR GND

Fig. 5 U.S. Patent Sep. 22, 2015 Sheet 6 of 6 US 9,144,129 B2 - 10

PC Board With ViaS

Heat Sink

Ambient Air

Fig. 6 US 9,144,129 B2 1. 2 SWITCHABLE LUMINANCE LED LIGHT output at the time of installation. Therefore only one BULB type of bulb need be purchased to replace a range of old standard bulbs. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERAPPLICATIONS The present invention encompasses a Switchable lumi nance LED lightbulb device comprising a rectifier to rectify The present application claims priority to, and the benefit AC to DC, wherein the DC current is fed into a switch, the of the following applications that are entirely incorporated by Switch having a single input pole and multiple output poles reference to the fullest extent allowable by law: U.S. appli and a plurality of selectable positions, wherein the switch cation Ser. No. 6,165,6021 filed 6 Jun. 2012 titled Switch directs the current through one of a plurality of selectable 10 resistors and/or capacitors corresponding to one of a plurality able LED Light Bulb and U.S. application Ser. No. 61,667, of different DC output currents, wherein the selected DC 982 filed 4 Jul. 2012 titled “Switchable Luminance LED Light output current is fed into at least one of a plurality of light Bulb'. emitting diodes, wherein the selected DC output current cor FIELD OF THE INVENTION responds to the light output of the light emitting diodes. 15 In certain embodiments the device will include a switch that can direct the current through a number of resistors, with The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards no switchable selection of capacitors. In other embodiments, LED-type light bulbs. More particularly the presently dis in order to increase the range of current and therefore light closed subject matter relates to LED-type light bulbs that output, the device includes a Switchable selection of capaci have switch controlled illumination intensities. tors. In this embodiment, an operator may select a combina tion of capacitors and resistors. The capacitor Switch may be BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION placed upstream of the resistor switch, so that the current is first routed to one of a plurality of capacitors, each of which is While white light LED lightbulbs have proven to be highly may be associated with two or more resistors (for example 3. successful they have lacked one feature available in tradi 25 4, 5, 6 or more resistors). Each capacitor is associated with tional incandescent lightbulbs: the ability to provide multiple two or more resistors so as to provide a graduated increase or light outputs from one lamp. For example, 3-way Edison light decrease in current and therefore . bulbs are widely used to provide switchable light outputs. A A current regulating device may be integrated into the 3-way could use switched filaments to device, and may be, in certain embodiments a step-down produce the light output of a 100 Watt, a 200 watt or a 300 watt 30 constant current controller. The device may comprise a cur light bulb. This feature has proven to be extremely popular rent-regulating device and at least one transistor, wherein the and useful. In view of the foregoing, white light LED light current regulating device modulates the gate of the output bulbs having switch-selectable light outputs would be useful transistor by reading the Voltage, thereby regulating current and commercially desirable. Even more useful would be delivered to LEDs. white light LED light bulbs having switch-selectable light 35 In some embodiments the transistor may be, but is not outputs and which mate with Edison, screw or bayonet fix necessarily, a field-effect transistor. In some embodiments it tures. may be a MOSFET. The present invention provides a white LED (light Emit BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ting Diode) light bulb having a plurality of (two or more) 40 white LEDs for emitting light. In some embodiments the LED The present invention provides an LED bulb (the device') light bulb includes an Edison-style screw cap for screwing with switch-selectable light outputs. The bulb may be mated into an Edison style base to receive input AC electrical power. with Edison, screw or bayonet types of lamp base fixtures. It However, the present invention is applicable to light bulbs is understood in the present disclosure that when an Edison with other types of caps for fitting other types of bases. A fixture is mentioned as an example, the applicant is only using 45 driver cover may be attached at one end to the Edison-style this as an example and implicitly includes all other types of cap. The driver cover may include an opening for an actuator fixtures such as screw or bayonet types. (any component that may be physically manipulated into The invention provides a low-power, transformerless, LED different positions such as a Switch, a slider, or a plurality of lightbulb power Supply capable of providing varying levels of push-buttons) or a multiple-throw Switch to pass through the electric current capable of powering variable numbers of 50 driver cover, which enables a user to change the switched LESd to produce proportionally varying levels of light. The pole. In some embodiments the actuator need not be manually invention allows any lamp using a standard Edison, screw operable by the user, but may be operable remotely through a bayonet type base to become an arbitrary-way lamp. This is wired connection or a wireless connection employing widely similar to the common 3-way lamp, but with the following known circuit technology. key differences: (a) no specialty lamp is required, (b) no 55 A driver board retaining the switch may beat least partially specialty 3-way bulb is required. The invention is different located within the driver cover such that the switch passes from a standard dimmable bulb. It allows for a bulb to have through the opening. The driver board receives the input AC as many discrete light output steps as desirable. The inven electrical power, rectifies that input AC electrical power into tors early prototype was capable of producing light equiva DC electrical power, and applies a constant DC current to the lent to a 40W or 60W incandescent bulb using a switch to 60 array of LEDs such that the applied current functionally select between lighting levels. Commercially the invention depends on the selected pole position of the Switch, and thus allows the manufacturer to produce one design in mass quan the light output functionally depends on the selected pole tity that will fit many needs. Due to the low power (below position. 1OW) property of the LED light bulb, this invention is an In one embodiment the invention provides an LED light appropriate replacement for almost any standard light bulb. 65 bulb, comprising one or more (in Some embodiments two or When any standard bulb fails it could simply be replaced with more) LEDs for emitting a number of different light outputs a bulb of the invention and the user could set the desired of different intensity, for example either a first light output or US 9,144,129 B2 3 4 a second light output; a cap for attaching to a base to receive FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the LED lightbulb 10 shown input AC electrical power; a driver cover attached at one end in FIG. 1; to the cap, the driver cover having an opening through which FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the mechanical system of the a Switch protrudes and is accessible; and a driverboard having LED lightbulb 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2: a Switch having at least two positions selectable by an actua FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electrical system of the tor that passes through the opening and is accessible to a user LED lightbulb 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2: to change the switch position. The driver board further FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the LED lightbulb driver includes components capable of receiving input AC current, circuit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Note in FIG. 5, the switch and rectifying the input AC current to produce a DC current of referred to in parts of the text as part 32 is actually labeled either a first magnitude or a second magnitude selected by the 10 SW1. When reading 32 please substitute SW1; Switch (pole) position. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the thermal path of the LED In one embodiment the device comprises two strings of light bulb 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. LEDs in parallel, and both strings are always powered. The DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION current to each string is reduced in the lower lighting mode. 15 The DC current is applied to at least one LED wherein the LED(s) produce a first lumen output when said first DC In the figures like numbers refer to like elements through current is applied or optionally, a second lumen output when out. Additionally, the terms “a” and “an as used herein do not said second DC current is applied; and wherein both first and denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence second DC currents are Sufficient to cause said at least one of at least one of the referenced items. All publications men LED to emit light. tioned herein are incorporated by reference for all purposes to In certain embodiments the switch may be switchable to the extent allowable by law. two or more positions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more Switch The presently disclosed subject matter now will be positions, each associated with a different DC current, and described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accom therefore each associated with a different brightness (output 25 panying drawings in which a specific embodiment is shown. value) of the one or more LEDs. In some embodiments all However, it should be understood that this invention may take positions and all DC currents are sufficient to produce light many different forms and thus it should not be construed as from the LED. In other embodiments at least one position being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. prevents the flow of current to the LED such that the LED The invention encompasses a light bulb comprised of a produces no light (the “off position). 30 plurality of LEDs having switch controlled illumination Other embodiments include the LED light bulb wherein intensities. said cap is an Edison-style screw cap. Other embodiments use In a broad embodiment, the invention encompasses a light a non-Edison screw cap and may be suitable for attachment to bulb device comprising an AC electrical input, a plurality of any standard or non-standard electrical fixture. The LED may (one or more) LEDs capable of emitting variable light inten emit white light or a colored light. The light bulb may com 35 prise a plurality of LEDs mounted on a light engine board. sities depending on the DC input current. The LEDs are in The switch may be a multiple pole slide switch or any other electrical communication with a driver board. The driver type of Suitable Switch including a push button, a rocker or a board is in communication with the AC electrical input. The touch sensitive switch. The LED light bulb may include a driver board comprises a rectifier for rectifying AC current light diffuser, and/or heat sink in thermal communication 40 into DC current, and a switch having at least two selectable with said at least one LED. The driver board may include a positions corresponding to a DC output of a first amperage or Switch having at least three selectable positions correspond a second amperage corresponding to the selected Switch posi ing to three different DC currents, or in some embodiments a tion. The switch directs the current through one of two or switch having between, for example, two and 10 selectable more selectable resistors to provide the desired current, that is positions corresponding to between 2 and 10 different DC 45 inversely proportional to resistance for a given Voltage. The currents. Other numbers of alternative positions are possible DC outputamperage corresponds to the light output intensity and commonly 2 or 3 Switch positions are provided. Alterna of the LED(s). tively at least 4, 5, 67, 10, 15, 20, 25, at least 50 or more switch The switch generally has one input pole (but could in other positions may be provided. In some embodiments the LED embodiments include a plurality of input poles), and gener lightbulb may have a driverboard comprising a Switch having 50 ally has a plurality of output poles. at least three selectable positions, one of which corresponds The switch (“the resistor switch') switches the current to an “off position whereby no light is provided from one or between a plurality of resistors. more of the LEDs. The switch can take the form of a slide switch, a push The present invention, though apparently simple in hind button Switch, a rotary Switch, a pull Switch, a toggle Switch, sight, is both novel and of great commercial value, and 55 a knife Switch, a touch Switch, or any other multiple position includes several technical features that are transformative in Switch Suitable for selecting current through a resistor. their effect, turning a simple LED light into a multiple-inten In other embodiments another switch (a capacitor switch) sity lightbulb, easily switchable between light intensities. is provided, upstream of the resistor switch, that switches the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 60 current between alternative capacitors. The capacitor Switch can have a single input, and multiple outputs corresponding to The advantages and features of the present invention will a plurality of capacitors, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 or become better understood with reference to the following more capacitors. Each capacitor will be associated with, and detailed description and claims when taken in conjunction will conduct current to, a resistor Switch, which will switch with the accompanying drawings in which: 65 the current between a plurality of resistors, as previously FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram of an LED lightbulb 10 that is described. In this way the range of DC current, and therefore in accord with the principles of the present invention; luminescence, in increased. US 9,144,129 B2 5 6 In one embodiment, two Switch positions correspond to a Schottky rectifier connects to a second, fixed Voltage node first amperage and a second amperage wherein both amper connected to a filter capacitor, wherein the second node also ages are sufficient to cause at least one (or all) of the LEDs to connects to the input of a current regulator and to the common emit light. pole of a Switch having a single input pole and a plurality of In another embodiment the switch comprises at least three output poles corresponding to a plurality of resistors, wherein selectable switch positions at least two of which correspond the current regulator is a constant current controller that pro to an amperage Sufficient to cause at least one LEDs to emit vides a regulated current for illuminating a light emitting light, and wherein at least one selectable Switch position diode. corresponds to an “off position wherein no said LEDs emit Alternative commercial embodiments include a driver an appreciable intensity of light visible to the human eye in 10 board is mechanically attached to a cap adapted to be releas normal daylight conditions. ably fitted to an AC electrical output socket. The cap may be In certain embodiments the device of the invention of any Suitable type Such as an Edison-style Screw cap or includes a current regulating device. This current regulating bayonet-mount cap or any other type of cap. device may, for example, be a chip (in the exemplary embodi In some embodiments the Switch includes an actuator that ment the inventors used an “lm 3444) that pulse width modu 15 is manually operable, i.e. an external Switch is provided by lates (PWM) the gate of the output MOSFET (metal-oxide which means an operator can Switch between intensities of semiconductor field-effect transistor). The IC measures the illumination. The switch may alternatively be operable voltage through the ISNS pin and regulates the current remotely, either by wire or wireless means of control. accordingly. In an exemplary embodiment the device includes an AC Although a MOSFET is used in the example, any transistor input component that routes the input Voltage across a noise providing the same functions may be used in other embodi Suppression capacitor to a bridge rectifier, wherein one output ments (e.g., an FET, a BJT or even more crudely, anything that of the bridge rectifiergoes to ground while the positive output can produce a constant DC voltage, may be employed). goes to a node wherein the Voltage at the node is applied to a In one embodiment a second transistor is provided that in Zener diode via a resistor to produce a regulated Voltage on conjunction with the Zener diode provides constant Voltage. 25 the gate of an N-channel power MOSFET, wherein the drain An exemplary embodiment provides a switchable lumi of the MOSFET connects to the node while the source con nance LED light bulb device comprising: an AC input com nects to the anode of a Schottky rectifier, wherein the cathode ponent in functional communication with a driverboard, the of the Schottky rectifier to a second, fixed voltage node con driverboard comprising a rectifier, wherein the DC current is nected to a filter capacitor, wherein the second also connects fed into a Switch, the Switch having a single input pole and 30 to the input of a current regulator and a Switch having a single multiple output poles and a plurality of selectable positions, input pole and a plurality of output poles corresponding to a wherein the switch directs the current through one of a plu plurality of resistors, wherein the current regulator is a con rality of selectable resistors corresponding to one of a plural stant current controller that provides a regulated current for ity of different DC output currents, wherein the selected DC illuminating a light emitting diode. output current is fed into at least one of a plurality of light 35 FIG. 5 presents a schematic diagram of the electronics on emitting diodes, wherein the selected DC output current cor the LED driver board 16. The AC line voltage 100 is applied responds to the light output of the light emitting diodes. to input terminals 110 which route the line voltage 100 across The switch may be of any suitable type such as a slide a noise Suppression capacitor 112 and across the input termi Switch, a push-button Switch, a rotary Switch, a pull Switch, a nals of a bridge rectifier 114. One output of the bridge rectifier toggle Switch, a knife Switch or a touch Switch. 40 114 goes to ground 116 while the positive output goes to a In some embodiments any selectable DC output current is node 118. Sufficient to cause at least one of a plurality of light emitting The voltage at the node 118 is applied to a Zener diode 120 diodes to emit light. In other embodiments at least one select via a resistor 122. This produces a regulated Voltage on the able DC output current corresponds to an “off position and is gate of an N-channel power MOSFET 124 transistor. The insufficient to cause at least one of a plurality of light emitting 45 drain of the MOSFET 124 connects to the node 18 while the diodes to emit light. source connects to the anode of a Schottky rectifier 128. The The device may include a current-regulating device func cathode of the Schottky rectifier 128 goes to a node 130 which tionally associated with the driverboard to regulate current to connects to a filter capacitor 132. The node 130 is therefore a the LEDs. The current-regulating device may be a current fixed voltage node. regulating integrated circuit. 50 Note that when a “Schottky rectifier is specified in this The device may include a current-regulating device and at disclosure, any other rectifier performing the same function least one transistor, wherein the current regulating device may be used, particularly any semiconductor diode with a low modulates the gate of the output transistor (for example, but forward Voltage drop and a very fast Switching action. not necessarily, a MOSFET or other field-effect transistor) by The node 130 also connects to the Vcc input of an LM3444 measuring the Voltage, thereby regulating current. 55 current regulator IC 134 and to the common terminal 136 of In some embodiments the device comprises at least two the switch 32, which may be a single pole double throw transistors wherein one transistor is in communication with (SPDT) switch. Note in FIG. 5, the switch referred to in parts the Zener diode so as to provide constant Voltage to the of the text as part 32 is actually labeled SW1. When current regulating device. reading 32 please substitute SW1. Thus the single input Other components in various embodiments may include a 60 pole of the switch 32 controls which of its two output poles noise Suppression capacitor downstream of the AC input, and 191 and 193 is selected. The current regulator IC 134 is a a bridge rectifier downstream of the AC input. constant current controller that regulates current for powering Other embodiments may include Voltage regulation by use one or more LEDs. The actual regulated current is controlled of a Zener diode. The regulated Voltage can be applied to an by the pole position of the switch 32. The voltage on the node N-channel power MOSFET and the drain of the MOSFET 65 130 is selectively switched by the switch 32 between resistors may be connected to a node while the Source connects to the 140 and 142 via poles 191,193, respectively. While the switch anode of a Schottky rectifier and wherein the cathode of the 32 in the example is only a double throw switch, in other US 9,144,129 B2 7 8 embodiments more Switching poles can be used with more they receive regulated DC currents Supplied at appropriate capacitors and/or resistors to achieve additional Switch select low voltages. The higher the DC current the more light (lu able lumens. mens) and heat the white-LEDs 44 produce. The LED light Having two (or greater) Switch selectable DC current mag bulb 10 provides for two or more switch 32 selectable DC nitudes reflects a beneficial design choice characterized by currents that are selectively applied to the white-LEDs 44 to both low cost and simple user operation. However, another emit light as well as for thermal heat sinks and cooling. While useful embodiment uses a three position illumination control other configurations might include a Switch that completely switch, two positions of which select DC current magnitudes turns off the LEDs, in the LED light bulb 10 both switch 32 while the third position turns the LED light bulb 10 OFF. positions cause light to be emitted from the white-LEDs 44. Another useful embodiment also uses a three position illumi 10 Both the electrical operation and thermal paths are important. nation control switch, but all three positions select different In the present example the LED lightbulb 10 provides for two DC current magnitudes, thus allowing the illumination con switch 32 selectable DC currents, however in other embodi trol switch to select three different illuminations. Other useful ments, 3, 4, 5 or more selectable DC currents may be provided embodiments have 4 to 10 and possibly even more illumina by the switch. tion control switch positions that select different DC current 15 The overall electrical path of the LED light bulb 10 is magnitudes (including OFF) and thus the illumination control shown in FIG. 4. AC voltage 100 is input to the LED lightbulb switch can select four to 10 or more different illuminations. 10 and is directed to the LED driver board 16. As previously All of those embodiments as well as others that fall within the described the LED driver board 16 includes the driver IC56, broad scope of the appended claims are encompassed by this the bridge rectifier 52, the buck converter 54, and the switch invention. 32. The switch 32 has multiple poles that control the DC The principles of the present invention are illustrated in the current 104 that is applied to the light engine 26, its white exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. Refer LEDs 44, and its printed circuit board PCB 42. The printed ring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 the present invention relates to an circuit board 42 retains the white-LEDs 44 while the amount LED lightbulb 10. The LED lightbulb 10 includes an Edison of the applied DC current depends on which position of the type screw cap 12 that mates with prior art Edison-type bases. 25 switch is selected. Since the switch 32 controls the amount of In fact, the LED light bulb 10 is configured to be a direct DC current it also controls the light output of the white-LEDs replacement for prior art Edison light bulbs. Thus the LED 44. lightbulb 10 is directly useable in millions of existing appli The efficiency of white light LED devices is increasing cations. over time. Thus, the number of individual white-LEDs 44 Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the Edison screw cap 12 30 required in a particular application will depend both on the connects to a driver case 14 which houses an LED driver amount of light output desired as well as the efficiency of the board 16. The driver case 14 connects at its other end to a heat individual LEDs 44. However, it should be understood that sink 18 such that the devices on the LED driver board 16 are the LEDs 44 do not uniformly emit light, and that their lumen in thermal communication with the heat sink 18. In certain (light) outputs are directed into the diffuser20 which diffuses embodiments the light engine is in thermal communication 35 the light in a more uniform way. with the heat sink, and in other embodiments the driverboard FIG. 5 presents a schematic diagram of the electronics on may not be in thermal communication with the heat sink. the LED driver board 16. The AC line voltage 100 is applied Attached to the other end of the heat sink 18 is a light diffuser to input terminals 110 which route the line voltage 100 across 20. The light diffuser 20 covers a light engine 26 board that is a noise Suppression capacitor 112 and across the input termi in thermal communication with the heat sink 18. An actuator 40 nals of a bridge rectifier 114. One output of the bridge rectifier arm 30 of a multiple position switch 32 on the LED driver 114 goes to ground 116 while the positive output goes to a board 16 pass through a slot 34 that extends along the driver node 118. case 14. Note in FIG. 5, the switch referred to in parts of the The voltage at the node 118 is applied to a Zener diode 120 text as part 32 is actually labeled SW1. When reading 32 via a resistor 122. This produces a regulated Voltage on the please substitute SW1. 45 gate of an N-channel power MOSFET 124 transistor. The FIG. 3 presents another mechanical view of the LED light drain of the MOSFET 124 connects to the node 118 while the bulb 10. FIG.3 shows the diffuser 20 as being attached to the source connects to the anode of a Schottky rectifier 128. The light engine 26 by clips 40. Note that clips are given as an cathode of the Schottky rectifier 128 goes to a node 130 which example, but any suitable fixing device may be used such as connects to a filter capacitor 132. The node 130 is therefore a screws, Solder etc. Inside the light engine 40 is a printed 50 fixed voltage node. circuit board PCB 42 that holds an array of white-LEDs 44. The node 130 also connects to the Vcc input of an LM3444 The white-LEDs 44 are arranged to emit white light into the current regulator IC 134 and to the common terminal of the diffuser 20. Also as shown the light engine 26 is attached to switch 32. Thus the single input pole of the switch 32 controls the heat sink 18 by screws 46. Note that screws are given as an which of its two output poles is selected. The current regulator example, but any suitable fixing device may be used such as 55 IC 134 is a constant current controller that power the high clips, solder etc. power LEDs. The actual regulated current is controlled by the The heat sink 18 covers most of the driver casing 14. pole position of the switch 32. The voltage on the node 130 is Located inside the driver casing 14 is the LED driver board selectively switched by the switch 32 between resistors 140 16. As shown the LED driver board 16 includes a bridge and 142 via poles 191,193, respectively. While the switch 32 rectifier 52, a buck converter 54, the multiple position switch 60 is only a double throw switch, in other embodiments more 32 and a driver IC56, while the driver casing 14 is attached to Switching poles can be used with more capacitors and/or the Edison screw cap 12 by glue 60. Note that any form of resistors to achieve additional Switch selectable lumens. fixing agent may be used. The outputs of the resistors 140 and 142 (and any other The white-LEDs 44 operate on direct current (DC) electri lumen control resistor that is used) are applied to the C-off cal current while the standard household current power is AC. 65 input pin (pin 4 in the figure) input of the current regulator IC Thus rectification is required. Furthermore, the LEDs 44 134 and to a high frequency filter capacitor 144. The current operate at relatively low Voltages and for proper operation regulator IC 134 regulates the voltage on a gate output 150 US 9,144,129 B2 9 10 which is applied via a resistor 152 to the gate of an N-Channel a single input pole and multiple output poles and a plurality of MOSFET 158. The Source of the N-Channel MOSFET 158 selectable positions, wherein the switch directs the current connects to ground 116 via a current sense resistor 160 and to through one of a plurality of selectable capacitors and/or a current sense input of the current regulator IC 134. The drain resistors corresponding to one of a plurality of different DC of the N-Channel MOSFET 158 connects to an Driver output output currents, wherein the selected DC output current is fed terminal 164 via a transient reducing inductor 166. into at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein The LEDs 44 are series connected with the cathode end the selected DC output current corresponds to the light output connecting to an Driver output terminal 164 and the anode of the light emitting diodes, the device further comprising a end connecting to an driver output terminal 170. A filtering Switch having a plurality of output poles each connected to a capacitor 172 also connects between the Driver output termi 10 different capacitor, wherein the current from the capacitor is nal 164 and the Driver output terminal 170. Connected Subsequently conducted to a Switch having a plurality of between the Driver output terminal 170 and the drain of the output poles each connected to a different resistor, wherein N-Channel MOSFET 158 is a fast recovery diode having its the combination of capacitor and resistor selected corre cathode end connected to the Driver output terminal 170. sponds to a selected DC output current that corresponds to the Connected between the Driver output terminal 170 and the 15 light output of the light emitting diodes. node 118 is a Schottky diode 172 having its cathode con 2. A switchable luminance LED lightbulb device compris nected to the Driver output terminal 170. ing: an AC input component in functional communication The current-regulating device regulates the current applied with a driver board, the driver board comprising a rectifier, to the LEDs. The current-regulating device in the example is wherein the DC current is fed into a switch, the switch having specified as regulating about 175 mA to about 320 mA of DC a single input pole and multiple output poles and a plurality of current. In some alternative embodiments the device may selectable positions, wherein the switch directs the current draw between 10 mA and 100,000 mA, for example between through one of a plurality of selectable capacitors and/or 100 and 4000 mA, or between 100 and 750 mA, or between resistors corresponding to one of a plurality of different DC 500 and 1000 mA, or between 500 and 5000 mA. The LED output currents, wherein the selected DC output current is fed light bulb may be configured to have similar light outputs to 25 into at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein incandescent bulb of 1W, 5W, 1 OW, 25W, 50W, 75W, 100W. the selected DC output current corresponds to the light output 200W, 500W, 1000W, 3000W and 10,000W or even more. of the light emitting diodes, further comprising a current In operation, the bridge rectifier 114 places a rectified regulating device functionally associated with the driver voltage on the node 118. The current through the LEDs 44 board, and at least one transistor, wherein the current regu passes through the N-Channel MOSFET 158, with that cur 30 lating device modulates the gate of the output transistor by rent being regulated by the Voltage applied by the current measuring the Voltage, thereby regulating current. regulator IC 134 to the gate of the N-Channel MOSFET 158. 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the transistor is a MOS That current is sensed by the current regulator IC 134 by its FET. monitoring of the Voltage drop across the sensing resistor 4. A switchable luminance LED lightbulb device compris 160. The desired current depends on the current through 35 ing: an AC input component in functional communication either the resistor 140 or 142, depending on which is selected with a driver board, the driver board comprising a rectifier, by the pole position of the switch 32. Once the resistor 140, wherein the DC current is fed into a switch, the switch having 142 is selected the current regulator IC 134 regulates the a single input pole and multiple output poles and a plurality of current through the LEDs 44. selectable positions, wherein the switch directs the current The LEDs 44 in the LED lightbulb 10 are connected as two 40 through one of a plurality of selectable capacitors and/or series-parallel strands of LEDs. The leading cathode input resistors corresponding to one of a plurality of different DC end of each strand is connected to the Driver output terminal output currents, wherein the selected DC output current is fed 164 and the trailing anode output end of each Strand is con into at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein nected to the Driver output terminal 170. the selected DC output current corresponds to the light output Referring now to FIG. 6, the LEDs 44 generates heat. That 45 of the light emitting diodes, the device comprising at least two heat is transferred to the PCB 42, which is composed of FR4 transistors wherein one transistor is in communication with material with copper planes on top and bottom connected by the Zener diode so as to provide constant Voltage to the electrically-isolated, thermally-conductive through-hole current regulating device. vias. From the PCB, heat is conducted to the heat sink 18 5. A switchable luminance LED lightbulb device compris which radiates heat to the ambient air 200. In other embodi 50 ing: an AC input component in functional communication ments, metal-core PCBs may be used to allow for heat trans with a driver board, the driver board comprising a rectifier, ference. wherein the DC current is fed into a switch, the switch having Therefore, it is to be understood that while the figures and a single input pole and multiple output poles and a plurality of the above description illustrate the present invention, they are selectable positions, wherein the switch directs the current exemplary only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to 55 through one of a plurality of selectable capacitors and/or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obvi resistors corresponding to one of a plurality of different DC ously many modifications and variations are possible in light output currents, wherein the selected DC output current is fed of the above teaching. Others who are skilled in the applicable into at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein arts will recognize numerous modifications and adaptations the selected DC output current corresponds to the light output of the illustrated embodiments that remain within the prin 60 of the light emitting diodes, further comprising a bridge rec ciples of the present invention. Therefore, the present inven tifier downstream of the AC input. tion is to be limited only by the appended claims. 6. The device of claim 5 whereinvoltage is regulated by use The invention claimed is: of a Zener diode. 1. A switchable luminance LED lightbulb device compris 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the regulated voltage is ing: an AC input component in functional communication 65 applied to a transistor and the drain of the transistor connects with a driver board, the driver board comprising a rectifier, to a node while the source connects to the anode of a rectifier wherein the DC current is fed into a switch, the switch having and wherein the cathode of the rectifier connects to a second, US 9,144,129 B2 11 12 fixed Voltage node connected to a filter capacitor, wherein the wherein the DC current is fed into a switch, the switch having second node also connects to the input of a current regulator a single input pole and multiple output poles and a plurality of and to the common pole of a Switch having a single input pole selectable positions, wherein the switch directs the current and a plurality of output poles corresponding to a plurality of through one of a plurality of selectable capacitors and/or capacitors and/or resistors, wherein the current regulator is a 5 resistors corresponding to one of a plurality of different DC constant current controller that provides a regulated current output currents, wherein the selected DC output current is fed for illuminating a light emitting diode. into at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein 8. A switchable luminance LED lightbulb device compris the selected DC output current corresponds to the light output ing: an AC input component in functional communication of the light emitting diodes, wherein the AC input component with a driver board, the driver board comprising a rectifier, 10 routes the input Voltage across a noise Suppression capacitor wherein the DC current is fed into a switch, the switch having to a bridge rectifier, wherein one output of the bridge rectifier a single input pole and multiple output poles and a plurality of goes to ground while the positive output goes to a node selectable positions, wherein the switch directs the current wherein the voltage at the node is applied to a Zener diode via through one of a plurality of selectable capacitors and/or a resistor to produce a regulated Voltage on the gate of an resistors corresponding to one of a plurality of different DC 15 N-channel power MOSFET, wherein the drain of the MOS output currents, wherein the selected DC output current is fed FET connects to the node while the source connects to the into at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein anode of a Schottky rectifier, wherein the cathode of the the selected DC output current corresponds to the light output Schottky rectifier to a second, fixed Voltage node connected to of the light emitting diodes, wherein the driver board is a filter capacitor, wherein the second also connects to the mechanically attached to a cap adapted to be releasably fitted input of a current regulator and a Switch having a single input to an AC electrical output Socket, and wherein said cap is pole and a plurality of output poles corresponding to a plu bayonet-mount cap. rality of resistors, wherein the current regulator is a constant 9. A switchable luminance LED lightbulb device compris current controller that provides a regulated current for pow ing: an AC input component in functional communication ering a light emitting diode. with a driver board, the driver board comprising a rectifier, k k k k k