communicate with mountain · us 9 , 746 , 138 b1 modular lighting and ancillary modules at...

COMMUNICATE WITH MOUNTAIN US009746138B1

( 12 ) United States Patent Thomas

( 10 ) Patent No . : US 9 , 746 , 138 B1 ( 45 ) Date of Patent : Aug . 29 , 2017

( 56 ) References Cited ( 54 ) MODULAR LIGHTING AND ANCILLARY COMPONENT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS

( 71 ) Applicant : John - Michael Dimitro Thomas , Los Angeles , CA ( US )

( 72 ) Inventor : John - Michael Dimitro Thomas , Los Angeles , CA ( US )

8 , 232 , 745 B2 9 , 157 , 624 B2 9 , 163 , 816 B2

2011 / 0234082 AL 2012 / 0187835 A1 *

7 / 2012 Chemel et al . 10 / 2015 Nourbakhsh et al . 10 / 2015 Baschnagel

9 / 2011 Cao 7 / 2012 Jonsson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F21V 23 / 04

315 / 51 2 / 2014 McGuire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F21V 21 / 00

362 / 427 2 / 2014 Hsu et al .

( Continued )

2014 / 0049972 A1 * ( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days .

2014 / 0056001 AL

( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 361 , 031 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

( 22 ) Filed : Nov . 24 , 2016 TW TW 201512594 A 4 / 2015

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

http : / / www . gelighting . com / LightingWeb / na / solutions / led - lamps and - modules / infusion - led - module / overview / index . jsp , down loaded / printed Nov . 24 , 2016 .

( Continued ) Primary Examiner – Glenn A Auve ( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Law Office of Thomas J . Brindisi

( 51 ) Int . Ci . G06F 13 / 38 ( 2006 . 01 ) F21K 9 / 238 ( 2016 . 01 ) G06F 13 / 42 ( 2006 . 01 ) H05B 37 / 02 ( 2006 . 01 ) H05B 33 / 08 ( 2006 . 01 ) F21K 9 / 237 ( 2016 . 01 ) H046 84 / 02 ( 2009 . 01 ) F21K 9 / 232 ( 2016 . 01 ) F21V 3 / 02 ( 2006 . 01 ) F21Y 115 / 10 ( 2016 . 01 ) H04R 1 / 02 ( 2006 . 01 )

( 52 ) U . S . CI . CPC . . . . F21K 9 / 238 ( 2016 . 08 ) ; F21K 9 / 237

( 2016 . 08 ) ; G06F 13 / 385 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G06F 13 / 4282 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; H05B 33 / 0845 ( 2013 . 01 ) ;

H05B 37 / 0254 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F21K 9 / 232 ( 2016 . 08 ) ; F21V 3 / 02 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F21Y

2115 / 10 ( 2016 . 08 ) ; H04R 1 / 028 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04W 84 / 02 ( 2013 . 01 )

( 58 ) Field of Classification Search CPC . F21K 9 / 20 ; F21K 9 / 237 ; F21K 9 / 238 ; F21K

2099 / 005 See application file for complete search history .

( 57 ) ABSTRACT A modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus and system utilizes standard USB protocol and connections between modules so that different modules can be selected , installed , and changed by a user . The USB - C protocol is preferably used , which may permit bidirectional function ality between connected modules in an apparatus and poten tially between separate apparatuses . The USB - PD protocol may also be employed so that a greater range of items can be powered . The apparatus includes a base module , and may include one or more ancillary modules and / or a light emitting module .

23 Claims , 11 Drawing Sheets

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US 9 , 746 , 138 B1

( 56 ) References Cited U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS

2014 / 0168990 A1 * 0 / 2014 Hong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 / 2014 Hong F21V 29 / 713 362 / 294

2014 / 0265836 A1 * 9 / 2014 Nourbakhsh . . . . . . . . F21V 23 / 06 315 / 71

2016 / 0073479 A1 * 3 / 2016 Erchak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F21S 9 / 022 315 / 51

2017 / 0108203 A1 * 4 / 2017 Habchi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F21V 23 / 009

OTHER PUBLICATIONS GE Data Sheet — Infusion LED Module Application Guide | 66450 , downloaded from http : / / www . gelighting . com / Lighting Web / na / so lutions / led - lamps - and - modules / infusion - led - module / overview / in dex . jsp on Oct . 3 , 2016 .

* cited by examiner

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MODULAR LIGHTING AND ANCILLARY modules at different locations ( e . g . , in different light recep COMPONENT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM tacles ) can coordinate intelligently without the need for

wireless communications between them . The USB - Power FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Delivery ( USB - PD ) protocol may also be employed to

5 afford increased voltage ( beyond the nominal 5 volts of prior The present invention relates to the provision and con - USB protocols ) so that a greater range of items can be

nection of lighting and other components , and in particular powered . a modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus and In one embodiment , the modules include a base module , system having Universal Serial Bus ( USB ) functionality . one or more ancillary modules , and a light - emitting module .

10 In another embodiment , the light - emitting module may be BACKGROUND substituted with an ancillary module having a different

functionality ( e . g . , a camera , sensor , speaker , etc . ) . In There is a broad array of choices in lighting products , and another embodiment having a light - emitting module , the

it can be difficult and time - consuming for a consumer to ancillary module may be omitted . In another embodiment , identify the best option . Further , if a consumer installs a light 15 the light - emitting module may be configured with a con that winds up being less than optimal , or if the consumer nector for a further module ( s ) to be connected to the distal makes changes to an installed light ’ s environment that end of the light - emitting module , with the light - emitting render the light less appropriate , there is little choice with component being placed on an exterior ( e . g . , radial ) surface standard lighting products but to remove a complete lighting of the light - emitting module . apparatus and replace it with a new one . While there are 20 some modular lighting systems that allow for subsidiary BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS modules to be custom - selected by a user and that have parts which can be changed without replacing an entire apparatus , FIG . 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a modular they use proprietary connections . lighting and ancillary component apparatus , showing an

Light receptacles are also often positioned in places where 25 unconnected base module , ancillary module , light - emitting a user might wish to employ other items instead of or in module , and bulb . addition to lighting such as a wireless communication node FIG . 2 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of ( e . g . , Wi - Fi ) , speakers , cameras , or sensors . In order to drive a base module utilizing USB - C functionality . down costs , however , LED light manufacturers have largely FIG . 3 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of standardized light tubes and circuit boards in ways that have 30 an ancillary module compatible with the base module of limited possible additional features ( as well as service life ) . FIG . 2 and having Wi - Fi functionality . While some products are available that allow electricity FIG . 4 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of from a conventional light receptacle to be used to power a light - emitting module compatible with the modules of such items , they do not provide a seamless solution that FIGS . 2 and 3 and having light - emitting diodes . includes lighting and allows a consumer to readily undertake 35 FIG . 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a modular post - installation replacement of parts of an apparatus includ - lighting and ancillary component apparatus similar to that of ing with a variety of non - lighting items . FIG . 1 , but with the modules connected and including a

second ancillary module having USB hub functionality . SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE FIG . 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a modular

40 lighting and ancillary component apparatus similar to that of A modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus FIG . 1 , but with the modules connected and including a

and system utilizes standard Universal Serial Bus ( USB ) light - emitting module having two ends with USB connec protocol and connections between modules so that different tions and a speaker module connected to the light - emitting modules can be selected and installed by product providers module . and preferably also by consumers . The flexibility and inter - 45 FIG . 7 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of changeability of USB connections frees consumers from the a base module having dimmer functionality . proprietary connectors and limited products of existing FIG . 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular solutions . For example , a consumer may be modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus show unhappy with the color , color temperature , color rendering ing a connected base module , ancillary module , light - emit index ( CRI ) , intensity , beam angle , or other aspects of an 50 ting module , and bulb . installed light and wish to change it . In an embodiment , the FIG . 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG . user can simply remove a LED component or LED mod - 8 , showing the parts unconnected . uleleaving the rest of the lighting apparatus intact — and FIG . 10 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG . 8 , replace the component or module with a different one having showing the parts unconnected . a more suitable lighting profile . 55 FIG . 11 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment

Likewise , in an embodiment , a consumer can install a of FIG . 8 , showing a USB connector and structural connec module that includes ( and / or has external USB connectors tion features of the light - emitting module . for attaching ) Bluetooth , Wi - Fi , dimming , camera , sensor , FIG . 12 is a sectional view of a combination of four speaker , or other suitable features . This allows such items to modules consisting of a connected LED coupling module , be powered from a location that may originally have been 60 LED module , and light guide module , and a camera module designed just for lighting , without the necessity of installing ( unconnected ) . new electrical wiring .

The USB - C protocol is preferably used , providing for the DETAILED DESCRIPTION possibility of bidirectional functionality between connected modules in a single location . Depending on the environment , 65 An embodiment of a modular lighting and ancillary the bidirectionality may also permit communications to be component apparatus and system is a platform that can turn conducted over existing electrical wiring so that various any standard light bulb receptacle ( socket ) into a USB

US 9 , 746 , 138 B1

adapter / hub and allow for customizable lights and other module 20 comprises USB connectors 21 and 23 , a DC devices to be installed as discrete modules using existing power supply 24 , and USB - C PHY circuitry 25 . As the electrical infrastructure . The root of system is a base module , apparatus preferably meets the USB - PD specification , the which is a discrete module that plugs or screws into an DC power supply 24 , USB - C PHY circuitry 25 , and USB existing light bulb ( or other similar ) socket , transforms the 5 connector 23 are each shown connected by two different existing power supply , establishes a USB - compliant appa - lines , one being + 5V for USB Vbus and the other being ratus . To enable bidirectional communication between mod + 12V / + 20V for USB - PD support . Current flow is limited to ules and potentially between apparatuses connected to sepa - 3 amps , but the higher voltages of USB - PD allow for the rate sockets , modules preferably meet the USB - C powering of devices with higher power requirements . specification , preferably further with USB - PD support so 10 FIG . 3 shows the functional design of an embodiment of that devices requiring more than 5 volts can be powered . an ancillary module 30 compatible with the base module 20

The modules are electrically connected with USB con of FIG . 2 and having Wi - Fi functionality . The ancillary nectors , and preferably also have physical connectors that module 30 comprises USB connectors 31 and 33 and USB - C press - fit or interlock together . The system preferably allows PHY circuitry 34 , and a microcontroller 35 and Wi - Fi modules to be " daisy - chained ” in a customizable fashion so 15 interface 36 . Such an ancillary module 30 may allow the that a user can replace and remove a module to better meet module to join a local network , communicate with control existing needs or to meet new needs . Modules that can be lers , and / or send control information directly to LED bulbs incorporated may include one or more of an array of or other devices that are connected as part of the apparatus functionalities such as lighting ( preferably LED ) , light 10 . guides , Wi - Fi , bluetooth , speakers , cameras , microphones , 20 FIG . 4 shows the functional design of an embodiment of sensors , processing centers ( e . g . , AI ) , etc . Each module may a light - emitting module 40 compatible with the modules 20 have one function , or multiple functions may be combined and 30 of FIGS . 2 and 3 and having light - emitting diodes in a single module . For example , a module having Wi - Fi ( LEDs ) 45 . The light - emitting module 40 further comprises functionality may also include a microphone and processing a USB connector 41 , a microcontroller 43 , and power FETS circuitry such that a user can communicate with the module 25 ( field effect transistors ) 44 . A range of single - color and and provide instructions or information that may be used in color - configurable LEDs 45 may be used , and dimming and home automation or programming , etc . Or a module pri - color - configuration ( e . g . , via a Wi - Fi link ) may be sup marily intended as a speaker may also include an LED for ported . Configuration settings are preferably retained a better aesthetic . The ultimate mix of uses that a given user through power cycles ( e . g . , in non - volatile memory ) , and may adopt is essentially unlimited , but examples include 30 simple on / off control is preferably also supported . surround sound , security systems , home automation sys - FIG . 5 depicts an embodiment of a modular lighting and tems , and of course lighting . The advantages over prior ancillary component apparatus 10 ' similar to that of FIG . 1 , means of implementing such functions may include signifi - but with the modules connected and including an ancillary cantly reduced initial cost and increased convenience of module 30 ' having Wi - Fi functionality and another ancillary installation for some functions , lower cost of replacement , 35 module 30 " having USB hub functionality . The modular and an ability to rapidly and economically modernize and lighting and ancillary component apparatus 10 ' further com update a space . prises a power connector 21 ( e . g . , an A19 screw connector ) ,

A modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus a base module body 22 , a light emitting module 40 and and system according to an embodiment of the invention diffuser 46 and bulb 50 . External ancillary components can utilizes the USB protocol and connections between modules 40 ( as shown ) be connected to the ancillary module 30 " , such that can be removed and replaced with other modules by a as speakers 61 , sensors 62 ( e . g . , for home automation ) , and user after installation . FIGS . 1 - 12 depict various modular a camera 63 . The ancillary module 30 " provides a USB lighting and ancillary component apparatuses and parts compliant hub to connect external peripherals to the power thereof . One or more of such apparatuses together may , in an and Wi - Fi systems of the apparatus . The USB controller embodiment , form a modular lighting and ancillary compo - 45 preferably is USB - C and is aware of device power con nent system . sumption and may for example be configured to reduce

Referring first to FIG . 1 , an embodiment of a modular power to one or more ancillary devices in favor of lighting , lighting and ancillary component apparatus 10 is depicted or vice versa . The ancillary module 30 " preferably acts as a that includes a base module 20 , ancillary module 30 , light - tunnel for data from each attached device to a system emitting module 40 , and bulb 50 , each being unconnected 50 controller ( not shown ) via the Wi - Fi link . but connectable to each other . The base module 20 com - FIG . 6 depicts an embodiment of a modular lighting and prises a power connector 21 ( e . g . , a standard screw connec ancillary component apparatus 10A similar to that of FIG . 1 , tor for an AC electrical lighting receptacle such as A19 ) , a including a power connector ( e . g . , a standard screw connec base module body 22 , and a female USB connector 23 . The tor ) 21 and a base module body 22 , but with the modules ancillary module 30 comprises a male USB connector 31 , 55 connected and including a light - emitting module 40 A hav ancillary module body 32 , and a female USB connector 33 . ing two ends each with a USB connection ( not shown ) , an The light - emitting module 40 comprises a male USB con ancillary module 30 ' having Wi - Fi functionality , and an nector 41 , light - emitting module body 42 , and a diffuser 46 ancillary module 64 including a speaker connected to the over which bulb 50 can be seated . The USB connector light - emitting module 40A . As the light - emitting module orientations could be the reverse of that depicted ( i . e . , males 60 40A is configured with USB connectors at each end , it is switched with females and vice versa ) or otherwise differ - configured to emit light sideways through diffuser 46A and ently arranged . Also , an adapter could be inserted into a bulb 50A . female USB connector that converts it to a male connector . In some circumstances it is possible to sense the proper The USB connectors ( and those of the embodiments ties of the modified AC waveform produced by a conven described below ) preferably meet the USB - C specification . 65 tional residential light dimmer , and control the brightness of

FIG . 2 shows the functional design of an embodiment of a digital bulb accordingly . These common dimmers are built a base module 20 utilizing USB - C functionality . The base around a triac , which gates each cycle of the AC waveform

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US 9 , 746 , 138 B1

by a voltage threshold to vary the power transferred to the guide module 46D , which may be made of a suitable load . ( The technique is similar to pulse - width modulation polymer , includes a male press - fit connector 47D and a for DC circuits ) . In an embodiment , the dimming technique female USB connector 49D . The camera module 30D widely used in LED bulbs of analyzing the incoming AC includes a male USB connector 31D and a female press - fit waveform to detect properties of the wave shape and pro - 5 connector 32D , camera circuitry 35D , and camera sensor duce an appropriate scaling value can be employed . FIG . 7 36D . shows the functional design of an embodiment of a base Using various modules , a user can for example build up module 20B having dimmer functionality . The base module a lightbulb from scratch for whatever purpose is desired , and 20B comprises a power connector 21 , a female USB con - may change modules to readily adjust the lightbulb ' s char nector 23 , a DC power supply 24 , USB - C PHY circuitry 25 , 10 acteristics without replacing the entire apparatus . As another a microcontroller 71 , and an AC waveform detector 70 . The example , for a bedside lamp , a user may decide to combine microcontroller 71 is preferably configured so that the a base module with a USB hub module ( e . g . , for charging dimmer is partially on before the bulb control circuitry devices like a smartphone ) , add a speaker module ( e . g . , to powers up , and to ensure sufficient power is available for the listen to music while going to sleep ) , and a Wi - Fi module LED before it is illuminated . ( LED lighting requiring a 15 with circuitry that can turn the speaker on in the morning , fraction of the power of conventional incandescent bulbs , and finally a light - emitting ( e . g . , LED ) module , a light guide however , the latter condition would be satisfied for most of module , and a bulb . the dimmer ' s potential operating range ) . Those in the art will understand that a number of varia

Referring to FIGS . 8 - 11 , another embodiment of a modu - tions may be made in the disclosed embodiments , all without lar lighting and ancillary component apparatus 10C is 20 departing from the scope of the invention , which is defined shown . In FIG . 8 , the base module 20C , ancillary module solely by the appended claims . 30C , light - emitting module 40C , and bulb 50C are shown What is claimed is : connected . The base module 20C in this embodiment 1 . A modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus , includes a power connector 21C ( e . g . , a standard screw comprising : connector ) , a base module body 22C , and a status light 25 a ) a base module including USB circuitry and having a indicator 26 that may be lit by an internal LED or LEDs of first end and a second end , the first end of the base different colors . module including a power connector , and the second

With the parts shown disconnected in FIGS . 9 and 10 it end of the base module having a USB connector ; can be seen that the base module 20C also includes a male b ) at least one ancillary module including USB circuitry press - fit connector 28 having nubs 29 and a female USB 30 and having a first end and a second end , the first end of connector 23C . Any other suitable type of physical connec the ancillary module having a USB connector connect tor can be used ( e . g . , a threaded a locking ring , etc . ) in place able to the USB connector of the base , and the second of the press - fit connector 28 as long it prevents rotation of end of the ancillary module including a USB connector ; the USB connector 23C of the base module 20C with respect c ) a light - emitting module including USB circuitry and to the USB connector 31C of the ancillary module 30C ( or 35 having a first end and a second end , the first end of the other module ) when the two are connected . As seen in FIG . light - emitting module having a USB connector con 10 , the base module 20C further includes USB - C PHY nectable to the USB connector of the second end of the circuitry 25C . ancillary module , and the light - emitting module includ

In this embodiment the ancillary module 30C comprises ing a light - emitting component ; a female press - fit connector 79 , a microphone 37 , a male 40 wherein an ancillary module comprises a hub module press - fit connector 38 having nubs 39 , and a female USB having USB circuitry and one or more external USB connector 33C . Referring to FIG . 10 , the ancillary module connectors on an external surface of the ancillary 30C also includes Wi - Fi circuitry and transceiver / USB - C module . PHY circuitry 34C . 2 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa

The light - emitting module 40C of this embodiment com - 45 ratus of claim 1 , wherein the USB circuitry and the USB prises two discrete parts : first , a light - emitting module body connectors of the base module , ancillary module , and light 42C including a silicone outer coating 47 , a male USB emitting module meet a USB - C specification . connector 41C , a female press - fit connector 51 ( seen best in 3 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa FIG . 11 ) configured to engage the male press - fit connectors ratus of claim 1 , wherein the USB circuitry of one or more 28 and 38 of the ancillary module 30C and base module 20C , 50 modules in the modular lighting and ancillary component a female press - fit connector 48 , and a female USB connector apparatus supports a USB Power Delivery ( PD ) specifica 49 ; and second , a LED circuit board 80 having a male USB tion . connector 81 and LEDs 82 . The open end of the diffuser 46C 4 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa press - fits into female press - fit connector 48 and the open end ratus of claim 1 , wherein the base module includes a DC of the bulb 50C press fits over silicone outer coating 47 . 55 power supply and the power connector is configured to mate

FIG . 12 depicts a combination of four modules consisting with a conventional AC electric lighting receptacle . of an LED coupling module 40D , an LED module 80D , a 5 . A modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus light guide module 46D , and a camera module 30D . The comprising : LED coupling module 40D includes a male USB connector a ) a base module including USB circuitry and having a 41D and female press - fit connector 42D , a female USB 60 first end and a second end , the first end of the base connector 43D and female press - fit connector 48D config module including a power connector , and the second ured to receive the end of light guide module 46D , USB end of the base module having a USB connector ; circuitry 44D , and an outer silicone coating 45D . The LED b ) at least one ancillary module including USB circuitry module 80D includes a male USB connector 81D , an LED and having a first end and a second end , the first end of circuit board 82D and LEDs 83D . In this embodiment , the 65 the ancillary module having a USB connector connect LED module 80D and the light guide module 46D connect able to the USB connector of the base , and the second to the distal end of the LED coupling module 40D . The light end of the ancillary module including a USB connector ;

US 9 , 746 , 138 B1

c ) a light - emitting module including USB circuitry and modules in the modular lighting and ancillary component having a first end and a second end , the first end of the apparatus supports a USB Power Delivery ( PD ) specifica light - emitting module having a USB connector con tion . nectable to the USB connector of the second end of the 14 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa ancillary module , and the light - emitting module includ - 5 ratus of claim 9 , wherein the base module includes a DC ing a light - emitting component ; power supply and the power connector is configured to mate

wherein an ancillary module includes a wireless local area with a conventional AC electric lighting receptacle . network transceiver . 15 . A modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus

6 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa comprising : ratus of claim 5 , wherein the USB circuitry and the USB 10 a ) a base module including USB circuitry and having a

first end and a second end , the first end of the base connectors of the base module , ancillary module , and light module including a power connector , and the second emitting module meet a USB - C specification . end of the base module having a USB connector ; 7 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa b ) at least one ancillary module including USB circuitry ratus of claim 5 , wherein the USB circuitry of one or more 15 and having a first end and a second end , the first end of modules in the modular lighting and ancillary component the ancillary module having a USB connector connect apparatus supports a USB Power Delivery ( PD ) specifica able to the USB connector of the base , and the second tion . end of the ancillary module including a USB connector ;

8 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa c ) a light - emitting module including USB circuitry and ratus of claim 5 , wherein the base module includes a DC 20 having a first end and a second end , the first end of the power supply and the power connector is configured to mate light - emitting module having a USB connector con with a conventional AC electric lighting receptacle . nectable to the USB connector of the second end of the

9 . A modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus ancillary module , and the light - emitting module includ comprising : ing a light - emitting component ;

a ) a base module including USB circuitry and having a 25 wherein the light - emitting module includes an exterior first end and a second end , the first end of the base surface between the first and second ends of the light module including a power connector , and the second emitting module and the light - emitting component is end of the base module having a USB connector ; on the exterior surface of the light - emitting module .

b ) at least one ancillary module including USB circuitry 16 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa and having a first end and a second end , the first end of 30 ratus of claim 15 , further comprising a light treatment the ancillary module having a USB connector connect - component connectable to the modular lighting and ancillary able to the USB connector of the base , and the second component apparatus , wherein the light treatment compo end of the ancillary module including a USB connector ; nent comprises one or more of : a light guide , a light diffuser ,

c ) a light - emitting module including USB circuitry and a bulb , and a heat dissipation component . having a first end and a second end , the first end of the 35 17 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa light - emitting module having a USB connector con - ratus of claim 15 , wherein the USB circuitry and the USB nectable to the USB connector of the second end of the connectors of the base module , ancillary module , and light ancillary module , and the light - emitting module includ - emitting module meet a USB - C specification . ing a light - emitting component ; 18 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa

wherein the light - emitting module includes one or more 40 ratus of claim 15 , wherein the USB circuitry of one or more light - emitting diodes ( “ LEDs ' ) , and wherein the light - modules in the modular lighting and ancillary component emitting module includes a light - emitting module body apparatus supports a USB Power Delivery ( PD ) specifica having a first end and a second end , the first end of the tion . light - emitting module body being coterminous with the 19 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa first end of the light - emitting module , and the second 45 ratus of claim 15 , wherein the base module includes a DC end of the light - emitting module body including a LED power supply and the power connector is configured to mate connector , and wherein the light - emitting module fur with a conventional AC electric lighting receptacle . ther includes a LED circuit board having a first side and 20 . A modular lighting and ancillary component apparatus a second side , the first side of the LED circuit board comprising : including a USB connector and the second side of the 50 a ) a base module including USB circuitry and having a LED circuit board including the one or more LEDs . first end and a second end , the first end of the base

10 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa module including a power connector , and the second ratus of claim 9 , further comprising a light treatment com end of the base module having a USB connector ; ponent connectable to the modular lighting and ancillary b ) at least one ancillary module including USB circuitry component apparatus , wherein the light treatment compo - 55 and having a first end and a second end , the first end of nent comprises one or more of a light guide , a light diffuser , the ancillary module having a USB connector connect a bulb , and a heat dissipation component . able to the USB connector of the base , and the second

11 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa end of the ancillary module including a USB connector ; ratus of claim 9 , wherein the light - emitting module body c ) a light - emitting module including USB circuitry and includes USB circuitry and the LED connector is a USB 60 having a first end and a second end , the first end of the connector . light - emitting module having a USB connector con

12 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa nectable to the USB connector of the second end of the ratus of claim 9 , wherein the USB circuitry and the USB ancillary module , and the light - emitting module includ connectors of the base module , ancillary module , and light ing a light - emitting component ; emitting module meet a USB - C specification . 65 wherein the apparatus includes two or more ancillary

13 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa modules one or more of which includes USB circuitry ratus of claim 9 , wherein the USB circuitry of one or more and has a first end and a second end each having a USB

US 9 , 746 , 138 B1

connector , the USB connector of the second end being connectable to the USB connector of the first end of the light - emitting module .

21 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa ratus of claim 20 , wherein the USB circuitry and the USB 5 connectors of the base module , ancillary module , and light emitting module meet a USB - C specification .

22 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa ratus of claim 20 , wherein the USB circuitry of one or more modules in the modular lighting and ancillary component 10 apparatus supports a USB Power Delivery ( PD ) specifica tion .

23 . The modular lighting and ancillary component appa ratus of claim 20 , wherein the base module includes a DC power supply and the power connector is configured to mate 15 with a conventional AC electric lighting receptacle .

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communicate with mountain · us 9 , 746 , 138 b1 modular lighting and ancillary modules at...

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