WO2007146062A2

WO2007146062A2 - Led light and heat sink apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007146062A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/013415
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jack Nyenhuis; Thomas J. Newhouse
Original assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
Priority date: 2006-06-09
Filing date: 2007-06-07
Publication date: 2007-12-21
Also published as: WO2007146062A3

Abstract

An LED desk lamp assembly including a cover forming a cavity and at least a first cover channel, a heat sink forming substantially oppositely facing first and second surfaces, a portion of the first surface forming a mounting surface, the sink forming at least a first vent channel that extends between and opens through the first and second surfaces, the sink disposed at least substantially within the cavity and separated from the cover so that an intermediate space is formed between the cover and the second surface of the sink, the vent channel, intermediate space and cover channel forming at least a first substantially unobstructed passageway, a least a first insulator disposed between and at least substantially separating the cover and the sink, and at least a first LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface.

Description

LED LIGHT AND HEAT SINK APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to desk lamps and more specifically to

LED desk tamps that include heat sinks for dissipating heat generated by LED devices.

[0004] Many different types of desk lamps are known including LED type lamps. In addition to generating light, light emitting devices also generate a substantial amount of heat that, if not dissipated, can damage the emitting devices. In the case of LEDs, generated heat does not efficiently radiate into the ambient and instead is substantially trapped in the device itself. For this reason, most LED devices are mounted to heat sinks that are in direct thermal contact with the devices. The sinks draw heat away from the devices. The sinks have larger heat dissipating surface areas than the LED devices and therefore radiate heat into the ambient more efficiently than the devices themselves.

[0005] In most cases desk lamps include a cover or shade that surrounds a light source so that light emitted from the source can be directed where needed and to block light from emanating along other directions (e.g., along a trajectory toward a user's eye).

[0006] One problem with known LED desk lamps is that the lamps are designed to direct light directly perpendicular to the light emitting face of the head such that either the head has to be placed directly over an area to be illuminated or the head has to be tilted at a support arm elbow or the like in order to cast the light laterally toward an area to be illuminated. While tilting a head is a viable option to avoid having to place a light head directly above an area to be illuminated, when a head is tilted, typically a direct and unobstructed line between a user's eye and the light source results which is extremely annoying to the user. Here, the light cover or shade that is typically oriented to direct light where it is wanted and to shield direct light from a user's eye is ineffective.

[0007} Another problem with some known LED desk lamps is that heat sinks are often in thermal contact with light shades or covers and therefore the shades or covers can become extremely hot as LED heat is dissipated through the sink and cover. Hot shades and covers can be uncomfortable to touch. [0008] One other problem with LED devices as light sources in general is that a single LED device often will not generate light having sufficient intensity for many applications. In order to increase light intensity from an LED source, several off the shelf LED array packages have been developed that include multiple LED devices mounted to a single substrate to form a two dimensional array. For instance, some LED packages includes twenty or more LED devices mounted to a single substrate which is in turn mounted to a heat sink.

{0009] While large array LED packages may provide sufficient light for various applications including a desk lamp application, unfortunately such large arrays have several shortcomings. First, while there are many applications for small LED array packages, a smaller number of applications require large tightly packed arrays and therefore, as array size increases, typically cost increases appreciably due to smaller volume requirements. In short, large array packages are much more expensive than smaller packages. In the case of an LED desk lamp the cost associated with a single array package that generates sufficient light for the application is high. [0010] Second, because LED array packages typically pack a large number of devices in a small space, generated heat is usually concentrated in a small space. Here, to dissipate concentrated heat, a particularly large heat sink may be required which not only increases costs but also results in a large volume product (e.g., a large volume lamp head).

[0011] Third, large array LED packages usually lump LEDs in a square or generally circular array such that the resulting light pattern is approximately as wide (i.e., the dimension from side to side) as it is deep (i.e., the dimension from front to back). In many applications and, in particular, in desk lamp applications, it is often desirable to have oblong lighting patterns as light users typically spread work out laterally to a greater extent than they do along the depth dimension of a desk top. To this end observe the dimensions of a typical desk or credenza where the width is usually much greater than the depth. Thus, large circular or square LED arrays are not suitable for generating optimal light patterns in at least some desking applications. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] At least some embodiments of the invention include an LED desk lamp assembly comprising a cover forming a cavity and at least a first cover channel, a heat sink forming substantially oppositely facing first and second surfaces, a portion of the first surface forming a mounting surface, the sink forming at least a first vent channel that extends between and opens through the first and second surfaces, the sink disposed at least substantially within the cavity and separated from the cover so that an intermediate space is formed between the cover and the second surface of the sink, the vent channel, intermediate space and cover channel forming at least a first substantially unobstructed passageway, a least a first insulator disposed between and at least substantially separating the cover and the sink, and at least a first LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface. [0013] Some embodiments include an LED assembly comprising a ring member including first and second substantially oppositely facing first and second surfaces, the ring member forming a ring opening, a mounting member supported by the ring member substantially within a ring opening, the mounting member forming at least a first mounting surface, and an LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface.

[0014] In addition, some embodiments include an LED assembly comprising a sink comprising a ring member including first and second substantially oppositely facing first and second surfaces, the ring member forming a ring opening, first and second separate mounting members extending across the opening so that the ring opening is divided into first and second lateral openings and a central opening, the first and second mounting members forming first and second mounting surfaces, respectively, a plurality of fins, at least a subset of the fins extending between the ring member and the first mounting member, at least a subset of the fins extending between the ring member and the second mounting member and at least a subset of the fins extending between the first mounting member and the second mounting member, adjacent fins forming fin openings, and first and second LED devices supported by and in thermal contact with the first and second mounting surfaces, respectively.

[0015] Moreover, some embodiments include a desk lamp assembly comprising a support structure including a supporting end, a heat sink forming a mounting surface, the sink mounted directly to the supporting end of the support structure, a cover forming a cavity that substantially receives the heat sink, the cover supported by the heat sink, an insulator disposed between the cover and the sink to substantially thermally separate the cover from the sink, and at least a first LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface. [0016] Furthermore, some embodiments include a desk lamp assembly comprising a support structure including a supporting end, a heat sink forming a mounting surface, the sink mounted directly to the supporting end of the support structure, a cover forming a cavity that substantially receives the heat sink, the cover supported by the heat sink, an insulator disposed between the cover and the sink to substantially thermally separate the cover from the sink, and at least a first LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface. [0017] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described- The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the invention. However, these aspects are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary LED desk lamp consistent with various aspects of the present invention;

[0019] Fig.2 is a is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

[0020] Fig. 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the of the head subassembly of the LED desk lamp of Fig. 1;

[0021] Fig.4 is enlarged partial side cross-sectional view within arc 4-4 of Fig.

2;

[0022] Fig. 5 is a is a perspective view of a heat sink of the LED desk lamp of

Fig. 1;

[0023] Fig. 6 is an end perspective view of the heat sink of Fig. 5;

[0024] Fig. 7 is a top view of the heat sink of Fig. 5;

[0025] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the cover of Fig. 1 ;

[0026] Fig. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a distal end of a head assembly that includes an insulator insert that is consistent with at least some inventive embodiments;

[0027] Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view of another sink member; and

[0028] Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of Fig. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views and, more specifically, referring to Fig. 1 , the present invention and various aspects of the invention will be described in the context of an exemplary LED desk lampiO including, among other components, a base subassembly 12, a power cord 14, an arm member 16, and a head subassembly 18. Base subassembly 12 includes a planar bottom surface 20 configured to be placed on a desk or the like and a generally decorative conical top surface 22. A switch 24 is disposed within conical top surface 22. Power cord 14 extends from a cord opening 26 in base 12 and includes a plug at a distal end 28. Arm 16 includes a proximal end 30 and a distal end 32. Arm distal end 32 is mounted to base subassembly 12 at a socket 34 of base 12. Head subassembly 18 is mounted to end 30 of arm 16.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1 , base subassembly 12 houses an LED driver (not illustrated) that is electrically connected to power cord 14 and to a plurality of electrically conductive lines (not shown). The lines connect the driver to switch 24 and to proximal LED device 40 and distal LED device 42 (see also Fig. 2) that form parts of head subassembly 18. The lines run from base 12 through arm 16 to head 18.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, head subassembly 18 includes a cover 44, a heat sink 46, an insulator 48 and LED devices 40 and 42. Insulator 48 includes a cylindrical member 60 and a generally disk spaced flange 64. Cylindrical member 60 includes first and second ends and forms a channel that extends from the first end to the second. A slot 70 is formed along one side of member 60 that extends outward from the first end edge of cylindrical member 60. Two holes 68 are formed in flange 64 on opposite sides of cylindrical member 60. Insulator 48 may be formed of plastic or any other heat insulating material that may also be electrically insulating. [0032] Referring to Figs. 2 through 7, heat sink 46 includes a ring member 100 that is substantially oval and forms a ring opening 102 that is substantially oval, ring opening 102 having a short dimension 103 and a long dimension 105 (see Fig. 7) that extends between first and second ends 67 and 69, respectively. Openings 71 are formed on opposite sides of member 52. Another opening 73 is formed at second end 69.

[0033] Ring member 100 has oppositely facing first and second surfaces 104 and 106, respectively. First surface 104 faces substantially downward (see Fig. 1) when the light assembly is fully assembled. At first end 67 sink 46 forms a conical mounting member 52 that extends from first surface 104. Mounting member 52 forms a cylindrical opening 62 that extends through to second surface 106. A first or proximal mounting member 108 and a second or distal mounting member 110 are supported by ring member 100 substantially within ring opening 102 and extend across opening 102. To this end, ring member 100 includes first and second portions 112 and 114, respectively, on substantially opposite sides of ring member 100 and each mounting member 108 and 110 extends from. first portion 112 to second portion 114 thus dividing ring opening 102 into first and second lateral openings 124 and 126, respectively, and a central opening 128. Each mounting member 108 and 110 extends across ring opening 102 along directions that are parallel to short dimension 103 of ring opening 102.

[0034] Proximal mounting member 108 includes a proximal mounting surface

116 and distal mounting member 110 includes a distal mounting surface 118. Mounting surfaces 116 and 118 are substantially flat and, in at least some embodiments, are non-parallel. Mounting surfaces 116 and 118 face generally in the same direction as first surface 104 and are angled with respect to first surface 104 (e.g., 5 to 45 degrees). Mounting surfaces 116 and 118 are angled generally away from mounting member 52. Mounting surfaces 116 and 118 form different angles with respect to first surface 104 but may, in some applications, form the same angle. [0035] Mounting surfaces 116 and 118 each include an alignment rib 120 that extends from mounting surfaces 116 and 118. Alignment ribs 120 each comprise two ribs that form a right angle for receiving and registering a corner 122 of LED devices 40 and 42. LED devices 40 and 42 are mounted to mounting surfaces 116 and 118 so that LED devices 40 and 42 are in thermal contact with mounting surfaces 116 and 118. LED devices 40 and 42 emit light substantially in a direction that is perpendicular to mounting surfaces 104 and 106.

[0036] First surface 104 of heat sink 46 includes a first vent member 150 that is supported by ring member 100. First vent member 150 is formed between proximal mounting member 108 and distal mounting member 110. First vent member 150 is substantially flat, faces in substantially the same direction as first surface 104, and is angled with respect to first surface 104. First vent member 150 is angled towards proximal mounting member surface 116. A plurality of substantially parallel first vent channels 152 are formed by first vent member 150, first vent channels 152 extending between first surface 104 and second surface 106 thereby providing openings between first surface 104 and second surface 106. First vent channels 152 are elongated openings having a long dimension and a short dimension, the long dimension generally aligned along the length dimension of oval ring member 100.

[0037] Heat sink 46 further forms a plurality of second vent channels 154 and a plurality of third vent channels 156. Second vent channels are formed on a side of proximal mounting surface 108 opposite the distal mounting surface 110. Third vent channels are formed on a side of distal mounting surface 110 opposite to proximal mounting surface 108. Second and third vent channels 154 and 156 extend between first surface 104 and second surface 106. Second and third vent channels 154 and 156 are openings, at least one each of second and third vent channels 154 and 156 being elongated openings. Electrically conductive lines can be passed through at least some of first, second and third vent channels 152, 154 and 156. [0038] Heat sink 46 forms a plurality of fins 180 including distal edges 182, distal edges 182 at least in part defining the second surface 106 of ring member 100 in some applications. Fins 180 are substantially parallel and extend along directions that are substantially parallel to long dimension 105 of ring opening 102 and, thus, fins 180 are substantially perpendicular to short dimension 103 of ring opening 102. Some of fins 180 extend from ring member 100 to proximate mounting member 108 across first lateral opening 124 so that first lateral opening 124 is divided into second vent channels 154. Some of fins 180 extend from ring member 100 to distal mounting member 110 across second lateral opening 126 so that second lateral opening 126 is divided into a set of third vent channels 156. Some of fins 180 extend from proximate mounting member 108 to distal mounting member 110 across center lateral opening 128 so that center lateral opening 128 is divided into a set of first vent channels 152. A plurality of channels 184 are formed between pairs of adjacent fins 180.

[0039] Referring to Figs.4 and 5, LED devices 40 and 42 include multi-LED packages that include a flat substrate to which light emitting diodes are mounted. The substrates include flat mounting surfaces.

[0040] Referring now to Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 8, cover member 44 is an elongated half clam shell shaped member having oppositely facing internal and external surfaces 210 and 212, respectively, where the internal and external surfaces meet along a uni-planar edge 202. Internal surface 210 forms an elongated cavity 204 that is generally dimensioned to receive heat sink member 46 with second sink surface 106 facing internal surface 210. Cover member 44 has a short width dimension 206 and a relatively long length dimension 208 that extends from a first end 219 to a second end 221. Member 44 forms a plurality of parallel elongated cover channels 218 that extend substantially along the short width dimension 206 in the illustrated example and that open from the internal surface 210 to the external surface 212. Proximate first end 219 a partial cylindrical mounting member 66 extends from internal surface 210 and forms a cylindrical channel 223 (see also Fig. 6) along an axis (not illustrated) that is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which edge 202 is formed. In at least some embodiments member 66 forms an opening 72 that faces second end 221 for passing wires from arm 16 into cavity 204. Threaded openings are formed by two fastener receptors 58 disposed on opposite sides of mounting member 66. A third threaded opening is formed by a third fastener member 58 that extends from internal surface 210 proximate second end 221. Cover member 44 may be formed of several different materials including stainless steel, aluminum, etc.

[0041] To assemble the light assembly, with arm 16 mounted to and supported by base subassembly 12 so that proximal arm end 30 extends upward (see Fig. 6), cylindrical member 60 of insulator member 48 is aligned with and slid into opening 62 formed by sink member 46 so that flange 64 rests on sink surface 106 and openings 68 are aligned with openings 71 formed by sink member 46. Electrical wires are fed from arm end 30 through insulator member 48 and to mounting surfaces 116 and 118. Insulator 48 is fed over end 30 so that extension member 74 extends upward therefrom (see Fig. 4).

[0042] Light emitting devices 40a nd 42 are aligned with rib members 120 on surfaces 116 and 118 and are mounted to the surfaces 116 and 118 using a thermal epoxy resin or adhesive or via mechanical fasteners of some type (e.g., screws) (not illustrated). When mounted properly the light emitting devices are linked to the electrical wires to receive power when switch 24 is turned on. [0043] Next, cover member 44 is aligned above sink member 46 with cavity

204 facing the fins formed by sink member 46 and so that opening 223 is aligned with arm end extension member 74. Cover member 44 is moved down until the lower ends of receptors 58 adjacent mounting member 66 contact and bear against the portions of flange 64 that form openings 68 and until receptor 58 at second end 221 of cover member 44 contacts surface 106 proximate opening 73 at second end 69 of heat sink member 46. Screws 54 (see Fig. 3) are aligned with and installed through the aligned openings formed by sink member 46, insulator member 48 and cover member 44 to secure the components together. 10044] Referring specifically to Figs. 2 and 4, heat sink 46 is disposed at least substantially within cavity 204 of cover member 44 when mounted therein. Heat sink member 46 is substantially separated from cover member 44 so that an intermediate space 220 is formed between heat sink 46 and cover 44. Intermediate space 220 is formed substantially between second surface 106 of heat sink 46 and internal surface 210 of cover 44.

10045) Referring now to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, cover channels 218, intermediate space 220, and vent channels 152, 154, and 156 form a plurality of substantially unobstructed passageways 240. Some of the substantially unobstructed passageways 240 are not straight because second and third vent channels 154 and 156 are misaligned with at least one of cover channels 218. At least a portion of vent channels 152, 154, and 156, cover channels 218 and intermediate space 220 are aligned along straight paths 242, which are also substantially unobstructed passageways. Air can flow through substantially unobstructed passageways 240 and/or along straight paths 242 thereby facilitating heat dissipation from heat sink 46. Convection cooling can further facilitate heat dissipation from heat sink 46 as air heated by sink 46 rises thereby causing a convection current of air flowing through substantially unobstructed passageways 240 and/or along straight paths 242. [0046] Referring now to Fig. 9 in another embodiment of the present invention, an insulator 260 is disposed between fastener receptor 58 of cover 44 and second surface of heat sink 46 thereby substantially separating the distal end of the cover member 44 from heat sink member 46. Insulator 260 also substantially thermally separates cover 44 and heat sink 46.

[0047] One or more specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. [0048] For example, while components are shown that form parallel channels and heat transfer passageways, other channel configurations are contemplated. As another example, in at least some embodiments an arm member (e.g., 16) may be mounted between the mounting member 108 and 110 and the mounting surfaces 116 and 118 may be angled to a side away from the arm instead of generally toward one end. To this end, see Figs. 10 and 11 that show another sink member 344 that includes mounting surfaces 316 and 318 that both are angled from a rear edge 320 of the sink member 344 to a front edge 322 where a supporting arm or other structure mounts to the sink at a mounting member 352. Here, sink channels 360 and heat dissipating fins 362 are formed by member 344. This embodiment would be useful where a light is to be placed directly in front of a user instead of to one side and would provide a lighting effect similar to the effect that results from the above described configuration (e.g., wider than the pattern is deep to accommodate a typical spread of work materials on a desk or the like). This embodiment could also be useful as a case or wall mounted lighting system. As still one other example, the support structure may be other than a desk lamp arm (e.g., the support may include a slat wall arm, a wall mounted arm, etc.).

[0049] Thus, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

[0050] To apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are made:

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED !S:

1. A desk lamp assembly, the assembly comprising: a cover forming a cavity and at least a first cover channel; a heat sink forming substantially oppositely facing first and second surfaces, a portion of the second first surface forming a mounting surface, the sink forming at least a first vent channel that extends between and opens through the first and second surfaces, the sink disposed at least substantially within the cavity and separated from the cover so that an intermediate space is formed between the cover and the second surface of the sink, the vent channel, intermediate space and cover channel forming at least a first substantially unobstructed passageway; a least a first insulator disposed between and at least substantially separating the cover and the sink; and at least a first LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the first vent channel, the first cover channel and the space are aligned along a straight path.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the cover forms a plurality of channels and wherein the sink forms a plurality of vent channels.

4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein at least a subset of the channels are circumferentially defined openings.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the mounting surface is a first mounting surface and wherein the first surface further forms at least a second mounting surface separate from the first mounting surface, the assembly further including a second LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the second mounting surface.

6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the at least a first vent channel is formed between the first and second mounting surfaces.

7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the at least a first vent channel is at least in part aligned with the cover channel along a straight line.

8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the sink further forms at least second and third vent channels wherein the second vent channel is formed on a side of the first mounting surface opposite the second mounting surface and the third vent channel is formed on a side of the second mounting surface opposite the first mounting surface.

9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the second and third vent channels are misaligned with the at least a first cover channel.

10. The assembly of claim 5 wherein each of the first and second mounting surfaces are substantially flat and wherein the first and second mounting surfaces are non-parallel.

11. The assembly of claim 5 wherein at least one first mounting member vent is formed in the first mounting member and at least one second mounting member vent is formed in the second mounting member.

12. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the insulator includes a plurality of insulator pads.

13. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the LED device is adhered to the mounting surface.

14. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the sink forms a plurality of vent channels and includes a plurality of fins that include distal edges, the distal fin edges at least in part defining the second surface and adjacent fins at least in part defining the plurality of vent channels.

15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the cover forms a plurality of cover channels wherein the cover channels and the vent channels include elongated cover openings and elongated channel openings, respectively.

16. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the sink forms first and second openings through the mounting surface for passing electrical conductors.

17. The assembly of claim 1 further including a support structure for supporting the cover and sink above a table top member, the support structure restricting orientation of the cover so that the cover cavity opens substantially downward.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein each of the vent channel and the sink channel extend along substantially vertical trajectories.

19. An LED assembly comprising: a sink comprising: a ring member including first and second substantially oppositely facing first and second surfaces, the ring member forming a ring opening; a mounting member supported by the ring member substantially within the ring opening, the mounting member forming at least a first mounting surface; and an LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the ring member includes first and second portions on substantially opposite sides of the ring and wherein the mounting member extends from the first portion toward the second portion.

21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the mounting member extends to the second portion so that the ring opening is divided into first and second lateral openings.

22. The assembly of claim 21 wherein the sink further includes a plurality of fin members that extend from the ring member to the mounting member across the first lateral opening so that the first lateral opening is divided into a plurality of channels, a separate channel formed between each two adjacent fins.

23. The assembly of claim 22 wherein the sink further includes a plurality of fin members that extend from the ring member to the mounting member across the second lateral opening so that the second lateral opening is divided into a plurality of channels, a separate channel formed between each two adjacent fins.

24. The assembly of claim 23 wherein all of the fins are substantially parallel.

25. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the mounting surface faces in substantially the same direction as the first surface and is angled with respect to the first surface.

26. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the sink further includes a second mounting member supported by the ring member substantially within the ring opening and spaced apart from the first mounting member, the second mounting member forming at least a second mounting surface, the assembly further including a second LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the second mounting surface.

27. The assembly of claim 26 wherein each of the first and second mounting members extends across the ring opening so that the opening is divided into first and second lateral openings and a central opening.

28. The assembly of claim 27 wherein the ring member is substantially oval and the ring opening is substantially oval having a short dimension and a long - dimension and wherein each of the first and second mounting members extends across the ring opening along directions that are parallel to the short dimension.

29. The assembly of claim 27 wherein each of the first and second mounting surfaces faces in substantially the same direction as the first sink surface and wherein each of the first and second mounting surfaces is angled with respect to the first surface.

30. The assembly of claim 29 wherein each of the first and second mounting surfaces forms a different angle with respect to the first sink surface.

31. The assembly of claim 28 wherein the sink further includes a plurality of fins that one of extend from the ring member to the first mounting member, from the ring member to the second mounting member and from the first mounting member to the second mounting member so that at least one of the first and second lateral openings and the central opening is divided into a plurality of channels, each channel formed by a pair of adjacent fins.

32. The assembly of claim 31 wherein fin members extend between each of the ring member and the first mounting member, between the ring member and the second mounting member and between the first and second mounting members. US2007/013415

33. The assembly of claim 31 wherein all of the fins are substantially parallel.

34. The assembly of claim 33 wherein the mounting members extend across the opening along directions that are substantially perpendicular to the directions in which the fins extend.

35. The assembly of claim 19 further including a cover that forms a cavity, the sink substantially disposed within the cavity.

36. The assembly of claim 35 wherein the cover forms at least a first cover opening.

37. The assembly of claim 36 wherein the sink further includes a plurality of fins that extend from the ring member to the mounting member.

38. The assembly of claim 37 wherein elongated sink openings are formed between each two adjacent fins.

39. The assembly of claim 38 wherein all of the fins are substantially parallel.

40. The assembly of claim 39 wherein the cover forms a plurality of elongated and substantially parallel openings and wherein at least portions of the cover openings are aligned along straight lines with at least portions of at least a subset of the sink openings.

41. The assembly of claim 35 further including at least a first insulator disposed between and substantially separating the cover from the sink so that a space is formed between adjacent portions of the cover and the sink.

42. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the sink further includes at least a first conductor shroud formed on the mounting surface for substantially hiding an electrical conductor linked to the LED device.

43. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the ring member is substantially oval.

44. The assembly of claim 19 further including a supporting structure that supports the sink in a restricted orientation with the first surface facing substantially downward.

45. The assembly of claim 44 wherein the sink is mounted directly to the supporting structure and wherein the assembly further includes a cover that forms a cavity, the sink disposed within the cavity and supporting the cover.

46. An LED assembly comprising: a sink comprising: a ring member including first and second substantially oppositely facing first and second surfaces, the ring member forming a ring opening; first and second separate mounting members extending across the opening so that the ring opening is divided into first and second lateral openings and a central opening, the first and second mounting members forming first and second mounting surfaces, respectively; and a plurality of fins, at least a subset of the fins extending between the ring member and the first mounting member, at least a. subset of the fins extending between the ring member and the second mounting member and at least a subset of the fins extending between the first mounting member and the second mounting member, adjacent fins forming fin openings; and first and second LED devices supported by and in thermal contact with the first and second mounting surfaces, respectively.

47. The assembly of claim 46 further including a cover that forms a cavity and an insulator, the sink member substantially disposed within the cover, the cover forming a plurality of cover openings, at least portions of the cover openings aligned with at least portions of the fin openings along straight lines.

48. A desk lamp assembly, the assembly comprising: a support structure including a supporting end; a heat sink forming a mounting surface, the sink mounted directly to the supporting end of the support structure; a cover forming a cavity that substantially receives the heat sink, the cover supported by the heat sink; an insulator disposed between the cover and the sink to substantially thermally separate the cover from the sink; and at least a first LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface.

49. The assembly of claim 48 wherein the support structure includes a base member and an arm member where the arm member forms the supporting end opposite the base member.

50. The assembly of claim 49 wherein the arm member restricts the orientation of the sink so that the mounting surface faces substantially downward.

51. A desk lamp assembly, the assembly comprising: a base; an arm having proximal and distal ends where the distal end is mounted to the base; a head mounted to the distal end of the arm at a mounting location and forming a lower substantially flat and horizontal surface, the head forming a first mounting surface that generally faces downward and that is angled away from the mounting location and that is angled with respect to the lower surface; and at least a first LED device supported by and in thermal contact with the mounting surface.

52. The assembly of claim 51 wherein the head includes a heat sink that forms the mounting surface:

53. The assembly of claim 52 wherein the mounting surface angles away from the arm and forms an angle with the lower surface that is between five degrees and forty-five degrees.

54. The assembly of claim 52 further including a cover and an insulator, the cover forming a cavity that substantially receives the heat sink and that is supported by the sink, the insulator substantially thermally separating the cover and the sink.