Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus, and in particular to a lighting apparatus including a heat dissipation device.

Background Art

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Hand-held torches are often required such that they are easily transported from site to site by a user. However, hand-held torches do not generally provide a powerful light source, and thus may not be suitable for some circumstances. For example, a car mechanic may require a transportable lighting device, that is more powerful than a torch.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) generally provide a more powerful light source, than the average light bulb hand-held torch. The disadvantage of using LEDs, however, is that they require high power and consequently are easily damaged, if they generate too much heat.

The disadvantage of using LED's and other lighting elements is further escalated if the lighting elements are mounted on cars or other motor vehicles. In particular, motor vehicle mounted lights generally require a high degree of brightness and consequently have associated overheating problems. The lighting elements are also required to be robust in order to be able to accommodate stresses generated by vehicle movement, and lessen the likelihood of damage.

In addition to this, high density lighting applications tend to generate a significant amount of heat, and consequently require extensive cooling. This is particularly true on film sets where ambient temperatures can rise dramatically due to the amount of high powered lighting used.

Summary of Invention

In a first broad form there is provided a lighting apparatus, the lighting apparatus including: a housing defining: at least one cavity, the cavity having at least one opening; and, a heat dissipation device, the heat dissipation device including a number of fins for dissipating heat to a fluid; and, at least one radiation source for emitting radiation from the cavity through the opening, the at least one radiation source being in thermal communication with the heat dissipation device, such that the heat dissipation device at least partially dissipates heat generated by the at least one radiation source from the lighting apparatus.

Typically, the fluid includes any one or combination of:

- liquid; - gel;

- gas; and, - energy-transferring nanoparticles.

In accordance with another aspect, the heat dissipation device includes at least one channel for holding the fluid.

In a further aspect, there is provided the channel is a coolant fluid tube.

Typically, the apparatus includes a mechanism for forcing the fluid over the fins.

Typically, the mechanism is a fan within the housing.

Typically, the radiation source is a Light Emitting Diode (LED).

In another aspect, the cavity includes an optical device.

In accordance with another aspect, the optical device is a lens.

Typically, the optical device has a cover.

According to another aspect, the housing is elongate.

Typically, the fins are spaced laterally along the housing on the side opposing the opening of the cavity.

Typically, the housing includes, or is attachable to a power source.

In another preferred aspect, the lighting apparatus being removably attached to a bracket, stand, handle, or the like.

Typically, the lighting apparatus includes a plurality of radiation sources, the plurality of radiation sources being circumferentially spaced around at least a portion of the housing.

In a further aspect, the housing includes a fan for each lighting apparatus of the plurality of lighting apparatus.

Brief Description of Figures An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Fig. IA is a schematic side view of an example lighting apparatus; Fig. IB is a cross-sectional view of the side view of Fig. IA; Fig. 1C is a schematic of an example radiation source;

Fig. 2A is a schematic front view of an example of another embodiment of the lighting apparatus;

Fig. 2B is a schematic perspective view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 2 A;

Fig. 2C is a schematic top view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 2A; Fig. 2D is a schematic side view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 2 A;

Fig. 2E is a schematic back perspective view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 2 A;

Fig. 2F is a schematic back view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 2 A;

Fig. 2G is a cross-sectional side view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 2 A

Fig. 3A is a schematic front view of an example of another embodiment of the lighting apparatus;

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view (A-A) of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 4A is a schematic perspective view of an example of another embodiment of the lighting apparatus; Fig. 4B is a schematic top view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4C is a schematic front view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 4 A;

Fig. 4D is a cross-sectional view A-A of Fig. 4C;

Fig. 4E is a cross-sectional view B-B of Fig. 4C;

Fig. 5A is a schematic front perspective view of a particular example of the lighting apparatus;

Fig. 5B is a schematic back perspective view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5C is a schematic side view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5D is a section 0-0 view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 5C;

Fig. 5E is a sectional perspective view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 5 A; Fig. 5F is a schematic front view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5G is a schematic back view of the lighting apparatus of Fig. 5A;

Fig. 5H is a schematic side view of the lighting apparatus of Figure 5 A;

Fig. 51 is a view of the section K of figure 5H;

Fig. 6 is an example control circuit flow diagram; Fig. 7 is an example voltage vs. time graph;

Fig. 8 A is a schematic top perspective view of an example key fastening system;

Fig. 8B is a schematic bottom perspective view of the key of Fig. 8A; Fig. 8C is a schematic side view of the key of Fig. 8 A;

Fig. 8D is a schematic side view of the key of Fig. 8A, showing the mechanical relationship between the key and heat sink plates; Fig. 8E is a schematic top view of the key of Fig. 8 A, showing the mechanical relationship between the key and a heat sink plate;

Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram showing an example use of an example filtering device between an LED and a lens;

Fig. 9B is a schematic top perspective view of the filtering device of Fig. 9 A; Fig. 9C is another schematic top perspective view of the filtering device of Fig. 9 A; Fig. 9D is a schematic side view of the filtering device of Fig. 9 A.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Figs IA and IB show an example of a lighting apparatus 1, including a housing 2. The housing 2 defines at least one cavity 4, and a heat dissipation device 6. The lighting apparatus 1, further includes a radiation source 8 (shown in Fig. 1C), typically encased within the cavity 4, and may optionally include an aperture 16, a conduit 17, and an attaching means 18.

The cavity 4 has at least one opening 12 to allow radiation generated by the radiation source 8 to be emitted through an opening 12. The cavity 4 may also include an optical device 11, as well as a cover 9.

In use, the heat dissipation device 6 dissipates at least some of the heat generated by the radiation source 8 to a fluid or the like. Accordingly, the radiation source 8 is provided in thermal communication with the heat dissipation device 6, allowing heat generated by each radiation source 8 to be transferred away from the radiation sources and dissipated from the lighting apparatus 1.

Each radiation source 8 is adapted to emit visible radiation from the cavity 4 through the opening 12. In a typical embodiment, the at least one radiation source 8 is a Light Emitting

Diode (LED), however, variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. The lighting apparatus 1 may include single or multiple of high power LEDs, for example LEDs from the Luxeon LED range. The radiation source 8 may also be glued with heat conductive glue (Loctite 315 or Loctite 384 or similar) or mechanically fixed with bolts or screws to the internal surface of the cavity 4.

The heat dissipation device 6 typically includes a number of fins 10, for radiating the heat generated by the radiation source 8. Thus the heat dissipation device 6 may form a heat sink or the like, and typically forms part of, or is, integrated into the housing 2. It will be appreciated that the fins 10 may be placed any where along either side or rear of the housing, although preferred embodiments are discussed below.

The heat generated by the radiation source 8 is typically dissipated to a fluid. The fluid may include any one or combination of a liquid, gel, gas, energy-transferring nanoparticles, or any other matter. As shown in Fig. IA, the fins 10 of the heat dissipation device 6 may be exposed to the environment, and thus typically heat is dissipated to air in the surrounding environment.

The relative spacing of the fins and the geometry will be selected depending on the circumstances in which the device is to be used. For example, if the device is to be handheld, then there will only be a small difference between the temperature of the housing and the user's hand, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the heat dissipation device. In this instance it is therefore important to maximise the surface area of the fins, to thereby maximise the heat transfer from the housing to the environment.

However, in an alternative example, the lighting apparatus 1 may be fitted to or used on a car. In this case, the effectiveness of the heat dissipation device 6 will be increased as there is an air flow over the fins caused by movement of the car. As a result, the fins can utilise a smaller surface area, whilst still providing sufficient radiative properties.

It will be appreciated that other factors will also effect fin construction, such as the material from which the housing is formed, and the consequential radiative properties thereof. Thus, for example, the housing 2 may be made of any material, although it is typically made from aluminium as this includes good wear resistance and thermal transfer properties.

The housing may also be of any shape. Thus, when considering the design of the heat dissipation device 6, consideration should be given to the shape of the housing 2.

The lighting apparatus 1 may also includes a mechanism for forcing the fluid over the fins 10, in order to aid heat dissipation, such as, for example a fan or the like (not shown), as will be described in more detail below.

By providing a heat dissipation device 6, integral with the housing 2, the performance and life-span of high-powered radiation sources 8, are improved, by ensuring adequate heat dissipation, which in turn prevents heat damage to the radiation sources 8.

The optical device 11 typically operates to focus the radiation emitted from the radiation source 8, and may therefore be a lens or the like which focuses the light using either total internal reflection or refraction of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 8. The optical device 11 is typically made from optical grade acrylic, thus, example lenses which may be used include those made by Fraen, although others are also applicable.

The cover 9 is typically an acrylic, polycarbonate, glass or polymer disk (or a combination of these), which may also include the use of a scratch resistant coating containing silicon or silicon carbide, to use with the plastic type lenses. The cover 9 may be affixed mechanically with acrylic adhesive tape VHB or similar, to keep out dust and moisture, but may also be sealed with the use of suitable o-ring and/or clamp arrangement, such that the lighting apparatus 1 is substantially waterproof. The cover 9 may also be mechanically retained with the use of the end caps 24 (shown in Fig. 4C, and discussed below).

The opening 12 may also include a draft angle at the edge 12 A, thus forming a lens cover inset in order to aid installation of the lens cover 9 with the adhesive VHB washer, or the like, attached, as it is typical for the adhesive washer to grip straight sides making installation difficult.

Power may be supplied to the radiation source 8 of the lighting apparatus 1 in a variety of ways. It will be appreciated that the housing 2 may include, or is attachable to a power source. For example, where the lighting apparatus 1 is attached to a car, the power source may be that of the car's battery, or the like.

Thus, Fig IB shows the aperture 16 extending from the cavity 4 to a rear or back of the lighting apparatus 1, which may be used to thread power wires through, and may also be machined to accommodate a steel or plastic cable conduit 17, which is typically affixed with an attaching means 18, which is typically of the form of a grub screw, or the like, through the housing 2. Once the wire has been fed through the aperture 16, the aperture 16 may be back filled with silicon sealant, rubber or a similar compound to seal from moisture and or dust ingress.

A second example of the lighting apparatus 21 is shown in Figs 2 A to 2G.

In this example, the apparatus is formed from a housing 22 having a cavity 24, and a heat dissipation device 26. The lighting apparatus 21, further includes a radiation source 28, typically encased within the cavity 24, and may optionally include an aperture 36, a conduit 37, and an attaching means 38. The cavity 24 has at least one opening 32 to allow radiation generated by the radiation source 28 to be emitted through an opening 32. The cavity 24 may also include an optical device 31, as well as a cover 29.

Figs 2E to 2G show an example design of the heat dissipation device 26, which includes a plurality of fins 30, encased in the housing 22, by use of a housing lid 23. The housing defines channels 34, with a fluid inlet 34A, and fluid outlet 34B.

Thus, unlike the example shown in Figs IA to 1C, where the fins 10 are exposed to the environment, in this example the fins 30 are enclosed within the housing 22. Adequate heat dissipation is achieved by radiating heat into the fluid provided in the channel 34. Thus, fluid is pumped into the channel 34 via the inlet 34A, using a pump system (not shown). The fluid then passes over the fins 30, thereby causing the fluid to be heated. The heated fluid then exits through the outlet 34B, such that the heat dissipation device 26 dissipates heat into the fluid in the fluid filled channels 34. The fluid filled channels 34 may typically be of the form of coolant fluid tubes.

This provides a number of benefits. Firstly, the rate of flow of fluid through the channels can be controlled, allowing control of the rate of heat dissipation from the fins. In one example, to ensure correct operation of the system, the pump used to pump fluid through the channel 34 is coupled to a temperature sensor, allowing the fluid flow rate to be controlled based on the temperature of the housing.

Secondly, the fluid in the channel can be selected in accordance with the heat dissipation requirements. Thus, for example, if a high degree or rate of heat dissipation is required, a fluid having a higher specific heat capacity is selected as this will allow a greater amount of heat to be absorbed over the short period of time in which the fluid is in contact with the fins.

In this example, the apparatus 21 is in the form of a spot (or round) shape, and may be used, for example, as a spot light or the like. Thus, the lighting apparatus 21 may include a plurality of radiation sources 28, spaced radially around the cavity 24.

Figs 2 A to 2G also show that the lighting apparatus 21 may be attached, mechanically or otherwise, to a bracket 25. The bracket 25 may be of the form of a stand, handle, or the like, and the lighting apparatus 21 may be removably attached to the bracket 25 such that a user may adapt the lighting apparatus 21 for various uses.

The housing 2, 22 of the lighting apparatus 1, 21 may be formed of various shapes. An example of an elongate housing 42, 62 is further shown in Figs 3 A, to 4E.

Figs 3A to 3C show a third example of a lighting apparatus 41, which may be air (or gas) cooled. The lighting apparatus 41 includes an elongate housing 42, a cavity 44, a plurality of radiation sources 48, and heat dissipation device 46 including fins 50. The housing 42 may also optionally include end caps 59.

Figs 3 A to 3 C show that the plurality of radiation sources 48 are placed laterally along the cavity 44, within the housing 42. The fins 50 of the heat dissipation device 46 are on opposing sides 53, 55 of the cavity 44. Although not shown, the fins 50 may also be placed laterally along the housing on the side opposing the opening 52 of the cavity 44.

Fig.3C also shows that the housing 42 with an end cap 59, which may be formed from metal (such as aluminium), plastic or resin. The end caps 59 may be fitted with bolts or screws through the holes at 47 in Fig. 3B. The end caps 59 may also be sealed with the use of VHB adhesive tape or with the use of suitable o-ring and/or clamp arrangement.

Figs 4 A to 4E show a fourth example of an elongate lighting apparatus 61, which may be fluid cooled. The lighting apparatus 61 includes an elongate housing 62, a cavity 64, a plurality of radiation sources 68, and heat dissipation device 66 including channels 74, where the inlet channel is shown at 54A. The lighting apparatus 61 may also include manifolds 80, a slot 60, and a cover 69 over the opening 72.

Figs 4A to 4E show that the radiation sources 68 are placed between the cavity opening 72 and the heat dissipation device 66. The heat dissipation device 66 in this embodiment, is typically of the form of a fluid coolant tube, channel 74 or the like. The channel 74, may include a fluid inlet 74A and fluid outlet (not shown).

The heat dissipation device 66, may include distribution manifolds 80 for distributing the fluid to the multiple coolant fluid tubes 74. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that

housing 62 could be any length and width and could house any number of radiation sources 68 with the end caps (not shown), manifolds 80, and respective number of coolant fluid tubes 74. It will also be appreciated that the manifolds 80 may have to be changed in shape to accommodate different coolant tube 74 spacing, and various designs of the lighting apparatus 61. The housing 62 may also include a slot 60 for a suitable o-ring or seal.

The elongate lighting apparatus 41, 61 of Figs 3 A to 4E may also be attachable to a bracket, stand, or the like. However, the housing 42, 62 may also be shaped such that it is adapted to be held and moveable by a user.

Another particular example of a lighting apparatus is shown in Figures 5A to 51. In this particular example, the lighting apparatus is referred to as a Ringlight assembly 100, where a plurality of radiation sources (such as LEDs or the like) are placed around, in a ring-like fashion. The structure of the Ringlight assembly is particularly advantageous for use in filmmaking or the like, as it is compact and portable.

The Ringlight assembly 100 generally includes a front portion 102 and a back portion 104. The front portion 102 has a lens holder 106 for holding the lenses 110 of the plurality of LEDs 105. The plurality of LEDs 105 are mounted on a front plate 115, via the LED base plate 107.

The back portion 104 generally includes the heat dissipation device 120. In this example, the heat dissipation device 120 includes fins 122 and fans 124, for moving air through the fins and dissipating the heat generated by the LEDs 105. Notably, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of fans and fins may be used depending on the application, and in some cases, no fans may be used at all, or the fans could be placed exterior to the Ringlight assembly 100.

The back portion 104 can also include a plate 125, which includes inner and outer cable routing 126, 128 for providing power to the LEDs and fans. The cable routing can also be a

part of the fins 122, which can also include a hidden PCB area 129. The back portion 104 also includes a back plate 130, which can include an exit hole 132 for cable.

Thus, the heat dissipation device 120 generally includes of a series of plates or fins cut or formed from the heat sink material, and formed in such a manner as to allow air to move between them either through convection caused by the heat from the plates or fins or by other means, chiefly by a fan or similar device embedded between the fins, as to blow air across and therefore aid the cooling process. This aided cooling is often known as "forced convection".

Notably, the various components of the Ringlight assembly 100 are joined together via heat transfer washers, rods, screws, and the like. It will be appreciated that other forms of construction which may be apparent to persons skilled in the art are understood to fall within the scope of the specification.

In this example, a control system is generally used to control the flow of air over the cooling fins in order to optimise the cooling of the LEDs, and to limit the noise generated from such fans. In addition, a user may also wish to control the speed of the fans, and therefore the airflow and noise levels.

Generally, the fan controller includes of a temperature sensor, a user input control device such as a potentiometer, rotary encoder, buttons and/or switches. The manual control may also be from a remote device, and implement the control from afar using radio, infra-red, cables, or Internet type devices.

The Fan control circuit can be an analogue or digital circuit or a firmware program embedded in a control device such as a microcontroller. This controller may or may not be shared by other systems or devices within the unit.

A purpose of the fan control circuit is to monitor temperature, current fan speed, voltage to fan, and input controls, and adjust the fan speed / voltage / duty cycle accordingly. The fan

control circuit may monitor and display on a dedicated or shared display, data such as fan speed/ unit temperature, and possibly air flow rates.

An example fan control circuit is a feed-back control loop, as shown in Figure 6. In this circuit, the light/unit temperature is measured by the temperature sensor. This temperature signal is then amplified to be large enough to feed into the "Fan(s) driver Circuit". When the temperature increases, the "Fan(s) Driver Circuit" increases current to the fans, causing the fan speed to increase or retard depending on the state of the signal. Typically, this causes the circuit to come to an apparent balance point, where the air movement, and hence the heat removed, from the heat dissipation device (or heat sink) becomes equivalent to the amount of heat being generated.

Based on the characteristics of the dc fan motor, or indeed any motor being used for the purpose, the Driving Voltage should be pulled low or "limited" if it is less than the minimum acceptable voltage for this motor unit. In this circuit this is achieved by the "Threshold Control" and "Output Control" circuits. The threshold value is adjustable in the "Threshold Control" circuit to suit different fan types. Thus, when the unit temperature is lower than certain value (threshold), the threshold control sends a signal to tell the "Output Control" circuit to shut off the output signal.

Another feature of the circuit is that it can provide full power to the fan(s) for certain periods of time during operation, mainly whilst starting the dc fan motors from standstill. Hence, whenever the temperature rises to the threshold value, or the user commands the fans to start, the pulse generator sends a signal to the output control circuit, which sends a pulse to the fan(s) driver circuit, which in turn sends a short duration, high energy pulse to the fan motor(s) to facilitate easy starting. Following this high energy period, the output control circuit reduces the voltage back to the preset low voltage, until the temperature increases, and there is a necessity for the voltage to do the same. An example voltage adjustment graph, in time, is shown in Figure 7.

Although the Ringlight is designed to fit directly onto a film, Video Or Television camera through use of mounting brackets associated with each of these cameras, there is also potential to use it as a stand alone unit, and in doing so, it will need a different mounting system, potentially one that can accommodate different fittings, and from varying angles.

Further Examples and Variations

It will be appreciated that other shapes and arrangement of the lighting apparatus are possible.

In particular, a combination of air (or environment) cooled lighting apparatus and lighting apparatus which include fluid filled channels are possible, and are considered to fall within the scope of the application.

Additionally various design and arrangement of fins are also possible to allow for maximum heat dissipation. In one example, the various arrangements of fins may influence air flow or the fluid effect in the lighting apparatus.

Thus, for example, if the air-cooled elongate lighting apparatus as previously described is placed along the length of a car, the fins may also be aligned along the length of the car, such that heat dissipation is improved with car movement.

Consequently, in one example, the operation of radiation sources are controlled so as to ensure that adequate cooling is provided. Thus, when the car is in motion, the air flow over the fins will be increased, thereby providing a greater degree of cooling, and thereby allowing the radiation sources to operate at a higher power level. This therefore allows the intensity of light emitted by the lighting apparatus to be increased. From this it will be appreciated that the light may be controllable with respect to the speed of the car, and the amount of heat dissipation required in order to keep the lighting apparatus substantially cooled. The power may be controllable via a temperature sensor, or the like.

In a further example, the fins may also be moveable and/or rotatable about an axis in order to improve heat dissipation depending on the relative orientation of the fins relative to the direction of travel of the car.

For example, if the housing of Figure 1 is used, and the lights are arranged to face in a forward direction, then the flow of air over the fins will generally be lateral to the plane of the fin. This creates turbulence between the fins, which in turn reduces their effectiveness. In order to avoid over heating, it may therefore be desirable to periodically reorientate the housing so that the fins are aligned parallel to the direction of motion to thereby enhance air flow over the surface of the fins. It will be appreciated that the ability to achieve this will depend for example on whether the lights are providing illumination essential for driving, or merely for show.

In either case, the system can be configured to alter the position of the housing depending on the temperature of the housing, and this can be achieved using a suitable temperature sensor and control system (not shown). To avoid stray light beams from disturbing other road users, it may also be necessary to deactivate the illumination source when the housing is moved.

In accordance with a further variation, a plurality of lighting apparatus may be motorised, such that a lighting system is provided, where the lights can be moved through space, providing light to various areas. Hence, a plurality of the spot lights, as shown in Figs 2A to 2F may be used in a rotating fashion for a light show, on stage or for film.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that in one example, the lighting apparatus includes of LEDs facing forwards mounted either directly to the heat dissipation device (heat-sink / fan assembly), or mounted (by suitable heat conductive glue) to a metal based PCB (preferably aluminium, although copper or brass would also suffice) which is laminated to a thin fibreglass or similar PCB with metal conductive track for carrying current to the LEDs.

The front-mounted LED assembly is then mounted (possibly through the use of heat conductive adhesive and or machine screws, sufficient to providing adequate heat transfer between the LEDs and the heat sink.

Furthermore, lenses or reflectors may be used in conjunction with the LEDs, and will vary in output angle, efficiency, and design. The most commonly used to date is a lens/ reflector device fashioned from optical acrylic, and produced by a company called Fraen.

In addition, a light filtering device 160, to remove undesirable light frequencies, such as the slight green that is often characteristic of LEDs, can be used between the lens 110 and LED 105, as shown in Figures 9A to 9D, and Figure 51.

As shown in Figures 9A to 9D, the filter 160 can be made in either the shape of a small cover, to fit directly between the plastic dome of the LED 105, and any lens / reflector type device used, or as an additional device affixed to the front of the lens unit (s). Figures 9B to 9D shows an example filter 160 having a dome-shaped shell correction filter 162, and a flange 164, which allow the filter 160 to sit on top of the LED 105.

It will be appreciated that the filter 160 can be fabricated from an appropriate filter material, such as an acrylic or polyester resin, or casting or injection material, with an appropriate and potentially varied mixture of colour filtering materials. Additionally, colour filtering devices can also be used.

In the first instance, the material used would have to be thin enough, that the LED and Lens device could still interact in a normal fashion, such as the efficient transmission of light between the devices. Similarly, the filter device would need to not impede the mechanical relationship usually associated between these devices.

Secondly, a light filtering device that can be easily changed can be mounted to the body of the unit, or even over the front of the lenses. This enables the user to select and adjust general colour temperature during operation.

Additionally, the power supply for the lighting apparatus can come from a range of sources, including mains, batteries, fuel cells, generators, or the like. Some of these power supply devices may even be integrated into the unit.

Notably, although the device may be in other forms other than that of the ring light, as demonstrated in the drawings, in shape it may vary into shapes such as a flexible segmented unit, capable of bends and contortions. It may also be in the form of a long bar, panel, etc.

In general, the construction of the lighting apparatus may vary as well, and may be cast or injected into the needed forms from a variety of materials. Additionally, the heat sink or dissipation device itself may be assembled using crimping, welding, or the like.

Figures 5 A to 51, and in particular, Figure 5E shows an example construction of the lighting apparatus 100, where the fins 122, and various plates 107, 115, 125, 130, are joined via longitudinally extending rods 134. The plates have cut-outs 135 so that the rods 134 can be threaded through the plates. Hence, the rods 134 in conjunction with various washers 136 and screws 137 are able to hold a plurality of plates together.

In another example, the plates/fins 150/122 of the heat dissipation device 120 can be assembled using a "Key"- type system as shown in Figures 8A to 8E.

The key device 140 generally has members 142, where the members 142 are adapted to mate with the plates 150 (or fins 122) so that the plates of the dissipation device are kept together. In this example, the members 142 are butterfly-shaped, such that they have winged portions 146. The winged portions 146 are contoured 144, so that when the key

140 is placed through a shaped hole 152 of the plate 150, and is turned by the rod 148, the contoured portions 144 slightly distort the plate 150 (not shown), thereby locking the plates 150 together.

Thus, the key device 140 allows for reliable heat transfer, and mechanical fastening.

Notably, although figures 8 A to 8E show particular shapes of the rod 148 and the key device 140, it will be appreciated that many other shapes can achieve the functional result of locking the plates together. Thus, the key device is not limited to the particular shapes as shown in Figures 8A to 8E.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a lighting apparatus incorporating a mixture of the elements of the various examples described, falls within the scope of the specification. Additionally, although the lighting apparatus of Figures 5 A to 51 have been described to be particularly advantageous for use in the film industry, it will be appreciated that the lighting apparatus of Figures 5A to 51, and in particular, such elements as the fan or the like, can be adapted for use in the motor vehicle industry (that is, in the lighting apparatus for cars, as described above). Furthermore, the features of lighting apparatus described throughout the specification can be used in various combinations for any industry which they are suitable for. Thus, the various examples of lighting apparatus described above are not limited in their use.

Thus, the above system describes, a lighting apparatus with a heat dissipation device, which is easily transportable. The lighting apparatus is designed such that it can allow for high density use of high power LEDs for illumination purposes.

Notably, as used herein, "fluid" refers to any type of matter, including liquid, gas, gels, or fluidised particles.

Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.