Undercabinet lighting with light emitting diode source

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A new and improved apparatus is provided for improving the performance of undercabinet lighting by replacing the fluorescent and incandescent lamps found in traditional undercabinet lighting assemblies with a light emitting diode.
An improved undercabinet lighting assembly includes a fixture or housing.
A first plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is mounted within the housing forming at least one array of LEDs.
The array of LEDs serves as a light source and generates a light pattern.
At least one optical assembly is operatively associated with the housing for focusing and dispersing the light pattern.
One advantage of the present invention is the provision of undercabinet lighting having a longer lighting life and increased reliability.
Another advantage of the present invention resides in the reduced cost of manufacturing undercabinet lighting due to the decreased number of required components.
Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of an undercabinet lighting assembly having a minimal cost of operation due to the inherently low power consumption of the device.
Another advantage of the present invention is provided by a battery back-up system which allows for emergency lighting in the case of primary power failure.
Another advantage of the present invention is provided by the ability to control the life of a battery source used for the battery back up system.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is the provision of undercabinet lighting capable of being manufactured having several different shapes.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is the provision of emergency powerfail lighting which is energized upon primary power failure.
Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a switch in the form of a variable resistor allowing control over the intensity of and the number of LEDs in operation.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification