Apparatus for applying a variable voltage to an electric load
AssigneeToroid Hong Kong Limited
InventorPer M. Christoffersson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for applying a variable voltage to an electric load utilizes a transformer with several taps to provide different voltage levels for the load. The load is connected to alternate taps by a switching device, which is operated by a control device responsive to short interruptions in the power supply to the load. Short interruptions in power can be generated by rapidly turning one or more existing power switches in circuit with the load off and on again, so remote control is possible from several locations. Apparatus with the above structure is particularly suitable while employing a toroidal transformer for dimmer control of halogen lamps.
Claims18
Apparatus for applying a variable voltage to an electric load, comprising:
- (a) a transformer having a plurality of secondary taps;
- and
- (b) switching means having a plurality of states for connecting the electric load to alternate said taps, said switching means being responsive to short interruptions in power supplied to said load for changing its state.
Apparatus for applying a variable voltage to an electric load supplied from a power source including an on/off switch, comprising:
- (a) a transformer having a secondary winding with a plurality of taps;
- (b) a switching device having plural states for connecting said load to alternate said taps;
- (c) a control device for operating said switching device, said control device being responsive to short interruptions in the power supplied to said lamp caused by a brief opening of said on/off switch for changing the state of said switching device.
Apparatus for dimming a halogen lamp supplied by power via a low voltage secondary winding in a transformer, comprising:
- (a) a plurality of taps on said secondary winding;
- (b) a switching device having a plurality of states for connecting the lamp to alternate said taps;
- and
- (c) a control device for changing the state of said switching device, said control device responding to short interruptions in said power.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.