Granted Patent B2

US 7,129,687 · App. 10/846,453 · Granted Oct 31, 2006

Abstract

Claims (17)

1. A method for controlling a power level supplied to a load by an auxiliary output of a power source, comprising the steps of:

providing a power source having a user-adjustable main output and an auxiliary output;

providing a controller that is operative to control the level of said auxiliary output, said controller having at least a supply mode of operation and a programming mode of operation;

selecting said programming mode of operation for said controller;

adjusting the power level of said auxiliary output to a desired level while in said programming mode, thereby defining a programmed desired level;

storing said programmed desired level in said controller;

controlling the auxiliary output to the programmed desired level while operating the power source in the supply mode; and

delivering power to said load in accordance with said stored desired power level.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said selecting step includes the substep of depressing at least one pushbutton on said controller to select said programming mode.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein said storing step includes the substep of releasing said at least one pushbutton, thereby switching said mode a operation from said programming mode to said supply mode.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said adjusting step includes the substeps of:

shifting a handle on said controller to alter the value of a potentiometer in said controller, wherein shifting said handle in a first direction increases the value of said potentiometer and shifting said handle in a second direction decreases the value of said potentiometer;

calculating a conduction angle for a triac in said controller in response to said value of said potentiometer; and

controlling the conduction of said triac in accordance with said calculated conduction angle to obtain said programmed desired power level.

5. A method in accordance with claim 4 further comprising the step of controlling a second load connected to said auxiliary output through said controller using a second triac.

6. A method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said controlling a second load step includes the substep of setting the position of said handle to a predetermined point to trigger the control of said second load.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6 wherein said setting step includes setting the position of said handle to a zero output level.

Assignments (13)