Patent ID: 8963440
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. A load control device for controlling an amount of power delivered from an alternating current (AC) power source to an electrical load between a minimum and a maximum amount of power, the load control device comprising: a bidirectional semiconductor switch adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the AC power source and the electrical load for conducting a load current from the AC power source to the electrical load; an intensity adjustment actuator for controlling the amount of power delivered to the electrical load between the minimum amount of power and the maximum amount of power; a trimming actuator for adjusting the minimum amount of power delivered to the electrical load; and a controller operatively coupled to the bidirectional semiconductor switch to render the bidirectional semiconductor switch conductive and non-conductive to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load, the controller having a first input coupled to the intensity adjustment actuator and a second input coupled to the trimming actuator, wherein the controller is operable to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to the intensity adjustment actuator and the trimming actuator.