Dimmer switch having dimmer actuator operable for actuating an air-gap switch
First Claim
1. An electrical dimmer switch comprising:
- an air-gap switch for coupling to a power source;
a power semiconductor switch connected in series with said air-gap switch, said power semiconductor switch electronically controlling power to a load;
a dimmer module, connected to said power semiconductor switch, for coupling to the load to deliver an adjustable level of power to the load; and
a dimmer actuator movable between an operational position and a disconnected position wherein said dimmer actuator is configured to act as a single control mechanism for selectively engaging either said dimmer module to adjust the level of power delivered to the load when in said operational position or said air-gap switch when in said disconnected position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dimmer switch includes an air-gap switch for coupling to a power source, a power semiconductor switch electronically controlling power to a load connected in series with the air-gap switch, a dimmer module connected to the power semiconductor switch for coupling to the load to deliver an adjustable level of power to the load, and a dimmer actuator. The dimmer actuator is movable between an operational position and a disconnected position wherein the dimmer actuator is configured to act as a single control mechanism for selectively engaging either the dimmer module to adjust the level of power delivered to the load when in the operational position or the air-gap switch when in the disconnected position.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An electrical dimmer switch comprising:
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an air-gap switch for coupling to a power source; a power semiconductor switch connected in series with said air-gap switch, said power semiconductor switch electronically controlling power to a load; a dimmer module, connected to said power semiconductor switch, for coupling to the load to deliver an adjustable level of power to the load; and a dimmer actuator movable between an operational position and a disconnected position wherein said dimmer actuator is configured to act as a single control mechanism for selectively engaging either said dimmer module to adjust the level of power delivered to the load when in said operational position or said air-gap switch when in said disconnected position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An electrical dimmer switch comprising:
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an air-gap switch for coupling to a power source; a power semiconductor switch connected in series with said air-gap switch, said power semiconductor switch electronically controlling power to a load; a dimmer module, connected to said power semiconductor switch, for coupling to the load to deliver an adjustable level of power to the load; a dimmer actuator movable between an operational position and a disconnected position wherein said dimmer actuator is configured to act as a single control mechanism for selectively engaging either said dimmer module to adjust the level of power delivered to the load when in said operational position or said air-gap switch when in said disconnected position; and said dimmer actuator comprises an elongated member having a first elongated side comprising a first outwardly extending post having a first axis, and an opposite second elongated side comprising a second outwardly extending post having a second axis offset from said first outwardly extending post, and said dimmer actuator being generally pivotable about said first post when in said operational position, and generally pivotable about said second post when in said disconnected position. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An electrical dimmer switch comprising:
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an air-gap switch for coupling to a power source; a power semiconductor switch connected in series with said air-gap switch, said power semiconductor switch electronically controlling power to a load; a dimmer module, connected to said power semiconductor switch, for coupling to the load to deliver an adjustable level of power to the load; a dimmer actuator movable between an operational position and a disconnected position wherein said dimmer actuator is configured to act as a single control mechanism for selectively engaging either said dimmer module to adjust the level of power delivered to the load when in said operational position or said air-gap switch when in said disconnected position; a main actuator; and a frame having a central opening for accommodating the main actuator operable for use in turning on and off the power to the load, and a second opening for receiving said dimmer actuator, said dimmer actuator being connected about a first pivot axis relative to said frame when in said operational position, and connected about a second pivot axis relative to said frame different from said first pivot axis when in said disconnected position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification