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Abstract

An electrical power controller includes an integrated circuit having a Hall element, a Hall voltage amplifier, a ramp signal generator, and a voltage comparator. The output of the ramp generator is connected to one input of the voltage comparator and the output of the Hall voltage amplifier is connected to the outer comparator input. During intervals when the amplified Hall voltage exceeds the ramp voltage, the output of the comparator changes from one binary state to the other such that a stream of pulses is generated at the output of the comparator. Thus as a magnetic field at the Hall element increases, the Hall voltage increases and the width of each pulse in the stream of pulses grows proportionally. Mechanical means is provided for manually moving and guiding the pole of a magnet along a path toward the integrated circuit. Constructions of such controllers adapted for use as lamp dimmers and DC motor speed controllers are described.

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First Claim