US Patent 7388306 Appliance control system with power controller

A transformerless power controller provides low standby power (milliwatts) for standby circuitry/logic of an appliance when the appliance is not in use. The power controller also provides gradations of power for the appliance based on need of the appliance and/or appliance component(s). In one form, a signal from a processor of the appliance provides control of the power controller. Particularly, a control signal from the processor operates a switch for the gradations of available power. The control signal may further provide timing for application of the power to the appliance and/or appliance component(s).