Abstract: An energy source monitoring system evaluates the state of an energy source and responsively controls a power tool or other device. The energy source may be, for example, a power tool battery pack that includes multiple individual battery packs connected in series. The energy source monitoring system may be incorporated into a power tool, screwdriver, flashlight, audio and/or video player, or any other device. The energy source monitoring system intelligently exercises control over the power applied to the device (e.g., to the motor in the device). In one implementation, the energy source monitoring system detects when voltages in the energy source have fallen below a cutoff level, yet allows the device to continue running until the operator finishes the current device operation (e.g. a miter saw cut, or playback of a song).

Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.