Abstract: An AC motor is provided with a motor housing and a photoelectric sensor associated with the housing. The sensor is part of a motor control circuit which is thereby responsive to the ambient light condition to control the motor by selectively switching At on and off, or alternatively by selectively switching between higher and lower speeds. The control circuit derives its power from the motor's AC input terminals, thereby yielding a self-contained motor control unit, which requires no timer unit and no wiring or mounting by the user. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the photoelectric sensor extends through an aperture in a motor housing end cap with the associated control circuitry fitable within the end cap, thereby providing a retrofit for existing motors.

Abstract: A starting control circuit is provided for an alternating current motor having a run winding and a start winding and a mechanical rotational output. The motor is powered by an alternating current source. A reference oscillator produces pulses having a reference frequency. A first control circuit is provided for counting the number of reference pulses produced during a predetermined number of cycles of the alternating current source. A sensor is provided for sensing a predetermined amount of rotational movement of the mechanical rotational output of the motor and producing a sensor pulse indicative thereof. A second control circuit is provided for counting the number of reference pulses produced during the time between a predetermined number of sensor pulses and for comparing the counts on the first and second control circuits. The second control circuit assumes first and second output states dependent on the relationship between the first and second output counts.