Abstract: In some examples, a controller may determine, from among a plurality of energy storage units, a first energy storage unit having a higher than median charge and a second energy storage unit having a lower than median charge. The controller may connect the first energy storage unit to a resonant circuit to transfer energy from the first energy storage unit to the resonant circuit. The controller may then disconnect the first energy storage unit from the resonant circuit, and connect the second energy storage unit to the resonant circuit to transfer energy from the resonant circuit to the second energy storage unit to at least partially balance a charge difference between the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit.

Abstract: In some examples, a controller may determine, from among a plurality of energy storage units, a first energy storage unit having a higher than median charge and a second energy storage unit having a lower than median charge. The controller may connect the first energy storage unit to a resonant circuit to transfer energy from the first energy storage unit to the resonant circuit. The controller may then disconnect the first energy storage unit from the resonant circuit, and connect the second energy storage unit to the resonant circuit to transfer energy from the resonant circuit to the second energy storage unit to at least partially balance a charge difference between the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a motor generally comprise a motor shell, a drive unit, a motor electronics assembly configured to operate the drive unit, and a shaft coupled to the drive unit. The drive unit may comprise an axial design configured to increase the efficiency of the system. The motor may be totally enclosed, the shaft may be sealed using a labyrinth seal, and the motor electronics assembly may be contained within the motor shell. The motor may comprise shapes and materials to promote cooling by air flow and thermal conduction. The motor may further comprise a touch-sensitive interface, may operate at high speed in response to a signal, and may provide a single location for the connection of all inputs. A motor according to the present invention may have improved operating characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a motor generally comprise a motor shell, a drive unit, a motor electronics assembly configured to operate the drive unit, and a shaft coupled to the drive unit. The drive unit may comprise an axial design configured to increase the efficiency of the system. The motor may be totally enclosed, the shaft may be sealed using a labyrinth seal, and the motor electronics assembly may be contained within the motor shell. The motor may comprise shapes and materials to promote cooling by air flow and thermal conduction. The motor may further comprise a touch-sensitive interface, may operate at high speed in response to a signal, and may provide a single location for the connection of all inputs. A motor according to the present invention may have improved operating characteristics.

Abstract: An electric machine that includes a machine housing, a stator positioned at least partially within the machine housing and comprising a plurality of stator windings, a rotor positioned at least partially within the machine housing and configured to rotate with respect to the stator, and a motor controller configured to selectively provide power to the plurality of stator windings is described. The electric machine also includes an interface module configured for coupling to the motor controller. The interface module includes a processing device, a first communication interface coupled to the processing device and configured for coupling with the motor controller, and a second communication interface coupled to the processing device and configured to receive a control signal.

Abstract: An electronically commutated pump motor circuit comprises an input configured, to receive at least a first range of voltages, and a power conditioning circuit. The power conditioning circuit includes an active power factor correction circuit, coupled to the input. The power conditioning circuit is configured to receive the first range of voltages and automatically output to an electronically commutated motor (optionally a pump motor) a substantially constant DC voltage for input voltages within the first range of input voltages, boosted with respect to a voltage received at the input, to thereby maintain a substantially constant motor shaft speed for any voltage within the first range of voltages.

Abstract: An electric machine that includes a machine housing, a stator positioned at least partially within the machine housing and comprising a plurality of stator windings, a rotor positioned at least partially within the machine housing and configured to rotate with respect to the stator, and a motor controller configured to selectively provide power to the plurality of stator windings is described. The electric machine also includes an interface module configured for coupling to the motor controller. The interface module includes a processing device, a first communication interface coupled to the processing device and configured for coupling with the motor controller, and a second communication interface coupled to the processing device and configured to receive a control signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motor is described. The method includes configuring a current sensor to sense a current supplied to the motor from at least one of a plurality of power lines and to generate at least one current signal indicative of the sensed current. The method also includes coupling a processing device to the current sensor such that the processing device receives the current signal. The method also includes configuring the processing device to determine which of the plurality of power lines is active based at least partially on the current signal and generate a motor speed control signal that directs the motor to operate at the motor speed that corresponds to the active power line.

Abstract: A filter circuit configured for coupling a power supply and a motor controller is described. The filter circuit includes at least one filter capacitor positioned between the power supply and the motor controller. The filter circuit also includes at least one switching device coupled to the power supply and configured to selectively couple the power supply to the motor controller and/or the at least one filter capacitor to a ground conductor.

Abstract: A motor control system for controlling an electronically controlled motor based at least partially on a signal from a motor timer is described. The system includes a motor controller coupled to the electronically controlled motor and configured to drive the electronically controlled motor and a control device coupled to the motor controller. The control device is configured to provide the motor controller with a first speed control signal corresponding to a first speed in response to a start signal from the motor timer, monitor a first length of time the first speed control signal is provided to the motor controller, and provide the motor controller with a second speed control signal corresponding to a second speed after a first predefined length of time.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motor is described. The method includes configuring a current sensor to sense a current supplied to the motor from at least one of a plurality of power lines and to generate at least one current signal indicative of the sensed current. The method also includes coupling a processing device to the current sensor such that the processing device receives the current signal. The method also includes configuring the processing device to determine which of the plurality of power lines is active based at least partially on the current signal and generate a motor speed control signal that directs the motor to operate at the motor speed that corresponds to the active power line.

Abstract: An electronic brake controller for controlling the brakes of a towed vehicle in response to commands from the towing vehicle. The controller implements a microcontroller (10) that works in conjunction with analog circuit technology.