Abstract: An actuating device for a movable component includes a reversible motorized drive for driving the movable component from a normal position into an open position, the movable component being uncouplable from the reversible motorized drive in its open position. The actuating device includes a driving element movably drivable by the reversible motorized drive and engages in a crank recess and extending along the path of motion of the movable component. A length of the crank recess corresponds at least to a path of motion of the driving element between its normal position and its open position or partially open position. After adjustably driving the movable component into its open position, the driving element may be returned by the reversible motorized drive into the normal position.

Abstract: A panel member control system for controlling a panel member includes a motor, a rotation detecting means, and a pinching detecting means. The rotation detecting means detects a rotational speed of the motor. The pinching detecting means detects an occurrence of pinching of an object by the panel member when a pinching indicative value exceeds a pinching determination threshold. The pinching detecting means includes a disturbance detecting means and a correcting means. The disturbance detecting means determines whether the motor is in a disturbed state based on a change in the rotational speed. The correcting means corrects the pinching determination threshold in view of a result of the determination made by the disturbance detecting means.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for use on a hybrid electric vehicle is capable of adjusting the delay between consecutive cycles based on engine state and vehicle speed. The system includes a windshield wiper and a motor coupled to the windshield wiper. A sensor generates an engine speed signal and another sensor generates a vehicle speed signal. A processor in communication with the sensors and wiper motor provides a drive signal to the wiper motor which is based on the engine and vehicle speed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the position-dependent control of a mobile element in a motor vehicle, wherein the element is movable in a drive movement by an electrically powered positioning device, wherein the positioning device has several different operational modes, and characteristics of a drive signal of the positing device, in particular a waviness of a drive current, are used for the determination of the position of the element. According to the invention, a characteristic variable, which influences the drive movement of the positioning device, and/or a specific value, which characterizes the positioning device, are evaluated for the determination of an error value of the determined position of the mobile element, and that the operating modes of the positioning device are controlled in dependence of the determined error value.

Abstract: An operator for a barrier, such as an upward acting door, includes a control unit having two optical limit switches providing output signals to a controller to effect shut-off of the operator motor when the door reaches open and closed limit positions. The limit switches preferably include LED emitter and phototransistor sensor elements and are preferably mounted on a circuit board in close proximity to a screw member which rotates in timed relation to the position of the door. Linearly movable nut members are mounted on the screw member and include or engage optical shield members which move into positions to provide respective output signals from the optical switches. The door closed optical limit switch may incorporate a pre-limit switch function to override a signal from a door bottom edge obstruction sensor.

Abstract: A method and a control system for starting a motor (19), in particular a motor (19) for driving a compressor. The rotational speed (24) of the motor (19) is measured and compared to a minimum value. In the case that ?motor (24) is smaller than the minimum value after a predefined time interval has lapsed, the motor (19) is stopped, and the maximum current level to be supplied by the power source (18) is changed, preferably increased, before a new attempt to start the motor (19) is initiated. Preferably, the voltage (22) supplied to an electronic unit (21) is also measured, and in the case that it drops below a minimum voltage level, the motor (19) is stopped, and the maximum current level is changed, preferably decreased, before a new start attempt is initiated. It is possible to adjust the supplied current level in such a way that power is conserved while sufficient lubricated of the moving parts of the compressor is ensured.

Abstract: To obtain an improved possibility of establishing the causes of failure in linear drive devices with an electric drive, operational data logging means shall be provided for logging data in connection with operational loads and/or an operating state of the electric drive, which occur over a certain period of time, wherein the operational data logging means can be connected to the power connection means for data logging. Means for storing data, which are based on a plurality of measurements of the same measured variable, which measurements are performed one after another, make it possible to log and evaluate data over a long period of time, preferably during the entire service life of the linear drive device. The measurements are carried out during the use of the linear drive device (14) during which it is in a loaded state.

Abstract: A method of configuring a control unit (CPU) of an actuator (ACT) including a motor (MOT) for operating a movable element (COV) of a home automation equipment item (INST) of closure, privacy, sun protection or screening, which comprises: a phase for supplying the motor during which at least one characteristic quantity (MV1, MV2, MZ1, MZ2) of the movement of the movable element is obtained with the aid of a measurement procedure comprising at least one step of integrating a physical quantity supplied by an accelerometer (ACC), at least one quantity (ROT, ROT1, ROT2) internal to the actuator being measured during this supply phase, and a phase for determining a relation (REL) between the characteristic quantity and the internal quantity.

Abstract: In a movable object system (10) that makes use of both a maintained count (31) that corresponds to movement of a given object and passpoint events (32) as generated by a corresponding passpoint signal generator (15), count zones (34, 37, 36A, 36B) can be defined for at least one of the passpoint events. Such count zones can be used to aid in determining when significant recalibration of the passpoint event/count value relationships should be undertaken. In a preferred embodiment, such count zones include no more than a single passpoint event.

Abstract: A drapery master carrier for a drapery electric drive system is provided having a built-in wireless transmitter and a sensor to determine whether a manual pull is being applied to the drapes. The sensor is operatively connected to or incorporated into the wireless transmitter such that sensing by the sensor of a manual pull applied to the drapes will activate the wireless transmitter to transmit a signal to a motor drive controller receiver to drive the motor.

Abstract: The sun roof drive device opens and closes a vehicle sun roof by a DC brushless motor, which is driven by rectangular waves when high torque is required at a low rotational speed and which is driven by sinusoidal waves or pseudo-sinusoidal waves when low noise is required.

Abstract: A universal controller for an automatic door system including a door carried on a frame for movement along a predetermined path of movement between open and closed positions. The universal controller includes a housing for mounting the controller in a stationary position relative to the door frame and an assembly including a processor carried by the housing for processing data operatively received from a plurality of sensors and relating to the operation of the movable door. The processor is configured to generate operational values which are transmitted to and control a drive motor used to move the door between the open and closed positions. The assembly further includes an arrangement for adjusting the operational values generated by the processor and transmitted to the drive motor. A modular harness connects the controller to the drive motor and to the sensors.

Abstract: An actuator (20) comprises a rotor (22); an electromagnetic circuit (24) configured to produce bidirectional torque on the rotor; and, a rotation limitation assembly (26). The rotor (22) comprises a rotor shaft and plural magnets (80) affixed to the rotor shaft. In an example embodiment the rotation limitation assembly (26) comprises at least one stationary clockwise boundary (40) configured to limit clockwise rotation of the rotor (22); at least one stationary counterclockwise boundary (42) configured to limit counterclockwise rotation of the rotor (22); and a rotor stop arm (50) connected to the rotor and configured to selectively abut the clockwise boundary (40) and the counterclockwise boundary (44) and thereby limit the rotation of the rotor to a predetermined angle about an axis of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement of a wiper device for windows of motor vehicles with at least two swivel-mounted wiper arms (18, 20) that are connected to one another via a crank mechanism, wherein one of the wiper arms (18) is directly coupled with a driven shaft (16) of an electromotive drive (10).

Abstract: An interface system is presented, which prevents operational interference between a vehicle power door and a ramp of an access system by interrupting power to the motors and actuators responsible for operating the door. The interface system includes a relay system that does not interrupt, read, signal, or otherwise interfere with the communication lines between a body control unit, door control unit, or remote control transmitter or receiver. Thus, the interface system functions without the need to receive and transmit signals on the vehicle's communication bus. The interface system enables the ramp controller of the access system to be a separate module, which controls the ramp and kneel functions, because the only input the ramp controller provides to the power door system is to a ground signal that mimics that of a switch included in the vehicle.

Abstract: When a slide door stops at an intermediate position over a protection action time start time (T?), an electric motor is operated in closing direction in low driving force mode. When the move speed (Vc) of the slide door is a movable speed (V?) or higher, the slide door is moved to its fully closed position by automatic closing action, and an electromagnetic clutch is disconnected. On the other hand, when the move speed (Vc) of the slide door is not made to reach the movable speed (V?) or higher over a speed judgment time (Tj), the electric motor is operated in closing direction in the low driving force mode, and when the move speed (Vo) of the slide door is made to reach the movable speed (V?) or higher, the slide door is automatically opened. Further, when the move speed (Vo) of the slide door is made to reach the movable speed (V?) or higher for the speed judgment time (Tj), the electric motor is stopped, and the electromagnetic clutch is made into its disconnected status.

Abstract: A movable barrier controller 41 has a force control 44 having a corresponding setting range. As operating conditions change, the barrier controller 41 can execute a learning mode 51. During this mode, the barrier controller 41 operates the barrier movement motor 42 and measures 53 at least one parameter that corresponds to operation of the motor 42. This measured parameter is used to determine 54 a control value which control value is then assigned 55 to a specific location within the setting range of the force control 44.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a movable partition. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor linked to a movable partition, a drive system, and a controller. The drive system is configured to move the movable partition. The sensor, which in one embodiment includes a drum connected to the partition by a cable, is independent of the drive system. The sensor transmits a signal indicative of the rotational motion of the drum to the controller, which receives the transmitted signal and calculates at least one of a speed, acceleration, position, and direction of movement of the movable partition.

Abstract: A winding control method of a seatbelt retractor for winding a seatbelt with a motor includes detecting a current flowing through the motor, and stopping the motor when the current exceeds a predetermined value. The winding action is not stopped while the motor is accelerated even when the current exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A cleaner for cleaning a surface comprises a floor-engaging portion for moving along the surface. A magnet and a hall effect sensor located in the cleaner handle generates a control signal. The control signal is provided to a control circuit which controls one or more operational features of the cleaner. One such operational features includes at least one pump for mixing and distributing cleaning solution to the surface. In an alternate embodiment, the control circuit controls an electric motor for propelling the cleaner over the surface.

Abstract: A controller reduces an output of the drive motor when a window glass reaches a speed shift position, which is between a fully open position and a fully closed position of the window glass, in a closing operation of the window glass. The controller increases the output of the drive motor based on a position signal, which indicates that the position of the closing member in the closing operation is in a preclosed position located on a fully closed position side of the speed shift position. The preclosed position is located in a pinch-monitoring disabled zone, in which the monitoring of the pinching of the object through the controller is disabled.

Abstract: The mobile element is a vehicle window pane, panel, movable seat or similar, conveniently guided, and driven by a DC electric motor with a permanent magnet, and the method comprises a step of detecting an entrapment or collision situation of the mobile element by means of a first fuzzy logic algorithm, which inputs are the mobile element's position and the increments that may occur in the intensity of the current demanded by said motor, which is evaluated from the relative increase of the current intensity at one turn of the motor and after one next, subsequent turn of the motor. A second fuzzy logic algorithm is used to control the mobile element's velocity, in close loop.

Abstract: An automated garage door closing device for a remote controlled overhead garage door wherein the device is mounted on one of a pair of parallel tracks receiving rollers suitably mounted on the outer edges of the door panels, the device including a switch housing containing a switch for the leading edge of the door, and a circuit located in a second housing adjacent the garage floor and including an interval timer acting to close the door after a predetermined period of time, an audible alarm which is activated upon the garage door reaching the fully open position, a switch deactivating the entire unit when the garage door is deliberately to be left in the fully open position, and a flexible switch arm extending through the switch housing to a position to engage the upper edge of the garage door panel and acts to activate the automated closing device.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator is having a position sensor in a telescoping barrier control arm is described. A controller, remote from the arm, senses the barrier position to identify limits of barrier travel and to control rate of travel of the barrier between limits. The operator includes both optical and edge sensor obstruction detectors and is responsive to wireless communication for receiving user initiated command signals.

Abstract: A method is provided for use with a movable barrier operator that has no user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation. At least one parameter is monitored that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move between at least a first position and a second position. An excess force threshold value is automatically changed in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value. Both the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter are used to determine when excess force is being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator. A predetermined action is taken when excess force is being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal in an operate mode. The operator and the mobile transmitter both include transceivers to allow two-way communication therebetween during a learn mode. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal. Timers may be used to block receipt of any mobile signals for a period of time to prevent any further door movement. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.

Abstract: A vehicular windshield wiping apparatus has a temperature sensor for sensing temperatures outside of the vehicle, a humidity sensor for sensing humidity outside of the vehicle, windshield wipers moved by a motor, an HVAC control module, and a wiper control module. The wiper control module activates the windshield wipers when the moisture level is at or above a threshold value and the temperature sensor senses a temperature at or below a threshold value. The wiper motor has a first wiper park position and a second wiper park position. The first wiper park position is approximately horizontal and the second wiper park position is at an angle to the first wiper park position, in a heated windshield zone. The second wiper park position allows the wipers to remain free of ice and snow when the outside temperature and moisture levels are beyond specific thresholds or a wiper stalk switch is activated.

Abstract: A method for activating an anti-pinch system for a vehicle window regulator, sunroof or driving mechanism includes the steps of starting a motor of the driving mechanism, waiting for a given rotation of the motor and a given time period, and then activating the anti-pinch system. This allows for close monitoring of the behavior of the window regulator when the window regulator is started, and takes account of both the behavior of the drive motor and the behavior of the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arragement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining a change in direction of rotation of a motor includes the steps of establishing steady state operating parameters of the motor, triggering a command interrupting the rotation of the motor, estimating the speed of the motor after triggering the command and determining the instant from which the speed of the motor is below zero. This instant corresponds to the change in direction of rotation of the motor. The instant from which the motor changes direction of rotation can be determined accurately.

Abstract: An assembly for moving a barrier from one of a closed position and an opened position to the other of the closed position and the opened position. The assembly includes a motor to supply one of a first power and a second power to the barrier. The assembly also includes a controller to control the motor to supply the first power to move the barrier towards the closed position from the opened position. The controller also controls the motor to supply the first power to the barrier to move towards the opened position from the closed position, and to supply the second power intermittently after the barrier has started moving towards the opened position and before arriving at the opened position.

Abstract: A controller writes position information (count value) of the window glass into an EEPROM based on halting of operation of a drive motor and identifies the current position of the window glass based on the position information of the window glass written in the EEPROM at the start of power supply. The controller determines whether the current position of the window glass has been lost or not at the start of power supply. Only when the controller determines that the current position of the window glass has been lost at the start of power supply, the controller shifts to a mode of performing relearning of the origin position for matching the position of the window glass with the position of the window glass corresponding to the position information written into the EEPROM.

Abstract: The power window system moves a window glass in opening and closing directions in response to operation of an opening and closing instruction switch. The power window system includes a measurement device for obtaining an open degree of the window glass and a control device for controlling movement of the window glass in response to operation of the switch. The control device moves the window glass in the closing direction when an open degree obtained by the measurement device is not less than a predetermined degree and in the opening direction when the open degree is less than the predetermined degree.

Abstract: An MCU monitors changes in motor rotating speed from the motor start so as to detect a peak of the motor rotating speed, and when the peak of the motor rotating speed is detected, it measures a period of time Ta from the motor start to the time, at which the decreasing rate of the motor rotating speed becomes maximal, so as to establish the activation/cancellation time period by adding a time Tb that is a predetermined numerical-fold door vibration period to the time Ta. When a second peak with more than a predetermined amount of the motor rotating speed is detected after the first peak detection, the activation/cancellation time period is established by adding a time Tb1 that is a predetermined numerical-fold door vibration period to the activation/cancellation time period obtained before.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a closure device includes pinch detector for detecting a foreign body being pinched by an opening/closing member when the variation degree of a movement of the opening/closing member reaches a predetermined threshold value. When this control apparatus for a closure device determines that a vehicle is running, the threshold value is set at a second threshold value, which is reduced in a detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with a first threshold value set when the vehicle is stationary. When the apparatus detects that a load not smaller than a predetermined value is applied by disturbance to the opening/closing member in a closing direction, the threshold value is set at a third threshold value, which is reduced in the detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with the second threshold value.

Abstract: A first area (16) for detecting an object is formed by a radio wave or an ultrasonic wave, and a second area (18) for detecting an object by means of light is formed near the first area (16). When an object is detected in the first area (16) approaching the second area (18), the second area (18) is enabled. When an object is detected in the first area (16) moving in the direction away from the second area (18), the second area (18) is disabled.

Abstract: Provided is a motor having a magnetic polar unit in which a permanent magnetic polar array having arranged therein alternately a plurality of permanent magnetic polar elements in alternate opposite poles is made to face a plurality of electromagnetic coil arrays alternately excited at opposite poles, and the permanent magnetic polar array is made to move thereby; wherein the motor further comprises a sensor for detecting the periodical magnetic change accompanying the movement of the permanent magnetic polar array, the output of the sensor is directly returned as a direct drive waveform to the electromagnetic coils, and this drive circuit forms the excitation signal based on the return signal.

Abstract: In order to provide a vehicle door controlling apparatus, which even when the vehicle starts to move while doors of the vehicle are in closed operation, performs insertion detection accurately without reducing the sensitivity of insertion detection. In the present invention, speed adjustment is performed by an applied voltage and a vehicle door is driven by a motor by voltage driving. The speed during the movement of the vehicle door is detected by Hall elements, and the door speed during the movement of the vehicle door is obtained from the detected signal. A controller having an insertion detection function controls the door speed to be the predetermined target door speed. In this case, the controller detects stoppage or driving of the vehicle, and when the state of the vehicle is in the driving state while the vehicle door is in closing operation, the voltage applied to the motor is increased compared to the stop state.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is farther configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator which uses an A.C. motor to move a barrier is disclosed herein. The operator senses a characteristic of barrier movement, such as motor rotation speed, to detect when the barrier contacts an obstruction. The motor and/or the circuitry for applying electrical power to the motor have been enhanced to improve the detectibility of contact with an obstruction.

Abstract: An opening and closing member control apparatus includes: an open-command receiving portion for receiving a first open command of a first open and close command inputting member and a second open command of a second open and close command inputting member, which performs a second open command input and a second close command input by a unique operation thereof, a close-command receiving portion for receiving a first close command of the first open and close command inputting member and a second close command of the second open and close command inputting member, and a controlling portion for performing an opening operation and a closing operation of an opening and closing member based on a condition of the opening and closing member, in response to the unique operation of the second open and close command inputting member.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator system that moves a barrier between limit positions includes a barrier, a motor coupled to the barrier and adapted to move the barrier between a full open limit position, a danger zone position, and a full close position. The system further includes a position sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect the positions, and a force sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect an actual force value during movement of the barrier. A controller is connected to the sensors which determines a first threshold response value between the full open limit position and the danger zone position, and a second threshold response value between the danger zone position and the full close limit position. The second threshold response value is less than the first threshold response value, and the controller commands the motor to at least stop movement of the barrier if the actual force value is greater than either of the threshold response values.

Abstract: A non-contact detection system and method for detecting obstructions in relation to a powered door on a vehicle such that contact with the door may be prevented. The detection system includes an object detection sensor located on the powered door for sensing an object within an adjustable sensing zone. A door position sensor senses position of the door relative to at least one of an open and closed door position. A controller adjusts the sensing zone of the object detection sensor as a function of the sensed door position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of managing the operation of a seat (10) fitted with an actuator (24) including means (42, 44) for monitoring at least one variable characteristic of the force produced by the actuator (24), means (41) for measuring the position of the actuator, and means (36) for controlling the actuator, the method comprising the steps consisting in: measuring the or each characteristic variable; evaluating the or each characteristic variable on the basis of a predetermined evaluation criterion; and while the actuator is in operation, implementing an appropriate action on the seat as a function of the result of said evaluation. Said evaluation comprises a step of measuring the position of the actuator. Said evaluation criterion for the or each measured characteristic variable as used for said evaluation depends on the position of the actuator.

Abstract: Movement of a movable barrier (10) such as, for example, a vertically-dropping fire door, can be controlled in an informed manner and with greater flexibility regarding the manner of movement via, in one embodiment, use of a motor (20) as a generator to resist the downward movement of the barrier. One or more dummy electrical loads (22) can be used in combination with the generator mode of operation to influence the degree of braking proffered by the motor. In various embodiments, one or more sensors (25, 26, 27) can be used to detect local and remote conditions of interest to thereby at least partially inform the barrier movement decision process. A display (90) (or displays) can serve to provide various kinds of information to authorized personnel and an operator control (120) can serve, at least under some operating circumstances, to permit a person to locally cause a closed barrier to move to at least a partially opened position.

Abstract: A neutral start interlock for a hydrostatic drive system that uses potentiometers to electronically monitor at least the position of the hydrostatic displacement control such that the engine will not start unless such control is in the neutral position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.