Motorized potentiometer

The motorized potentiometer can act as a computing element, but also as a way to convert a physical into an electrical value.

[4] The end of travel may be detected using limit switches, a peak in motor current as the mechanism stalls, or a separate resistive element used for position feedback.

Given that the history of the motorized potentiometer is linked to electronic analog computers, and electronic analog computers to military use, recording keeping and publication were limited, also meaning that parallel invention was highly likely.

[6] In 1968 a patent was filled describing a motor-potentiometer combination where the motor only engages when energized, allowing manual operation.

[7] In 1970 a patent was filled describing a motor-potentiometer with overload clutch and interchangeable gear ratio.