An automatic transmission is disclosed providing eight forward ratios and one reverse ratio wherein the first forward ratio is selected by engaging exactly one friction brake using an electro-mechanical actuator. A hydrodynamic torque converter, with guide blades, which can be adjusted via a mechanism, is arranged between the driveshaft and the electrical apparatus. One embodiment is configured as a livestock trailer with a series of stall positions therein. Another aspect of the invention may have the signal generation and EEPROM resetting occurring via a virtual CPU integrated within a finite state machine. Accordingly, characteristics that are little in the amount of change of air volume are obtained.