Helical Resistance Element Moves Patents (Class 338/145)
  • Patent number: 4086557
    Abstract: A variable resistance pressure transducer having high resolution, a wide resistance range and usable in conjunction with a limited linear actuation movement is provided. The transducer basically comprises a helical resistance element and a circular ring shaped contact arm which are mounted around a central axis and are slideably movable with respect to each other in directions parallel to the central axis. The ring contact essentially forms the wiper arm of a potentiometer assembly and the ring is dimensioned and positioned so that varying portions of its inner circumferential surface will contact the resistive element during relative linear axial movement between the ring and resistive element. This results in moving the effective point of contact between the ring and resistive element continously along the surface of the helical resistive element in response to the relative axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1978
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Warren Padgitt, Stanley Marion Kujawski