Abstract: Electric circuity (45) in a lighted vanity mirror module (5) for an automobile sun visor (40) is mounted on the backside of an appearance bezel (10), thereby obviating the necessity for a separate housing. A wire wound resistor (80) is employed in a lamp dimmer (37) and, with the bezel, retains a sliding contact which controls lamp intensity.

Abstract: A wallbox-mountable system for controlling electrical power to a load is disclosed. The system comprises a yoke, a frame, a toggle switch and at least one slidable lever. The yoke has an opening which is completely occupied by the frame member and the frame member has at least one channel. The toggle switch has a handle extending through the frame and has one end mechanically coupled to a means for turning power on and off to a load. The slidable lever extends through the channel and is mechanically coupled to a means for adjusting the power to a load.

Abstract: A potentiometric position transducer comprises a resistive track movably mounted within a housing. A portion of the resistive track is between two fixed electrical contact points. A third electrical contact is moveable over such portion, corresponding to the position or setting of an exterior device, such as the throttle of an internal combustion engine. Drive means are provided to move the resistive track, to repeatedly substitute new portions of the resistive track between the two fixed contact points. Wear is spread over the entire resistive track.

Abstract: A two wire and a three wire resistive fluid level sensor for measuring fluid levels within a container are disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of resistors connected in series. The sensor produces an output signal by providing a short circuit to the circuit nodes between the resistors so that a stair-step output signal is created as the float moves in conjunction with the liquid level in a container. The value of the resistances can be varied in order to accommodate various cross-sectional tank contours and thus produce a usable, readily and easily configurable sensor. The structure of the sensors enables measurement of depth variances far in excess of prior art sensors.

Abstract: A sliding electric part includes a set of two sliding members, wherein one of the sliding members is composed of a diamond substrate with an electric conductive portion formed by ion implanation or by the deposition of boron-doped p-type diamond on the sliding surface which slides along the other sliding member, and the other sliding member has an electric conductive portion formed on the sliding surface which slides along the one sliding member.

Abstract: A dual function rotary assembly (100) functions as a potentiometer and a momentary switch. The dual function assembly (100) includes a rotary shaft (106) that when rotated to a predetermined position, such as its final rotational position, may be pulled to provide a momentary contact between two switching terminals (116, 126).

Abstract: A linear-movement potentiometer having an operating rod 25 projecting at both ends from a substantially hermetic casing and connectable at one end 26 to a drive member, and first and second bearings 33, 34 disposed between the casing and the operating rod for supporting the operating rod for a linear sliding motion relative to the casing. A sealing arrangement is provided between the casing and both ends of the operating rod. A sliding variable resistor assembly 38 including a resistor and a contact relatively slidable with each other is disposed within the casing, and one of the resistor and the contact is operatively connected to the operating rod for establishing a relative sliding movement between the resistor and the contact. A cover 54 may be sealingly secured to the casing for covering the end of the operating rod, and the operating rod may have an air passage 28 axially extending therethrough.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating apparatus for sensing hydraulic pressure and producing an output signal representative of the sensed hydraulic pressure includes a base portion, a case, and a variable resistor unit. A slider is movably connected to the variable resistor unit, and the variable resistor unit is connected to the base, the slider being movable relative to the variable resistor unit by an amount proportional to the hydraulic pressure applied to the slider. The variable resistor unit has a resistance which changes in response to movement of the slider. A resilient member is provided which is resiliently deformable by movement of the slider relative to the variable resistor unit, the resilient means exerting a restoring force on the slider opposing the movement of the slider caused by the hydraulic pressure. An adjusting mechanism is provided for setting an initial resistance value of the variable resistor unit, the variable resistor unit having a portion which is in contact with the adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A settable resistor has a resistance path array (4) to which is allocated a contact piece (9) which is guidable in the longitudinal direction (13) over the resistance path array and has an adjusting device for the position of the contact piece. In order not to restrict the free displacement travel of the contact piece with a simple construction independent of the setting of the adjusting device, so that a high resolution is achieved particularly for application in the hand switch of a power tool with speed control regardless of a set maximum value, the contact piece (9) is additionally adjustable transverse to the longitudinal direction (13of the resistance path array (4) by means of the adjusting device (11).

Abstract: A variable resistor including a resistive element and a conductive element supported by a plate. Contacting terminals are provided on one or more ends of each element. A carriage is slidably supported above the elements and a conductive roller is supported from the carriage by a suspension member that biases the conductive roller against the elements. The effective length of the current path through the resistive element is varied by using the conductive roller to electrically connect the two elements to one another along different portions of their length. In a preferred embodiment, the carriage moves under the guidance of at least one guide bar and the conductive roller is suspended from the carriage by a coiled spring.

Abstract: An illuminating type linear resistor for volume control having an insulating substrate; a pattern of resistor and collector formed on one surface of the insulating substrate; a lead formed on the other surface of the insulating substrate for supplying power to an LED; a slider mount assembly surrounding the insulating substrate and separatably formed into first and second slider mounts; a knob provided on the first slider mount which knob is formed at its upper end with a receiving portion for receiving the LED; a first slider mounted on the first slider mount and adapted to slidingly contact the pattern of resistor and collector; a second slider mounted on the second slider mount and adapted to slidingly contact the lead; and a clip provided at an extension of the second slider for holding a terminal of the LED which clip is received in the knob of the first slider mount.

Abstract: A system for controlling power to an electrical load includes a linear slide dimmer and a switch, whose pushbutton actuator moves up and down with the dimmer slider. When the pushbutton is depressed, to actuate the switch, it rides in and out in the slider. The slider only moves up and down. In one embodiment, a light is visible through the pushbutton in a darkened environment. In another embodiment, a wallbox-mountable switch assembly includes a pushbutton-actuated, alternate-action mechanical power switch whose pushbutton, when depressed, moves within a bezel that is attached to the switch support.

Abstract: A dimmer and switch device is adapted for mounting on a wall. The elements of the device that are visible when it is mounted on a wall are easily replaced. In another embodiment, a linear slide dimmer and push-button switch device are arranged in juxtaposition, so that a section of the dimmer slider can pass through the switch mechanism. A high-power, push-button switching device combines a high-power switch and a latching device. A dimmer includes a potentiometer that is marked by detents to permit stable, reproducible dimmer settings. The switching device and dimmer are suitable for use in the dimmer/switch.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus is provided for use with a potentiometer or variable resistance element which does not require a mechanical connection between a contact member and an activating mechanism. This is accomplished by using a magnet in at least a portion of either the contact member or the activating mechanism while constructing at least a portion of the other of such contact member and the activating mechanism of a ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A dimming control circuit for use in an illuminated vanity mirror includes a surface formed variable resistor on a circuit board and wiper contacts engaging the resistor. One of the resistor or wiper contacts is movably mounted to a mirror frame with the other of the resistor or wiper contacts being stationary such that the resistance can be varied to control the light intensity.

Abstract: A soft break switch for forming a short circuit between two conductors while the switch is in a closed position, for forming an increasingly resistive circuit between the conductors while the switch is being moved to an open position, and for forming an open circuit between the conductors when the switch is in an open position. The resistive circuit enhances arc suppression.

Abstract: A sensor circuit on a face of a ceramic substrate providing reliable continuous monitoring of fluid pressure in a closed chamber, said circuit being used in combination with a wiper arm having two or more contacting points that passes over and maintains continuous electrical contact with conductor contact pads of the circuit and converts the position of the contacting points of the wiper arm to predetermined resistance values which are converted into fluid pressures in a closed chamber, for example, to record the oil pressure in an automobile crankcase.

Abstract: A sliding operation type electric part comprising a first slider holder, to the upper surface of which a slider is secured by burying a part thereof so that it extends on the surface thereof, and a second slider holder, to the lower surface of which a slider is secured by burying a part thereof so that it extends on the surface thereof, is disclosed, in which the first and the second slider holder are united in one body through linking means and the sliders are so disposed that they are slidingly in contact with conductive patterns.

Abstract: The variable resistance speed control switch for a power tool has a wiper which slides over a resistor which has a non-linear resistance curve matched to the motor. The resistor is made by thick film technology and has a ceramic substrate covered by 950.degree. C. glass and fired to give the substate a glass smooth surface. Then a 100K ohm ink is applied in a pattern designed to give a non-linear resistance curve tailored to the performance of the motor. A resistive termination is provided to diffuse the power concentation under the stationary contact. A 1 meg ohm ink covers the 100K layer and part of the terminaton. The 1 meg ink contains a lot a glass which fuses and flows out when fired. The 1 meg ink will flow out to the same glass smooth condition as the glass bottom layer. The wipers are not subject to much abrasion or wear.

Abstract: A variable resistor for use in vehicles and electric apparatus having a resistive body whose resistance value is hardly affected by abrasion. The resistive body is composed of a lower resistive layer formed on the surface of a substrate and an upper resistive layer formed on said lower resistive layer, wherein said upper resistive layer has 2 to 500 times greater value of volume resistivity compared with said lower resistive layer.

Abstract: A multi-slider electrical assembly comprises a metal case having a channel-shaped cross-section mounted on a substrate. The case has parallel slits, and guide blocks are spaced apart in parallel within the case for guiding a plurality of sliders extending through the slits. The case has an engage projection and semi-projections on each side thereof formed at each corner on its side walls. The engage projections are bent in contact with metal layers on the bottom surface of the substrate, and the semi-projections bear on grounding layers on the upper surface of the substrate, in order to hold the substrate therebetween without crushing it and to provide a good ground for the case.

Abstract: Tap or current collector for rotary or linear potentiometers, displacement pick-ups, variable resistances, brushes/collector junctions of electric motors, etc., wherein the tapping part on which the slider elements as such are mounted and which performs a relative movement with respect to the tapped path or collector carries the slider elements having individual resilient and freely movable slider fingers, at least in the contact area proper, and which are mounted on a mounting block in such a manner, relative to the sense of displacement, that irrespective of the sense in which the tap moves at any time, one of the slider elements is always pushed, and the other one is always pulled so that even the influences on the tapped or transmitted electric signal of dynamical effects developed by high accelerations are compensated.

Abstract: A multi-slider electrical assembly includes a plurality of electrical devices slidable on conductive patterns printed on a single substrate structure. The substrate structure consists of a first insulative film having the conductive patterns printed on its surface and a second insulative film having lead ciricuit patterns so that the patterns are heat-sealed at their opposed connection lands.

Abstract: A switching device has employed a linearly operating variable resistor in place of the rotatively operating variable resistor. The switching device comprises a guide shaft and an operating knob rotatably slidably mounted thereon. The knob has an actuating arm extending from the guide shaft which mates with a longitudinal groove of a contact holder. The contact holder is movable between a first and second position by rotation of the operating knob about the guide shaft. An operating element linearly movable relative to the axis of the guide shaft, is mated with the operating knob to move the operating element to selectively adjust the variable resistor.

Abstract: A click mechanism of slide volume control ensures judgement of a center stop position of a lever by a difference in the click touches and allows many stop positions of the lever by providing holes on both sides of the lever inserting hole of the upper surface plate of the frame and providing convex portions on the ends of elastic arms of a plate spring which engage the holes.

Abstract: In electrical control apparatus having a first member disposed in an opening in a second member, the first and second members being adapted and arranged for relative movement with respect to each other, a safety device for covering the open portions of the opening as the first member moves relative to the opening. A primary shield is located adjacent to and overlaps the opening. The primary shield is operatively associated with the first member for movement in response to relative movement of the first member. The primary shield has a shape adapted to permit unrestrained movement of the first member while overlapping the open portions of the opening to cover those portions for all positions of the first member in the opening.

Abstract: A linear potentiometer, which is used for measuring the relative movement between component parts of a processing machine, particularly an injection molding machine, wherein the covering band of the linear potentiometer, which band covers a longitudinal slit in the upper surface of a tubular housing for a resistance element, is guided through the potentiometer slide per se by means of through openings with a slight upward curvature. As a result, the prerequisites are met that the entire potentiometer slide, including its guide ribs, its slide body and its anchoring plate for a joint, can be formed as an integral cast shaped part made of a high-polymer material. With this type of a slide embodiment, the accuracy of measurement can be kept at a sufficiently high level over long periods of time, even under conditions of extremely sever strains.

Abstract: A potentiometer which includes a wiper element having a plurality of contact fingers each mounted for wipeable engagement with a cermet resistance element deposited on a ceramic substrate. The contact fingers of the wiper element are each bent so that the end surface thereof, as opposed to a circumferential surface, is in wipeable engagement with the resistance element.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling a device having a movable control member, the control device having a housing and an endless belt with a substantially planar run manually movable by a finger. The belt is held in an extended position by stationary guide means on the housing. The movable control member of the controlled mechanism is mechanically connected to the belt so as to be moved by the belt when the belt is moved manually. The belt is moved by frictional engagement of a finger with its outer surface.

Abstract: Linear potentiometers are commonly used as position sensors on various mechanical devices. Such potentiometers are frequently subjected to extreme vibratory excitation, which is known to cause premature failure. The subject potentiometer includes a housing having interior walls defining a cavity. First and second guide slots are linearly disposed along the cavity walls parallel to the housing. A wiper block is positioned and is axially movable within the cavity. The wiper block includes first and second slide rails linearly disposed along the wiper block and extending outwardly from the wiper block at a location sufficient to project into respective ones of the guide slots. Each of the first and second slide rails has a plurality of tapered engaging portions positioned adjacent respective surfaces of the guide slots.

Abstract: A position-sensing potentiometer arrangement for sensing the position of a movable piston and piston rod configuration within a linear actuator includes a first support member extending longitudinally within an open-ended recess formed in the rod and a sliding contact mounted thereon. A tubular support is mounted to a stationary closed end of the linear actuator and extends into the recess to surround a portion of the first support member and a center support member which is also mounted on the closed end of the a actuator. A longitudinally-extending resistance element and a parallel conductor element are mounted on and supported by the center support member. As the first support member moves through the tubular support, the sliding contacts couple the resistance element to the conductor element to provide a resistance value variable as a function of the position of the piston rod.

Abstract: A linear potentiometer with a sandwich type construction. A pair of conductive strips are carried on a pair of non-conductive flexible plastic substrates which are affixed to a spacer to form a sealed unit. Each substrate includes a pair of tabs which cooperate with the tabs on the other substrate to define a pair of terminal receiving slots for connecting the potentiometer in an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A slider for resistor or slip conductors. The slider includes a generally U-shaped slider support having a center portion and two legs, leaf springs attached to each one of the legs and extending into the interior of the U-shaped slider support, and contact means guided by the leaf springs and kept in engagement with the resistor or slip conductor. In accordance with the invention, one of the leaf springs supports the contact means, and the other leaf spring resiliently engages the first leaf spring on the side remote from the resistor or slip conductor.

Abstract: A current limiting apparatus is provided with a pair of generally parallel conductive rails each including an initial high conductivity portion and a more resistive portion. A sliding armature conductor is positioned between the rails and makes sliding electrical contact with the rails such that a high fault current flowing through the rails and through the armature conductor produces forces which propel the armature conductor along the rails thereby increasing the resistance through which the current flows. Final interruption of the current is accomplished by a separate circuit breaker which is connected in series with the current limiting apparatus.

Abstract: A current limiting apparatus includes at least two pairs of generally parallel conductive rails each having an initial high conductivity portion and a more resistive portion. A sliding armature conductor is positioned between each pair of rails and makes sliding electrical contact with the rails such that a high fault current flowing through the rails and the associated armature conductor produces forces which propel the armature conductor along the rails thereby increasing the resistance through which current flows. The pairs of rails are geometrically associated such that current flowing in each pair of rails augments the accelerating force on the armature conductor located between the other pair of rails. Additional accelerating force augmenting may be provided by a multiple turn coil located near the high conductivity portions of the rails.

Abstract: A device for varying an electrode voltage of a CRT of a color TV includes a novel potentiometer arrangement for adjusting the aforesaid electrode voltage. In known voltage-generating devices the electrode voltage is adjusted by a special potentiometer which can handle several kilovolts. According to the invention, the potentiometer track is constituted by a resistive layer (2) situated inside the interior of the output-voltage feedthrough (10) and the wiper is constituted by the end portion of the high-voltage cable (9) which is inserted into a tubular feedthrough portion and which can slide therein in order to adjust the voltage.

Abstract: A linear motion encoder which employs a potentiometer type motion detector. It includes an elongated rectangular or cylindrical housing in which are one or two rails for guiding an insulated block to move lengthwise of the housing while being moved by a shaft connected to the block via an anti-backlash spring means. The block carries wiper contacts which respectively contact a fixed resistance element and a fixed commutator strip mounted on one wall of the housing or on the rail. An analog to digital circuit may be disposed in the housing to apply a reference voltage to opposite ends of the resistance strip. The circuit takes a linearly variable analog voltage from the commutator strip when the block moves lengthwise inside the housing driven by the axially moving shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slide-type variable resistor assembly which comprises a block of a synthetic resin material, a plurality of insulation bases integrally molded in the block, a resistor element fixedly provided on a surface of each of the insulation bases, a collector member fixedly provided on the surface of each of the insulation bases, a frame member provided on each of the insulation bases, and a slider member slidably provided between the resistor element and the frame such that the slider is slidably contacted with the resistor element as well as the collector member.

Abstract: A sliding rheostat includes two slider supports mounted to a support member between a pair of resistance base plates and in the direction that the slider supports move. Screws are mounted between the corresponding sliders and the support member to adjust the positions of the sliders relative to the support member, thus permitting the points at which the sliders are in contact with their respective resistance base plates to be placed in a line.

Abstract: A manual operating device for a slide type electrical device, which is mounted inside the housing of an electrical apparatus, includes a manual operating slide with an operating plate disposed at a hole in the housing. The manual operating device further includes a cover plate to cover the hole and provides a support on which the operating plate moves back and forth. A slide slot is formed by the cover plate and housing, and a connecting arm of the manual operating slide extends through the slide slot to connect the operating plate to an actuating slide of the slide type electrical device.

Abstract: A position-sensing cylinder includes a hollow housing within which reciprocates a piston fixed to a hollow rod. A hollow fitting is threadably attached to one end of the housing. a hollow metallic insert is press fitted into the hollow fitting. An elongated potentiometer support is received by and welded to the insert and is reciprocally received by the hollow rod. The support includes curved edges which slidably engage the wiper wall of the hollow rod and includes a planar support surface upon which are mounted resistive and conductive potentiometer strips. A hollow wiper carrier is mounted for movement with the piston and rod so that the support reciprocates within the carrier and so that conductive wipers are maintained in contact with the potentiometer strips. The wiper carrier cooperates with the rod and the support to substantially prevent fluid flow in the vicinity of the wipers.

Abstract: A leak tight position sensor or transducer (10) comprising a housing (12) having a cavity (32) with an opening (14) in one side and an aperture (16, 26) in each end of the housing (12). Located within the cavity (32) is a drive block (34) having bushing (36) with a threaded aperture (37) receiving the threaded end (42) of a shaft (40) made of a permanent magnet material. The threaded end (42) of the magnetic shaft (40) has a flat (44) and the other end (46) of the shaft is journalled in an aperture (16) of the housing (12). A metallic contactor (38) attached to the drive block (34) wipably engages an electrical circuit (54) printed on the interior surface (52) of a ceramic substrate (50) proportioned to seal the housing opening (14). Electrical wires (60) inserted through openings (58) in the substrate (50) are soldered to the circuit (54) and not only complete electrical connection and securement of the wires (60) to the circuit (54), but seal the openings (58) in the ceramic substrate (50).

Abstract: A part for a slide variable resistor provided on an insulated support thereof with a film resistive layer adapted for a slide terminal to be slid along the surface thereof, which part is characterized in that said film resistive layer comprises a main resistive layer pattern bound to the insulated support and a protective resistive layer pattern coated on said main resistive layer pattern, wherein the protective resistive layer pattern has a larger sheet resistivity than said main resistive layer pattern.

Abstract: A potentiometric linear position sensor including a housing (10) made of extruded aluminum which may be cut to preferred lengths (15). The sensor includes a Kapton film substrate (32) having first a uniform coating of resistive material (34) disposed thereon, and then distinct islands formed by laser sculpting. Conductive material (50, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58), screen printed upon the resistive material before or after the laser sculpting, is connected to terminal means (62, 68, 70) for the respective electrical elements (48, 51, 55). The flexible Kapton film substrate (32) is inserted endwise into the housing (10) with the side edges of the substrate curled upwardly and captured within longitudinal housing slots (28, 29) disposed along opposite housing walls (14, 16).

Abstract: A linear potentiometer, having a longitudinal housing with a resistance path and with a wiper guided by a push rod sliding therein. The push rod is supported at its entry into the housing of the potentiometer via a slide bearing which contains an elastic ring element, preferably an O-ring. This ring element embodies the sole connection between a stationary outer bearing and an inner bearing which is movable in a swinging manner relative to the outer bearing because of the elastic connection. The push rod slides in the inner bearing. The inner and outer bearings, by means of opposing annular grooves, receive the elastic ring element connecting them.

Abstract: A variable resistor element (10) comprises two thick film resistance layers or tracks (12, 14; 40, 50) electrically insulated one from another and on an insulating substrate (11). The thick film resistance layers (40, 50) may consist of the same resistance composition and thereby have the same resistivity, but the paths (40, 50) having different widths to effect different resistances; or, the widths of the resistance layers (12, 14) may be the same but the layers (12, 14) comprise different resistance compositions having different resistivities. An electrical contactor (20) has flexible fingers (22) wipably and respectively engaging the surface of each resistance layer (12, 14; 40, 50) to complete a circuit across the tracks (12, 14; 40, 50) and through the terminals (16 and 66) of the respective layers.

Abstract: A variable resistance device including a non-conducting base, a resistance supported by the base and forming a track surface, and an electrical terminal connected to the resistance. Also included in the device is a wiper assembly mounted for movement relative to the resistance and comprising a carrier, an elongated conductive spring member having one end secured to the carrier, a conductive coupling element bonded to an opposite end of the spring member and a corrosion resistant contact bonded to the coupling element and disposed to traverse the track surface during movement of the wiper assembly relative thereto.

Abstract: A variable resistor improved to eliminate noise generated in the slider due to a voltage drift attributable to a contact resistance. The variable resistor has an insulting substrate, a resistance member formed on the insulating substrate and connected to a first and a third terminals, a collector formed on the insulating substrate in parallel with the resistance member and connected at its one end to a second electrode, a conductor formed also on the insulating substrate and extending in parallel with the resistance member substantially over the entire length of the resistance member from the electrode connected to one end of the resistance member, and a first and a second slider carried by a common slider carrier, the first slider having contacts adapted for sliding on the resistance member and the conductor, while the second slider having contacts for sliding on the resistance member and the collector at the same position as the contacts of the first slider along the length of the resistance member.

Abstract: A variable resistance device wherein a slide member is disposed slidably within an elongated case, resistance and collector elements are disposed on an insulating substrate, and a contactor attached to the slide member rides over the resistance and collector elements. A common conductor and a pair of staggered change-over conductor strips are also disposed parallel to each other on the substrate, and a pair of change-over contactors engage with the common conductor and one of the change-over conductors, respectively. A pair of polar light source means disposed within the operating means of the slide member are connected in parallel with opposite polarity, and connected in common to the change-over contactors. One of the change-over contactors engages alternately with one or the other of the change-over conductors in accordance with the linear movement of the slide member, thereby the light source means changes its light alternately.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for coupling the movable member of a machine to a potentiometer to convert sliding movement of the member into proportionate movement of potentiometer. The device includes a first rod which is attachable to the movable machine member and a second rod which is connectable to the potentiometer. A ball-shaped slide is attached to the first rod and a planar abutment is attached to the second rod. The glide piece and the abutment are in abuting contuct with one another. A biasing spring is provided which applies pressure, in a working direction, to the glide piece to thereby maintain the glide piece and the planar abutment in intimate engagement with one another. This arrangement forms a joint connection between the first and second rods which enables transmission there between of only translational movement.