Abstract: An illumination-type rotary variable resistor. A housing includes a round bottom plate, a cylindrical outer wall protruding in a first direction, and a cylinder. This housing houses an annular insulating substrate having a resistor film and LED conductive film on its surface facing in the first direction. An operating knob includes a cylindrical operating member rotatably fitted to the cylinder and a flange having a resistor slider and LED slider on a face in a second direction being opposite to the first direction. The operating member has a through hole along the first direction, and the flange is attached to the operating member in the second direction. A cover covers the housing and flange. A surface-mount LED is disposed in the through hole at an end which is facing in the second direction. A resistor slider slides on the resistor film, and a LED slider slides on the LED conductive film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature adjusting device for adjusting or setting temperature of a soldering iron, with the adjustment or setting being allowed to a particular authorized operator. The device comprises a temperature control section having a moveable member which is moveable to change an electric parameter, such as a resistance, as a function of the movement of the moveable member, the temperature control section controlling the temperature of the soldering iron in accordance with the electric parameter; a manipulation member detachably coupled to the moveable member to move the moveable member to change the electric parameter; and an indicator interrelated with the moveable member to indicate an adjusted temperature, the indicator being capable of making the indication even when the manipulation member has been detached from moveable member.

Abstract: An illumination-type rotary variable resistor. A housing includes a round bottom plate, a cylindrical outer wall protruding in a first direction, and a cylinder. This housing houses an annular insulating substrate having a resistor film and LED conductive film on its surface facing in the first direction. An operating knob includes a cylindrical operating member rotatably fitted to the cylinder and a flange having a resistor slider and LED slider on a face in a second direction being opposite to the first direction. The operating member has a through hole along the first direction, and the flange is attached to the operating member in the second direction. A cover covers the housing and flange. A surface-mount LED is disposed in the through hole at an end which is facing in the second direction. A resistor slider slides on the resistor film, and a LED slider slides on the LED conductive film.

Abstract: An optical potentiometer comprised of a specialized circuit board and a movable reflector device capable of traveling left and right stably on the specialized circuit board. The movable reflector device has a reflecting mirror suitably disposed in alignment with a light wave transmitter on the specialized circuit board that enables the reflection of light waves emitted by the light wave transmitter to the area of a point detecting light wave receiver. The light waves are thereafter amplified and filtered to predetermined settings by an amplifier and a filter on the specialized circuit board and, furthermore, stored in an memory bank as reference values that facilitate a controller to calculate the actual distance traveled by the movable reflector device through a comparison of the predetermined settings with the standard excursion range in the controller, which then drives an digital variable resistor to output a resistance value that corresponds to the distance traveled.

Abstract: In an appliance such as an oven for cooking food, the invention contemplates a user rotatable, single knob oven control device which provides both discrete and continuous control signals to the appliance controller. The discrete outputs indicate selection of oven features, and the continuous output the desired baking temperature. These inputs are selected by a user in response to rotation of a user interface knob mounted on a control panel. The control panel provides visual indication of oven cooking temperature selections through a first arc around the knob, and user selectable oven features (such as, e.g., OFF/CANCEL, BROIL, and CLEAN) in a second arc around the knob. The control device comprises a hub having a portion adapted to be drivably coupled to the user interface knob. The hub also includes a flange which has at least one cam. The device also includes a variable resistance element having a rotatable shaft in driving engagement with the hub.

Abstract: A structure and method of making resistive emitting members which exhibit high resistivity while at the same time providing high temperature operation significantly above that known in the art. Specifically the use of nitrides of Group IVB transition metals from the periodic table, exclusive of titanium is described.

Abstract: A rotary variable resistor with switch having a switch mechanism, in particular, a rotary variable resistor with switch corresponding to an ultrathin rotary variable resistor. Such a rotary variable resistor having a switch mechanism has dimensions, especially thickness, which are only slightly larger than that of a conventional ultrathin rotary variable resistor. Moreover, such a rotary variable resistor is easy to assembly due to the small number of parts, is reliable, and generates a fairly loud and easily recognizable clicking sound each time the switch is turned on or off, which can be both easily felt and heard by the user.

Abstract: A low-cost joy stick or pad with improved performance, reliability and durability which can be used as a cursor pointing device for computers, remote controls, video games, consumer electronics, industrial controllers, automotive and other applications. A conductive spring or sheath connects to a conductive curved rubber transducer which can be deflected to make contact with conductors on a printed circuit board, providing electrical outputs to a microprocessor or other device.

Abstract: A notebook computer or other electronic device has a flexible cable interconnecting electronic circuitry in a base with electronic circuitry in a cover. A flexible potentiometer is coupled to said flexible cable in a location which bends when said cover is opened and closed with respect to the base. The resistance of the flexible potentiometer has a first value when the cover is closed and has a second value when the cover is open. A detection circuit is responsive to the resistance of the flexible potentiometer and generates an output signal which indicates whether the cover is open or closed.

Abstract: A calibration method for a potentiometer which provides indicia reflecting an accurate indication of actual electrical resistance throughout the resistive range of a particular potentiometer. The indicia includes a number of graduation marks or symbols having a range and spacing unique to the resistive characteristics of the particular potentiometer. The indicia is fixed with respect to a known location associated with the particular potentiometer. The range and spacing of the indicia graduations is derived from measured resistance values at predetermined locations along the resistive member of the particular potentiometer.

Abstract: A rotor for use in a rotary position sensor includes an opening designed to receive a shaft having a flat. The rotor has a wedge within the opening designed to engage the shaft firmly but minimize insertion forces. Several troughs running parallel to the shaft and adjacent to the wedge aid in retention by adding a controlled amount of resilience to the rotor. On a shaft receiving end of the rotor there is an additional taper to help with coaxial alignment of the rotor opening and the shaft. On the shaft exiting end there is a half-moon like configuration designed to provide a force opposing surface during shaft insertion while not adversely impacting either the full insertion of the shaft or potential drag between the rotor and the sensor housing. The rotor is designed to offer unique advantage in insertion force to install the rotor on the shaft, while retention force and potential drag against the position sensor housing are minimized.

Abstract: During plural rotations of the the first potentiometer as a result of the operation of a steering wheel, though a specific position of the first potentiometer corresponds to plural rotation angles or rotation numbers of the steering wheel, the correct, real or current rotational angle or rotational number of the steering wheel can be obtained by knowing a one-to-one correspondence between a specific position of the second potentiometer and the reduced rotational angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A variable control fader with provisions for outputting a fader start signal upon movement of the fader from a position corresponding to the faders maximum attainable resistance value. This fader start signal can be utilized to initiate the activation or deactivation of the operation, or function, of other devices such as, for example, tape recorders, cart machines, or outboard signal processing equipment.

Abstract: The potentiometer includes a ground terminal 1, a power terminal 2, a resistive element 4 provided between the ground terminal 1 and the power terminal 2, a sliding portion 18 for sliding on the resistive element 4, an output terminal 3 for obtaining the output in response to the position of the sliding portion 18, a reference voltage terminal 5 provided on a reference position RP where a reference voltage Vref should be generated, and a power supply 6 for applying the reference voltage Vref to the reference voltage terminal 5. The reference voltage terminal 5 is provided on the reference position RP where the reference voltage Vref should be generated. The reference voltage Vref is sustained at the reference position RP, because the power supply 6 applies the reference voltage Vref from the reference voltage terminal 5 to the resistive element 4. The offset can be adjusted rapidly due to the regulated voltage at the reference position RP in spite of a productive variation of the resistive element 4.

Abstract: A position sensor assembly for sensing the rotary position of a rockshaft of a hitch mechanism includes a rotary potentiometer coupled to the rockshaft. The rockshaft is enclosed in a rockshaft housing and a sensor housing is attached to the rockshaft housing. The potentiometer is attached to an outside surface of the sensor housing and has a sensor shaft which extends through a portion of the sensor housing. The position sensor has a first set of gear teeth on the rockshaft meshing with a second set of gear teeth on the sensor shaft. The sensor housing at least partially encloses the second set of gear teeth. The first and second sets of gear teeth are preferably configured as gear segments. The sensor shaft is supported for rotation by the sensor housing. The potentiometer is preferably a spring-pre-loaded potentiometer. A second spring is mounted on the second set of gear teeth and is engagable with a wall of the sensor housing to define an assembly position.

Abstract: A position sensor (25) includes both a position potentiometer (90) and a turns count potentiometer (92). The position potentiometer (90) includes a pair of wipers (12 and 14) positioned on a rotor (10) which each contact both a resistive track (46) and one of two different commutator tracks (48 and 50) on element (26). The sensed percentage of total voltage output, which is a function of the position the wiper (12 or 14) contacts the resistive track (46), corresponds to the angular position between 0.degree. and 360.degree. of the shaft on which the position sensor (25) is mounted. The turns count potentiometer (92) comprises a turns count rotor (66) which is incrementally advanced via a cog (18) on rotor (10) using a gear or geneva type mechanism. The turns count rotor (66) includes a wiper (64) which either contacts both a resistive track (150) and commutator track (152) or contacts one of a plurality of switch pads (154).

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 rotary switch for controlling electrical circuitry in ranges, ovens, etc., to be manually adjusted for control of function cycles. Included with the manually operated function selector are means for determining the position of the function selector providing at the same time via a low voltage DC communication link, with a solid state microprocessor or similar unit as used for control of ranges, ovens, etc.

Abstract: A potentiometer includes a rotatably mounted lever which acts as a follower member adapted to lie in contact with a moveable finger, the movement of which the lever is to follow, the lever being biassed at all times towards the finger by resilient return means.The lever is in the form of a fork having two arms whereby it is adapted to embrace the finger. Whichever one of these arms is in the trailing position with respect to the direction of rotation in which the lever is biassed by the return means is longer than the other arm. In the embodiment described, the longer arm is an active arm, the shorter arm being a security arm.

Abstract: A positioning cylinder assembly for subterranean mining applications has a rotary potentiometer connected through a friction wheel transmission with the spindle of the cylinder which is rotated when the piston is axially displaced therein. The friction wheel assembly comprises a pinion wheel connected to the spindle and a hollow wheel connected to the rotary potentiometer, that not only matches the pitch of the spindle to the rotary spring of the potentiometer but also functions as a slip clutch for zero setting of the potentionmeter and the piston.

Abstract: An electrical circuit module in which structural elements of the circuit module are foamed or cast over with synthetic resin. At least one component is located in the interior of the resin and has an actuating shaft allowing adjustment of the component. An extension shaft that is rotationally symmetrical and has a driver is coupled to the actuating shaft. The extension shaft has a rotation-symmetrical bead and is embedded in the synthetic resin in a positive-fitting manner. The extension shaft also has an adjustment and protruding to the outside of the resin, and a surface which forms a separation layer toward the resin.

Abstract: An angular position measurement system including a rotatable mechanism, a potentiometer coupled to the rotatable mechanism and adapted to produce a first output signal indicative of the angular position thereof; a graduated element retaining a plurality of annularly distributed graduations representing different angular positions of the rotatable mechanism, and a detector for producing second output signals in response to alignment thereof with any of the graduations. Also included is a drive for producing relative movement between the graduated element and the detector in response to rotation of the rotatable mechanism so as to render the second output signal indicative of an angular position of the rotatable mechanism and a comparator for comparing the angular positions indicated by the first and second output signals.

Abstract: A heater for heating water in an aquarium tank is provided with a thermostat which includes a bimetal strip carrying one contact and another strip carrying another contact. Upon deformation of the bimetal strip in response to temperature changes, the contacts are closed to connect the heater with an electrical supply circuit. The distance between the contacts is initially set by a rotatable cam acting on a curved portion of the bimetal strip. A cylindrical body which supports the cam to rotate the latter is provided with a helical groove in which is engaged an indicator captured in an elongated axial slot formed in a support of the cylindrical body. The support has at least one scale on its surface visible through a glass container of the heater. When the cam is rotated to change the distance between the contacts this change is indicated by the position of the indicator on the scale.

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: In the case of a displacement or position transducer, it is provided that a onductor foil (5) is arranged over the resistor track (4), held at a distance from it and able to be pressed with flexible resilience against the resistor track, and that the slide (8) is displaceably arranged above the conductor foil (5), pressing the latter against the resistor track (4), the conductor foil preferably being electrically connected to a conductor track (2) running parallel to the resistor track (4), at a distance from it and electrically separated from it.

Abstract: A potentiometer device including a resistor path and a conductive film spaced therefrom. The film may be brought in contact with the resistor by exerting finger pressure. The tap voltage is stored in a memory and displayed by means of LEDs.

Abstract: A position indicator for an actuating drive device which has a range of positions and includes a potentiometer having a resistance strip with end connectors at opposite ends thereof. A tapping feature includes two independently moveable arms each connected at one end thereof to a moveable part of the drive device and at the other end thereof to the resistance strip in sliding engagement therewith and bridging a section of the resistance strip therebetween. The arms are initially adjustable to the end limiting positions of the drive device.

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: A variable resistor for use in a frequency regulator comprises an actuator having an intermediate portion pivotally supported by a casing, and a pair of opposite actuating end portions exposed from the casing. A pair of opposite feed pawls depend from the actuator to engage a rotor pivotally supported by the casing between the opposite feed pawls. The rotor has on peripheral edges thereof teeth meshing with the feed pawls, and carries a slider. A resistor base plate is mounted on the casing and has an arcuate resistor layer facing the slider of the rotor. The actuator is angularly movable in response to depression of one at a time of the actuating end portions thereof for turning the rotor in one direction through meshing engagement between the feed pawls and the teeth to thereby cause the slider to slide on the arcuate resistor layer. Therefore, the resistance of the variable resistor can be varied simply by pushing the actuator angularly back and forth.

Abstract: A rotary type illuminated variable resistor wherein a light source is disposed in a case, and first and second optical guide members for guiding light from the light source are respectively disposed in a hollow shaft and a hollow knob. When the knob is rotated, the second optical guide member is also rotated, so that the rotational position of a variable resistance portion mounted on the hollow shaft can be indicated on the end face of the knob by the light.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination type rotary variable resistor, in which a hollow shaft rotatable and displacable in the thrust direction and is coupled to a rotatable knob, in which a photo-conductive element is disposed within the hollow shaft and the knob, in which one end of the photo-conductive element is exposed at an end surface of the knob, in which a light source is provided close to the other end of the photo-conductive element, in which a driver member is placed in contact with a forward end of the hollow shaft to cause a switch to perform its switching operation, and in which a reflex surface is formed on the driver member to reflect light from the light source towards the photo-conductive element.

Abstract: In a slide rheostat with first and second light sources wherein at least one set of resistor and collector is printed on an insulating base plate so as to establish a variable resistance, and wherein the first and second light sources are disposed so as to display the resistance in either of their emission colors, the light sources being connected to a common lead and at least one power supply lead so as to be energized; the improvement comprising the fact that the power supply lead is formed with a portion adopted to accommodate the sliders energizing both of the light sources so as to emit light in the composite color of their emission colors.

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 rotary variable resistor wherein a pair of levers are arranged in a case, a knife-shaped cam has its one end pivotally mounted on a projection of each lever, and the cam comes into engagement with a tooth portion of a toothed wheel in accordance with the operation of the lever so as to turn a slider holder. The moving stroke of the lever can be made small, and the slider holder can be turned every small angle.

Abstract: In an instrument assembly (1) a current value indicator element (6) is rotatably mounted on a shaft (5) and a set value indicator element (12) is controlled by a knob (14) and is mounted in the glass face (10) of the instrument for rotation about the axis of the shaft (5). Spur gears (9, 13) connect the set value indicator element (12) to a shaft (8) serving as input to a signal outputting means (7).

Abstract: A variable resistor and switch assembly which in combination constitute an electronic tuning element assembly, comprises a variable resistor section having a slider movable along a resistance element by means of a rotatable screw, an indicator section having a flexible ribbon which moves past a window in accordance with the movement of the slider, and a rotary band selection switch section coaxially provided about the screw shaft and having a terminal supporting plate in which first and second fixed terminals are provided, a frame having openings and snap-engaged with the terminal supporting plate, and a movable contact rotatably held between the terminal supporting plate and frame to connect the first and second fixed terminals. The movable contact is actuatable by an operation portion via the openings provided in the frame.

Abstract: A position indicator of potentiometer type includes two parallel wires, each having first and second ends, and a movable, rotatable contact cylinder around which the wires pass round at least one turn. The potential contact is made via the first end of a first wire and the second end of a second wire, whereas the potentiometer current is arranged, when in use, via a second end of said first wire and a first end of said second wire, the two being coupled through the contact cylinder.

Abstract: A potentiometer includes a conductive member and a resistive member both enclosed in a flexible fluid-filled bag so that depression of a point on the bag causes the conductive member to touch a point on the resistive member. Latching means are provided to latch the bag in its depressed position at any point and two forms of visual indication are provided for displaying the resistance values selected.

Abstract: An elongated tape fabricated of an electrically insulative material has a pair of strips which run therealong, these two strips being joined together at one end thereof but not at the other, to form an open loop. The strips are fabricated of an electrically conductive material having a relatively high resistivity. The opposite ends of the tape are each wound on a separate reel, the tape being fed from one reel to the other by means of a drive mechanism. The tape is marked along its length with indicia representing resistances between the two strips for each position of the tape between the two reels. A window with a marker is provided to read out these resistances. A pair of electrical wipers are mounted in contact with the pair of strips to connect the strips to a circuit or the like, in which the resistance is to be utilized.

Abstract: A magnetized pointer in conjunction with a dial scale affixed to a supporting panel, on the opposite side of which is located a rotary device such as a potentiometer, to the shaft of which is attached a magnet, the poles of which will cause the opposite poles of the magnetized pointer to follow and indicate the degree of rotation, without the need of mechanical coupling.

Abstract: A variable tuning resistor has a threaded shaft which moves a slider along a linear resistance element. A flexible ribbon is connected at one end to the slider to be moved thereby. A guide member through which the ribbon is guidingly slidable is oriented perpendicular to the shaft extending upwards. The guide member is formed with a window through which the ribbon is visible. The ribbon is formed with a marking such as a slot obliquely along the length thereof in such a manner that as the ribbon is moved the part of the marking visible through the window appears to move from one side of the window toward the other thus serving as a tuning indication. A rotary band switch is connected to the tuning resistor with the shaft coaxially extending therethrough.

Abstract: A slide potentiometer comprising a housing having a printed circuit board positioned in an interior compartment formed therein. An elongated resistance element is provided on one side of the circuit board and has a pair of terminals electrically connected to the opposite ends thereof. An elongated collector element is positioned on the one side of the circuit board in a parallel spaced apart relationship to the resistance element. A third terminal is electrically connected to the collector element. A wiper block is slidably mounted in the interior compartment of the housing and has a pair of electrically connected wiper elements which slidably electrically contact the resistance element and the collector element. The wiper block is provided with an actuator element which extends upwardly therefrom. A cover is secured to the housing and extends over the upper end thereof and has an elongated slot formed therein which receives the actuator element extending therethrough.

Abstract: A variable resistor is disclosed which may readily attain or reproduce a preset value. A wiper arm or plate is carried by an outer shaft for rotation with a wiper in sliding contact with a resistor so that the resistance value may be continuously varied in a conventional manner. In order to detect the angular position of the outer shaft where a preset value is obtained, a click mechanism is incorporated. A click spring of the click mechanism is fixed to a switching plate carried by an inner shaft fitted into the outer shaft for rotation therewith or independently thereof in case of presetting, and a ball loosely carried at the free end of the click spring is adapted to engage with a recess formed at a predetermined position of a stationary click plate so that the inner shaft may be stopped at a predetermined angular position.

Abstract: A heating regulator which is responsive to effective outdoor temperatures and the temperature of a heated fluid supplied by a boiler. The regulator has an adjustably positionable pointer which represents a characteristic curve. The regulator includes three slide members with the pointer being pivotally mounted on one of the slide members for a translatory movement therewith and pivotal movement relative thereto. Two potentiometers are operated by two of the slide members and one of the slide members actuates the third slide member which in turn effects pivotal movement of the pointer.

Abstract: A voltage divider device capable of providing any voltage in a preselected range of voltages, which voltage may be set by a touch of the finger is disclosed. The device includes a control element without frictional contacts and a voltage storage circuit controlled by the control element. A circuit including the device is described and embodiments of the device providing a visual indication of the setting of the device are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a combined variable resistor assembly provided with position indicator means for indicating positions of individual variable resistors by respective bright spots adapted to be moved by manipulating the associated variable resistors. This variable resistor assembly may find use mainly for electronic tuners, and with which the present states of the individual variable resistors for volume control, balance control, sound quality control and so forth can be known at a glance at the indicator means.

Abstract: There is provided a combined variable resistor assembly provided with position indicator means for indicating positions of individual variable resistors by respective bright spots adapted to be moved by manipulating the associated variable resistors. This variable resistor assembly may find use mainly for electronic tuners, and with which the present states of the individual variable resistors for volume control, balance control, sound quality control and so forth can be known at a glance at the indicator means.