Movable Contact Structure Patents (Class 338/202)
  • Patent number: 11874154
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a fuel delivery system and a fuel level sensor assembly thereof. In one example, a fuel level sensor includes a wiper assembly with spring-loaded wiper contacts. Cylindrical springs are provided between a wiper housing and the contacts to bias the wiper contacts into contact with a resistive card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: José David Mondragón Avelar, Sebastian Rosas Contreras, Miguel Angel Benitez Torreblanca, Tanya Stephany Soriano Canchola
  • Patent number: 11636961
    Abstract: A variable resistor includes: a main body and a rotating part vertically separated away from each other, among which the main body includes: a substrate having a first main surface, a second main surface and a through hole vertically penetrating the first main surface and the second main surface; a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion provided on the first main surface; a resistor body connected thereto; an electrode positioned closer to the through hole than the resistor body; and a third conductive portion (i) provided on each of the second main surface and a partition wall surface for partitioning the through hole and (ii) connected to the electrode, and the rotating part includes: an opposing part rotatable in a circumferential direction; and a slider configured to conductively slide as the rotating part rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunji Yamauchi, Tatsuzou Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10400129
    Abstract: An apparatus protected by corrosion resistance coating, said apparatus comprises an enclosure and heat exchanging elements contained therein wherein the heat exchange element and the enclosure are coated with fluoropolymer composites filled with thermally conductive and thermally insulating fillers, respectively. The composites contain: i) at least one fluoropolymer, and in a preferred embodiment the fluoropolymer is perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), and ii) at least one thermally conductive or insulating filler, and in a preferred embodiment the thermally conductive filler is graphite and the thermally insulating filler is carbon black. The thermally conductive filler is added to the coating for heat exchange elements, e.g. tubes, plates, fins, etc., to enhance heat transfer, while the thermally insulating filler is added to the coating for enclosures, e.g. shell, tube sheets, etc., to reduce the heat transfer to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Youliang He, Jason Sin Hin Lo, Raul Santos
  • Patent number: 8893400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hair dryer including a tapered plastic shell between a rear end and a front end through which flows out the air set into motion and heated by the hair dryer, this plastic shell defining at least one air inlet and an air outlet and being intended to accommodate at least one motor and one fan, the shaft of which is borne by an attached internal structure in the central portion of the fuselage. According to the invention, the plastic shell is conformed in order to receive the air between the air inlet and the internal structure bearing the fan, on a longer acoustic path as compared with the length of the acoustic path between the rear end and the internal structure bearing the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Technofirst
    Inventor: Christian Carme
  • Publication number: 20120007710
    Abstract: An electrical contact device, configured for electrical signals to be transmitted therethrough and for movable contact with an electrically conductive track, includes a composite carbon fiber material including plural carbon fiber elements aligned in substantially the same direction. At least a portion of the plural carbon fiber elements is bonded together in a semi-conductive (low-resistance) synthetic resin compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: MICRO CONTACTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael TUCCI, Philip URUBURU, Stephen VESELASKI
  • Patent number: 8093985
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide highly accurate DCPs. One example provides a DCP that includes a resistor string having taps that may be selected by a corresponding number of switches under the control of a digital word. To compensate for parasitic switch resistances and for variations in the values of the resistor sting caused by processing tolerances, a voltage-controlled resistor (VCR) is placed in parallel with the resistor string and switches. A control voltage generated using a control loop adjusts the parallel VCR such that the resistance seen across the DCP is the desired value. The control loop compares a reference resistor to loop components that are scaled to the resistor string, switches, and VCR. The reference resistor may be an external resistor or an internal resistor. If the resistor is internal, it may be trimmed, for example with lasers or fuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Lokesh Kumath, Giri N. K. Rangan
  • Patent number: 7675399
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the remote operation of the variable audio controls of floor-mounted audio effects devices, such devices typical of those used by performing artists on stage. The vast majority of devices of this type are operated by a foot pedal-controlled on/off switch and rotary operated potentiometer switch(es) to vary the audio output. The present inventive concept uses a variety of mechanical connectors, which couple the rotary switches of the floor device to a hand-operated controller mounted on a microphone or accessory stand. In this manner a performer is able to operate the effects device, with his/her hand, from a more natural standing position during a musical performance, rather than having to crouch down during said performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Simon Roger Ebrey
  • Publication number: 20090195347
    Abstract: The device has a first substrate on which an electrical resistive element is mounted, and a second substrate on which a contact electrode is mounted. The contact electrode is disposed opposite the resistive element at an electrically insulating distance. It can be brought into electrical contact with the resistive element by pressing the substrates together. The device is provided with electrical or electronic circuitry for detecting the location of the compression point. At least one of the substrates is equipped with a flat leaf spring of spring-grade sheet metal attached flush thereto, which leaf covers the compression zone of the substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Stefan Berres
  • Patent number: 7307508
    Abstract: A binder resin for sliding resistors contains an acetylene-terminated polyamic acid oligomer represented by the following general formula (I): wherein n is an integer of zero or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisashi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7176781
    Abstract: A resistor formed on a material layer of a semiconductor integrated circuit and a method for forming the resistor. The resistor comprises a region of resistive material with a plurality of conductive contacts or plugs in electrical contact with and extending away from the resistive material. A first and a second interconnect line are formed overlying the plugs and in conductive contact with one or more of the plurality of plugs, such that a portion of the resistive material between the first and the second interconnect lines provides a desired resistance. According to a method of the present invention, the plurality of conductive contacts are formed using a first photolithographic mask and the first and the second interconnect lines are formed using a second photolithographic mask. The desired resistance is changed by modifying the first or the second mask such that one or more dimensions of a region of the resistive material between the first and the second interconnect lines is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc
    Inventors: Daniel Charles Kerr, Roger W. Key, Bradley J. Albers, William A. Russell, Alan Sangone Chen
  • Patent number: 7167075
    Abstract: A dual resistor for eliminating the requirement for two different value resistors. The dual resistor includes a conditioning resistor at a high resistance value and a run resistor at a low resistance value. The run resistor can travel inside the conditioning resistor. The run resistor is capable of being advanced by a drive assembly until an electrical path is completed through the run resistor thereby shorting out the conditioning resistor and allowing the lower resistance run resistor to take over as the current carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Lynn Siggins, Charles W. Murray, Richard L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6933830
    Abstract: A variable resistor is configured such that a contact of a contact arm is prevented from contacting a driver plate even when the height of a disk section of a sliding contact is reduced so as to reduce the height of the variable resistor. A sliding contact includes an annular driver plate disposed on the top surface, a disk section folded from the external periphery of the driver plate to the back side, and the semi-circular contact arm provided in the external periphery of the disk section opposite to the folded portion. In the external periphery of the driver plate opposite to the folded portion on the back surface thereof, i.e., in a portion of the disk section folded to the back side of the driver plate opposing the contact of the contact arm, a step is provided such that a gap between the driver plate and the contact arm is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6838973
    Abstract: A potentiometer, used in particular as a position sensor or position transducer is disclosed, which has at least one wiper path and one wiper that has at least one contact element (19), resting with a contact face (20) on the wiper path and electrically contacting the wiper path; the wiper and the wiper path are movable toward one another. To reduce costs by reducing the amount of noble metal used for the contacting in the potentiometer, the contact element (19) has an electrically conductive core (21) and a noble metal jacket (22), surrounding the core (21), whose annular end face at least partly forms the contact face (20) (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Schweinfurth
  • Publication number: 20040252008
    Abstract: A rotatable variable resistor with a clicking mechanism includes a rotary unit provided with a rotor and a wiper, and a fixed unit provided with a cover, a resistor substrate, and external terminals. The wiper has an arm segment, a clicking projection and a non-clicking projection. The undersurface of the cover is provided with a clicking depression. The distance from the center of rotation of the rotary unit to the top of the clicking projection is different from the distance from the center of rotation to the top of the non-clicking projection. The non-clicking projection may have a flat top portion with a width extending in one direction that is greater than that of the clicking depression such that a sliding track of the top of the clicking projection is located within a sliding track of the non-clicking projection in the radius direction. The clicking depression may alternatively be an aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Nishikori
  • Patent number: 6798333
    Abstract: A variable resistor is constructed to prevent a slider from backwardly tilting toward a rotor and to maintain stable contact between the slider and a substrate. In the variable resistor, a rotor and a slider are provided in a case. A substrate having a collector electrode and an arcurate resistor is mounted in the lower end portion of the case. The slider includes an annular arm portion arranged to achieve sliding contact with the arcurate resistor, a substantially I-shaped arm portion arranged to contact the collector electrode, and a case portion coupled with the annular arm portion and the substantially I-shaped arm portion by a folded-back structure. The base portion extends up to the vicinity of the position corresponding to the tip portion of the annular arm portion. The rear surface of the base portion is supported by the rotor such that the slider is prevented from backwardly tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Morikami
  • Publication number: 20040183649
    Abstract: A variable resistor is configured such that a contact of a contact arm is prevented from contacting a driver plate even when the height of a disk section of a sliding contact is reduced so as to reduce the height of the variable resistor. A sliding contact includes an annular driver plate disposed on the top surface, a disk section folded from the external periphery of the driver plate to the back side, and the semi-circular contact arm provided in the external periphery of the disk section opposite to the folded portion. In the external periphery of the driver plate opposite to the folded portion on the back surface thereof, i.e., in a portion of the disk section folded to the back side of the driver plate opposing the contact of the contact arm, a step is provided such that a gap between the driver plate and the contact arm is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6794984
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sliding contact member including a contact element, wherein the contact element includes a bundle of carbon fibers formed by bundling a plurality of carbon fibers and lubricant contained among the plurality of carbon fibers of the bundle of carbon fibers, and at least part of the bundle of carbon fibers is capable of a sliding movement with respect to tracks of a conductive pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisashi Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20040085182
    Abstract: A resistive element controllable to irreversibly decrease its value, comprising: several polysilicon resistors associated in series between two input/output terminals of the resistive element; and an assembly of switches, connected to turn the series association into a parallel association of said resistors between two programming terminals intended to receive a supply voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michel Bardouillet, Alexandre Malherbe
  • Publication number: 20040041687
    Abstract: A potentiometer, used in particular as a position sensor or position transducer is disclosed, which has at least one wiper path and one wiper that has at least one contact element (19), resting with a contact face (20) on the wiper path and electrically contacting the wiper path; the wiper and the wiper path are movable toward one another. To reduce costs by reducing the amount of noble metal used for the contacting in the potentiometer, the contact element (19) has an electrically conductive core (21) and a noble metal jacket (22), surrounding the core (21), whose annular end face at least partly forms the contact face (20) (FIG. 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Reiner Schweinfurth
  • Publication number: 20040000984
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sliding contact member including a contact element, wherein the contact element includes a bundle of carbon fibers formed by bundling a plurality of carbon fibers and lubricant contained among the plurality of carbon fibers of the bundle of carbon fibers, and at least part of the bundle of carbon fibers is capable of a sliding movement with respect to tracks of a conductive pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisashi Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20040000985
    Abstract: A sliding-type electric component includes a contact element. The contact element including a bundle of carbon fibers, and a sliding portion formed on the side portion thereof. The sliding portion being capable of linear contact or surface contact with a track of a conductive pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisashi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 6646525
    Abstract: A microelectro-mechanical device which includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, the fixed electrode including a transparent, high resistance layer, and a moveable electrode formed with an anisotropic stress in a predetermined direction and disposed adjacent the fixed electrode. The device includes first and second electrically conductive regions which are isolated from one another by the fixed electrode. The moveable electrode moves to cover the fixed electrode and to electrically couple to the second conductive region, thus electrically coupling the first and second conductive regions, in response to a potential being applied across the fixed and moveable electrodes. The fixed electrode is transparent to electromagnetic signals or waves and the moveable electrode impedes or allows transmission of electromagnetic signals or waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Carl O. Bozler, Richard G. Drangmeister, Robert J. Parr, Lawrence J. Kushner
  • Patent number: 6639507
    Abstract: A plated precision potentiometer (PPP), consists of resistance plates, disc, a screw, springs and a cylinder to enclose all moving parts. The PPP will produce a resistance determined by the location of the disc on the plates. The disc will travel on the screw; the change in location of the disc will adjust the resistance value proportionally to the distance it travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Vladimir Tubaltsev, Aleksandra Tubaltseva
  • Patent number: 6489724
    Abstract: A dimmer switch assembly includes a housing for supporting and enclosing the assembly components. A dimmer adjusting element is mounted on the housing and has a movable portion for movement in first and second directions. An elongated flexible triggering member has a first longitudinal end coupled to the movable portion of the dimmer adjusting element and a second longitudinal end provided in a socket defined by the housing. First and second detectors are spaced from and arranged opposite to one another. The elongated member is interposed between the detectors such that movement of the dimmer adjusting element in the first direction flexes the elongated member toward to activate the first detector, and movement of the dimmer adjusting element in the second direction flexes the elongated member toward to activate the second detector. The detectors have signals associated respectively therewith which are generated by the detectors when the detectors are activated by the triggering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Russell Smith, Gurdev Singh Bains, Paul Michael Jarry
  • Patent number: 6425288
    Abstract: In a lever transmitter for a fuel tank, two spring tongues, each with a sliding contact, are arranged on a contact plate of a potentiometer. The contact plate is prestressed against sliding tracks of the potentiometer by a spring element fastened to the carrier and having the sliding contacts due to vibrations are thereby reliably avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Bernd Pauer
  • Patent number: 6414584
    Abstract: An electrical brush wiper for use in a position sensor to contact an electrically resistive surface. The wiper has a metallic beam having a channel. The channel is formed from a pair of parallel extending flanges. One of the flanges is attached to the beam. Carbon fibers are secured within the channel between the flanges. The flanges have several tabs for securing the fibers in the channel. The tabs can be welded to the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Shengli Liu, John Zdanys, Norman C. Weingart
  • Patent number: 6392529
    Abstract: An electrical contactor or wiper that uses an elastomer near the tip to reduce flexing and improve electrical signal accuracy. The contactor includes an elongated beam having a U-shaped end. Several carbon fibers form a bundle attached to the beam. The fibers have ends and tips. The ends are compressively held inside the U-shaped end and the tips emanate from the U-shaped end. An elastomer is disposed over the carbon fibers where they emanate from the U-shaped end. The elastomer reduces flexing of the carbon fibers. The elastomer is located between the beam and adjacent to the tips with the tips being exposed. A laser is used to trim the carbon fibers and elastomer to form the tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Shengli Liu
  • Patent number: 6313730
    Abstract: A linear sliding variable resistor comprises a case with a through hole; an operating shaft inserted in the through hole and axially movably locked; an insulated board located in the case and having an electrically conductive pattern on the surface thereof; a sliding contact which slides on the pattern; and a sliding contact retainer which retains the sliding contact and is fixed on the operating shaft. The sliding contact retainer is provided with a pair of snap legs and a retaining portion having a U-sectional recess; and the operating shaft is held by the recess of the retaining portion and the snap legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ohara, Masahiro Asano
  • Patent number: 6253610
    Abstract: A wiper for use in a system for monitoring fluid level in a fluid storage container. The wiper has a body portion, a first lengthwise end, a second lengthwise end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a width and a pair of resilient contact members electrically connected to one another. Each contact member extends from a corresponding side of the body portion. The wiper also has a guide portion attached to the first lengthwise end. The guide portion has a width larger than the width of the body portion. The wiper includes a recess formed in each side of the body portion for receiving a corresponding resilient contact member thereby allowing the resilient contact members to be compressed so as to be substantially flush with the body portion. In one embodiment, the recesses extend through the guide portion. In one embodiment. the wiper includes an electrically conductive member that has a portion thereof that is embedded in the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: SYBA Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David A. Struzik, Edward A. DeToffol
  • Patent number: 6198380
    Abstract: Straight-line potentiometer including a casing with a longitudinal opening in which slides a carrier having an electroconductive slider which provides electrical contact between an electroconductive slideway and an electroresistive slideway. The slider is provided with a centrally disposed offset portion which is inserted between the lugs of the carrier. The slideways are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal opening and run parallel to the opening. The carrier is made up of an operating stem and two resilient lugs, arranged so as to form a fork, extending through the longitudinal opening. The ends of the lugs are further provided with toes which engage the inner edges of the longitudinal opening and allow the carrier and slider to smoothly slide along the opening. The improved straight-line potentiometer is also provided with a plurality of resilient grips situated on opposite ends of the longitudinal line of the carrier and engaging lateral sectors of the slider in a riding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Navarra de Componentes Electronicos, SA
    Inventor: Jesus Carlos Castellano-Aldave
  • Patent number: 6172594
    Abstract: A focus unit of an FBT (fly back transformer) is disclosed. Particularly a focus volume slider of the focus unit is disclosed. A ceramic substrate 150 is installed within and on the bottom of a cover 130 through which an actuation knob 120 passes. A variable contact 172 of a slider 170 contacts with a resistor pattern 140 of the ceramic substrate 150, so that the voltage volume can be controlled. Since the ceramic substrate is disposed separated from an FBT case which accommodates bobbins for generating a high voltage, the insulation of the focus unit by filling and curing an insulating resin is not required, and therefore, the manufacturing process is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Woo Goo
  • Patent number: 6140907
    Abstract: A contacting position sensor that has a carbon fiber contactor tip design for long life and low wear characteristics. The position sensor has a housing and a resistive element and is located on a substrate mounted within the housing. A carbon fiber contactor is mounted within the housing and has a first and second beam and carbon fibers attached to an end of each of the beams. The carbon fibers are in electrical contact with the resistive element. The carbon fibers are attached to the beam by a conductive epoxy or the carbon fibers are attached to the beam by a crimping. The contactor is attached to a rotor or a drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Shengli Liu
  • Patent number: 6127908
    Abstract: A microelectro-mechanical device which includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, the fixed electrode including a transparent, high resistance layer, and a moveable electrode formed with an anisotropic stress in a predetermined direction and disposed adjacent the fixed electrode. The device includes first and second electrically conductive regions which are isolated from one another by the fixed electrode. The moveable electrode moves to cover the fixed electrode and to electrically couple to the second conductive region, thus electrically coupling the first and second conductive regions, in response to a potential being applied across the fixed and moveable electrodes. The fixed electrode is transparent to electromagnetic signals or waves and the moveable electrode impedes or allows transmission of electromagnetic signals or waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Carl O. Bozler, Richard G. Drangmeister, Robert J. Parr, Lawrence J. Kushner
  • Patent number: 6127916
    Abstract: A fuel level indicator system that utilizes a resistor card having an arc-shaped resistive path with a first set of spaced apart conductor lines and an arc-shaped resistive ink material overlying the first set of conductor lines. The first conductor lines are formed at an angle with respect to a radial line drawn from the center of the resistive path arc. The resistor card also has an arc-shaped continuously solid conductor base and a second set of spaced apart conductor lines extending from the base at an angle with respect to a radial line drawn from the center of the arc-shaped conductor base. The system includes a wiper assembly having a pair of spaced apart arms. Each arm has a plurality of parallel fingers extending from one end. One of the fingers on a first arm engages a conductor line on the resistive path and a second finger on the first arm engages an adjacent conductor line along the resistive path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Richard O. Cooper, Terry R. Bloom, Curtis L. Holmes, John Zdanys, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6054654
    Abstract: A sliding element fixing structure for an electrical component comprising a sliding element formed of a metallic plate having tongues found in its base segment and a holding member to which the sliding element is fixed. The holding member has a flat surface and a bulged-out segment positioned and arranged below the flat surface. The base segment of the sliding element is mounted on the flat surface of the holding member with the end segments of the tongues engaging the lower part of the bulged-out segment which fixes the sliding element to the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Ebata
  • Patent number: 5982272
    Abstract: A variable resistor reduces an inclination of a rotor caused by spring reaction of a slider, and prevents the lowering of contact pressure and deterioration in sliding performance of the slider. The resistor includes a rotor 3 and a slider 4 inside a case 1. The variable resistor also includes a resistor substrate 2 having a collector electrode 25 at a central portion of a surface thereof and having a resistive element 24 in a circular arc shape on an outer side of the collector electrode 25 substantially concentric with the central portion. The resistor substrate 2 is mounted to a lower end portion of the case 1. The slider 4 is provided with a first arm 42 having a substantially U-like shape at one end side of a base portion 41 attached to the rotor 3, having a first contact point portion 42a at a front end of the first arm which is brought into sliding contact with the resistive element 24 in the circular arc shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 5933070
    Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor capable of significantly small-sizing a circuit board as compared with the prior art. A terminal fitment is provided so as to act as an electrical connector for establishing electrical connection between a slide element fixed on an operation shaft member and slid on a variable resistance pattern formed on a circuit board and an output portion thereof. The terminal fitment includes a contact holding portion which is provided at a distal end thereof with a contact portion. A contact point between the contact portion of the terminal fitment and a contact portion of the slide element is defined on a side of the operation shaft member while being spaced from a front surface of the circuit board. Such construction prevents the contact point from being defined at a central portion of the variable resistance pattern, resulting in a radius of curvature of the variable resistance pattern being reduced as compared with that in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Hasebe, Kazufumi Daimon
  • Patent number: 5920252
    Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor includes a structure which makes it possible to achieve stable and reliable contact conduction between a connection terminal 7 and a terminal electrode 2a. The connection terminal 7 includes a spring portion 7b. At the end of the spring terminal 7b there is provided a flat contact section 7d which is wider than the other portions thereof. A plurality of protrusions 7e, 7f are formed on this contact section 7d. The outer edge portion of a lead line connecting section 7a of the connection terminal 7, which is accommodated in and fixed to a connection terminal accommodating section 6, is held in a terminal holding groove 6a of the connection terminal holding section 6, and the protrusions 7e, 7f are held in contact with the terminal electrode 2a of an insulating substrate 2 and pressed against the insulating substrate 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5818324
    Abstract: A miniature potentiometer having a housing with a plurality of resistor elements and a coil spring wiper having canted coils affixed to a knob that is rotatably disposed within the housing. The canted coil spring wipers are in conductive contact with the resistor elements of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Resistance Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Richels
  • Patent number: 5666100
    Abstract: A floating pin joint is provided for coupling a linear potentiometer to a machine for measuring relative movement between first and second component parts of the machine. The potentiometer has an elongated housing securable to the first component part and a drive actuator slidably attached to the housing. In one embodiment, the floating pin joint includes a bushing, an actuator rod and a spring. The bushing can be positioned in a mounting hole on the drive actuator with an annular bearing surface disposed at one end of the bushing facing outwardly from the mounting hole. The actuator rod has a flange disposed between a first end and second end which contacts the bearing surface when the second end of the rod is extended through the bushing. The spring attaches to the second end of the rod for maintaining the flange in contact with the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Data Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5592141
    Abstract: A miniature potentiometer including a casing (10) molded on a first sub-assembly comprising a support (11), an electro-resistive track (12) with extensions (13) linked to terminals (14),(15) extending outwardly from the casing, and a collector plate (16) having a collector plate terminal (14) extending outwardly therefrom. A second sub-assembly is housed in the casing (10) and includes a wiper (18) integral with a wiper-holder (19). The first and second sub-assemblies are attached to one another by an electrically conductive shaft (21).The wiper (18) comprises a first part defined by an annular plate (29) to which the wiper-holder (19) is molded. The first part also includes an opening (31) and through-holes (32) which allow plastic material to flow therethrough. The wiper (18) further comprises a second part (33), extending radially out from the annular plate (29) and having resilient arms (35,36) with protuberances (35a,36a) for frictionally engaging the resistive track (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Navarra de Componentes Electronicos, S.A.
    Inventor: Jesus C. Castellano Aldave
  • Patent number: 5570076
    Abstract: The present invention provides a variable resistance device having at least one pair of channels retaining a conductive ball between them. The channels contain a resistive element and a conductive element and movement of the conductive ball within the channels, caused by rotation of the channels relative to each other, provides a variable resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventors: Bruce L. Erickson, Alan H. Stull
  • Patent number: 5525955
    Abstract: An annular resistor member having two non-contact ends is overlaid and adhered on the surface of a base, and a rotational shaft located at the central portion of the resistor member is pivotally axially supported via a bearing. A bent electrode arm is fitted on the rotational shaft, and is connected to an output terminal via the rotational shaft or a connection means. A movable electrode, which opposes to the resistor member via a gap, is integrally formed on the end portion of the electrode arm, and a capacitor is formed between the movable electrode and the resistor member. In the above structure, when an AC power supply is flowed across the two ends of the resistor member, the capacitor is formed between the movable electrode and the resistor member, and an attenuated voltage is generated on the movable electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Copal Company Limited
    Inventors: Yoshihide Tonogai, Masaaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 5500634
    Abstract: In order to prevent flux which is employed for soldering an open type pre-set variable resistor from reaching an upper major surface of a substrate provided with a resistor film, a blocking member is formed in a position upwardly separated from a lower major surface of the substrate by a prescribed distance, to block a through hole provided in the substrate. Further, an engaging portion which is provided on a variable side terminal is located in a position downwardly separated from the upper major surface of the substrate by a prescribed distance, to hold a slider which is rotatable about the central axis of the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukinori Ueda
  • Patent number: 5345215
    Abstract: A variable resistor device including a casing and a shaft slidably connected to the casing along its axis. The casing houses a resistive substrate and a slider which is movable along a surface of the resistive substrate. The casing also defines a pair of guide grooves for receiving protrusions extending from the slider, thereby restraining the slider to slide along a path defined by the guide grooves. One side of the slider contacts an end of the shaft, and an opposite side of the slider is pressed by a spring. The spring force is parallel to but spaced away from the axis of the shaft; therefore, the forces acting on the slider create a torque. Because the slider is not connected to the shaft, the slider pivots within a small clearance provided by the guide groove in response to the torque, thereby causing the projections of the slider to press against the walls of the guide groove and thereby preventing vibration of the slider relative to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Okumura, Kanji Ishibara
  • Patent number: 5339065
    Abstract: A miniature potentiometer suitable for mechanical adjustment of microwave circuits is provided. Furthermore, there is provided a dual, ganged potentiometer also suitable for mechanical adjustment of microwave circuits. The dual, ganged potentiometer provides reliable tracking of tapers between the two variable resistance elements. Yet further, there is provided a complete, microwave, T-pad attenuator circuit which is mechanically adjustable. The T-pad attenuator uses two ganged potentiometers, whose tapers track in a known non-linear fashion. The tapers may be logarithmic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen A. Slenker
  • Patent number: 5321385
    Abstract: A wiper for an electric rotary potentiometer, in particular for use as a rotary position transducer, having a contact spring for pickup on a resistor track, and a rotatable spring holder on which the contact spring is secured nonrotatably. To save time and expense in assembling the contact spring and the spring holder, at least one fastening tang with a detent head protrudes at approximately right angles from the spring holder, and the contact spring has circular-annular-segmental detent straps, disposed on a circle, which lock into place behind the detent head under spring tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Rilling
  • Patent number: 5321384
    Abstract: In connection with a movable tap for potentiometers, adjustable rheostats, or the like, it is proposed that movable separate wiper fingers, formed from small round wires, be arranged on a wiper finger carrier in parallel one to the other and in groups, with spacings provided between the groups of a width corresponding substantially to the width of the group, so that abraded matter and scuff can settle between the groups of wiper fingers without causing functional trouble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Horst Siedle KG
    Inventors: Horst Siedle, Wolfgang Leue
  • Patent number: 5166628
    Abstract: An electrical path or angle sensor comprises a first, stationary contact segment, a plurality of stationary, second contact segments arranged one behind the other and separated from one another by dividing gaps, these second contact segments being connected to circuit elements, a sliding contact movable in a predetermined direction of movement and displaceable over the contact segments and the dividing gaps dependent on the path or angle, as well as contact tongues formed on the sliding contact and movable therewith, these tongues being aligned with their contact-making points in a contact line and when the sliding contact is moved connecting the first contact segment each time with at least one of the second contact segments in an electrically conductive manner by this line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: helag-electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Henninger
  • Patent number: 4994752
    Abstract: A position detecting apparatus electrically detects the present position of a moving body reciprocated within a movable region. The apparatus comprises a resistance section continuously disposed by a predetermined length along the reciprocating direction within a detecting region corresponding to the movable region on a substrate composed of an insulator. A plurality of region discriminating patterns are formed by combining a conductive section discontinuously disposed by a predetermined length along the reciprocating direction within the detecting region on the substrate, and an insulating section having no conductor. An electric brush is provided which is connected to the moving body and reciprocated within the detecting region in a state in which the brush slidably contacts the resistance section and the plurality of region discriminating pattern section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Hata