Abstract: A photosensor array for use with an image processing apparatus has a plurality of photosensors disposed in an array. Each photosensor includes a substrate, a photoconductive layer formed on the substrate and made of an amorphous silicon, and a pair of electrodes disposed on a surface of the photoconductive layer, the electrodes being spaced apart from each other by a certain distance partially defining a light receiving region of the photosensor. In the phososensor array, the photoconductive layer is constructed as of two or more laminated layers, and the lower layer positioned nearer to the substrate has a low content of oxygen.

Abstract: A zinc oxide lightning-conducting element is disclosed which includes a metal oxide sintered body mainly composed of zinc oxide, and electrodes which consist of metal vapor-deposited films provided on opposite surfaces of the sintered body in a thickness of not less than 300 .ANG. and noble metal coat films coated onto the metal vapor-deposited films. At least one kind of a metal oxide is added and mixed into the zinc oxide.

Abstract: A thermally self-regulating elastomeric composition and heating element made therefrom. The composition includes a body of elastomeric material in which is distributed electrically conductive particulate material, such as carbon black. Short fibers are also distributed in the elastomeric matrix. In the disclosed invention, the short fibers are present in the amount of approximately 0.5 to 20 volume percent. In one alternate form, the matrix is foamed. Different arrangements of the electrodes in electrical conductive association with the thermally self-regulating elastomeric body are disclosed. Preferred proportions and characteristics of the particulate conductive material and short fibers providing optimum thermally self-regulating characteristics of the composition are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying impedance includes a first conductive member, a second member associated therewith, and a third wiper member electrically contacting the first and second members. Use of a conductive rolling member as the third wiper member minimizes wear and degradation of all members. Alternately, or in conjunction with a rolling wiper member, use of a conductive elastomer further eliminates wear.

Abstract: A PTC polymer assembly in which a sheet of PTC polymer is sandwiched between two electrodes, and electric terminations are mechanically and electrically connected to the electrodes, at least one of the terminations is a looped spring connected at one end to one of the electrodes and at another end to a mounting element, with a loop between the electrode and the mounting element to which it is mechanically connected.

Abstract: An arrangement for ensuring contact between resistance paths comprises a base of electrically non-conductive and elastically deformable material such as rubber. To the base is applied an electrically conductive coating. The resistance path is pressed against this layer by means of a covering element, the base being subjected to preloading. In this way, the contact can be ensured between a potentiometer resistance with terminal connections and a plug, around which a short-circuit interval is provided.

Abstract: An improvement is provided for an electrically heated glass panel of the type where a resistive film is disposed on the panel and is connected between and along the length of a pair of spaced bus bars each of which is terminated in a respective voltage input terminal and where one of the bus bars includes a connector section to which the resistive film is not connected extending from the input terminal of the bus bar to a junction point on the bus bar beyond which the resistive film is connected to the bus bar. A sensor conductor is disposed on the glass panel and connected from at or beyond the junction point on the one bus bar to a sensor terminal and extends generally adjacent to the connector section of the bus bar.

Abstract: A high temperature electrical resistance heater in which an electrically resistive strip is supported so that the strip may freely expand and contract and substantially all of the strip may directly radiate to provide maximum heat transport therefrom. The strip is carried in a serpentine configuration by support blocks which are arranged in abutting relation in spaced, parallel rows. Each block includes a lower portion embedded in a ceramic base and an upper portion extending above the base. The upper portion includes a structural portion which encircles minor portions of the strip to carry it spaced above the base to allow substantially unimpeded radiation from the strip and free strip expansion. Anchors securely hold the support blocks embedded within the base.

Abstract: A force measuring device includes a rigid base plate and a first diaphragm symmetrical about a central normal axis and arranged in spaced parallel relationship to the base plate. An elastic connection between the base plate and a peripheral rim of said first diaphragm hermetically closes a cavity formed between the base plate and first diaphragm. A first projection is formed, for force introduction to the device, on an outer surface of the first diaphragm and extends along the central normal axis; a second projection extends from an inner surface along the central normal axis toward the base plate. A displacement sensor is arranged in the cavity between the base plate and second projection for sensing any displacement therebetween upon force application to the device, to generate an electrical signal indicative of the force applied.

Abstract: An electric hair dryer having an outer housing with a dependent pistol grip handle extending in one direction. An attachment extends from the opposite side of the housing at an obtuse angle of preferrably 133.degree. with respect to the handle. One attachment comprises an arcuate air duct having a two spaced parallel longitudinal and one transverse air discharge vent directed to cause air streams to collide and blow out in front of the dryer. Another attachment comprising a slightly arcuate brush attachment also having two parallel longitudinal air ducts and one transverse air duct and a plurality of bristles on the concave side, still another attachment comprising a slightly arcuate comb attachment having a wind tunnel at the back with two parallel rows of equally spaced, divergent teeth extending away from the concave side of the arcuate comb.

Abstract: A flexible electrically conducting cloth comprising a plurality of intermingled or interwoven fibers of a refractory material having a sheet resistance above 1000 ohms per square. A conducting coating having at least about 70 atomic percent carbon encapsulates a majority of the fibers. The coating is applied in sufficient quantity to render the cloth electrically conducting with a sheet resistance of about 0.1 to about 1000 ohms per square, the coating having been formed by chemical vapor deposition at 800.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. A flexible electrically conducting cloth having a length and a breadth is also provided comprising a plurality of intermingled or interwoven fibers of a refractory material having a sheet resistance above 1000 ohms per square. A conductive coating including at least about 70 atomic percent carbon encapsulates a majority of the coating. The coating is in sufficient quantity to render the cloth conducting with a sheet resistance between 0.1 and 1000 ohms per square.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a lightning arrester (100) having two end fittings (2,20) at either end of a substantially cylindrical central core constituted by a stack of pellets (6, 7, 8) made of a varistor-type material and having holes therethrough whereby the pellets are threaded over a central rod (1) made of stratified material. The stack assembly is put into compression against the two facing faces of the end fittings (2, 20) by means of the rod (1), the space between the rod (1) and the pellets (6, 7, 8) is filled by casting or injecting an insulating material, with the assembly obtained in this way being perfectly rigid, and a coating (30) of an elastomer of the EPDM type is molded over the assembly, with the coating adherring perfectly to all of the surfaces of the core and of the end fittings which it covers.

Abstract: Ordinary inexpensive magnetic recording tape is used to create a novel resistance element which may be made pressure sensitive to perform a number of tasks involving robot finger control intrusion alarm systems, and portable weighing scales. A pressure insensitive resistance element is also used as an efficient, inexpensive heating tape element, or to make precision resistors having little bulk, and resistive networks which may be customized by a user.

Abstract: A shunt biased magnetoresistive element includes a sensor part sensitive to an external magnetic field and a pair of leads (electrodes) in contact with the sensor part. The width (W) of the contact between the sensor part and each of the leads is selected to be equal to or larger than the width (L) of the sensor part. The MR element further includes a center tap having a width (W') selected to be two or more times as large as the width (L) of the sensor part, because the quantity of current flowing through the center tap is two times as large as that flowing through each of the end leads.

Abstract: A variable resistor of a type for mounting against the surface of a printed circuit substrate, the variable resistor having:an insulating substrate having one surface for supporting a resistor and an opposite surface for being positioned against the surface of a printed circuit substrate;a curved resistor on the one surface of the insulating substrate and having opposite ends;a sliding member rotatably mounted on the insulating substrate and sliding on the resistor;a plurality of outside electrodes on the insulating substrate, one for each end of the curved resistor, and extending from the corresponding end of the resistor along the one surface of the insulating substrate, along an edge of the insulating substrate, and along the opposite surface of the insulating substrate, each outside electrode having a three layer structure constituted by a lower layer against the insulating substrate, a middle layer and an outer layer, the lower layer being an electrically conductive material suitable for plating, the mid

Abstract: A pressure sensing device constructed of a high molecular conductor kept in contact at all times with at least one pair of electrodes in a circuit and wherein the resistance of the conductor is sensitive to external forces oppositely applied by an actuator and a spring. Changing of the relative value of the forces changes the conductor resistance thus changing the circuit resistance.

Abstract: A pressure sensor in which a Ni-Si-B amorphous alloy strain gauge is covered and protected from the external impact and dust in the air by a protective film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting appliance lines to cooking plates, hobs or hotplates. Our of the bottom of the electric hotplate, connecting pins (19b) extend for connection to connecting members (33) of a connecting piece (31) that is part of the appliance line. From a passage through an insulating member (20b) in the bottom of the hotplate, the connecting pins (19b) project outwards towards the circumference of the hotplate body (2b). In a transportation mode the pins can be resiliently and completely countersunk in the underside of the hotplate. In the vicinity of the front end of the connecting members (33) of the appliance plug, the connecting piece (31) of the plug has a threading and guidance apparatus for the connecting pins (19b) that does not project beyond the outer circumference of hotplate body (2b), thereby ensuring an automatic, positonally correct connection between the connecting piece (31) and connecting pins (19b).

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid for use in facial treatment is provided which includes a base unit for containing and vaporizing the liquid, the base unit having an opening therein to allow the liquid when vaporized to exit therethrough, and further including a hood overlying the opening for channeling the vaporized liquid exiting from the base unit. The hood includes a shield which is collapsible between open and closed positions for channeling the vaporized liquids. The shield preferably is formed from a single sheet of material divided into a plurality of panels separated by hinge lines. Lock means are provided for preventing the shield from collapsing between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A distributed resistance material level sensor which is sensitive to actuation pressure of the material in which the sensor is immersed, and ruggedized to provide protection of the sensor by forces encountered during handling and during use. The sensor includes an elongated strip having sensitive front and back surfaces and respective insensitive edges extending along the length of the sensor. An elongated protective element is provided on each edge of the sensor, the element being retained on a respective insensitive edge and having a cross-sectional extent to provide mechanical contact and abrasion protection.