Abstract: A gauge mounting assembly (10) for mounting a gauge (12) to a vehicle instrument panel (18) includes a gauge (12) disposed within an annular gauge housing (14) and an annular gauge bracket (16) for securing the gauge (12) to the instrument panel (18). The gauge bracket (16) includes ratcheting surfaces (22) for retaining the housing (14) to the bracket (16) in any one of various positions. The ratcheting surfaces (22) are disposed upon flexible tabs (24) extending from the bracket (16). The gauge housing (14) includes a plurality of annular and parallel ribs (26) for engaging the ratcheting surfaces (22) on the tabs (24).

Abstract: A waterproof and fog resistant gauge (10) includes a housing (12) forming a chamber (14) with a base (18) and opposing open end (16). The open-end (16) is enclosed by a bezel (60) compressing a pair of lenses (50, 52) spaced by a gasket (46) against and to the housing (12). The spaced lenses (50, 52) provides a "dead air" space between the lenses (50, 52) preventing air from entering or exiting. The housing (12) also includes an aperture (70) covered by an anaerobic filter (72) which allows the chamber (14) to breath while preventing water and other contaminants from entering the gauge (10).

Abstract: A fuel level sender (10) utilized a float (14) pivotally connected to a resistive rheostat (20) for varying a measurement signal in response to pivotal movement of the float (14) and therefore level of liquid in a container (12). The rheostat (20) includes an arcuate card helically wound by a conductive wire (70) wherein a ball bearing (80) biased by a spring (83) is pivotally connected to the float (14) such that the ball bearing (80) rolls along the arcuate card to change the resistance provided by the wire (70). The rheostat (20) is supported within the channel (25) of a threesided U-channel extrusion (24). A mounting boss (45) providing a four sided internal cavity receives an end of the extrusion (24) therein. The boss (45) and extrusion (24) may be separated to incrementally vary the orientation therebetween. The mounting boss (45) is integrally connected to a flange plate (28) having molded-in terminals for receiving electrical wires from the rheostat (20).

Abstract: An electrical rotary switch includes a single support housing (18) for rotation about a base (12). The base (12) is a circuit board which includes an opening (16) through which the housing (18) is secured to the base. A pair of contact pads (14) extend radially away from the opening (16) on the base (12). The housing (18) includes a cavity (34) facing the base (12). A conductive roller (38) is located in the cavity (34) for rolling over the pair of contact pads (14) to establish an electrical connection. The switch is characterized by a fulcrum ridge (40) extending from the housing (18) into the cavity (34) for allowing the roller (38) to rock in case a bump is incurred in the contact pads (14) to ensure an electrical connection.