Abstract: An operating device has: a lever configured to be operated by tilting; a resistor having a flat strip shape and provided on a surface of a substrate; and a slider configured to change an output voltage value by sliding on a surface of the resistor in accordance with tilting operation of the lever. In this operating device, the resistor has a low-resistance portion that has a lower resistance value than other portions of the resistor, and that is a portion in contact with the slider when the lever is in a neutral position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force application device for a control stick of an aircraft, said stick comprising a control lever that is connected to a motor comprising a drive shaft, said device having: a first pin connected to the drive shaft, a housing, a second pin secured to the housing, an electromagnet secured in relation to the housing, a movable actuator which comprises a magnetic material such that said actuator can be displaced depending on a supply of current of the electromagnet, and means for clamping the first pin and the second pin which comprise a first tooth and a second tooth, said device having an operating configuration in which the electromagnet is active and the actuator separates the teeth away from the first pin and the second pin, and a blocking configuration in which the electromagnet is inactive, with the first tooth and the second tooth coming into contact with the first pin and the second pin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shift bracket that is coupled to a top plate of a cover panel for covering a floor tunnel and to which a shift lever unit is attached on an upper side. The shift bracket includes: a base plate to which the shift lever unit is attached; and a front leg portion and a rear leg portion that are coupled to the base plate and the top plate of the cover panel and hold the base plate with a space being provided upward in a vehicle vertical direction from the top plate. An ECU is disposed in the space between the top plate of the cover panel and the base plate.

Abstract: A detection device includes a variable resistor portion formed between first and second electrodes, and an elastically deformable contact member having a contact area for making contact with the variable resistor portion. The contact area increases according to a load that is applied to the contact member in a direction toward the variable resistor portion. The variable resistor portion includes an output varying region that varies an output voltage from the second electrode according to the contact area. The output varying region is formed so that a contact distance between the variable resistor portion and an outer peripheral portion of the contact member becomes longer as the contact area becomes larger, so that the contact area varies correspondingly to the load for improved linearity of the output voltage.

Abstract: A game controller includes a casing, a base, a movable seat, a signal control module and an operation element. The base, the movable seat, and the signal control module are installed within the casing. The signal control module is installed on the movable seat. The operation element is connected with the signal control module. A portion of the operation element is exposed to an operation hole in an upper cover of the casing. Consequently, a position-limiting movement of the movable seat relative to the base is achieved, and an altitude of the operation element is adjustable.

Abstract: A low-voltage controller (LVC) is configured to utilize a low-voltage signal to operate a high-voltage load, such as, for example, a lamp. The LVC is configured to receive a low-voltage step signal at a switch input. The LVC has a line input for connection to a source of power at a line voltage and a load output for connection to a first load, and a dimmer for setting an intensity of the first load. Subsequent step signals may alter the intensity of the load. A method for low-voltage control of a load is provided. A method includes the steps of receiving a first switch signal at a switch input of an LVC; setting a lamp to a first intensity; receiving a second switch signal at the switch input; and setting the lamp to a second intensity.

Abstract: An example game controller includes a spherical housing, a joystick, an operation button, a vibrator, and an antenna. The housing includes a first hemispherical portion and a second hemispherical portion. The joystick is on a boundary between the first hemispherical portion and the second hemispherical portion. The vibrator is inside the second hemispherical portion and configured to generate a vibration to vibrate the housing. The antenna is inside the first hemispherical portion, the antenna configured to transmit, to outside, information regarding an operation on the joystick and information regarding an operation of the operation button.

Abstract: An example game controller includes a spherical housing, a joystick, an operation button, a vibrator, and an antenna. The housing includes a first hemispherical portion and a second hemispherical portion. The joystick is on a boundary between the first hemispherical portion and the second hemispherical portion. The vibrator is inside the second hemispherical portion and configured to generate a vibration to vibrate the housing. The antenna is inside the first hemispherical portion, the antenna configured to transmit, to outside, information regarding an operation on the joystick and information regarding an operation of the operation button.

Abstract: In a shift lever device, a gate pin of a lever is guided by a gate groove of a gate plate, and a detent pin of the lever is abutted on a detent face of a detent block due to an urging force. A sensor mechanism detects a shift position of the lever. The gate plate, the detent block, and the sensor mechanism are disposed at a lower side of the lever, the gate plate and the detent block are disposed at a rear side of the lever, and the sensor mechanism is disposed at a front side of the gate plate and the detent block. This thereby enables a reduction in size of the shift lever device in an up-down direction.

Abstract: A joystick module includes a base, a joystick body, a joystick cover and a second protruding edge. The base includes a casing and a first protruding edge. A top part of the casing has an opening. The first protruding edge is formed on a periphery of the opening of the casing. The joystick body is installed in the base. A first end of the joystick body is protruded through the opening so as to be rotated. The joystick cover is installed in the base and connected with the joystick body. In response to a rotation of the joystick body, the joystick cover is correspondingly rotated. During the rotation of the joystick body, a part of the second protruding edge is contacted with an inner surface of the casing. When the part of the second protruding edge is contacted with a part of the first protruding edge, the rotation of the joystick body is limited.

Abstract: The invention relates to operating apparatus for the control of a movement apparatus, in particular the movement apparatus of a micromanipulator for the manipulation of biological cells, and a method for the control of the movement apparatus. The operating apparatus comprises an electrical control device and an input device with different input zones, by means of which the movement apparatus can be controlled according to different control rules.

Abstract: An electrical assembly including a conductor arrangement and a multi-resolution potentiometer electrically connected to the conductor arrangement. The multi-resolution potentiometer includes a first resistive element having a first adjustment mechanism and a first wiper, and a second resistive element having a second adjustment mechanism and a second wiper. The first adjustment mechanism is coupled in a hysteresis arrangement to the second adjustment mechanism. A resistor network provides an electrical output for the potentiometer and electrically couples the first wiper with the second wiper.

Abstract: A child unit (30) is configured to freely pivot about a first axial center (AX1) relative to a parent unit (10), and a grandchild unit (50) including a manipulator (56) is configured to freely pivot about a second axial center (AX2), which is orthogonal to the first axial center (AX1), relative to the child unit (30). A first rotary volume (32) is configured to detect a relative pivot amount of the parent unit (10) and the child unit (30) about the first axial center (AX1), and a second rotary volume (39) is configured to detect a relative pivot amount of the child unit (30) and the grandchild unit (50) about the second axial center (AX2). Both the first rotary volume (32) and the second rotary volume (39) are mounted to an electrical circuit board (43) of the child unit (30).

Abstract: There is provided an operation device provided with: an operation member displaceable by an operator; a two-dimensional support mechanism in which a pair of one-dimensional support mechanisms that individually displaceably supports the operation member 11 in mutually crossing two directions are connected in series; and a pair of potentiometers that individually biases the operation member 11 toward a neutral position of displacement by the respective one-dimensional support mechanisms, in which biasing forces that the pair of potentiometers applies to the operation member against displacement of the operation member are different from each other, and in which a command signal according to the displacement of the operation member of the respective one-dimensional support mechanisms is output.

Abstract: In a shift device of the present invention, a shift range is switched to a drive range or a reverse range when a switch portion is operated additionally to moving of an operational member. Switching to a drive range is executed when the switch portion is operated further in a state in which the mount of move of the operational member tilted in a first direction from a home position exceeds a first threshold, and switching to a reverse range is executed when the switch portion is operated further in a state in which the mount of move of the operational member tilted in a second direction from the home position exceeds a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold. Accordingly, quick and easy selection of a traveling range can be conducted, ensuring the safety.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a direction indicating device for generating a 2D direction indicating signal, which includes a base board, a first rectangular conductive plane formed on the base board, including a first sliding slot, a second rectangular conductive plane formed on the base board, overlapping the first rectangular conductive plane, and including a first sliding slot, a positioning axle perpendicular to the base board, passing through a space corresponding to overlap portions of the first sliding slot and the second sliding slot, for moving the first conductive plane along a first direction, and moving the second conductive plane along a second direction, and a control signal generating module for outputting the 2D direction indicating signal according to electric information of the first conductive plane and the second conductive plane.

Abstract: An operating device for steering a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, and a method for steering the vehicle by way of the operating device. The operating device comprises a control stick, in particular for operation by a human hand. The control stick has at least one degree of freedom. A steering angle can be specified by way of the control stick. The operating device comprises a control element. The specifiable steering angle can be determined as a function of a state of the control stick and as a function of a state of the control element.

Abstract: A device for inputting command signals to a marine vessel control system includes a lever that is selectively operable in a joystick mode and a lever mode. In the lever mode, the lever is confined to pivoting about a horizontal axis to thereby input throttle and shift commands to the control system. In the joystick mode, the lever is freely pivotable in all directions away from a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis to thereby input throttle, shift, and directional commands to the control system.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a direction indicating device for generating a 2D direction indicating signal, which includes a base board, a first rectangular conductive plane formed on the base board, including a first sliding slot, a second rectangular conductive plane formed on the base board, overlapping the first rectangular conductive plane, and including a second sliding slot, a positioning axle perpendicular to the base board, passing through a space corresponding to overlap portions of the first sliding slot and the second sliding slot, for moving the first conductive plane along a first direction, and moving the second conductive plane along a second direction, and a control signal generating module for outputting the 2D direction indicating signal according to electric information of the first conductive plane and the second conductive plane.

Abstract: A multi-directional input apparatus includes an operating member including a shaft portion which extends to the outside, a housing having an opening through which the shaft portion extends and configured to support the operating member in a tiltable manner, interlocking members moved by the operating member when the shaft portion is tilted, and detectors which detect changes in the positions of the interlocking members. A sliding member is externally fitted to the shaft portion such that the sliding member is movable in an axial direction, and a coil spring is disposed between a flange provided on the shaft portion and the sliding member. A rubbing surface of the sliding member is in elastic contact with a receiving surface on an inner wall of an annular edge portion surrounding the opening. The rubbing surface and the receiving surface are spherical surfaces centered on a tilting center of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A method involving generating a pixel map of a digital image, scanning the pixel map and labeling a found red pixel, where each row of the pixel map is scanned for a red pixel, where a coordinate of each labeled red pixel is stored and compared to surrounding red pixels, arranging found labeled red pixels with previously found labeled red pixels that have a corresponding y-axis coordinate thereby creating a contiguous group, determining if the contiguous group is a red-eye artifact, and creating a list of coordinates that denote red-eye artifacts within the digital image.

Abstract: A smooth surface of a control device is achieved by positioning the actual control devices within a sealed housing and having the operator touchable knobs proximity connected to the control devices through the surface of the housing. In one embodiment, the proximity connection is a magnetic connection between the handle mechanism detachably positioned on the outside of the housing and traditional slider potentiometers mounted within the housing. In another embodiment, longitudinal proximity sensors within the housing are used to emulate the physical layout of the slider potentiometers and the movement of handle mechanisms outside the housing create the changing proximity under control of the operator. In all embodiments, the outside handle mechanism easily separates from the housing leaving a relatively smooth outer housing surface which can be easily sanitized. The removed handle mechanism allows for easy cleaning and sanitizing as well as for easy substitution.

Abstract: A joystick for an electro-hydraulic control system is provided with a rotary potentiometer having a pivotable arm. This pivotable arm is integrally arranged on a rotary shaft and pivots responsive to pivotal control of a joystick in a predetermined direction or a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. The joystick is also provided with a torsion coil spring for normally holding the pivotable arm in a neutral position, a pin arranged on the pivotable arm and capable of expanding the torsion coil spring upon pivotal movement of the pivotable arm, a holding pin for holding the torsion coil spring at its coil portion, and a cover member having a pair of guide portions for limiting movements of the coil portion of the torsion coil spring in the predetermined direction and the opposition direction when the torsion coil spring is in its neutral position.

Abstract: A stick lever unit is provided that is capable of eliminating uncomfortable feeling during manipulation of the stick, as well as, minimizing breaking of a wiring conductor of the variable resistor. The stick lever unit includes a fixing member, a first variable resistor attached to the fixing member, a first rotational member rotatably journalled to the fixing member for rotationally controlling the first variable resistor, a second variable resistor attached to the first rotational member, and a second rotational member having a stick lever and being rotationally journalled to the first rotational member to rotationally control the second variable resistor. The wiring conductors of the second variable resistor are derived out from the lead-out hole in the rotational shaft of the first rotational member, which is attached to the second variable resistor.

Abstract: The cost and complexity of an electronic pressure sensitive transducer are decreased by constructing such a transducer directly on a printed circuit board containing support electronics. Conductive traces are formed on the printed circuit board to define a contact area. A flexible substrate having an inner surface is positioned over the contact area. An adhesive spacer, substantially surrounding the contact area, attaches the flexible substrate to the printed circuit board. At least one resistive layer is deposited on the flexible substrate inner surface. In use, the resistive layer contacts at least two conductive traces in response to pressure applied to the flexible substrate to produce an electrical signal indicative of applied pressure.

Abstract: A joystick includes a base and a cover mounted over the base. A stick has a first end that extends from the cover and a second end. An active yoke is mounted above the base and is coupled to second end of the stick. The active yoke has a first and second end. The active yoke is adapted to be moved by the stick. A passive yoke is mounted over the active yoke and has a third and fourth end. The passive yoke is adapted to be moved by the stick. A first contactor is mounted to the first end and a second contactor is mounted to the third end. A first resistor is positioned between the first contactor and the cover and a second resistor is positioned between the second contactor and the cover. The resistors are adapted to generate an electrical signal that is indicative of a position of the stick. A switch is positioned in the base below the active yoke. The switch is activated when the stick is sufficiently depressed so as to cause the active yoke to contact the switch.

Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor includes an insulating-resin front case, and an insulating-resin rear case fitted to the front case. The front case further includes a circuit board having a circuit pattern including a resistive element, and a slider that is slidable on the resistive element. The rear case includes a capacitor housing for accommodating a capacitor, and a terminal guide for accommodating an external connection terminal. The capacitor housing and the terminal guides are integrally molded with the rear case.

Abstract: The cost and complexity of an electronic pressure sensitive transducer are decreased by constructing such a transducer directly on a printed circuit board containing support electronics. Conductive traces are formed on the printed circuit board to define a contact area. A flexible substrate having an inner surface is positioned over the contact area. An adhesive spacer, substantially surrounding the contact area, attaches the flexible substrate to the printed circuit board. At least one resistive layer is deposited on the flexible substrate inner surface. In use, the resistive layer contacts at least two conductive traces in response to pressure applied to the flexible substrate to produce an electrical signal indicative of applied pressure.

Abstract: A multi-directional control device comprising a base (1) on which is mounted a stick (2) which is maintained in a non-active central position by elastic means (3) and which can be manually inclined to any orientation around said non-active central position against the force of said elastic means (3). Four hall effect sensors (4) are associated with said base (1) and one magnet (5) attached to said stick (2). The Hall effect sensors (4) are adapted to issue a signal in response to the variations in magnetic field produced by the movement of said magnet (5) when the stick (2) is inclined.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint with integrated angle sensor for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle is created. The ball-and-socket joint has a ball-and-socket joint housing (6) provided with a joint opening (7), a ball pivot (1) having a joint ball (2) and a pin (3), which is mounted, with its joint ball (2), rotatably and pivotably in a hollow-ball-shaped bearing surface in the ball-and-socket joint housing (6), and projects, with its pin (3), through the joint opening (7) out of the ball-and-socket joint housing (6). A two-pole field transducer (5) is provided at the end of the joint ball (2) facing away from the pin (3). The poles of the field transducer (5) are arranged on the ball surface.

Abstract: In an input device according to the invention, when a manipulating member slides, a sliding member slides in the same direction as the manipulating member, and respective engaging positions of first and second drive members are made changeable to enable each of the first and second drive members to shift linearly, the linear shifting of the first and second drive members enabling first and second detecting members to be operated. Accordingly, the drive members linearly shift along with the sliding of the sliding member, eliminating a need to rotate arc-shaped interlocked members in a conventional configuration and making it possible to reduce a required space in a longitudinal direction, resulting in an input device made more compact in a longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint with integrated angle sensor for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle is created. The ball-and-socket joint has a ball-and-socket joint housing (6) provided with a joint opening (7), a ball pivot (1) having a joint ball (2) and a pin (3), which is mounted, with its joint ball (2), rotatably and pivotably in a hollow-ball-shaped bearing surface in the ball-and-socket joint housing (6), and projects, with its pin (3), through the joint opening (7) out of the ball-and-socket joint housing (6). A two-pole field transducer (5) is provided at the end of the joint ball (2) facing away from the pin (3). The poles of the field transducer (5) are arranged on the ball surface.

Abstract: In a multiple-direction input device, when the operation body is tilted, a push portion having a substantially spherical shape at the bottom of a operation body pushes a resistor element and detects a tilting direction and a tilting angle of the operation body from a resistance at a pressing point. Thus, the input device may operate in multiple directions in entire directions of 360°. The device can detect the pressing point of the push portion pressing the resistor element in accordance with the tilting direction and the tilting angle. The multiple-direction input device using less number of parts is capable of continuously detecting the tilting directions and the tilting angles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multidirectional input device having a reduction in thickness and in which the inclination of the operating shaft can be smoothly effected. The device comprise first and second interlock members that are supported at both ends by support portions connected to the inside of the frame body, wherein the second interlock member has between the support portions a connecting portion having a second elongated hole, and wherein the connecting portion is arranged below the first interlock member so as to be astride the first interlock member, the connecting portion being positioned in the inner peripheral portion of a coil spring.

Abstract: A multi-directional control device comprising a base (1) on which is mounted a stick (2) which is maintained in a non-active central position by elastic means (3) and which can be manually inclined to any orientation around said non-active central position against the force of said elastic means (3). Four hall effect sensors (4) are associated with said base (1) and one magnet (5) attached to said stick (2). The Hall effect sensors (4) are adapted to issue a signal in response to the variations in magnetic field produced by the movement of said magnet (5) when the stick (2) is inclined.

Abstract: On a printed wiring board (13), switch parts (21 to 24) are disposed so as to correspond to four positions of corner parts in the side parts of a rectangular form of a pusher (20). A switch circuit member is provided. The switch circuit member includes the first to fourth switch parts and a plurality of resistances connected together between a pair of terminals and a resistance value between the pair of terminals is changed for each of different switch operation patterns of the switch parts in accordance with the pressing operations of the side parts of the pusher.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive direction devices are provided which may facilitate assembly and provide higher tolerance for variation in alignment of components while still providing for pressure sensitive direction detection. The devices of the present invention may be particularly advantageous when integrated into devices, such as cellular radiotelephones, to provide a user interface to facilitate user navigation through increasingly complex menu structures. In various embodiments, the present invention may detect pressure in addition to two and, preferably, at least four directions. In particular embodiments, the devices of the present invention provides a switching device having a plurality of trace grid areas located, for example, on a printed circuit board and actuated responsive to pressure applied by a user through a poly-dome layer where increase pressure results in contact with a greater number of the traces in respective grids.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a finger operating apparatus by which operations of a robot apparatus can be easily carried out comfortably, wherein the finger operating joystick includes a joystick shaft 11 rotatably attached to the signal reaction generator 2; a roughly cylindrical body 12 attached onto the upper part of the joystick shaft; a tongue-shaped thumb flexing instruction portion 13, which rotatably attached to the side of the cylinder body; a rectangular projection forefinger flexing instruction portion 14, which attached at the front upper part of the cylindrical body so as to freely advance and retreat; and a rectangular projection middle finger flexing instruction portion 15, attached at the front lower part of the cylindrical body so as to freely advance and retreat; and wherein the signal reaction generator includes the first, second and third detectors which detect movements of the first, second and third wires in line with rotation of the thumb flexing instruction portion, advance and retreat

Abstract: In a multidirectional input device, a control shaft and an operating member are spline-connected so that when the control shaft is turned in the tilted state, the operating member spline-connected to the control shaft also turns even if there is friction between the bottom portion thereof and a bottom plate due to elastic pressing by an urging member. The operating member turns in a rolling manner without slipping on the bottom plate, Thereby improving the manipulation feeling of the control shaft.

Abstract: A mounting clip for a rotary potentiometer. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting clip comprises front and back generally vertical opposing side segments elastically deformable relative to each other between a naturally biased position and an outward flexed position. The back side segment defines a pair of legs sized to accommodate a shaft of the potentiometer. The mounting clip is useful for mounting the rotary potentiometer relative to a support wall of a joystick assembly in a position wherein a body portion of the potentiometer is adjacent to the support wall and the shaft of the potentiometer projects through an opening in the support wall. When the potentiometer is so positioned, the mounting clip may be slid downward over the potentiometer and support wall such that the front side segment overlies an outer flat surface of the potentiometer and the legs straddle the shaft of the potentiometer on the other side of the support wall.

Abstract: An angle sensor in which, when a biasing member is used, a biasing force in the &bgr;2 direction acts on a driving gear, and a biasing force in the &bgr;1 direction acts on an auxiliary gear. This prevents backlash from occurring between a rotary member and the driving member, making it possible to reduce rattling between the rotary member and the driving member. A fitting member is provided at the free end side of a resilient supporting member in order to resiliently press a screw shaft in the Z1 direction. Therefore, internal threads of inside surfaces of corresponding fitting portions of the fitting member and thread grooves of the screw shaft can be made to uniformly closely contact each other, making it possible reduce rattling caused by backlash therebetween. Consequently, the angle of rotation of a steering wheel which is mounted to the rotary member is detected with high precision.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device comprising a frame having an upper wall, a printed wiring board having a fixed electrode portion, and an operating shaft adapted to be tilted, wherein a movable electrode portion is attached to the operating shaft in an opposed relation to the fixed electrode portion, an opposition area between the movable electrode portion and the fixed electrode portion is changed by operation of the operating shaft, and a change in capacitance between the movable electrode portion and the fixed electrode portion is detected to obtain an operational direction of the operating shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multidirectional input device having a reduction in thickness and in which the inclination of the operating shaft can be smoothly effected. The device comprise first and second interlock members that are supported at both ends by support portions connected to the inside of the frame body, wherein the second interlock member has between the support portions a connecting portion having a second elongated hole, and wherein the connecting portion is arranged below the first interlock member so as to be astride the first interlock member, the connecting portion being positioned in the inner peripheral portion of a coil spring.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device with a built-in push-down switch, capable of reducing the number of parts, eliminating soldering for connection with a mounting substrate, and reducing an assembly cost of devices using the multidirectional input device, wherein a key top (70) provided under an operating member (30) operating a set of upper and lower rotating members (40a) and (40b) is installed through the bottom plate part (11) of a case (10) and pushed down by the operating member (30), and a switch main body (110) operated by the key top (70) and provided on a substrate (100), on which the case (10) is installed, comprises a fixed contact formed on the substrate (100) and a dome-shaped moving contact covering the fixed contact and fixed onto the substrate.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive direction devices are provided which may facilitate assembly and provide higher tolerance for variation in alignment of components while still providing for pressure sensitive direction detection. The devices of the present invention may be particularly advantageous when integrated into devices, such as cellular radiotelephones, to provide a user interface to facilitate user navigation through increasingly complex menu structures. In various embodiments, the present invention may detect pressure in addition to two and, preferably, at least four directions. In particular embodiments, the devices of the present invention provides a switching device having a plurality of trace grid areas located, for example, on a printed circuit board and actuated responsive to pressure applied by a user through a poly-dome layer where increase pressure results in contact with a greater number of the traces in respective grids.

Abstract: A switch circuit including voltage dividing elements for dividing a reference voltage inputted from an external source through a reference voltage input terminal, a fixed contact having metallic patterns formed on a board, and a movable contact coming in contact with the metallic patterns so as to slide thereon. The switch circuit not only divides the reference voltage at a voltage dividing ratio corresponding to a currently selected position of an object whose position is to be detected, but also outputs the divided voltage as an analog signal. Some of the voltage dividing elements that serve to switch the voltage dividing ratios are connected in parallel to one another through the fixed contact and the movable contact.

Abstract: In a multidirectional input device, a surface of a bottom plate facing the bottom of an operating member is provided with a projection having a taper portion that gradually rises from the outer periphery toward the center, wherein the operating member is tilted with the tilting operation of a control shaft and contacts the projection to regulate the motion of the operating member. Therefore, the operating member does not slip, and a tactile feel is not produced in the tilting operation.

Abstract: The conventional variable resistor has a problem in that, because a pressure-sensitive member made of a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber is used, a serious scattering is caused in the characteristic (change curve), and scattering of thickness in the manufacture of the pressure-sensitive member results in a large scatter of the characteristic (change curve). The variable resistor of the invention uses the first resistor pattern forming the variable resistor. It is therefore possible to provide a variable resistor which scattering in the manufacture is smaller, can achieve a uniform resistance change characteristic, and gives a high accuracy.

Abstract: There is provided a variable resistor comprised of a resistor formed at a movable member arranged to be reciprocatable, and a slider element attached to a fixing member fixed in opposition to the movable member, slidingly contacted with the resistor. The resistor has the first resistor, the second resistor and the third resistor extending in a reciprocating direction of the movable member and electrically independent from each other, a first resistor pattern having one end of each of the first resistor and the second resistor connected to each other, a second resistor pattern having the other ends of the second resistor and the third resistor. The slider element is comprised of the first slider element, the second slider element and the third slider element slidingly contacted with the first resistor, the second resistor and the third resistor.

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.