Abstract: A brace configured for attachment to a joint of a subject is provided. The brace includes a first arm having a first end and a second end. The brace includes a second arm having a first end and a second end. The brace includes a hinge assembly coupling the first end of the first arm with the first end of the second arm such that the first arm and the second arm are movable to different relative angular orientations. The brace includes a potentiometer coupled to the hinge assembly. A method of monitoring a relative angular orientation of a first arm of a brace relative to a second arm of the brace is also provided. The method includes monitoring an output of a potentiometer coupled to one of the first arm and the second arm.
Abstract: A potentiometric position transducer comprises a resistive track movably mounted within a housing. A portion of the resistive track is between two fixed electrical contact points. A third electrical contact is moveable over such portion, corresponding to the position or setting of an exterior device, such as the throttle of an internal combustion engine. Drive means are provided to move the resistive track, to repeatedly substitute new portions of the resistive track between the two fixed contact points. Wear is spread over the entire resistive track.
Abstract: A multi-rotation type potentiometer having an additional stopper member rotatable so as to set a rotation angle of the potentiometer or its sliding member to any angle.
Abstract: A retention mechanism for retaining an electrical element securely within a housing is specifically adapted for use with a loop-shaped (e.g., substantially annular) electrical element, having two ends separated by a small gap. The mechanism comprises a gap-registrable member in the housing cavity containing the electrical element, whereby the gap-registrable member registers with, and fits into the gap of the electrical element when the latter is seated on a seating surface in the cavity. The gap-registrable member is dimensioned to spread the gap, thereby radially expanding the electrical element to bring it into a locking frictional engagement against the walls of the cavity. The gap-registrable element advantageously serves also as a stop for a rotational contact, or wiper, included with the electronic device. The side wall of the cavity is advantageously provided with a radially-inwardly extending lip that is engageable with the electrical element to restrain it from lifting off of the seating surface.
Abstract: A potentiometer contained within a housing is operated from the outside by means of an operating member which extends inward through an orifice in a housing wall. The operating member engages the potentiometer drive stem with the aid of an O-ring slip clutch, and includes a flange which is spring-urged against the interior housing wall to inhibit internal explosions from propagating to the outside.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 26, 1976
Date of Patent:
March 28, 1978
Assignee:
Bourns, Inc.
Inventors:
Terence Keith Rhind, Allen Howe Andrews, Warren Emil Burdine, John Matthew Hendrie
Abstract: A turns-counting dial for multi-turn potentiometers and the like, and having an intermittent-motion mechanism connecting a shaft-mounted control knob to a turns-counting ring. An interrupted-tooth gear coupled to the turns-counting ring is locked against rotation except during turns-counting movement by a flange on a coupling ring positioned radially inwardly of the gear within the dial. This arrangement provides secure locking of the turns-counting dial, provides flexibility in the number of turns to be counted, enables use of relatively low-tolerance parts, and strengthens the intermittent-motion mechanism against breakage or distortion if torque is applied to the turns-counting ring.