Abstract: A variable resistance device comprises a resistive member having a resistive resilient material. A first conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistive member at a first contact location over a first contact area. A second conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistance member at a second contact location over a second contact area. The first contact location and second contact location are spaced from one another by a distance. The resistance between the first conductor at the first contact location and the second conductor at the second contact location is equal to the sum of a straight resistance component and a parallel path resistance component. At least one of the first location, the second location, the first contact area, and the second contact area is changed to produce a change in resistance between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A variable resistor including a resistive element and a conductive element supported by a plate. Contacting terminals are provided on one or more ends of each element. A carriage is slidably supported above the elements and a conductive roller is supported from the carriage by a suspension member that biases the conductive roller against the elements. The effective length of the current path through the resistive element is varied by using the conductive roller to electrically connect the two elements to one another along different portions of their length. In a preferred embodiment, the carriage moves under the guidance of at least one guide bar and the conductive roller is suspended from the carriage by a coiled spring.

Abstract: A variable resistor includes strip-shaped conductive and resistive elements on an insulator plate. A cylindrical-shaped, conductive roller element can be rolled over the conductive and resistive elements to vary resistance. Thereby, substantially all sliding movement or contact is eliminated, which eliminates noise and prevents excessive wear.

Abstract: A sealed position transducer which is self-wiping and which is readily adaptable for providing both linear and nonlinear electrical outputs. The transducer includes a housing, a resistive element received in the housing, and a flexible membrane, having a conductive portion formed thereon facing the resistive element, disposed over the resistive element and attached to the housing to seal the interior of the housing from the environment. An object whose position is to be sensed or measured is mounted on or connected to a carriage which movably engages a guide track formed as part of the housing. The carriage includes a roller which causes the conductive portion of the membrane to be deflected into contact with a portion of the resistive element.In one embodiment, where a linear relationship between resistance and distance is desired, a resistive element having a known, constant resistance per unit length is used.

Abstract: A position indicator of potentiometer type includes two parallel wires, each having first and second ends, and a movable, rotatable contact cylinder around which the wires pass round at least one turn. The potential contact is made via the first end of a first wire and the second end of a second wire, whereas the potentiometer current is arranged, when in use, via a second end of said first wire and a first end of said second wire, the two being coupled through the contact cylinder.

Abstract: A device for equalizing the speeds at which material moves through different sections of a machine which includes a tiltable structure sensitive to the depth of sag of the material passing from one section to another, a coil having a straight longitudinal axis is attached to the tiltable structure, and a spaced strip is disposed alongside the coil to provide a straight raceway containing a conductive ball, whereby tilting of the structure may allow gravity to move the ball along the raceway and so vary the impedance between the ball and one end of the coil. Another feature involves having multiple balls in the raceway, preferably of different diameter.