Contact Angularly Slidable Patents (Class 338/162)
  • Patent number: 5818324
    Abstract: A miniature potentiometer having a housing with a plurality of resistor elements and a coil spring wiper having canted coils affixed to a knob that is rotatably disposed within the housing. The canted coil spring wipers are in conductive contact with the resistor elements of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Resistance Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Richels
  • Patent number: 5790012
    Abstract: There is provided a variable resistor having a small number of parts and having an excellent heat releasing property. A rotor is rotatably contained in a concave portion of a case. The rotor has a resistive element provided on the bottom thereof and electrodes connected to both ends of the resistive element. Arms of sliders are provided on the bottom of the concave portion of the case in a sliding relationship with the respective electrodes and resistive element. A metal cover is disposed on the upper surface of the case in contact with the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakatsu, Hideaki Tsukada, Katsuhiro Onishi, Miroyuki Kishishita, Yukinori Ueda
  • Patent number: 5781099
    Abstract: A miniature trimmer resistor has a resistor carrier with resistive path deposited thereon and solder contacts electrically connected to the resistive path. The resistor carrier and solder contacts are formed by means of a single film of electrically insulating material. This film is covered or coated with electrically conductive material in the region of the solder contacts and printed with a resistive enamel in the region of the resistive path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Wilhelm Ruf KG
    Inventors: Thomas Joschika, Werner Till
  • Patent number: 5773774
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical switch with a return spring comprising a housing having a cylindrical shaped rotor having a brace member extending therefrom and in a centered position, the brace member is positioned adjacent to a stop abutment member protruding within the aperture of the switch housing and a spring member mounted on the rotor having arms which abut against the edges of the brace member and the stop abutment in the centered position and upon rotation of the rotor, the arms of the spring will cause the rotor to return to its centered position. The brace member abuts the arms of the return spring and upon rotation of the rotor, the braces cause the arms of the return spring to deform. The return spring in a preferred embodiment has an Omega shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajkumar Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 5754301
    Abstract: The potentiometer has a housing in which a carrier plate which supports a resistance strip is disposed. A rotary pin is supported on the housing and has a sliding contact connected to the rotary pin for engaging the resistance strip. The carrier plate is rotatably connected to the housing and is embodied for the engagement of a turning tool. It assumes its position with regard to the housing because of a frictional connection. The resistance strip can be oriented with regard to the housing or the sliding contact by rotating the carrier plate relative to the housing and the rotary pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Aloys Schnaeker
  • Patent number: 5754091
    Abstract: A potentiometer-type steering sensor includes a sensor main body fixed on the steering shaft, comprising a resistor coated concentrically around a center of the body and spirally formed in three-turns, a conducting wire coated parallel to the resistor at a predetermined space on the upper surface of the sensor main body, and at leat two terminals respectively connected to each end of the resistor and the conducting wire; a conductive sliding member which is slidable while contacting the resistor and the conducting wire; a first guide plate, which is fixed on the steering shaft and is provided with a guide slot on which the conductive sliding member is mounted to be slidable in a radial direction; and a second guide plate, which is fixed on the sensor main body and is provided with a guide groove which has the same pattern as that of the resistor to guide the movement of the conductive sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yeon-Koo Cheong
  • Patent number: 5745025
    Abstract: A snap-engaging apparatus for use in a rotatable electrical component, particularly a rotatable switch or a rotatable resistor, makes it easier to find operational positions. The snap-engaging apparatus includes a rotor (3) which is formed as a hollow body to have an axial opening and a radial, or circumferential, wall (7). A leaf spring (8) is tensioned to have a U-shape with its ends (9, 11) being self supported against diametrically positioned parts of the circumferential wall (7). A snap-engaging contour wall surface (19) coaxially surrounds the rotor, with a snap-engaging nose (15), formed on an extension (14) of one end of the leaf spring, being springingly urged thereagainst in a radial direction. The circumferential wall (7) has an opening (17) through which the snap-engaging nose (15) extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oswald Reuss
  • Patent number: 5726625
    Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor capable of significantly small-sizing a circuit board as compared with the prior art. A terminal fitment is provided so as to act as an electrical connector for establishing electrical connection between a slide element fixed on an operation shaft member and slid on a variable resistance pattern formed on a circuit board and an output portion thereof. The terminal fitment includes a contact holding portion which is provided at a distal end thereof with a contact portion. A contact point between the contact portion of the terminal fitment and a contact portion of the slide element is defined on a side of the operation shaft member while being spaced from a front surface of the circuit board. Such construction prevents the contact point from being defined at a central portion of the variable resistance pattern, resulting in a radius of curvature of the variable resistance pattern being reduced as compared with that in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Hasebe, Kazufumi Daimon
  • Patent number: 5699037
    Abstract: A variable resistor comprises a slider body, a contact arm which is provided to project from the slider body, a contact part which is formed by bending the contact arm, an arcuate spring arm having a projection for engaging with an engaging portion of a rotor gear, and a stopper which is formed by bending a stopper member provided to project from the slider body. The arcuate spring arm has an inboard structure connected with the slider body at both ends thereof. The projection engages with the engaging portion of the rotor gear, so that the slider body is rotated following rotation of the rotor gear. When the rotor gear is further rotated in such a state that the stopper comes into contact with a case side stopper which is formed on a case thereby inhibiting the slider body from rotation, the engagement between the engaging portion and the projection is released. Thus, the slider body is prevented from overrotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 5657552
    Abstract: A map or globe is provided with a transparent thin covering capable of conducting electricity. The transparent thin covering envelopes the globe or overlies the map. An electrical resistance measuring means would be employed to determine a measure of electrical resistance between any two points on the map or globe. The electrical resistance measuring means would include a first probe and a second probe. The first probe would be placed on a first location on the map or globe and the second probe would be placed on a second location on the map or globe. A measure of electrical resistance will be generated by the electrical resistance measuring means reflecting the resistance of the conductive thin covering between the first location and the second location. This electrical resistance is proportionally related to the distance separating the two points on the map or globe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventors: Rollin Reineck, Jerome M. Comcowich
  • Patent number: 5631623
    Abstract: A chip-type variable resistor is provided which includes an insulating substrate formed with a resistor strip which is arcuate at least partially and has both ends electrically connected to respective extremity electrode terminals, an intermediate terminal member mounted to the substrate, and a contact member electrically connected to the intermediate terminal member and rotatably mounted to the substrate in slidable contact with the resistor strip. The resistor strip includes at least one portion having a lower area resistivity (defined as a resistance per unit surface area) and at least another portion having a higher area resistivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 5600298
    Abstract: A wiper and a rotor are held to be rotatable with respect to a substrate which is provided on its one major surface with an arcuately extending resistive element. A contact member sliding along the resistive element is formed by bending a portion integrally extending from a wiper body. The wiper is integrally provided with a detent member, which is so formed as to bridge two points of a peripheral edge portion of the wiper body. The detent member engages with the rotor, thereby providing a clutch mechanism for stably transmitting rotation of the rotor to the wiper for rotating the rotor and the wiper along with each other until the wiper is inhibited from the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 5592141
    Abstract: A miniature potentiometer including a casing (10) molded on a first sub-assembly comprising a support (11), an electro-resistive track (12) with extensions (13) linked to terminals (14),(15) extending outwardly from the casing, and a collector plate (16) having a collector plate terminal (14) extending outwardly therefrom. A second sub-assembly is housed in the casing (10) and includes a wiper (18) integral with a wiper-holder (19). The first and second sub-assemblies are attached to one another by an electrically conductive shaft (21).The wiper (18) comprises a first part defined by an annular plate (29) to which the wiper-holder (19) is molded. The first part also includes an opening (31) and through-holes (32) which allow plastic material to flow therethrough. The wiper (18) further comprises a second part (33), extending radially out from the annular plate (29) and having resilient arms (35,36) with protuberances (35a,36a) for frictionally engaging the resistive track (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Navarra de Componentes Electronicos, S.A.
    Inventor: Jesus C. Castellano Aldave
  • Patent number: 5570076
    Abstract: The present invention provides a variable resistance device having at least one pair of channels retaining a conductive ball between them. The channels contain a resistive element and a conductive element and movement of the conductive ball within the channels, caused by rotation of the channels relative to each other, provides a variable resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventors: Bruce L. Erickson, Alan H. Stull
  • Patent number: 5554965
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricated variable resistance control including a substrate having formed thereon an electrical resistance path and an electrical conductive path, and a movable contact electrically bridging the electrical resistance path and the electrical conductive path. Disposed along the electrical conductive path is a non-conductive lubricant material. The electrical conductive path includes one or more protruding ridges spaced along one surface of the electrical resistance path. The ridges are formed of an electrically resistive material and they serve to help insure that the control device does not suffer from current interruptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: The Erie Ceramic Arts Company
    Inventor: Craig C. Sundberg
  • Patent number: 5525956
    Abstract: An electrical component has a terminal construction allowing it to be electrically and mechanically connected to an electrode. A terminal made of a metal material is mounted on an insulating substrate which has front and rear surfaces and is mounted on the front surface thereof with an electrode. The terminal includes a clamp section for clamping the substrate through front and rear surfaces thereof. The clamp section includes a first contact element contacted with the electrode and a second contact element contacted with the rear surface of the substrate. The first contact element is adhesively bonded to the electrode. Electrical connection between the first contact element and the electrode is carried out by direct contact therebetween. The second contact element of the clamp section is adhesively bonded to the rear surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouichi Hashizume, Masanori Urayama
  • Patent number: 5508678
    Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor unit including a variable resistance circuit board and a fixed resistance circuit board, and capable of being down-sized and exhibiting satisfactory dielectric strength. A variable resistance circuit board which is provided on a front surface thereof with a variable resistance circuit pattern is received in a board receiving chamber of an insulating casing. A lid member made of an insulating resin material is arranged so as to close an opening of the board receiving chamber while keeping a front surface thereof facing a rear surface of the variable resistance circuit board. A fixed resistance circuit board is fixed on a rear surface of the lid member while keeping a rear surface thereof facing the rear surface of the lid member. A space for charging an insulating resin material therein is defined between a circuit board and the rear surface of the lid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Tsunezawa, Motoharu Higami
  • Patent number: 5500634
    Abstract: In order to prevent flux which is employed for soldering an open type pre-set variable resistor from reaching an upper major surface of a substrate provided with a resistor film, a blocking member is formed in a position upwardly separated from a lower major surface of the substrate by a prescribed distance, to block a through hole provided in the substrate. Further, an engaging portion which is provided on a variable side terminal is located in a position downwardly separated from the upper major surface of the substrate by a prescribed distance, to hold a slider which is rotatable about the central axis of the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukinori Ueda
  • Patent number: 5469125
    Abstract: A rotary electronic device of a neutral position return type having an output that is controlled in a stepless mode. A rotary variable resistor of the rotary electronic device is installed on a tubular holder, and a torsion coil spring is disposed between a manipulation knob and the tubular holder. The neutral position return is very simply configured by using a small sized rotary variable resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Shigemoto, Hiroshi Matsui, Jun Sugahara
  • Patent number: 5321385
    Abstract: A wiper for an electric rotary potentiometer, in particular for use as a rotary position transducer, having a contact spring for pickup on a resistor track, and a rotatable spring holder on which the contact spring is secured nonrotatably. To save time and expense in assembling the contact spring and the spring holder, at least one fastening tang with a detent head protrudes at approximately right angles from the spring holder, and the contact spring has circular-annular-segmental detent straps, disposed on a circle, which lock into place behind the detent head under spring tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Rilling
  • Patent number: 5315283
    Abstract: A variable electronic component includes an insulating substrate, and a rotor made of a metal plate and rotatably supported on the substrate for parameter adjustment of the electronic component. The rotor includes a main rotor member and an upper plate member integral with the main rotor member via a connecting web which is bent so that the upper plate member overlaps on the main rotor member. The upper plate member has an engaging opening for engagement with a turning tool. The main rotor member is provided with a first engaging portion at a position spaced from the connecting web, whereas the upper plate member is provided with a second engaging portion for engagement with the first engaging portion to prevent the upper plate member from angularly deviating relative to the main rotor member when the upper plate member is overlapped on the main rotor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 5309134
    Abstract: A Kapton element is terminated by bringing an element which is wrapped at a substantially fixed radius from a rotor out through a linear portion to the terminations. This causes the terminations to be at an angle to the line between the electrical connector and the rotor. A standard termination is then made without the need to bend a sharp turn in the Kapton element--an advantage that is more significant as the bend radius is increased for tighter package sizing. This concept also offers improved assembly, reducing the effort to automate production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Larry D. Ridge
  • Patent number: 5302937
    Abstract: In connection with a potentiometer, which may in particular serve as actuator element for an electronic accelerator pedal and where a base plate carries the respective resistance and collector path(s), it is proposed that instead of providing the usual metallic inserts in the base plate to serve as sliding surface, at least one additional surface shape be applied on the base plate, preferably by printing, and that this additional shape be applied, preferably printed, on the base plate preferably by the same operation as the resistance and collector paths and using the same or a similar material having good sliding properties, and can then serve as sliding and supporting surface for at least one wiper carrier of the potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Horst Siedle KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Leue
  • Patent number: 5300918
    Abstract: A position sensor assembly for sensing the rotary position of a rockshaft of a hitch mechanism includes a rotary potentiometer coupled to the rockshaft. The rockshaft is enclosed in a rockshaft housing and a sensor housing is attached to the rockshaft housing. The potentiometer is attached to an outside surface of the sensor housing and has a sensor shaft which extends through a portion of the sensor housing. The position sensor has a first set of gear teeth on the rockshaft meshing with a second set of gear teeth on the sensor shaft. The sensor housing at least partially encloses the second set of gear teeth. The first and second sets of gear teeth are preferably configured as gear segments. The sensor shaft is supported for rotation by the sensor housing. The potentiometer is preferably a spring-pre-loaded potentiometer. A second spring is mounted on the second set of gear teeth and is engagable with a wall of the sensor housing to define an assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Manfred Becker
  • Patent number: 5293525
    Abstract: A variable electronic component has a substrate and a rotor rotatably supported on the substrate for parameter adjustment of the electronic component. The rotor has an opening and a plurality of engaging slots extending from the opening for engagement with a turning tool. Each of the engaging slots is flanked by a pair of tool guides which are inclined downwardly toward the engaging slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 5278729
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a compact rotatable electrical device for attachment to a mounting panel of an electrical apparatus. The mounting panel has inner and outer surfaces and defines an interior space of the apparatus, with the inner surface adjacent the interior space. The device includes: a control body having a control shaft extending upwardly from the distal end thereof, the proximal end of the control shaft being connected to operative elements within the control body; and apparatus for attachment of the proximal end of the control body to the mounting panel through an opening defined therethrough such that the control body, when so attached, will be disposed substantially outside the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Magnavox Electronic Systems Company
    Inventor: Arden L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5231892
    Abstract: An interface assembly includes a housing having a pair of side walls lined to a curved upper surface and the upper surface forms a fore-and-aft extending slot. A shaft is supported by and extends between the side walls. A control member is supported on the shaft and has an outer edge aligned with the slot. A limit member is mounted on the shaft adjacent to the control member and has an outer edge aligned with the slot. The limit member is frictionally coupled to the control member. An stop projects from an outer edge of the limit member. A lever is pivotally mounted on the control member and is releasable engageable with the stop. A transducer is coupled to the control member for generating a signal representing the position of the control member. A thumb wheel and gear may be operated to control rotation of the limit member relative to the housing. A tab projects into the slot and is engageable and disengageable with the tab to limit rotation of the control member relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Robert E. Haight
  • Patent number: 5187464
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Forgacs
  • Patent number: 5157371
    Abstract: A potentiometer retention mechanism is provided for mounting a potentiometer on the faceplate of a hearing aid. The potentiometer includes a rotatable knob attached to a housing with the housing including a plurality of conductive leads projecting from a back surface of the housing. The mechanism includes an adapter for receiving the potentiometer. The adapter has a device for mechanically engaging the faceplate such that the adapter is secured with the faceplate. The mechanism further includes a plurality of angled leads attached to the adapter whereby the potentiometer leads press against the angled leads such that the housing is secured within the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Resistance Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Arman E. Sundquist, Gerald H. McDonald, Donald R. Hagen
  • Patent number: 5151677
    Abstract: The apparatus serves for rapid orientation of a periscope and, if desired, a weapon barrel with respect to a sighted target. A contact potentiometer is proved as angle transmitter for an electric servo control. The contact potentiometer is annularly arranged around the observer's post at the vehicle, preferably in the region of the rim portion of the observation hatch of the vehicle. The contact potentiometer comprises an arcuate, hose-like insulating envelope defining a radial direction. A resistance track and a contact track are laid within the insulating envelope at a predeterminate spacing therebetween in the radial direction of the insulating envelope. By touching the contact potentiometer in the direction of sight, there is tapped thereat a resistance value corresponding to the direction with which the periscope or, if desired, the weapon barrel has to be aligned by a swivelling motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Contraves AG
    Inventors: Pierre Gernet, Werner Steinemann, Paul-Andre Margot
  • Patent number: 5144274
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improvement of a sealed variable resistor including a variable resistor and an arm member attached to a shaft of the variable resistor enclosed in a sealing container, and rotatably supporting a dial knob about a shaft outside the sealing container such that when the dial knob is energized, the arm member moves in association by virtue of magnetic force. The reliability and operability of such a sealed variable resistor are extremely improved by forming the arm member and dial knob into a circular plate, and attaching to the arm member and dial knob at least two magnet pairs apart from each other. These render the sealed variable resistor very useful in various electrical devices which may be exposed to moisture when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Ken Hayashibara
    Inventor: Kazumi Masaki
  • Patent number: 5144276
    Abstract: A potentiometer includes a rotatably mounted lever which acts as a follower member adapted to lie in contact with a moveable finger, the movement of which the lever is to follow, the lever being biassed at all times towards the finger by resilient return means.The lever is in the form of a fork having two arms whereby it is adapted to embrace the finger. Whichever one of these arms is in the trailing position with respect to the direction of rotation in which the lever is biassed by the return means is longer than the other arm. In the embodiment described, the longer arm is an active arm, the shorter arm being a security arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Patrice Bertin, Roger Texier
  • Patent number: 5134383
    Abstract: A variable resistor includes a sliding member having an arm in contact with a substantially circular arc-shaped resistor provided on a substrate and a driver plate portion from which the arm extends. The sliding member is rotatable by a driver, the center of the resistor being a supporting point of the sliding member. The driver plate portion of the sliding member is substantially conical and has driver grooves. The arm is connected to the driver plate portion at both sides of a driver groove adjacent an end of the driver groove. Adjustment of a resistance value is performed by rotating the sliding member with a driver tip inserted in the driver grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukinori Ueda
  • Patent number: 5119063
    Abstract: A variable power resistor includes a heat sink having a front face and a back face with an electrically insulating, thermally conductive ceramic coating bonded directly onto the front face such that the ceramic coating is in direct thermal contact with the heat sink. A plurality of discrete thick film conductive circuit pads are positioned on the electrically insulating, thermally conductive ceramic coating and a thick film resistive layer is positioned over portions of the conductive circuit pads such that the pads are electrically connected in series. The variable power resistor also includes a moveable contactor capable of contacting the circuit pads in order to vary the resistance of the resistor and an electrical connection between the resistor and an electrical circuit. The electrically insulating, thermally conductive ceramic coating may be plasma sprayed onto the heat sink, while the resistive circuit may be screen printed onto the ceramic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald C. Nonnenmacher, Kathleen Schulz, Richard C. Lewis, Richard Riley
  • Patent number: 5095298
    Abstract: A surface mount variable resistor includes a rotor assembly rotatably mounted on a substrate having an arcuate resistive element thereon. The rotor assembly includes a thermoplastic rotor and a conductive metal slider. The slider is a rivet having a flat head that is insert-molded into the plastic rotor, and a shank extending axially from the head, terminating in a tail end. A conductive metal wiper is welded to the head so as to be exposed from the rotor, thereby to establish electrical contact with the resistive element. A conductive metal collector element is disposed on the surface of the substrate opposite the resistive element. The substrate and the collector element have registering apertures through which the shank is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Chapman, Brenda K. Brunello
  • Patent number: 5093647
    Abstract: A sliding electric part includes a set of two sliding members, wherein one of the sliding members is composed of a diamond substrate with an electric conductive portion formed by ion implanation or by the deposition of boron-doped p-type diamond on the sliding surface which slides along the other sliding member, and the other sliding member has an electric conductive portion formed on the sliding surface which slides along the one sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Shoji Noda, Kazuo Higuchi, Masao Kohzaki
  • Patent number: 5093648
    Abstract: A rotational type variable resistor includes a base plate having an arcuate resistance element and an arcuate electrode formed on one surface thereof. A shaft adapted to be connected to the control member is rotatably mounted in the housing and carries a pair of brushes which are disposed in sliding engagement with the resistance member and the electrode. The resistance element is formed from a first resistance layer deposited on the base plate between a pair of copper foil electrodes. A silver paste is disposed between the copper foil electrodes and the opposite ends of the first resistance layer and a second resistance layer is formed which completely overlies the first resistance layer and the copper foil electrodes. The arcuate electrode includes a first layer of copper foil disposed on the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki K.K.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kimura, Kenji Hayase, Yukihisa Oda, Toshiyuki Kobayashi, Takayoshi Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 5053742
    Abstract: A variable resistor having an insulating substate provided on the surface thereof with a resistor is molded into a resin case, a part of which is heated and bent to rotatably secure a rotor having a sliding member within the case for rotation with respect to the insulating substrate. The insulating substrate is molded into the resin case to make inside of the case airtight. An annular elastic body mounted between the under surface of a skirt portion of the rotor and the insulating substrate makes the space between the rotor and the insulating substrate airtight, and, at the same time, sets the rotational torque of the rotor to a suitable value. The arrangement of the insulating substrate, the resin case and the rotor having the sliding member, reduces the number of parts used for assembling the variable resistor, and together with the use of continuous strip hoop materials for forming terminals and the sliding member, allows for continuous automated production of the variable resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 5053741
    Abstract: A variable resistor of the type having a substantially curved resistor provided on a substrate has an arm portion of a sliding member contacting therewith, the sliding member being rotatable, with a central portion of the resistor as a supporting point, for adjusting the resistance value by rotating the sliding member with a driver. A driver plate of the sliding member is formed substantially into a cone in shape, in which cone a driver groove portion is provided. The driver tip is guided by the conic portion and inserted into the driver groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukinori Ueda
  • Patent number: 5051719
    Abstract: A smooth resistance characteristic, a reduction in component cost, and high durability are achieved for a variable resistor card formed using thick-film silk screen deposition. An arcuate wiper track and radial extension areas are all formed of a resistance material deposited using silk screen techniques. Laser trimming of the extension areas provides a desired characteristic of resistance versus sweep angle for the variable resistor. The resistance characteristic is continuous and nonstepped, thereby avoiding the creation of spikes caused by small circuit breaks during sweeping movement of the wiper contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Gaston, Daxesh K. Patel
  • Patent number: 5047746
    Abstract: A wiper assembly for a potentiometer, particularly a rotary potentiometer having a rotor for carrying the wiper assembly along a resistive element, includes a metal plate attached to the rotor. A strip of metal formed integrally with the plate is bent back over itself out of the plane of the plate to form a cantilevered spring arm having a free end. Attached to the free end is an array of resilient, conductive wires arranged in a parallel, side-by-side relationship, each of the wires forming a resilient, cantilevered wiper finger. The spring arm and the array of wire wiper fingers attached to it form a hybrid wiper arm assembly. Preferably, the plate includes a first such hybrid wiper arm assembly arranged to function as a wiper for the resistive element in the potentiometer, and a second such wiper arm assembly arranged to function as a wiper for a conductive collector element in the potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Stilwell, Ronald L. Froebe
  • Patent number: 5039974
    Abstract: A protective cap for a rotatably-adjustable electrical component mounted to a PW board in an enclosed electronic control unit. The housing of the electronic control unit has a tuning access hole axially aligned with a tapered lead-in port in the center of the protective cap. An adjustment tool is inserted into the tuning access hole and guided into a tuning slot in the adjustable electrical component by the tapered lead-in port in the cap. The cap also protects the rotatable component from damage by a poorly-aimed adjustment tool. The several caps covering the rotatable components on a board as well as the access openings of the housing may be color-coded to assist in component identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Ericsson Ge Mobile Communications Inc.
    Inventor: Henry A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 5019765
    Abstract: A motor control device for a powered seat comprising a switch capable of selective determination for rotation direction of a motor and further of depression for adjustment of rotation rate of the motor, and an electric circuit for causing the motor to rotate in a selected one of normal and reverse directions and increase or decrease its rotation rate in response to the switch-over and depressing/releasing operations of such one switch only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 4998088
    Abstract: A variable resistor and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed in which the variable resistor includes a casing having a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom wall to define an opening of the casing. An insulating substrate is provided having a first surface formed along the bottom wall of the casing and a second surface opposite the first surface facing the opening of the casing. A curved resistor layer and a centrally disposed collector electrode layer are formed on the second surface of the insulating substrate. A rotor member is rotatively disposed within the casing such that its rotation axis extends through the centrally disposed collector layer. A slidable member is connected to the rotor member and is slidably connected to the curved resistor layer and the collector electrode layer for electrically connecting the curved resistor layer and the collector electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumitoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 4998089
    Abstract: A potentiometer which is adapted to be produced fully automatically includes a spring support (2) formed in one piece by injection molding of plastic material and given such configuration that it embraces such functional members as the slider spring (3), resistor plate (5), and base plate (6). The casing (1), is also molded in the same working operation. The casing (1) and spring support (2) are interconnected by a sprue lug (7) which is removed by shearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Wilhelm Ruf KG
    Inventor: Reinhard Hochholzer
  • Patent number: 4994782
    Abstract: A variable resistor comprising a substrate provided on the surface thereof with a resistor on which a sliding member is in slidable contact therewith. The substrate is formed of diallyl phthalic resin, and a carbon resistor formed with a predetermined shape is molded integrally on the surface of the resin substrate. The carbon resistor contains diallyl phthalic resin as a binder resin. Terminals and the carbon resistor molded on the resin substrate are electrically connected through conductive paste. A variable resistor with good physical characteristics is obtained that can be manufactured at low cost, with superior heat resistance, capable of mounting by flow soldering, and having a small rate of resistance value. In addition, since the resistor and the terminals are connected through the conductive paste, connecting strength thereof is not only brought about by physical pressure but reinforced by the adhesion of the conductive paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Watanabe, Hiroji Tani, Tsutomu Yokoi
  • Patent number: 4977811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an angle sensor for musical tone control which controls a musical tone in response to changing angles at an articulation of the human body. Both ends of a pair of plate members are coupled pivotally and movably around an axis parallel to both faces of plate members. This pair of plate members are attached on the interior side of articulation of the human body by attaching means to generate a signal in response to the bending motion of the articulation. Thus, a musical tone control signal in response to the bending angles is outputted from detecting means which is placed on the plate members to control musical tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Suzuki, Shunichi Matsushima, Masahiko Obata, Takamichi Masubuchi, Masao Sakama
  • Patent number: RE33627
    Abstract: A variable resistor wherein the arm portion of a rotatable slider is in contact against an approximately circular arc-shaped resistor provided on a base plate with the central portion of the resistor, and the slider is provided with a driver plate having an approximately dish-shaped projection portion at its center, and an approximately ring-shaped arm portion having a contact portion, which are coupled to each other, are punched out from one sheet of conductive sheet metal, are turned up by 180.degree. at the coupling portion, with the projection portion being projected from the arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Nishizawa, Yukinori Ueda
  • Patent number: RE34700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an angle sensor for musical tone control which controls a musical tone in response to changing angles at an articulation of the human body. Both ends of a pair of plate members are coupled pivotally and movably around an axis parallel to both faces of plate members. This pair of plate members are attached on the interior side of articulation of the human body by attaching means to generate a signal in response to the bending motion of the articulation. Thus, a musical tone control signal in response to the bending angles is outputted from detecting means which is placed on the plate members to control musical tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Suzuki, Shunichi Matsushima, Masahiko Obata, Takamichi Masubuchi, Masao Sakama
  • Patent number: RE34795
    Abstract: A potentiometer, consisting of a general cylindrical shape, on the lateral surface of which it has two parallel projections, so that the lateral terminals are located with respect to said projections, the elements it comprises (slider-holder, slider, resistant track and collector) being located inside the frame. The slider-holder is guided in the frame by setting a cut.Iadd., or depression .Iaddend.wherein there is a projection against which a projection of the slider-holder will butt, which has a new angular projection on which there are two pivots which will set into both holes of the slider for the fixing in-between. The slider is provided with two oval segments in an inclined position which will contact the resistant track. The slider and the collector are fixed to the slider-holder on some cuts provided therein. The slider is provided with two projections for contacting the collector, the latter having a circular crown shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Navarra De Componentes Electronicos, S.A. (NACESA)
    Inventor: Jose C. L. Arriazu