Abstract: A float operated fuel level sender for an automotive vehicle fuel tank includes a molded plastic case secured to a conductive plate. A potentiometer assembly (electrically connected to a fuel gauge) includes a resistor secured within the plastic case and a wiper element movable with the float arm along the length of the resistor. The wiper element is electrically and mechanically connected to the float arm which in turn is connected through a contact element to the conductive plate to provide an electrical ground return. The plastic case has an integral resilient finger formed therein which is biased against the end of the float arm to urge the contact member against the conductive plate thereby assuring a good ground connection.

Abstract: A variable resistance control having a clutch to prevent overdriving of a contactor relative to a resistance element. A driving member is rotatably and coaxially secured to a driven member in fixed relationship with the contactor. Knurled clutch faces formed on the driving member and the driven member are configured to permit sliding movement between the clutch faces when the driven member has reached its limit of travel and rotation of the driving member is continued.

Abstract: A compact electrical control, such as a potentiometer, a rheostat, or a switch includes a housing and a shaft rotatably mounted within the housing. The housing has a cavity for receiving a resilient annular seal surrounding the shaft, and the shaft is provided with a radial pressure plate that bears against the seal. A rotary assembly composed of resistance or switch elements is mounted on the shaft between the pressure plate and a journaled end of the shaft, and the resistance or switch elements are contacted by stationary contacts held in the housing. The seal is axially compressed between the pressure plate on the shaft and a cavity end wall, and is radially compressed between a circumferential side wall and the shaft, so that the seal both prevents liquid from entering the housing along the shaft and controls axial end play of the shaft.

Abstract: A potentiometer comprises a housing one end of which is closed by an insulating board which carries associated resistive and highly conductive areas or tracks arranged to be bridged by a metallic wiper loosely fitted to a wiper carrier part of an actuator such as an actuating spindle which is rotatably supported by the housing from which the spindle may project and which is preferably also rotatably supported by the insulating board.

Abstract: A potentiometer and switch combination including a rotatable control cap positioned over a potentiometer body to form a housing. The cap is provided with an annular flange which abuts an annular shoulder on the body, either the flange or the shoulder being formed from stiffly flexible, resilient material. The body holds the cap in place by means of a post having a chevron at its upper end which mates with a recess in the cap. The cap is positioned to deform the stiffly flexible, resilient material into frictional sealing relation with its abutting member and thereby seal the interior of the housing. The sealing arrangement also introduces a torque which opposes rotation of the cap. The switch includes a conductive strip held by the body, one portion of the strip forming a first contact and another portion forming a spring detent.

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.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches apparatus for controlling two crossed proportional setting devices by means of a control stick. The control stick is seated firmly at a right angle on a first swivel axis which is supported in a frame swingable around a second swivel axis supported fixedly in the frame to intersect the first swivel axis in the same plane and at right angles thereto. On both swivel axes there are seated firmly radial extensions on the ends of which wiper contacts brush against strip shaped resistors formed in a circular sector around the first swivel axis. The resistors in their turn are fastened to the supporting frame of the first swivel axis.

Abstract: A variable resistance device of the type wherein a worm screw is utilized to move a contact bearing member through a path of travel relative to conductive and resistive tracks. The variable resistor includes a ratchet member having a single elongated spring section attached to a body portion. The body portion has two rigid legs extending therefrom. The spring portion of the ratchet member is disposed within a groove formed in a surface of the contact bearing member. The rigid legs of the ratchet member are the sole elements in contact with the worm screw when the contact member reaches the end of its travel relative to the resistive and conductive tracks.