Abstract: A resistor pack assembly including an anti-rotation housing. The anti-rotation housing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, one or more anti-rotation lugs extending away from the first surface, and an internal cavity extending from the second surface into the anti-rotation housing towards the first surface. The resistor pack assembly also including a positive rail located at least partially within the internal cavity, a negative rail having an inner circular face and an outer circular face located radially outward from the inner circular face, and an insulator ring is interposed between the second surface of the anti-rotation housing and the outer circular face of the negative rail.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic device, a PCB and an electric tool; comprises a main body, a first electric connecting part, a variable resistor, a speed regulating contact, a reversing electric connecting part, a reversing contact, a speed regulating handle and a reversing handle, the first electric connecting part is fixedly connected with the main body, and one end of the first electric connecting part is exposed out of the main body; one end of the speed regulating handle is of a cylindrical structure, the end part of the speed regulating handle is provided with an opening, one end of the main body is provided with a column, the opening end of the speed regulating handle is movably sleeved on the column through an elastic piece and forms a first space with the main body; the speed regulating contact and the variable resistor are arranged in the first space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a control modular assembly (130) for a switch, wherein the control modular assembly comprises: a driving mechanism comprising an output shaft (122); a control unit coupled to the driving mechanism and configured to receive and process a signal for controlling the switch so as to control a movement of the output shaft (122) of the driving mechanism; and an operating member coupled to the output shaft (122); wherein the control modular assembly (130) is detachably coupled to an internal functional assembly (160) of the switch, so that the operating member can be driven by the output shaft (122) to move within a given movement range in response to the signal for controlling the switch, such that the operating state of the switch is controlled by controlling the internal functional assembly (160). Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a switch (300) comprising the control modular assembly (130).

Abstract: Described is state switch for a hearing aid that provides an input to the hearing aid's processing circuitry indicating that battery power has been disconnected by a power switch. The state switch and power switch are configured to operate in parallel. The state switch may provide a signal to a GPIO (general purpose input-output) of the processing circuitry indicating that the battery has been disconnected. Immediately after the battery is disconnected, voltage is maintained for a brief period due to the capacitance of the circuitry, which enables the processing circuitry to take certain steps to avoid device misbehaviors.

Abstract: A tub comprising a body for holding a volume of water. A tub system is coupled to the body to perform a function on the volume of water. At least a first circuit has a first circuit portion comprising at least one resistive switch mounted to a visible surface of the body and comprising at least a first resistive element adapted to be contacted by a bather, second circuit portion comprising a water detection sensor mounted to the body for containing liquid in the body above a given level, the first circuit being open between the first resistive element and the water detection sensor, an actuating closed circuit condition by which a bather in liquid above the given level closes the first circuit between the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion when touching the first resistive element.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a monolithic cassette with graded electrical resistivity is presented. The monolithic cassette has a continuous grain structure between a first end and a second end; wherein electrical resistivity of the monolithic cassette is graded such that the resistance varies continuously from the first end to the second end. Methods and compositions for forming the monolithic cassette are also presented.

Abstract: An electrical switch and a circuit breaker are presented herein. The electrical switch includes a graded resistance block comprising a first end having a first electrical resistivity and a second end having an electrical resistivity greater than the first electrical resistivity. The electrical switch further includes a fixed contact electrically coupled to the first end of the graded resistance block, and a sliding contact configured to slide over the graded resistance block. In addition to the components of the electrical switch, the circuit breaker also includes a forcing mechanism to slide the sliding contact over the graded resistance block from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: A digital wake-up signal is generated from an analog switch on a printed circuit board in which a ground trace and multiple conductive switch traces are bridged by a moveable contactor responsive to movement of an actuator. A resistor network is coupled to the switch traces and alternatingly connects the switch traces to two outputs to generate distinct analog voltage outputs. A logic gate determines when both outputs are at the same voltage corresponding to the contactor engaged between two adjacent switch traces and generates a wake-up command signal.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a shaft, a first switch and a second switch, a potentiometer including a first and a second terminal, and an electric controller. The first switch is coupled to a first device, whereas the second switch is coupled to a second device. The shaft is coupled to the first switch and the second switch, and is moved to a first position to selectively connect power, through the first switch, to the first device, and to a second position to selectively connect power, through the second switch, to the second device. The potentiometer is coupled to the shaft, and provides a variable resistance between the first and the second terminal in relation to the movement of the shaft. The electric controller is coupled to the potentiometer, and electrically controls the power to the first device and/or the second device in relation to the variable resistance between the first and the second terminal of the potentiometer.

Abstract: A switching device includes a rotary potentiometer and a push button, an actuating element of the rotary potentiometer and an actuating element of the push button being concentrically arranged; The rotary potentiometer has an essentially hollow cylindrical form in whose interior the push button is disposed.

Abstract: A dimmer switch assembly includes a housing for supporting and enclosing the assembly components. A dimmer adjusting element is mounted on the housing and has a movable portion for movement in first and second directions. An elongated flexible triggering member has a first longitudinal end coupled to the movable portion of the dimmer adjusting element and a second longitudinal end provided in a socket defined by the housing. First and second detectors are spaced from and arranged opposite to one another. The elongated member is interposed between the detectors such that movement of the dimmer adjusting element in the first direction flexes the elongated member toward to activate the first detector, and movement of the dimmer adjusting element in the second direction flexes the elongated member toward to activate the second detector. The detectors have signals associated respectively therewith which are generated by the detectors when the detectors are activated by the triggering device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch type variable resistor, including a rotation shaft, a bushing, a housing, a variable resistor portion, and a switch portion. The switch portion includes a switch portion seat, a control plate, an insulating plate, a pair of electrode terminals, an elastic connecting member, an annular connecting member, a rotary member, and a rivet. The variable resistor portion includes a pair of terminal seats each having variable resistor carbon film plates and terminals, a pair of contact plates, and a contact plate seat. The contact plates and the control plate are rotated by the rotation shaft, thereby forming the complete switch type variable resistor.

Abstract: An accelerator module for an electric vehicle has a pivotal actuator upon which is mounted a wiping element for wiping engagement with variable and constant resistance elements formed upon a printed circuit board mounted within a housing. A normally-open switch mechanism is also mounted upon the printed circuit board, and in order to delay the closure of the normally-open switch mechanism from its OPEN state to its CLOSED state, the actuator is provided with a spring-biased overtravel plunger mechanism which engages a push-button element of the switch mechanism so as to retain the switch in its OPEN state until the actuator has been moved a predetermined distance corresponding to a predetermined amount of depression of the accelerator pedal of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A remote control device has a compartment enclosed by a housing and receiving a printed board that carries a potentiometer for controlling the volume of sound of an electronic sound device and a switch for deactivating a selected playing selection. The remote control device is further provided with a plurality of coupling elements connecting the printed board to the housing and with a multi-wire cable connecting the potentiometer and push switch to an audio circuit and a selection control circuit of the electronic sound device.

Abstract: In an appliance such as an oven for cooking food, the invention contemplates a user rotatable, single knob oven control device which provides both discrete and continuous control signals to the appliance controller. The discrete outputs indicate selection of oven features, and the continuous output the desired baking temperature. These inputs are selected by a user in response to rotation of a user interface knob mounted on a control panel. The control panel provides visual indication of oven cooking temperature selections through a first arc around the knob, and user selectable oven features (such as, e.g., OFF/CANCEL, BROIL, and CLEAN) in a second arc around the knob. The control device comprises a hub having a portion adapted to be drivably coupled to the user interface knob. The hub also includes a flange which has at least one cam. The device also includes a variable resistance element having a rotatable shaft in driving engagement with the hub.

Abstract: A rotary variable resistor with switch having a switch mechanism, in particular, a rotary variable resistor with switch corresponding to an ultrathin rotary variable resistor. Such a rotary variable resistor having a switch mechanism has dimensions, especially thickness, which are only slightly larger than that of a conventional ultrathin rotary variable resistor. Moreover, such a rotary variable resistor is easy to assembly due to the small number of parts, is reliable, and generates a fairly loud and easily recognizable clicking sound each time the switch is turned on or off, which can be both easily felt and heard by the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating an electrical switch and providing a variable electrical resistance usable to sense displacement of a movable member. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving the electrical switch, a variable resistance element, and an actuator with a body member and a transverse cylindrical sleeve. An electrically conductive wiper is coupled to the actuator and contacts the variable resistance element, which varies with pivotal movement of the actuator. The body member is pivotably supported by an aperture of the housing about an axis of the cylindrical sleeve, and a spring member biases the actuator toward an initial position, wherein the actuator is pivotable against the bias of the spring to actuate the electrical switch and to provide the variable resistance by positioning the electrically conductive wiper along the variable resistance element.

Abstract: An accelerator module comprises a printed circuit board having resistance elements mounted thereon, and an actuator pivotably mounted upon the printed circuit board and having a wiper member mounted upon a first end of the actuator. A rotary input shaft, connected to an accelerator pedal of an electric vehicle, has an input shaft arm fixedly mounted thereon, and the input shaft arm is pivotably connected to a second end of the actuator whereby the structural arrangement defines a mechanically advantaged linkage system whereby a predetermined pivotable movement of the rotary input shaft and its associated input shaft arm translates into an enhanced, enlarged, or magnified pivotable movement of the actuator and its associated wiper member for movement along the resistance elements of the printed circuit board.

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.

Abstract: A rotary dimmer switch assembly for use with a vehicle push-pull switch controls at least one light dimming function. The rotary switch assembly comprises a stationary cam contact assembly, and a rotating carder assembly which carries a circuit element having an exposed circuit trace surface. The cam contact assembly is fixed to a circuit board and has a plurality of contact arms having one end biased against the circuit element circuit trace surfaces and the other end electrically connected to the circuit board. The cam contact assembly guides the rotation of the carrier assembly about the longitudinal axis of the push-pull switch. The circuit element rotates with the carrier assembly, which is rotated by rotation of a push-pull switching component, and the circuit trace surfaces sweep across the contact arms thereby controlling the light dimming function. A method of assembling the rotary potentiometer assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary, push-pull switch (20) for use in an automobile has a rotating ceramic coated metal substrate rheostat (48) and a supplemental switch (52) which opens and closes a dome light bypass circuit. The supplemental switch (52) is mounted internally to the rotary, push-pull switch (20) adjacent to the rotating rheostat (48) disposed on a shaft (36). A projection (88), which is radially disposed on the shaft (36), is used to actuate the supplemental switch (52) by engaging a resilient contact leaf (60) when the shaft (36) is rotated sufficiently. The engagement of the projection (88) and contact arm (60) causes the separation of a contact (62) and terminal (64), opens the dome light bypass circuit, and precludes energizing the dome light.

Abstract: A magnetically sensitive switch is provided with an electromagnetic interference shield molded within the housing of the switch. In one embodiment, the magnetically sensitive switch is a vane switch for use in an automobile ignition system. The electromagnetic interference shield is formed by appropriately bending a flat sheet at a plurality of bend lines to form a box-like structure. The box like structure has five surfaces and one or more connection legs extending from one of the surfaces. One surface of the box-like structure also serves as a potting dam when a potting material is deposited into the cavity formed by the five surfaces during the process by which internal components are potted within the cavity of the EMI shield. The vane switch also includes a magnet encapsulated within its housing structure and spaced apart from the magnetically sensitive device within the EMI shield by a predetermined gap.

Abstract: A trigger operated speed control wherein the insulating housing is a two-shot molding having metal conductors plated on one of the molding materials on various external and interior surfaces. Stationary contact elements are secured to respective plated conductors within a housing cavity, as are terminals of the FET on an external surface of the housing. A printed circuit board is secured to the housing over an open side thereof to close the housing cavity, retaining all movable parts of the control within the cavity, the board having plated through holes which receive and are soldered to plated pin projections of the housing to secure the board to the housing and complete selected conducting paths between plated conductors and printed circuit traces. A plated molded pin projection also receives a pin receptacle terminal of a separate reversing switch unit when positioned in a pocket formed in the housing.

Abstract: A variable resistor with a switching function includes arcuate resistive layers and arcuate electrodes arranged alternately on a base plate. A protective layer is formed on the base plate adjacent to a first electrode and between the arcuate resistive layers. A gap separates the protective layer from the first electrode in order to electrically isolate the protective layer. A movable portion has brushes fixed thereto which slidably contact the resistive layers, the electrodes, and the protective layer. The protective layer serves as a lubricating layer to reduce the wear on the brush.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary type electrical part and particularly to a throttle position sensor used within an automobile.

Abstract: A circuit and apparatus for sensing the adjustment of a variable impedance device includes an elongated switching element having an alternating series of conductive and non-conductive areas. The conductive areas are electrically connected. As the device is adjusted, a wiper alternately operates the switch between open and closed states. A circuit detects the switch-state change and provides a signal which indicates that the device is being adjusted. The signal can, in turn, determine the output of a dimming circuit, a wireless transmitter, etc., or can determine whether power is provided to a microprocessor or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a variable impedance device includes an end-of-travel return mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A rotary, push-pull switch (20) for use in an automobile is combined with a supplemental switch (52) which opens and closes a dome light bypass circuit. The supplemental switch (52) is mounted internally to the rotary, push-pull switch (20) adjacent to a rotating rheostat (48) disposed on a shaft (36). A projection (88), which is radially disposed on the shaft (36), is used to actuate the supplemental switch (52) by engaging a resilient contact leaf (60) when the shaft (36) is rotated sufficiently. The engagement of the projection (88) and contact arm (60) causes the separation of a contact (62) and terminal (64), opens the dome light bypass circuit, and precludes energizing the dome light.

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.

Abstract: A lever switch for a vehicle windshield wiper having a base for attaching to a steering column, a rotational shaft rotatably connected to the base, a first switch knob connected to the rotational shaft, and a second switch knob rotatable mounted around a portion of the rotational shaft. The lever switch includes mounting the switch mechanisms for the first and second switch knobs around a portion of the rotational shaft, thereby allowing the rotational shaft to be shortened and the lever switch to be connected at an angle to the base.

Abstract: A dual function rotary assembly (100) functions as a potentiometer and a momentary switch. The dual function assembly (100) includes a rotary shaft (106) that when rotated to a predetermined position, such as its final rotational position, may be pulled to provide a momentary contact between two switching terminals (116, 126).

Abstract: A mechanism for a potentiometer, especially a miniature potentiometer used as a volume control in a hearing aid, onto a face plate includes a metallic band circumferentially surrounding a portion of the housing of the potentiometer. The band includes means for mechanically engaging a surface of an aperture in the face plate such that the housing is secured within the aperture. Preferably, the potentiometer also includes a stop means that engages a shoulder or surface of the face plate of the hearing aid positioning the potentiometer within the aperture a selected distance such that the knob of the potentiometer extends beyond a front surface of the face plate.

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.

Abstract: A variable resistor having a switching function includes a base plate, a first electrode formed on the base plate, a second electrode formed on the base plate, a third electrode formed on the base plate, and a fourth electrode formed on the base plate simultaneously with the formation of the second electrode. A resistive element connects electrically the first and the second electrodes, a first switching element is provided and includes two brushes which slide on the surfaces of the third electrode and the resistive element, respectively. A second switching element is movable together with the first switching element and includes two brushes which slide on the surfaces of the first electrode and the fourth electrode, respectively.

Abstract: A composite, push-pull headlight and rotary switch (1) having a front bracket area (4) and a panel light dimming rheostat (62/91) for use in a vehicle with, for example, a dome light switch and a supplemental fluorescent panel light system switch, utilizing two, parallel, spaced panels (6 & 7) having three, laterally extended, operative planar surfaces, all located in the front bracket area. The front panel (6) has on its back side a rheostat planar surface including a series of circularly disposed, peripherally spaced, resistive layers (62), which, in conjunction with a rotatable, sweeping, rheostat contactor arm (91), serve the rheostat dimming function for the panel lights.

Abstract: A composite headlight switch with buzzer circuit for use in a vehicle with, for example, a dome light, the dome light switch being located in line with the remaining switch elements in a front area of the overall switch structure, which front area was previously occupied by a spacer, rather than having the dome light switch located outboard on the exterior side of the overall switch structure as in the prior art. The dome light switch structure comprises front and back elements which include sandwiched between them a centrally located driver having a laterally extending peripheral cam.

Abstract: A variable resistor of a type for mounting against the surface of a printed circuit substrate, the variable resistor having:an insulating substrate having one surface for supporting a resistor and an opposite surface for being positioned against the surface of a printed circuit substrate;a curved resistor on the one surface of the insulating substrate and having opposite ends;a sliding member rotatably mounted on the insulating substrate and sliding on the resistor;a plurality of outside electrodes on the insulating substrate, one for each end of the curved resistor, and extending from the corresponding end of the resistor along the one surface of the insulating substrate, along an edge of the insulating substrate, and along the opposite surface of the insulating substrate, each outside electrode having a three layer structure constituted by a lower layer against the insulating substrate, a middle layer and an outer layer, the lower layer being an electrically conductive material suitable for plating, the mid

Abstract: A control switch and potentiometer assembly for use in an in-the-canal type hearing air comprising a miniature single pole, single or double throw, push-pull control switch and rotary potentiometer. The components of the control switch and potentiometer are mounted within a durable thermoplastic resin housing which is anchored within the hearing aid. A single control knob for actuation of the control switch and potentiometer is raised and shaped to permit gripping between the fingertips of the user for removing the hearing aid from the ear canal.The switch contacts and switch wiper are designed such that the process of pulling on the potentiometer control knob to remove the hearing aid will extend the control switch, thereby disengaging a normally closed switch contact and opening a battery powered circuit so as to turn the hearing aid off.

Abstract: A locking slide switch is adapted to set a resistor depending on the length f travel. A key body has a row of teeth with which a pinion meshes. A locking push-button is provided on the shaft of the pinion. In order to make locking from both sides possible, a second pinion or an elongated pinion is guided in the row of teeth. On this pinion is provided a second push-button, which can also be blocked. An on-off switch is additionally provided.

Abstract: The direct connection potentiometer includes a block of electrically insulative material having two opposite faces and an edge about the perimeter of the faces. An electroresistive track is provided in an arc on the front face of the block, radially spaced from a ring-shaped conductive area provided on that face. Conductive strips extend from each end of the track, and from the ring-shaped conductive area to the perimeter of the front face, where each, spaced from the others, wraps around the edge of the block to its rear face. A rotatable cursor, i.e. a slide is mounted to the block centrally of the ring-shaped conductive area and connects the ring-shaped conductive area with a selected arcuately short portion of the electroresistive track.

Abstract: A position indicator for an actuating drive device which has a range of positions and includes a potentiometer having a resistance strip with end connectors at opposite ends thereof. A tapping feature includes two independently moveable arms each connected at one end thereof to a moveable part of the drive device and at the other end thereof to the resistance strip in sliding engagement therewith and bridging a section of the resistance strip therebetween. The arms are initially adjustable to the end limiting positions of the drive device.

Abstract: In a potentiometer, wherein switching functions are triggered in association with the potentiometer position electrical switches (21-24) are mounted on the potentiometer plate (1) which supports the collector path (11) for the purpose of the very accurate association of the switching operations with respect to the potentiometer position and with spatially fixed switch on and switch off points with respect to the collector path (11). The switch elements which effect the switching on and off are mounted ona potentiometer setting member (17) electrically insulated which supports the customary potentiometer slider (19,20). Advantageously, each switch (21-24) is formed by a contact path (25-28) and a contact finger (29,30) rotating and sliding over the associated contact path (25,28), whereby the contact finger is mechanically connected with the potentiometer member (17). The beginning and the end of the contact paths (25-28) define the switching on and off point of each switch (21-24) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for detecting the position of a movable part in a motor vehicle with a common drive for several position pickups and several paths. The individual paths are traversed at least partly consecutively over the total range so that a position signal with different resolution depending on the path can be made available. This is accomplished by means of individual paths corresponding to different places in the total range. The paths are in the form of resistance paths. The signals picked up can then be associated with electrically different paths for further processing. Paths having the same resolution are also possible.

Abstract: A rotary potentiometer is provided with a switch, preferably as a final control element for the control of electrical machinery. An enclosed, prefabricated rotary potentiometer component with its own casing is inserted in a cup-shaped upper casing that is open on one side. Switching contact supports are housed in the upper casing by means of peripheral wall sections. These contact supports are actuated by a cam actuating member that is mounted on a fulcrum pin so as to permit play and simultaneously also effect rotation and retention of the potentiometer component in the upper casing.

Abstract: A potentiometer which includes a wiper element having a plurality of contact fingers each mounted for wipeable engagement with a cermet resistance element deposited on a ceramic substrate. The contact fingers of the wiper element are each bent so that the end surface thereof, as opposed to a circumferential surface, is in wipeable engagement with the resistance element.

Abstract: In a switch, for example, for a device such as a drill, a key switches an ectrical switching bridge at the beginning of the key displacement. A variable resistor is adjusted depending on the travel of the key, thereby controlling device speed. In order to achieve an adjustment of the key end stop, a slide displaceable in the transverse direction is mounted on the key, which slide has a stop edge projecting in the longitudinal direction. A stop border is provided on the switch cover and configured relative to the travel of the slide so that the distance between the stop edge and the stop border varies according to the displaced position of the slide, thereby enabling operator control of the device speed.

Abstract: A dimmer switch which includes a rotary potentiometer mounted on a board secured to, and projecting normal from, a switch arm support bracket. The support bracket is secured to a face plate. A cover housing cooperates with the face plate to enclose the bracket and board and any circuit components, including the potentiometer, which are mounted on the board. A switch arm assembly carries trunnion studs pivotally supported in receiving trunnion sleeves forming part of the support bracket, and the switch arm assembly further includes a pivot lever projecting through an aperture in the face plate, and a toggle end to which is adjustably secured an arcuate gear segment. A projecting operating shaft of the rotary potentiometer carries a gear drivingly engaged by the gear segment on the switch arm.

Abstract: A potentiometer which provides the function of an on/off switch includes a center conductor connected to a conductive ring and a resistive element concentrically disposed about the conductive ring. The resistive element includes a pair of termination pads and one of the pads includes a branch which is situated outside the outer periphery of the resistive element. As a wiper arm traverses the resistive element it remains in contact with the branch for a brief distance and then loses contact with it. This causes the value of the resistance in the potentiometer to make an abrupt shift in magnitude which can be used to initiate various switching functions.

Abstract: A dimmer switch assembly consists of a conductive yoke which has two insulation housings connected thereto which carry respective subassemblies for the dimmer switch. The first insulation housing contains a rotatable push shaft. Shaft rotation rotates a resistor plate having a resistive pattern on its surface relative to fixed resistor contacts. A biasing spring biases the shaft to an outward position relative to the conductive yoke. A cavity in the first housing receives a main power semiconductor device of the dimmer switch. The power semiconductor device is thermally connected to the yoke through a thin electrically insulative tape and has an active, non-electrically isolated, heat sink. A biasing spring within the first housing presses the power semiconductor device toward mechanical engagement with the yoke. The first housing assembly is fastened to the yoke by conductive eyelets which are insulated from the power semiconductor by the first insulation housing.

Abstract: A control for a sewing machine is provided with a turnable outer knob for operating a potentiometer, and a slidable inner knob within the outer knob for moving a contact member to connect conductive paths on a printed circuit board which supports both the potentiometer and contact members.