With Switching Patents (Class 338/172)
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Patent number: 4442885Abstract: In a control system for an air conditioner of a motor vehicle, which includes an automatic control circuit arrangement for controlling the air conditioner to enable it to operate at a desired level of the heating or cooling performance thereof, there is provided an emergency circuit arrangement which is adapted, in case the automatic control circuit arrangement fails to work properly, for example, to cause it to be disconnected from the air conditioner and enable the latter to operate only at the maximum level of the heating or cooling performance thereof. There is also provided a switch device which is connected to selectively render operative a desired one of the above two circuit arrangements, and provided with means for preventing the emergency circuit from being unintentionally rendered operative.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1982Date of Patent: April 17, 1984Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, LimitedInventor: Yoshitomi Matsuzaki
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Patent number: 4409448Abstract: A pull-push switch has one or two stationary contacts and one U-shaped elastic movable contact with two legs which, when not deformed, are adapted to resiliently make into contact with the stationary contacts. A cam is securely mounted on an operating shaft which can be axially shifted between the pulled and pushed positions. The cam has a small-diameter cylindrical portion contiguous with a tapered intermediate portion which in turn is contiguous also with a large-diameter cylindrical portion. The legs of the elastic movable contact are so positioned that they are normally maintained in contact with the peripheral surface of the cam as it is shifted in unison with the operating shaft so that when the shaft is pushed or pulled, the legs of the elastic movable contact rest on the small-diameter cylindrical portion of the cam and subsequently make contact with the stationary contacts, whereby the switch is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1981Date of Patent: October 11, 1983Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Matsui, Kazuo Sakami, Matsuo Nishioka, Takashi Onizawa
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Patent number: 4400685Abstract: An electrical contact arm is spring biased against electrical paths by a coil spring which is carried on a hub of a rotating member which also carries the electrical arm. An electrically conductive path is also carried by the rotating member to provide switching functions.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1981Date of Patent: August 23, 1983Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin F. Chestnut
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Patent number: 4398170Abstract: In a multistage variable resistor consisting of rotary variable resistors stacked in a plurality of stages, the rod thereof being slideable in rotary and axial directions; a switch assembly for a multistage variable resistor having the central part of a dome movable contact movable by an actuator which is attached to the posterior end of the rod into contact with a stationary contact.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1981Date of Patent: August 9, 1983Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Teruo Nishikawa
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Patent number: 4363018Abstract: In an electronic component of rotary type comprising a bearing sheath which has a front portion and a rear portion and is to be fixedly mounted on a frame of an electric appliance, an operation shaft disposed in the bearing sheath, a substrate fixed at a rear part of the bearing sheath, a brush holder mounted on an end portion of the operation shaft in a manner to be rotated by rotation of the operation shaft, and at least one sliding contact brush mounted on the brush holder for sliding on a contacting member formed on a surface of the substrate, the improvement is that a central portion of the operation shaft is disposed in the bearing sheath and has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the bearing sheath, and that the electronic component is free from irregular rotation during the rotation of the operation shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1980Date of Patent: December 7, 1982Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Matsui, Masayoshi Kakumu
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Patent number: 4329676Abstract: A potentiometer providing a variable electrical resistance between input and output terminals for use in electronic circuits, as for volume control, light control, instrumentation control or the like. A potentiometer includes a housing assembly comprised of a cover assembled to a base. An electrical wiper is mounted to a rotor assembled to the cover and has a contact portion movable along a C-shaped resistive strip on the base. Stops limit the extremes of movement of the wiper with respect to the resistive strip. An annular seal disposed between the cover and a rotating portion of the rotor is effective to keep out dirt and other particulate matter from the potentiometer and provides continuous brake friction upon rotation of the rotor. In one form of the potentiometer, the housing assembly includes a body located between the cover and base and a switch mechanism is operably connected to the rotor to selectively locate an electrical contact in an on or off position.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1980Date of Patent: May 11, 1982Assignee: Resistance Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gerald H. McDonald, Donald R. Hagen
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Patent number: 4322711Abstract: A foot pedal operated motor control is provided for controlling the speed of a motor. The entire motor control circuit is mounted in a foot pedal housing which circuit includes a generally disc shaped potentiometer having a rotatable and a stationary member with the movement of the rotatable member with respect to the stationary member determining the resistance of the potentiometer which controls the current to a motor whose speed is to be controlled. The disc shaped potentiometer has an opening therethrough. A foot pedal is pivotally mounted on the housing overlying the potentiometer and a helical member extends between the foot pedal on one end thereof and into the opening of the disc shaped potentiometer on the other end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1980Date of Patent: March 30, 1982Assignee: Blackstone Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul C. Spangler, Searle T. Spangler
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Patent number: 4317103Abstract: A variable resistor having a short-circuiting member which is displaced in response to the generation of abnormally high heat in the resistance member of the variable resistor with a piece thereof in contact to short-circuit the input and output terminals of the resistance member. This results in a bypass for large current, so that a protection circuit in an output amplifier is operated to suspend the generation of heat.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1979Date of Patent: February 23, 1982Assignee: Pioneer Electronic CorporationInventors: Atsushi Kawasaki, Yukio Munakata
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Patent number: 4300114Abstract: A thumbwheel actuated variable resistor device has a housing comprising a substrate carrying a resistor pattern and a cover with electrical terminals embedded therein and a thumbwheel in the space between the substrate and cover. The thumbwheel carries a pair of conductors which extend from opposite sides thereof to selectively engage portions of the resistor circuit and the terminals so that the resistance between the terminals depend on the thumbwheel position.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1980Date of Patent: November 10, 1981Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John J. Sheridan, Willis H. Anderson
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Patent number: 4274075Abstract: The application discloses an electronic multirange step resistor for adjustment of a timing relay with an analog adjustment which is equipped with a switch for the selection of the various resistance ranges and which is further equipped with a turning knob for the analog adjustment within each selected range.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1979Date of Patent: June 16, 1981Assignee: Schleicher GmbH & Co. Relais-Werke KGInventor: Helmut Schleicher
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Patent number: 4164633Abstract: A push-pull rotary switch for controlling a plurality of lighting circuits on a motor vehicle that includes a longitudinally movable rod adapted to control at least one switch means during its longitudinal movement and an additional switch means when the rod is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1978Date of Patent: August 14, 1979Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John J. Sheridan, Willard E. Graddy, Willis H. Anderson
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Patent number: 4156227Abstract: A jogging switch mechanism is provided for a potentiometer which permits the potentiometer shaft to be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise and then, upon release, to return automatically to a very accurately centered neutral position. The neutral position may be an "off" position by positioning micro switches in the path of travel of the switch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1978Date of Patent: May 22, 1979Assignee: Servo Corporation of AmericaInventor: Luis F. Villar
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Patent number: 4123740Abstract: An apparatus having an accelerator element has a potentiometer including an inner portion movable relative to an outer portion thereof in response to movement of the accelerator element. Adjusting and support members are interconnected for adjusting the outer potentiometer portion relative to the inner portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1977Date of Patent: October 31, 1978Assignee: Towmotor CorporationInventors: Norman H. G. Palmer, Wayne T. Wiblin
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Patent number: 4117445Abstract: A toggle-type power regulator is adapted to shunt or open a power control circuit at opposite limit positions and has infinitely variable power control at all intermediate positions between the limit positions. A potentiometer incorporated in the control circuit comprises a pair of arcuate tracks of resistive and conductive material positioned on opposite faces of the control circuit substrate. Variable voltage output is achieved as the tracks are engaged or wiped by the opposed resilient contactors of a caliper which is connected for movement by the toggle. The regulator includes a one-piece dual blade switch assembly through which the toggle is yieldably held in the intermediate positions at which reduced power is supplied to the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1977Date of Patent: September 26, 1978Assignee: National Electric CorporationInventors: Luther M. Foreman, Samuel C. Heck, Bill R. Wall
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Patent number: 4117444Abstract: A potentiometer and switch combination suitable for use as a hearing aid volume control. A control cap positioned over the potentiometer body is provided with an integral cam which performs the function of switch actuation. Positive seal is provided by an O-ring formed from a flexible, resilient material. The body of the potentiometer holds the control cap in place by means of heat stakes over a lip on the housing and a post having a chevron at its upper end which mates with a recess in the control cap. The cap is positioned by heat staking to press the stiffly flexible, resilient material of the O-ring into frictional sealing relation with an abutting member and thereby seal the interior of the potentiometer housing. The sealing arrangement also introduces a torque which opposes the rotation of the control cap, thus providing positional stability and positive operating feel.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1977Date of Patent: September 26, 1978Assignee: Bourns, Inc.Inventors: Bradrick Alan Hildreth, Donald Harrison Stephens
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Patent number: 4109231Abstract: A portable switch and dimmer control console for conveniently controlling a plurality of electrical devices and variably controlling the intensity of at least one fixture in a single conveniently designed self-contained portable unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1977Date of Patent: August 22, 1978Inventor: Robert S. Krouse
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Patent number: 4090167Abstract: A potentiometer and switch assembly wherein the potentiometer resistance is deposited on a circuit board. The control member of the assembly comprises a shaft having a rotor mounted thereon, attached to which is a wiper for contacting the resistance. The switch mechanism includes a cam shaft adapted to be engaged by the rotor whenever the control shaft is pushed. The cam shaft is positioned to the side of the rotor and is rotated through a predetermined angle each time the control shaft is pushed. Camming surfaces on the cam shaft contact one member of the switch contact pair to alternately cause that contact pair member to open and close the switch. The cam shaft may be arranged to contact a second switch contact pair which opens and closes oppositely to the first switch contact pair so that a three-way switching function may be effectuated.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1977Date of Patent: May 16, 1978Assignee: Teccor Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Jerry L. Walker, Charles R. Crockett
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Patent number: 4085399Abstract: A pivoted power controller in its limit positions engages a switch operating element to shunt or open a power control circuit through switch contacts mounted on a circuit board. A resistive element mounted in the same circuit board is engaged by a wiper on the controller during travel between its limit positions to vary the power supplied to a load. The resistance of the resistive element may be adjustably varied by a trimmer mounted on the circuit board adjacent one end of the resistive element.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1976Date of Patent: April 18, 1978Assignee: Power Controls CorporationInventor: Bill R. Wall
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Patent number: 4081782Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1976Date of Patent: March 28, 1978Assignee: Bourns, Inc.Inventors: Bradrick Alan Hildreth, Donald Harrison Stephens, George Richard Wiley
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Patent number: 4047145Abstract: An apparatus having an electrical power source and an accelerating element has pivotally actuated control means connected to the accelerating element.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1976Date of Patent: September 6, 1977Assignee: Towmotor CorporationInventor: Richard A. Schwehr
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Patent number: 4027244Abstract: A remote control system including a variable resistor with switching means the variable resistor unit comprises a variable resistor and a switching means, said switching means being interlocked to said variable resistor such that said switching means is operated only when it is desired to adjust the variable resistor. With this variable resistor with switching means the operation of the switching means and adjustment of the variable resistor for volume control or the like can be effected through a single operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1975Date of Patent: May 31, 1977Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunji Minami, Takehide Takemura, Shunzo Oka
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Patent number: 3990033Abstract: Conductive and resistive tracks mounted on a circuit board are slidingly engaged by a bridging contact carried by the actuator arm of a controller that is operative to open or close switch contacts at the limit positions of its travel. The controller is pivotally supported in a non-conductive box within which the circuit board is releasably positioned. A manual control arm projects from the controller through a slot formed in a mounting plate covering the open end of the box.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1975Date of Patent: November 2, 1976Assignee: Power Controls, Corporation (Entire)Inventor: Bill R. Wall
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Patent number: 3978312Abstract: A variable temperature portable cautery includes a housing configured to retain a voltage source, such as a plurality of batteries, and an electrically heated cautery tip carried by the front end of the housing in operative relation with each other. A manually operable switch is provided on the housing to allow selective energization of the cautery tip from the voltage source. A rotatably adjustable variable resistor is mounted on the rear end of the housing and is connected in circuit between the voltage source and heated tip to allow the temperature of the tip to be selectively varied. The movable contact of the switch and the wiper contact of the variable resistor are provided by the respective ends of a common conductor member extending longitudinally in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1974Date of Patent: August 31, 1976Assignee: Concept, Inc.Inventors: Steve Barton, John Glorioso, Carl L. Foltz
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Patent number: 3953821Abstract: A variable resistance control comprises a resilient nonconductive annular skirt sandwiched between a pair of substrates. The skirt has an arcuate section and a pair of posts interconnected by a bridge section. Each of the substrates comprises a circular portion carrying a resistance film and an extending portion provided with apertures and engaged by the posts. A driver is rotatably carried by the control and contactors are constrained to rotate with the driver wipingly engaging the resistance films. The apertures in the extending portions of the substrates are in line with the posts and the periphery of the bridge section substantially coincides with edges of the extending portions. Terminals are secured to the extending portions of the substrates and comprise a head and a tail. The head is received in an aperture and a pair of spaced fingers integral with the terminal are clinched into engagement with the head disposed between the spaced fingers.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1974Date of Patent: April 27, 1976Assignee: CTS CorporationInventors: William L. Kelver, Ronald L. Stuckey, Arthur L. Rozema
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Patent number: 3952278Abstract: An electrical switch to be used with a variable resistor, rotary switch or the like, includes a switching member slidably mounted, as a friction clutch arrangement, on the same common operating shaft as operates the resistor or rotary switch. The switching member is rotated when the operating shaft rotates so that the switching is effected and at the same time the common shaft regulates a resistance value or the like. When the operating shaft is not being rotated, the switching member is maintained in a neutral position by springs.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1973Date of Patent: April 20, 1976Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuhiro Kiyono
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Patent number: 3949347Abstract: A control unit, for example, a light dimming unit for controlling the intensity of brightness of a lamp load connected in series with the unit, includes a switching potentiometer for serially connecting the unit between a supply line and the load and for selectively adjusting the current delivered to the load. The switching potentiometer in the unit includes a shaft mounted for both rectilinear and rotary movement. The shaft is normally urged by a spring in a first axial direction, to urge a wiper mounted on the shaft resiliently into electrical contact with a resistive strip. A ratchet means carried on one end of the shaft actuates a snap-action switch which includes an armature, movable between first and second stable positions by the ratchet means when the shaft is moved in a second opposite axial direction to disengage the wiper from the resistive strip.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1975Date of Patent: April 6, 1976Assignee: Hunt Electronics Co.Inventor: Benjamin F. Gilbreath