Abstract: A worm gear-actuated variable resistance device including a clutch structure, having a worm gear actuated by a worm screw. The worm gear has a toothless sector, and the teeth are engagable by the thread of the screw to rotate the gear to a position in which the screw opposes the toothless sector. The gear is mounted in a housing having a resistive element and a conductive element fixed thereto. The gear has a resilient finger having a stop member thereon which is slidable in a channel in the housing when the gear rotates.

Abstract: A variable resistor for use in a frequency regulator comprises an actuator having an intermediate portion pivotally supported by a casing, and a pair of opposite actuating end portions exposed from the casing. A pair of opposite feed pawls depend from the actuator to engage a rotor pivotally supported by the casing between the opposite feed pawls. The rotor has on peripheral edges thereof teeth meshing with the feed pawls, and carries a slider. A resistor base plate is mounted on the casing and has an arcuate resistor layer facing the slider of the rotor. The actuator is angularly movable in response to depression of one at a time of the actuating end portions thereof for turning the rotor in one direction through meshing engagement between the feed pawls and the teeth to thereby cause the slider to slide on the arcuate resistor layer. Therefore, the resistance of the variable resistor can be varied simply by pushing the actuator angularly back and forth.

Abstract: An arcuate film resistor is defined on an insulating substrate. During use, a high voltage is impressed across end terminals connected to the arcuate film resistor. A central electrode is located on the insulated substrate at a point which is surrounded by the film resistor. The central electrode is formed of a non-film resistor material and has superior adherability to the substrate. A disk-shaped film resistor is deposited at the center of the central electrode and second ring-like film resistor is formed around the outer periphery of the central electrode. A rotatable slider has a first contact positioned over the disk-shaped film resistor and a second contact which slides along the arcuate film resistor. A portion of the voltage from the arcuate film resistor can thus be transferred to the central electrode. The disk-shaped film resistor located on the central electrode improves the contact between the slider at the central electrode.

Abstract: A single-turn miniature potentiometer includes a first substrate having an annular conductive track formed thereon and a second substrate facing the first and having an annular resistive track formed thereon. An insulating layer is placed between the two substrates and has an opening provided therein for receiving a disk-like rotor which bears an electrically conductive wiper for simultaneously contacting both the conductive and resistive tracks. Electrical connections are made between the resistive and conductive tracks by means of external U-shaped clips.

Abstract: A slider arrangement comprises an insulator member, and two sliders each made of a resilient metal matel plate embedded in the insulator member and each having slender contacts exposed from the insulator mold member. The slender contacts of each of the sliders forms a pair of contact sets adapted to slide in contact with a resistive element and a collector member respectively, the pair of contact sets of one slider being located between the pair of contact sets of the other slider. A method of producing the above-mentioned slider arrangement comprises the steps of embedding a resilient metal plate having sliders into an insulator member, with contact forming portions of the sliders exposed, cutting off portions bridging the sliders and the contacts formed at the contact forming portions while holding the metal plate by the insulator member, and bending each of the contacts to its proper position.

Abstract: A rotary resistor or rheostat used in hearing aids worn behind the ear. Such an application necessitates a small, compact arrangement. The arrangement is provided with a supporting surface acting as a substrate with the prerequisite conductors or resistances applied to the support surface.

Abstract: A potentiometer comprising a casing having a short height relative to its diameter and constituting a receptacle for a resistor element and a sliding contact for contact with the latter, the resistor element being supported on the bottom of the casing and the sliding contact being arranged in permanent mechanical and electric contact therewith, being of annular and laminar shape and having a diameter substantially equal to that of the resistor, the shape of which constitutes an incomplete circular annulus having a zone of discontinuity exhibiting a small angle, corresponding to a projection formed on the bottom of the casing and serving as a travel-limiting stop in either direction in order to limit the rotational travel of the axial actuating element, the manipulation of which produces the rotation of the sliding contact on the resistor element.

Abstract: A rotary electric component such as a semifixed variable resistor comprises an insulating substrate having a shaft hole and a slot communicating with the shaft hole, a resistor mounted on the insulating substrate surrounding the shaft hole, a pair of electrodes mounted on the insulating substrate and connected to the resistor at ends thereof, the electrodes being positioned one on each side of the slot and prevented by the latter from shortcircuiting therebetween, a pair of terminals mounted on the insulating substrate and connected to the electrodes, respectively, a shaft rotatably mounted in the shaft hole and having a movable contact held in sliding contact with the resistor, and a body of synthetic resin filled in the slot. The body of synthetic resin is fixedly mounted on the insulating substrate and may include a support spacer disposed around the shaft hole and a protective cover covering attachment end portions of the terminals.

Abstract: A rotary electric component such as a semifixed variable resistor comprises an insulating substrate having a shaft hole, a resistor mounted on the insulating substrate surrounding the shaft hole, a pair of electrodes mounted on the insulating substrate and connected to the resistor at ends thereof, a pair of terminals mounted on the insulating substrate and connected to the electrodes, respectively, a shaft rotatably mounted in the shaft hole and having a movable contact held in sliding contact with the resistor, a cover mounted on the shaft over the insulating substrate and covering the movable contact, the cover having a skirt spaced from the insulating substrate by a gap, and a body of synthetic resin mounted on the insulating substrate and a portion formed as a dust wall covering the gap.

Abstract: An improved variable resistor for use in electrical and electronic equipment which includes a substrate having fixed side terminals integrally molded in it so that forward end portions of the fixed side terminals are exposed to the surface of the substrate, a resistant layer formed on the surface of the substrate so as to cover the exposed forward end portions of the fixed side terminals at opposite end portions of the resistant layer, a variable side terminal provided on the substrate, and a slider movably disposed on the substrate for sliding movement over the resistant layer so as to adjust resistance of the variable resistor and in which the fixed side terminals are applied with solder coating at their predetermined portions except for the exposed forward end portions.

Abstract: A ratcheting mechanism for a multiturn variable resistance device, of the worm screw-actuated type, has mutually engageable stopping members on the rotor and in the housing, limiting rotor travel beyond first and second limits. The stopping member in the housing has an inclined surface on one side which pivotally lifts the rotor against the force of the electrical contact spring (carried on one side of the rotor in contact with a resistive element), when the rotor reaches the first limit of travel. The pivoting action compresses the contact spring while allowing the spur gears on the rotor momentarily to disengage from the worm gear. This disengagement releases the spring, which then urges the rotor back into a gear-engaging position. The rotor is provided with at least one axially-shortened spur gear tooth positioned so as to be engageable with the worm gear when the rotor is at the second limit of travel.

Abstract: A rotary variable resistor wherein a pair of levers are arranged in a case, a knife-shaped cam has its one end pivotally mounted on a projection of each lever, and the cam comes into engagement with a tooth portion of a toothed wheel in accordance with the operation of the lever so as to turn a slider holder. The moving stroke of the lever can be made small, and the slider holder can be turned every small angle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A porcelain enamel steel substrate is used to carry a resistive path.

Abstract: A trimmer potentiometer or like variable resistor, which is of the kind having a worm 21 driving an elastomeric worm wheel 10 carrying a wiper contact to slide on an arcuate resistance element, has the gear teeth formed on circumferentially-spaced rim sections 23, 24, 25 projecting cantileverwise from an axially thick unbroken rim 10b of a radial flange on the main body 10c of the wheel, some sections 23 having only a few gear teeth and being separated by sections 24, 25 having larger numbers of gear teeth. The extent of rotation of the wheel 10 is limited to less than 360.degree. and the sections 23 with few teeth are arranged to be in mesh with the worm at the limits of wheel rotation so as to give a de-clutching effect by inward deflection of these sections on over rotation of the worm.

Abstract: A compact configuration of resistive elements, plural circularly-arranged fixed contacts upon, or mountable upon, a printed circuit board (PCB), to comprise a rotary variable resistor.In one embodiment, fixed contacts are disposed upon one side of a PCB, in which through-conductors connect to a resistor pattern upon a separate ceramic substrate.In another embodiment, fixed contacts occupy the central area, and resistors and interconnecting conductors surround the same; all on one side of a ceramic substrate.Mutually insulated spring wipers connect to the fixed contacts to allow rotary variation of resistance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a variable resistor of modular design comprising a using, a resistance element retained in the housing by means of a detent fastener and having a resistance guide way mounted on a carrier, and with terminal contact surfaces on extensions of the carrier, terminal pieces in electrical contact with the terminal contact surfaces, and a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing and a contact element connected for rotation with the rotor and in sliding contact with a collector element and the resistance element.

Abstract: In a variable resistor of the type wherein there is formed on an insulating substrate a resistive member having wide portions and narrow portions in the sliding direction of a slide member and ends thereof wired respectively to a ground terminal and an input terminal. A plurality of contact elements formed on said slide member are brought into sliding contact with said resistive member and a high resistance film allowing the passage of electrostatic charges therethrough is formed at portions of said insulating substrate lying within the sliding passage of said contact elements so that a part of said contact elements comes into contact therewith when it comes off from said resistive member.

Abstract: A variable resistance device includes a thick film electrical conductor affixed to the underside of a supporting substrate and extending circumferentially around a hole. A radially spaced, film-like resistor surrounds the electrical conductor. A knob has a disc bearing on the top side of the substrate and a pair of projections extending through the hole to journal the knob in the substrate and to mount a carrier adjacent the underside of the substrate. A wiper means is mounted on the upper surface of the carrier for engaging the electrical conductor and resistor to vary the resistance of the device responsive to rotation of the knob through a manipulative means.

Abstract: A component to be attached to a substrate or plate or other element including a hollow bushing having an extension for mounting directly to such other element. The extension is provided with a radially compressible shoulder portion engageable upon insertion into an aperture and a rod-like member to be seated firmly in the hollow bushing to prevent the relaxation and flexure of said bushing. In a preferred embodiment the rod-like member may be integrally molded with the component to be attached.

Abstract: A variable resistor of modular design having a hub-flange and at least one housing frame having a central opening. A spring carrier provided with a contact spring is arranged in the central opening of the housing and is rotatable by means of an actuation shaft. A carrier plate, on which the resistor course and the collector course are mounted, is positioned adjacent the spring carrier such that the contact spring provides an electrical connection between the resistance and the collector courses. The housing frame has a pot-shaped front side for receiving a rotor. Means is provided for arresting rotation of the rotor to within predetermined angular limits, and the rotor has a contoured rim for engaging a click-stop device.

Abstract: An open frame single turn potentiometer with a helical coil spring wiper including a resilient member situated between the substrate and the rotor. The resilient member consists of an annular ring preferably having a "D-shaped" or hemispherically shaped cross section. This "D" ring member performs the function of providing a spring action between the substrate and the rotor; means for controlling torque; and means for adjusting to the build-up in tolerences between the various component elements of the trimmer, thereby achieving optimum electrical and mechanical performance.

Abstract: A first rotor is fixedly carried by a shaft and a second rotor is loosely carried by the shaft. A coupling means couples the second rotor to the shaft through flanges extending from the rotor and pinching the shaft. The two rotors are then adjusted with respect to one another by rotating the shaft while holding the second rotor in place.

Abstract: A semi-fixed type variable resistor for use in electrical and electronic equipment which includes an electrically insulating substrate, a semi-circular resistor member formed on the substrate, a slider member of similar semi-circular shape rotatably mounted on the substrate to slide over the resistor member, and a cover member rotatably mounted on the substrate and also serving as a knob for rotating the slider member. The cover member has a protrusion formed at the forward end portion of its shaft so as to be readily engaged with a sleeve portion of a conductive plate provided on the substrate for reduction in cost and improvement of reliability of the variable resistor.

Abstract: An electrical resistor element and method of manufacturing the same. The element may comprise a fixed resistor or may be the resistive and collector component of a variable resistor. In either case, the element comprises, at least as a portion thereof, a substrate comprising an insulating substrate injection molded from ceramic-glass frit material and organic binder and lubricating material. A layer of resistive material and a layer of conducting termination material are each deposited on the unfired substrate. The organic materials in the substrate and its termination and resistive layers are substantially "burned out" prior to simultaneously co-firing the substrate and the deposited resistive and termination layers.In the case of fixed resistors, the element may be molded as a half-shell arranged to receive leads extending from opposite ends of the half-shell molding and attached by soldering or other means to the termination areas.

Abstract: A variable resistance control includes a metallic structure plate that functions as a heat sink and that provides both a collector and terminals, a body that is molded onto the structure plate, a resistance element that is deposited onto the body and onto portions of the terminals, a contactor, and a driver. In one embodiment, additional miniaturization is made possible by bending a tab portion of the structure plate between two of the terminals to form a stop lug for limiting rotational movement of the driver.

Abstract: A rheostat (10) has a disk-shaped base (11) that is slidably mounted between a pair of spaced terminal pins (12, 13). A resistance track (14) is disposed on top of the base (11) and is connected to a collector track (15) that is disposed around the circumference of the base (11). A collector terminal pin (12) has contacts (12d) in sliding engagement with the collector track (15), and a wiper terminal pin (13) has an oblique contact surface formed by projections (13g) that slidably engage the resistance track (14). The terminal pins (12, 13) can be mounted on a supporting surface, so that as the base (11) is rotated, the resistance between the terminal pins (12, 13) is varied. The oblique contact surface on the wiper terminal pin (13) aids in maintaining a balanced current distribution in the resistance track (14).

Abstract: A variable resistor suitable for use in the tone control of a stereo tape player or the like has two resistance bodies formed on an insulating substrate plate so as to oppose one another. Under one of the resistance bodies is formed a lead conductor, through an interposed insulating layer. The lead conductor is connected to one end of the associated resistance body and leads to the other end portion of this resistance body, so that the terminals of both resistance bodies can be located at the same side of the insulating substrate plate, thereby to diminish the size of the variable resistor.

Abstract: A compact variable resistor adapted for use in balance adjusting circuits for stereo tape players or the like has an insulating substrate plate, lead conductor, insulating film and a resistance body. The lead conductor is connected to the resistance body through a central tap conductor provided at the central portion of the resistance body. The portions of the lead conductor other than the central conductor are insulated from the resistance body by the insulating film.

Abstract: A trimming potentiometer (10) has a circuit track pattern (12) disposed on a base (11) having three integrally formed legs (11d). The track pattern (12) includes a collector track (12a), a resistance track (12b) and a pair of termination tracks (12c) connected to opposite ends of the resistance track (12b). Terminals for the device are formed by extending the collector track (12a)and the pair of termination tracks (12c) down the middle leg (11d) and the opposite outside legs (11d), respectively. A multi-functional contact (13) is rotatably mounted on the base (11) and includes multiple fingers (13g) that contact the resistance tracks (12b), dimpled areas (13j, 13k) which form projecting surfaces that contact the collector track (12a), a stop tab (13l) at its upper extremity that limits rotation, and outwardly extending notched tabs (13m) for receiving a suitable drive member to adjust the setting of the potentiometer (10).

Abstract: A variable resistor adapted for use in tone control has an insulating substrate plate on which are formed two conductors. On the conductors are formed respective insulating films and, on the insulating films, a common resistance body. The ends of the conductors are positioned at an intermediate portion of the resistance body, so as to be short-circuited by a slide as the latter is brought to the intermediate portion of the resistance body.

Abstract: A single turn potentiometer is constructed as either an open frame or a housed unit. Both units incorporate a helical coil spring wiper mounted within a rotor and supported by a hollow resilient pad. In the open-frame unit, the rotor includes a shaft which extends through a corresponding hole on a ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate cooperates with the rotor and includes a deposited cermet resistance element and a circular collector ring. A stop arrangement is built into the rotor in the open-frame unit. The closed-frame unit includes a housing having a moulded-in stop for cooperation with a similar stop for cooperation with a similar stop on the rotor. In the open-frame unit, the shaft which protrudes through the hole in the substrate is of split configuration and is spread by an insert to hold the rotor to the substrate in riveting fashion. The closed-frame unit employs a peened-over portion of the housing which is used to constrain the assembly.

Abstract: A main resistance element and an elongated conductor are arranged coaxially and a plurality of secondary resistance elements are arranged radially and connected between the main resistance element and the conductor. A slider is ohmically movable on the main resistance element to provide a variable attenuator with low impedance and logarithmic attenuation to at least -60 db. An auxiliary resistance element may be provided coaxially with the main resistance element and the conductor with another set of secondary resistance elements connecting the auxiliary resistance element with the conductor, the ends of the main and auxiliary resistance elements being connected together.

Abstract: An epoxy glass fabric strip is used to carry a carbon based resistive path.

Abstract: A closed frame single turn potentiometer incorporating a helical coil spring wiper mounted within a rotor. The rotor has a molded-in cavity for containing the wiper and a resilient backing element. The substrate has an aperture therein permitting adjustment of the rotor from either side of the housing.

Abstract: A worm gear drive and ratchet system in which a flexible, two-piece, toothed drive wheel is driven by a threaded drive shaft. The two-piece, toothed drive wheel comprises identical halves that are keyed and bonded into a fixed relationship. Upon reaching a stop, gear teeth embossed on the flexible drive wheel ratchet over the threads on the threaded drive shaft.

Abstract: A lead screw type control for a miniature worm gear actuated potentiometer having a rotor with a main drive spur gear and a ratcheting drive rack gear. The invention contemplates rack gear teeth formed with a gentle ramp opposed to a more acute ramp such as to resemble a sawtooth configuration in profile. The main drive spur gear is formed on less than the total of the rotor circumference. The ratcheting rack gear is mounted on a portion of the rotor circumference that does not include the spur gear. The main drive spur gear teeth are functional in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the ratcheting rack gears are effective. Ratcheting is accomplished when the driving lead screw has driven the main-drive spur gear to one of its limits in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. At this point, if the same direction of rotation is continued, the ratcheting rack gear is urged into engagement with the driving lead screw by the force of a contact spring.

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: An electrical resistor comprising a base having a resistance element supported thereon. A pair of terminals for connecting the element into an electrical circuit are bonded to the resistance element. The bond comprises a conductive thermoplastic bondable material applied to the resistance element before the terminals are secured thereto. Heat applied to the terminals causes the bondable material to flow and bond the terminals to the resistance element. In one embodiment, a rotatable knob, a contactor and a collector are assembled to the resistor to produce a variable resistance control. The knob is provided with a first skirt extending toward the base and in slideable engagement therewith. The first skirt supports the knob in spaced relationship with the base and a second skirt extends toward the resistance element carried by the base. The distal end of the second skirt is disposed proximate to the resistance element and encloses and protects the resistance element against external contaminants.

Abstract: A variable resistance control has a resistance element, a collector, and a low noise contactor wipably engaging the resistance element and the collector. The contactor is provided with a pair of arms and a plurality of fingers extend outwardly from each of the arms. A contact extends from each of the fingers and wipably engages the resistance element. The contacts on one of the arms are spaced apart lengthwise of the resistance element from the contacts on the other arm for reducing contact noise.

Abstract: A variable output function double bias potentiometer having first and second low resistance zones to provide two bias voltages and a high resistance zone with which output means are in contact to provide an output function which can be freely varied between the two bias voltages.

Abstract: A thrust bushing is trapped between a rotor and a bushing in which a shaft carrying the rotor is rotated to provide better torque control as the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A highly accurate resistance element formed by depositing a plurality of conductive pads at spaced intervals along a substrate, depositing the resistance element in intimate electrical contact with the pads, sensing the electrical resistance between successive pairs of pads, and trimming away resistance material from the element between selected pairs of pads until predetermined resistance values between each pair are achieved. In a preferred embodiment a portion of each pad is offset from the resistance element and adapted to receive a probe from a laser trimmer. The element can be advantageously employed in potentiometers.

Abstract: An electrical device is disclosed which is small in size and easily assembled. The device employs a rotatable housing and a grooved geometrically programmed disc to locate a ball contact at a desired position on a substrate. The substrate may comprise a resistor, spaced contacts or other conductive surface, and the movable ball contact may change circuit conditions incrementally when compared with the degree of movement of the drive for the ball. The ball has two points of contact with the grooved disc reducing noise and wear. The grooved disc is readily replaceable for changing the operating characteristics of the device.

Abstract: A variable resistor comprises an insulation plate, conductors of a cermet material formed on the insulation plate, a resistor of a cermet material formed on the insulation plate in contact with the conductors, a slider member adapted to move slidably on the resistor and portions of the conductors, and coatings of a cermet resistance material formed on the conductors at the portions which are slidably wiped by the slider member.

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.

Abstract: Bearing surfaces are provided for a shaft and a rotor carried by the shaft as both are rotated against the base of a cup shaped member which forms part of the housing for a variable resistance control.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling device is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed arcuate jaws and integral arms defining a slot communicating with a cavity for connecting a shaft thereto. A tongue integral with the shaft is engaged by the jaws and suspended within the cavity, and the coupling device slides axially and laterally along the tongue and pivots along the arcuate jaws to eliminate end and side thrust of the shaft. A variable resistance control connected to the coupling device comprises a substrate closing one end of a housing and a rotatable driver disposed within the housing. A resistive path and a conductive collector path are disposed on the substrate along the same radius and a contactor comprising a pair of diametrically opposed contact fingers symmetrically disposed near the periphery of the driver engages the resistive and collector paths.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A control comprises two variable resistance controls connected in tandem to a concentric shaft arrangement, an inner shaft of the concentric shaft arrangement containing an energy absorber, the inner shaft and the energy absorber providing an energy absorbing means for the control. The inner shaft made of glass-filled thermo-plastic further provides sufficient resiliency to prevent permanent shaft deformation and related knob wobble upon subjection of the shaft to severe impact and the energy absorber gradually absorbing the energy of impact minimizes axial movement of the inner shaft by eliminating the additional normally required tolerance. Additionally, the percentages of the glass and plastic mixture employed in making the shaft control torsional deflection.