Abstract: An optical proximity switch includes a potentiometer for setting a switching point and supported for rotation through multiple turns, a crosswheel supported for rotation and including a visible position index visible, and a cam drive rotatably coupled to the potentiometer and the crosswheel.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel on which a pixel electrode and a common electrode are patterned, and a variable resistor configured to vary a common voltage applied to the common electrode. The variable resistor includes a variable resistance control unit configured to control resistances between resistance terminals that are electrically connected to one another.

Abstract: A non-contact type potentiometer with high resolution of rotation amount detection applicable to endlessly multiple rotations. The potentiometer has an endlessly rotatable first shaft, a first detection unit that magnetically detects a rotation angle of the first shaft in a non-contact manner, an endlessly rotatable second shaft, a second detection unit that magnetically detects a rotation angle of the second shaft in a non-contact manner, a transmission unit that decreases the speed of the rotation of the first shaft and transmits the rotation to the second shaft, and an output unit that outputs an electric signal proportional to a rotation amount of the first shaft based on detection signals from the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a throttle valve comprising a potentiometer with a supporting plate (1) the supporting plate (1) to be mounted on a substrate wherein the supporting plate (1) has an upper side (18) on which the resistance tracks (3, 4), wiper tracks (5, 6) and the conductor tracks (7) are applied on an underside (19) with spacers.

Abstract: An angle sensor in which, when a biasing member is used, a biasing force in the &bgr;2 direction acts on a driving gear, and a biasing force in the &bgr;1 direction acts on an auxiliary gear. This prevents backlash from occurring between a rotary member and the driving member, making it possible to reduce rattling between the rotary member and the driving member. A fitting member is provided at the free end side of a resilient supporting member in order to resiliently press a screw shaft in the Z1 direction. Therefore, internal threads of inside surfaces of corresponding fitting portions of the fitting member and thread grooves of the screw shaft can be made to uniformly closely contact each other, making it possible reduce rattling caused by backlash therebetween. Consequently, the angle of rotation of a steering wheel which is mounted to the rotary member is detected with high precision.

Abstract: An internally threaded carrying member is engaged with a screw thread formed on an operating shaft and is in frictional engagement with a moving member. A first projection is formed at one end part of the operating shaft and a second projection is formed on the internally threaded carrying member so as to correspond to the first projection. Upon the arrival of the internally threaded carrying member at one end of its stroke on the operating shaft together with the moving member as the operating shaft is rotated in one direction, the first projection and the second projection are engaged. Then, the internally threaded carrying member is rotated together with the operating shaft against a frictional resistance exerted thereon by the moving member as the operating shaft is rotated further in the same direction.

Abstract: An assembly (24) for monitoring the travel of a device includes a potentiometer (26) having a slide bar (32). The potentiometer generates a resistance value according to a position of the slide bar which is coupled to the door through a rotatable member (40) carried by a bracket (34). A slide rack (36) is carried by the bracket and is coupled to both the slide bar and the rotatable member. The slide rack operatively engages the rotatable member between predetermined first and second positions and operatively disengages from the rotatable member when at the first and second positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatively driven type electric component wherein a slider is moved linearly by rotation of a screw. The rotatively driven type electric component with housings, a drive shaft held by the housings and provided with a screw portion, an insulating substrate held by the housings and having electrically conductive patterns, a slider which comes into sliding contact with the electrically conductive patterns, a movable block which holds the slider, and a plate spring disposed between the movable block and the drive shaft and locked to the movable block, the plate spring having a protuberance, the protuberance of the plate spring being brought into elastic contact with the screw portion of the drive shaft so that the movable block is moved with rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A linear motion electric component with screw-actuated wiper is disclosed with a shaft member having a shaft portion of synthetic resin formed on an end of a metal pipe shaft. The shaft portion is fitted in a bearing portion, thereby insuring smooth rotation of the shaft member with low cost.

Abstract: A variable resistor comprises a slider body, a contact arm which is provided to project from the slider body, a contact part which is formed by bending the contact arm, an arcuate spring arm having a projection for engaging with an engaging portion of a rotor gear, and a stopper which is formed by bending a stopper member provided to project from the slider body. The arcuate spring arm has an inboard structure connected with the slider body at both ends thereof. The projection engages with the engaging portion of the rotor gear, so that the slider body is rotated following rotation of the rotor gear. When the rotor gear is further rotated in such a state that the stopper comes into contact with a case side stopper which is formed on a case thereby inhibiting the slider body from rotation, the engagement between the engaging portion and the projection is released. Thus, the slider body is prevented from overrotation.

Abstract: A multiple range variable resistor and potentiometer suitable for use in the repair or manufacture of hearing aids and other miniature applications is disclosed. The user of the device can select the desired resistance range thereby allowing one component to be used in many different applications and reducing inventory requirements. It provides increased resistance to contamination of the internal components compared to conventional hearing aid volume controls and is not damaged by over-turning of the control knob in either direction. It can be manufactured for the same cost as conventional single range potentiometers.

Abstract: A positioning cylinder assembly for subterranean mining applications has a rotary potentiometer connected through a friction wheel transmission with the spindle of the cylinder which is rotated when the piston is axially displaced therein. The friction wheel assembly comprises a pinion wheel connected to the spindle and a hollow wheel connected to the rotary potentiometer, that not only matches the pitch of the spindle to the rotary spring of the potentiometer but also functions as a slip clutch for zero setting of the potentionmeter and the piston.

Abstract: An adapter for a mechanical throttle control to provide electrical signals to an electronic control for an engine. A mechanical vernier throttle control unit for converting rotational motion to linear motion is coupled directly to a potentiometer, the tap output of which is connected to the electronic control. Linear motion of the control unit is directly imparted to the potentiometer to provide engine speed signals to the engine through the electronic control module.

Abstract: A settable resistor has a resistance path array (4) to which is allocated a contact piece (9) which is guidable in the longitudinal direction (13) over the resistance path array and has an adjusting device for the position of the contact piece. In order not to restrict the free displacement travel of the contact piece with a simple construction independent of the setting of the adjusting device, so that a high resolution is achieved particularly for application in the hand switch of a power tool with speed control regardless of a set maximum value, the contact piece (9) is additionally adjustable transverse to the longitudinal direction (13of the resistance path array (4) by means of the adjusting device (11).

Abstract: An electronic tuning block including a plurality of screw drive type variable resistors are juxtaposed parallel to one another obliquely on an insulating substrate, and holes for receiving pointers fitted to the screws of the variable resistors and holes for receiving rotary knobs fitted to the tips of the screw shaft are formed on the upper surface of a box-shaped insulating case which is fixed to the insulating substrate.

Abstract: Variable resistor comprises a lead screw 12 rotatably mounted to substrate 42 by conductive mounts 18, 18' and engaging a one-piece stamped and formed sheet metal slider 16 movable along circuit trace 20 in response to rotation of the screw 12. The lead screw 12 is a conductive plastic and thus acts as a resistance element, the resistance between the mounts 18, 18' and the circuit trace 20 being varied by rotating the screw 12. Mounts 18, 18' have spring-loaded arms 34, 36 which releasably retain the lead screw 12 so it may be replaced if it is desired to change the resistance limits of the device.

Abstract: An electrical resistance element for a variable resistance device, such as a thick film resistance element, and a method of making the element and a device utilizing the element, such as a potentiometer, is described. The resistance element comprises a single resistance material for use as a resistance path for a contact wiper in a variable resistance device and has a selected series of generally transverse cuts made in at least one section of the resistance material of the element. The cut section(s) provides an increased current path length through the element whereby the total resistance of the element is increased. Also, the cut section(s) provides the resistance element with a resistance function which can be adjusted to vary over a wide range of resistance values depending on the length, width, and number of the cuts.

Abstract: An electrical resistance element for use in variable resistance devices such as trimmers and potentiometers, having two or more resistance materials on a non-conducting base. The resistance materials are aligned along a path of travel of a movable wiper or contact to provide a series of variable linear resistances or a non-linear resistance. The interface between the resistance materials is arranged so that individual contact elements of the wiper traverse the interface at different times.

Abstract: A potentiometer including a resistance element positioned within the housing. The resistance element comprising a substrate and a resistive track deposited thereon has a collector element and three terminating pads electrically connected to each end of the resistance track and to the collector element. A slidable wiper is electrically connected to the collector element and contacts the resistance track to vary the resistance of the circuit. Clips are mounted on the resistance element to provide electrical connections between the terminating pads and terminal posts connecting the resistance element to an external circuit. The clips are formed of an S-shaped, resilient, electrically conductive element having lower and intermediate sections to resiliently clamp the resistance track, and an upper section with two bifurcated arms to engage the terminal post.

Abstract: A variable resistor and switch assembly which in combination constitute an electronic tuning element assembly, comprises a variable resistor section having a slider movable along a resistance element by means of a rotatable screw, an indicator section having a flexible ribbon which moves past a window in accordance with the movement of the slider, and a rotary band selection switch section coaxially provided about the screw shaft and having a terminal supporting plate in which first and second fixed terminals are provided, a frame having openings and snap-engaged with the terminal supporting plate, and a movable contact rotatably held between the terminal supporting plate and frame to connect the first and second fixed terminals. The movable contact is actuatable by an operation portion via the openings provided in the frame.

Abstract: A miniature or subminiature, rectangular potentiometer which automatically disengages and engages at the extreme end settings may be fabricated by using a worm screw which engages and disengages a sector gear. The sector gear is arranged and configured to selectively engage a spring at the extremes of travel of the sector gear. When the worm screw drives the sector gear to the limit of its travel, the spring is compressed against the gear thereby compressing the spring. The compression of the spring is sufficient to permit the gear teeth on the opposing end of the sector gear to advance and disengage from the worm screw. Rotation of the worm screw in the opposing direction automatically re-engages the sector gear by virture of the urging of the spring.

Abstract: A variable resistor constructed from a minimum of parts, includes a housing having longitudinal grooves adapted to retain a base plate carrying a resistance element. The base plate can be inserted in one end of the grooves and slid forwardly until its leading edge abuts a stop on the housing. Latching portions carried by the housing and spaced rearwardly from the stop, engage behind step portions on the base plate to prevent it from sliding rearwardly from the housing.

Abstract: A potentiometer assembly for providing DC voltages for tuning the UHF channels of a varactor diode television tuner comprises a housing divided into a plurality of elongated compartments, each having a resistive element associated therewith. Each compartment is configured for slidably maintaining a replaceable contact-carrying carriage member disposed for engaging one of the resistive elements. A threaded shaft is removably associated with and longitudinally disposed within each of the compartments and is operable for driving a carriage member within its compartment to displace its associated contact member along the corresponding resistive element.

Abstract: A contact device for trimmer potentiometer including a helical coil spring wiper embedded in a cavity in an insulative body so that movement of the helical coil spring wiper is prevented as the contact device is moved along the potentiometer substrate. The insulative body may alternatively be provided with thin walls surrounding the cavity containing the helical coil spring wiper to permit the contact device to absorb backlash, while still preventing any relative movement of the helical coil spring wiper.

Abstract: A resistor having a high resistance and a resistor having a low resistance are arranged in parallel to each other in side by side relation. A pair of input terminals are fixed to both ends of the resistor of low resistance. A movable contact is provided in slidable contact with the resistor of high resistance moving along the edge of the resistor of low resistance which is in contact with an edge of the resistor of high resistance.

Abstract: The base portion of the wiper contact is deformable to assure continuous electrical connection between a lead screw and the aligned resistive strip located on the surface of the turret, as the contact is inserted therebetween. The strip engaging portion is located on the resilient base portion approximately midway between the guide portion and thread engaging portion such that the deformation causes the contact to exert substantially balanced forces on the lead screw. The structure of the guide portion of the contact is designed to enhance mechanical stability by preventing dislodgement of the contact without the necessity for cooperation with other external parts which obstruct visibility of the position indicating member, which is mounted on the contact and extends over the entire width thereof. In addition, means are provided to prevent the relative lateral movement between the contact and the lead screw during lead screw "runoff".

Abstract: A coupling between a linear motion drive shaft and a driven member, suitable for use in a linear motion potentiometer in which the driven member comprises a contact spring mounting block. An O-ring formed from a stiffly deformable, spring material is mounted on the drive shaft and held against a transverse wall on the driven member so as to absorb transverse and angular misalignments of the drive shaft and transmit to the driven member longitudinal drive shaft movements. The coupling exhibits low backlash when the motion of the drive shaft is reversed, and accommodates to both angular and transverse deviations of the shaft away from a linear drive orientation.

Abstract: A turret-type controller includes a base with a plurality of resistive strips mounted thereon, each of which is associated with a conductive contact movable with respect thereto. A pair of annular conductive strips are also situated on the base, but axially spaced from the resistive strips. The annular conductive strips are each operably connected to a different end of the resistive strips by means of a conductive strip, one of which is at least partially situated on the underside of the base. Each of the resistive strips has a length preselected such that the change in the magnitude of the tuning signal required to provide a given frequency change in the tuner in different regions of the frequency spectrum is achieved through substantially equal variations in the conductive contacts associated with each resistive strip.

Abstract: A variable resistance control of the rectilinear and multiturn type is provided with a contactor having a plurality of contactor paddles. The contactor paddles are wedge-shaped, are defined by a saw-tooth shaped shear line in a planar portion of the contactor, and are bent upwardly to provide flexing clearance between adjacent contactor paddles.

Abstract: A variable tuning resistor has a threaded shaft which moves a slider along a linear resistance element. A flexible ribbon is connected at one end to the slider to be moved thereby. A guide member through which the ribbon is guidingly slidable is oriented perpendicular to the shaft extending upwards. The guide member is formed with a window through which the ribbon is visible. The ribbon is formed with a marking such as a slot obliquely along the length thereof in such a manner that as the ribbon is moved the part of the marking visible through the window appears to move from one side of the window toward the other thus serving as a tuning indication. A rotary band switch is connected to the tuning resistor with the shaft coaxially extending therethrough.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a variable resistor device which may be used as a tuner in an electric appliance such as a television receiver and a stereophonograph, which resistor device comprises a support member having a base wall portion and at least one end wall portion perpendicular to the base wall portion, an elongate resistance element on the inner face of the base wall portion, a control shaft rotatable on the end wall portion and having a threaded axial portion extending over the resistance element, a slider having a contact portion elastically forced against the resistance element and an edge portion in mating engagement with the threaded axial portion of the control shaft for providing electrical connection between the resistance element and the shaft, and an electrically conductive retainer for holding the control shaft in position relative to the support member while permitting the control shaft to rotate about its axis. Features of the device include ease of assemblage and reliability of operation.

Abstract: A trimming potentiometer in which three parallel resistance paths are located in a plane on an insulating plate. Wiper contacts are displaceable in the same direction on the resistance paths, and are attached to a common carrier which is longitudinally displaceable by a threaded spindle. Inductance loops are arranged between the resistance paths and the respective terminals for the paths, for the purpose of matching the trimming potentiometer to its inductance and capacitive input and output values.

Abstract: An assembly for fine adjustment of a variable impedance mechanism is disclosed wherein a first disk-shaped rotary member, which functions as a knob, has a spiral ridge or groove formed on one side surface thereof for engagement with the teeth of a second disk-shaped rotary member or teethed wheel whose shaft is in turn coupled to the rotary shaft of a variable impedance element. When the first rotary member makes one rotation, the second rotary member is advanced one tooth, whereupon the fine adjustment of the variable impedance element is possible.