Abstract: A directional coupler includes a main line and a sub-line electromagnetically coupled to each other, a variable termination circuit that is connected to one end of the sub-line and that has a variable impedance, a variable matching circuit that is connected to the other end of the sub-line and that has a variable impedance or a variable attenuator that has a variable attenuation, and a control circuit that controls the impedance of the variable termination circuit and that controls the impedance of the variable matching circuit or the attenuation of the variable attenuator. The control circuit includes a non-volatile memory and controls the impedance of the variable termination circuit in accordance with data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A digital potentiometer includes a circuit containing multiple string arrays, each having a plurality of switching devices connected to an array of resistors. Each input terminal receives a separate digital input code enabling the resistance of one of the arms to be varied without changing the other.

Abstract: Digital potentiometer architecture is disclosed, composing of an integrated circuit containing multiple string arrays, each having a plurality of switching devices and an array of resistors. The insertion of an additional string array between the input terminals and the wiper, allows for the disconnection of a common string array and for the independent calibration of the resistance between each input terminal and the wiper.

Abstract: A variable resistance device comprises a resistive member having a resistive resilient material. A first conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistive member at a first contact location over a first contact area. A second conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistance member at a second contact location over a second contact area. The first contact location and second contact location are spaced from one another by a distance. The resistance between the first conductor at the first contact location and the second conductor at the second contact location is equal to the sum of a straight resistance component and a parallel path resistance component. At least one of the first location, the second location, the first contact area, and the second contact area is changed to produce a change in resistance between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A variable resistor card for a fuel level sensor includes a first wiper contact area, a first electrically conductive pathway electrically communicated to the first wiper contact area, a second wiper contact area, a second electrically conductive pathway electrically communicated to the second wiper contact area, and a nonconductive layer on at least one of the first and second electrically conductive pathways.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: A variable resistive element for use in a sensing unit for measuring liquid level in a container, through interaction with a sliding electrical contact operating in conjunction with a float, includes a conductor pattern deposited on a substrate. A region of resistive material is also deposited on the substrate and makes electrical contact with the conductive pattern. A region of the conductor pattern functions as a contact area for the sliding electrical contact. This region is coated with a plating material, for example nickel or a nickel alloy. The use of the plating reduces the requirements for expensive metals in the conductor pattern. The variable resistive element is particularly suited for use in a fuel level sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid-state potentiometers having high resolution and high accuracy. An exemplary potentiometer comprises a first main terminal, a second main terminal, a wiper terminal, and a resistor stack comprising a plurality M of resistors coupled in series to one another at a plurality of M−1 internal nodes. Each of the resistors in the stack has substantially the same value of RS ohms. The potentiometer further comprises a first variable resistance network coupled between one end of the resistor stack and the potentiometer's first main terminal, and a second variable resistance network coupled between the other end of the resistor stack and the potentiometer's second main terminal. The first variable resistance network has a variable resistance value R1 which varies between zero ohms and RP ohms. The second variable resistance network has a variable resistance value R2 which is maintained substantially at value of (RP−R1).

Abstract: Pressure sensitive direction devices are provided which may facilitate assembly and provide higher tolerance for variation in alignment of components while still providing for pressure sensitive direction detection. The devices of the present invention may be particularly advantageous when integrated into devices, such as cellular radiotelephones, to provide a user interface to facilitate user navigation through increasingly complex menu structures. In various embodiments, the present invention may detect pressure in addition to two and, preferably, at least four directions. In particular embodiments, the devices of the present invention provides a switching device having a plurality of trace grid areas located, for example, on a printed circuit board and actuated responsive to pressure applied by a user through a poly-dome layer where increase pressure results in contact with a greater number of the traces in respective grids.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive direction devices are provided which may facilitate assembly and provide higher tolerance for variation in alignment of components while still providing for pressure sensitive direction detection. The devices of the present invention may be particularly advantageous when integrated into devices, such as cellular radiotelephones, to provide a user interface to facilitate user navigation through increasingly complex menu structures. In various embodiments, the present invention may detect pressure in addition to two and, preferably, at least four directions. In particular embodiments, the devices of the present invention provides a switching device having a plurality of trace grid areas located, for example, on a printed circuit board and actuated responsive to pressure applied by a user through a poly-dome layer where increase pressure results in contact with a greater number of the traces in respective grids.

Abstract: A layered electrical resistor having flat components stacked as follows: a first metal outer plate, a first thin outer electrical insulator, a first thin sheet metal resistor element, a first thin inner insulator, a metal midplate, a second thin inner insulator, a second thin sheet metal resistor element, a second thin outer insulator and a second metal outer plate. The stacked components are compressed together by rivets or otherwise. Each sheet metal resistor element is stamped, punched or otherwise cut with at least first and second terminals and interconnected ribbons forming a resistive path therebetween. A thermal fuse or other circuit breaker is thermally engaged with a seat on the midplate and is connected in a series circuit with the resistor elements to open the circuit to prevent overheating thereof. Structural tie bars are formed integrally with ribbons and terminals of the resistor elements and are severable therefrom before assembly of the components.

Abstract: A resistor card for a potentiometer to measure the fuel in a fuel tank consists of a non-conductive substrate with a plurality of elongate conductive contacts deposited. The contacts have an elevation above the surface of the substrate and the contacts are oriented in parallel relationship to each other to form a wiper track across which a wiper is movable. To reduce the rate at which the upper surfaces of the contacts are worn away by movement of the wiper, a non-conductive filler is deposited between the conductive materials which form the lands.

Abstract: A rotor for use in a rotary position sensor includes an opening designed to receive a shaft having a flat. The rotor has a wedge within the opening designed to engage the shaft firmly but minimize insertion forces. Several troughs running parallel to the shaft and adjacent to the wedge aid in retention by adding a controlled amount of resilience to the rotor. On a shaft receiving end of the rotor there is an additional taper to help with coaxial alignment of the rotor opening and the shaft. On the shaft exiting end there is a half-moon like configuration designed to provide a force opposing surface during shaft insertion while not adversely impacting either the full insertion of the shaft or potential drag between the rotor and the sensor housing. The rotor is designed to offer unique advantage in insertion force to install the rotor on the shaft, while retention force and potential drag against the position sensor housing are minimized.

Abstract: An annular resistor member having two non-contact ends is overlaid and adhered on the surface of a base, and a rotational shaft located at the central portion of the resistor member is pivotally axially supported via a bearing. A bent electrode arm is fitted on the rotational shaft, and is connected to an output terminal via the rotational shaft or a connection means. A movable electrode, which opposes to the resistor member via a gap, is integrally formed on the end portion of the electrode arm, and a capacitor is formed between the movable electrode and the resistor member. In the above structure, when an AC power supply is flowed across the two ends of the resistor member, the capacitor is formed between the movable electrode and the resistor member, and an attenuated voltage is generated on the movable electrode.

Abstract: A pre-set variable passive element can prevent faulty insulation between itself and a conductive board. A cylindrical member extended higher than a adjusting member is made of ceramic around the adjusting member which is rotatably fitted for adjustment of the value of resistance of the pre-set variable resistor element, the forming of the cylindrical member being integrally formed with a main part also formed in a ceramic. The cylindrical member is fitted into an opening bored in a stator board mainly of a steel plate, and the pre-set variable resistor is fitted on the stator board. The adjusting member which is contacted by a contact, by which the value of resistance of the pre-set variable resistor element is determined, and an inside periphery of the opening free from any insulating treatment is securely insulated by the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A low noise miniature potentiometer utilizes thick film deposits of resistive material which extend adjacent to deposits of conductive material. The conductive region is sliced into a plurality of spaced-apart conductive elements. Electrical paths through resistive elements can be lengthen by laser trimming of the resistive material thereby providing for very precise incremental resistances between pairs of spaced apart conductive elements. If desired, an increased range of resistivity can be achieved by utilizing a second deposited thick film region extending along the conductive region and in contact therewith. Laser trimming can be used to increase conductive path lengths in the second resistive element thereby providing a broader range of resistance values.

Abstract: A precision thick film resistor has a deposited thick film conducting layer which is adjacent to and in contact with a deposited thick film resistive layer. A laser scribed line, having a width on the order of 2 mils, separates the conductive region into two parts and then extends into the resistive layer. The value of the resistor is set based on the extent that the line extends into the resistive layer. A plurality of thick film conducting elements can be formed by depositing a continuously extending thick film conducting layer on a substrate. Laser scribed lines can be used to isolate various conducting elements in the deposited film from one another. Elements are separated from one another by 2 mil wide laser scribed lines.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel tank level sensor configured to reduce wear between an electrical contact wiper and metalized conductor pads formed on a substrate, by the deposition of thick film resistive material on the individual pads. The resistive material forms a protective coating on the pads to protect the metalized pads from excessive wiper wear.

Abstract: A variable resistance switch utilizing a resistor network (40) and discrete electrical contacts. A thumbwheel position selector (50) having a detent follower (58) coacting with a series of detents (22) is utilized by an operator to feel the detent follower index between detents as the thumbwheel switch is rotated. Electrical contacts are made with discrete inputs to a resistor network for selecting a discrete resistance value based upon the position of the thumbwheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera with the main circuit boards and the sub-circuit boards comprising electrical circuit constructions constituted with resistance-conductor laminated constructions so designed that the insulating support on which a resistance material layer and a conductor material layer are laminated are processed by means of the selective etching and so on in such a manner that the resistance members are constituted with the resistance material layer while the conductor parts such as wirings, terminals and so on are constituted with the conductor material layer.

Abstract: An electric potentiometer is proposed which serves to convert a mechanical movement into an electrical value. The potentiometer includes a pickup embodied as a wiper and a resistor pad which has a plurality of connections for parallel resistors distributed over the displacement range of the pickup and serving as support points. With these parallel resistors, the partial resistance established by the pickup can be varied to a predetermined course. The support points extend crosswise to the contact track of the pickup on the resistor pad and are embodied as only so long that they terminate before reaching the contact track.

Abstract: A system for automatic control of water temperature by means of a plurality of pushbuttons or their equivalent bearing indicia identifying a range of available temperatures which, when actuated through appropriate circuitry, control the water valve setting as to the proportion of hot water to cold water and vice versa and as to the volume of water.

Abstract: A potentiometer comprises a support member having first and second support regions and an intermediate region located therebetween, a resistive member supported on the support member at the first support region thereof and having a longitudinal dimension extending transversely of a line from the first support region to the second support region, and a resilient contact member secured to the support member at the second support region and extending over the intermediate region and terminating superjacent the resistive member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable resistor of the slide type incorporating a pair of resistor units carried on the same base plate and disposed in parallel with respect to each other. A plurality of conductive taps angle outwardly from a resistance member provided in each of the resistor units and a pair of sliders can be slidingly moved along and in contact with the series of the plurality of conductive taps in the pair of conductor units, respectively, but do not contact the resistance members directly.

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 resistance element comprises an insulating cylinder having a helical thread groove on the outer surface thereof. A resistive channel is supported by the groove and a multi-strand wiper is guided by a follower which rides in the root of the channel. The resistance material on the sides of the groove may be notched for purposes of calibration.

Abstract: A regulation device is disclosed, for regulating a physical magnitude as a function of two independent parameters: the parameters can be, for example, parameters of interest in the operation of an internal-combustion engine. Instead of the conventional space cam, a surface is provided on which the third dimension is represented by different voltage so as to define on such a planar or curved surface a family of equipotential curves. The readings taken by a conductive follower are mechanically converted so as to govern the appropriate component parts of an engine so as to have an automatical adjustment of certain parameters. The device is dependable and reliable and cannot be prone to jamming or mechanical defects. The device is of the potentiometric class.

Abstract: A potentiometer assembly particularly suited for supplying tuning voltages for all of the bands of signals capable of receipt by a television receiver or the like, includes three segments of resistive material arranged in a circle on a support member. Each of the segments corresponds to a different band of frequencies to which the television receiver may be tuned. Band selection is effected by comparable conductive segments on the support member.In one embodiment, a single wiper is used to sweep all of the resistive segments to supply the desired tuning voltage output. A cam arrangement is used to adjust the detented position of the wiper relative to the support member to effect fine tuning at each position. Other embodiments utilize individually adjustable wipers for each station or detent position of the tuner, with each wiper being preset to effect the fine tuning at the detented position of the potentiometer assembly.

Abstract: A potentiometer assembly particularly suited for supplying tuning voltages for all of the bands of signals capable of receipt by a television receiver or the like, includes three segments of resistive material arranged in a circle on a support member. Each of the segments corresponds to a different band of frequencies to which the television receiver may be tuned. Band selection is effected by comparable conductive segments on the support member.In one embodiment, a single wiper is used to sweep all of the resistive segments to supply the desired tuning voltage output. A cam arrangement is used to adjust the detented position of the wiper relative to the support member to effect fine tuning at each position. Other embodiments utilize individually adjustable wipers for each station or detent position of the tuner, with each wiper being preset to effect the fine tuning at the detented position of the potentiometer assembly.