Abstract: An inexpensive electronic control device is implemented that enables a power supply voltage supplied to a microcomputer to be varied using a simple method and that enables an identical power supply to be adapted to various microcomputers. A switch is turned on to determine the value of a discrete resistor, and a voltage based on the value of current from a current source and the resistance value of the discrete resistor is caused in an In1 terminal. By an A/D converter, the In1 terminal voltage is subjected to A/D conversion, and a digital code corresponding to the selectively connected discrete resistor is detected. The result of the A/D conversion is saved in a register, and the determination of the resistance value of the discrete resistor performed by the A/D converter is completed. After the completion of the resistance value determination performed by the A/D converter, power supply voltages start activation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a potentiometer comprising (a) at least two electrically conducting segments (12), each of which has a contact end (14) that is bordered by a circumferential edge (16) and which adjoin each other in a flush manner by means of one respective section (18, 20) of the edges (16) thereof, and (b) a connecting device (38) for electrically connecting a first contact point (P1) in a first segment to at least one second contact point (P2, P3) in a second segment that is different from the first segment.

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: An electronic component substrate (1-1) includes an insulating base (10) and a flexible circuit board (20) mounted on the insulating base (10). The flexible circuit board (20) is a synthetic resin film provided thereon with terminal patterns (29) and a conductor pattern (25) whose surface is slidingly contacted with a slider. The insulating base (10) is a synthetic resin molded piece. The flexible circuit board (20) is insert-molded to the insulating base (10). The electronic component substrate (1-1) is produced by preparing the flexible circuit board (20) and first and second mold members (41, 45) having a cavity (C1) with a shape that corresponds to the external shape of the electronic component substrate (1-1). Then, the flexible circuit board (20) is accommodated in the cavity (C1) between the first and second mold members (41,45), and the cavity (C1) is filled with a molten molding resin. After the molding resin has solidified, the first and second mold members (41, 45) are removed.

Abstract: An object is to provide a PTC element capable of preventing lead terminals from delaminating from an element body. This PTC element 1 is a PTC element comprising an element body 10 in which an electroconductive filler is dispersed in a crystalline polymer, and a pair of terminal electrodes 12, 14 thermocompression-bonded with the element body 10 in between, wherein each of the pair of terminal electrodes 12, 14 has an overlapping region 121, 141 overlapping with the element body 10, and a nonoverlapping region 122, 142 not overlapping with the element body 10, and wherein the nonoverlapping region 122, 142 of each of the pair of terminal electrodes 12, 14 is constructed of a succession of a wide portion 122a a width of which is large across a direction in which the terminal electrode 12, 14 extends from the element body 10, and a narrow portion 122b a width of which is smaller than the width of the wide portion 122a.

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

Abstract: A 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 variable electronic component includes an insulating substrate and a metal rotor rotatably attached to the upper surface of the substrate. The rotor includes a cup-shaped member attached to the substrate and having an upper end formed with an outward flange. The rotor also includes a plate member formed integral with the flange via a hinge portion. The plate member is arranged on an upper side or a lower side of the flange. The cup-shaped member or the plate member is formed with a recess, and the other is formed with a protrusion fitted into the recess.

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 portable air bag simulator having a circuit that provides selectable resistance values between 0.5 ohms and 6.0 ohms. The air bag simulator can be used to simulate the resistance of a number of air bag models and can simultaneously simulate both the driver side and passenger side airbag.

Abstract: A push-pull rotary switch includes a board having two circuits on opposite sides. Conductors are respectively positioned above the circuits for contacting ground and contact pads of the circuits. A shaft extends through the conductors and the board and is rotatable and moveable between inward and outward positions. The conductors are connected to the shaft to rotate and move with the shaft. A first conductor contacts the ground pad and a contact pad of a first circuit when the shaft is in the inward position. A second conductor contacts the ground pad and a contact pad of a second circuit when the shaft is in the outward position. A first trace is connected to the first circuit ground pad and a second trace is connected to the second circuit ground pad. A contactor connects a ground trace to at least one of the first and second traces at all times.

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: By using a two-part assembly of a rotary member (10) bearing one or more wipers (14) clipped on to a substrate member (1) bearing one or more tracks (3), subassemblies may be supplied which can be used by manufacturers of articles (20,21,22) in which it is desired to sense the angular position of one member (20) relative to another (22), but which are easy to install and reliable in use. The assembly provides substantial savings in terms of the number of individual components used, thus reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. Manufacturing costs may also be reduced by using track material as a bearing material, as both track and bearing may be applied simultaneously, e.g. by screen printing.

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: In a lever transmitter for a fuel tank, two spring tongues, each with a sliding contact, are arranged on a contact plate of a potentiometer. The contact plate is prestressed against sliding tracks of the potentiometer by a spring element fastened to the carrier and having the sliding contacts due to vibrations are thereby reliably avoided.

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 thereon. 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 moveable. To reduce the rate at which the upper surfaces of the contacts are worn away by movement of the wiper, an insulating or highly resistive filler material is deposited between the conductive materials which form the lands.

Abstract: In a click structure of a rotary electric part according to the present invention, a click member and a biasing member are formed as separate members, so the resilience of the biasing member is not affected by the heat generated during molding; besides, the spring span of the biasing member can be made long, thus ensuring a satisfactory resilience over a long period. The rotary electric part. Long-term durability, good click feeling and reduced noise are also characteristic features of the rotary electric part of the invention.

Abstract: A fuel level indicator system that utilizes a resistor card having an arc-shaped resistive path with a first set of spaced apart conductor lines and an arc-shaped resistive ink material overlying the first set of conductor lines. The first conductor lines are formed at an angle with respect to a radial line drawn from the center of the resistive path arc. The resistor card also has an arc-shaped continuously solid conductor base and a second set of spaced apart conductor lines extending from the base at an angle with respect to a radial line drawn from the center of the arc-shaped conductor base. The system includes a wiper assembly having a pair of spaced apart arms. Each arm has a plurality of parallel fingers extending from one end. One of the fingers on a first arm engages a conductor line on the resistive path and a second finger on the first arm engages an adjacent conductor line along the resistive path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to making sensors by cutting pieces from a boule or ingot of a metal oxide single crystal. The sensors produced are also described.

Abstract: A potentiometer is disclosed that provides a user with tactile feel while making adjustments. The potentiometer includes a housing having a central bore with a rotor extending therein. A knob having a protrusion is operably connected to the rotor along with a wiper. A detent member having a lobe attachment segment and a fixed segment is operably connected to the housing. The lobe is deflected by the knob protrusion while the ring is compressed by forcing the lobe attachment segment towards said fixed segment. Furthermore, attached to the housing is a base plate carrying a resistive strip engaged by the wiper.

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 map or globe is provided with a transparent thin covering capable of conducting electricity. The transparent thin covering envelopes the globe or overlies the map. An electrical resistance measuring means would be employed to determine a measure of electrical resistance between any two points on the map or globe. The electrical resistance measuring means would include a first probe and a second probe. The first probe would be placed on a first location on the map or globe and the second probe would be placed on a second location on the map or globe. A measure of electrical resistance will be generated by the electrical resistance measuring means reflecting the resistance of the conductive thin covering between the first location and the second location. This electrical resistance is proportionally related to the distance separating the two points on the map or globe.

Abstract: A chip-type variable resistor is provided which includes an insulating substrate formed with a resistor strip which is arcuate at least partially and has both ends electrically connected to respective extremity electrode terminals, an intermediate terminal member mounted to the substrate, and a contact member electrically connected to the intermediate terminal member and rotatably mounted to the substrate in slidable contact with the resistor strip. The resistor strip includes at least one portion having a lower area resistivity (defined as a resistance per unit surface area) and at least another portion having a higher area resistivity.

Abstract: A variable electronic component includes an insulating substrate, and a rotor made of a metal plate and rotatably supported on the substrate for parameter adjustment of the electronic component. The rotor includes a main rotor member and an upper plate member integral with the main rotor member via a connecting web which is bent so that the upper plate member overlaps on the main rotor member. The upper plate member has an engaging opening for engagement with a turning tool. The main rotor member is provided with a first engaging portion at a position spaced from the connecting web, whereas the upper plate member is provided with a second engaging portion for engagement with the first engaging portion to prevent the upper plate member from angularly deviating relative to the main rotor member when the upper plate member is overlapped on the main rotor member.

Abstract: A surface mount variable resistor includes a rotor assembly rotatably mounted on a substrate having an arcuate resistive element thereon. The rotor assembly includes a thermoplastic rotor and a conductive metal slider. The slider is a rivet having a flat head that is insert-molded into the plastic rotor, and a shank extending axially from the head, terminating in a tail end. A conductive metal wiper is welded to the head so as to be exposed from the rotor, thereby to establish electrical contact with the resistive element. A conductive metal collector element is disposed on the surface of the substrate opposite the resistive element. The substrate and the collector element have registering apertures through which the shank is inserted.

Abstract: A potentiometer has a substantially rectilinear slide spring (2) which rests on a defined inclined support surface (4) of the spring carrier (1), being supported, in one direction, at the front edge (7) of this support surface and, in the other direction, projecting into a recess (5) of the spring carrier serving as a thrust bearing for the vertical force. The slide spring (2) is anchored firmly on the spring carrier by means of a tongue (12) bent upwardly and by a post (13) of the spring carrier.

Abstract: A potentiometer which can be used for measurement of angles includes an enclosure made of insulating material. The enclosure has a positioning portion comprising a pair of grooves to guide a resistance base plate into the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with a recess extending perpendicular to the plane of the base plate to rotatably receive the shaft portion of a sliding member. This sliding member further includes a slider which is brought into sliding contact with electrodes formed on the base plate. This produces a change in the resistance of a resistance member formed on the base plate.

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 multiposition switch, particularly suited for use as a motor speed controller, includes pairs of fixed contacts disposed in two parallel rows, and an arcuately shaped elongated movable contact. The movable contact rocks across successive pairs of the fixed contacts to make contact between a given pair of fixed contacts before contact is broken between a preceding pair. The movable contact is freely supported and rocked in response to forces exerted thereon by first and second rollers. The first roller is supported on a lever which is pivotable about a movable point so that as the lever is moved from an off position the first roller applies a force to the movable contact proximate a second end thereof. The second roller is supported on a pivotable member and applies a force to the movable contact proximate the first end thereof tending to return the contact to the off position.

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: An apparatus for the control of variable speed electrical positioning drives, especially for sewing machine positioning drives, is disclosed in two exemplary embodiments. The apparatus provides a preset nominal value of speed and a range of adjustment for additional signals in digital form, thus making possible a continuous or incremental change in the nominal value as well as additional digital signals. The apparatus includes lamellar contact elements of a potentiometer arranged on a base element in the path of a slider for the nominal value of speed and at least one low resistance lamellar contact element arranged in the slider path for producing an additional digital signal.

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.