Abstract: A wall-mountable load control device may include an illuminated rotary knob for providing a nightlight feature. The load control device may be configured to control an intensity of a lighting load. The load control device may include a yoke adapted to be mounted to an electrical wall box, an enclosure attached to the yoke, a faceplate attached to the yoke and having an opening, a mounting member attached to the yoke, and/or a potentiometer located within the enclosure and having a shaft extending through an opening in the yoke and the opening of the faceplate. The load control device may include a collar attached to the boss of the mounting member and surrounding the shaft of the potentiometer. The mounting member may be configured to conduct light from at least one light source housed within the enclosure to illuminate the faceplate.

Abstract: A wall-mountable load control device may include an illuminated rotary knob for providing a nightlight feature. The load control device may be configured to control an intensity of a lighting load. The load control device may include a yoke adapted to be mounted to an electrical wall box, an enclosure attached to the yoke, a faceplate attached to the yoke and having an opening, a mounting member attached to the yoke, and/or a potentiometer located within the enclosure and having a shaft extending through an opening in the yoke and the opening of the faceplate. The load control device may include a collar attached to the boss of the mounting member and surrounding the shaft of the potentiometer. The mounting member may be configured to conduct light from at least one light source housed within the enclosure to illuminate the faceplate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dimmable lighting apparatus, comprising a light emitting circuit and a driving circuit coupled with the light emitting circuit. The driving circuit comprises a rectifier module, a filtering module coupled between the light emitting circuit and the rectifier module, a constant current module coupled between the filtering module and the light emitting circuit, and a dimming module. In particular, the dimming module is configured to receive a driving signal supplied to the light emitting circuit from the constant current module, and feed the driving signal back to the constant current module to adjust an output power of the constant current module.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a multi-angle electric exercise equipment, including: a meridian stretching standing plate which includes a base, standing plate handrails, and an angle adjusting standing plate, a health management system which comprises a health inspection and control unit and a health analysis unit; the standing plate handrails are provided on the base; the angle adjusting standing plate is provided facing the handrails and at one side of the base; an upper surface of the angle adjusting standing plate is provided with a treading area, the angle adjusting standing plate is adjustable in angle; the health analysis unit is used to analyze health information collected by the health inspection and control unit, acquire a health analysis result, and provides a health solution. The present disclosure is mainly used for stretching of meridians of human body, providing multi-angle stretching angle adjustment for exercises of stepped difficulty.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate treating apparatus which comprises a process chamber; an electrode configured to generate plasma from a gas supplied into the process chamber; an RF power supply configured to output an RF power; a transmission line configured to transmit the RF power to the electrode from the RF power supply; an impedance matching unit connected to the transmission line and configured to match plasma impedance; and a controller configured to output a control signal to the impedance matching unit, wherein the impedance matching unit comprises an adjustable capacitor having a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of switches corresponding to the plurality of capacitors, the plurality of switches being switched on/off according to the control signal so that capacitance of the adjustable capacitor is adjusted.

Abstract: An interface terminating device for an interface port includes, in one embodiment, a resistor having first and second conductive leads and a resistive element between the first and second leads. The interface terminating device includes a resistor holder and resistor engager which cooperate together to establish electrical contact with an interface port.

Abstract: A rheostat includes a connection port, a variable resistor, a controller and a display. The connection port is electrically connected to a computer and configured for receiving a control signal of the computer. The variable resistor is electrically connected to a circuit board. The controller is electrically connected to the connection port and the variable resistor and is configured for changing a resistance value of the variable resistor according to the control signal. The display is electrically connected to the controller and displaying the resistance value.

Abstract: [Problem] There is a need for a chip component which has excellent mountability, which can accommodate multiple types of requested values with a common basic design, and which has improved geometric accuracy and micromachining accuracy. [Solution] A chip resistor (10) (chip component) which includes: a substrate (11); an element circuit network (20, 21) which includes multiple element parts formed on the substrate (11); an external connection electrode (12) provided on the substrate (11) for external connection to the element circuit network (20, 21); multiple fuses provided on the substrate (11) for detachably connecting the element parts and the external connection electrode (12); and a solder layer (124) formed on the external connection terminal of the external connection electrode (12).

Abstract: [Problem] There is demand for chip resistors that are compact and that have high resistivity. [Solution] A chip resistor (100) has a substrate (11), a first connection electrode (12) and a second connection electrode (13) that are formed on the substrate (11), and a resistor network that is formed on the substrate (11) and that has ends one of which is connected to the first connection electrode (12) and the other one of which is connected to the second connection electrode (13). The resistor network is provided with a resistive circuit. The resistive circuit has a resistive element film line (103) that is provided along inner wall surfaces of trenches (101). The resistive element film line (103) extending along the inner wall surfaces of the trenches (101) is long and has a high resistivity as a unit resistive element. [Effect] The resistivity of the chip resistor (100) as a whole can be increased.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for providing a variable resistance may be configured to provide a resistance value according to a binary-coded decimal scheme. The apparatus may be referred to herein as a BCD variable resistance apparatus. The BCD variable resistance apparatus may include a plurality of resistive elements and a plurality of switches. In an embodiment, the resistive elements may be coupled with respective switches in a binary-coded decimal scheme.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for providing a variable resistance may be configured to provide a resistance value according to a binary-coded decimal scheme. The apparatus may be referred to herein as a BCD variable resistance apparatus. The BCD variable resistance apparatus may include a plurality of resistive elements and a plurality of switches. In an embodiment, the resistive elements may be coupled with respective switches in a binary-coded decimal scheme.

Abstract: A variable speed toggle switch that allows a user to reverse a rotational direction of a motor and supply variable amounts of power to a motor, such as in a power tool, for example, a power drill. A trigger can include a gear segment that meshingly engages a gear on a potentiometer to electrically communicate the actuation direction and actuation amount of the trigger to a microprocessor. The microprocessor can then signal to an H-bridge, or to a series of transistors, the actuation direction and actuation amount of the trigger. A motor or other device can be powered by a power source in an amount corresponding to the actuation amount, and in a direction corresponding to the actuation direction of the trigger.

Abstract: An analog amplifier for amplifying an analog signal and an analog filter is provided. In particular, an apparatus and method for controlling gain and cutoff frequency of the variable gain amplifier and the variable cutoff frequency filter that is capable of changing the gain and cutoff frequency are provided. The variable resister includes a plurality of resister segments in the variable resister and, when a plurality of resistance candidates for the variable resister is arranged in order of size, the resistance candidates form a geometric series.

Abstract: A variable speed toggle switch that allows a user to reverse a rotational direction of a motor and supply variable amounts of power to a motor, such as in a power tool, for example, a power drill. A trigger can include a gear segment that meshingly engages a gear on a potentiometer to electrically communicate the actuation direction and actuation amount of the trigger to a microprocessor. The microprocessor can then signal to an H-bridge, or to a series of transistors, the actuation direction and actuation amount of the trigger. A motor or other device can be powered by a power source in an amount corresponding to the actuation amount, and in a direction corresponding to the actuation direction of the trigger.

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 variable resistor network has a coarse resistance network and a fine resistance network connected in series with the coarse network. The coarse resistance network comprises a chain of series-connected resistors any one or more of which may be switched out of the series by individual parallel-connected relays. The fine network comprises a shunt resistor together with a fixed resistor and a series-connected adjustable resistor together connected in parallel with the shunt resistor. A control circuit is arranged to control the relays for the switching of the resistors of the coarse network and also to control adjustment of the adjustable resistor. A chosen resistance value can be set by appropriate switching of the coarse network and adjustment of the adjustable resistor.

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: The invention relates to an electrical and/or optical temperature detector/indicator based on conductive polymers, said detector/indicator being suitably used in such packages for products, the temperature changes of which need to be monitored.

Abstract: A trimming circuit and an electronic circuit that decreases the resistance of an activated transistor while reducing the number of resistors. The trimming circuit includes a plurality of series-connected units. Units for respectively changing adjusting resistances of Runit/2, Runit/4, Runit/8, and Runit/16 are each formed by a transistor, a series-connected resistor circuit, which has resistance Rt and which is connected in series to the transistor, and a parallel-connected resistor circuit, which has resistance Rm and which is connected to the transistor and the series-connected resistor circuit. The resistances Rm and Rt are determined in each unit such that the difference between the resistance Rm when the transistor is off and the resistance of the entire unit when the transistor is on determines the adjusting resistance.

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 programable gain amplifier (PGA) has an amplifier and a variable resistor that is connected to the output of the amplifier. The variable resistor includes a resistor that is connected to a reference voltage and multiple parallel taps that tap off the resistor. A two-stage switch network having fine stage switches and coarse stage switches connects the resistor taps to an output node of the PGA. The taps and corresponding fine stage switches are arranged into two or more groups, where each group has n-number of fine stage switches and corresponding taps. One terminal of each fine stage switch is connected to the corresponding resistor tap, and the other terminal is connected to an output terminal for the corresponding group. The coarse stage switches select from among the groups of fine stage switches, and connect to the output of the PGA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to switch or volume control assemblies, in particular to switch or volume control assemblies to be mounted in e.g. hearing aids, said assembly comprising a movable member, such as a wheel-like member positioned between at least two detachable parts defining the exterior of a housing, the movable member having a part extending out of the housing, the movable member engaging a contact member so as to move the contact member with the movable member.

Abstract: A resistance assembly having a resistance member prevents accidental movement of a hookstick operated switching assembly. A switch assembly of the hookstick operated switching assembly is mounted on a base. The resistance member includes a lever connected to the switch assembly that moves the switch between opened and closed positions. A first end of a pin is connected to the lever. A resistance member is connected to a second end of the pin. The resistance member contacts the base when the lever rotates to move the switch assembly between open and closed positions, thereby preventing accidental opening and closing of the switch assembly.

Abstract: A heating appliance having an electrical circuit that controls the temperature output of the heating appliance is provided with a bimetallic element that opens upon reaching a temperature level. A potentiometer in the circuit is used to select the temperature level within an acceptable range of temperatures. The potentiometer has a rotatable shaft including a first positioning element. A knob is secured to the shaft and has a second positioning element that engages the first positioning element on the shaft. The first and second positioning elements have portions that may be modified to compensate for variations in the temperature at which the bimetallic element opens. The first positioning element may be a rib, while the second positioning element is a slot in a tubular portion of the knob receives the rib and that may be located in a range of arcuate positions.

Abstract: A wallbox dimmer switch includes an actuator mounting frame having a platform portion that is receivable in a rectangular wallplate opening having standard toggle-type dimensions. The dimmer switch includes a pushbutton actuator for a switch and an adjacently located dimmer actuator that extend substantially parallel to a first side of the platform portion. The pushbutton actuator includes a user-engageable portion having an outer surface of which at least the end portions are defined by a portion of a substantially prolate spheroid for minimization of undesirable coupling between the adjacent actuators during actuation by a user. The switch may also include an actuator for an airgap switch extending through the platform portion and an array of indicator lights that are displayed through openings extending to an actuator-presentation surface of the platform portion.

Abstract: A knob having a button for a rheostat includes a base, at least one arcuate contacts, a hub, a pushbutton cap with a conductive arc corresponding to the arcuate contacts and a biasing member mounted in the pushbutton cap. The biasing member can be mounted between the pushbutton cap and the hub or the base to make the pushbutton cap return to its original position when pressure on the pushbutton cap is released. A rotating shaft of a rheostat extends out from the base and connects to the hub. The pushbutton cap is mounted on the hub to turn the hub and the rotating shaft to change resistance of the rheostat.

Abstract: A microelectro-mechanical device which includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, the fixed electrode including a transparent, high resistance layer, and a moveable electrode formed with an anisotropic stress in a predetermined direction and disposed adjacent the fixed electrode. The device includes first and second electrically conductive regions which are isolated from one another by the fixed electrode. The moveable electrode moves to cover the fixed electrode and to electrically couple to the second conductive region, thus electrically coupling the first and second conductive regions, in response to a potential being applied across the fixed and moveable electrodes. The fixed electrode is transparent to electromagnetic signals or waves and the moveable electrode impedes or allows transmission of electromagnetic signals or waves.

Abstract: Electrothermal Self-Latching MEMS Switch and Method. According to one embodiment, a microscale switch having a movable microcomponent is provided and includes a substrate having a stationary contact. The switch can also include a structural layer having a movable contact positioned for contacting the stationary contact when the structural layer moves toward the substrate. An electrothermal latch attached to the structural layer and having electrical communication with the movable contact to provide current flow between the electrothermal latch and the stationary contact when the movable contact contacts the stationary contact for maintaining the movable contact in contact with the stationary contact.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved register circuit of an extended mode register set. The register circuit comprises a first mode register block reset by a reset signal and outputting a predetermined level of signal in the input of an extended mode register set signal; a logic block for generating an output signal by OR operation of the reset signal and the mode register set signal and masking the mode register set signal when the predetermined level of signal is inputted from the first mode register block; and a second mode register block reset by output signal of the logic block.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for an electrical slide switch that has a detenting or clicking action is disclosed. The switch mechanism provides such detenting action in a mechanism that has a switch lever that moves through an arcuate path of movement and provides a uniform resistance to movement through the entire range of movement of the switch lever.

Abstract: An electrical switch has spaced, facing coupler and carrier layers with a set of electrodes formed on the facing surfaces thereof. There is an aperture in the coupler layer. A conductive armature is disposed in the space between the coupler and carrier, aligned with the aperture. The coupler is a magnet and the armature is made of magnetic material so the armature is normally held in engagement with the coupler. A user can press on any part of the armature through the aperture to cause a first portion of the armature to break away from the armature and contact the electrodes on the carrier while a second portion of the armature remains in contact with the coupler. The electrodes are arranged to provide an output which is dependent upon the location of contact with the armature. The armature is rotatable to different positions. A resilient member may be interposed at the interface of an armature post and the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch type variable resistor, including a rotation shaft, a bushing, a housing, a variable resistor portion, and a switch portion. The switch portion includes a switch portion seat, a control plate, an insulating plate, a pair of electrode terminals, an elastic connecting member, an annular connecting member, a rotary member, and a rivet. The variable resistor portion includes a pair of terminal seats each having variable resistor carbon film plates and terminals, a pair of contact plates, and a contact plate seat. The contact plates and the control plate are rotated by the rotation shaft, thereby forming the complete switch type variable resistor.

Abstract: An accelerator module for an electric vehicle has a pivotal actuator upon which is mounted a wiping element for wiping engagement with variable and constant resistance elements formed upon a printed circuit board mounted within a housing. A normally-open switch mechanism is also mounted upon the printed circuit board, and in order to delay the closure of the normally-open switch mechanism from its OPEN state to its CLOSED state, the actuator is provided with a spring-biased overtravel plunger mechanism which engages a push-button element of the switch mechanism so as to retain the switch in its OPEN state until the actuator has been moved a predetermined distance corresponding to a predetermined amount of depression of the accelerator pedal of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A microelectro-mechanical device which includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, the fixed electrode including a transparent, high resistance layer, and a moveable electrode formed with an anisotropic stress in a predetermined direction and disposed adjacent the fixed electrode. The device includes first and second electrically conductive regions which are isolated from one another by the fixed electrode. The moveable electrode moves to cover the fixed electrode and to electrically couple to the second conductive region, thus electrically coupling the first and second conductive regions, in response to a potential being applied across the fixed and moveable electrodes. The fixed electrode is transparent to electromagnetic signals or waves and the moveable electrode impedes or allows transmission of electromagnetic signals or waves.

Abstract: A remote control device has a compartment enclosed by a housing and receiving a printed board that carries a potentiometer for controlling the volume of sound of an electronic sound device and a switch for deactivating a selected playing selection. The remote control device is further provided with a plurality of coupling elements connecting the printed board to the housing and with a multi-wire cable connecting the potentiometer and push switch to an audio circuit and a selection control circuit of the electronic sound device.

Abstract: A variable resistance control device and switch has a base, made of insulating material, a rheostat, mounted to the base, and a switch, mounted to the base. The rheostat includes a variable resistor trace, positioned on the base, a collector trace, positioned on the base next to and insulated from the variable resistor trace. The rheostat includes an actuator, slidably coupled to the base, for sliding over a length of both the variable resistor trace and the collector trace to make electrical contact therebetween. The rheostat also includes a first set of contacts, that are 1) electrically coupled during operation of the rheostat, and are 2) electrically isolated during operation of the switch; and a second set of contacts, that are 1) electrically isolated during operation of the rheostat, and are 2) electrically coupled during the operation of the switch.

Abstract: A rotary variable resistor with switch having a switch mechanism, in particular, a rotary variable resistor with switch corresponding to an ultrathin rotary variable resistor. Such a rotary variable resistor having a switch mechanism has dimensions, especially thickness, which are only slightly larger than that of a conventional ultrathin rotary variable resistor. Moreover, such a rotary variable resistor is easy to assembly due to the small number of parts, is reliable, and generates a fairly loud and easily recognizable clicking sound each time the switch is turned on or off, which can be both easily felt and heard by the user.

Abstract: An electric tool rheostatic device in a switching arrangement is provided for regulating the speed of an electric motor in an electric tool. A circuit board for receiving electronic components is disposed in a switch housing. A potentiometer disposed within the switch housing includes a potentiometer slider operatively connected with a manually-operated actuating member and a resistance track that is constituted by a chip resistance element produced independently of the circuit board according to surface mounted device technology and mounted on the circuit board independently of the potentiometer slider. Upon assembly of the switching arrangement the potentiometer slide is adjustably located on the resistance track by the manually-operated actuating member for controlling resistance.

Abstract: An electric control device for an outdoor lamp includes a control box having a side wall that is formed with a through hole, and a rotary-type variable resistance switch having a main switch housing that is disposed inside the control box and an externally threaded tubular sleeve that extends frontwardly from the main switch housing and through the through hole of the control box. The switch further has a rotatable switch arm which extends axially and rotatably from an interior of the main switch housing and through the tubular sleeve. A nut retains the switch on the control box and is threaded internally to engage the tubular sleeve. The nut has an outer peripheral surface which is formed with at least one annular peripheral groove. A resilient washer is provided on a rear face of the nut and is pressed by the nut to contact tightly the side wall of the control box. An O-ring is provided on the nut in each annular peripheral groove.

Abstract: A low pressure monitor for hybrid air bag systems for vehicles includes a pressure responsive disc 34.6 exposed on one side to a reference pressure chamber 34.11 and on the other side to the pressure in an air bag bottle 40 and positioned adjacent a movable arm 28.10 of an electric switch, The switch includes an electrically conductive sheet having a first portion partially encased in a base 26 of electrically insulative material and being connected to a first terminal 14 and a second portion forming the movable contact arm 28.10 extending from the insulative material and culminating with a portion formed with contact rib 28.14 adapted to be received beneath a laterally extending stationary contact portion 22 of a second terminal 16. Tabs 28.4, 28.6 extend from the sheet out of the insulative material for connection to a resistor 30 mounted on the electrically insulative base and a frangible portion 28.

Abstract: A novel joy stick in which arcuate shaped resistors are biased against conductive coil carried by a ball. The arcuate shaped resistors have electrical contacts that extend from them. Tactile feel is obtained by providing detent means that give the ball a suitable feel as it is moved.

Abstract: A rotary, push-pull switch (20) for use in an automobile has a rotating ceramic coated metal substrate rheostat (48) and a supplemental switch (52) which opens and closes a dome light bypass circuit. The supplemental switch (52) is mounted internally to the rotary, push-pull switch (20) adjacent to the rotating rheostat (48) disposed on a shaft (36). A projection (88), which is radially disposed on the shaft (36), is used to actuate the supplemental switch (52) by engaging a resilient contact leaf (60) when the shaft (36) is rotated sufficiently. The engagement of the projection (88) and contact arm (60) causes the separation of a contact (62) and terminal (64), opens the dome light bypass circuit, and precludes energizing the dome light.

Abstract: A magnetically sensitive switch is provided with an electromagnetic interference shield molded within the housing of the switch. In one embodiment, the magnetically sensitive switch is a vane switch for use in an automobile ignition system. The electromagnetic interference shield is formed by appropriately bending a flat sheet at a plurality of bend lines to form a box-like structure. The box like structure has five surfaces and one or more connection legs extending from one of the surfaces. One surface of the box-like structure also serves as a potting dam when a potting material is deposited into the cavity formed by the five surfaces during the process by which internal components are potted within the cavity of the EMI shield. The vane switch also includes a magnet encapsulated within its housing structure and spaced apart from the magnetically sensitive device within the EMI shield by a predetermined gap.

Abstract: A rotary switch for controlling electrical circuitry in ranges, ovens, etc., to be manually adjusted for control of function cycles. Included with the manually operated function selector are means for determining the position of the function selector providing at the same time via a low voltage DC communication link, with a solid state microprocessor or similar unit as used for control of ranges, ovens, etc.

Abstract: A circuit and apparatus for sensing the adjustment of a variable impedance device includes an elongated switching element having an alternating series of conductive and non-conductive areas. The conductive areas are electrically connected. As the device is adjusted, a wiper alternately operates the switch between open and closed states. A circuit detects the switch-state change and provides a signal which indicates that the device is being adjusted. The signal can, in turn, determine the output of a dimming circuit, a wireless transmitter, etc., or can determine whether power is provided to a microprocessor or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a variable impedance device includes an end-of-travel return mechanism.

Abstract: A variable resistance switch includes first and second flexible contact arms engageable by a pair of cam followers operable sequentially by an actuator movable in a first and an opposite direction. The actuator also carries a wiper movable therewith over a variable resistance coupled to a terminal. The first contact arm is operable upon initial movement of the actuator in a first direction to complete a first circuit through the switch, and the second switch arm is operable upon further movement of the actuator in the first direction to complete a second circuit through the switch and to place the variable resistance in circuit between one of the switch arms and the terminal. Further movement of the actuator in the first direction is operable to move a wiper over the resistance to vary the resistance in circuit with the terminal. A pivotal trigger is coupled to the actuator for moving the same in the first direction, and a spring biases the cam in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A variable resistor having a switching function includes a base plate, a first electrode formed on the base plate, a second electrode formed on the base plate, a third electrode formed on the base plate, and a fourth electrode formed on the base plate simultaneously with the formation of the second electrode. A resistive element connects electrically the first and the second electrodes, a first switching element is provided and includes two brushes which slide on the surfaces of the third electrode and the resistive element, respectively. A second switching element is movable together with the first switching element and includes two brushes which slide on the surfaces of the first electrode and the fourth electrode, respectively.

Abstract: A system for controlling power to an electrical load includes a linear slide dimmer and a switch, whose pushbutton actuator moves up and down with the dimmer slider. When the pushbutton is depressed, to actuate the switch, it rides in and out in the slider. The slider only moves up and down. In one embodiment, a light is visible through the pushbutton in a darkened environment. In another embodiment, a wallbox-mountable switch assembly includes a pushbutton-actuated, alternate-action mechanical power switch whose pushbutton, when depressed, moves within a bezel that is attached to the switch support.

Abstract: A dimmer and switch device is adapted for mounting on a wall. The elements of the device that are visible when it is mounted on a wall are easily replaced. In another embodiment, a linear slide dimmer and push-button switch device are arranged in juxtaposition, so that a section of the dimmer slider can pass through the switch mechanism. A high-power, push-button switching device combines a high-power switch and a latching device. A dimmer includes a potentiometer that is marked by detents to permit stable, reproducible dimmer settings. The switching device and dimmer are suitable for use in the dimmer/switch.

Abstract: A variable resistor with a switch which minimizes appearances of an arc and prevents incomplete contact between contacts of the switch originating from such an arc. The variable resistor with a switch includes a torsion coil spring having one end connected to a movable contact element supported for pivotal motion around a support shaft and the other end connected to a cam member also supported for pivotal motion around the support shaft. When the cam member is pivoted by movement of a slider receiver, a connecting point between the torsion coil spring and the cam member moves across a straight line interconnecting the support shaft and another connecting point between the torsion coil spring and the movable contact element so that a movable contact on the movable contact element is instantaneously brought into or out of contact with a fixed contact to turn the switch on or off irrespective of the speed of movement of the slider receiver.