With Switch Patents (Class 338/200)
  • Patent number: 4878154
    Abstract: A control body includes a circuit board, a housing having three engaging sets and a base having electric wire guiding grooves each of which includes three spaced radially arcuate platelets, a cover plate having three pairs of barbed legs respectively engaging with the three engaging sets, an end cover, a switch disk, a coupling piece, and a rotating disk so that the control body can be closed though a mechanically engaging style to have a water-proof effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Kwang N. Wang
  • Patent number: 4827241
    Abstract: A composite headlight switch with buzzer circuit for use in a vehicle with, for example, a dome light, the dome light switch being located in line with the remaining switch elements in a front area of the overall switch structure, which front area was previously occupied by a spacer, rather than having the dome light switch located outboard on the exterior side of the overall switch structure as in the prior art. The dome light switch structure comprises front and back elements which include sandwiched between them a centrally located driver having a laterally extending peripheral cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Riser, Edward W. Gray, Terry D. Riser
  • Patent number: 4812804
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel controller for electric devices directed to use in bath, comprising a moisture- and waterproof container that encloses the main part of an electric device; a magnet movably provided outside the container; a switch means provided inside the container, the switch means being operable by moving a movable piece; and a magnetic body equipped to the movable piece in correspondence with the moving route of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Ken Hayashibara
    Inventor: Kazumi Masaki
  • Patent number: 4803458
    Abstract: A control switch and potentiometer assembly for use in an in-the-canal type hearing air comprising a miniature single pole, single or double throw, push-pull control switch and rotary potentiometer. The components of the control switch and potentiometer are mounted within a durable thermoplastic resin housing which is anchored within the hearing aid. A single control knob for actuation of the control switch and potentiometer is raised and shaped to permit gripping between the fingertips of the user for removing the hearing aid from the ear canal.The switch contacts and switch wiper are designed such that the process of pulling on the potentiometer control knob to remove the hearing aid will extend the control switch, thereby disengaging a normally closed switch contact and opening a battery powered circuit so as to turn the hearing aid off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Wilbrecht Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Trine, David A. Samdahl, Daryle L. Petersen
  • Patent number: 4763101
    Abstract: A locking slide switch is adapted to set a resistor depending on the length f travel. A key body has a row of teeth with which a pinion meshes. A locking push-button is provided on the shaft of the pinion. In order to make locking from both sides possible, a second pinion or an elongated pinion is guided in the row of teeth. On this pinion is provided a second push-button, which can also be blocked. An on-off switch is additionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Preh, Elektrofeinmechanische Werke, Jakob Preh, Nachf. GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bauer, Gerhard Spiller
  • Patent number: 4725809
    Abstract: An electrical device that includes a variable resistor and a switch mechanism. The variable resistor has a control element disposed to be moved linearly to change the electrical resistance of the device according to the position of the control element. A switch is positioned adjacent the variable resistor and the switch includes a movable contact holder having a first electrical contact mounted thereon. A second electrical contact is positioned in the switch such that movement of the contact holder selectively brings the first electrical contact into contact with the second electrical contact. An actuator moves the movable contact holder when the control element is at one extremity of a linear movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yukio Mizuta
  • Patent number: 4725808
    Abstract: A switching device has employed a linearly operating variable resistor in place of the rotatively operating variable resistor. The switching device comprises a guide shaft and an operating knob rotatably slidably mounted thereon. The knob has an actuating arm extending from the guide shaft which mates with a longitudinal groove of a contact holder. The contact holder is movable between a first and second position by rotation of the operating knob about the guide shaft. An operating element linearly movable relative to the axis of the guide shaft, is mated with the operating knob to move the operating element to selectively adjust the variable resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yukio Mizuta
  • Patent number: 4724286
    Abstract: A rotary power control unit is capable of functioning as many different switches. The power control unit includes a housing, a shaft-actuator assembly, a circuit board with a variable resistor, and a strap for containing these elements in the housing. The shaft-actuator assembly is rotatably attached to the floor of the housing, and passes through the circuit board and strap where it is connected to a control knob. The shaft is also fastened to a wiper shoe which rotates with the shaft and varies the resistance of the circuit. By interchanging shaft-actuator assemblies, and adding appropriate components to the circuit board, the rotary power control unit may take the form of:a simple rotary control,a rotary control with full-on bypass,a simple push control,a three-way push control, ora tandem push control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Power Controls Corp.
    Inventor: James P. Cummins
  • Patent number: 4706062
    Abstract: In a potentiometer, wherein switching functions are triggered in association with the potentiometer position electrical switches (21-24) are mounted on the potentiometer plate (1) which supports the collector path (11) for the purpose of the very accurate association of the switching operations with respect to the potentiometer position and with spatially fixed switch on and switch off points with respect to the collector path (11). The switch elements which effect the switching on and off are mounted ona potentiometer setting member (17) electrically insulated which supports the customary potentiometer slider (19,20). Advantageously, each switch (21-24) is formed by a contact path (25-28) and a contact finger (29,30) rotating and sliding over the associated contact path (25,28), whereby the contact finger is mechanically connected with the potentiometer member (17). The beginning and the end of the contact paths (25-28) define the switching on and off point of each switch (21-24) (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erik Mannle, Peter-Josef Bauer
  • Patent number: 4698613
    Abstract: A click mechanism of slide volume control ensures judgement of a center stop position of a lever by a difference in the click touches and allows many stop positions of the lever by providing holes on both sides of the lever inserting hole of the upper surface plate of the frame and providing convex portions on the ends of elastic arms of a plate spring which engage the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutae Okuya
  • Patent number: 4695820
    Abstract: In electrical control apparatus having a first member disposed in an opening in a second member, the first and second members being adapted and arranged for relative movement with respect to each other, a safety device for covering the open portions of the opening as the first member moves relative to the opening. A primary shield is located adjacent to and overlaps the opening. The primary shield is operatively associated with the first member for movement in response to relative movement of the first member. The primary shield has a shape adapted to permit unrestrained movement of the first member while overlapping the open portions of the opening to cover those portions for all positions of the first member in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. D'Aleo, Mark Smaich
  • Patent number: 4692805
    Abstract: A device forming a potentiometer for varying the resistance of an electrical circuit, and a switch for changing the state of current conduction in the circuit. The switch has a casing fastened to the potentiometer, and the potentiometer has a casing and a plate joined together. The device has a rotatable component having a central protuberance extending through the plate. A first discoidal element is carried by the rotatable component and has a metallic cursor. A resistance track and a metallic collector are stationarily mounted on the plate. The cursor is continuously and simultaneously in contact with the resistance track and the collector. A second discoidal element is mounted in the switch casing for engagement by the protuberance and is releasably coupled to the rotatable component when the switch is coupled to the potentiometer. A fixed contact is mounted on the switch casing and a movable contactor arm is movable mounted on the switch casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Piher Navarra, S.A.
    Inventors: Carlos Lopez, Jose L. Serrano
  • Patent number: 4528544
    Abstract: A control unit, adapted to control a reversible, variable-speed electrical motor includes a control lever protruding through a U-shaped slot in a housing. Movement of the lever from one side to the other of the U-shaped slot controls the direction of rotation of the motor, and its position along a side of a slot determines the speed of rotation. The control lever is mounted to a pivotally mounted support member, which carries a linear potentiometer operated by the control lever, and includes a protruding portion which carries a toggle switch. The handle of the toggle switch is substantially restrained from motion, so that the switch is actuated to reverse the motor when the control lever is moved from one side of the U-shaped slot to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Allied Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Mattson
  • Patent number: 4523176
    Abstract: An electrical switch comprises, in addition to its switching mechanism or mechanisms, a potentiometer including a potentiometer plate and a slider which is advantageously moved/simultaneously with the actuation of the switching mechanisms. The switch requires terminal elements not only for the switching mechanism or mechanisms but also for this potentiometer. Consequently, an electrical connection must be provided within the switch between the inner ends of the terminal elements and the potentiometer plate. In accordance with the invention, the potentiometer plate is connected to the terminal elements by slip-in attachment which not only ensures a safe hold but also effects the electrical contact. To this end, the potentiometer plate is inserted into slot-shaped seats of the terminal elements, which are prevented from being unduly enlarged by suitable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Firma Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Leibinger, Alfons Steidle
  • Patent number: 4523174
    Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination type rotary variable resistor, in which a hollow shaft rotatable and displacable in the thrust direction and is coupled to a rotatable knob, in which a photo-conductive element is disposed within the hollow shaft and the knob, in which one end of the photo-conductive element is exposed at an end surface of the knob, in which a light source is provided close to the other end of the photo-conductive element, in which a driver member is placed in contact with a forward end of the hollow shaft to cause a switch to perform its switching operation, and in which a reflex surface is formed on the driver member to reflect light from the light source towards the photo-conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Oyama
  • Patent number: 4489291
    Abstract: A circuit breaker fitted with a parallel resistor and provided with main contacts and resistor contacts arranged electrically in parallel with the main contacts wherein the resistor is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of Cr, CrN, Cr.sub.3 C.sub.2, CrB, NiO and Mgo. The resistor element generally is made of a material in which the product of the specific heat expressed in Cal/g.degree.C. with the density expressed in g/cm.sup.3 is at least 0.7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Toyoda, Eiichi Haginomori, Masanori Ishimatsu, Tsutomu Okutomi
  • Patent number: 4455546
    Abstract: A switch for controlling the current to a load combining an ON-OFF switch in series with a variable resistor. Switch has a housing which includes an actuator guided along a dimension of the housing. An opening through the actuator permits a portion of the regulator switch to pass through the actuator for operation. The actuator also includes a cam surface for operating the ON-OFF switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: Prescolite, a Div. of U.S. Indus.
    Inventor: Lynn Roszel
  • Patent number: 4453152
    Abstract: A control for a sewing machine is provided with a turnable outer knob for operating a potentiometer, and a slidable inner knob within the outer knob for moving a contact member to connect conductive paths on a printed circuit board which supports both the potentiometer and contact members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventors: Allan M. Dob, Richard Mead, Terry L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4442325
    Abstract: A self-contained switchable, incremental attenuator device for interposing in a two line power circuit to attenuate the power level for proper power matching. The device includes a series of modulized, individually switchable attenuator circuits of differing attenuation values mounted upon a pluggable card for interfacing with input and output connectors of a circuit. The attenuation values of the sections are selected such that manipulating the switches will allow attenuation of the power level in the circuit by an integral multiple of a given base incremental value within a given range. The attenuator device is designed to mate with a mounting device for holding the attenuator in contact with the circuit connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Larus Corporation
    Inventor: Noel C. McDermott
  • Patent number: 4409448
    Abstract: A pull-push switch has one or two stationary contacts and one U-shaped elastic movable contact with two legs which, when not deformed, are adapted to resiliently make into contact with the stationary contacts. A cam is securely mounted on an operating shaft which can be axially shifted between the pulled and pushed positions. The cam has a small-diameter cylindrical portion contiguous with a tapered intermediate portion which in turn is contiguous also with a large-diameter cylindrical portion. The legs of the elastic movable contact are so positioned that they are normally maintained in contact with the peripheral surface of the cam as it is shifted in unison with the operating shaft so that when the shaft is pushed or pulled, the legs of the elastic movable contact rest on the small-diameter cylindrical portion of the cam and subsequently make contact with the stationary contacts, whereby the switch is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsui, Kazuo Sakami, Matsuo Nishioka, Takashi Onizawa
  • Patent number: 4400685
    Abstract: An electrical contact arm is spring biased against electrical paths by a coil spring which is carried on a hub of a rotating member which also carries the electrical arm. An electrically conductive path is also carried by the rotating member to provide switching functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Chestnut
  • Patent number: 4398170
    Abstract: In a multistage variable resistor consisting of rotary variable resistors stacked in a plurality of stages, the rod thereof being slideable in rotary and axial directions; a switch assembly for a multistage variable resistor having the central part of a dome movable contact movable by an actuator which is attached to the posterior end of the rod into contact with a stationary contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 4363018
    Abstract: In an electronic component of rotary type comprising a bearing sheath which has a front portion and a rear portion and is to be fixedly mounted on a frame of an electric appliance, an operation shaft disposed in the bearing sheath, a substrate fixed at a rear part of the bearing sheath, a brush holder mounted on an end portion of the operation shaft in a manner to be rotated by rotation of the operation shaft, and at least one sliding contact brush mounted on the brush holder for sliding on a contacting member formed on a surface of the substrate, the improvement is that a central portion of the operation shaft is disposed in the bearing sheath and has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the bearing sheath, and that the electronic component is free from irregular rotation during the rotation of the operation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsui, Masayoshi Kakumu
  • Patent number: 4357592
    Abstract: A variable resistor and switch assembly in which a variable resistor and a switch are constructed as a unit. The assembly has an insulating substrate, a resistor, a collector and stationary contacts which are formed on the substrate, and a carrier made of an electrically insulating material. The carrier includes a slider for making sliding contact with the resistor and the collector, a pair of contactors made of a resilient metallic material and making sliding contact with respective one of the pair of stationary contacts, and an operation member made of an electrically insulating material and adapted for breaking the conduction between the pair of contactors. As the operation member is actuated at any desired position of the slider, the conduction between the pair of contactors is broken to make the switch take the off state irrespective of the resistance value of the variable resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Alps Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutae Okuya
  • Patent number: 4354071
    Abstract: In a foot control, two or more pivoted pedals have a common main spring which provides the same resistance to all pedals. A bias arrangement keeps one pedal from falling down if the other pedal is depressed. A bias arrangement may be a horizontal rod associated with each pedal. The rod is spring biased against the pedal at a location below the pivot axis.In a two pedal embodiment both pedals can control a single electrical element. A stud extends from each horizontal rod. The stud normally prevents a spring biased pivoted member from pivoting and actuating the electrical element. When a pedal is depressed, the corresponding rod and stud move to allow the pivoted member to actuate the electric element and a corresponding switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Sybron Corporation
    Inventor: Helmut Pietschmann
  • Patent number: 4322711
    Abstract: A foot pedal operated motor control is provided for controlling the speed of a motor. The entire motor control circuit is mounted in a foot pedal housing which circuit includes a generally disc shaped potentiometer having a rotatable and a stationary member with the movement of the rotatable member with respect to the stationary member determining the resistance of the potentiometer which controls the current to a motor whose speed is to be controlled. The disc shaped potentiometer has an opening therethrough. A foot pedal is pivotally mounted on the housing overlying the potentiometer and a helical member extends between the foot pedal on one end thereof and into the opening of the disc shaped potentiometer on the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Blackstone Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Spangler, Searle T. Spangler
  • Patent number: 4317103
    Abstract: A variable resistor having a short-circuiting member which is displaced in response to the generation of abnormally high heat in the resistance member of the variable resistor with a piece thereof in contact to short-circuit the input and output terminals of the resistance member. This results in a bypass for large current, so that a protection circuit in an output amplifier is operated to suspend the generation of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Kawasaki, Yukio Munakata
  • Patent number: 4297671
    Abstract: A process utilizing tandem insert molded controls for effecting a plurality of electrical control functions. A power switch, variable resistance control, and momentary switch are each contained within insert molded housings or bases which are mounted one against the other in a linearly aligned relationship. The alignment is maintained by an impact system consisting of a metallic front plate having side straps with end fingers curled over to secure the confronting edges of a heat-treated back plate, the front plate/side straps/back plate construction capturing and maintaining alignment of the controls for mounting on a panel board. A plurality of the controls are individually operated by two relatively rotatably and relatively axially movable shafts which independently actuate the respective controls. The shafts each have an annular rotor mounted on an end thereof, the rotor containing a cam lobe on one face and on the oppositely disposed face resiliently bent collector arms and a resilient arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Flanders
  • Patent number: 4274075
    Abstract: The application discloses an electronic multirange step resistor for adjustment of a timing relay with an analog adjustment which is equipped with a switch for the selection of the various resistance ranges and which is further equipped with a turning knob for the analog adjustment within each selected range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Assignee: Schleicher GmbH & Co. Relais-Werke KG
    Inventor: Helmut Schleicher
  • Patent number: 4225846
    Abstract: A rotatable shaft for a combination switch and variable resistor is prevented from rotating by a shaft locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes cooperating grooves and a tab engaging the grooves. The shaft is axially moved to be put in a rotatable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ellis P. Lipp
  • Patent number: 4201969
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Tanaka, Yukihiko Nomura
  • Patent number: 4156227
    Abstract: A jogging switch mechanism is provided for a potentiometer which permits the potentiometer shaft to be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise and then, upon release, to return automatically to a very accurately centered neutral position. The neutral position may be an "off" position by positioning micro switches in the path of travel of the switch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: Servo Corporation of America
    Inventor: Luis F. Villar
  • Patent number: 4117445
    Abstract: A toggle-type power regulator is adapted to shunt or open a power control circuit at opposite limit positions and has infinitely variable power control at all intermediate positions between the limit positions. A potentiometer incorporated in the control circuit comprises a pair of arcuate tracks of resistive and conductive material positioned on opposite faces of the control circuit substrate. Variable voltage output is achieved as the tracks are engaged or wiped by the opposed resilient contactors of a caliper which is connected for movement by the toggle. The regulator includes a one-piece dual blade switch assembly through which the toggle is yieldably held in the intermediate positions at which reduced power is supplied to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: National Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Luther M. Foreman, Samuel C. Heck, Bill R. Wall
  • Patent number: 4117444
    Abstract: A potentiometer and switch combination suitable for use as a hearing aid volume control. A control cap positioned over the potentiometer body is provided with an integral cam which performs the function of switch actuation. Positive seal is provided by an O-ring formed from a flexible, resilient material. The body of the potentiometer holds the control cap in place by means of heat stakes over a lip on the housing and a post having a chevron at its upper end which mates with a recess in the control cap. The cap is positioned by heat staking to press the stiffly flexible, resilient material of the O-ring into frictional sealing relation with an abutting member and thereby seal the interior of the potentiometer housing. The sealing arrangement also introduces a torque which opposes the rotation of the control cap, thus providing positional stability and positive operating feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradrick Alan Hildreth, Donald Harrison Stephens
  • Patent number: 4109231
    Abstract: A portable switch and dimmer control console for conveniently controlling a plurality of electrical devices and variably controlling the intensity of at least one fixture in a single conveniently designed self-contained portable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Inventor: Robert S. Krouse
  • Patent number: 4105988
    Abstract: A tandem electrical control comprises a plurality of variable resistance sections. Each resistance section comprises a resistance element and a collector member that are carried by a base, and a contactor member that is carried by a driver, the contactor member is rotatably supported within the respective housing and wipingly engages the respective resistance element and collector member. A tubular shaft controls the forward resistance section and is rotatably supported within a bore of a mounting bushing. An inner shaft controls the rearward variable resistance section and a switch and is rotatably supported within the tubular shaft. The bore of the mounting bushing, the outside diameter of the tubular shaft, the bore of the tubular shaft, and the inner shaft are each provided with a narrowing diameter shoulder in abutting engagement with the proximate one of the shoulders for preventing impact damage to the resistance assemblies from external forces axially applied to the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: John D. VanBenthuysen, Thomas W. Flanders, John R. Gietzen
  • Patent number: 4104606
    Abstract: An in-line switch is provided for an electrical circuit where the in-line switch can be connected in the circuit through pairs of spaced stabs on opposite sides of the switch housing which can penetrate a conventional line cord and make electrical contact to conductors of the cord. A single pair of stabs can also be used. The in-line switch is totally enclosed by an insulation housing. An internal molded articulated structure is contained within the housing to support all switch components including a conductive chassis, an elongated linearly adjustable potentiometer, a sliding operating member, and power switch contact members. The articulated housing then receives the sliding member which actuates the potentiometer in order to operate the switch contacts and/or to dim load devices in series with the switch. The switch members are identical in construction and consist of flexible leaf members having contacts at one end thereof and stab elements at the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 4090167
    Abstract: A potentiometer and switch assembly wherein the potentiometer resistance is deposited on a circuit board. The control member of the assembly comprises a shaft having a rotor mounted thereon, attached to which is a wiper for contacting the resistance. The switch mechanism includes a cam shaft adapted to be engaged by the rotor whenever the control shaft is pushed. The cam shaft is positioned to the side of the rotor and is rotated through a predetermined angle each time the control shaft is pushed. Camming surfaces on the cam shaft contact one member of the switch contact pair to alternately cause that contact pair member to open and close the switch. The cam shaft may be arranged to contact a second switch contact pair which opens and closes oppositely to the first switch contact pair so that a three-way switching function may be effectuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Assignee: Teccor Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Walker, Charles R. Crockett
  • Patent number: 4085399
    Abstract: A pivoted power controller in its limit positions engages a switch operating element to shunt or open a power control circuit through switch contacts mounted on a circuit board. A resistive element mounted in the same circuit board is engaged by a wiper on the controller during travel between its limit positions to vary the power supplied to a load. The resistance of the resistive element may be adjustably varied by a trimmer mounted on the circuit board adjacent one end of the resistive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Assignee: Power Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Bill R. Wall
  • Patent number: 4081782
    Abstract: A potentiometer and switch combination including a rotatable control cap positioned over a potentiometer body to form a housing. The cap is provided with an annular flange which abuts an annular shoulder on the body, either the flange or the shoulder being formed from stiffly flexible, resilient material. The body holds the cap in place by means of a post having a chevron at its upper end which mates with a recess in the cap. The cap is positioned to deform the stiffly flexible, resilient material into frictional sealing relation with its abutting member and thereby seal the interior of the housing. The sealing arrangement also introduces a torque which opposes rotation of the cap. The switch includes a conductive strip held by the body, one portion of the strip forming a first contact and another portion forming a spring detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1978
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradrick Alan Hildreth, Donald Harrison Stephens, George Richard Wiley
  • Patent number: 4027244
    Abstract: A remote control system including a variable resistor with switching means the variable resistor unit comprises a variable resistor and a switching means, said switching means being interlocked to said variable resistor such that said switching means is operated only when it is desired to adjust the variable resistor. With this variable resistor with switching means the operation of the switching means and adjustment of the variable resistor for volume control or the like can be effected through a single operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Minami, Takehide Takemura, Shunzo Oka
  • Patent number: 4006442
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunori Mega
  • Patent number: 3990033
    Abstract: Conductive and resistive tracks mounted on a circuit board are slidingly engaged by a bridging contact carried by the actuator arm of a controller that is operative to open or close switch contacts at the limit positions of its travel. The controller is pivotally supported in a non-conductive box within which the circuit board is releasably positioned. A manual control arm projects from the controller through a slot formed in a mounting plate covering the open end of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Assignee: Power Controls, Corporation (Entire)
    Inventor: Bill R. Wall
  • Patent number: 3956920
    Abstract: A dual function pressure transducer capable of providing an instantaneous pressure reading, and also of indicating when a sensed pressure crosses a predetermined selectable threshold level. A mechanical pressure sensing device causes an electrical contact member to wipe against a resistance element in response to changes in the sensed pressure, the element and contact being connected in a first electric circuit that provides a pressure readout determined by the location of the contact along the element. The contact is carried by a switch-arm that cooperates with an adjustable switch-pole means to switch a second circuit between first and second modes when the contact crosses a particular point along its path, the location of which is determined by the switch-pole setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Inventor: Herman Richard Kollmeyer
  • Patent number: 3949347
    Abstract: A control unit, for example, a light dimming unit for controlling the intensity of brightness of a lamp load connected in series with the unit, includes a switching potentiometer for serially connecting the unit between a supply line and the load and for selectively adjusting the current delivered to the load. The switching potentiometer in the unit includes a shaft mounted for both rectilinear and rotary movement. The shaft is normally urged by a spring in a first axial direction, to urge a wiper mounted on the shaft resiliently into electrical contact with a resistive strip. A ratchet means carried on one end of the shaft actuates a snap-action switch which includes an armature, movable between first and second stable positions by the ratchet means when the shaft is moved in a second opposite axial direction to disengage the wiper from the resistive strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1976
    Assignee: Hunt Electronics Co.
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Gilbreath