Abstract: Provided are a movable contact, a variable resistor, and a method for manufacturing a movable contact that can suppress a cost increase. The movable contacts are spaced apart from each other. The variable resistor, having a resistor, an electrode and the movable contact, comprises: a first wire rod group which has a plurality of first wire rods made of a precious metal and in which the plurality of first wire rods are arranged along the resistor; a second wire rod group which has a plurality of second wire rods made of a metal other than the precious metal and in which the plurality of second wire rods are arranged along the electrode; and a shaft-shaped member which is disposed to cross the first wire rod group and the second wire rod group and is welded to the first wire rod group and the second wire rod group.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-directional input device and a game machine. The operating part includes a hemispherical upper hemisphere at a lower end. The upper hemisphere includes a hemispherical plane part at a lower part. Diameters of the hemispherical plane part and the upper hemisphere are the same. The diameter of the upper hemisphere is greater than that of the operating part. An upper support is fixed to the base and defines a hemispherical hole and hole wall of which is abutted against the upper hemisphere. The upper support further defines a through hole above the hemispherical hole, and the operating part is penetrated through the through hole. A diameter of the through hole is greater than that of the operating part. The upper support includes an upper support plane part below the hemispherical hole. A diameter of the upper support plane part is greater than that of the hemispherical hole.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: a rod used as a rod-shaped member; an electroconductive polymer actuator having an electroconductive polymer that expands and contracts in a prescribed direction due to electric current; and an electromagnetic actuator having a fixed magnetic pole part in which the magnetic pole arrangement is fixed, and a variable magnetic pole part in which the magnetic pole arrangement is changed by switching of electric current, the fixed magnetic pole part and the variable magnetic pole part moving relative to each other due to the magnetic pole arrangement of the variable magnetic pole part being changed. The fixed magnetic pole part or the variable magnetic pole part is connected to the electroconductive polymer so that the relative movement direction of the fixed magnetic pole part and the variable magnetic pole part matches the expansion-contraction direction of the electroconductive polymer, and the rod is connected to the electroconductive polymer.

Abstract: A chip resistor includes a base member, a resistive element formed on the base member, a first inner electrode held in contact with a first end portion or the resistive element, a second inner electrode held in contact with a second end portion of the resistive element, a first reverse surface electrode reaching a first end portion of the base member, and a second reverse surface electrode reaching a second end portion of the base member. The length of the first and the second reverse surface electrodes is in a range of 2/10 to 3/10 of the length of the base member. Also, the length of the first and the second reverse surface electrodes is greater than the length of the first and the second inner electrodes.

Abstract: A battery management system is disclosed. The system includes a variable discharge resistor and a temperature measuring unit to measure the temperature of the discharge resistor. The resistance of the discharge resistor is modified based at least in part on the measured temperature.

Abstract: A controller for a camera crane has a rocker button pivotally supported in or on a controller housing about a first pivot axis. A shaft of an electrical component, such as a variable resistor, is on a second pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. An arm is attached to the shaft. A spring urges the arm to a center position. Movement of the rocker button moves the arm. Due to the offset of the first and second pivot axes, movement of the rocker button results in proportionally reduced movement of the shaft of the electronic component. Smooth crane arm movements are readily achieved as the controller is less sensitive to the operators hand or finger movements.

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 controller for a camera crane has a rocker button pivotally supported in or on a controller housing about a first pivot axis. A shaft of an electrical component, such as a variable resistor, is on a second pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. An arm is attached to the shaft. A spring urges the arm to a center position. Movement of the rocker button moves the arm. Due to the offset of the first and second pivot axes, movement of the rocker button results in proportionally reduced movement of the shaft of the electronic component. Smooth crane arm movements are readily achieved as the controller is less sensitive to the operators hand or finger movements.

Abstract: A joystick comprising a housing, a ball supported and held within the housing, and a joystick handle attached to the ball. The joystick also includes a first device held within the housing, and a second device held within the housing. The joystick also includes a first engagement shaft extending from the first device to the ball, the first engagement shaft having an end adjacent the ball and engaging the ball, and a second engagement shaft extending from the second device to the ball, the second engagement shaft having an end adjacent the ball and engaging the ball.

Abstract: Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter.

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

Abstract: A potentiometer control for use as a volume or tone control for a musical instrument, such as a guitar, that includes a switch which switches out the resistive element when the control is set to its most clockwise position so as to not load the instrument pickup when desired and so permit maximum volume to be achieved.

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

Abstract: A novel game controller is provided. The game controller includes: a lower operation button supported by a rotation shaft so as to be capable of a rotating operation; a resistor arranged on an internal substrate; and a conductive member to be pressed against the resistor by a rotating operation on the lower operation button, the conductive member having elasticity. The resistor outputs an analog signal in accordance with a contact area of the conductive member, thereby realizing an analog input.

Abstract: A switch element (1) for actuating a setting parameter on an electronic microdevice, such as a hearing aid, is characterized by a rotary element (7) having peripherally at least three contact points (9), said contact points being connected to one another in electrically conductive fashion. Furthermore, the switch element has an elastically mounted reset element connected with the rotary element as well as at least two electric leader contacts (3, 5), which can be switched into electrically conducting contact by turning the rotary element via the contact points.

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

Abstract: A case includes first and second halves, each having an opening in its one side, combined together with the openings opposed to each other. A moving member is accommodated within the case and slidingly movable along a movement guide. An operator is connected to the moving member. The operator has a proximal end connected to the moving member, a free end projecting outwardly from an upper surface of the case, and a bent portion bent between the both ends. Tops of the first and second halves are displaced from each other, in a direction vertical to the upper surface, to form a gap permitting entry of the operator. Edge regions of the tops of the both halves overlap with each other in the direction vertical to the upper surface, and the bent portion is bent so that the free end projects outwardly through the gap in the overlapping regions.

Abstract: A potentiometer network includes a first main terminal, a second main terminal, a plurality of resistive elements connected in parallel between the first main terminal and the second main terminal, and means for embedding calibration of said resistive elements in said potentiometer network.

Abstract: A non-burnable varistor, comprises a base slice having two opposite surfaces, a first elicit pole electrically connected to one surface of the said base slice, a second elicit pole electrically connected to the other surface of the said base slice. Outside each of the said two opposite surfaces of the base slice a low-melting-point metal conductor layer is respectively situated, which is melted at the temperature of 155˜450° C., and the two layers are not electrically connected by any good conductor. When the non-burnable varistor base is struck and burned through to form an arc, the low-melting-point metal are melted and go into the arc in the form of gas or liquid, to depress the resistance of the arc nearly to a short estate. So the arc current can be cut off by the over-loading security mechanism as over-current protective fuses or breakers, before the coat of the non-burnable varistor caught on fire, to prevent the occurrence of fire accident.

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

Abstract: 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: A method for changing an electrical resistance of a resistor. Initially, the resistor is provided, wherein the resistor has a length L and an electrical resistance R1. A portion of the resistor is exposed to a laser radiation, wherein the portion includes a fraction F of the length L of the resistor. After the resistor has been exposed to the laser radiation, the resistor has an electrical resistance R2, wherein R2 is unequal to R1.

Abstract: A potentiometer, used in particular as a position sensor or position transducer is disclosed, which has at least one wiper path and one wiper that has at least one contact element (19), resting with a contact face (20) on the wiper path and electrically contacting the wiper path; the wiper and the wiper path are movable toward one another. To reduce costs by reducing the amount of noble metal used for the contacting in the potentiometer, the contact element (19) has an electrically conductive core (21) and a noble metal jacket (22), surrounding the core (21), whose annular end face at least partly forms the contact face (20) (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A method and structure for changing an electrical resistance of a resistor. Initially, the resistor is provided, wherein the resistor has a length L and an electrical resistance R1. A portion of the resistor is exposed to a laser radiation, wherein the portion includes a fraction F of the length L of the resistor. Both F=1 and F<1 are within the scope of the present invention. After the resistor has been exposed to the laser radiation, the resistor has an electrical resistance R2, wherein R2 is unequal to R1. The change in resistance from R1 to R2 is due to a heating of the resistor by the laser radiation, which causes a chemical or structural change within the resistor. Either R2>R1 or R2<R1 depending on the material composition of the resistor.

Abstract: A leadframe resistance structure comprises: at least a resistance foil; a plurality of leads, each of the plurality of leads respectively having a first lead surface and an opposite second lead surface, wherein the resistance foil is disposed on the first lead surface of the leads and connected to the leads; and an encapsulating material that encapsulates the resistance foil, and a portion of the first surface of the leads.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes ring-shaped resistance element layer 18, first conductive layer 22 and second conductive layer 23 shaping in arcs corresponding to resistance element layer 18, and knob 14 having ring-shaped protruded section 14D. Resistance element layer 18 has at least a pair of electrodes and is formed on flexible insulating substrate 16. Protruded section 14D brings resistance element layer 18 into contact with first conductive layer 22 or second conductive layer 23 when the knob is tilted. When a given voltage is applied to the electrodes and the knob is tilted, resistance element layer 18 comes in contact with first conductive layer 22 or second conductive layer 23, so that an output signal of a high resolution concerning a tilt angle can be obtained. The output signal is supplied to a microprocessor and calculated, then an angle or a direction is detected and recognized.

Abstract: A multi-axis potentiometer according to this invention is capable of determining actuator movement along multiple axes. The potentiometer includes a hollow, semi-spherical shell lined internally with a resistive element. Electrical contacts are attached across from each other along the resistive element near an opening of the shell to supply a source voltage or current to the resistive element. A pair of sensors are arranged on the end of an armature to contact the resistive element. The sensors in the end of the armature are used to sense voltage or current levels at the points where they contact the resistive element. These voltage or current levels are used to determine spherical coordinates corresponding to the location of the contact point and to determine an angle of rotation of the armature relative to the resistive element. A slidable handle can further be provided to a stem of the armature. The slidable handle contains a sensor to contact a resistive element located on the stem of the armature.

Abstract: A method of heating air, fluid or materials in dry or humid conditions, fed by low voltage alternate or continuous electrical current or TBTS.

Abstract: Chip PTC thermistors that can easily be inspected the soldered portions after it is mounted on a printed circuit board and that can be used in a flow soldering process, and methods of making same. A chip PTC thermistor of the present invention includes: a first main electrode and a first sub-electrode on first surface of a cuboidal form conductive polymer having the PTC characteristics, a second main electrode and a second sub-electrode on a second surface opposite the first surface of the conductive polymer. Between the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode, and between the first sub-electrode and the second main electrode are electrically connecting with a first side electrode and a second side electrode, respectively.

Abstract: A limit-level sensor for measuring level of a liquid has a resistance element which has an electric resistance which suddenly varies a transition temperature which lies above the maximum liquid temperature. The resistance element is first heated by electric current. Thereupon, the electric resistance of the resistance element is measured. When the resistance element is covered with liquid, the heat generated by the electric current is led away so that the temperature of the resistance element is less than its transition temperature. If the resistance element is not covered by liquid, this heat is scarcely led away, so that the temperature of the resistance element remains above the transition temperature.

Abstract: A pointing device comprises a substrate having a fixed pivoting hole area defined by a hole through a conductive surface that is coated with electrically conductive material and comprises four segments of patterned resistive materials. Each segment includes a plurality of spaced thick film pieces that may include radially extending strips, substantially Rectangular blocks, or substantially circular pieces. An electrically conductive force disc is supported by is a movable conductive spring or sheath to pivot relative to the pivoting hole area and rotate over the resistive surface of the substrate. The deflection of the conductive spring allows the force disc to contact portions of the conductors of the substrate, and the spring or sheath to contact portions of the conductors inside the pivoting hole area, generating electrical outputs to a microcontroller.

Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor includes an insulating substrate having a surface on which there is formed a resistor including a variable resistor portion and a plurality of terminal electrodes including an output terminal electrode. A rotation shaft is included which is equipped with a sliding member adapted to slide on the variable resistor portion of the resistor when the rotation shaft is rotated. An insulating case rotationally supports the rotation shaft. The insulating substrate is disposed in the case such that the aforementioned surface is opposed to an inner bottom portion of the case. A capacitor connecting terminal is inserted through the insulating substrate and is electrically connected to the output terminal electrode.

Abstract: A curved disc joystick or pad with improved performance, reliability and durability can be used as a cursor pointing device for computers, remote controls, video games, consumer electronics, industrial controllers, automotive and other applications. A conductive spring or sheath connects to a conductive curved rubber transducer which can be deflected to make contact with conductors on a printed circuit board, providing electrical outputs to a microprocessor or other device. A ribbed locking extension may be added to automate the assembly process. In addition, a collar may be provided to produce a controllable product, both in terms of manufacturing and performance.

Abstract: An electrical lever assembly includes a lever rockably supported on a main body, a rod vertically sliding with a disc provided on the lever, a potentiometer having a horizontally rotating shaft mounted on the lower surface of the main body, and an arm connecting the potentiometer and the rod. The potentiometer is mounted on the lower surface of the main body in a condition adjustable with respect to a position in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A low-cost joy stick or pad with improved performance, reliability and durability which can be used as a cursor pointing device for computers, remote controls, video games, consumer electronics, industrial controllers, automotive and other applications. A conductive spring or sheath connects to a conductive curved rubber transducer which can be deflected to make contact with conductors on a printed circuit board, providing electrical outputs to a microprocessor or other device.

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 stick lever device including a mechanism for shifting a neutral position and capable of decreasing the number of parts of the device and facilitating the assembling. A pivotal shaft of a variable resistor mounted on a mounting member is securely mounted with a pivotal operation section including a stick lever. The mounting member is formed with two shaft holes and a support shaft of an arm member is selectively fitted in any one of the shaft holes. The pivotal operation section is provided thereon with three projections. The arm member which is urged by a spring is abutted against predetermined two of the projections depending on the position of the support shaft of the arm member, so that the neutral position of the pivotal operation section and stick lever may be shifted as desired.

Abstract: A control system, a control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control system comprising a source of energy, an output producing unit that uses the energy to produce the output thereof, a control device having control structure for interconnecting the source of energy to the unit, the control device having a rotatable shaft that sets the control structure in different positions thereof in relation to the rotational set position of the shaft from an "off" position thereof, the control structure having the amount of the energy passing therethrough from the source to the unit being different for each set position thereof, indicating structure operatively associated with the shaft for visually indicating the set position of the shaft and, thus, the amount of energy being fed by the control structure to the unit, and sensing structure operatively associated with the shaft that senses the set position of the shaft and electronically displays that sensed position of the shaft whereby th

Abstract: A solid lubricated resistive ink includes solid lubricants which provide self-lubrication of the resistive ink under high vacuum and low moisture conditions. The resistive inks include a polymer-based binder and an electrically conductive solid lubricant which remains electrically conductive and lubricative under low moisture and high vacuum. Effective lubricants include MoSe.sub.2, NbSe.sub.2 graphite intercalated with bromine and graphite intercalated with a metal chloride. The resistive ink may additionally include carbon.

Abstract: A sensor unit is disclosed which is adapted to be used as a detector for a fuel gauge, an oil pressure gauge or the like for a vehicle. A variable resistor serving as a signal converting device is securely fitted at both ends thereof in board fixing grooves formed at a frame fixed on a fixing bracket, so that fixing of the variable resistor may be accomplished without using adhesives. Fixing and electrical connection of a connection conductor are attained by merely fitting the connection conductor in an extension restraining groove without soldering.

Abstract: A wound wire rheostat for a fuel level sender or other condition sensor and its method of manufacture, that eliminate wire snapping by heat staking selected portions of the wire into its plastic support board.

Abstract: An electric potentiometer is proposed, which serves to convert a displacement movement into an electrical signal. The electric potentiometer has a wiper lever with brush wipers which upon a rotational movement about a pivot shaft stroke electrically conductive layers applied to a carrier plate. An electrically nonconductive layer is applied on the resistor layer such that in the region of the electrically conductive layer that is strokable by the wiper upon its deflection, a pickup zone which is narrower than the wiper and is defined on both sides by the electrically nonconductive layer remains uncovered by the electrically nonconductive layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the measurement of changes in the spacing between objects includes a rotatable wire storage reel coupled, by means of replaceable gears, to the drive shaft of a potentiometer. The apparatus is mounted on a first object and a wire on the storage reel is extended and attached to a second object spaced a variable distance from the first object. Constant tension is applied to the wire storage reel by means of a spring extending between a spring supply reel and a spring take-up reel coupled to the wire storage reel.

Abstract: A variable electric resistor device comprises a block of electrical insulating material. An elongated member of current resistive metal is removably positioned in the insulating material. A pair of electrically conductive terminal leads are each electrically connected to a corresponding end of the current resistive member. An elongated ancillary member of electrically conductive material is embedded in the insulating material in spaced parallel relation with the current resistive member. A plurality of spaced transverse internally threaded bores are formed through the ancillary member. A plurality of spaced bores are formed through the block extending from both sides of the internally threaded bores from the current resistive member to a surface of the block.

Abstract: A contactless potentiometer which has a linear output characteristic is constructed with a pair of elongated, hollow cylindrical tubes which are made of magnetically saturable material and are aligned so that their axes form an angle less than 180.degree., with both of said tubes having at least one conductive wire coupled therewith which is interconnected with the wire that is coupled with the other tube, and a moveable magnet which is formed as a segment of a circle with a pair of straight sides that move adjacent to said tubes so that the total volume of said tubes that is magnetically saturated remains substantially constant while the inductance ratio of the tubes varies.