Abstract: A liquid level detecting device to be disposed in a liquid tank includes a body, a float arm having a float to be disposed in liquid, a resinous arm holder fixed to the body to hold the float arm so that the float arm moves as a level of the liquid changes, a circuit board fixed to the body, an elastic metal plate member having a sliding contact which slides on a sliding surface of the circuit board under a biasing force and a fixing member for fixing the elastic metal plate member to the arm holder. The resinous arm holder has an engagement hole portion and the fixing member has at least a pair of claws which extends along a slit between them and inserted into the engagement hole portion so that the pair of claws elastically deforms in a direction to narrow the slit.

Abstract: A resistive film for use in a potentiometer. The film is in contact with a movable wiper. The film includes a cured polymer resin and a cured thermosetting resin. Conductive particles of carbon black and graphite are dispersed in the film. The conductive particles cause the resins to be electrically resistive. Carbon nanoparticles are also dispersed in the film. The nanoparticles increase the wear resistance of the resistive film and reduce electrical noise as the wiper moves across the film.

Abstract: A structure and method of making resistive emitting members which exhibit high resistivity while at the same time providing high temperature operation significantly above that known in the art. Specifically the use of nitrides of Group IVB transition metals from the periodic table, exclusive of titanium is described.

Abstract: A signal blender that combines the pickup signals generated by three pickups for a musical instrument (e.g., a guitar) in plural combinations and multiple amplitudes to develop a blend signal. The device comprises a main blending resistance with plural connection taps, one for each pickup when the main resistance is a complete 360.degree. ring, one more tap if the main resistance is less than 360.degree.. Each pickup is connected to a tap. A rotary contact engages the main resistance to generate the blend signal; the blend signal is applied to an output amplifier.

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 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.