Abstract: A sensor comprises a linear region (variable region) in which the output voltage is changed in proportion to the accelerator opening degree, and a stepped region (invariable region) in which the output voltage is not changed with respect to the accelerator opening degree. A resistor electrode for constructing the sensor is formed by laminating a resistor composed of a resistance substance on a base plate in a linear section corresponding to the linear region. In a stepped section corresponding to the stepped region, the resistor electrode is formed by laminating the resistor on a conductive layer composed of a conductive substance formed on the base plate.

Abstract: A first film disposed in a first direction on an integrated circuit chip and having uniformly spaced taps provides progressively increasing resistance values. A second film disposed on the chip in a direction opposite to the first direction at a position displaced in any direction from the first film may have a construction corresponding to that of the first film. First and second reference voltages may be respectively applied to the first and second ends of the first and second films. Particular taps on the first film may be connected to taps in corresponding positions on the second film with corresponding voltages. A plurality of differential comparators are provided, each with a signal input and a reference input. Each comparator reference input is connected to an individual one of the taps on the first film, but not necessarily to successive taps. The reference input connections to the taps may have a non-linear (e.g. a luminance) spacing in the first direction to provide a non-linear voltage (e.g.

Abstract: A plurality of equally spaced terminals may be disposed at a side edge of a substantially uniformly resistive thin film. A reference potential (e.g. ground) may be applied to the second side of the film. An energizing voltage may be applied at the juncture between the first side edge and a particular one of the top and bottom edges of the film. In this way, the successive terminals receive voltages with a logarithmic relationship relative to the terminal positions. When a linear relationship of voltages is desired at successive terminals in a low range, no reference potential is applied to the second side edge of the thin film. Instead, the other one of the top and bottom edges may receive the reference voltage. Alternatively no reference voltage may be applied and terminals indicating the linear voltages may be disposed at such other edge.

Abstract: Hall effect elements are placed in proximity to magnets in such a way that the position of the magnets relative to the Hall elements is a function of the position of a joystick controller. In this way, the position of the joystick can be "read" by a machine by reference to the Hall effect voltage.

Abstract: A waveform generator used for electronic musical instruments comprising a resistance device having a plurality of power source electrodes and a plurality of potential detecting electrodes. Electric current is supplied to the power source electrodes and potentials are periodically detected through scanning from the potential detecting electrodes by the use of a scanning circuit mechanism.

Abstract: A system for processing a plurality of audio signals to generate binaural output signals. The signal processor has a manually operated spatial position control which provides a correspondence between movement of the control and the binaural perception of movement by a listener at a listening position within an audio signal space. The spatial position control is essentially an electric circuit analog of a particular audio signal space, with means for obtaining variable binaural output signals from the circuit to simulate movement of the listening position in the signal space. One embodiment of the position control includes a mechanical linkage to a plurality of series ring connected potentiometers. The variable outputs from the wiper arms of the potentiometers are combined to produce the desired binaural output signals. The perceived orientation of the listening position in the audio signal space may be changed by selective combinations of potentiometer outputs.

Abstract: A bearing having a spherical bearing surface is attached to an opening formed at the center of the top wall of a casing. The bearing rotatably receives a spherical body having a control shaft which extends through the center of the spherical body and is securely fixed thereto. A plurality of rotary discs is spaced from, and juxtaposed on, the bottom wall of the casing. Each of the juxtaposed pairs of the rotary discs is rotatably coupled to one end of an elongated slidable member having an elongated guide slot in such a manner that the elongated member is moved transversely to the longitudinal axis thereof. Circular resistive elements are arranged on the bottom wall of the casing in opposed relation to the rotary discs. Each of the rotary discs has on its lower surface a contactor in slidable electrical contact with the corresponding resistive element.