Abstract: A small inexpensive two terminal variable resistance assembly that conveniently changes its resistance when a force of an actuator is applied. It can be made for power applications as well as in miniature dimension versions in values from milli-ohms to meg-ohms. This variable resistor increases its power handling capacity during a decrease in its ohmic value, contrary to present three terminal potentiometers or reostats. It does this by a rolling action that increases or decreases two resistive surface areas in parallel. It could also be used as a variable capacitor.

Abstract: A press-type varistor switch is disclosed. A center of an upper cover is formed with a round hole. A head of a silicide cap is embedded into the round hole. Opposite sides of the seat are formed with a metal guide pin. The head of the silicide cap protrudes from a round hole of the upper cover so that the silicide cap is enclosed between the upper cover and the seat. Each of the adjacent sides of the metal guide pins are extended with a carbon-film resistor; and the two carbon-film resistors are not in contact to one another. An interior of the head is installed with a conductive rubber. The conductive rubber is above the two carbon-film resistors. When a force is applied to the silicide cap, the two carbon-film resistors are in contact with the two metal guide pins partially or fully so that the impedance is adjustable.

Abstract: A first resistive element and a second resistive element are serially connected to each other, and a contact element having a lower resistivity than the first resistive element elastically contacts the first resistive element. The resistance between both ends of the first resistive element varies with the contact area between the first resistive element and the contact element. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the first and the second resistive elements, an output voltage, which corresponds to the resistance ratio of the first resistive element to the second resistive element, is obtained from a conductive pattern. When the resistance ratio of the first resistive element to the second resistive element is set in the range of 1 to 3, the linearity is improved and a wide variation range of the output voltage is obtained.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining deterioration of e.g. lubricating oil by measuring the contraction of a polymeric matrix (support) holding charged ionic groups. The support contracts due to oil quality degradation. The expansion/contraction is detected e.g. electrically.

Abstract: A voltage divider which can be manipulated so as to vary the output voltage thereof, prevents mechanical wear of the voltage divider element, provides continuous contact, and can be sealed so as to prevent interaction with the ambient atmosphere including first and second non-conductive substrates with a predetermined spaced portion therebetween. A first conductive strip on the second substrate is depressed across the spaced portion so as to contact at least one of a plurality of conductive taps on the first substrate, each of which are in contact with a voltage divider element so as to complete a desired circuit. By sliding while depressing the second substrate along its surface where the conductive strip is positioned, one or more successive taps are contacted so as to vary the voltage supplied to the circuit.

Abstract: A push button variable resistor device includes a hollow push button seat member confining a receiving space, and at least one resistor piece fixed inside the seat member. The resistor piece has a contact portion and at least one leg portion projecting outward through a base portion of the seat member. A spiral spring resistor is disposed inside the receiving space of the seat member above the resistor piece. The spring resistor has a plurality of concentric turns of varying diameters. A push button is slidably fitted through a button opening of the seat member. The spring resistor hs a topmost turn cooperatively associated with the push button. The push button is externally pushed to compress the spring resistor to cause the concentric turns to contact the resistor piece. The contact area between the spring resistor and the resistor piece varies according to the degree of depression of the push button to correspondingly vary the output resistance of the variable resistor device.

Abstract: In the case of a displacement or position transducer, it is provided that a onductor foil (5) is arranged over the resistor track (4), held at a distance from it and able to be pressed with flexible resilience against the resistor track, and that the slide (8) is displaceably arranged above the conductor foil (5), pressing the latter against the resistor track (4), the conductor foil preferably being electrically connected to a conductor track (2) running parallel to the resistor track (4), at a distance from it and electrically separated from it.

Abstract: A potentiometer device including a resistor path and a conductive film spaced therefrom. The film may be brought in contact with the resistor by exerting finger pressure. The tap voltage is stored in a memory and displayed by means of LEDs.

Abstract: A transducer for indicating changes of an applied physical force including a first electrically propertied means connected within an electrical circuit to create an electrical potential across the first means, a second electrically propertied means adapted to be placed in contact with the first means in a manner so as to reflect a linear relationship between the area of contact between the two means and the force applied to the second means. A preferred embodiment utilizes an elastomeric actuator to apply the force to the second means.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument incorporates one or more pressure sensitive push-button controllers actuable independent of the keys or other note selecting elements of the instrument to vary a corresponding number of musical parameters. The specific controllers provide a sensitive, smooth, repeatable parameter variation in response to both the location and the force of the player's touch.

Abstract: A variable resistance controller for electrical braking systems and the like wherein the form on which the resistance wire is wound has spaced apart flats into which some of the coils are drawn during winding. This arrangement provides alternate lands and depressions over which a leaf spring type contact rolls. The preferred arrangement has only two coils per land to give increased contact pressure of the leaf spring therewith and to provide predetermined incremental increases in electrical output as the leaf spring rolls from one land to the other. In the preferred embodiment, the spacing of the lands is arranged so that the electrical output is proportional to the hydraulic actuating pressure.The preferred embodiment also includes a diode connected between the output of the controller and ground through a fusible link to permit the collapsing magnetic field of the controlled braking electromagnets to draw current through the diode on deactuation of the unit to bypass the wound resistor.

Abstract: A digital pressure/range transducer is disclosed. The transducer transforms n applied force into a mechanical movement which in turn closes a plurality of switches in ordered sequence. The number of switches closed gives a measure of the applied force. The transducer can be configured as a cable and when so configured the location of a closed switch or switches along the length of the cable can be determined.