Oct. 31, 1939. H. W.

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WARIABLE RESISTANCE
Filed Nov., 13, 1935 3. Sheets-Sheet 1

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Oct. 31, 1939. H. W. RUBNSTEIN 2,178,241
WARIABLE RESISTANCE
Filed Nov. 3, 1935 3. Sheets-Sheet 3

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 Patented Oct. 31, 1939 2,178,241

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,8,24.
WARIABLE RESISTANCE
Harry W. Rubinstein, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor,
by mesne assignments, to Globe-Union Inc.,
Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware
Application November 13, 1935, Seria No. 49,444
3 Claims. (C. 20-62)
This invention relates to an improvement in ing a slight modification of the construction of
adjustable resistances especially designed for use the housing and its mounting bushing;
with radio receivers, as, for example, radio re Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 but shown
ceivers used on automobiles. The invention is ing another form of the invention;
not restricted to this particular use, however, Figures 5 and 6 are views similar to Figures
and may be advantageously employed wherever and 4 but showing still further modifications
space limitations require a compactly organized of the invention;
device of small dimensions. Figure 6 is a fragmentary view partly in ele
One of the objects of the invention is to pro Vation and partly in section showing a variation
O vide an adjustable resistance of this character in the construction of the adjustable contact O
which is extremely simple in its construction and carrier;
of very close and compact design and yet is highly Figure 7 is a view partly in longitudinal ver
effective and efficient in operation and capable tical section and partly in side elevation illus
of handling the loads to which it is subjected trating another embodiment of the invention;
s in its various applications. Figure 8 is a view in transverse cross section
Another object of the invention is to SO con taken on line 8-8 of Figure ;
stitute and combine the elements of the resist Figure 9 is a view of the resistor taken in the
ance that while the parts are Small and compact plane of line 9-9 of Figure 8 and consequently
variations of resistance values over a wide range showing parts in section and parts in elevation;
are obtainable and this capacity is had while and
providing a device which will outlast the receiver Figure 10 is a detail view illustrating a modified
in which it is used. form of flanged disc or end cap for the housing
In particular, these advantages are realized Of the adjustable resistor.
by an improved type of operative engagement Referring to the drawings, and more especially
95 between the adjustable contact and the resistor to Figure 1, it will be seen that in this form
and by providing for the dissipation of the heat of the invention, the adjustable resistance com
generated by the passage of current through the prises a metal housing . This housing is in
resistor. the form of a somewhat elongated cylinder, the
Another object is to provide an adjustable re Outer end of which is open and the inner end
of which is partially closed by an integral cen
30 sistance of this character which is operated in trally
an extremely simple and convenient manner and apertured end wall 2. Integral with the
which is susceptible of quantity production with end Wall 2 is an externally threaded mounting
economy and from materials and by means of bushing 3. The bushing 3 is adapted to extend
facilities ordinarily available. through an opening therefor in a mounting panel
35 Another object of the invention is to provide (not shown) and to be secured in such position
a device of this character and having these ad by means of a nut 4 interthreaded with the ex
vantages and which may be used as an Ordi terior of the bushing.
narily adjustable resistance or as a potention Within the housing a resistor, designated
eter or Voltage divider. generally at R, is provided and comprises a flex
40 Other objects and advantages reside in cer ible backing 5 to the inner face of which a
tain novel features of the construction, arrange resistive coating is applied. This resistor R may
ment and combination of parts which Will be have its backing 5 constituted of a flexible strip
hereinafter more fully described and particul of cardboard, paper, or other flexible materia,
larly pointed out in the appended claims, refer and its resistive coating 6 may be carbon, or
SS ence being had to the accompanying drawings the like, as Set forth in the application of Erwin 45
forming a part of this Specification, and in which: R. Stoekle, for Adjustable resistances, filed July
Figure 1 is a view partly in central vertical 7, 1933, Sprial No. 679,291, which has matured
longitudinal section and partly in side elevation into Patent No. 2,041,380 or the backing strip
showing one form of adjustable resistance emi 6 may be a strip of japanned flexible metal to
bodying the present invention; One japanned and/or anodized face of which the 50
Figure 2 is a view in end elevation looking to resistive coating is applied as set forth in the
ward the right hand end of Figure 1, with parts application of Erwin R. Stoekle, filed August 19,
broken away and partS shown in Section for the 1935, Serial No. 36,771. In any event, the re
sake of illustration; Sistive coating 6, while electrically insulated from
65 Figure 3 is a fragmentary Sectional view show the metal housing , is in heat interchanging 55
 2 2,178,241
relation therewith and as this housing is of aspects, is not restricted to the particular type
high thermal conductivity, heat generated in the of operator, although in its more specific aspects
resistive coating as a result of the passage of this type of operator is very advantageously con
an electric current therethrough is rapidly dissi bined with the other instrumentalities making
pated to the atmosphere. It will be noted that up the resistors.
the resistor R, although it is produced in the Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment having a
form of a flat sheet or strip, is, in the assembly, different type of housing and bushing structure.
curved into the form of a cylinder, or, in other In Figure 3 a portion of the housing is designated
words, into a tubular form corresponding to the at is and has an integral end wall 2. The bush
O tubular formation of the housing. In Such form ing designated at 3a is formed separately and is O
it is securely supported on the inner peripheral staked to the end wall 2a of the housing, as indi
wall of the housing and preferably it has an cated at S.
extent circumferentially and longitudinally equal In the form of the invention shown in Figure 4,
to that of the inner dimensions of the housing. the adjustable resistance comprises a cylindrical
5 For securely holding the resistor R in position housing 30 of insulating material having one end s
and establishing electrical connection between open and having its other end partially closed by
one end thereof and an external circuit, a metal an end wall 3, the end wall having a central
disc 0 is provided. The disc 0 has a radially opening 32. Within the housing a resistor R, iden
extending split which intersects a centrally tical with that previously described, is provided
20 internally threaded opening 2. If desired, the and is held in position by an expansible disc 10
periphery of the disc to may be slightly flanged and its screw 4. A terminal 5 is held to the
as at 3. The disc 0 is dimensioned to fit within disc 10 by the screw 4 as before. Likewise, there
the confines of the resistor as shown in Figures 1 is an adjustable contact f6 identical with that
and 2 and it may be expanded by means of a previously described and mounted on a similar
tapered screw 4 which also serves to secure a contact carrier 8 interconnected with the inner
terminal 5 to the disc 0. When the disc 0 end of an operating screw 20, the outer end of
is expanded it firmly clamps the adjacent end which has an operating knob 2.
of the resistor R between itself and the housing . The bushing with which the screw 20 is inter
An adjustable contact 6 is provided and pref threaded is designated at 33. It is formed as
30 erably comprises a piece of wire coiled helically a separate element and is externally threaded as
and bent or shaped into annular form. In the at 34 for only a portion of its length. Inwardly
assembly, portions of its convolutions are re of its externally threaded portion it has a tapered
ceived in an annular groove 7 provided in an section 35 and beyond the tapered Section a
annular carrier 8. The outer portions of this flanged or shouldered head 36. The bushing 33
35 helically coiled and annular contact 6 engage not only extends to the opening 32 in the end
the resistive coating of the resistor R. The con wall of the housing but also extends through an
tact f6 may be so interfitted with the groove insulating washer 37 of annular form which is
7 as to permit the carrier 8 to rotate relative surrounded by a clamping and contacting wedge
thereto but it is essential that any axial or longi ring 38. In the assembly, the bushing is secured
40 tudinal movement of the carrier 8 be trans in position by a nut 39 which coacts with the
mitted to the contact 6 by the walls of the threads of the bushing and with the end wall of
groove 7. the housing and draws the tapered portion 35
The carrier f3 has a central opening through of the bushing into the washer 37 to expand
which the reduced end 9 of an operating Screw the washer and the ring 38 which surrounds the
45 20 projects. The outer end of this reduced por latter thereby causing the ring 38 to have clamp 45
tion f 9 of the operating screw may be peened or ing engagement with one end of the resistor R.
riveted over as at 2 to operatively interconnect This aids in securing the resistor R, in position
the operating screw and the contact carrier. If and also establishes electrical connection between
desired, however, a swivel connection might, in the resistor R, and the ring 38. In addition to
50 this embodiment, be employed between the oper the nut 39 the bushing is provided with a mount
ating screw and the carrier 8, so that the screw ing nut 4, as before.
20 may rotate relative to the carrier 8 and yet A terminal 40 is provided and is connected by
these parts partake of the same axial or longi a screw 4 with the ring 38, the Screw passing
tudinal movement. The screw 20 has its external through openings in the housing 30 and the re
55 threads meshed with internal threads provided in sistor R. The provisions of the terminal 40 in 55
the bushing 3. The outer end of the screw may addition to the terminal 5 along with the ad
be provided with a serrated knob. 22. Hence, when justable contact makes it convenient to employ
the Screw 20 is turned in one direction it moves the device as a potentiometer.
axially into the housing and the contact 6 is The embodiments of the invention shown in
60 carried with it. Reverse turning of the screw Figures 5 and 6 are, as to housing structure, re
reversely moves it and its contact 6. sistor Construction, clamping disc and adjustable
With a contact of this character the adjustable contact f6, identical with that shown in Figures
contact has very intimate engagement with the 1 and 2, heretofore described, and corresponding
resistor in all adjustments and in any particular reference characters have been applied to these
65 adjustment engages the resistor at a multiplicity parts. The constructions shown in Figures 5 and 65
of points circumferentially thereof. In this way 6 differ from that shown in Figure 1 in the par
very effective contact is had between the adjust ticular means employed for transmitting the ro
able contact and the resistor, with but very light tary movement of the knob. 22 into longitudinal
pressure urging the contact into engagement with or axial movement of the adjustable contact 6.
70 the surface of the resistor. A screw operator for In Figures 5 and 6 the part corresponding to the 70
the adjustable contact 6 provides an extremely screw 20 is designated at 45 and inwardly of its
simple and effective as well as conveniently ma knob. 22 has a plain portion 46 rotatably fitted in
nipulatable device for moving the adjustable con the busing 3, the inner peripheral wall of the
tact throughout the entire range of its adjust bushing being Correspondingly smooth and round
75 ments. However, the invention, in certain of its to provide for this rotative fit. Lock rings or sim 7.
 2,178,241 3
ilar means constituting annular shoulders and the resistor is made up in the form of a sheet
designated at and 8 are interfitted with from which pieces of proper size are cut and that
grooves or the like in the shaft and coact with the resistor is flexible to such an extent as to
the ends of the bushing to preclude the screw enable it to readily conform to the contour of
5 from moving axially while allowing it to ro the inner housing .
tate freely. Within the housing the screw 45 In the present form of the invention the longi
in each of the structures shown in Figures 5 tudinal meeting edges of the resistor are in
and 6 has an externally screw-threaded portion turned as at 6 to provide a longitudinal guide
49, which is interthreaded with a correspond channel 68 which performs a function which will
O ingly threaded Central Opening in the adjustable be hereinafter more fully described.
contact carriers designated at 50 in Figure 5 and The movable contact of the resistor is desig
at 5 in Figure 6. In the form of the invention nated generally at 70 and comprises an aper
shown in Figure 5, the annular peripheral groove tured disc-like hub 7 from which a plurality of
of the contact carrier 50 is serrated or knurled as Spring contact fingers 2 extend, these fingers
16 indicated at 52. These serrations or knurls set 2 being integral with the disc and terminating
up sufficient interengagement between the con in angularly disposed rounded ends 2' which
volutions of the adjustable contact 6 and the bear against or contact the resistive coating of
contact carrier, as to preclude the carrier from the resistor. Also integrally formed with the disc
rotating relative to the adjustable contact t6 un and angularly spaced from the contact fingers
20 der the influence of the drag of the screw 45 T2 is a guide finger 3 having an appropriately
when it is turned in either direction. The fric shaped and angularly disposed inner end 74 which
tional interengagement of the convolutions of extends into the guide channel 68 and engages
the adjustable contact 6 with the carbonaceous the insulating backing which makes up the in
or resistive coating of the resistor R, effectively turned edges 63.
prevents rotation of the adjustable contact. As a The inner end of the screw 20 is of a reduced
Consequence, when the screw 45 is turned the or stepped formation and on one of the steps 5
threaded interconnection which it has with the the apertured hub 7 of the adjustable contact
carrier 52 will cause the carrier and its adjust is rotatably fitted, one face of the hub 7 abut
able contact to move bodily lengthwise of the ting the shoulder 76 of the screw adjacent the
housing in one direction or the other depending Step 5. Beyond the step 75 the screw is further
upon which way the Screw is turned. reduced to provide a step 7 on which a washer
In the form of the invention shown in Figure 6, 78 is mounted and secured by riveting or peening
the knurls 52 need not be supplied, the carrier Over the inner end of the screw as indicated at
5f being positively constrained against rotation . 19. In this way the adjustable contact is se
S5 by means of a pair of guide rods 53 fixed at one Curely held to the Screw against any relative axial
end to the housing and having a working or movement but is freely rotatable relative thereto.
sliding fit in openings 54 formed in the body The open end of the housing is closed by a
of the carrier 5. It will be understood that these disc or end plate 80 which has a serrated or
rods 53 while holding the carrier 5? against rota knurled portion 8 driven into the end of the
tion allow it to slide back and forth in the hous housing and effectively held in this position by
ing as the screw 45 is turned in one direction Virtue of the frictional engagement of its ser
or the other. rated portion with the adjacent portion of the
Figure 6 illustrates a slight modification in resistor. Beyond the serrated portion 8 the disc
the construction of the carrier. As there illus or end cap 80 is provided with a peripheral fange
trated, the carrier may be made up of a pair of 82 which overlaps the inner end of the housing
Similar sheet metal parts designated at 55 and and confines between itself and the adjacent end
56 and having outwardly flanged peripheries 57 of the housing a portion 83 of the insulating
to define a groove 58 for the reception of an ad backing of the resistor. Thus, while one end disc
justable contact similar to the contact 6. The is electrically connected to the resistive coating
body portions 59 and 60 of these carrier parts of the resistor it is electrically insulated from the
may be formed to flatly engage and may also be housing. A terminal 84 is appropriately secured
centrally apertured so as to adapt them for con aS by means of a Suitable fastening device 85 to
venient attachment by riveting or the like, as in the end cap 80.
dicated at 6, to the inner end of the screw 20. The operating screw 20 is of such length that
In the form of the invention shown in Figures When it is turned to a position where it has moved
7 to 9, inclusive, the adjustable resistance is inWardly as far as it may into the housing the
similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure rounded contact ends 72 of the contact fingers
1 in that it comprises a cylindrical housing will closely approach the disc or end plate 80
provided with an apertured end Wall 2 which Without touching. For example, these contact
has an integral externally threaded mounting ends 72 may approach the end plate or disc 8
bushing 3 and a nut 4 coacting with the bushing to within one-thirtysecond to one-sixtyfourth of
3. An Operating Screw 20 is also provided and is an inch Without touching whereby to give a com
threadedly interconnected with the bushing 3. paratively low resistance value. Furthermore,
The outer end of the screw 20 is provided with the spring contact fingers 2 are preferably flat
an Operating knob. 22 as before. On the back so that they will not be deformed
Within the housing and disposed against the When the Screw 20 is completely retracted. Re
inner cylindrical wall thereof is a resistor desig liable action is further insured by the nature of
nated generally at R.'. The resistor R, is made up the connection between the movable contact and
of a flexible backing of insulating material or of the Screw which prevents distortion of the mov
a flexible material suitably insulated and desig able contact at any time. O
nated at 65. To the inner face of this backing With a structure of this character the value
65 is employed a resistive coating 66. These of the resistance may be readily varied by turn
parts are illustrated in a somewhat exaggerated ing the Screw 20. Turning of the screw results
fashion in the drawings for the purpose of clear in movement thereof axially of the housing and
s ness and illustration. It is to be understood that this axial movement is transmitted to the mov s
 4. 2,178,241
able contact TO which, though positively intercon bushing, said housing having an open end, a
nected with the screw so as to be constrained to non-conductive flexible sheet formed to conform
move axially or bodily thereof, is not influenced to and resting against the inner surface of said
to any material extent to turn. In fact, any turn housing and extending longitudinally of said
ing is precluded by the cooperation of the guide housing, a resistance coating upon the inwardly
finger T3 with the longitudinal guide channel 68 exposed surface of said sheet, a metallic cap for
defined by the inturned edges S. said open end, said cap being provided with a
In lieu of having the guide finger working be suitable electrical terminal and having a portion
tween spaced inturned edges of the resistor, the fitting within said housing to hold said cap in
O same guiding effect may be had by bringing the position, said portion engaging said resistance O
inturned edges into engagement and having a COating to form electrical contact therewith, said
notch in the adjacent portion of the guide finger cap being electrically insulated from said housing,
which straddles the inturned edges. It is also an axially movable contact member in said house
to be understood that the number of contact ing and having contact surfaces resiliently bears
fingers may be varied as desired although pref ing on said resistance film, said sheet having a s
erably a plurality are provided. longitudinal edge bent inwardly to provide a guide
As shown in Figure 10, the invention also con extending longitudinally of said housing, said
templates a modified form of end plate, that is, contact member being provided with a finger
one which has a body portion 90 formed with slidaby engageable with said edge to prevent
an outwardly flaring flange 9 and an integral rotation of said member while permitting axial
terminal or shoulder lug 92. The Outer periphery movement thereof, an operating screw threadedly
of the flange 9 may be serrated or knurled as interconnected with said apertured end, said screw
desired. Such an end plate has the general ap having a manually engageable portion outside of
pearance of a frying pan and may be fabricated said housing and an inner end within said hots
by a simple stamping Operation. ing, and a swive connection between said inner
While I have shown and described several con end and said contact member, said screw provid
structions in which the invention may be advan ing an electrical connection between said housing
tageously embodied, it is to be understood that and said contact member.
these constructions have been Selected merely for 3. An adjustable resistance comprising a hollow
the purpose of illustration or example and that metal housing having an apertured end wall and
various changes in the size, shape and arrange an open end, a non-conductive flexible sheet
ment of the parts may be made without depart curved to conform to and resting against the
ing from the spirit of the invention or the Scope
inner surface of said housing and extending lon
of the subjoined claims. gitudinally thereof, a resistance film upon the
The invention claimed is: inwardly exposed surface of said sheet, a metallic
1. An adjustable resistance comprising a hol cap for said open end, said cap being provided
low metal housing having an apertured end wall with a suitable electrical terminal and having a
provided with an externally threaded mounting portion fitting within said housing to hold said
bushing, said housing having an Open end, a cap in position, said portion engaging said resist
non-conductive flexible sheet formed to conform ance film to form electrical contact therewith,
to and resting against the inner surface of said said cap befng insulated from said housing, said
housing and extending longitudinally of said sheet having adjoining longitudinal edges extend
housing, a resistance coating upon the inwardly ing longitudinally of said housing, said edges be
exposed surface of said sheet, a metallic cap for tween said apertured Wall and said cap being
said open end, said cap being provided with a bent inwardly and spaced to form a channel ex
suitable electrical terminal and having a portion tending longitudinally of said housing, an axially
fitting within said housing to hold said cap in moveable contact member in said housing and
position, said portion engaging said resistance having contact surfaces resiliently bearing on said
coating to form electrical contact therewith, said resistance film, said contact member being pro
cap being electrically insulated from said housing, vided with a finger, said finger being slideable
an axially movable contact member in Said hous within said channel, and an operating screw
ing and having contact surfaces resiliently bear
threadedly interconnected with said apertured
ing on said resistance film, and means for ad end, and means interconnecting the inner end of
justably imparting axial translation to Said con
Said screw and said contact member whereby said
tact member, said last named means being car screw is freely rotatable relative to said member
ried by said apertured end and projecting from while transmitting longitudinal movement in Op
said housing and forming electrical contact be posite directions thereto, said screw providing
tween said housing and said member. electrical connection between said contact men
2. An adjustable resistance comprising a hol ber and said housing.
low metal housing having an apertured end wall
provided with an externally threaded mounting BARRY W. R.UBNSTN.