Gerald Ray Mcdonald

US Patent:

50140370, May 7, 1991

Filed:

Mar 10, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/331646

Inventors:

Gerald H. McDonald - Coon Rapids MN

International Classification:

H01C 1032

US Classification:

338163

Abstract:

A mechanism for a potentiometer, especially a miniature potentiometer used as a volume control in a hearing aid, onto a face plate includes a metallic band circumferentially surrounding a portion of the housing of the potentiometer. The band includes means for mechanically engaging a surface of an aperture in the face plate such that the housing is secured within the aperture. Preferably, the potentiometer also includes a stop means that engages a shoulder or surface of the face plate of the hearing aid positioning the potentiometer within the aperture a selected distance such that the knob of the potentiometer extends beyond a front surface of the face plate.

US Patent:

46493662, Mar 10, 1987

Filed:

Oct 4, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/784332

Inventors:

Gerald H. McDonald - Coon Rapids MN

Assignee:

Resistance Technology, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H01C 1016

US Classification:

338134

Abstract:

A trimmer control is mounted in a potentiometer knob to provide a compact controller for use in a device such as a hearing aid. The knob of the potentiometer is rotatably attached to a base housing which has a centrally located bore. A bracket extends through the bore of the housing and into a chamber located in the potentiometer knob. The bracket is fixedly attached at one end to the housing. The trimmer control is fixedly attached to the bracket and electrical leads of the trimmer control extend through a bore within the mounting bracket for connection with another circuit. The trimmer control is accessible through an opening in the potentiometer knob.

US Patent:

51573717, Oct 20, 1992

Filed:

Jan 11, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/640052

Inventors:

Arman E. Sundquist - Brooklyn Park MN
Gerald H. McDonald - Coon Rapids MN
Donald R. Hagen - Brooklyn Park MN

Assignee:

Resistance Technology, Inc. - Arden Hills MN

International Classification:

H01C 1032
H01C 102
H04R 2500

US Classification:

338162

Abstract:

A potentiometer retention mechanism is provided for mounting a potentiometer on the faceplate of a hearing aid. The potentiometer includes a rotatable knob attached to a housing with the housing including a plurality of conductive leads projecting from a back surface of the housing. The mechanism includes an adapter for receiving the potentiometer. The adapter has a device for mechanically engaging the faceplate such that the adapter is secured with the faceplate. The mechanism further includes a plurality of angled leads attached to the adapter whereby the potentiometer leads press against the angled leads such that the housing is secured within the adapter.

US Patent:

48358339, Jun 6, 1989

Filed:

Dec 2, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/127446

Inventors:

Gerald H. McDonald - Coon Rapids MN

Assignee:

Resistance Technology, Inc. - Arden Hills MN

International Classification:

B23P 1902

US Classification:

29525

Abstract:

A mechanism for a potentiometer, especially a miniature potentiometer used as a volume control in a hearing aid, onto a face plate includes a metallic band circumferentially surrounding a portion of the housing of the potentiometer. The band includes means for mechanically engaging a surface of an aperture in the face plate such that the housing is secured within the aperture. Preferably, the potentiometer also includes a stop means that engages a shoulder or surface of the face plate of the hearing aid positioning the potentiometer within the aperture a selected distance such that the knob of the potentiometer extends beyond a front surface of the face plate.

US Patent:

43296769, May 11, 1982

Filed:

Jan 10, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/110802

Inventors:

Gerald H. McDonald - Blaine MN
Donald R. Hagen - Brooklyn Center MN

Assignee:

Resistance Technology, Inc. - Roseville MN

International Classification:

H01C 1050

US Classification:

338198

Abstract:

A potentiometer providing a variable electrical resistance between input and output terminals for use in electronic circuits, as for volume control, light control, instrumentation control or the like. A potentiometer includes a housing assembly comprised of a cover assembled to a base. An electrical wiper is mounted to a rotor assembled to the cover and has a contact portion movable along a C-shaped resistive strip on the base. Stops limit the extremes of movement of the wiper with respect to the resistive strip. An annular seal disposed between the cover and a rotating portion of the rotor is effective to keep out dirt and other particulate matter from the potentiometer and provides continuous brake friction upon rotation of the rotor. In one form of the potentiometer, the housing assembly includes a body located between the cover and base and a switch mechanism is operably connected to the rotor to selectively locate an electrical contact in an on or off position.