A high-energy resistor has a resistive body comprising unbound particulate material. The resistance value of the resistor can be determined in part by a mixing ratio of components in the unbound particulate material and a pressure applied to the particulate material. For a selected mixing ratio, the resistance of the assembled resistor can be adjusted to obtain a selected resistance value with high accuracy by changing pressure on the unbound particulate material. Such adjustment can be made readily by a user before and/or after the resistor is installed in a system. The adjustment can be automated and made during operation of the system to maintain a resistance value precisely.

The present invention provides a mechanically-actuated switch comprising a deformable conductive element providing a conductive path between a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the effective geometry of the conductive element changes suddenly upon deformation to cause a disproportionately large change in a resistance between the first and second terminals. The switch can be made from lightweight and soft materials, and is particularly suited for integration with dielectric elastomer devices. Also disclosed are various circuits and a method for controlling circuits including the switch.

An instant response pressure sensor is disclosed. An embodiment shows no continuous gap is configured between a piezoresistor and neighboring element(s) in thickness direction. The instant response pressure sensor is able to respond immediately to an extremely small pressure applied thereupon in the early stage with an extremely small distance movement because the instant response pressure sensor without having an extra press journey to move before trigging.

An instant response pressure sensor is disclosed. An embodiment shows no continuous gap is configured between a piezoresistor and neighboring element(s) in thickness direction. The instant response pressure sensor is able to respond immediately to an extremely small pressure applied thereupon in the early stage with an extremely small distance movement because the instant response pressure sensor without having an extra press journey to move before trigging.

A variable resistor includes: a first substrate having a first main surface; a resistor disposed on the first main surface; a first wiring pattern disposed on the first main surface and connected to the resistor; a spacer having an opening; a second substrate that: has second and third main surfaces, and is disposed on the first substrate via the spacer such that the second main surface is opposed to the first main surface; a connecting body that is: disposed on the second main surface such that the connecting body is disposed in the opening, and configured to electrically connect to the resistor by pushing of a pusher from the third main surface; and a second wiring pattern. A resistance value between the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern is changed based on a pushing position of the pusher.