US2319472A - Control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

.MIY 18, 1943 A. w. PLENSLER CONTROL APPARATUS 2 Shoots-Shut Y1 F1104 No'. 17, 1941 y mi mezze/0f.'- QZQZQQ/ef p/fa? Jy fm, y@ www May 18, 1943 A. w. PLENsLER CONTROL APPARATUS Filed NOV. 17, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 features on the inside.

Patented May 18, 1943 CON TBOL APPARATUS Alexander W. Plensler, Chicago, Ill., assigner to Belmont Radio Corporation, Chicago. Ill., a corporation oi.' Illinois Application November 17, 1941, Serial No. 419,404

Claims. (Ci. 171-119) This invention relates generally to a control unit for electrical apparatus and in particular to a tuning unit for radio apparatus.

In some of the prior art radio receivers having push button type tuning employing lever actuated control units there is generally required an escutcheon plate which is relatively large in a direction vertically of the radio cabinet to accommcdate slots for permitting a vertical movement of the levers. In lever operated units, as well as some linearly operated tuning apparatus, the control or push button units must be spaced apart from each other to provide working room for adjusting the units or other means to predetermined settings. The escutcheon plate, therefore, may also be appreclably increased in a longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the most desirable structure normally, particularly for portable and table type receivers, is an escutcheon which is as small as possible. In still other types o! tuning apparatus special adjusting tools are required, and considerable inconvenience is encountered whenever a control unit is to be adjusted.

Many of such prior tuning devices in addition to having objectionable features on the outside of the receiver cabinet had equally objectionable The inside structure, in many instances, occupied considerable vertical space within the receiver housing as well as extending over considerable space in depth and width. All of this inside and outside structure either necessitated a larger housing, or reduced the space available to other vital parts within a housing of the same general size.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide improved control apparatus for radio devices and the like controllable mechanism` A further object of this invention is to provide a preassembled radio control unit the lateral and vertical dimensions of which are defined substantially by its associated linger operatedportion or push button on the outside of the unit.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide compact simple push button operated inductance tuning mechanism which occupies a minimum of space at the iront of and within a receiver housing so as to permit a small housing, or if desired, a larger housing in which ample room is available at the front for decorative effects, and within for easy simple assembly'oi all desirable parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control unit with adjustable means in which pivofed actuating means for releasing and locking the adjustable means is pivotally movable in a vertical plane longitudinally of the control unit and withinv the connues of its ilxed vertical dlmension.

A further object of this invention is to provide a preassembled tuning unit for radio apparatus including a plurality oi' control units, which is compact in assembly, rugged in construction, emcient in operation, and having the adjustable means for the control units capable of being simply adjusted without requiring any special tools or working space about the control units.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of a tuning unit of a preassembled construction including a plurality o! control units, frequency changing means, and means operatively connecting the frequency changing means and control units, which are all supported and operated in common frame means in a manner to extend a minimum distance in a 4vertical direction.

A still further feature of this invention is found in the provision or a preassembled tuning unit for a radio which is capable of being installed in a minimum of space within' the radio cabinet to provide for a relative arrangement of the other radio parts within the cabinet such that the control parts on the cabinet front panel can be positioned in an attractive and pleasing pattern.

Another feature oi this invention is the provision of a plurality of manually operated units within the control apparatus which can be reset to predetermined control positions by mere vertical movement within the confines of the push buttons themselves for locking and unlocking operations, and then mere linear movement in a restricted longitudinal path. so that no extra tools are required and the push buttons may all be spaced close together in a transverse direction over the iront of the apparatus.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable radio receiver showing one arrangement of the tuning unit of this invention therein;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of a control unit as seen along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is illustrated similarly to Fig. 2 and shows parts thereof in a changed position;

Fig. 4 is a plan view partly insection taken along the line 4 4 in Fig. 3 and showing the relative assembly of a plurality of control units;

Fig. 5 is a plan view as seen along the line 5 5 in Fig. 3 showing the assembly of the inductance units in the tuning unit of this invention: and,

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view oi a modined form of the invention.

In practicing this invention there is provided a tuning unit of a preassembled construction. which is adapted to be mounted below or on the bottom of the chassis of a radio receiver without appreciably increasing the over al1 height of the receiver. The tuning unit includes frame means for slidably supporting a plurality of control units each of which includes a push button and related portions, and all such units operating on ilat link members for driving iron cores in inductance units which are secured to the same frame means in a position extending longitudinally of the tuning unit and below the control units. The core elements for the inductance units are movable with a cable operatively connecting a pair oi' driven pulleys rotatably supported on the frame means and within the vertical space occupied by the inductance units. Each control unit occupying a. minimum of vertical space. includes a carriage or body portion supporting an adjustable means, and locking means therefor including an actuating lever pivotally supported on the body member for pivotal movement in a vertical dlrection substantially Within the contines of a corresponding push button for the control unit. Such lever has a portion thereof projecting outwardly from the push button which is manipulated and operates through intermediate means to lock and unlock the adjustable means Without movement in any direction for the control unit as a whole.

In addition to operating the locking mechanism of a control unitI each lever, on an unlocking stroke serves to eject the call letter card from the button` to make Way for a new call letter corre sponding to the station to which the control unit is to be set. The lateral and vertical dimensions of each control unit is defined substantially by the corresponding dimensions of an associated push button, so that the spacing of the push buttons side by side longitudinally of the tuning unit determines the operating space for the control 3 units. The control units may thus be compactly arranged in close adjacence to each other without in any way impairing the accessibility to the actuating lever for adjusting purposes.

With reference to the drawings there is shown in Fig. 1 a radio receiver of portable type having a cabinet Ill and a chassis Il for carrying the usual tubes I2 and loud speaker I3. The tuning unit of this invention is designated generally as I4 (Figs. l and 2) and is supported from the longitudinal table portion I 6 of the chassis Il, with the control units |1 thereof extending outwardly of the cabinet front panel I8 from below the dial face I9. As shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4. each control unit I1 includes a body or supporting member 2| of substantially iiat form which is twistedabout a quarter of n. turn at 22 substantially intermediate its ends so that the end portions 23 and 24 thereof are substantially normal to each other. Each body member 2| is slidably supported in a U-shaped frame member 28, the end portions 2l and 24 being inserted through openings in the opposite les portions 21 and 2B, respectively, with the end portion 24 positioned in a plane longitudinally of the frame member 26. The free ends 20 and 2B of the leg portions 21 and 2l, respectively, are secured to the underside of the platform I 4 of the chassis I I. l

Since all of the control units I1 are of a similar construction only one thereof will be referred to in the following description. V'Ihe portion 24 (Figs. 3 and 4) of the body member 2| is provided with adjustable means 'II operatively -engageable with movable control means. designated generally as 22, for frequency changing means I9 as Awill be later described. The adjust'- able element 8| includes a fiat circular hub portion Il integrally formed with a straight cross portion I4 and is pivotally supported on the body member 2| by axis means Il extended through the hub portion' 3l and the body member. The i6 cross portion I4 is integrally formed with oppositely extending ears or stops I1 and IB. As seen in Fig. 2 the hub portion 33 extends in a plane longitudinally of the frame 26 with the stops I1 and 28 extending in opposite directions vertically oi a corresponding control unit I1 and to each side of the body member end portion 24. The pivotal movement of the adjustable means 3| in one direction is defined by the engagement ot the portion 2B with the bottom of a recess IB in the side 4U of the body member 2|, while its pivotal movement in an opposite direction is defined by` the engagement of the stop 3B with a point 4I of side 4I! of the body member.

Retention oi the adjustable Ineens 3|' in an adjustedv position corresponding to a predetermined tuned position oi' the frequency changing means 69 is accomplished by locking means including a member 42. The member 42 (Figs. 3 and 4) is of substantially flat form and oi' mating contour with the body member 2| for side by side assembly therewith. The body member 2| is integrally formed at the portion 24 thereof with bent ears 44 and at the portion 23 with bent ears 46 adapted to guidably support the locking memer 42 for longitudinal slidable movement relative to the body member 2|. The end 43 oi the locking member 42 is oi' an arcuate shape corre spending to the hub portion 33 o! tne adjustable means 3| and frictlonally engageable therewith to lock the adjustable means in an adjusted positlon.

To move the locking member 42 into a locking position with the adjustable means 3| there is provided an actuating lever 41 pivotally supported at its end 49 on axis means 49' carried by the body member 2| at the portion 23 thereof. The axis means 49 is positioned normal to the plane of the end portion 23 of the body member 2|, and hence transversely of the control unit I1, so that its pivoted movement in actuating the locking member 42 is in a vertical direction longitudinally of the control unit. As illustrated in Fig. 3 the lever end 49, which is of cam shape, is locked with the end 5I o! the locking member 42, to in turn lock the adjustable means II in an adjusted position. it being apparent that the member 42 is slidably moved relative to the member 2| to its locking position by virtue of the cam action o! the lever end 49 when the lever 41 is pivotally moved vertically downwardly. To release the ad instable means ll the lever 41 is simply moved vertically upwardly to a position in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the control unlt I1, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3. This movement releases the cam endv 49 from the end Il ofthe locking member which in turn permits the adjustable means 3| to pivot freely about axis means Il.

On locking or the adjustable means II in an adjusted position the members 2| and 42 are locked against relative movement and slidably movable in the trame member .26 as a unit. Movement of the control unit to a tuning position is accomplished by manually pushing on a finger portion or push` button 4B. to be described, against the pressure oi a spring 45 arranged in compression about the body portion 24 between a shoulder 4B' thereon. and the leg portion 28 of the frame member 26. On release of the push button 48 the control unit I1 is returned to its rest or idle. position defined by engagement of stop portions 5B integral with the body member portion 23 with a bumper member 55 on the leg portion 21 ci the trame member 26.

l'he push button Il. new to be described, is of a. hollow construction. mounted on the end portion 23 oi' the body member 2l and extended ating lever 41 is substantially completely posii2 in the push button Il tioned within a cavity with only its nger operated end B3 extending outwardly from the push button between guide ways `It for slidably supporting a station tab or indicating means 5l. A tab El is thus removable from a corresponding push button 4I by merely sliding it in a vertical direction upwardly of the push button. When it is desired, therei'ore, to adjust the adjustable means pivotal movement of the lever 41 vertically upwardly to its releasing position engages the bottom of a corresponding tab 64 to concurrently remove such tab from its corresponding push button as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3. The new tab corresponding to the new adjusted position ci the adjustable means II may thus be inserted directly alter the lever 41 is moved to its locking position.

It is evident from Fig. 3 that the entire vertical pivotal movement of the actuating lever 4K1 from its full line to its dotted positions corresponding to the locked and released condition of the adjustable means 3| is entirely within the vertical dimensions of the push button B8. This vertical dimension of the push button IB defines substantially the vertical height of the frame member 2B and the vertical dimension of the control unit I1. that the dimension of the push button 48 in a lateral direction defines the lateral dimensions of a corresponding control unit. By virtue of this relative construction and assembly of each ccntrol unit I1 they may be arranged side by side adjacent to each other without requiring space between adjacent units to accommodate actuating means for the adjustable means, or Working space for screw drivers or the like sometimes used in the setting of the adjustable means. space required to receive a control unit in the iront panel of a. radio cabinet is thus determined by the vertical and lateral dimensions of a corresponding push button.

The control means 32, previously mentioned, v

includes a pair of spaced parallel members 51 and 58 extendinglongitudinally of the frame member 2S, and hence of the tuning unit I4, and positioned within the frame member 26. The members 51 and 5B are connected together for concurrent relative movement by a crank arm 59 mounted on the upper end oi a pair of-spaced axes means 6| rotatably supported in bearings Also with reference to Fig. 4 it is seen I.'

The,

corresponding coil 08 of an inductanee unit Il, the inductance units or frequency changing means B9 being arranged longitudinally of the tuning unit Il and secured to the underside of the frame portion 63. On rotation o! the pulleys Ill, therefore, the cable BB between the pulleys is linearly moved, to in turn linearly adjust the cores 61 relative to their corresponding coils Il to provide for a tuning position of the inductance units 69 corresponding to a desired setting of a control unit I1. From a consideration ol Fig. 2 it is seen that the pulleys B4 are rotatable in a plane longitudinally of the tuning unit Il and within the contines of the vertical dimension of the inductance units B8. The vertical dimension oi the tuning unit il is thus dened substantially by the combined vertical dimen- G2. and extending through the bottom or leg connecting portion B3 of the frame member 2B. The connecting members 51 and 58 (Figs. 2 and 3) are positioned entirely Within the coniines of the frame 28 and lie in different longitudinal planes to provide for the engagement of the connecting member 51 with the stops 38, and the engagement of the member 58 with the stops 31 of the adjustable means 3l. The lower end of each axes means 6I, which extends outwardly from the base portion 63 has mounted thereon a pulley 6l (Figs. 3 and 5).

The pulleys 6I are operatively connected together for concurrent rotation -by a cable BB having a core or slug member B1 connected in each cable length extending between the pulleys B4. Each core 61 is operatively associatedwith a sions of a push button I8 and inductance unit B8.

In the operation of a control or selector unit I1 to move the control means 32 to a control position corresponding to a preselected tuning position ol the inductance units B8, let it be assumed that the adjustable means 3i is locked in an adjusted position and that the stop portions 31 and 38 thereof are -positioned as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. 0n initial movement of the control unit toward a tuning position or to the right as viewed in Figs. 2 and 3 the stop portion 31 engages the control member 68, to move it toward the right as also viewed in Figs. 2 and 3. By virtue of the assembly of the crank arms 59 with the connecting members 61 and 58 this movement of the connecting member 58 concurrently moves the connecting member 51 toward the left, as seen in Figs. 2 and 3. This operation of the control unit I1 continues until the control mcmber $1 engages the stop portion II, the engagement of the stop portions 31 and 3B with corresponding connecting members 5B and 51 defining a control position for the control means 32. Since rotation of the crank arms 59 in turn rotates the axes 6I the pulleys 6I are rotated to adjustably move the cores B1 relative to their corresponding coils 6B to a tuning position corresponding to the defined control position of the control means 32. It is evident, therefore, that the pulleys 6l are rotated directly in response to a movement of the connecting members 51 and 5B with a locked position of the members 51 and 58 with an actuated control unit I1 defining a predetermined tuning position of the inductance units 69.

In the setting of the adjustable means 3| in an adjusted position the actuating lever is rst moved to its releasing position. A tuning knob 1i (Fig. l), which is operatively associated by suitable means (not shown) with one of the axes 6I is then manually rotated to a tuning position and retained in such desired tuning position while the control unit is operated as for normal tuning. With the connecting members 51 and 5B held iixed through their connection with the axis 6i the adjustable means 3| is rotated until the stop portions 31 and 38 thereof are in engagement with corresponding connecting members. When this engagement occurs the actuating lever 41 is moved pivotally downwardly to in turn move the locking member 42 into its locking position with t'le adjustable means 3l, as was fully described above. The setting of each control unit I1 to tune in a desired station is thus very conveniently accomplished by the simple actuation of the lever l1 directly at the front of a corresponding push button 4B, and operating the lcontrol unit in a manner usual for tuning.

In radio receivers and particularly in portable receivers the push buttons and the frequency changing means occupy a relatively large space vertically of the receivers so as to require their being positioned to one side or the other of the dial face I9 in the radio front panel. Thus in portable receivers it was necessary generally to have the dial face positioned to one side of the radio cabinet to accommodate the tuning means at the other side thereof. With the control umts I1 slidably supported in the frame member 26, and the inductance units 89 and control means 2l operatively mounted on the frame 2B. the tuning unit Il is adapted to be completely preassembled as a unit before its assembly to the portion I8 of the radio chassis II. Because of this compact unit assembly of the tuning unit I4 the complete tuning unit may be accommodated in a very minimum of space vertically of the radio cabinet so as to be conveniently arranged in a position centrally of the front cabinet panel I8 and in vertical alignment with the dial face I8, as is illustrated in Fig. 1. Since the dimensions of the control units are deiined laterally by the corresponding dimensions of the push buttons lil, the push buttons may be arranged side by side in substantial sliding engagement with each other without in any manner impairing-the efficient operation of the control units. Since the over all operating movement oi the actuating lever is entirely within the connes of the vertical dimension oi the push button the convenience and ease with which the adjustable means 3| are set is positively retained. I'he control units may. therefore, be positioned substantially entirely below dial face I9, with the usual manual tuning control 'II and the volume and "off and on control I2 arranged to each side of the control units. The dimensions of the cabinet can thus be retained unchanged while providing for an even pattern or arrangement of the control parte on the front panel I8 thereof. The compact assembly oi the tuning unit Il with its smallest dimension in a vertical direction thus serves to improve the over all neatness and appearance oi' thc radio receiver.

A modiiied form of the invention is shown in Fig. 6 with the control umts Il arranged in super-posed positions as where the invention is utilized in an automobile receiver. In automobile receivers it is generally desirable to have the push buttons arranged in a superposed relation to provide for their compact assembly transversely oi the usual dash board and in close proximity to the operator of the automobile. It is further desirable that the tuning mechanism be of a minimumdimension laterallyr of the dash board so as to be entirely accommodated within the space provided thereby without interfering with the usual control equipment and instruments carried on the automobile dash.

The tuning unit I4 in Fig. 6 is substantially similar in all respects to the tuning unit Il, previously described, and similar numerals oi reference will be used, therefore, to designate similar parts. Each control unit II' includes a at body member lI'oi straight form over its entire length. A locking member I2 also of nat form and straight over its entire length is slidably supported on the body member 2l' for .relative movement longitudinally thereof by the bent ear portions M' and I8' integrally formed with the body member 2| 'I'he control units I1' are sildably supported in the leg portions 2l and 2B oi the frame member 2l for moving the control means I2 to predetermined control positions. The adjustable means 3| is adapted to ybe locked in an adjusted position by an actuating lever l1 operatively connected therewith through the locking member I2 in a manner similar In allV respects to the corresponding ,parts previously described in connection with Fig. 2.

The lateral and vertical dimensions of a control unit I1' are defined substantially by the corresponding dimensions of a push button 48, with the actuating lever 4l being pivotally movable substantially entirely within the connes of the vertical dimension oi a corresponding push button 4B. Because of this relative construction the control units Il' are capable of being arranged ln a superposed relation in a direction longitudinally of the frame 26 and in substantial adjacence to each other for engaging the control means 32. With the control units I'I in a superposed relation the utilization of a body member 2i' and a corresponding locking member 42' oi flat straight form over their entire lengths pr vides for a very minimum length in a direction longitudinally oi the control unit and ior a movement of the connecting members El and 58, the adjustable means 3l and actuating lever 4T in parallel planes extending longitudinally of the tuning unit Il. With the movement oi these parts in planes longitudinally of the control unit I5' the lateral depth of the unit is retained at a minimum dimension, while the vertical dimension is determined essentially by the number oi' control units l1 desired. The tuning units 69 and cooperative pulleys El, as fully described in connection with Fig. 2, are similarly relatively assembled to the frame 2B of the modification in Fig. 6. By virtue of this con struction a compact unit extended longitudinally in a vertical direction, and having its smallest dimension in a lateral direction is provided for vehicle installations. Itis to be understood. however, that the invention in Fig. 6 may also be used whenever a vertical arrangement of the control units in a minimum of space is desired for home and portable receivers.

From a consideration of the drawings and description it is seen that the invention provides a completely preassembled tuning unit Including control units, tuning means and movable control means operatively connecting the control units and tuning means, which is adapted for assembly at the bottom portion of a usual radio chassis to occupy a minimum of space in a direction vertically of said chassis, or at some vertical position within the complete receiver apparatus so as to occupy a very small space transversely of the cabinet as illustrated in Fig. 6. The push button mechanism for the individual control units is integrally assembled in the corresponding control unit with its operating positions being entirely confined within the dimensions vertically of a corresponding control unit. Locking and unlocking oi adjustable means in each control unit is likewise accomplished substantially within such dimensions, by lever means operating merely by thumb or ilnger while the remainder of the control unit is stationary.

It is to be understood further that although the invention has been described with reference to several specific embodiments thereof that it is not to be so limited, since alterations and modiilcations can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as dened by the appended claims.

I claim: l. In a tuning structure for aradio set, a push button slidable structure including a ilnger por- 'l 'tion and an adjustable setting device, the said structure having two parte slidably intercon-` pivotally movable within said finger portion.

2. In a tuning structure for a radio set, a push button slidable structure including a plurality of parts with one oi said parts carrying a push button and an adjustable setting device, and means including at least another part of the slidable structure for locking said setting device in an adjusted position and including a portion pivoted on said one part and adapted to be pivotally moved in a vertical direction for acting on said another part of said means to release and lock said setting device, with said pivotal portion being pivotally movable substantially within the vertical conilnes of said push button.

3. In a tuning device for a radio set, a selector slide structure carrying a push button and adjustable means, a member for locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position, and a member pivoted on said slide structure for pivotal movement within said push button, and adapted on manual pivotal movement for operating said locking member so asto release or lock said adjustable means.

4. A control unit for controllable apparatus including a first member having adjustable means pivoted at one end thereof, means for locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position including a second member carried on said ilrst member, means supporting said second member for linear slidable but non-rotatable movement relative to said ilrst member, and an actuating lever having one end pivoted at the other end of said nrst member, with said one lever end and adjustable means being operatively connected together through said second member so that pivotal movement of said lever in one direction slidably moves said second member into locking engagement with saidA adjustable means..

5. A control unit for radio apparatus having a ilrst member with adjustable means carried at one end thereof, a. ilnger gripping portion at the opposite end of said ilrst member, means releasably locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position including a lever movable within said ilnger portion, means pivotally supporting said lever at one end on the opposite end of said first member, with the other end of said lever extending outwardly from said finger portion to provide for the manipulation of said lever, a second member operatively associated with said adjustable means and one lever end, and means supporting said second member on said first member for movement relative thereto, said one lever end on pivotal movement of said lever acting on said second member for locking and releasing said adjustable means.

6. A control unit for radio apparatus having a body member with adjustable means pivotally supported at one end thereof, a nger gripping portion carried on said body member at the opposite end thereof, means for locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position including a locking member having one end movable into frictional engagement with said adjustable means to lock the same, means on said body member movement relative thereto. and an actuating lever Apivotally supported on the opposite end of saldi` body member arid movable within said ringer gripping portion, said lever having? one portion operatively connected with the other end of said locking member and a second portion thereof projecting outwardly from said finger portion to provide for the pivotal manipulation of said actu ating lever, said second portion being pivotally movable substantially within the contines of said linger gripping portion. and said one portion on pivotal movement of said lever acting on said locking member to release and lock said adjustable means.

7. A control unit for radio apparatus including a longitudinally extending body member, adjustable means carried at one end of said body member, means for releasably locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position including a longitudinally extending slide member having one end thereof movable into frictional engagement with said adjustable means, means guidably supporting said slide member on said body member for relative longitudinal but non-rotatable movement into and out of trictional locking engagement with said adjustable means, and pivotally movable actuating means pivotally supported on said body member at the opposite end thereof and operatively connected with the other end of said slide member, with said actuating means on pivotal movement thereof acting on said slide member to release and lock said adjustable means.

8. A control unit for radio tuning apparatus including a longitudinally extending nrst member having adjustable means supported at one end thereof,.a ilnger gripping portion with a cavity therein mounted at the opposite end of said ilrst member, an actuating lever having one end pivotally supported at the opposite end of said rst member, said lever being located within the cavity in said finger portion with the other end thereof projecting outwardly from said linger portion to provide for the manipulation o1' said lever, means for locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position including a second longitudinally extending member operatively associated with said adjustable means and one lever end and carried on said ilrst member between said adjustable means and one lever end, and means on said ilrst member slidably supporting said second member for longitudinal butnonslidably supporting said locking member for 76 rotatable movement relative thereto, said one lever end on pivotal movement of said lever in one direction engaging and moving said second member relative to said flrst member into frictional locking engagement with said adjustable means, with the pivotal movement of said lever being substantially completely within the confines of said nger portion.

9. A control unit for radio tuning apparatus including a body member, pivoted adjustable means at one end of said body member, a finger gripping portion at the opposite end of said body, with the vertical height of said finger portion delining the vertical height of said control unit. means for frictionally locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position including a member slidably carried on said body member substantially between said linger portion and adjustable means, means guidably supporting said slide member for movement relative to said body member into and out of frictional engagement with said adjustable means, a pivoted actuating member movable within said finger portion, and means pivotally supporting said actuating member at one end on the opposite end of said body member for pivotal movement in a direction vertically of said control unit, said one end being operatively connected with said slide member to move the same relative to said body member into locking position with said adjustable means when said actuating member is pivotally moved -in one direction, and the other end of said actuating member being extended from said nger portion to provbide for the manipulation of said actuating member, with said actuating member being pivotally movable substantially within the vertical height oi said ilnger portion.

10. A control unit for radio apparatus including a member having adjustable means at one end and a linger operated portion at the other end thereof, means for locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position including a second member slidably supported on said ilrst member in operative association with said adjustable means, means guidably supporting said second member for linear but non-rotatable movement relative to said rst means and into and out oi' frictional locking engagement with said adjustable means, an actuating lever pivotally supported at the other end of said rst member and operatively connectedwith said second member, said actuating lever being movable within said finger portion to move said second member into locking engagement with said adjustable means, with the pivotal movement o! said lever being substantially entirely within the contines of said ilnger portion, and the vertical and lateral dimensions oi said finger portion dening the correspondlng dimensions of said control unit.

il. A control unit for radio apparatus including a body member having adjustable means movably supported at one end thereof, a linger gripping member supported at the other end oi said body member having an opening therein, indicating means slidably supported in said ilnger member for movement vertically o! said finger member, means for locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position corresponding to the indication on said indicating means including a locking member, means movably supporting said locking member on said body member for movement relative thereto into and out of irlctional locking engagement with said adjustable means, a plvoted lever movable within the opening in said ilnger member and operatively connected with said locking member, and means pivotally supporting said lever on said body member for pivotal movement vertically of said finger member, said lever on pivotal movement in one direction acting on said locking member to move the same into a locking position with said adjustable V means, with pivotal movement thereof in an opposite direction permitting said locking member to be moved out oi said locking position, said lever having a portion thereof arranged in the path of the verticalmovement oi' said indicating means so that said lever on pivotal movement thereof in said opposite direction engages and pushes said indicating means from said nger member.

12. In control apparatus having movable control means, a control unit i'or moving said control means to a predetermined control position including a nat longitudinally extending member twisted substantially intermediate its ends so that the end portions thereof are substantially normal`to each other. means sndably supporting said body member with one of said end portions positioned in a vertical plane, adjustable means pivoted on the other end portion of said body member for operatively engaging said control means, means pivotally supporting said adjustable means for pivotal movement in a plane normal to said vertical plane, a second nat longitudinally extending member of mating contour with said first nat member, means movably supporting said second member on said iirst member for longitudinal movement relative thereto into and out of frictional locking engagement with said adjustable means, pivoted means at the other end of said first member in operative connection with said second member, means pivotally supporting said pivoted means for movement in a vertical plane, said pivoted means on pivotal movement thereof acting on said second member to control the movement thereof relative to said ilrst member, and a linger gripping portion supported on the one end portion oi said rst member, with the lateral and the vertical dimensions of said finger portion deilning the lateral and vertical dimensions oi' said control unit, and the pivotal movement oi' said pivoted means being confined substantially within the vertical dimension of said linger portion.

13. In control apparatus having movable control means, a control unit for moving said control means to predetermined control positions including a, longitudinally extending fiat `member with pivoted adjustable means at one end and a linger portion supported at the other end there- 0i', means pivotally supportingv said atustabie means for pivotal movement in a plane parallel with the longitudinal plane of said ilat member and vertically of said control unit, an actuating lever pivoted at the other end of said ilrst member, means pivotally supporting said lever for pivotal movement in a plane parallel with the longitudinal plane oi' said ilat member, and a second at member slidably supported on said ilrst flat member for longitudinal movement relative thereto, and operativelyl connecting said actuating lever and adjustable means, with pivotal movement of said actuating lever acting on said second ilat member to move the same into locking engagement with said adjustable means to hold the same in an adjusted position, the lateral and vertical dimensions of said control unit being defined substantially by the corresponding dimensions of said finger portion, and the pivotal movement oi' said actuating lever being substantially connned within the vertical dimension o! said finger portion.

14. Electrical control apparatus having movable control means, a longitudinally extending movable control unit including a supporting member having adjustable means pivoted thereon, said adjustable means having a pair of oppositely arranged engaging portions, means carried by said supporting member for releasably locking said adjustable means in a position corresponding to a predetermined control position oi' said control means, said control means including a pair o! parallel longitudinally extending connectlng members corresponding to said engaging portions, said control unit being arranged normal to said connecting members so that movement thereof in one direction operatively connects said engaging portions and connecting members. and means connecting-laid connecting members together for concurrent opposite movement in a direction laterally thereof, with movement of said control unit towards said connecting members moving one of said engaging members to move said control means to a predetermined control position which is denned when the other engaging portion engages its corresponding connecting member.

15. A preassembled tuning unit for radio control apparatus having a cabinet, adapted to be installed in a space having the smallest dimension thereof vertically of said cabinet and including a plurality of control units, frame means slidably supporting said control units in a side by side relation longitudinally of said tuning unit, each of said control units having adjustable means at one end and a nger operated portion at the other end thereof, with the vertical and lateral dimensions of said finger portion denlng the corresponding dimensions of a control unit, inductance tuning means including coil members longitudinally arranged on said frame means and secured thereto below said control units with the combined vertical dimensions of a inger portion and coll substantially dening the over all vertical height of the tuning unit, pulleys rotatably supported on said frame means for rotation in a plane longitudinally thereof, said pulleys being positioned below said control units within a vertical space denned by said frame means and secured thereto below said pulleys, core elements for said coil members connected into said cable, with movement of said cable adjusting the coil elements relative to said coilsl means operatively connecting the adjustable means on said control units with said pulleys so as to rotate said pulleys on actuation of a control unit, and means movably supporting said connecting means on said frame means, with said connecting means being arranged substantially within a vertical distance defined by the vertical dimension of said ringer portion.

16. A preassembled tuning unit of push button type including longitudinally extending frame means for sildably supporting a plurality of control units in a side by side relation longitudinally thereof, each of said control units having a body member with adjustable means at one end and a push button at the other end thereof having a cavity therein, with the vertical height and width of a control unit being denned substantially by the corresponding dimensions of a push button, means for locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position oper-A atively supported on said body member and including a pivoted actuating lever movable within the opening of a corresponding push button, means supporting'said lever for pivotal movement within the vertical dimension of said push button, with said lever on pivotal movement' thereof acting on said locking means to release and lock said adjustable means, frequency changing means supported from said frame means adjacent said control units so that the over all dimension of said tuning unit transversely thereof is dened substantially by the dimensions of said frequency changing means and push buttons in a direction transversely of said tuning unit, and means supported on said frame means operatively connecting said frequency changing means with said adjustable means.

17. In a preassembled tuning unit for radio control apparatus constructed so as to have its smallest dimension in a direction transversely thereof and including longitudinally extending frame means, a plurality of control units slidably supported in said frame means in a superposed relation longitudinally thereof, each of said control units having a body member with adjustable means at one end, a push button at the other end of said body member having a cavity therein, with the vertical height and width of a control unit being denned substantially by the corresponding dimensions of a. push button, means for locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position operatively supported on said body member and including a plvoted actuating lever movable within the opening of a corresponding push button, means supporting said lever for pivotal movement in a vertical direction and within the vertical dimension of said push button, with said lever on pivotal movement thereof acting on said locking means to release and lock said adjustable means, frequency changing means supported from said frame means to one side of said control units, so that the over all dimension of said tuning unit in a transverse direction is deilned substantially by the width of said push buttons and the dimension of said irequency changing means in a direction transversely of said tuning unit. and means supported on said frame means operatively connecting said frequency changing means with said adjustable means, said latter means being positioned at the one end of said body member and within the transverse dimension of said tuning unit.

18. In a control unit having one part with adjustable means and push button means thereon, a linearly movable part carried on said one part for releasably locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position, and a linger operated portion connected with said linearly movable part to linearly move the same relative to said adjustable means. said linger operated portion being movable within said push button means and having an operating movement defined substantially by a dimension of said push button means transversely of said control unit.

19. In a tuning structure for a radio set having one part with adjustable means and a stationary linger portion thereon, means including a second part for releasably locking said adjustable means in an adjusted position, movably carried on said one part between said adjustable means and finger means, an operating part for moving said second part into releasable locking engagement with said adjustable means, and means movably supporting said operating part within said nger portion for pivotal movement across said linger portion.

20. In a station-tuning structure for a radio set, a push button slidable structure including a i'lnger portion and an adjustable setting device, the said structure having two parts slldably interconnected, and a pivoted lever plvotally connected with one part and adapted to act on the other part to place said other part in locking engagement with said setting device at a station tuning position, said lever being pivotally movable within said finger portion, and station indicating means removably supported on said finger portion in the path oi' movement of said lever. said lever. on movement thereof permitting a release oi said adjustable setting device, engaging said station indicating means to move the same from said linger. portion.

ALEXANDER W. PLENSLER.

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