Abstract: An optical accelerometer including a light source, a light detector and a flexible medium positioned between the light source and the light detector. The flexible medium has an opening through which the light beam from the light sources passes with the light beam being detected by the light detector. Movement by the flexible medium in response to acceleration or deceleration varies the intensity of the light beam detected by the light detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joystick control unit featuring a joystick shaft member with a reflective surface on its bottom portion which is parallel to the X-Y plane when the shaft is placed in a centered upright position. The reflective surface tilts as the shaft member is moved through the X-Y plane and reflects the radiant energy emitted from a source mounted beneath the shaft member and directs it towards a plurality of radiant energy detectors selectively arranged beneath the reflective surface. The shaft member includes a movable inner member with at least one aperture in an upstanding sidewall which selectively permits or prevents the transmission of radiant energy through the aperture for purposes of controlling a switch function.