Abstract: Joystick switch comprises a handle attached to a support member carrying a ball member which rides in a socket fixed on a base. A straight length of resilient wire fixed to the base passes through an aperture defined by four discrete contacts in the base and into a bore in the ball member where it is slideably received. Arcuate movement of the handle causes lateral deflection of the wire into contact with the contacts to generate signals for x-y directional control. Die cast zinc circuitry in the base provides grounding for the wire and signal current for the contacts. Resilient return action for the handle is effected by an elastomeric ring in the base which bears on an annular surface of the support member.

Abstract: Joystick switch comprises a handle attached to a contact carrying support member which is latchably carried by latch arms attached to a contact carrying base member. Contacts are cast in loop-like patterns toward the periphery of each member and an elastomeric member inside the bounds of the contacts between the support member and base provides resilient return action. A plunger carried in a bore in the handle and through the elastomeric member closes contacts in the base and is operated independently of the joystick directional control.

Abstract: A remote control system in which control signals from a transmitter are sent to receivers mounted in a number of cars, or other vehicles. Manually operated controllers for the respective vehicles are connected to the transmitter. The transmitter is capacitively coupled to the receivers, and there is no conversion of the control signals into modulated radio frequency carriers in the embodiment to be described. The track on which the cars are propelled is coated with a conductive material which forms one plate of a capacitor, the other plate being formed by a second conductor which extends around the track and which is spaced and insulated from the conductive coating. Under some circumstances, the second conductor may be ground. Each car forms two additional capacitor plates within the first capacitor to provide capacitive coupling between the transmitter and the cars.

Abstract: A normally-closed switch in which a movable contact member is normally held in contact with a fixed contact member by spring-load of a plate spring member. When an operating member is pressingly operated, the plate spring member is resiliently displaced into a position where the plate spring member comes in contact with a stopper member. The movable contact member is thus separated from the fixed contact member. When the operating member is pressed further, the plate spring member is not displaced, but a resilient member is compressingly deformed, thereby compensating for the over-stroke of the operating member.

Abstract: A joystick apparatus includes a tiltably mounted tube and a rod reciprocally movably axially therethrough. The tube has a frustoconical first actuator at one end thereof for operating engagement with a selected one or more of a plurality of first switches as the tube is tilted. The adjacent end of the rod carries a part-spherical second actuator for operating engagement with a second switch when the rod is extended from the tube, the shape of the second actuator keeping it in proper operating relationship with respect to the second switch regardless of the position of the tube.

Abstract: A control lever switch for providing steplessly adjustable control values, e.g. directional commands, for a plurality of outputs is based upon the provision of a number of electrodes in a spaced array around a control lever, these electrodes being capacitively coupled to a transmitter electrode which is carried by the control lever and which is adjustable via the control lever both radially and circumferentially of the electrode array. Preferably, four 90.degree. segment electrodes are provided, with a circular gap in the center, appropriately connected to two output channels to give, in a vehicle control system, both directional control and speed control in each channel. The electrode array and the transmitter electrode may be provided on respective opposite sides of a circuit board over which the transmitter electrode can slide easily.

Abstract: A combination selector and directional switch for electrically operated remote control rearview mirrors in which a single control fixture allows the operator to select a right or left hand mirror and then by manipulation of a pendant, movable in two plane directions, to orient the mirror glass as desired. The linear movement of a selector lever causes rotational movement of a selector ring whereby the left or right hand mirror is connected to be controlled by the selected manipulation of the pendant.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a snowplow blade or the like, includes a control shaft movably mounted to a housing, so as to have first and second end portions extending respectively inwardly and outwardly of the housing. A control circuit is mounted in the housing and a plurality of momentary contact switches are electrically coupled with the control circuit and mounted in the housing for selective actuation by the control shaft end portion in the housing. A resilient member is in engagement with said control shaft end portion in the housing for resiliently returning the control shaft to a predetermined neutral position. The control circuit comprises solenoid control circuits for energizing a plurality of solenoids to effect movement of the snowplow blade. A first circuit portion is responsive to ones of the switches for energizing ones of the solenoids for respectively controlling the snowplow blade in left and right turning motions and in upward lifting motion.

Abstract: A lever operated control for two transverse shafts connected for rotating drive control devices. The lever rotates in a first plane normal to a shaft and in second plane in the direction of the shaft. Two spring elements connect the shafts and lever maintaining the lever in a neutral position until operated.

Abstract: A joystick controller in which a conventional handle is moveable radially with respect to its axis relative to an axial pivot location from the nominal rest position of the handle is disclosed. A plurality of pressure-actuated switches are disposed in a common plane normal to the axis of the handle in its rest position. The switches circumscribe the approximate pivot location of the handle. A deformable resilient annular member is superimposed over the switches. The annular member is fixed to the handle so that displacement of the handle from its rest position causes an arcuate portion of the annular member to press against at least one of the switches. The annular member thus actuates selected switches depending on the direction in which the handle is displaced by the operator.

Abstract: A multi-position switch includes a movable actuator rod projecting from one end of a housing and having a cylindrical contactor disc within the housing displaceable into a plurality of radial positions to actuate a selected one or a selected pair of circuits as the contactor engages and radially deflects adjacent ones of a plurality of resilient contacts arranged concentrically about the actuator rod. The displacement of the rod and its disc is regulated by an encircling control element provided with alternate radial crests and valleys. Groups of adjacent contacts are electrically joined in series such that displacement of the disc into a control element valley axially aligned with any one group of contacts closes one circuit while displacement into either adjacent control element valley closes an alternate circuit involving two adjacent series of contacts.

Abstract: A control lever for a toy wherein the lever has two degrees of freedom and includes a stem portion loosely engaging a hole centrally located in an electrically non-conductive switch plate. The square switch plate has four rectangular electrically conductive areas positioned adjacent the sides thereof. The switch plate is held against a frame by means of four sets of flexible contacts, each set associated with one of the conductive areas. The switch plate is movable with two degrees of freedom by movement of the lever, whereby none, one or two different adjacent pairs of flexible contacts will be positioned on a rectangular conductive area. In this manner, two motors which control the direction of the vehicle can be selectively off, rotating in a forward direction or rotating in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A complex switch assembly specially for use in a motor vehicle for controlling positions of rear viewing mirrors provided on left and right-hand sides of the motor vehicle includes an operating lever constituted by a sphere, a bar portion extending radially outwardly from the sphere and a leg portion extending radially outwardly from the sphere in a direction opposite to the bar portion. The sphere is rotatably supported in a casing so that the operating lever can be rotated between first and second neutral positions about the axis of the operating lever and also can be tilted in four directions about the center of the sphere from each of the neutral positions. The leg portion controls a switch mechanism in accordance with the tilting of the operating lever.

Abstract: A transducer is provided which has six degrees of freedom and is arranged to output electrical signals indicative of the forces and moments applied thereto. The transducer comprises a rigid casing which, for example, is of cubic form. The casing is intended to be connected, for example, to the movable arm of a robot. A rigid body of a shape similar to the casing is suspended fluidically within the casing and is connected to a control shaft which projects through the casing. The external faces of the rigid body and the inner faces of the casing are both provided with conductive portions which together constitute a plurality of condensers the capacitance of which depends on the relative positioning of the body and casing. Forces and moments applied to the control shaft produce corresponding variations in the capacitance of these condensers and can therefore be easily measured.

Abstract: A shortened control switch structure useful in electrical remote control rearview mirrors and serving a pair of remotely located reversible motors and selectively permitting either of the motors to be operated in the forward or reverse direction by movement in the switch and where the base closure of the switch supports stationary contacts in opposed paired relation and the stationary contacts are swaged into the closure and against connecting leads and where the connecting leads extend generally radially from the base closure. The switch is of the type that recenters upon release in accord with a bias applied at the contacts. The contactors are press fitted into recesses and self-seat against removal and in electrical contact with corresponding leads. The contactors are provided with annular spaced apart wedge rings and displace softer material upon entry and in firm contacting displacement of the leads.

Abstract: In a controller of the type having a body, a pivot member within the body and an actuator shaft on the pivot member, a push button switch for the controller includes a handle fitted over an external end of the shaft and having a longitudinal opening therethrough, a push rod slidably positioned within the opening, a collar connected to the push rod, a switch operator which slidably engages the collar, and a switch positioned between the switch operator and the body such that, as the push rod is displaced toward the body, the push rod urges the collar to displace the switch operator toward the body thereby operating the switch. The switch operator preferably has an outer convex or arcuate bearing surface and an opening through which passes the actuator shaft. The sliding collar preferably has a lower concave portion which slidably engages the bearing surface of the switch operator, so that the push rod can actuate the switch at any given position of the controller.

Abstract: A compact nonsnap switch has an actuator moveable in arcuate paths from center off to actuated positions on a shaft which pivots about first shaft shoulders on outwardly discrete casing shoulders. The shaft has second pivot shoulders located in the same diametric plane as the casing shoulders for cooperation with an elongated movable contact member which is normally biased in columnar alignment with the shaft by a coil spring. Fixed contact members are aligned below the casing shoulders for contact by the end of the movable contact member.

Abstract: A contact-sensing probe has a movable member including a stylus and is supported on a fixed member at two spaced-apart locations. At each location an a spherical element on the one member is situated between convergent surfaces of the other member. A spring urges the movable member into engagement with the fixed member so that at each location the element slides on the convergent surfaces and by virtue of the convergence thereof attains a positive rest position therebetween. The movable member is displaceable from the rest position against the force of the spring when a force is applied to the stylus and is returnable into the rest position by the spring. The elements and surfaces may be electrical contacts, displacement of the stylus being sensed by any one of the contacts being broken. Alternatively displacement is sensed by a proximity sensor.

Abstract: Folded circuit switch apparatus includes multiple contacts responsive to a single switch capable of making contacts selectively with one or two switch elements at any particular time.

Abstract: A lever operated switch actuator has a resilient lever secured at its lower end to a bracket and having a control knob at its upper end. The bracket is secured to a supporting surface. A pair of switches having plungers are secured to the bracket on opposite sides of the lever. A lever stop member is secured to the bracket and has stops positioned on opposite sides of the lever and immediately above the switch plungers. The stops of the lever stop member are adjustable with respect to the switch plungers. The lever can be manually grasped at the control knob and deflected forwardly or rearwardly to depress a plunger which activates a switch. A lever stop contacts the lever once a plunger is depressed.

Abstract: A push-button assembly in which a cluster of push-buttons arranged in a circle or in a rectangular matrix, when depressed, engage a common plate positioned beneath the push-buttons. The plate is pivotally supported at its center by a spring which urges the plate towards the push-buttons. When any of the push-buttons is depressed it engages the plate at a point spaced from the central pivot. This causes the plate to tilt about its outer periphery, compressing the spring and actuating a common switch.

Abstract: Four switches are arranged at 90.degree. to each other. Each switch has a reversely bent blade having a short leg pivoted on a center terminal and a long leg having its free end normally spaced from a normally open terminal while the reversely bent portion engages a normally closed terminal higher than the other two terminals whereby the normally open terminal of an adjacent switch can be positioned under the normally closed terminal. The actuator handle actuates opposed parallel pairs in unison whereby one of the pair is actuated to close on its normally open terminal when the actuator moves in one direction and the other of the pair is so actuated when the actuator is moved in the opposite direction.

Abstract: In a joystick controller for electric switches, a resilient bias is provided, biasing the joystick to its neutral position, by means of a garter spring which encircles and embraces two ring members, one ring member being displaced in its own plane in response to pivoting the joystick about its pivot and the other ring member being secured to a fixed housing part. The two ring members are profiled so that the garter spring rides from them upon pivoting the joystick through greater than a threshold angle from its neutral position, so that the bias is removed and the joystick stays put.

Abstract: A switching control button structure is provided for selectively actuating a plurality of resilient dome momentary contact switches. The momentary contact switches are mounted on a support surface and arranged generally about the circumference of a circle. A pivot pin extends from the center of the circle and supports a key adapted to tilt about the pivot pin. The key has wings extending over the switches and is normally upwardly biased by the switches to a neutral, non-switching position so that a switch can be selectively actuated by applying force to the key anywhere along a line extending from the center of the key through a point generally over the switch. The key has a central circular serrated region by which rapid and successive actuation of the switches can be achieved by applying forces on the serrated region in the direction of the selected switches.

Abstract: An improved four-way switch operated by a single manual push button at the end of a control column includes an axially extending shaft mounted to pivot on a stud. The shaft and stud are retained within a housing. An elastomeric washer with a frusto-conically shaped center passage is affixed on the shaft and engages the housing to radially bias the shaft and thereby maintain the shaft in proper axial alignment. Contacts are attached to the shaft and engage selected contacts on the housing when the shaft is pivoted. Guide slots in the housing cooperate with the pivotal shaft to control the direction of pivotal movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A switch apparatus having first and second surfaces with conductive pattern segments thereon in proximate spaced overlying relation, each of the patterns being generally identical and having a circular array of alternating solid and interleaved conductive portion, one pattern being movable toward the other by tilting of a disc for providing a plurality of discrete signals.

Abstract: An electrical controlling device with a single actuating lever, which may be either twisted about its long axis to activate a first electrical controlling means, or tilted about at least one tilt axis perpendicular to its long axis in order to activate a second electrical controlling means.

Abstract: A snow plow having a blade movable by a plurality of drive devices actuated by switch members is controllable by a stick shift having a hand grip at one end and contacts at the other end for engagement with the switch members. The stick shift is pivotal from a neutral position in a selected one of a plurality of paths into engagement with the switch members, and includes in combination with its hand grip two additional switches for controlling at least one additional operation of said blade independently of the position of the stick shift.

Abstract: A multiway change-over switch which comprises an insulated casing defining a switching chamber therein and having a lobed opening in an upper portion, an upper terminal positioned on the undersurface of the top wall of the switching chamber, a rocking change-over member received in the switching chamber in contact with the upper terminal, a lower terminal rockably supporting the rocking change-over member within the switching chamber, an insulated base member secured to the bottom of the casing to support the lower terminal for vertical movement, a coiled spring positioned between the lower terminal and base member to urge the lower terminal upwardly, and at least one pair of diametrically opposite peripheral terminals extending upwardly from the periphery of the base member to surround the rocking change-over member.

Abstract: A method of remote control of an aircraft video system and means especially adapted for carrying out said method. An aircraft carries a technical container comprising at least one TV camera monitored by a TV screen and remotely controlled by a control box in the pilot's cockpit. On the ground there are disposed an orientable aerial, a receiver, a remote-control box for the aerial, a VHF microphone and a magnetoscope.By using this system an operator in the aircraft can both keep stability of the image transmitted to the ground and monitor it by enlargement on the monitor TV screen through instinctive reaction upon the remote-control box in the cockpit.The operator can act on his own initiative or on instructions being received from the ground or possibly by way of a duplex system.

Abstract: A keyboard which has support frame, or several rows of key units. Each key is movable out of an initial inoperative position by the tip of the index finger. The key of each key unit of a guide key row has a key rod and a top face on one end of the key rod. The tip of a finger rests at random pressure on each top face as, at the opposite end of the key rod, a non-depressable mounting is articulatedly lodged in the support frame and prevents downward depression of the key while permitting tilting toward one or more operational positions.Each key unit of the guide key row has a magnetic pole to exercise a determined initial attraction on the top face-bearing end of the key rod an doppose tilting movement of the key away from the attracting means, when this movement is initiated by a finger tip.

Abstract: An electrical control device having a joystick operator normally biased to a central position by resiliently biased rigid strips secured to a base plate. The joystick operator is pivoted in anyone of a plurality of directions through a 360.degree. arc. No more than two electrical switches or actuatable devices can be operated simultaneously by the joystick operator. The rigid strips are resiliently biased by either the internal springs of the actuator elements of respective switches or by springs externally of the switches. Movement of the strip causes depression of the associated switch actuator element. When the joystick operator is released, its shaft is returned to an equilibrium position.

Abstract: A multi-pole switch includes a wobble stick type actuator provided with a contactor engaging the free end portions of a plurality of displaceable resilient inner pin contacts having their base portions fixedly mounted in a support member. A plurality of stationary pin contacts are disposed radially outside and adjacent said displaceable pin contacts. A guide member adjacent the contactor includes a plurality of radially extending slots therethrough each housing a portion of one of the displaceable pin contacts and one of the stationary pin contacts in a normally spaced apart manner. A biasing element normally maintains the contactor in a central, neutral position whereby, upon deflection of the actuator the contactor is radially displaced and correspondingly displaces a selected inner pin contact into engagement with its radially adjacent stationary pin contact in the same guide member slot to close a circuit between the engaging contacts.

Abstract: A digital joystick control includes an elongated shaft member having a spherical ball at one end thereof. First and second socket members are coupled to the joystick to provide a swivel joint between the ball and the socket members enabling movement of the shaft about the ball in any direction; movement of the joystick effects corresponding movement of the socket members. Each of the socket members is connected to a plate member which moves therewith. The plate members have a patterned surface presenting conductive and non-conductive regions in opposing relation to wiper arms which engage the patterned surfaces. The patterned surfaces are coded in such a manner that the locations of the conductive and non-conductive regions of the patterned surfaces with respect to the wiper arms are changeable in response to movement of the shaft of the joystick whereby a unique digital-coded positional signal is generated for preselected incremental positions of the shaft.

Abstract: A switch is incorporated in a shift knob mounted to a gear shift lever for limited movement and includes a stationary contact and three mutually insulated contact fingers cooperable with the stationary contact. The contact arrangement is such that manipulation of the shift knob upon selecting one of a first group of positions of the shift lever will cause one of first and second contact fingers to contact with the stationary contact and manipulation of the shift knob upon selecting one of a second group of the positions of the shift lever will cause third contact finger to contact with the stationary contact and thereafter will cause one of first and second contact fingers to contact with the stationary contact.

Abstract: A joystick controller assembly for generating switch closures in response to X-Y manual movements includes an elongate lever arm or handle disposed to be tipped through an operating arc in any direction from the axis of the handle for closing switches. Individual springs coupled between the lower end portion of the handle move operating arms which press against and activate related switches carried on a printed circuit board for indicating the direction of movement of the handle.

Abstract: A controller comprises a first and a second pushbutton each carrying a pair of actuator pins of different lengths, first and second normally open switches located below each of the actuator pins having a reduced length, and a first and a second normally closed switch located below each of the other actuator pins. When depressed, each pushbutton causes its pin of an increased length to actuate its associated switch initially and then causes the other pin to actuate its associated switch. When the first pushbutton is depressed, a first circuit including the first normally open switch and the second normally closed switch in series is completed, and when the second pushbutton is depressed, a second circuit including the first normally closed switch and the second normally open switch in series is completed. When neither pushbutton is depressed, the first and second normally open switches prevent either the first or the second circuit from being completed.

Abstract: A movable control stick is urged by springs toward a neutral position. A radio signal generated responsive to displacement of the control stick is transmitted to a remote element to be controlled. The remote element is displaced responsive to the radio signal. The neutral position of the control stick is moved to the position of the control stick at the time a discrete trim command is given. The control stick is urged toward the neutral position by a pair of lever arms, a first pin attached to the control stick and disposed between the lever arms, a second pin attached to a normally latched, rotatable member and disposed between the lever arms, and the spring extending between the lever arms. Responsive to the trim command, the rotatable member is unlatched to drive the second pin toward the first pin.

Abstract: A hand-held controller device including a two-piece outer housing shaped to be held in one hand of the user, an internal cylinder pivoted at one end and adapted to telescopically receive an elogated plunger from the other end, the plunger having a contact pin attached to the received end and a hand grip knob affixed to its other end. A first plurality of switch contacts are carried by the cylinder so as to engage a stationary contact in response to the pivotal positioning of the cylinder, and a second plurality of contact elements are also carried by the cylinder and engaged by the contact pin in response to the longitudinal positioning and the rotational positioning of the plunger.

Abstract: A control system for a pair of hydraulic lift actuators for adjusting the position of a blade-carrying frame of a motor grader includes a pair of control levers respectively operatively connected to a pair of direction control valves which are, in turn, respectively connected to the pair of actuators and selectively operable by means of the levers to place the actuators in neutral, extension, retraction, and float conditions. Each of the levers includes a hollow handle section having an electric switch mounted therein and a finger-operable sleeve is reciprocably mounted on the handle section for selectively closing the switch. Each switch is connected to an electrically responsive portion of a respective one of the control valves and when closed causes the valve to shift to effect the float condition in an associated one of the actuators.

Abstract: The invention is a control mechanism for selectively operating one or more motive devices, such as multiple-speed electric motors, either separately or simultaneously in any combination of the speed capabilities thereof. In particular, the present control mechanism provides a plurality of cam elements fixed on two shafts arranged in a cruci-form conformation, the shafts being rotatable either singly or in tandem by a single control handle to engage one or more of the cam elements with contact switch elements which act to complete circuits or otherwise activate associated apparatus.

Abstract: A chin activated switch for use in adjusting the movement of a binocular microscope along three orthogonal axes allows the operator to utilize his hands and feet to control other devices. This chin switch contains a plurality of microswitches which are activated by specific movements of the chin. A chin plate upon which the operator's chin rests is connected to a pivot rod and rocker assembly the movement of which actuates the microswitches. These microswitches in turn control motors which move the microscope in the desired directions.

Abstract: A four-way lever switch which can occupy four different switching positions by moving the shift lever and which upon release of the shift lever, it and its apertaining parts at once return to their neutral positions. In the switch, a block carrying movable contacts moves on stationary contacts arranged on the base of the housing and its movements are guided by a plate mounted on the block. The guide plate is provided with an oblong aperture in which a hollow cube formed integrally with the block is movably inserted. The block moves laterally along the oblong aperture while the guide plate remains stationary. The guide plate moves only when the block is shifted in the direction perpendicular to the oblong aperture. By means of the guide plate, the movements of the contact carrying block are correctly conducted and no disturbance in the relative positions between the stationary and the movable contacts occurs.

Abstract: A manual controller for tripping or actuating switches used to energize j motors associated with a vehicle-raising or lowering mechanism, e.g a missile launch trailer or mobile home. The controller uses the "joy stick" principle, wherein the human operator moves an upstanding control rod or stick in any one of four directions to actuate selected ones of the switches. In fact the controller comprises two independently-movable joy sticks; one joy stick controls the "vehicle-raise" action, and the other joy stick controls the "vehicle-lower" action.

Abstract: A portable electronic calculator comprises a calculator body which supports a keyboard consisting of a single elongated row of keys each of which is adapted to be tilted in any one of four directions by the finger tip of a user to input a selected one of four different information signals from said key to a calculator circuit located within the body. The results of the calculation are supplied to an indicator circuit in the body for viewing by the user through an elongated indicator opening which is disposed in alignment with the row of keys.

Abstract: A control lever extends through a cruciform opening in a control box and inside of the box fixed electrical contacts surround its inner end in an array corresponding to the shape of the cruciform opening. A common electrical contact is connected to the lever. Selective movement of the lever into the guideways provided by the cruciform opening selectively completes electrical contact of the common contact with the fixed electrical contacts to energize a desired electrical circuit. The lever is spring biased so that, when the operating force is removed, the lever returns to a neutral position out of engagement with all fixed contacts. A solenoid is selectively engageable with the lever to restrict movement thereof from the neutral position.

Abstract: A driving power source and one or more load circuits are arranged in prescribed terminal contact with a revolving ball comprised of a pair of electro-conductive hemispheres and an intervening electro-insulating portion in such an arrangement that activation of each of the load circuits is switched on and off, polarity of the activation being controlled as desired by manual turning of the ball in selected directions and each hemisphere being always charged differently from the other through the terminal contact with the driving power source circuit.

Abstract: A finger actuated control device having a member movable in a plane about a eutral position whereby the distance moved from the neutral position is proportional to the value of the control adjustment of a system being controlled. The movable member is cantilevered away from the operator from an upper portion of a second moveable control device to which it is mounted and attached.

Abstract: An on-off switch comprising a contact element of conductive elastomeric material for establishing a current path between a plurality of terminals, and an actuating member for imparting a compressing force to the contact element. When the actuating member is manipulated to compress the contact element, the contact element is rendered electrically conductive to electrically connect the terminals with each other thereby turning on the switch.

Abstract: A switch construction, particularly a rapid data entry switch for connecting one or more select contact circuits comprises a first block member which has a first finger engagement side and an opposite second side which is arranged in opposition to a second block member first side. The second block member defines one or a plurality of contact guide bores therethrough and it provides a pivotal support base for the first block member. The first block member advantageously has recesses defining finger engagement positions which when depressed by a finger engagement will cause the first block member to pivot on the second block member to displace a select contact rod member in order to cause it to actuate or establish a connection in a select contact circuit. The block member is comprised of rectangular block elements having opposed surfaces which are formed as pyramidal segments which interengage.