Abstract: A piloting device for piloting an aircraft comprises a first and a second control stick mounted movable on a support. The device comprises a priority selection module configured to switch the first and second control sticks between a piloting configuration and a non-piloting configuration. The device further comprises a detection system for detecting the positions of the first and second control sticks; a first and second actuation system configured to generate respective first and second forces on the respective first and second control stick; and a control module configured to control the actuation system of the control stick which is in a non-piloting configuration such that the positions of the control sticks are identical.

Abstract: A first hand control controls an altitude of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft; the movement of the VTOL aircraft within a plane defined by a roll axis and a pitch axis is independent of the first hand control. The first hand control is provided on a first hand side of a pilot's seat included in the VTOL aircraft. A second hand control controls the movement of the VTOL aircraft within the plane defined by the roll axis and the pitch axis; the altitude of the VTOL aircraft is independent of the second hand control. The second hand control is provided on a second hand side of the pilot's seat that is opposite from the first hand side.

Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to control devices for controlling features or functions of apparatuses and devices. At a high level, the control devices described herein provide an input locus that is positioned within a handle of the control devices. The input locus may have a fixed position such that the control device may resist movement in response to forces applied to the handle in force vectors passing through the input locus. Further, the handle may pivot or rotate about the input locus in response to forces applied to the handle in force vectors that are offset from the input locus to generate inputs and/or controls.

Abstract: An assembly for converting motion comprises a first arm rotatable at a first position about a first fixed pivot; a second arm rotatable at a first position about a second fixed pivot; a third arm linked at a first position to the second arm at a second position on the second arm, the third arm being linked at a second position to the first arm at a second position on the first arm; wherein one of the first and second positions on the third arm is moveable and the other of the first and second positions is fixed relative to the third arm; and a connecting arm extending between the first arm and the second arm, the connecting arm pivotably connected at a first position to a third position on the first arm and pivotably connected at a second position to the second position on the second arm.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed to an interface mount between a vehicle steering/control device and a mobile computer protective case. The interface mount has two sides. One side of the interface mount is attached to the vehicle steering/control device. The other side of the interface mount is attached to an AMPS hole pattern plate.

Abstract: An electric wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a frame configured to support a seat, a driver configured to be coupled to a lower portion of the frame, armrests configured to be coupled to both sides of the frame, and a controller configured to be detachably coupled to the armrest, in which the controller is coupled so as to shield an opening formed in the armrest and is electrically connected to a connector located inside the armrest. The wheelchair includes a robot.

Abstract: A VTOL inceptor arrangement is handled by a single pilot and consists of or comprises a first inceptor and a second inceptor. The first inceptor is capable of controlling at least one axis of movement and the second inceptor is capable of controlling at least three axes of movement. The first inceptor is configured to be operated by a first hand of the pilot, and the second inceptor is configured to be operated by a second hand of the pilot different from the first hand. These two hand-operated inceptors enable use of reliable operation based on stick motion (i.e., the pilot's respective hands each grasp a respective inceptor) instead of relying on movement of switches, knobs or the like—which may not allow precision control under vibration or turbulent environments or conditions.

Abstract: A platform control system for boom lifts preferably includes a control panel, a left joystick and a right joystick. The left joystick includes a plurality of left ON-OFF-ON rocker switches and a plurality of left ON-OFF push button switches. The right joystick includes a plurality of right ON-OFF-ON rocker switches and a plurality of right ON-OFF push button switches. The left and right joysticks can be configured to work on a telescopic boom lift machine as well as on an articulating boom lift machine. The control panel preferably includes a display screen and a screen shroud. The display screen is mounted in a middle of the control panel. The display screen includes a plurality of proceed lights, warning lights and error lights pertaining to the functions of the left and right joysticks. The screen shroud partially covers the display screen to eliminate sun glare.

Abstract: A method and system for simulating pilot controls in a cockpit simulator by controlling one or more arms on which is/are mounted a control grip, pedal or the like, to locate the grip at different positions and allow movement of the grip in a plurality of movement directions and trajectories while allowing varying force feedback.

Abstract: An aircraft armrest lifting mechanism generally biases the aircraft armrest toward a raised configuration. A linear actuator applies tension to a cable connected to a portion of an armrest hub connected to an armrest shaft. The portion of the armrest hub extends some distance from the armrest shaft so that the linear actuator applies a moment between an attachment point on the armrest and the armrest shaft that tends to rotate the armrest toward a raised configuration.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed to an interface mount between a vehicle steering/control device and a mobile computer protective case. The interface mount has two sides. One side of the interface mount is attached to the vehicle steering/control device. The other side of the interface mount is attached to an AMPS hole pattern plate.

Abstract: The Curtis Protocol, an aircraft control interface, is provided. The Curtis Protocol standardizes the division and selection of aircraft flight regimes and flight modes within the selected flight regime.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed to an interface mount between a vehicle steering/control device and a mobile computer protective case. The interface mount has two sides. One side of the interface mount is attached to the vehicle steering/control device. The other side of the interface mount is attached to an AMPS hole pattern plate.

Abstract: An aircraft flap lever is disclosed. The lever is included in a housing, and is supported on an axle. The lever also has a protruding pin that is biased upwards towards four optional radially-spaced notches. Each notch results in a different lever setting, and thus different flap position. The system includes a rocker mechanism that is pivotally mounted on the axle, and prevents skipping over notches when the lever is activated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controller including a first control member, a second control member that extends from a portion of the first control member, and a controller processor that is operable to produce a rotational movement output signal in response to movement of the first control member, and a translational movement output signal in response to movement of the second control member relative to the first control member. The rotational movement output signal may be any of a pitch movement output signal, a yaw movement output signal, and a roll movement output signal, and the translational movement output signal may be any of an x-axis movement output signal, a y-axis movement output signal, and a z-axis movement output signal.

Abstract: A control stick may include a magnet and a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensor. The 3D magnetic sensor may determine a twist angle of a handle of the control stick based on a strength of a magnetic field at the 3D magnetic sensor. A twisting of the handle may modify an air gap between the 3D magnetic sensor and the magnet. The strength of the magnetic field may be based on strengths of first, second, and third magnetic field components. The 3D magnetic sensor may determine a tilt angle of the handle based on a ratio of the strength of the first magnetic field component to the strength of the third magnetic field component. A tilting of the handle in a direction corresponding to the first magnetic field component may modify the ratio of the strength of the first magnetic field component to the strength of the third magnetic field component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compactly mounted cyclic flight control for a rotorcraft. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a stick base assembly coupled with a cyclic stick and configured to rotate with respect to a mounting frame to control a pitch and a roll of the rotorcraft. A cyclic housing is pivotably coupled with the mounting frame for rotation about a pitch axis to control pitch, and coupled with a pitch actuator having a pitch force sensor to measure its resistance to rotation. The cyclic housing supports the stick base assembly for independent rotation of the stick base assembly about a roll axis to control roll, and the stick base assembly couples with a roll actuator having a roll force sensor to measure its resistance to rotation.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed to an interface mount between a vehicle steering/control device and a mobile computer protective case. The interface mount has two sides. One side of the interface mount is attached to the vehicle steering/control device. The other side of the interface mount is attached to an AMPS hole pattern plate.

Abstract: Hand controls for an aircraft, including a single axis hand control which is configured to control movement of an aircraft along a vertical axis where the aircraft includes a plurality of rotors that are attached to the aircraft at a fixed position and the plurality of rotors rotate independently of one another. The hand controls further include a three axis hand control which is configured to control movement of the aircraft within a plane defined by a roll axis and a pitch axis, as well as about a yaw axis.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided including an airframe, an extending tail, and a counter rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly including an upper rotor assembly and a lower rotor assembly. A translational thrust system positioned at the extending tail, the translational thrust system providing translational thrust to the airframe. A cockpit in the airframe, the cockpit including two seats and a single collective control input positioned between the two seats.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a magnetic target for generating a magnetic field that is uniform and concentric about a central axis of the target; an array of three-axis digital magnetic compasses for sensing the magnetic field; and a processor for finding intersection points of vectors from the compasses to the target. The vectors lie in a global X-Y plane that is normal to the central axis. Each vector indicates a direction of sensed magnetic field from one of the compasses to the magnetic target.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a full authority digital engine controlled (FADEC) engine, a first two-position throttle switch disposed on a first collective control stick, the first two-position throttle switch being movable between a Fly position and an Idle position, and a second two-position throttle switch disposed on a second collective control stick, the second two-position throttle switch being movable between a Fly position and an Idle position.

Abstract: The unified command system and/or method includes an input mechanism, a flight processor that receives input from the input mechanism and translates the input into control output, and effectors that are actuated according to the control output. The system can optionally include: one or more sensors, a vehicle navigation system which determines a vehicle state and/or flight regime based on data from the one or more sensors, and a vehicle guidance system which determines a flightpath for the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for an interactive video game controller designed to be operated by an individual's left or right hand where the video game controller may be placed or positioned on a stable surface such as a table, the player's leg, or other level apparatus. The interactive video game controller may have a handle, shaft, and base whereby the handle may be moved relative to the base operating a directional input control. The interactive video game may also have a plurality of finger buttons on the top surface of the handle and thumb sticks on a semi-cylindrical portion of the handle so that the individual with only one hand may utilize all controls without the video game controller needed to be lifted or replaced during use or the individual needing to let go of any of the controls to interact with the other controls.

Abstract: Control system (200) for a strengthening glove (100) with fingers (101-105), comprising a force detecting sensor means (210) for detecting, at different measurement locations (211-218) on the palm side (106) of said glove fingers, a respective force between a finger (11-15) and a contact surface, further arranged to impart a force to respective glove fingers, bending them towards a gripping position, further arranged to read measurement values from the strengthening feedback loop based upon the measurement values. The invention is characterised in that a predetermined pattern is detected, comprising certain measurement values, in that, when the said pattern is not detected and the actuating means are controlled according to a first program, and further when the said pattern is detected, they are controlled according to a second program, which first and second programs are different.

Abstract: A controller including a first control member and a second control member that extends from a portion of the first control member. A controller processor is operable to produce a rotational movement output signal in response to movement of the first control member, and a translational movement output signal in response to movement of the second control member relative to the first control member. The first control member may be gripped and moved using a single hand, and the second control member may be moved using the thumb of the single hand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controller including a first control member, a second control member that extends from a portion of the first control member, and a controller processor that is operable to produce a rotational movement output signal in response to movement of the first control member, and a translational movement output signal in response to movement of the second control member relative to the first control member. The rotational movement output signal may be any of a pitch movement output signal, a yaw movement output signal, and a roll movement output signal, and the translational movement output signal may be any of an x-axis movement output signal, a y-axis movement output signal, and a z-axis movement output signal.

Abstract: A retention member monitoring system for a slat-flap control lever assembly including a control lever movable over a range of discrete angular positions. Also included is a retention member engageable with the control lever to retain the control lever in each of the discrete angular positions. Further included is at least one electric device in communication with the retention member to determine the structural integrity of the retention member.

Abstract: An assembly (3) for an ergonomic sampling pipette including a control rod (10) at the end of which is arranged a control button (12) for controlling the movement of the control rod (10) along a longitudinal axis (18) thereof, the button (12) having a pressure surface (11) for receiving the thumb of an operator. The pressure surface (11) of the control button (12) is movable such as to be able, during operation, to assume multiple angles relative to the longitudinal axis (28) of the control rod (10).

Abstract: A gear lever for motor vehicles is provided, of the type including a lever body, a grip, a block and a rod. The lever body defines a main axis and is configured for being associated to a gearshift device of a motor vehicle. The block is arranged to be displaced between an operative position and an inoperative position, respectively, for blocking and releasing the lever in or from a given gearshift position. The rod is slidably mounted within the lever body, and connected to which is said lever block, and which is arranged to be governed via a control member positioned on the lever body or on the grip for shifting the block from the operative position to the inoperative position. The lever is also height-adjustable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controller including a first control member, a second control member that extends from a portion of the first control member, and a controller processor that is operable to produce a rotational movement output signal in response to movement of the first control member, and a translational movement output signal in response to movement of the second control member relative to the first control member. The rotational movement output signal may be any of a pitch movement output signal, a yaw movement output signal, and a roll movement output signal, and the translational movement output signal may be any of an x-axis movement output signal, a y-axis movement output signal, and a z-axis movement output signal.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to control and monitor a folding wingtip actuation system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a collection module to obtain flight stage information of an aircraft. The example apparatus further includes a sequence and control module to calculate a first position of a folding wingtip assembly operatively coupled to a wing of the aircraft, determine actions during a first stage and a second stage to complete in sequence to move the folding wingtip assembly, determine a status of a component of the folding wingtip assembly based on a measurement of a sensor, and control a movement of the folding wingtip assembly in accordance with the actions and based on the status.

Abstract: A flexible flight control system enables conversion from one architecture using one type of inceptor to another architecture using another type of inceptor, through the usage of modular software and hardware pieces with common interfaces among the different types of inceptors. Longitudinal and lateral directional control laws are adapted to be compatible with the specific aspects of the operation of each configuration/architecture, giving the option to the aircraft operator to choose any one of a number of inceptor architectures at time of manufacture.

Abstract: Hand controls for an aircraft, including a single axis hand control which is configured to control movement of an aircraft along a vertical axis where the aircraft includes a plurality of rotors that are attached to the aircraft at a fixed position and the plurality of rotors rotate independently of one another. The hand controls further include a three axis hand control which is configured to control movement of the aircraft within a plane defined by a roll axis and a pitch axis, as well as about a yaw axis.

Abstract: The Curtis Protocol, an aircraft control interface, is provided. The Curtis Protocol standardizes the division and selection of aircraft flight regimes and flight modes within the selected flight regime.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle has an outer steering wheel rim. The outer steering wheel rim is fixedly connected, via at least one spoke, to a steering wheel pot arranged in a steering wheel center. The steering wheel pot, on the base side, has a steering wheel hub for fixing to a steering column. The steering wheel hub is configured as a load cell for detecting a load acting on the steering wheel hub. Such a steering wheel may be used to facilitate various tests.

Abstract: A remote controller includes a fixed body equipped with pivots in a first axis and pivots in a second axis, together with an operating lever. The remote controlling further includes a main frame configured to pivot about the axes to transmit pivoting movement of the lever to a pivoting sensor. The main frame is coupled by pivots to the lever. The lever has two pairs of arms to control the pivoting of the main frame and the pivoting of the auxiliary frame. The auxiliary frame is coupled to the lever by an intermediate frame. The intermediate frame is coupled to the auxiliary frame by a swivel. The frames are located under a plane of the axes and the lever is located above the plane of the axes.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a first seat configured to accommodate an occupant and an onboard interface device adjacent to the first seat. The onboard interface device may include a housing configured to accommodate a palm of the occupant, a first groove positioned in the housing and configured to accommodate a first finger of the occupant, and a first input device positioned in the first groove and configured to be actuated by the first finger and generate a first signal for controlling a first operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Rotorcraft controls and rotorcraft including such rotorcraft controls. An example apparatus includes a collective control column for an aircraft includes a rotational interface rotatable in a first direction to provide a first input and a second direction opposite the first direction to provide a second input; a memory to store instructions; and a processor responsive to the first input to execute the instructions to cause the aircraft to perform operations associated with flying the aircraft, the processor responsive to the second input to execute the instructions to cause the aircraft to perform operations associated with idling the aircraft.

Abstract: A control device for a crawler vehicle comprises a control lever activated by an operator about a fulcrum and having a free end, the control lever being displaceable along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a proximal position closer to the operator and a distal position further from the operator in order to control a main clutch of the vehicle, the control device further comprising a support element suitable for being fixed to a body of the vehicle in order to support an operator's hand when the hand acts on the control lever, the control lever having an intermediate portion interposed between the free end and the fulcrum, the intermediate portion being so shaped as to partially embrace the support element in the proximal position.

Abstract: A system for providing visual feedback in an aircraft having an actuatable component includes a controller providing automatic control of the actuatable component in an automatic mode and permitting manual control of the actuatable component in a manual mode. A handle assembly is in communication with the actuatable component to provide manual control of the actuatable component in the manual mode. The system also includes a light panel integrated with the handle assembly, in communication with said controller, and configured to selectively illuminate to inform a user of the mode of the actuatable component.

Abstract: Multi-axis pivot assemblies for control sticks and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A multi-axis pivot assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an input shaft, a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft, and a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages and pivoting joints. The first and second axis output shafts rotated about corresponding first and second fixed bearing sets to capture a first axis output and a second axis output. The series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output.

Abstract: One embodiment is a handle supporting a users hand having a large surface for the palm, a trough for the thumb, a protrusion between the thumb and first finger and flared edges to keep the hand from sliding. A support surface is coupled to the stem of a wheelchair joystick gimbal and is biased in forward driving. A second embodiment is a wheelchair joystick movable between forward and reverse positions while maintaining the same orientation relative to the user. A supporting surface is pivotally mounted to a gimbal stem fixed to the wheelchair. The handle pivots to remain in a neutral position with movement of the joystick. A bi-directional spring biases the handle toward a neutral position. A third embodiment comprises a pivot coupled to a gimbal stem and a cup coupled to the user. The assembly is completed by placing the cup over the pivot allowing for movement therebetween.

Abstract: A system for controlling an aircraft control parameter including a control interface including a mobile element configured to move on a travel, of which at least two portions are separated by a neutral position; a return element bringing the mobile element back to the neutral position when it is not actuated; and an interaction element, and a control unit configured to memorize an item of information corresponding to a first position of the mobile element at an instant of activation of the interaction element; and generate a setpoint of the aircraft control parameter, as a function of a control associated with the first position of the mobile element for which said information has been memorized; or a current position of the mobile element, when this current position is situated on the same portion of travel as the first position and is more remote than the latter from the neutral position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controller including a first control member, a second control member that extends from a portion of the first control member, and a controller processor that is operable to produce a rotational movement output signal in response to movement of the first control member, and a translational movement output signal in response to movement of the second control member relative to the first control member. The rotational movement output signal may be any of a pitch movement output signal, a yaw movement output signal, and a roll movement output signal, and the translational movement output signal may be any of an x-axis movement output signal, a y-axis movement output signal, and a z-axis movement output signal.

Abstract: The tactile feedback glove incorporates a plurality of pin actuators disposed inside the glove. Actuator pins point towards bottom surfaces of a user's hand inside the glove. A plurality of pivotally attached joint members is disposed inside the glove. The joint members are arranged proximately above top surfaces of a user's hand inside the glove. The pin actuators have a rectangular actuator body with bores sunk through a parallelepiped actuator body surface and arranged in a row-by-column matrix formation of solenoid cores in the bores. The pins slide up and down inside sleeves extending from the solenoid cores. The extent of each pin outside its respective bore is responsive to current flow in the solenoid core. The joint members are arranged above a user's intermediate, proximal, and distal phalanges. Motor control of the joint members determines the angular displacement of the joints directing and limiting hand motion inside the glove.

Abstract: An avatar in a video game is controlled based on input from multiple users. An input composition system receives a first input from a first user. The first user uses a first input source for controlling the avatar. The input composition system receives a second input from a second user. The second user users a second input source for controlling the avatar. The input composition system alters the first input based on a first user performance modifier. The input composition system alters the second input based on a second user performance modifier. The input composition system creates an avatar input value based on the first altered input and the second altered input. The input composition directs the avatar in the video game based on the avatar input value.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling positioning of flaps in an aircraft includes a shift lever movable to each of a plurality of shift lever positions to control positioning of the flaps of the aircraft to each of a respective plurality of associated flap positions. A shift lever indexing plate includes a plurality of engagement positions associated with the plurality of shift lever positions, respectively, the shift lever being coupled to an engagement member, the engagement member moving with the shift lever and being biased to selectively engage a selected one of the plurality of the engagement positions associated with a selected one of the shift lever positions to command the aircraft flaps to the flap position associated with the selected one of the shift lever positions.

Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.

Abstract: A hybrid helicopter includes a rotary wing, two half-wings with respective propellers, and an engine installation continuously driving the rotary wing and the propellers by meshing with a mechanical interconnection system. A piloting assistance device for the hybrid helicopter is configured to determine maximum mean pitch (?max) applicable to the propellers without exceeding the power available for the propellers. The piloting assistance device is configured to determine the maximum mean pitch (?max) as a function of the current mean pitch of the blades of the propellers as measured in real time, a maximum power that can be delivered by the engine installation, a current power being delivered by the engine installation, and a relationship determining a power gradient (GRD) as a function of pitch for the propellers.