Abstract: A control circuit for a joystick includes two dual input NAND gates having one of their inputs connected in common. A potentiometer has a wiper connected to the common NAND gate inputs and has two end terminals each connected to the output of a different NAND gate. A capacitor couples the wiper to ground potential. The control circuit produces a pulsed output signal from one NAND gate when the wiper is moved in one direction from a central position and a pulsed output from the other NAND gate when the wiper is moved in the other direction. The frequency of each NAND output signal varies in relation to the distance that the wiper is moved from the central position.

Abstract: At a control signal generator for generating a pair of control signals by means of a control stick (10) deflectable in two directions a disc (22) is attached to the control stick (10) about its pivot mounting (12). Approach sensors (18) are located in a base portion (10) and respond to the motion of the disc (22) about the pivotal point (14) of the control stick (10). This results in a compact arrangement with contactless pick-offs, which are not subject to wear and which cannot be mechanically damaged even with rude operation.

Abstract: A joystick having a base and a handle. A plurality of potentiometers extending between the base and the handle so that as the handle is moved in any of six degrees of freedom, the resistance of the various potentiometers will change in a pattern which represents the movement.

Abstract: A control stick device having a switch disabled stick bias, a screw-adjustable biasing of internal potentiometers, and a one-piece frame for receiving a snap-fit stick element.

Abstract: A control assembly comprises a housing; a control lever extending from the housing and pivotally mounted therein; spring means arranged in the housing and effective to return the control lever automatically to a neutral position; and a potentiometer for converting movement of the control lever relative to the housing from the aforesaid neutral position to an electrical signal. According to the invention, the spring means (4) comprises two mutually connected tubular parts (8,9), between which the end of the control lever (3) located in the housing (2) is mounted for pivotal, but not rotational, movement, wherein in the neutral position of the control lever (3) the longitudinal axis of respective tubular parts (8,9) extends substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the lever.

Abstract: A joystick having a casing, a pair of gimbal plates mounted in the casing each slidable orthogonally with respect to the other and a pair of transducers, a control member of each coupled to a corresponding gimbal plate. A handle is coupled to the casing having a gimbal actuating sphere engaging each of the gimbal plates with the handle being universally pivotal throughout a portion of a spherical arc whose center lies intermediate the actuating sphere and an opposite end of the handle. Movement of the handle results in corresponding movement of the gimbal plates by an amount proportional to the component of displacement of the handle along the direction of movement of each of the gimbal plates. Each gimbal plate is biased so that it is urged towards a neutral position in the event of displacement on either side of the neutral position. External contacts are coupled to the transducers to allow the joystick to the electrically coupled to an external electrical line.

Abstract: An analog joystick controller includes a handle shaft engageable with two yokes rotatably movable respectively about two perpendicular axes in response to tilting of the handle shaft. The yokes are respectively coupled to the wipers of two potentiometers, the resistance portions of which are fixedly connected to adjusting means manually movable for zero adjustments. Each yoke carries a pair of pivoting levers biased together into engagement with the yoke for movement therewith. Each pair of levers is associated with a control block which is manually movable between the levers to permit only one of them to move when the handle is moved from a center or home position, depending upon the direction of movement of the handle, for biasing the handle to its center position.

Abstract: A device which, when manually operated, will automatically return to an original position wherein a manually-operated control lever rotates at least one shaft having an arm mounted on the end of the shaft, and with a roll at the other end of the arm which abuts against one of two profiled parts when the shaft is rotated by the control lever. The two profiled parts resiliently abut a stop or stops when the arm is in an original or zero position but one profiled part abuts a stop while the other profiled part resiliently abuts the roll on the end of the arm when the shaft is rotated, and the profiled parts have steps thereon which are position markings able to be sensed manually by the control lever by a snap effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slide-type variable resistor assembly which comprises a block of a synthetic resin material, a plurality of insulation bases integrally molded in the block, a resistor element fixedly provided on a surface of each of the insulation bases, a collector member fixedly provided on the surface of each of the insulation bases, a frame member provided on each of the insulation bases, and a slider member slidably provided between the resistor element and the frame such that the slider is slidably contacted with the resistor element as well as the collector member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 6 degree of freedom hand controller. The hand controller includes a handgrip member which is substantially spherical in shape and which includes a point disposed substantially centrally of the member. An elongated shaft member supports the handgrip member such that the handgrip member is rotatable, from an initial position, about the point. The rotational motion of the handgrip member about the point is resolvable into motion about a pitch axis, passing through the point, a roll axis at right angles to the pitch axis and also passing through the point, and a yaw axis, at right angles to both the pitch axis and the roll axis and also passing through the point. The elongated shaft member is movably supported such that the handgrip member is movable, from the initial position, in translational motion resolvable into motion along the pitch, roll and yaw axes and through the point.

Abstract: An improved ball-type cursor control assembly is provided for controlling the position of a cursor or the like within the field of a video display. The control assembly comprises two orthogonally spaced rotatable traction wheels for supporting the ball at two points substantially at the horizontal equator of the ball and a rolling bearing positioned generally equidistant between the traction wheels to frictionally support the ball at a point substantially below the horizontal ball equator. The traction wheels and rolling bearing thus define three contact points lying within a common plane canted relative to the horizontal ball equator to permit the traction wheels to be positioned to contact the ball substantially at or slightly below said equator.

Abstract: A control lever is distinctly movable in different planes for actuation of different control means. The control lever has, adjacent a control lever housing, a plate provided with a number of bevelled flat edges corresponding to the number of planes in which the control lever is movable. The plate is tiltable on its flat edges by means of movement of the lever on which is axially movable. A spring is provided between the plate and a fixed abutment on the lever for holding said lever in engagement with a seat and for urging said plate against a planar portion of the housing. When the lever is moved in a given direction, the plate is tilted or rocked about an edge against the action of the spring, with any risk of the lever moving in another undersired plane being effectively eliminated.

Abstract: A controller for producing electrical control signals has a relatively stationary supporting section providing an upwardly facing hand supporting surface and an upward projection, and has a stick-like control section mounted on a first gimbal joint on top of the projection, to swing about pitch and roll axes. A second gimbal joint is spaced along the roll axis from the first one and rotates about said roll axis and about a gimbal axis parallel to the pitch axis. A gimbal ring of the first joint is rigidly connected to a gimbal member of the second joint for unison rotation about the roll axis. A second gimbal member of the second joint is caused to rotate about said gimbal axis in unison with swinging of the control section about the pitch axis by a linkage connection between them. A signal generator for each of the pitch and roll axes and a stick force generating means for each of those axes are connected with respective gimbal members of the second joint.

Abstract: An electrical component comprises a holder having shaft holes and a plurality of rotary members each consisting of a shaft portion fitting into a respective shaft hole in the holder. Connection members formed unitarily with the rotary members each connects a rotary member to at east one other rotary members adjacent to it; and break-off portions formed on the connection member are capable of breaking easily from the rotary members when the rotary members are forced to rotate.

Abstract: A joystick controller of the electrically non-contact type is provided with a pair of magnetosensitive elements having a magnetresistive effect. The magnetosensitive elements are placed fixedly on a stator member in a given relation at right angles to detect the rotary motion of a permanent magnet embedded in a rotor member movably supported by the stator member. Each of the magnetosensitive elements is supplied by a constant bias magnetic field generated by added magnets on the stator member to improve the sensing characteristics of the controller. In addition, a spring sheet member is assembled between surfaces of the rotor and stator members to afford appropriate feeling and handling for operation of the lever.

Abstract: A control mechanism includes a control lever extending through an opening in a guide plate into a housing where it is pivotally attached. A frustoconical member is slidably mounted on the lever and spring-urged against the opening, tending to return the lever to a control position. A control plate is attached to the frustoconical member and can operate switch actuators.

Abstract: A control stick assembly capable of conversion between an automatic return mode and a free-floating mode is disclosed. The control stick assembly comprises a control stick, a pair of potentiometers, linkages coupling the control stick to the potentiometers, spring means for urging the control stick toward a select position and means for reversibly disengaging the spring means.

Abstract: In a contactless switch, a magnet is mounted on a rod for movement against the action of a spring to actuate a Hall effect switch. A contactless joy stick switch comprises a rod (20) supported and normally maintained in alignment with an axis (22) by an elastomeric spring (28). A plurality of Hall effect switches (42) are mounted in a circular array around the axis for actuation by a magnet (26) mounted on the rod upon displacement of the rod out of alignment with the axis. A contactless push button switch comprises a magnet (86) supported on a rod (74) which is supported for sliding movement along an axis (78) against the action of a spring (82). Displacement of the magnet (86) actuates a Hall effect switch (94). Another contactless push button switch (100) includes magnets (106, 108) positioned to actuate a Hall effect switch (110) upon sliding movement of a rod (74') against the action of a spring (82').

Abstract: A mechanism for connecting and disconnecting return springs for multiple axis analog control sticks. The control stick, movable in two axes, can be fully spring centered along both axes, spring centered along one axis and frictionally positioned along the other axis, or freely frictionally positioned along both axes. Externally accessible pins are selectably operable to engage or disengage the centering springs to change control stick modes. Additionally, motion of the control stick in one or both axes may be substantially inhibited by the pins.

Abstract: A combination keyboard/joystick controller is provided in which a joystick shaft is pivotally mounted on one end. The shaft passes through elongated apertures in two parallel plates. Each plate is capable of moving along an axis in response to joystick movement along that axis, and each plate is coupled to a potentiometer which therefore provides an analog output indicative of joystick movement along the two axes.Also provided is a keyboard mounted on a flex circuit. An array of keys including a conductive material cooperate to cause electrical contact between traces on the flex circuit.

Abstract: Hall effect elements are placed in proximity to magnets in such a way that the position of the magnets relative to the Hall elements is a function of the position of a joystick controller. In this way, the position of the joystick can be "read" by a machine by reference to the Hall effect voltage.

Abstract: An electronic tuning block including a plurality of screw drive type variable resistors are juxtaposed parallel to one another obliquely on an insulating substrate, and holes for receiving pointers fitted to the screws of the variable resistors and holes for receiving rotary knobs fitted to the tips of the screw shaft are formed on the upper surface of a box-shaped insulating case which is fixed to the insulating substrate.

Abstract: A manually-operable joystick is mounted for universal pivoting motion as by means of spherical bearing and journal means and is biased toward a neutral position so as to return automatically thereto upon release of manual constraint.

Abstract: A compact configuration of resistive elements, plural circularly-arranged fixed contacts upon, or mountable upon, a printed circuit board (PCB), to comprise a rotary variable resistor.In one embodiment, fixed contacts are disposed upon one side of a PCB, in which through-conductors connect to a resistor pattern upon a separate ceramic substrate.In another embodiment, fixed contacts occupy the central area, and resistors and interconnecting conductors surround the same; all on one side of a ceramic substrate.Mutually insulated spring wipers connect to the fixed contacts to allow rotary variation of resistance.

Abstract: A control stick assembly has a crank coupling the control stick to the input shaft of one potentiometer and a bail coupling the control stick to the input shaft of the other potentiometer. There are no other connections between the control stick and the remainder of the assembly to bear loads exerted on the control stick. The bail furnishes mechanical stability to the control stick support because it is connected to the housing of the assembly at two places on either side of the control stick. This eliminates the cantilever effect of the control stick support without substantially increasing the number of parts or design complexity.

Abstract: Mechanical lever controllers, also known as joy-stick type actuators, include a body within which is mounted a rod or lever for pivotal movement. The position of the rod is transmitted by an intermediate coupling or follower member to a differential transformer of the linear voltage differential transducer type (LVDT). The transducer includes an input coil and a pair of oppositely-positioned, axially-aligned output coils, and an armature moves within an armature cavity to vary the inductive coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coils. In one embodiment, two such differential transformers are offset at 90.degree. from each other to provide signals on the "X" and "Y" axes. In another embodiment, single axis output is measured in an actuator having a stackable housing.

Abstract: A process utilizing tandem insert molded controls for effecting a plurality of electrical control functions. A power switch, variable resistance control, and momentary switch are each contained within insert molded housings or bases which are mounted one against the other in a linearly aligned relationship. The alignment is maintained by an impact system consisting of a metallic front plate having side straps with end fingers curled over to secure the confronting edges of a heat-treated back plate, the front plate/side straps/back plate construction capturing and maintaining alignment of the controls for mounting on a panel board. A plurality of the controls are individually operated by two relatively rotatably and relatively axially movable shafts which independently actuate the respective controls. The shafts each have an annular rotor mounted on an end thereof, the rotor containing a cam lobe on one face and on the oppositely disposed face resiliently bent collector arms and a resilient arm.

Abstract: A three axes controller comprises a support platform in which a first carriage is mounted for movement in a first direction fore and aft of a first neutral position. A second carriage is mounted on the first carriage for movement in the direction of a second axis fore and aft of a second neutral position. A third carriage is mounted on the second carriage for movement in the direction of a third axis fore and aft of a third neutral position. Centering springs are provided for centering each carriage with respect to its neutral position. The first, second and third axes are orthogonally arranged and have a common origin when the carriages are in their neutral positions. A control lever is supported by a gimbal mounted on the first carriage at a point spaced from the proximal and distal ends thereof and a universal joint is provided at the distal end of the control lever for mounting the distal end on the third carriage.

Abstract: An electrical control device having a joystick or lever manually movable in the X and Y directions to actuate a pair of electrical components having respective rotatable shafts. The controller includes a housing having a top cover provided with an opening through which the lever extends. The lower end of the lever is pivotally mounted in a socket on the bottom of the housing and a ball joint is carried by the lever intermediate its ends. The ball joint is pivotally coupled to a control plate shiftable in the housing beneath the top cover, the plate being biased into an equilibrium position by a number of leaf springs normally engaging respective side margins of the plate. The plate has a pair of slots in its lower surface, the slots being mutually perpendicular and vertical projections on the outer ends of a pair of bell cranks are shiftably received within respective slots in the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable resistor of the slide type incorporating a pair of resistor units carried on the same base plate and disposed in parallel with respect to each other. A plurality of conductive taps angle outwardly from a resistance member provided in each of the resistor units and a pair of sliders can be slidingly moved along and in contact with the series of the plurality of conductive taps in the pair of conductor units, respectively, but do not contact the resistance members directly.

Abstract: The application discloses an electronic multirange step resistor for adjustment of a timing relay with an analog adjustment which is equipped with a switch for the selection of the various resistance ranges and which is further equipped with a turning knob for the analog adjustment within each selected range.

Abstract: A variable impedance device wherein a plurality of elongate conductor leads extend longitudinally from an impedance element carried on an insulating substrate, and slide members are moved on the conductor leads, thereby to short-circuit or disconnect predetermined parts of the impedance element so as to obtain various impedance values.

Abstract: The device of this disclosure, hereafter referred to as a "two digit resistance decade box," is a new design of resistance decade box that offers two digit setting accuracy, ease of setting, and improved economy of components. The specifications include a comparison of performance and fabrication economy with the simple resistor substitution box and the conventional resistance decade box. A circuit diagram of the device is presented and explained.

Abstract: A joystick mechanism for transducing vector motion of an end of a joystick into its X and Y components including: an X-potentiometer having a body and a shaft, a bracket for mounting the body of the X-potentiometer to a surface, a Y-potentiometer having a body and a shaft, a rod connecting the shaft of the X-potentiometer to the body of the Y-potentiometer so that the shafts of the X and Y-potentiometers lie at right angles to each other, and a joystick having one end attached to the shaft of the Y-potentiometer and which is oriented such that its effective axis lies at a right angle relative thereto.

Abstract: A main resistance element and an elongated conductor are arranged coaxially and a plurality of secondary resistance elements are arranged radially and connected between the main resistance element and the conductor. A slider is ohmically movable on the main resistance element to provide a variable attenuator with low impedance and logarithmic attenuation to at least -60 db. An auxiliary resistance element may be provided coaxially with the main resistance element and the conductor with another set of secondary resistance elements connecting the auxiliary resistance element with the conductor, the ends of the main and auxiliary resistance elements being connected together.

Abstract: A pressure transducer such as for use in a radiosonde includes a substrate and a plurality of conductive contacts formed thereon. An arm is movable over the contacts in accordance with the sensed ambient pressure. A group of resistors of different values of resistance are operatively connected to the contacts whereby each contact is characterized by a unique value of resistance. The resistance may be connected as the frequency-determining element of an oscillator, such that each unique value of resistance may be converted to a unique corresponding frequency and upon decoding determine which unique contact is operatively connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for the control of variable speed electrical positioning drives, especially for sewing machine positioning drives, is disclosed in two exemplary embodiments. The apparatus provides a preset nominal value of speed and a range of adjustment for additional signals in digital form, thus making possible a continuous or incremental change in the nominal value as well as additional digital signals. The apparatus includes lamellar contact elements of a potentiometer arranged on a base element in the path of a slider for the nominal value of speed and at least one low resistance lamellar contact element arranged in the slider path for producing an additional digital signal.

Abstract: The controlling lever of the mechanism for use in civil work machines or cargo winches is supported by a spherical bearing so as to be tiltable in any direction by any inclination angle. Four horizontal shafts are provided to extend in the +X, -X, +Y and -Y directions of a rectangular coordinate about the center of rotation of the controlling lever. Four arms are rotatably mounted on respective shafts and are biased by torsion springs wound about respective shafts. Slidable contacts are mounted on respective arms to slide along rheostats, thus producing electric signals proportional to the direction and angle of inclination of the controlling lever.

Abstract: A resistance element for obtaining a continuous and linear output characteristic is obtained by the combination of a zig-zag resistance element and a resistance film of higher resistivity disposed thereover.

Abstract: A thermostat adapted for use in an electrical control system for controlling temperature conditioning apparatus has at least two circuit adjusting members or potentiometers comprising a resistance circuit board mounted on a base and a pair of pivotally mounted wiper supporting members for cooperating with the resistance circuit. Each of the members are pivoted on the same pivot and the first member has an open area through which the wiper of the second member mounted adjacent thereto protrudes to cooperate with the electrical circuit board to provide a compact unit. A pair of adjusting members are horizontally movably attached to the base to cooperate with the ends of the pivotal selector members to provide for pivotal movement of the selector members upon straight line movement of the adjusting member.

Abstract: A potentiometer assembly particularly suited for supplying tuning voltages for all of the bands of signals capable of receipt by a television receiver or the like, includes three segments of resistive material arranged in a circle on a support member. Each of the segments corresponds to a different band of frequencies to which the television receiver may be tuned. Band selection is effected by comparable conductive segments on the support member.In one embodiment, a single wiper is used to sweep all of the resistive segments to supply the desired tuning voltage output. A cam arrangement is used to adjust the detented position of the wiper relative to the support member to effect fine tuning at each position. Other embodiments utilize individually adjustable wipers for each station or detent position of the tuner, with each wiper being preset to effect the fine tuning at the detented position of the potentiometer assembly.

Abstract: A compact electrical control, such as a potentiometer, a rheostat, or a switch includes a housing and a shaft rotatably mounted within the housing. The housing has a cavity for receiving a resilient annular seal surrounding the shaft, and the shaft is provided with a radial pressure plate that bears against the seal. A rotary assembly composed of resistance or switch elements is mounted on the shaft between the pressure plate and a journaled end of the shaft, and the resistance or switch elements are contacted by stationary contacts held in the housing. The seal is axially compressed between the pressure plate on the shaft and a cavity end wall, and is radially compressed between a circumferential side wall and the shaft, so that the seal both prevents liquid from entering the housing along the shaft and controls axial end play of the shaft.

Abstract: A joystick comprising a control handle within which is located an inclination sensitive potentiometer. The potentiometer includes an elongate resistance element and an electrically conductive liquid wiper. Movement of the potentiometer causes the wiper to flow along the resistance element and to vary the output resistance of the potentiometer.

Abstract: In a control device of the "joystick" type in which movement of a single control lever is resolved into two orthogonal components, each component is represented by movement of one of a pair of pivoting members. Each such pivoting member has a respective coupling member mounted thereon for angular movement relative thereto about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the corresponding pivoting member. The two coupling members are connected to the control member so as to be restrained against relative translational movement.

Abstract: A variable resistor with a dual ratio input shaft that permits rapid and precise adjustment of the voltage or current level in an electric circuit. A single shaft operates the respective drive elements in the mechanism to provide variable control from a single control knob. The shaft is longitudinally slidable between two drive positions. One drive position allows more rapid adjustment of the resistance value for each turn of the control knob than the other drive position which permits more precise adjustment of the resistance value for each comparable turn of the control knob.

Abstract: A resistor having a high resistance and a resistor having a low resistance are arranged in parallel to each other in side by side relation. A pair of input terminals are fixed to both ends of the resistor of low resistance. A movable contact is provided in slidable contact with the resistor of high resistance moving along the edge of the resistor of low resistance which is in contact with an edge of the resistor of high resistance.

Abstract: A potentiometer assembly particularly suited for supplying tuning voltages for all of the bands of signals capable of receipt by a television receiver or the like, includes three segments of resistive material arranged in a circle on a support member. Each of the segments corresponds to a different band of frequencies to which the television receiver may be tuned. Band selection is effected by comparable conductive segments on the support member.In one embodiment, a single wiper is used to sweep all of the resistive segments to supply the desired tuning voltage output. A cam arrangement is used to adjust the detented position of the wiper relative to the support member to effect fine tuning at each position. Other embodiments utilize individually adjustable wipers for each station or detent position of the tuner, with each wiper being preset to effect the fine tuning at the detented position of the potentiometer assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches apparatus for controlling two crossed proportional setting devices by means of a control stick. The control stick is seated firmly at a right angle on a first swivel axis which is supported in a frame swingable around a second swivel axis supported fixedly in the frame to intersect the first swivel axis in the same plane and at right angles thereto. On both swivel axes there are seated firmly radial extensions on the ends of which wiper contacts brush against strip shaped resistors formed in a circular sector around the first swivel axis. The resistors in their turn are fastened to the supporting frame of the first swivel axis.

Abstract: A first rotor is fixedly carried by a shaft and a second rotor is loosely carried by the shaft. A coupling means couples the second rotor to the shaft through an interference fit with the second rotor. The two rotors are then adjusted with respect to one another by rotating the shaft while holding the second rotor in place.

Abstract: A multiple output potentiometer network having a low resistance zone to provide the output function characteristic and a high resistance zone with which each of a plurality of output contacts is in contact providing a high degree of electrical isolation between the output contacts of said plurality.