Abstract: A dual function single lever control apparatus for controlling the reversing bucket of a jet propulsion engine for a boat in synchronization with the throttle. A planar cam with a curvilinear slot having two legs synchronizes the dual functions with a throttle and shift lever.

Abstract: A grip 6b is projectingly provided on one side of an upper end of a control lever 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 of a controller for a boat propelling device, and a switch accommodating portion 7b is projectingly provided on the other side. Control switches 14 and 15 are mounted in the switch accommodating portion 7b. The switch accommodating portion 7b is formed, on its front surface on the side of an operator, with an operating face 23 which is inclined, so that it comes closer to a center plane 21 extending laterally of the control lever 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 at a laterally outer location. The control switches 14 and 15 have operating buttons 14a and 15a mounted to face the operating face 23. Thus, when the operator grasps the grip portion of the control lever, the thumb of his or her hand is naturally opposed to the operating buttons of the control switches and hence, the operator can extremely easily operate the operating buttons.

Abstract: An engine of an outboard motor includes an improved engine component layout to minimize the size of the engine and to generally isolate a shift position mechanism from an intake air flow into the engine. The outboard motor includes a shifting mechanism that shifts a transmission between three operational states: forward, neutral, and reverse. The shifting position mechanism is principally positioned directly beneath a flywheel of the engine. This position simplifies the design of the shifting mechanism and reduces the girth of the engine and associated components within the cowling.

Abstract: A steering device for a motor attached to a boat which device includes an elongated steering arm having electrical means for starting and stopping the motor, the steering arm secured within a clutch mechanism wherein clutch sleeves are tightly rotatably mounted within a circular plate mounted on an internal shaft causing a drag on the steering arm when moved vertically positioning the steering arm at a desired position and where horizontal movement of the steering arm steers the boat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote-control apparatus having a base and a first slider supported with respect to the base. A first cable includes a first conduit and a first core coupled to the slider and movable in the first conduit. An output cable includes a clamped conduit supported with respect to the base and having an output core movable in the clamped conduit. In the improvement, the apparatus includes a second slider supported with respect to the base. A second cable has a second conduit and a second core coupled to the second slider and movable in the second conduit. The first core and the output core are coupled to the first slider and the second core is coupled to the second slider. A new method for remotely controlling a mechanism, e.g., a boat outboard engine throttle or clutch, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine control system wherein the engine throttle valve is maintained in a substantial partially opened position at idle and the desired idle speed is maintained by controlling the spark advance. A lost motion connection connects the operator engine speed control with the throttle control so that when the operator speed control reaches a pick up position, the lost motion will be taken up and normal throttle opening will occur. This improves transient running. The system includes arrangements for detecting wear or other changes in the operative condition and compensating for it.

Abstract: A device is described for adjusting the position of a trolling motor relative to a boat. The device has an arm, preferably L-shaped, with one end connected to the steering column of the trolling motor. The other end is higher than the first end and rotatably connected to an end of a handle bar, which is adapted, upon application of force thereto, to cause the arm to rotate with the steering column on the axis of the steering column up to and through at least 180.degree., and preferably through 360.degree.. The device enables the position the trolling motor to be readily adjusted simply by pushing the handle bar away from, or pulling the handle bar toward, the operator. The device is less complicated and more durable than previously known devices, and allows for steering through the full range of steering column rotation while the operator remains fully within the perimeter of the boat. Thus, the device provides both a safe and convenient method of steering the boat while propelled by a trolling motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical solution to the problem of failure of a pedal operated steering control for a fishing boat trolling motor. The emergency controller has a pair of links inner ends of which mount on the trolling motor support assembly and outer ends of which are secured to a rod. The rod is generally situated at its lower end parallel to a motor mount conduit which supports the electric drive motor and has a handle at its upper end for steering. When mounted on the trolling motor assembly, the emergency controller of the invention provides a simple steering means and may be so mounted while the fishing boat is in the water.

Abstract: A steering device for a trolling motor attached to a boat which device includes an elongated steering arm slidably secured within a clutch mechanism wherein clutch sleeves are rotatably mounted on an internal shaft causing drag on the steering arm when moved vertically positioning the steering arm at a desired position where horizontal movement of the steering arm steers the boat.

Abstract: A steering and speed control mechanism is disclosed for a hand-controlled trolling motor. The mechanism includes a yoke assembly having a first section attached to the trolling motor and a second section hingedly attached to the first section. There is a control arm extension, which includes an axially rotatable shaft that carries a handle. A tubular receptacle operably engages the control arm of the trolling motor. A universal joint pivotably interconnects the receptacle and the shaft. A tubular sleeve interconnects the shaft to the second section of the yoke assembly such that the shaft is pivotable and axially rotatable relative to the second section of the yoke assembly. The trolling motor control arm is operated through the control arm extension to control steering and speed of the trolling motor.

Abstract: A steering wheel bracket used to permit the pilot of a marine vessel, such as a sailboat, to steer the vessel from a location remote from the steering wheel. The invention permits the operator to move about the vessel for a better view during such activities as tacking or jibing. It also permits the operator to select between steering methods, i.e. the vessel can be steered via the regular method or it can be a tiller handled vessel. The bracket consists of a first larger block and a second smaller block clamped together around the spoke of and against the inside curvature of the steering wheel. This second smaller block is sized to fit within a notch in the first larger block. One end of a tiller extension removably fits within an opening in the larger block and by using such extension, the operator at the other end of the tiller extension is able to steer the vessel from a remote location.

Abstract: A warning system embodied in a remote control system which includes a warning circuit and which alerts the individual operating the system if the position of a controlled member of the system does not correspond with the position of the remote operator of the system within a preset period of time after the operator is moved.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of small watercraft having a seat that affords at least two different seating positions in generally side by side fashion. A steering control is supported forwardly of the seat and is movable between two different positions, each in front of a respective one of the seating positions while maintaining the steering axis generally perpendicular to the seat and for varying the distance between the steering element and the seat in the respective positions. The support for the steering element is also pivotal about a transversely disposed horizontally extending axis to permit different height positioning for the steering control when it is in its steering position. A variety of seat arrangements and boarding facilitating devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote control system for transmitting control movement to a throttle and transmission actuator of an outboard drive unit having an engine. The system preferably includes two remote control units each having an operator that is movable between a plurality of positions and is mechanically connected to an actuator unit. A transmitter wire mechanically connects the actuator unit to the throttle actuator for actuating it to open or close the throttle valve(s) of the engine in response to movement of a selected one of the operators. A position detector detects the position of the selected operator and another position detector detects the position of the transmission actuator and each detector outputs a signal to a controlling unit indicative of its detection result. An electric motor driven actuator is electrically connected to the controlling unit and is operated to effect movement of the transmission actuator when the signals outputted by the position detectors are not in agreement.

Abstract: A kit for locating on the steering wheel of a watercraft a switch assembly for operating actuating mechanisms for tilting upwardly or downwardly the outdrive of a motor associated with the watercraft to enable the operator of the watercraft to keep both hands on the steering wheel especially when the watercraft is travelling at a high rate of speed. The kit comprises a switch assembly for mounting on the steering wheel; a cable reel assembly having a rotary housing and a stationary housing mounted to the vehicle; and a wiring harness having a first end electrically connected to the switch assembly, an intermediate section fixed to the rotary housing and coiled into a plurality of convolutions within a chamber in the stationary housing for expansion within the chamber if the steering wheel is turned in one direction and contraction within the chamber if the steering wheel is turned in the other direction, and being operatively connected to the actuating mechanisms which causing the tilting of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved throttle opening control device for a marine propulsion arrangement. The invention allows an operator of a marine propulsion unit to shift from a forward or reverse operating state into neutral, in order to start or restart an engine, or to effect an urgent transmission shift change during operation, without having to execute an independent step of separately reducing the throttle opening beforehand. According to the present invention, the angle of throttle opening is automatically controlled by an interconnection to the transmission shifting system of the propulsion arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to an electro-mechanical engine control system configured in such a manner as to provide redundant engine controls for marine engines. Microprocessor based, electronic controlled mechanical servos and an electro-mechanical transferring apparatus, facilitates the integration of the electronic control system with mechanical engine controls as they are known to the marine industry of today. This combination of electronic engine controls, integrated with clutch driven servos and mechanical transferring mechanism provides the operator of any marine craft the ease of operation of electronic controls with the security of mechanical backup operation in case of power or system failure.

Abstract: A remote control mechanism for controlling an outboard drive, throttle and transmission from either of two selected remote operators. When one operator is controlling the outboard drive, control of the outboard drive from the other operator is not permitted because of a series of interlocks. Each of the interlocks include a respective detent members and detent recesses. The detent recesses are sized larger than the detent members so as to provide some lost motion and to accommodate misalignments caused by flexure in the associated actuating cables.

Abstract: A remote control system for transmitting control movement to a controlled member, such as a throttle or transmission control lever on a marine propulsion unit, which includes an actuating element that has both manual and electrical modes of operation. In the manual operation mode, a controlled element which is connected to the lever on the propulsion unit is actuated by a lever arm in response to movement of a first operator. In the electrical operation mode, the controlled element is actuated by a motor which is operated in response to electrical signals transmitted to the motor through a control unit from a position detector of the actuating element in response to movement of the first operator and from a position detector associated with the controlled element. A second remote operator is also provided for transmitting movement to the controlled element and lever on the propulsion unit.

Abstract: A single lever control for operating a throttle and a clutch, the control including a housing, a shaft pivotably supported by the housing, a shift mechanism operably connected to the shaft and adapted to be operably connected to the clutch, a throttle mechanism operably connected to the shaft and adapted to be operably connected to the throttle, and a hand-operable warm-up mechanism movable transversely of the shaft for permitting operation of the throttle mechanism without operation of the shift mechanism.

Abstract: A foot pedal to boat deck fastening system comprises a bracket mountable to a boat deck and a two-piece fastener. Each fastener piece has releasable, self-fastening connector elements on one face which fasten the two pieces when the pieces are pressed together and which release the two pieces when the two pieces are pulled apart, and a self-adhesive on an opposite surface for securing one piece to the bracket and the other piece to the foot pedal so that the foot pedal can be fastened to the boat deck by fastening the two pieces together.

Abstract: A small watercraft of the jet propulsion type having a cockpit that is adapted to accommodate either one or two riders. When one rider is accommodated he may sit in the center of the seat and operate the watercraft from the center thereof. When two riders are positioned, one may be the operator and may operate the watercraft from one side thereof. To permit this, a steering control is disclosed that is moveable between either a central or side position.

Abstract: A remote control box for actuating push-pull cables is arranged for use with different number s of cables, using different numbers of the same, modular components. A housing includes two stationary side members with one or more modular intermediate assemblies supported between the side members. One side member and each intermediate assembly includes a suppport element with connections for one or two control cable sheaths and a control disc rotatably supported on the support element. The control disc is provided with connections for one or two control cable cores and a handle with knob for manually rotating the disc and thereby pushing or pulling the core relative to the stationary sheath. Sheath connections on the support elements and core connections on the control discs are connectable at a variety of positions to accommodate cables entering at a variety of angles to the control box, and for both pushing and pulling simultaneously for use as a relay station.

Abstract: A remote control system is provided for transmitting control movement to a controlled member, such as a throttle or transmission control lever, on a marine propulsion unit from a selected one of a plurality of remote control units each of which has an operator movable between a plurality of positions. A remote control mechanism has at least one slidably supported control element operatively connected to each of the operators for linear reciprocation of the control elements upon movement of the respective operator. The remote control mechanism further includes a pinion gear operatively engaged with the control elements, a shaft connected for rotation with the pinion, and a pair of connecting links for converting the linear reciprocation of the control elements into a rotary motion of a spindle. A first rotation angle detecting device detects the rotational position of the spindle and transmits a signal to a control unit indicative of this rotational position.

Abstract: An improved shifting mechanism for a transmission incorporating a dog clutch wherein a motion transmitting mechanism is interposed between the shift operator and the dog clutch for effecting initial rapid movement of the dog clutch from its neutral position to its drive position upon initial movement of the shift lever from its neutral position toward its drive position and then a slower more positive movement to final engagement.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) is of the type for transmitting forces in curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element (18). The assembly (10) comprises a first actuator (12) and a second actuator (14). The first actuator (12) is disposed adjacent the output (35) and comprises a first drive member (24), a first handle (32) and a clutch (36) all coaxial about the first input shaft (30). The clutch (36) comprises a pin (38) which coacts with two slots (37) in the first drive member (24). A spring (42) biases the pin (38) into the two slots (37) so the pin (38) will engage the two slots (37) when they are aligned.

Abstract: A single level control comprising a housing, a control lever pivotally mounted on the housing and adapted to be operably connected to an engine throttle and to a clutch, a warning horn connected to the housing and adapted to be operably connected to an engine for providing a warning signal when an engine condition exceeds a predetermined value, a cover connected to the housing and adapted to be mounted on a generally flat mounting surface, the cover partially enclosing the housing and enclosing the warning horn, and an ignition switch mounted on the cover and adapted to be operably connected to an engine ignition system.

Abstract: A device for the remote control of engine functions comprising two control units, each control unit having a system consisting of an output shaft coupled with a first control potentiometer, a swiveling gear wheel segment which is coupled with the output shaft and which is connected to a push-pull cable the other end of which is connected to an operating lever of the engine, and adjusting motor coupled with the output shaft, an electronic control circuit for the adjusting motor, and a control mechanism connected to each control unit by means of an electric cable which is also connected to the electronic control circuit. The control mechanism has a second control potentiometer coupled to an operating handle, whereby the electronic control circuit compares the electric signals derived from the first and said control potentiometers and energizes the adjusting motors when the difference exceeds a given threshold value.

Abstract: An improved and simpler control handle extension for attaching to the tiller control handle of marine-type outboard motors. The device, while constructed of only two basic structural members, is still adapted to be adjustable in effective operating length. The device can be quickly and easily attached to virtually all sizes of tiller handles without restricting access to the "kill-button" usually located at the outer end of the motor's tiller handle.

Abstract: A small boat comprising a helmseat positioned at the center of the forward half of the boat, and a control stick for steering the boat positioned at the front of this helmseat. Since the helmseat is positioned at the center of the forward half of the boat, the driver is located approximately equidistant from the left and right gunwales, which makes it easier to steer the boat. In addition, a control stick is positioned to the front of the helmseat, and, because this control stick can be used to steer the boat and also to change the direction of the boat, the amount of space required to steer the boat is less than that required in a design wherein steering is performed by turning a circular steering wheel, such as with the prior art already described. This is effective particularly for a small boat moving at a high speed.

Abstract: A steering system for an outboard motor capable of improving the operability and the responsibility to an emergency. In the steering system, a torque sensor is actuated depending upon rotation of a steering wheel to generate an output signal. The so-generated output signal is then fed to an electric motor to drive it, so that the electric motor generates torque for assisting steering of an outboard motor.

Abstract: A system for rotatably mounting foot operated trolling motor controls flushly within boat decks. The system is mounted within a suitable orifice defined in the boat deck, so that the fisherman may conveniently rotate his foot control to a desired angle, while maintaining both feet in a comfortable, level position. A rigid frame fastened within the deck extends downwardly into the mounting orifice for recessed operation. A plurality of radially spaced apart brackets fasten the frame to the deck. A rotatable, substantially cylindrical pan is flush mounted within the frame interior, and coupled to the bracket system with a suitable bearing for subsequent rotation. The pan has a generally circular interior, which receives and mounts the foot control system. The fisherman's trolling motor foot control is disposed and centered within the interior of the rotatable pan, braced by a pair of spacers having a generally segment-shaped cross section.

Abstract: Maneuvering gear for a small boat, comprising a control stick that allows steering and throttle control with a single hand and that is easily adjustable to an optimum height according to the boat size or the maneuvering position of the operator. The control stick may extend substantially erect ahead of a helm seat of the boat, the control stick being supported on the hull so that it may be angularly turned to the right or left in order to maneuver the boat to the right or left. The control stick has a throttle lever near the upper end thereof for controlling the velocity of the boat. The control stick further includes a mechanism for enabling the stick to be folded down.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of marine outboard drives having throttle and transmission controls which are operated either at the outboard drive or remotely from it. At least one of the sets of controls is selectively disconnectable so that the other of the controls can operate the throttle and transmission without movement of the disconnected controls.

Abstract: A body has a guide members extending along the axis of the body. A pair of racks held by the body are movable along the guide members. The first rack is connected to a first remote control unit through a first cable. The second rack is connected to a second remote control unit through a second cable. When one of the first and second racks is moved from a reference position, the lock members locks the movement of the other rack. An intermediate gear is arranged between the first and second racks. An interlocking member is connected to the intermediate gear. When one rack is moved, the intermediate gear is moved in the same direction as the moved rack. The movement of the intermediate gear is transmitted to equipment to be controlled through the interlocking member.

Abstract: An attachable steering handle for an electric trolling motor that includes a swivel, an adaptive shaft connected to the swivel, and a control handle shaft connected to the swivel. The attachable steering handle is connectable to the trolling motors by connecting the adaptive shaft to the motor shaft and to the motor control housing. The control handle shaft is positionable between an upper position and lower position, that are generally parallel to the motor shaft. The swivel includes two disk shaped spacers with a center hole in each spacer. A bolt is passed through the holes in the spacers and the head of the bolt is welded to one spacer. The bolt has a threaded end that protrudes out of the hole in the second spacer. A generally T-shaped handle having a threaded nut on the working end is provided to mate with the threaded end of the bolt. The handle is used to lock and unlock the swivel when the user adjusts the position of the control handle shaft with a soft handle on its distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit including a gear case rotatably supporting a propeller shaft adapted to carry a propeller, a transmission in the gear case operably connected to the propeller shaft, a support having a bore, a link including a first side portion having a first and second spaced apertures, a second side portion extending in spaced parallel relation to the first link side portion and including first and second spaced apertures in alignment with the first and second spaced aperture in the first link side portion, which second aperture in the second link side portion has a smaller diameter than the second aperture in the first link side portion, a bolt comprising a head portion having a transverse dimension and engaging the first link side portion, a threaded portion extending in the second aperture in the second link side portion and threadedly engaged with the second link side portion, and a barrel portion connecting the head portion and the threaded po

Abstract: An improved trim-tab control for boats has for each trim tab a yoke movably secured to a frame, a mechanical link between the yoke and the trim tab such that yoke and trim tab move in unison, a lever pivotable mounted with respect to the yoke and having first and second engagement surfaces, and a pair of switches on the yoke positioned for selective engagement with the lever surfaces to actuate a hydraulic device for moving the trim tab in opposite directions. Tab adjustment is carried out by continuing movement of the lever with respect to the yoke, while the yoke moves in response to such adjustment. A scale is secured adjacent to the lever such that the lever position provides visual indication of the trim-tab position.

Abstract: A foot operated powered steering control for an outboard motor used in a boat comprising a bidirectional motor which drives a winch carrying a pair of steering cables in opposite winding directions. The steering cables are connected to the outboard motor of the boat in such a manner that as the bidirectional motor operates in a forward rotational direction, one of the cables will be wound around the winch as the other cable unwinds, thereby causing the motor to turn toward one side of the boat, and as the bidirectional motor operates in the reverse rotational direction the other cable will be wound around the winch as the first cable is unwound, thereby causing the motor to turn towards the opposite side of the boat.

Abstract: A first tie rod 7 pivots at each end at 8 to respective steering brackets 3 for two outboard motors 1 and 2. Thus, whichever tiller 6 is moved (of either motor) the other will follow by interconnection. A second tie rod pivots at each end 11 to the upper ends respectively of two arms 12 attached one to each throttle grip 5. If either throttle grip 5 is twisted the other also moves by virtue of the tie rod interconnection 10 and arms 12.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of driving units comprises a lever device pivotable to operate each driving unit, and a switch device having a plurality of switches each for changing the position of a driving portion of each driving unit. The switch device is disposed in the lever device such that the lever device and thed plurality of switches are simultaneously manually operated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tie bar for connecting a pair of marine propulsion devices which are respectively pivotable about spaced vertical axes for steering and about a common horizontal axis for tilting, which tie bar includes structure for selectively affording axial extension of the tie bar in response to tilting movement of one of the propulsion devices relative to the other of the propulsion devices and for preventing axial extension of the tie bar during normal steering movements.

Abstract: A single cable shift assembly includes a casing (30) mounted to a surface adjacent the pull-pull cables (14, 16) of a shift/throttle control linkage. A pair of pulleys (34, 36) direct cables (14, 16) in opposite directions. A slide (38) within casing (30) includes anchors (40, 42) for securing the cable ends to spaced positions along the longitudinal axis of the slide. The slide is provided with a connector pin (44) that secures the control cable (48) to the slide and translates linear movement of the control cable into linear movement of the slide.

Abstract: A steering drive system for electric fishing motors of the type having a motor-propeller assembly supported at the lower end of a motor tube. The motor tube is driven through a friction drive arrangement by a steering gear that is rotated through a gear train by a steering drive motor. To limit the rotation of the steering gear, and thus limit the rotation of the motor-propeller assembly, a limit switch is triggered by a simple actuator driven also by the steering gear. The unique arrangement permits the motor-propeller assembly to be turned through a full range whether in forward or reverse without use of complicated gears, belts or chains.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable system to control and monitor the basic maneuvering functions of marine vessels: The control and monitoring functions are contained on a hand held, small and lightweight consul which can be plugged into multi-pin sockets which are wired from various remote places of the ship to a central electronics logic and control module matrix. Switches on the portable helm control the electronic module matrix which powers servo motors mechanically linked to: engines' throttle controls, shift forward-neutral-reverse controls, and steering apparatus. Feedback loops monitor the positions of these maneuvering functions. Monitored on the portable helm are: rudder angle, engines' idle status, forward, neutral and reverse status of each drive trian, power on, and engines' synchronization.

Abstract: A kit includes apparatus for converting a normally remote controlled trolling motor such that the motor can be directly hand operated. The kit includes a gear mechanism which attaches to and cooperates with a directional control shaft associated with the trolling motor. An elongate transfer shaft is pivotably attachable near a lower end thereof to the trolling motor control shaft and has an outwardly extending handle near an upper end thereof for use by an operator. The transfer shaft cooperates with the gearing mechanism to rotate the directional control shaft of the trolling motor by movement of the handle by an operator. The kit may be quickly and easily retrofitted to a trolling motor after failure of remote control for the trolling motor without a fisherman having to disassemble the trolling motor or to come to shore and remove the trolling motor from the boat to effect repairs.

Abstract: A control lever apparatus for actuating two sheathed control cables, such as push/pull cables, for connecting together two or more control stations, particularly in marine applications. A manual lever and sprocket are journalled for concurrent rotation relative to a body having a longitudinal body axis. A sheath anchoring structure cooperates with the body and has a sheath clamp adapted for securing the sheaths of the control cables laterally spaced apart and disposed parallel to the body axis. A length of chain passes over the sprocket and has two opposite end portions which extend generally axially of the body. A core connector is secured to each end of the chain and is adapted to be secured to the cores of the control cable assemblies. The apparatus provides a positive and simple mechanical connection between two or more control heads which can be simply installed, and for usual lengths of cable runs does not incur excessive frictional losses.

Abstract: A mount for an electric trolling motor foot control unit having base member, a pedal pivotal about a horizontal axis and motor control switches, the mount comprising a base plate secured to the underside of the base member, a connection at one end of the base plate for pivotally securing the base plate to the floor of a boat for pivotal movement of the base plate and the control unit upon the floor of the boat, the connection including a pivot bushing, whereby the user of the electric trolling motor may move the control unit around on the floor of a boat along a predetermined path without removing the control unit from its attachment to the boat.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit adapted to be pivotally mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative to the transom about a steering axis, the propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, an engine including a throttle lever, and a shiftable transmission drivingly connecting the engine to the propeller and including a shift lever, a hydraulic shift assist system connected to the shift lever for actuation thereof, a hydraulic throttle assist system connected to the throttle lever for actuation thereof, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a pump communicating with the reservoir, a supply conduit communicating between the pump and the shift assist system, a supply conduit communicating between the shift assist system and the throttle assist system, and a return conduit communicating between the throttle assist system and the reservoir.

Abstract: The rotation angles around the X and Y axes due to the operation of a joystick lever having degrees of freedom of three axes are respectively detected by two rotation angle detectors. A push button switch is provided at the edge of the joystick lever. When the push button switch is not operated, the operating direction and operation amount of the joystick lever are calculated on the basis of the outputs of two rotation angle detectors. When the push button switch was operated, the operating direction and operation amount of the joystick lever are calculated from the output of either one of two rotation angle detectors.