Abstract: A control lever is provided for actuating a deadman's switch or any other switch actuatable by a lever. The control lever is resilient and includes a base portion fixed to the support on which the switch is mounted and an actuator portion which is formed integral with the base portion and which extends over the switch. The actuator portion is deflectable into contact with the switch without the interaction of any pivot element, hinge, or any other connection of the control lever to the support. The lever can be easily actuated with any portion of the operator's hand and preferably is sufficiently resilient to prevent the function of the switch from being defeated by the insertion of a facing object between the lever and the switch and to prevent or at least inhibit damage to the switch due to overpressure on the lever. The lever is preferably pliable and thus can be bent or twisted in virtually any direction without damaging the lever.

Abstract: A direct drive joystick has a contactless system for sensing the position of the joystick lever and having valve drivers which are positioned within the joystick, and which are directly connected to coils of a proportional valve. The joystick thus is not prone to failure due to internal friction of its sensing elements and at the same time is capable of directly driving valves without the provision of any other devices between the joystick and the valves. The joystick including the valve driver is rugged, compact and can be easily installed. The valve driver can be adjusted by an operator who is simultaneously actuating the joystick. The operational status of one or more of the joystick, the valve being controlled by the joystick, and the power source for the valve and joystick are visually displayed at a location which can be easily viewed by the joystick operator. Operation of the valve driver and thus of the joystick is prevented upon failure of a signal wire or upon generation of a joystick fault signal.