Abstract: A manual control device with a control stick (joystick) whose output signal is proportional to the angular deflection of the control stick has transducers that step the output signal in such a way that the manual control device imitates or simulates the switching behavior of a N-stage manual control device. For that purpose, analog or digital electronic means associate with the output signal of the manual control device, depending on its value, one among N different voltage values, whose number and potential difference may be predetermined. The advantages of an analog manual control device (few mechanical components, cheap production) are thus combined with the advantages of a N-stage manual control device (adjustment information for the user, wider field of application in industrial control processes).

Abstract: A multi-stage switch with a common actuating element and at least two switch elements for making contact provides that the switch elements are disposed next to each other above contact elements of a circuit board which they bridge in the closed state. The actuating element for the switch is movably disposed above the switch elements in such a way that the switch elements respond sequentially when the actuating element is depressed. Such a multi-stage switch can be produced cost-effectively with simple structural means, can be universally used, is easy to operate, maintenance free to the greatest extent and operates dependably.

Abstract: A manual controller including a control lever having a lower end; a housing having a bottom; a bearing held in the housing and supporting the control lever for pivotable deflection in two orthogonal axes around a fixed point from a zero position to a maximum pivot angle relative to the zero position while the lower end of the control lever moves over a path lying in a spherical surface having a radius R; and converter devices which translate pivotal movement of the control lever from its zero position into an electrical signal. The bearing is an elastomer joint having a transition part extending between a rim and an inner part for imposing on the control lever an elastic restoring force from all deflection positions toward the zero position of the control lever while simultaneously maintaining the spatial position of the fixed point.

Abstract: A switch for operating an electric device, the switch having a released position in which the device can be switched on or off, and a locked position in which switching on of the device is prevented, in combination with a removable key element including a key insertable into the switch and displaceable for placing the switch in a selected one of the released and locked positions. The switch includes a function element fixedly disposed within the electric device, and an actuating element for switching the electric device on and off, seated on the outside of the device and in operative connection with the function element. The key element is composed of a cap-like slip-on element to which the key is permanently fastened and which is configured to be securely and removably mounted on the actuating element.