Abstract: A control apparatus includes a visual display and input devices that are movable between a neutral state and non-neutral state. The control apparatus visually outputs on the visual display a visual output that is representative of a non-neutral state of an input device and whose position on the visual display is representative of the location on the control apparatus where the non-neutral input device is situated. The control apparatus can be configured to control any of a variety of pieces of equipment and employs a configuration file that is deployed on the control apparatus in order to configure it to enable it to communicate with a particular piece of equipment. Equipment-specific firmware drivers serve as an interface between the input devices and a graphics engine without the graphics engine needing to know anything about the piece of equipment itself.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus is usable to remotely control another device and includes a base unit that is electrically connected with the device and further includes a remote control unit that is remote from the device and that is usable to control the device. The remote control unit includes an emergency stop switch that simultaneously actuates two switches that are electrically independent of one another. A primary control apparatus monitors one of the switches, and a secondary control apparatus monitors the other switch. If either switch is moved from its CLOSED state to its OPEN state, the corresponding control apparatus will take emergency actions. The primary and secondary control apparatuses additionally monitor the switches and perform the aforementioned emergency actions in the event of a fault with one of the switches or on the associated wiring.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus is usable to remotely control another device and includes a base unit that is electrically connected with the device and further includes a remote control unit that is remote from the device and that is usable to control the device. The remote control unit includes an emergency stop switch that simultaneously actuates two switches that are electrically independent of one another. A primary control apparatus monitors one of the switches, and a secondary control apparatus monitors the other switch. If either switch is moved from its CLOSED state to its OPEN state, the corresponding control apparatus will take emergency actions. The primary and secondary control apparatuses additionally monitor the switches and perform the aforementioned emergency actions in the event of a fault with one of the switches or on the associated wiring.