Abstract: A joystick controller apparatus comprises a lever mounted for pivotal motion in at least two directions, a guide defining a preselected shift pattern for the lever, and an indicating arrangement for producing a digital logic representation of the position of the lever relative to the shift pattern. The indicating arrangement comprises energy actuated members positioned at predetermined locations relative to the shift pattern, energy producing members positioned in registry with the energy actuated members for normally actuating the same and shield members interposed between the energy producing members and energy actuated members and movable in response to movement of the lever into positions for respectively permitting and preventing actuation of the energy actuated members by the energy producing members in a predetermined fashion such that said energy actuated members collectively form a representation of the location of the lever relative to the shift pattern.

Abstract: A positive-positioning knob assembly comprises a knob body having a substantially hollow interior portion and a pinion member fixed against rotation relative to a panel, through which panel extends a shaft to be rotated by the knob assembly. Cooperating selectively interengageable and disengageable locking members are located on the pinion member and the hollow body interior respectively for alternatively permitting the body to rotate freely of the pinion member when the locking members are in a disengaged condition, and for locking the body non-rotatably relative to the pinion when the locking members are in an engaged condition. A resilient biasing member normally holds the locking members in the engaged condition to prevent rotation of the know body; however, the resilient biasing member is resiliently deformable for permitting the locking members to move to the disengaged condition to permit rotation of the knob body.

Abstract: A valve body comprises a substantially solid body defining a surface of complementary form for engaging a valve seat, and having a pivot axis about which it is rotatably mounted relative to a valve orifice. A periphery of the valve body surface defines at least first and second curvilinear surfaces having axes of curvature which extend substantially parallel with each other and with the pivot axis of the valve body. The axis of curvature of a first of said curvilinear surfaces is disposed inwardly of the first surface and within the periphery of the valve body; and the axis of curvature of the second of the curvilinear surfaces is disposed on the opposite side of the second curvilinear surface and outside of the periphery of the valve body. A remaining portion of the valve body surface defines a cross-sectional area at least as great as the cross-sectional area of the valve orifice for fully covering the same when in a valve closed position.

Abstract: A grain sensor comprises a piezoelectric element mounted to a rear surface of a relatively thin, flat sounding board of substantially greater surface area than the piezoelectric element. Forces experienced by the sounding board due to grain particles impinging upon the front surface thereof are imparted to the piezoelectric element. A rigid frame surroundingly engages side edges of the sounding board. The rigid frame includes an inwardly extending flange for substantially covering a peripheral edge portion of the front surface. A base member having a surface substantially congruent with the sounding board surfaces is mounted in facing relation to the rear sounding board surface for substantially enclosing the piezoelectric element therebetween. A resilient seal and spacer member is interposed between the facing surfaces of the sounding board and the base member.