Abstract: A remote control lever module comprises an inner shaft coaxially located inside an outer shaft. The inner and outer shafts are rotatably mounted on a support and can rotate with respect to one another. A return mechanism is engageable with the inner and outer shafts enabling forward rotation of the inner shaft to cause forward rotation of the outer shaft. The return mechanism further enables extended forward rotation of the inner shaft with respect to the outer shaft, and urges backward rotation of the inner shaft to a rearmost position. The return mechanism limits backward rotation of the inner and outer shafts beyond a nonactuating position. A force spring urges the outer shaft to the nonactuating position. Sensors produce electrical signals proportional to the angular position of the inner and outer shafts. A friction pad can be disposed between the inner shaft and support to frictionally resist rotation of the inner shaft with respect to the support.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a position detection system for a rotary motor element where color is used to determine the position of the rotary motor element. Different color light pulses are emitted in the direction of a color-coded disk which rotates in accordance with the rotary motor element. The light pulses are reflected back from the disk in distinct combinations which define the position of the rotary motor element. By determining which colors of light are reflected back, the position of the motor element may be determined. The apparatus may be located remote from the position detector to extend the life and the reliability of its electronic components. The angular resolution of a range of rotary positions is dependent upon the number of color regions on the color-coded disk and the number of different colors of light pulses that are emitted.

Abstract: An adaptive actuation verification method monitors the difference between a desired position and an actual position of a movable device, to ensure that the actual position of the device is approaching the desired position in an acceptable manner. A range of acceptable approaches is calculated based on the response capability of the movable device. The range is updated on-line to account for any changes in the response capability. An actuation fault is assumed when the device does not approach the desired position within the calculated range.