Abstract: An integrated, closed-loop programmable motor assembly (10) consisting of a bi-directional motor (12), a motor-shaft encoder (24), a rotation decoder (42), a microcontroller (64) and a motor drive circuit (70). In a typical application, the electric motor (12) is first programmed by placing the assembly (10) in a record mode and then rotating the motor shaft (14) to describe a desired motion. The motor shaft (14) can be made to rotate any amount, in any direction, and for any period of time. During the record mode, digital data corresponding to the motor shaft rotation is read from the motor shaft encoder (24) to the rotation decoder (42) and is subsequently stored in the memory circuit of the microcontroller (64). This data is recorded time synchronous, based on the time pulse produced by a time pulse generator (48).

Abstract: An integrated, closed-loop programmable motor assembly (10) consisting of a bi-directional motor (12), a motor-shaft encoder (24), a rotation decoder (42), a microcontroller (64) and a motor drive circuit (70). In a typical application, the electric motor (12) is first programmed by placing the assembly (10) in a record mode and then rotating the motor shaft (14) to describe a desired motion. The motor shaft (14) can be made to rotate any amount, in any direction, and for any period of time. During the record mode, digital data corresponding to the motor shaft rotation is read from the motor shaft encoder (24) to the rotation decoder (42) and is subsequently stored in the memory circuit of the microcontroller (64). This data is recorded time synchronous, based on the time pulse produced by a time pulse generator (48).

Abstract: An opto-electrical joystick switch having a hollow cylindrical (20) housing with a collared top (26) and a separated bottom (28). A resilient joystick shaft (36) is rigidly mounted onto the housing bottom and penetrates through an opening at the top of the collar. A pair of printed circuit boards (46) and (50) are juxtapositioned within the housing, each having at least four light emitting diodes (48) and opposed light sensing photodiodes (52) in communication with each other through a light beam. A light blocking commutator disc (54) is disposed upon the shaft between the boards such that when the shaft is manually forced in a given direction, the light is interrupted from the diodes. An external or optional internal power source energizes the diodes and provides a basis for an electronic circuit that processes a signal created by the blocked diodes when the 8-position switch is displaced from its neutral position.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a safety apparatus which is specifically adapted to prevent inadvertent access to the trigger of a firearm. A band of flexible material is wrapped about the trigger guard, trigger and breech of a rifle or pistol. An elastic or stretchable insert is mounted within one end of the band and adapted to fit about the trigger guard to maintain the band in a fixed location. One end of the band is detachably coupled to the other fixing the band in place to prevent inadvertent contact with the trigger of the firearm which is disposed between the elastic member and the adjacent surfaces of the securing band.