Abstract: An endless manual control for use in automation systems, such as automated recording consoles, which controls levels and other parameters of audio, video and other signals, by generating, storing, sending and receiving electronic control signals. The control's internal circuitry translates control movements into electronic signals describing the control's movements. These electronic signals, including external electronic signals which are inputed during certain modes of operation, are fed into a circuit for updating the circuit's memory of control levels. When either the minimum or maximum control level extreme is reached, the circuitry triggers a mechanism to stop the manual rotation of the control in the direction which had or would have caused that control level extreme to be reached.

Abstract: An energy absorbing mechanical end stop for a high speed gear train that is used to drive a variable vacuum capacitor utilizes a friction plate that is mounted to a gear member of the high speed gear train as an energy absorbing mechanism. A wedge member is activated when the tuning of the variable vacuum capacitor approaches a limit and falls between the friction plate and the gear member to which the friction plate is attached. The friction between the friction plate and the wedge member brings the gear member to a stop without damaging the high speed gear train or the variable vacuum capacitor that is driven by the high speed gear train.

Abstract: A remote television control includes a hollow floating knob which is engaged on the television tuner shaft. Inside the knob is a torque-applying mechanism such as a unidirectional clutch or ratchet for imparting torque to the tuner shaft. A flexible coaxial force applying means extend between the torque-applying mechanism and a control including a solenoid which is actuated by means of an acoustical switch tuned to respond to an acoustical signal of a selected frequency emitted by a remote source. When the solenoid is actuated, it moves the force applying means which, in turn, reacts against the knob and activates the torque-applying mechanism inside the knob so that the tuner is rotated to change the channel of the television receiver. The control also includes a switch which is actuated when the knob is indexed to an unused channel position in order to turn the televison set off. Alternatively, the television set is turned on or off independently of the channel position of the tuner.