Abstract: A pedal input device includes a base plate; a rotation center portion provided at the center of the base plate; a contacting plate having a yaw switch contacting portion protruding downwards from lower surface of the contacting plate; a pedal plate carried by the contacting plate and foot-operated so as to cause a drive member to make three-degree-of-freedom movement; a pair of pitch switches installed on the base plate in an opposing relationship with each other; a pair of roll switches installed on the base plate in an perpendicular relationship to the pitch switches so that the roll switches can be alternately contacted to the contacting plate of the pedal plate; and a pair of yaw switches installed on the base plate in an spaced-apart relationship with each other so that the yaw switches can be alternately contacted to the yaw switch contacting portion as the pedal plate rotates.

Abstract: A pedal device for adjusting pedal effort includes a housing fixed to a car body, a pedal arm that is hinged about the housing, an elastic member that is disposed between the housing and the pivot end of the pedal arm and provides a return force to the pedal arm, a pedal effort adjusting unit that is movably disposed in the housing and has a sloped portion for adjusting a pre-compression force to the elastic member, and a pre-compression force setting unit that sets a fixed position of the pedal effort adjusting unit with respect to the housing and keeps a pre-compression force applied to the elastic member at a predetermined level. With this configuration, the pedal device can adjust the reaction force applied to the driver pressing the pedal corresponding to the driver's driving propensity, thereby improving the operability and reducing the fatigue of the driver's ankle.

Abstract: An actuating apparatus for operating a drive or retardation means of a motor vehicle, comprising a signal converter (26; 60) which produces a control signal dependent on the actuating travel, wherein the signal converter (26; 60) comprises an elastic and conductive shaped body having a first and second outside surface which are arranged at a spacing relative to each other, which is provided with a first electrical contact region (29; 62) which extends over the first outside surface of the shaped body and which is galvanically conductively connected on the one hand to the shaped body and on the other hand to a first feed line (30; 64) and a second electrical contact region (29?; 63) which extends along the second surface of the shaped body and is galvanically conductively connected on the one hand to the shaped body and on the other hand to a second feed line (30?; 65), and wherein the electrical resistance of the shaped body between the two contact regions (29, 29?; 62, 63) is dependent on the spacing of the

Abstract: A multifunctional foot switch is disclosed. The foot switch has two or more actuation elements, arranged such that the operator of the foot switch may select various devices functionally connected to the foot switch merely be repositioning the foot.

Abstract: Pedal assemblies and methods provide for signal control, such as for controlling audio and/or effects path signals used in generating audio from a musical instrument. The pedal assemblies may provide for simultaneous audio and effects control via electrical pathways dedicated to each. Rotation of the pedal about one or more axes of rotation results in modifying an electrical characteristic of devices of the pedal that control the audio and effects path signals. A particular axis of rotation that modifies the electrical characteristic of a device may be configured to produce a particular audio or effects path control based on which of the jacks are in use such that by changing the jacks that are in use, the function of a particular axis of rotation may change. Furthermore, a pedal assembly may provide for two axes of rotation where the centers of rotation of the two axes are non-coincident. The two axes of rotation may be better isolated as a result.

Abstract: A universal-control mechanism for automated selection and control of operation of components within an operatory includes at least one implement, wherein the implement has been assigned a signal address. The mechanism also includes a control device adapted to be activated by a user of the mechanism and to control the operation of the implement. The mechanism also includes a selector switch used to designate the implement selected and a signal generator adapted to receive a signal from the control device when the control device is activated and to generate a command signal directed to the signal address for the implement selected by the selector switch. The mechanism also includes at least one receiver unit operatively connected to the selected implement such that activation of the control device acts to control the implement via the signal generator and the receiver unit to control the operation of the implement.

Abstract: A foot controller for a microsurgical system that includes a body, a switch disposed on the body, and a switch guard coupled to the body and disposed in a spaced relationship to an outer surface of the switch.

Abstract: A multifunction surgical footswitch is disclosed, one embodiment of the surgical footswitch comprising: a base assembly, wherein the base assembly comprises a shroud and a heel plate; a stand-by/ready switch attached to the base assembly and operable to provide a stand-by/ready control signal to switch a laser between a stand-by and a ready state; and a firing switch attached to the base assembly and operable to provide a firing control signal to fire the laser. The surgical footswitch can further comprise an interface communicatively coupled to the firing switch and the stand-by/ready switch and operable to communicate the firing and the stand-by/ready control signals to the laser.

Abstract: An actuating device for an electromedical apparatus and in particular a foot switch. The foot switch includes a floor part, at least one pedal part that is tiltably connected to the floor part, and at least one switch element that is actuated by the pedal part. Further, at least the floor part is manufactured by one of an extrusion-coating method or a casting method such that at least a portion of the floor part is fully coated by a coating material.

Abstract: An apparatus for triggering, changing or ending device functions by means of foot movements can include a resting surface for the sole of a foot and at least one switch, arranged in the region of the resting surface and at a fixed distance from the resting surface, for closing or opening an electrical or control circuit. An actuating element can be associated with the switch to initiate its switching functions. The apparatus can also include a means for transmitting foot movements to the actuating element. The switch can be a proximity switch and the actuating element can be mounted such that it can move in a direction following the respective foot movement, with the result that, owing to the foot movement, the actuating element can be brought closer to the proximity switch therefore triggering the switching function.

Abstract: A control system for an electrosurgical instrument includes a housing selectively positionable relative to an operating theater with the housing being coupled to an electrosurgical energy source. The system also includes at least one foot-activatable pedal operatively engaged with the housing which has indicia identifying the function of the pedal disposed thereon. Illuminating means are also included with the system which illuminating means are designed to illuminate at least a portion of the pedal which, in turn illuminates the indicia.

Abstract: A known arrangement for controlling electromedical appliances or groups thereof employs foot-actuated switches or push-button switches, which are separately connected to each appliance. When it is necessary to control a large number of appliances or appliance groups, a large number of push-buttons or pedal switches is also required, the connections of which cause disturbances in the operating room. In the present invention the switching means or pedal switches are provided with connecting means by way of which the switching means can be connected to one another. Allocation means are provided in order to allocate to the control signals particular controlling functions with reference to the appliances or appliance groups. Information-transfer means transmit control signals from the switching means or pedal switches to the appliances or appliance groups.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: A foot switch device for activating a dental or medical treatment apparatus is provided. The foot switch device is particularly suitable for controlling an ultrasonic dental scaler. The foot switch device includes a base plate; a central housing attached to the base plate; an upper, moveable cover mounted on the housing; and a connecting collar attached to the upper cover for retaining the cover on the housing while allowing the cover to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the housing. The central housing contains a first electrical switch for transmitting a first signal to the apparatus, and a second electrical switch for transmitting a second signal to the apparatus. An operator depresses the upper cover with his or her foot to activate the switching mechanism and control the operation of the dental or medical apparatus.

Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling devices are provided. The system includes a foot pedal unit having a moveable member. The system further includes a transmitter operatively associated with the moveable member. The transmitter transmits a first signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member when a first device is selected. The transmitter transmits a second signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member when a second device is selected.

Abstract: A footswitch assembly with a position memory includes adjustable mounting mechanisms. A first adjustable mounting mechanism moves the heel cup portion on the treadle pedal assembly to a predetermined position to accommodate the length of a user's foot. A second adjustable mounting mechanism moves the side wing assembly to predetermined position to accommodate the width of a user's foot. A third adjustable mounting mechanism adjusts the force needed to move the treadle pedal assembly.

Abstract: A footswitch assembly with a position memory includes adjustable mounting mechanisms. A first adjustable mounting mechanism moves the heel cup portion on the treadle pedal assembly to a predetermined position to accommodate the length of a user's foot. A second adjustable mounting mechanism moves the side wing assembly to predetermined position to accommodate the width of a user's foot. A third adjustable mounting mechanism adjusts the force needed to move the treadle pedal assembly.

Abstract: A percussion beater cage has a first cage bar (1) positioned horizontally apart from a second cage bar (2) on at least one bar holder (3). The first cage bar is structured for attachment of a first acoustical trigger (5). The second cage bar is structured for attachment of a second acoustical trigger (6). The bar holder and optionally bar holders (12, 13, 32, 35) are structured for adjustable positioning of the first cage bar and the second cage bar a distance apart selectively for positioning the first acoustical trigger a desired strike-timing distance apart from the second acoustical trigger selectively. A base plate (4) is structured for attachment of a conventional foot pedal (7) for foot-actuating musical instruments that include base drums. The conventional foot pedals generally have a beater head (9) on a beater rod (8) actuated with the foot pedal for striking at least one acoustical trigger that is most commonly digital.

Abstract: A hand operable switch includes an operating knob that is movable longitudinally or rotationally about a longitudinal axis of the hand operable switch. The operating knob is accessible from any circumferential location of the hand operable switch. A housing includes switching elements wherein movement of the operating knob moves an activation rod relevant to the switching elements for activating a switching element that corresponds to movement of a controlled device. A converter converts the hand operable switch into a foot operable switch.

Abstract: A control system for an electrosurgical instrument includes a housing selectively positionable relative to an operating theater with the housing being coupled to an electrosurgical energy source. The system also includes at least one foot-activatable pedal operatively engaged with the housing which has indicia identifying the function of the pedal disposed thereon. Illuminating means are also included with the system which illuminating means are designed to illuminate at least a portion of the pedal which, in turn illuminates the indicia.

Abstract: A horn activation system for a lightweight utility vehicle can comprises a pressure sensitive horn switch (PSHS) operably connected to a horn button. The horn button is operable with the PSHS such that pressing the horn button compresses the PSHS. The horn activation system additionally can comprise an electronic switching device communicatively connected to the PSHS. The electronic switching device is responsive to a horn activation signal transmitted by the PSHS when the PSHS is compressed in response to depression of the horn button. The horn activation system further can comprise a horn configured to receive a current flow resulting from the electronic switching device closing a horn control circuit upon receipt of the horn activation signal.

Abstract: An ergonomic footswitch having a substantially planar tiltable treadle positioned on a base enables up and down or pitch movement of the footswitch around an axis of rotation located on the horizontal rotational axis of an operator's ankle. This arrangement reduces fatigue in the operator's leg and ankle and also permits the operator to vary the speed of an instrument or vary an operational parameter of the instrument via both the up and down motion of the treadle.

Abstract: A practical control device having up to eight independent channels of communication for simultaneously operating a plurality of electromechanical devices or for simultaneously performing a plurality of independent functions on an electromechanical device, such as a prosthetic hand, includes a foot-operated controller and a microprocessor. The foot-controller includes a plurality of pressure sensors mounted at selected locations on a substrate. The microprocessor converts sensor inputs from the foot-operated controller into commands for a controllable electromechanical device such as a prosthetic hand. Commands may be communicated via a radio transmitter or via hard-wiring.

Abstract: A machine guarding system generally includes a switch mat in electrical communication with a machine being guarded. The switch mat is adapted to be placed on a floor adjacent the machine being guarded and includes a pressure actuated switch mechanism which causes power to the machine to be terminated when a pressure is applied to the switch mat. The switch mat further includes a status indicator display disposed on a surface of the switch mat which is illuminated based on a status of the machine being guarded. In a preferred embodiment, the machine guarding system further includes a machine control unit for controlling power to the machine being guarded. The switch mat is in electrical communication with the machine control unit, wherein the switch mechanism causes the machine control unit to terminate power to the machine when a pressure is applied to the switch mat. The machine control unit also illuminates the indicator display based on a status of the machine being guarded.

Abstract: An improved footswitch is disclosed. The footswitch may have an adjustable length treadle to accommodate different size feet. The footswitch may also have a treadle having a slidable plate that facilitates the actuation of a side switch.

Abstract: A foot operable controller for a surgical instrument having a main foot pedal assembly providing either proportional or linear control signals when moved laterally and in a vertical direction. Friction between an operator's foot and the foot pedal is minimized by a foot pad having a rotating heel plate. A neutral zone between left and right control positions of the foot pedal enables the operator to move his foot freely without changing control settings. Vertical displacement of the foot pedal is indicated by a plurality of mechanical detents during both upward and downward travel. Changing detent resistance alerts the operator to the vertical position of the foot pedal, indicating that further vertical displacement will change an instrument control signal corresponding to the new foot pedal position, thus providing sensory feedback to the operator indicating a change in the functional mode when the foot pedal is moved.

Abstract: A foot controller connection error detection device of the present invention includes a foot controller to output a start/stop instruction and a rotation speed instruction of a sewing machine motor to a control unit to control the sewing machine motor, a plug to disconnectably connect the foot controller to the control unit and a contact failure detection unit to detect a contact failure of the connector between the plug and the control unit.

Abstract: An improved foot switch structure of an extension cord receptacle comprises a base. The base has thereon a control switch, wherein the control switch is connected to a power conducting wire. The power conducting wire has one end connected to a power plug and the other end connected to a power receptacle. The control switch is located between the power plug and the power receptacle for controlling whether power is conducted to the power receptacle. The base has an electrically conductive plate fixed on an edge thereof. The electrically conductive plate has a tapering portion, which is inserted into the power conducting wire such that power is conducted to the electrically conductive plate. In addition, two power indicator lamps are provided on the electrically conductive plate.

Abstract: A frame for an operating room controller is disclosed. The frame can include a pedal platform; a platform extension extending from the pedal platform; and a primary track being fixed to the pedal extension opposing the pedal platform.

Abstract: A safety mat monitoring system has individual mat indicators associated with corresponding mat switches. A mat switch is activated by pressure on or malfunction of the mat switch. Once activated, an indicator on a controller is activated and, in turn, the controller activates the corresponding individual mat indicator.

Abstract: A foot switch for operation of at least two different functional members of a dental apparatus which is operatively connected with the foot switch has at least two press switches which are each formed as a diaphragm switch comprising a printed circuitry with an arrangement between two carrier foils which as a package are supported on a base plate of the foot switch within a hollow formed by an overlaid cover plate and connected by a signalling line with at least two different functional members of the dental apparatus for transmitting functional control signals upon depression of the cover plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for foot operating an electrical element having a rotatable operating shaft comprising a base member adapted to be secured to a floor and defining a top opening cavity, a shaft rotatably mounted in opposite side walls of the base member, a treadle member mounted to the shaft and arranged to rotate the shaft when depressed by foot pressure, a support member secured to the base member in the cavity and having at least one upstanding wall, an electrical element having a rotatable operating shaft mounted to at least one upstanding wall, an operating arm mounted at one end thereof to said shaft and extending to a free end thereof toward said electrical element operating shaft, said free end including a surface, a flexible cord connected at one end thereof to said operating arm toward the end of said of said operating arm mounted to said shaft, extending over said surface, spirally wrapped a plurality of times about said electrical element shaft and anchored at its other end to a point on the base member.

Abstract: A foot controller 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes an accelerator-type pedal 14 for activating and controlling various surgical instruments, and a door 18 covering a switch 24. The door functions as a heel-rest when in a closed position and as a switch-shroud when in an open position.

Abstract: A surgical footpedal includes a treadle size for receiving a user's foot and adapted for enabling depression thereof in order to activate signals for control of associated surgical apparatus. A vibrator is disposed on the treadle for vibrating the treadle at selected treadle depressions to provide sensory warning to the user that further treadle depression will cause a given event to occur. A bracket is provided for attaching the vibrator to the treadle for causing resonant vibration of the treadle and the vibrate.

Abstract: A stop lamp switch of the present invention includes; an operating shaft having one end face being outwardly projected from a switch case body, the end face abutting on a brake pedal of a vehicle; an actuator moving within the switch case body to separate a movable contact from a fixed contact; an engaging spring attached to the other end of the actuator so as to be engaged with a concave-convex locking portion provided on the operating shaft, and a spring regulating member for engaging both free ends of the engaging spring with engaging step portions provided to the spring regulating member in a freely engageable/disengageable manner while the engaging spring is being in a spread state.

Abstract: A foot controller 32 for use with ophthalmic surgical equipment 34 includes a foot controller 32 having a door 18. Door 18 covers a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in a closed position, and door 18 is a shroud for a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in an open position. A door-position sensor 48 disables activation of the surgical switch 24, except when the door is in an open position.

Abstract: A foot switch for use in the control of medical apparatus comprises a pedal that is connected to and movably seated on a floor plate of a joint connection, a sensor linked to a switch element, and a repositioning device disposed between the floor plate and the pedal. The repositioning device ensures that an operating force must be applied to the upper surface of the pedal to produce a tilting movement of the pedal out of an initial position into an operating position in which a smaller angle is defined between the floor plate and the pedal than in the initial position and in which the sensor is activated to trigger the output of a switch pulse from the switch element. The improvement of the present invention consists of the combination of the repositioning device and the joint into an elastic joint device. The simplified foot switch is easily disinfected.

Abstract: A foot controller 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes an accelerator-type pedal 14 for activating and controlling various surgical instruments, and a door 18 covering a switch 24. The door functions as a heel-rest when in a closed position and as a switch-shroud when in an open position.

Abstract: A stop lamp switch of the present invention includes; an operating shaft having one end face being outwardly projected from a switch case body, the end face abutting on a brake pedal of a vehicle; an actuator moving within the switch case body to separate a movable contact from a fixed contact; an engaging spring attached to the other end of the actuator so as to be engaged with a concave-convex locking portion provided on the operating shaft, and a spring regulating member for engaging both free ends of the engaging spring with engaging step portions provided to the spring regulating member in a freely engageable/disengageable manner while the engaging spring is being in a spread state.

Abstract: A foot controller 32 for use with ophthalmic surgical equipment 34 includes a foot controller 32 having a door 18. Door 18 covers a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in a closed position, and door 18 is a shroud for a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in an open position. A door-position sensor 48 disables activation of the surgical switch 24, except when the door is in an open position.

Abstract: A surgical footpedal includes a treadle size for receiving a user's foot and adapted for enabling depression thereof in order to activate signals for control of associated surgical apparatus. A vibrator is disposed on the treadle for vibrating the treadle at selected treadle depressions to provide sensory warning to the user that further treadle depression will cause a given event to occur. A bracket is provided for attaching the vibrator to the treadle for causing resonant vibration of the treadle and the vibrate.

Abstract: A foot operable controller for a surgical instrument having a main foot pedal assembly providing either proportional or linear control signals when moved laterally and in a vertical direction. Friction between an operator's foot and the foot pedal is minimized by a foot pad having a rotating heel plate. A neutral zone between left and right control positions of the foot pedal enables the operator to move his foot freely without changing control settings. Vertical displacement of the foot pedal is indicated by a plurality of mechanical detents during both upward and downward travel. Changing detent resistance alerts the operator to the vertical position of the foot pedal, indicating that further vertical displacement will change an instrument control signal corresponding to the new foot pedal position, thus providing sensory feedback to the operator indicating a change in the functional mode when the foot pedal is moved.

Abstract: A pedal displacement sensor includes an actuating lever and a switching element. The actuating lever is arranged in a housing, is rotatably supported on a rotational axis, and can be rotated by a pedal. The actuating element of the switching element is actuated by rotating the actuating lever. The housing of the pedal displacement sensor has an opening. The actuating lever extends through the opening to an end which engages the pedal. The actuating lever includes first and second arms which form an angle lever. The first arm is rotatably supported in the housing. The second arm extends through the opening to an end face which contacts the pedal lever. The actuating lever preferably also acts upon a transducer such as a Hall sensor and a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A foot operated apparatus for providing a switch closure to an external electrical circuit. The apparatus includes a housing having a switch mounted therein carrying a plunger actuated electrical contact moveable between two positions. A foot operated member is pivotally mounted on the housing about a pivot axis. The foot operated member has a first end spaced from the housing at a normal first position and disposed below the upper disposed pivot axis. The first end of the foot operated member is pivotal about the pivot axis spaced above the first end of the foot operated member toward the housing to a second position coincident with closure of the switch contact. An optional foot guard encloses the sides and top of the foot operated member. The foot guard allows the toe portion of a user's foot to slide therethrough in forward movement to pivot the first end of the foot engaging member to the second position coincident with closure of the switch contact.

Abstract: A universal surgical power tool pedal apparatus comprising a first pedal platform having at least one pedal configured to be movable between a depressed position and a released position. At least one outlet, configured to releasably receive a power plug of a surgical power tool, is in communication with the first pedal platform. The pedal apparatus receives power from a power supply and conducts the power to the plug that is in communication with the outlet when the operational pedal is disposed in the depressed position, thereby powering the surgical power tool.

Abstract: A foot switch for operation of at least two different functional members of a dental apparatus which is operatively connected with the foot switch has at least two press switches which are each formed as a diaphragm switch comprising a printed circuitry with an arrangement between two carrier foils which as a package are supported on a base plate of the foot switch within a hollow formed by an overlaid cover plate and connected by a signalling line with at least two different functional members of the dental apparatus for transmitting functional control signals upon depression of the cover plate.

Abstract: A shoe sensor for surgical control which may be used in combination with a surgical footpedal includes a tilt sensor for determining angular movement and a cuff for supporting the tilt sensor on a user's in position for enabling the tilt sensor to determine lateral angle movement of the user's foot. A connector is provided for transfer of tilt sensor output to a surgical apparatus controller. When used in combination with a footpedal, the shoe sensor enables additional control parameters to be inputed to a controller by using tilt motion of a user's foot.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a handpiece during surgery generally includes a foot pedal pivotally mounted to a base for enabling depression thereof in order to provide control signals for handpiece operation. At least one support surfaces provided adjacent the foot pedal on the base at a position enabling access thereto by a user's foot. A ribbon switch as disposed on the support surface and has a length sufficient enable actuation thereof by a user's foot without visual observation thereof by the user. The ribbon switch is actuable by depression thereof at any point along the length of the ribbon switch in order to provide additional control signals to the handpiece.

Abstract: A foot switcher includes: a foot switch sheet having a plurality of pressure switches for detecting steps; and a mat placed under the foot switch sheet, and including a mat body having a plurality of divisions, one division being different from another division in hardness, and a specified number of divisions corresponding to the plurality of pressure switches, respectively. The hardness of one division is different from that of another division adjoining the one division. A top layer for covering the plurality of the pressure switches is formed with slip preventer.

Abstract: A foot operated apparatus for providing a switch closure to an external electrical circuit. The apparatus includes a housing having a switch mounted therein carrying a plunger actuated electrical contact moveable between two positions. A foot operated member is pivotally mounted on the housing about a pivot axis. The foot operated member has a first end spaced from the housing at a normal first position and disposed below the upper disposed pivot axis. The first end of the foot operated member is pivotal about the pivot axis spaced above the first end of the foot operated member toward the housing to a second position coincident with closure of the switch contact. An optional foot guard encloses the sides and top of the foot operated member. The foot guard allows the toe portion of a user's foot to slide therethrough in forward movement to pivot the first end of the foot engaging member to the second position coincident with closure of the switch contact.