Abstract: A focus unit of an FBT (fly back transformer) is described, which is installed on a side of the FBT, for adjusting the focus and screen voltages of a cathode ray tube. Focus and screen voltage adjusting round resistor patterns 130 are respectively formed on volume boards 120 of the focus unit, and a supporting shaft 160 is received into a central through hole 140 of the round resistor pattern 120. A connecting pin 170 is inserted into the supporting shaft 160, and a cable 210 is inserted into each of holes of a volume case so as for the cable to be connected to the lower end of the connecting pin 170. A pair of actuation knobs are inserted into a cover, and a slider spring is installed within each of volume bars, while the lower end of the slider spring 230 is movably connected to the round resistor pattern 130. Thus the slider spring for adjusting the focus volume can be easily installed on a volume bar, and the focus and screen voltages can be controlled in a sure manner.

Abstract: A mounting clip for a rotary potentiometer. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting clip comprises front and back generally vertical opposing side segments elastically deformable relative to each other between a naturally biased position and an outward flexed position. The back side segment defines a pair of legs sized to accommodate a shaft of the potentiometer. The mounting clip is useful for mounting the rotary potentiometer relative to a support wall of a joystick assembly in a position wherein a body portion of the potentiometer is adjacent to the support wall and the shaft of the potentiometer projects through an opening in the support wall. When the potentiometer is so positioned, the mounting clip may be slid downward over the potentiometer and support wall such that the front side segment overlies an outer flat surface of the potentiometer and the legs straddle the shaft of the potentiometer on the other side of the support wall.

Abstract: A curved disc joystick or pad with improved performance, reliability and durability can be used as a cursor pointing device for computers, remote controls, video games, consumer electronics, industrial controllers, automotive and other applications. A conductive spring or sheath connects to a conductive curved rubber transducer which can be deflected to make contact with conductors on a printed circuit board, providing electrical outputs to a microprocessor or other device. A ribbed locking extension may be added to automate the assembly process. In addition, a collar may be provided to produce a controllable product, both in terms of manufacturing and performance.

Abstract: Use is made of thermoplastic materials in layered configurations as a thermally stable, rigid but not brittle strip of lengths of six inches to ten feet or more. The layered strip contains layers of conductive fibers in a resin matrix, which, through use of appropriate contact mechanisms and wiring, provide an assembly with an infinite potentiometer scale. The strips are especially useful in linear positioning indicators such as pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder and liquid level gauges.

Abstract: A low-cost joy stick or pad with improved performance, reliability and durability which can be used as a cursor pointing device for computers, remote controls, video games, consumer electronics, industrial controllers, automotive and other applications. A conductive spring or sheath connects to a conductive curved rubber transducer which can be deflected to make contact with conductors on a printed circuit board, providing electrical outputs to a microprocessor or other device.

Abstract: A tactile feedback device is provided. The device includes a joystick assembly with a joystick handle and a pair of perpendicular yoke components installed below the joystick handle. Each yoke component has a driving motor installed for driving the joystick handle. The device also includes a force feedback controlling system used for producing the force of a simulated condition, and to provide a relative average current to the motors for obtaining a relative rotating speed. The joystick can thereby produce different displacements of the joystick handle at the same time, and the operator can feel the different reaction forces produced. The device includes an automatic reset function using a pair of sensors respectively installed on the yoke components. The joystick handle can be automatically reset to the zero position of each when the sensors are not aligned with respective light blocking members.

Abstract: Steerable flexible elongate device comprising a flexible elongate member having proximal distal extremities and having a centrally disposed lumen extending into the distal extremity. The flexible elongate member has at least three additional lumens spaced apart circumferentially about the centrally disposed lumen and extending into the distal extremity. A stiffener element is disposed in the centrally disposed lumen and has proximal and distal extremities. Additional flexible elongate elements having a negative coefficient of expansion are disposed in each of the three additional lumens and have proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremities of the stiffener element and the additional flexible elongate elements are secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member. The proximal extremities of the stiffener element and the additional flexible elongate elements are also secured relative to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member.

Abstract: A high-voltage electronic component including a terminal connection structure capable of connecting a lead wire to a terminal fitment without soldering. An insulating substrate having a resistance element for a variable resistor formed on a front surface thereof and a high-voltage resistor are received in a hollow insulating casing. The insulating substrate is mounted on a rear surface thereof with a terminal fitment. The terminal fitment is formed with a press-fit channel in which a lead wire is press-fitted. Upon press fitting of the lead wire, the insulating casing is formed with an opening, through which insulating resin is charged in the insulating casing to form an insulating resin layer in which the terminal fitment and lead wire are embedded.

Abstract: A joystick controller is characterized by a control shaft that has toward its lower end a hemispherical-shaped member having a spherical surface. The control shaft extends upwardly through an opening in a top wall of a housing, and a circumference of the opening defines a beating for the spherical surface of the control shaft hemispherical member while a bottom of the control shaft is pivotally supported on a fulcrum within the housing. An upper end of the control shaft is manually movable to pivot the control shaft, with the spherical surface then moving in the bearing. The control shaft is coupled to x-y movement indicators comprising linearly movable variable impedance devices, which generate signals in accordance with the amount and direction of pivotal movement of the control shaft.

Abstract: A strain sensitive columnar transducer for a data entry keyboard contains a column upstanding from the keyboard. Strain sensitive orthogonally oriented patterns are formed on a single flexible planar sheet which is sliced to place each of the patterns on a separate tab. The planar sheet is forced over the column so that the patterns lie up against the sides of the column to measure force exerted on the column.

Abstract: A multiple range variable resistor and potentiometer suitable for use in the repair or manufacture of hearing aids and other miniature applications is disclosed. The user of the device can select the desired resistance range thereby allowing one component to be used in many different applications and reducing inventory requirements. It provides increased resistance to contamination of the internal components compared to conventional hearing aid volume controls and is not damaged by over-turning of the control knob in either direction. It can be manufactured for the same cost as conventional single range potentiometers.

Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor unit capable of simply and positively connecting, to a holder of a high-voltage fixed resistor used as a bleeder resistor, a wire-like terminal inserted into an electrically conductive rubber terminal provided on a side of a fly-back transformer. An insulating substrate which is formed thereon with a resistance pattern including a pair of electrodes respectively connected to first and second lead wires is received in a holder of a hollow shape made of insulating resin. The holder includes a holder body formed with an opening through which the insulating substrate is received. A wire-like terminal formed by being a rigid metal wire is heldly fitted in terminal fitting members provided on an outside of the holder. The terminal fitting members includes at least one terminal fitting member provided a wall of the holder facing the opening of the insulating casing and at least one terminal fitting member provided on one of side walls of the holder adjacent to the wall.

Abstract: A cursor control device includes a single key cursor control which utilizes pressure sensitive resistors for controlling cursor movement. Pressure sensitive resistors are arrayed so as to provide an output corresponding to the magnitude and direction of an applied input pressure. Input pressure is transmitted to these resistors by a means for actuating these devices. The means for actuating can include a single key which incorporates functionality of both up, down, left and right cursor control keys and pointing devices to produce horizontal, vertical, diagonal and curvilinear cursor movement. Cursor control device offers mechanically simple, low cost construction, and can be incorporated onto many keyboard constructions. Cursor control device can be positioned on keyboards in many locations as best suits individual applications. Cursor control device can also be incorporated into other devices which require cursor control such as electronic mice.

Abstract: A programmable hand-actuatable controller and method of producing control signals using same are disclosed. The programmable controller has a compact housing from which a rotatable shift lever extends. A twist grip type handle is rotatably mounted to the end portion of the shift lever. A flexible electronic circuit carrying Hall-effect sensor is affixed to the lever and is electrically interfaced with a signal processing module contained within the housing. Directional control signals are produced when shift lever is shifted to any of three detented positions about a first rotational axis for selections of forward, neutral, and reverse directions. Gear ratio control signals are produced for selection of various gear ratios when the handle is rotated to any of a plurality of detented positions about a second rotational axis disposed along the longitudinal extent of the lever.

Abstract: A position indicator for producing a variable maximum, variable resistance for supplying a variable amplitude signal to a computer indicating the degree of displacement of a controlled element along an axis includes a variable resistance resistor; a variable displacement element coupled to the variable resistor for varying the resistance of the variable resistor according to displacement of the element along an axis; a first fixed resistance resistor connected to first and second terminals of a transistor, the transistor being connected in series with the variable resistor to form a first series circuit; a second fixed resistance resistor, a potentiometer having a fixed resistance and a variable position contact, and a third fixed resistance resistor connected in series as a second series circuit that is connected in parallel to the first series circuit; and an amplifier having a first inverting input terminal and a second non-inverting input terminal connected to the variable resistor and the variable positi

Abstract: A self terminating supported printed circuit strain gauge structure has a printed circuit including at least one strain gauge, interconnecting circuitry interconnecting the strain gauge to a connector circuit arrangement of a connector for connecting the circuit to a PC board. The entire circuit including the strain gauge, the interconnecting circuitry and the connector arrangement is formed on a single contiguous flexible dielectric substrate. The interconnecting circuitry and the connector elements are formed of a highly conductive material at least partially overplated onto the strain gauge printed circuit. A resilient support layer is laminated to the surface of the base substrate opposite the circuit to form a spring support structure for reinforcing and supporting the strain gauge circuit.

Abstract: A novel joy stick in which arcuate shaped resistors are biased against conductive coil carried by a ball. The arcuate shaped resistors have electrical contacts that extend from them. Tactile feel is obtained by providing detent means that give the ball a suitable feel as it is moved.

Abstract: A joystick position sensing device has a housing and a pivot ball movably mounted on said housing. The ball defines a prime axis, and a joystick is attached to the ball coaxially with the prime axis. The ball also defines two great circles which are orthogonal to each other and which intersect the prime axis. A groove is partially inscribed on the ball over a portion of each great circle, and a respective follower arm is slidably engaged with each groove. Also, each follower arm is rotatably engaged with a respective potentiometer. Motion of the joystick causes the ball (and grooves) to move, and the follower arms can slide in their grooves, or rotate relative to their potentiometers to adjust the setting of the associated potentiometer, in response to motion of the ball. The system generates a signal representative of the position of the joystick relative to the housing based upon the output signals of the potentiometers.

Abstract: A cursor movement control key and electronic keyboard for a computer having a video display incorporates a force-sensitive resistor having a junction resistance which varies inversely with pressure applied thereto. The external key cap engages an actuator which bears against the force-sensitive resistor. The actuator has a plurality of four pads which bear against respective electrode regions of the force-sensitive resistor. The pads are positioned at the 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree., and 270.degree. positions. The actuator mounts relative to a keyboard mounting plate. At least one of the actuator and mounting plate include opposed lateral projections which engage relative to the other of the actuator and mounting plate to both, a) retain the actuator to the mounting plate, and yet b) allow clearance for tilting movement of the actuator relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for electronically controlling an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The detecting unit is connected to a component determining the power of the engine such as a throttle flap or a control rod or an accelerator pedal and generates at least two position signals. The detecting unit is so configured that with a position change of the power-determining component, the two position signal variables change in opposition. A fault detection associated with this kind of measure permits detecting short circuits as well as shunt faults between the potentiometer wipers.

Abstract: The case of a track ball structure has X-axis and Y-axis encoder shafts provided therein and X-axis and Y-axis driven rollers rotatably coupled with said shafts and provided closer to the top panel of the case than said shafts. A ball makes rotary contact with the X-axis and Y-axis driven rollers and is held to partly protrude from an opening made in the top panel of the case.

Abstract: A control stick is supported in an outer case such that it can be swung in two orthogonal directions. A moving member is fitted to the lower portion of the control stick through a coil spring. The lower end of the moving member is urged by the coil spring to a rotation-symmetrical cup-shaped inside surface of a guide case so as to make pressure contact with the inside surface. The curvature of the inside surface is determined so as to provide such a relationship that a contraction length of the coil spring is proportional to a square root of a tilt angle of the control stick from its neutral position.

Abstract: An active virtual pivot hand controller using motors to control reflective forces and torques. Degree of freedom parameters, stops, and reflective force rates may be easily modified without altering hardware. The location of the virtual pivot of the hand controller may be likewise readily changed.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a displaceable control member such as an aircraft pilot's "joystick" includes an array of pressure transducers (20) in contact with a pressure plate (22) which in turn is in pivotal connection with the control member (10) operated by the pilot. Adjustable springs (26) bias the pressure plate (22) towards the transducers (20). Pivotal movement of the control member (10) tends to compress the springs (26) and to cause the transducers (20) to generate output signals representative of differential pressure. The signals are then processed by circuitry (34) to provide inputs to flight control computers.

Abstract: A control transmitter, especially for hydraulic valves comprises a housing, a switching rod which is arranged in the housing deflectably in at least two main axes, a ball pivot turnably supporting the switching rod in the housing, two control brackets arranged perpendicularly to one another and turnably supported in the housing so that the switching rod is in operative connection with the control brackets, a rotary angle transmitter arranged on a bearing point of each of the control brackets, a spring-loaded sliding body arranged on the switching rod and having an outer edge which slides over a conically curved contour of the housing having different raising portions.

Abstract: A hand controller which includes a hand grip having therein a gimble mechanism for allowing rotatory motion about three axes which intersect in the interior of the hand grip and from which motion transmitting members allow the motions about the three axes to be transmitted to remote pick off devices and also along which force feedback signals may be fedback to the gimble structure to provide the correct "feel" for the grip.

Abstract: An X-Y controller (10) includes a first part (12) that is spherically guided by a second part (20). First and second shafts (26) of first and second transducers (24) are secured to the spherically guided first part (12). First and second levers (54) are mounted to first and second bodies (28) of the first and second transducers (24). The levers (54) each include a slot (58) which engages a respective one of first and second pins (60) that are inserted into the second part (20). In response to a first one of the mechanical inputs (X or Y), both of the shafts (26) of the transducers (24) are rotationally positioned proportional to the first mechanical input. In response to the second one of the mechanical inputs (Y or X), both of the potentiometers (24) are rotationally positioned about the other axis (Y or X); and the levers (54) and the pins (60) cooperate to rotationally position the bodies of both transducers (24 ) proportional to the second mechanical input (Y or X).

Abstract: A six-way foot control device has a toe portion pivotally mounted to a heel portion so that two directions of angular toe displacement may be realized about a neutral position. The heel portion is itself pivotally mounted to permit two directions of sideways angular displacement about a corresponding second neutral point. Finally, the foot control is slidably mounted to permit two directions of linear displacement about a third neutral point. Each direction of displacement is detected by a transducer and may control another function of an aircraft or vehicle.

Abstract: A joystick control device having a lower U-shaped bracket, an upper U-shaped bracket, a handle attached to the upper U-shaped bracket, with the upper U-shaped bracket connected to the lower U-shaped bracket by a compliant joint allowing six degrees of freedom for the joystick. The compliant joint consists of at least one cable segment affixed between the lower U-shaped bracket and the upper U-shaped bracket. At least one input device is located between the lower U-shaped bracket and the upper U-shaped bracket.

Abstract: Hand control devices are disclosed which provide for damping of vibrations and other unintended motion with three or more degrees of freedom. In one embodiment, a four degree of freedom damped hand control is illustrated, including a chamber filled with a viscous fluid, and a transmission which couples movement of a handle in the X, Y and Z directions and rotation in a .theta. direction about one of the axes to movements of one or more drag elements in the fluid. The hand control further includes a position-sensing and a rotation-sensing assembly for sensing the position of the handle relative to a reference frame and for generating electrical signals indicative of the position and angle.

Abstract: A joy stick has a handle attached to a ball-shape member which is formed with a groove below its largest diameter into which an electrical conductive spring is mounted. The ball is mounted in a spherical cavity upon which are formed resistive paths which are engageable by the spring on the ball. The ball is moveable such that the spring can vary the resistance on the resistive paths so as to provide electrical signals which indicated any time the position of the ball relative to the socket.

Abstract: An X-Y signal generating device comprises two belts (11,11') extending between and around two pairs of rollers (12,13) and (12',13'). One band moves in the X-direction and one in the Y-direction, and one band is located inside the other. The rollers are mounted on a common block (14). Each band has a strengthened section (17,17') with a slot (18,18') in it. An actuating key (21) is located at the crossover point of the two slots and may be moved freely in any direction, within limits, causing proportionate movement of the two bands around the rollers. XY control signals can be derived independently from the movement of the bands. The XY control signals can be produced by providing the bands with combined resistive/conductive surfaces and using conductive rollers to pass a current through the bands.

Abstract: A control lever type input device is disclosed, which is provided with a plurality of input sections disposed on a casing; a control lever supported pivotably for driving the plurality of input sections; and a switch driven by driving the control lever so as to rotate in the peripheral direction thereof, wherein the plurality of input sections are driven selectively by inclining the control lever protruding from the casing in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An electromechanical control device is disclosed usable for piloting a vehicle, comprising a piloting control stick articulated on a support via an articulation with two degrees of freedom and so with two output axes, a detection assembly comprising position sensors associated with each of these axes, two electromechanisms acting on the axes via two respective transmission devices, so as to oppose to the movements of the control stick resistant forces in accordance with a predetermined force law. The transmission device comprises a resilient connection disposed in series.

Abstract: A device for actuating in rotation a mechanism and control stick incorporating the device, which includes, elastic means for applying to a control shaft (10) a reaction torque having a magnitude which is a function of the angle of rotation of the shaft comprise a cam follower structure (18, 24) which is slidably mounted on a reaction lever (22) having an axis Z--Z perpendicular to the control shaft (10) and which is elastically slidably biased so as to cooperate with a confronting cam profile (16) formed on a reaction member (42) relative to which the cam follower structure (24, 18) is moved when the control shaft (10) is rotated, the cam profile (16) extending in a plane perpendicular to the control shaft (10).

Abstract: A touch-control mouse provides rapid and accurate control of the positioning of a cursor on a computer display screen, and includes a laminated touch-control film assembly, an aluminum supporting board, a press button switch set, a signal processing circuit board, and a dust-protective hanging case. Drawing using a finger on x-axis and y-axis resistance planes of the laminated touch-control film assembly results in variable potential value for x, y coordinates. The value of potential variation is calculated through a single-chip microprocessor to indicate relative direction, speed and amount of displacement on x, y coordinates. The signal of the relative direction, speed and amount of displacement is further is further sent by the single-chip microprocessor through a standard RS-232 connector to one of the serial communications ports of a PC to rapidly and accurately control the positioning of the cursor on the computer display screen.

Abstract: A movable handcontroller that permits control while requiring low force-displacement gradient. The handcontroller may be used in a side-arm configuration in that it allows the operator's arm to remain essentially motionless in an armrest while control inputs are made about the fulcrum of the wrist.

Abstract: A hand-controlled mechanism is described for producing signals to move the position of a cursor in a computer display. The mechanism includes a shaft with an elongated axis. A plurality of conductors are wrapped around the shaft and a cylindrical member is mounted for both rotary and lateral movements along the shaft. Signal drivers are provided for applying an energizing signal to a sequence of the conductors. The cylindrical member is provided with conductive plates which overlap a plurality of the conductors, the plates acting to couple an energizing signal applied to one conductor to other conductors which are overlapped by the plates. A decoder senses the coupled energizing signals and provides an output indicative of the position of the cylindrical member to accordingly control a cursor's position. In a preferred embodiment, first and second conductor groups are helically wrapped about the shaft in opposite directions and with orthogonal pitches.

Abstract: An electric shift mechanism for an automotive transmission mechanism is disclosed in which a manual selector lever is universally mounted on a support adapted for sequentially pivoting north-south and east-west swingable rockers about associated intersecting axes. A gate limiting plate formed with a predetermined shift pattern is mounted on the support intermediate the rockers. The lower end of the lever has a ball follower for pre-loaded travel on a single cam track supported longitudinally on the east-west rocker. The cam track is contoured to simulate shift effort stability and feel of conventional manual gear shifting operations. The rockers allow crossover movement from a neutral lever position to preselect a desired gate for reciprocal fore and aft travel of the ball follower to selected transmission shift positions.

Abstract: An electrical control device (8) is operable by a lever (12) and includes a deformable member (50) which is deformed in response to manual pressure on the lever. The deformable member (50) has an electrically conductive surface portion (52) which is arranged to engage a continuous area or track of resistive material (62) such that as a changing manual pressure is applied to the lever (12) a changing amount of the track is electrically bridged or short circuited by said conductive surface portions (52). The resistive area or track is connected to electrical terminals (64, 66) so as to present a continuously variable electrical resistance across the terminals depending on the manual pressure applied.

Abstract: A hand controller for a control system, such as a flight control system, includes a control grip and an support assembly for supporting an operator's forearm so that the operator's wrist joint and hand extend forwardly of the support assembly and the operator's hand is positioned to grip the control grip. The controller also includes roll, pitch and yaw gimbal components. The roll gimbal component is movable about a fore-and-aft extending roll axis defined along a base line of the operator's forearm. The pitch and yaw gimbal components are movable about respective side-to-side extending pitch and up-and-down extending yaw axes defined through the center of the operator's wrist joint in orthogonal relation to one another and to the roll axis. The roll, pitch and yaw gimbal components are coupled to one another and to the control grip in a given sequence for facilitating pivotal motion of the operator's hand about the roll, pitch and yaw axes to activate hand control functions with minimal forearm movement.

Abstract: A joystick controller for generating analog signals representative of coordinate positions is characterized by a pair of members movable in orthogonal directions by a handle. Each member carries at least one wiper contact adapted to slide linearly along an associated linearly extending resistor carried on a circuit board to generate the signals representative of coordinate positions. The use of linearly extending resistors for generating the signals, as compared with rotary potentiometers, provides for a reduction in size of the joystick controller, economies in its manufacture, and a high degree of linearity between handle positions and the signals generated.

Abstract: A joystick mechanism having a barrel rotator is capable of multiple axis movement and multiple axis analog signal control. The joystick mechanism can be selectively spring centered on two axes, spring centered on one axis and frictionally positioned on the other, or frictionally positioned on both axes. A pair of switch mechanisms, one for each axis of movement, selectably engage or disengage the respective centering spring mechanism. The analog signal generators are adjustable from the outside to provide biasing as required.

Abstract: A control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like having a manual control lever which is so supported that it can be moved in any direction desired, and is biased into a central neutral position by means of a spring. Two electro-mechanical adjustment elements, e.g., resistors or potentiometers, are provided, the electrical starting values of which are dependent on their mechanical settings. Two mechanical transmission devices each transfer only one of two movements of the control lever in directions essentially perpendicular to one another to the mechanical-electrical adjustment elements. The mechanical transmission devices comprise two plastic plates slidably-disposed one over the other, each containing an inclined elongated slot disposed at right angles to each other. The plates carry projecting studs which actuate said electro-mechanical adjustment elements when the plates move.

Abstract: A wall box mounted voltage controller used in conjunction with a remotely located dimmer module for controlling multiple loads. The controller utilizes a printed circuit board structure and a multiplicity of control operators extendable from the printed circuit board structure. Each operator is linked to a potentiometer which in turn generates a electrical signal to control the intensity of the load via the dimmer module. High and low trim mechanisms for each signal are supported to the printed circuit board structure and are readily available for mechanical adjustment.

Abstract: A joy stick including a housing having a ball joint. A lever having a pressing part extending radially outwardly is mounted on the ball joint. A plurality of push rods are mounted in the housing and are urged upwardly by a spring for engagement with the pressing part of the lever. The plurality of potentiometers are connected to the housing. Each of the potentiometers corresponds to one of the push rods. Each potentiometer has associated therewith a slider element which is urged upwardly into engagement with a lower portion of each of the push rods. Each of the potentiometers is linear having a zero voltage output when the push rods and slider elements are in their uppermost positions and the lever is in a neutral position.

Abstract: A joystick controller (38) for three axis control of a powered element such as a probe shaft (24) of a coordinate measuring machine (10) is disclosed in which a joystick handle assembly (40) is mounted for pivoting movement along either of orthogonal horizontal X or Y axis, with a plunger (64) mounted within a hollow joystick shaft (58) for up and down movement along a vertical Z axis orthogonal to the X and Y axes. Control signal generators, such as potentiometer assemblies (84, 106, 134), are drivingly engaged with the hollow joystick shaft (58) and plunger (64), each generating control signals corresponding to each motion of the joystick handle assembly (40). These signals are used to produce corresponding controlled movement of the probe shaft (24) of the coordinate measuring machine (10) along respective X, Y and Z axes.

Abstract: A joystick includes a pivotably mounted X yoke connected to an X potentiometer and a pivotably mounted Y yoke connected to a Y potentiometer. To permit at least one additional degree of control, a platform member is pivotably mounted one of the yokes to support an additional control element such as a further potentiometer. The pivoting motion of the platform member with respect to the yoke element on which it is mounted is conveyed to the remaining yoke element. Both a platform member and the remaining yoke element pivot about respective axes that are perpendicular to the pivot axis of the yoke element on which the platform member is mounted.

Abstract: A multi-directional contactless controller senses the displacement of a manipulator with respect to a reference frame along two orthogonal directions and is also provided with a resiliently biased cam and cam follower disposed between the manipulator and the reference frame for providing tactile feedback and returning the manipulator to a central position. For specific applications, the cam surface is programmed with various regions having different restoring forces or rest positions. Access to these regions can be conditioned by selectively activated solenoids or by a requirement for overt operator input. Similarly, a selectively activated solenoid can be used to conditionally prohibit exit from these regions or to selectively return the controller to the central null position.

Abstract: A hand control capable of suppressing tremors and other unwanted vibrations is disclosed which incorporates viscous damping in two degrees of freedom to mechanically filter the forces applied by the user's hand. To suppress pathological intention tremors, the damping characteristics are chosen so as to selectively reduce the amplitude of movements at or above about 3 Hertz. The hand control includes a chamber filled with a viscous fluid, a position-sensing actuator assembly and a damping element connected to the actuator and disposed within the chamber to suppress involuntary movements of the actuator. The volume of the chamber, size of the damping element and viscosity of the fluid are chosen to achieve a damping constant of about 2 to 20 lbf-sec/ft., preferably from about 5 to about 15 lbf-sec/ft. The viscous fluid is preferably a silicone oil having a viscosity of about 300,000 to about 900,000 cstokes.