Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for activating a rotary slide for a fluid system of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle. The drive device comprises an electric motor having a motor output shaft, a rotary slide output shaft configured for activating a rotary slide, wherein the rotary slide output shaft is aligned so as to be orthogonal to the motor output shaft, and a magnet is disposed on an end region of the rotary slide output shaft, and a sensor unit which is configured for detecting a rotary position of the magnet and thus of the rotary slide output shaft.

Abstract: A user-manipulable signal generating apparatus includes a base plate and an elongate pedal lever having first and second lever ends separated by a lever body. The first lever end is hingedly connected to the base plate. The second lever end is spaced apart from the base plate for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The lever body is configured to move pivotally between a predetermined home position and a maximum pivot position. An elongate resilient biasing beam has first and second beam ends longitudinally separated by a beam body. The first beam end is connected to the base plate. The second beam end is connected to the lever body. A sensor detects pivotal motion of the lever body and generate a signal responsive thereto. The beam body is biased toward an unflexed condition and, when in the flexed condition, urges the lever body in a return direction toward the home position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support substructure for fastening a display tile to a support structure of a tiled display, the support substructure being characterized in that it is linked to the support structure by means of a first mechanism allowing movements of the display tile in a plane parallel to the nominal plane (XY) of the tiled display independently of the presence or absence of adjacent display tiles.

Abstract: A foot switch includes: a pedal member extending in a front-rear direction; and a base unit connected to the pedal member via a rotating shaft portion. The base unit has: an elastic force applying portion applying an elastic force to the pedal member; a switch portion operated by the pedal member by the pedal member being stepped on and rotating around the rotating shaft portion; and a support portion supporting the pedal member with the elastic force applied from the elastic force applying portion in a state where the pedal member is yet to be stepped on. The elastic force applying portion and the support portion are disposed on one side in the front-rear direction with respect to the rotating shaft portion. The support portion supports a side wall portion of the pedal member.

Abstract: A customizable electronic musical instrument includes a mounting frame for securing a plurality of user-installable electronic musical modules of various types including a type for generating at least one control signal responsive to user operation, a type for generating audio signals, responsive to a control signal. The instrument can transmit outgoing audio electrical signals to an external system and can include internal sound amplification. The instrument includes one or more types of controller elements such as a keyboard, touchpad, strumpad, impact sensor, slider control, expression wheel, joystick, ribbon controller, button, switch, pressure sensor, multiple-position selector, knob potentiometer, and further comprises at least one music synthesizer element. Control and audio signals may be routed among modules by a switch or bus. Audio signals can be mixed by a multichannel audio mixer and/or processed responsive to at least one control signal.

Abstract: An effects pedal mounting bracket designed to securely mount musical effects pedals to bases is provided. The effects pedal mounting bracket works in conjunction with both the existing hardware on a musical effects pedal and the secure mounting hardware provided. The embodiments disclosed herein provide a secure and solid bond between the effects pedal and the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the remote operation of the variable audio controls of floor-mounted audio effects devices, such devices typical of those used by performing artists on stage. The vast majority of devices of this type are operated by a foot pedal-controlled on/off switch and rotary operated potentiometer switch(es) to vary the audio output. The present inventive concept uses a variety of mechanical connectors, which couple the rotary switches of the floor device to a hand-operated controller mounted on a microphone or accessory stand. In this manner a performer is able to operate the effects device, with his/her hand, from a more natural standing position during a musical performance, rather than having to crouch down during said performance.

Abstract: Device for remote operation of rotary potentiometers consisting of a mounting bracket 10 supporting a flexible drive shaft 24 which has affixed to its supported end a control knob 2 and at its unsupported end a universal joint 26 which houses a thumb-screw 30 for capture of a rotary potentiometer shaft. Thus allowing the user to operate floor-mounted effects devices from a more natural standing position during a musical performances, rather than having to crouch down during said performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an EGR sensor capable of stably holding the actuating shaft of a product without increasing the length of the actuating shaft in the longitudinal direction and shorting the movable range of the actuating shaft, and capable of preventing water stagnated in the EGR sensor from affecting contacting portions of the conductive parts. The EGR sensor comprises a substrate having a slider and a plurality of external lead-out terminals and electrodes, a bearing having an actuating shaft passing there through, and a casing having a receiving portion for receiving the substrate and the slider. A communicating passage comprising a groove or a hole is provided at the side of the bearing. The communicating passage leads to the insertion hole from the inside of the receiving portion. The moisture stagnated in the receiving portion is drained through the communicating passage to the outside.

Abstract: In a motor-driven slide type variable resistor, the tensioning of a toothed loop belt joined to an operating lever is adjusted with a pin adjusted to change the distance between a toothed pulley and a follower pulley in order to adjust a traveling speed of the operating lever.

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 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: The invention relates to a manual control apparatus, such as a control pedal for a drive-by-wire control systems, and similar applications. According to an aspect of the invention, the manual control apparatus comprises a hysteresis mechanism that provides more precise and controllable hysteresis than previous mechanism. According to a further aspect of the invention, the manual control apparatus comprises an angular position sensor, and the angular position sensor may comprise abutments that reduce variation in the sensor. According to a still further aspect of the invention, the manual control apparatus comprises a stop pin that regulates the position of a rotatable member relative to the position sensor with less variation. The stop pin may also be used as a single fastener the holds the manual control apparatus together.

Abstract: A rocker switch with a shaft (30) that can be pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise from a neutral position, which reliably returns to the same neutral position without “play”, and which is of simple design. A coil spring (25) which extends around the shaft, has front and rear opposite coil end portions (24, 26) with corresponding spring ends (27, 29), and which has a spring middle (28). Arms mounted on the shaft include a first arm (39′) engaged with the front spring end and a second arm (39) positioned to engage the spring middle. When the shaft is turned clockwise from the neutral position, the arms turn the first spring end (27) and spring middle (28) clockwise while loading only the rear coil end portion (26). When the shaft turns counterclockwise, the spring middle (28) is prevented from turning by a spring center support (43), so only the front coil portion (24) is loaded.

Abstract: In a rotary sensor of this invention, an angle detection member is composed of sliding pieces having contact portions on a rotation body side and a conductive pattern formed on a substrate arranged on a side opposite to the sliding pieces, the operation shaft has a flat projection portion which extends in a perpendicular direction from the center of rotation at the end, an groove portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation shaft, the projection portion is mated with the groove portion, and the contact portions of the sliding pieces are located at positions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the groove direction of the groove portion.

Abstract: An operating shaft is provided in its rear side portion with a convex portion protruding from a shaft portion in the direction orthogonal to an axial direction. A bearing portion is provided with a concave portion connected to a hole through which the shaft portion is inserted and allowing the convex portion to be inserted therethrough in the axial direction. The convex portion protruding from a rear end of the bearing portion is retained to the rear end of the bearing portion other than the concave portion. The operating shaft can be finally assembled. Like a coil spring, a movable member, and a cover, the operating shaft can be assembled in a stacking manner. It is thus possible to provide an EGR sensor which has good productivity and is inexpensive, as compared with a conventional EGR sensor.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a linear region (variable region) in which the output voltage is changed in proportion to the accelerator opening degree, and a stepped region (invariable region) in which the output voltage is not changed with respect to the accelerator opening degree. A resistor electrode for constructing the sensor is formed by laminating a resistor composed of a resistance substance on a base plate in a linear section corresponding to the linear region. In a stepped section corresponding to the stepped region, the resistor electrode is formed by laminating the resistor on a conductive layer composed of a conductive substance formed on the base plate.

Abstract: A welding machine foot control has exceptional convenience for routing the control cable to the welding machine and stability against tipping over. The foot control enclosure has openings for the control cable on multiple walls such that the cable can emerge from a desired side of the enclosure for routing convenience. A stabilizer on the bottom of the enclosure adds weight at a low center of gravity. The base has a top flange that mounts over a bottom cover of the foot control enclosure. Multiple walls diverge from the top flange toward a bottom flange. There is a slot through the top flange and adjacent portion of each wall. The cable standing end passes through a notch in a base top flange and associated wall and lies alongside the bottom cover. The cable running end is arranged to emerge from a selected wall of the base through the associated slot. A cable strain relief is formed by an arm in the base.

Abstract: The present invention presents an electrical control box which provides a common platform for either a sliding switch or a toggling switch. The present invention uses the same PC board for both types of operation. A common wrap around heat sink provides a large surface area for dissipating heat. The present invention allows a triac to be mounted in close proximity on the circuit board of the electrical control box rather than toward the front surface of the electrical control box so as to simplify assembly. Screws for attaching to external wiring are mounted on the back body.

Abstract: A treadle assembly provides an electrical signal to an electronic controlled engine. The assembly includes a treadle suspended in the operator compartment. The treadle is pivotally mounted to a lever which pivots in response to the operator imposed depression of the treadle which, in turn, actuates a rotatable gear. The gear is in operative engagement with the potentiometer and an electrical signal is sent to the engine in response to rotation of the gear. The lever and gear are preferably interconnected by a slot and pin connection to reduce manufacturing costs associated with the components and accommodate misalignment during assembly and tolerance stackup associated with assembling individual components together.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device has a bracket having a pin, a pedal arm turnably supported by the bracket through the pin, a return spring arranged to surround the pin for biasing the pedal arm, and an accelerator-opening sensor mounted on the bracket. An engaging portion is disposed at the leading end of the pedal arm, a rotor of the accelerator-opening sensor and the engaging portion are associated through the crank mechanism. As a driver depresses the accelerator pedal, the pedal arm turns on the pin, by the action of the crank mechanism engaging with the engaging portion it the leading end of the pedal arm, the rotor of the accelerator-opening sensor is rotated, and a voltage signal according to the depression stroke is outputted from the accelerator-opening sensor.

Abstract: A foot control for a TIG welding machine utilizes a timing belt that is tensioned between a pedal and an enclosure. The timing belt meshes with a timing gear that is fixed to a rotatable shaft. Pivoting the pedal on the enclosure causes the timing belt to travel past and rotate the gear and shaft. A potentiometer on the shaft also rotates to control the power output of the welding machine. The belt is tensioned by a relatively weak spring in a manner that biases the pedal in one direction on the enclosure. A stronger spring biases the pedal in the opposite direction. The pedal is hinged to the enclosure by resilient tabs on the enclosure having bosses that engage holes in the pedal. The tab bosses can be depressed to disengage the pedal holes and enable the pedal to be removed from the enclosure. A heavy base joined to the enclosure has plates that lie alongside the enclosure tabs such that the tab bosses cannot be depressed out of engagement with the pedal holes when the base is joined to the enclosure.

Abstract: A multi-function control system to control a variety of operations associated with a powered surgical device such as an arthroscopic surgical shaver. The system has an ergonomically designed foot switch which has a plurality of discrete force sensitive transducers arranged in an arcuate pattern. The transducers have no moving parts and have a force sensitive element which produces a variable output which is a function of the force applied by a user. The foot switch is used in conjunction with a control console which enables a user to adjust the force sensitivity threshold of the transducers. The foot switch additionally has physically discrete and tactilely sensible areas enabling a user to activate selected functions with a minimal amount of foot movement.

Abstract: A conventional electronic foot accelerator pedal of an electronic engine control module is fitted with a link one end of which engages the roller of the potentiometer arm on the pedal and the other end of which is disposed for releasable engagement with the plunger of an electric switch which is connected in an electric circuit of the electrically actuated engine brake or other electrically actuated device. As the pedal is pivoted to accelerate the engine, the link disengages from the electric switch plunger and opens the switch to deactivate the electrically actuated device. When the pedal is returned to the engine idle position, the link engages the switch plunger and closes the switch to activate the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: A foot switch includes a base member having an upwardly facing surface, a force sensing resistor disposed on the surface and coupled electrically to a sensing circuit, and an actuating layer disposed on the force sensing resistor and the base member surface. The actuating layer has an elevated portion which is substantially centered over the force sensing resistor, the elevated portion having a convex upper surface which is a portion of a spherical surface. The sensing circuit includes a constant current source connected in series with the force sensing resistor between ground and a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A control system for a variable input device 2 having a slider 14 has a box 1 housing a trigger 3 capable of moving in translation between two positions relative to the box. One of the two positions constitutes a rest position. Springs 13 apply a resilient force to the trigger to urge it towards the rest position. A coupling element 45 couples the trigger with the slider 14. A foot lever 9 is mounted for rotation relative to the box about a first horizontal axis 17. The rotary motion of the lever is translated into translation motion of the trigger by a sliding block 31 mounted within the box so as to move in translation relative to the box. One end 37 of the sliding block comes into contact with the trigger. A translation control device 10 controls the extent of translation motion of the sliding block 31.

Abstract: A variable impedance device which is connected between the preamplifier of a microphone or electric instrument and a public address system for controlling the signal volume of a musical performance. The variable resistor is controlled by a foot pedal operated by the performer so that his hands are free for an uninterrupted performance. The impedance includes a first section that can be preset manually to provide maximum desired signal volume with the footpedal in one direction (toe depressed on the pedal) and a second section that can be preset to provide minimum desired signal volume (heel depressed on the pedal).

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: An electronic foot pedal for outputting an electrical signal proportional to the degree a treadle is pivoted. The electronic foot pedal has an improved spring arrangement for yieldably biasing the treadle toward its home position. Dual springs are provided, independently mounted and supplementary to each other. Each spring has an adequate biasing force to urge the treadle to its home position. The springs are of a ribbon-like material that are wound into a flat spiral. The springs are subjected mainly to bending forces and have flexure as the treadle is pivoted to its pivotal limits.

Abstract: A belted-roller treadmill may be modified to serve as a potentiometer whose variable potential may be controlled by sliding the treadmill's belt (10) back and forth with one's foot. The exposed surfaces of the belt would be flush with the exposed surface of a classroom floor (190). An array of such treadmills may be connected to computer hardware for real-time acquisition of data so that an instructor may gauge his students' satisfaction with his instruction in real time.

Abstract: A foot operated electrical control is disclosed with simulated aircraft rudder pedals coupled to potentiometers for providing signals to a microcomputer having a flight simulation program. The pedals are additionally linked to one another by slides and a rocker arm for simultaneous pedal travel in opposite directions. The potentiometers may provide cumulative signals determined by pedal displacement or distinct signals when functioning independently of one another. For this latter purpose a carrier block for the rocker arm is positionable out of engagement with the foot pedals. Opposed springs of the control serve to position the pedals in an upright static position. Each pedal is coupled to a potentiometer by spring and pedal biased slides with one of the slides in wiping contact with the pedal.

Abstract: An electronic foot pedal for outputting an electrical signal proportional to the degree a treadle is pivoted. The electronic foot pedal has an improved spring arrangement for yieldably biasing the treadle toward its home position. Dual springs are provided, independently mounted and supplementary to each other. Each spring has an adequate biasing force to urge the treadle to its home position. The springs are of a ribbon-like material that are wound into a flat spiral. The springs are subjected mainly to bending forces and have flexure as the treadle is pivoted to its pivotal limits.

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: The control pedal (7) for an electric machine (3) comprises a movable member (9) connected to a foot support (11) and adapted to be actuated by the foot of the user, whose heel rests on the plate (10). When the pedal (7) is not in use, the member (9) may be lowered against the plate (10), whereas the cord (8) and that which is provided for the plug (6), are wound about the portions (12) forming bobbins.

Abstract: A pressure-to-conductance transducer, which avoids dependency on pressure-sensitive properties of particulate materials which may be difficult to formulate in stable form, utilizes instead the principle of translating applied pressure into variation of area and region of contact between a resistively coated Mylar tape element and a pair of adjacent contact plates, connected to controlled circuitry via a cable. In an embodiment for foot control of musical effects, a base mounts the contact plates and a surrounding separable Velcro gasket supporting a semi-rigid pressure sensor plate holding the resistive element closely spaced above the contact plates. A void in the element spans the gap between the contact plates. The conductance value appearing between the contact plates varies with the pressure applied to the sensor plate, ranging from low conductance with light offset pressure to high conductance with heavy overall pressure.

Abstract: An electronic accelerator pedal assembly for vehicles including a base bracket adapted to be secured to the floor pan and having an upper housing fixedly supporting the associated electronic componentry indicating accelerator pedal position, including the output wiring free from the hostile environment zone beneath the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal is hingedly connected to the basic bracket member at a lower end and rotatably and slidably coupled to a spring biased follower member at its upper end by a jointly radiating coupling, and the follower member transmits pedal travel to the electronic componentry and includes a stop member for retaining the accelerator pedal in idle position.

Abstract: A braking device for automotive vehicles with a movable electrical braking member formed of a pad made as a lever pivoted to the brake pedal body and adapted to effect at first a selective relative pivoting motion with respect to said body in the direction of actuation of the pedal by the vehicle driver until reaching a position of locking the lever for joint rotation with said pedal body and then a joint pivoting motion with the latter, the pivoting motion of the body producing the mechanical braking effect.

Abstract: An operator controlled variable electrical power delivery console and foot pedal controller are provided. The variable electrical power delivery console is designed to supply power to universal motors that are subjected to fluctuating loads that impact the performance of the motor. The invention combines two types of solid state electronic circuits including a selectable power booster circuit that responds to load changes that enables a motor to operate at high torque and another selectable solid state electronic circuit which allows the motor to operate at high speeds and lesser torque demands. The invention includes a selectable auxiliary foot pedal controller that is operator selectable for use with either of the two types of electrical circuits.

Abstract: A variable power foot pedal controller for controlling electrical power to universal motors and which contains solid state circuitry that boosts the power to accommodate high torque performance from the motor in response to load changes. The foot pedal controller includes a steel cable linkage arrangement that interfaces with a slide type control variable resistor that provides the linear motion control for varying the resistance that biases the solid state circuitry that boosts the power being delivered to the motor. The linkage arrangement allows operator incremental power delivery control by manipulating the slide variable resistor and further activates and deactives switch elements according to positional states of the linkage to energize the solid state circuitry or bypass the solid state circuitry.

Abstract: An electronic foot pedal for diesel engine control systems. The pedal provides a voltage signal to a diesel engine electronic fuel control system in response to the drivers demand for engine power. Disclosed is an accelerator pedal assembly containing a potentiometer and pedal interfacing components which provide a voltage signal proportional to pedal position. The pedal assembly is an integral unit which is cab mounted and connected to the engine fuel control via an appropriate wiring harness. An idle stop pin provides a positive pedal idle position. When the idle stop pin is removed, the bias spring load forcing the pedal toward idle is relieved allowing easy assembly of the device.

Abstract: A foot operated control device including electrical force sensing devices functional to sense forces applied to the control device and to produce electrical signals proportional to the force applied, the electrical signals being adapted to operate electrically responsive hydraulic control valves.

Abstract: A foot-operated controller is disclosed herein having a housing enclosing an elongated resistive element carried on the underside of a top panel midway between its opposite sides. The top panel is provided with a slot slidably accommodating an electrical contact in slidable engagement with the resistive element. A foot-engaging treadle is disposed on the top panel from which the electrical contact downwardly depends so as to travel therewith as the treadle moves. The treadle is provided wheeled support riding in a grooved track carried on a bottom panel of the housing. Stops are provided on the opposite ends of the grooves to limit linear movement of the treadle and electrical leads and plugs are included.

Abstract: Pedal mounted sensors are useful in motor vehicles for delivering an electrical signal correlative to the position of the accelerator pedal. The electrical signal is then used by an engine controller to regulate the amount of fuel supplied to the engine. Some pedal mounted sensors deliver analog signals which are subject to fault conditions which an engine controller can not distinguish from valid operating conditions. Remotely mounted sensors are difficult to install and repair. The subject invention is directed to pedal mounted sensors which have a potentiometer and circuit board hermetically sealed and mounted on a pedal for delivering pulse-width-modulated signal having a duty factor responsive to the pedal position.

Abstract: An adjustable control apparatus for a potentiometer is provided. The control apparatus comprises a geared sheath which is engageable with the potentiometer of an electronic apparatus. The geared sheath is provided with a response gear nonrotatably mountable thereto. The control apparatus further comprises a control platform having a drive gear rigidly connected thereto. The drive gear is engageable with the response gear of the geared sheath, such that pivoting movement of the drive gear causes a rotational movement of the geared sheath. A foot platform is adjustably but rigidly mounted to the control platform such that pivoting movement of the foot platform causes a corresponding pivoting movement of the control platform which is transmitted to the geared sheath through the drive and response gears.

Abstract: The present invention is a braking value transmitter with a pedal to modulate the braking pressure. The pedal is braced against a spring. The force exerted by the pedal or the position of the pedal is sensed by an electronic sensor. The output signal of the sensor is fed to an electronic system, which transforms the approximately linear characteristic of the sensor into a progressive characteristic.

Abstract: A pedal device, primarily for an electrically operated vehicle brake, uses a pedal pivotally mounted for angular movement relative to a base, a leaf spring attached to the free end of the pedal and stressed by being urged by angular movement against a surface of a bearing block, the location of engagement of the spring on the surface being progressively varied during pedal movement to obtain a predetermined ratio between pedal movement and pedal effort depending upon the location, and an electrical potentiometer arranged to be actuated by the pedal angular movement to produce an output proportional thereto.

Abstract: An electronic treadle (10) for generating an electrical signal proportioned to the degree of angular movement of a pivotally mounted treadle plate (14) includes a base (32) having side portions (26,28) which cooperate with corresponding side members (22,24) extending from the treadle plate. A pair of stops (76,78) are carried on one (26) of the side portions which cooperate with a tab (80) movable with the treadle plate (14) to limit the angular movement thereof. Movement of the treadle plate (14) is transmitted to a rotary potentiometer (66) carried on side portion (28) by a shaft (62) and socket (57) connecting the shaft to side member (22).

Abstract: A speed setting device for an industrial sewing machine comprises a lever pivotally mounted at one end thereof on a stationary wall and adapted to be pivotally moved in response to the foot pedal of the sewing machine. An arm is pivotally mounted at one end to the stationary wall and operatively engaged with the lever so that they rotate in unison about respective pivot points thereof. The pivot point of the second member is between the lever pivot point and the engagement point between the lever and arm. Thereby, the arm is rotated through an angle greater than the angle through which the lever is rotated in response to the angular displacement of the foot pedal. An angular displacement sensor detects the angular displacement of the arm to generate a speed setting signal.

Abstract: A headset for supporting electrical contact means which are operated by the movement of the jaw and/or the eyebrows is electrically connected to a computer, video game console or the like to provide educational and recreational opportunities to persons who can move only the jaw and eyebrows. A flexible chin strap formed with a chin cup supports a horizontally mounted chin bar having an electrode contact on one end. A housing having a plurality of sides, each inner face of which has mounted thereon an electrode connected to a computer interface is mounted around the chin bar electrode to provide a means for the user to establish contact between the chin bar electrode and one or more of the housing electrodes by up, down or sideward movement of the jaw. An adjustable head band formed to fit above the eyebrows of the user is formed with a contact electrode extending outwardly from the center portion of the headband between the eyes.

Abstract: A transducer for generating a feedback signal representative of the position of a movable member includes a signal generating mechanism for providing an electrical feedback signal representative of the position of the movable member. The signal generating mechanism includes a first shaft portion having a first longitudinal centerline and a drive mechanism having a shaft member coupled in driving engagement to the first shaft portion. The drive mechanism is adapted to be cable connected to one of a plurality of movable members having maximum travel spans different one from the other. The shaft member has a shaft longitudinal centerline which is concentric with the first centerline, the centerlines defining a first axis. An alignment mechanism is coupled to the drive mechanism and the signal generating mechanism and permits limited movement of the first axis with respect to a reference axis. The alignment mechanism thereby isolates the signal generating mechanism from misalignment reaction forces.