Abstract: A stage apparatus comprises a pedestal, an X axis guide bar which is fixed on the pedestal, an X stage which is movable along an upper surface of the pedestal and the guide bar, and a Y stage which is placed over the X state and movable along the pedestal in a direction of the Y axis. Vacuum-pre-loadable static pressure air bearings, in which pressures of vacuum ports are independently controllable, are provided on a surface of the X stage opposing to the pedestal and on another surface of the X stage opposing to the X axis guide bar. By using the stage apparatus, the electric power consumption of driving means for movable units can be reduced, the amount of heat generation can be reduced, and the bearing gap can be adjusted highly accurately after assembling.

Abstract: A positioning system for moving a device over an xy-plane has a drive mechanism with pivotable arms for moving a carriage over the xy-plane by driving it from one side. This drive mechanism allows the system to be made narrow along the other side.

Abstract: A multi-function lever for an industrial truck has a lever that can be pivoted around at least a first axis and at least one control element located on the lever. By pivoting the lever around the first axis and by actuating the control element, it is possible to actuate at least one function each of the industrial truck. The invention teaches that the control element can be actuated by pivoting around a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis. The control element can be actuated with the index finger of a hand gripping the hand grip. By pivoting the lever, a vertical movement of the load holding device can be controlled, and by pivoting the control element, a tilting of the load holding device can be controlled.

Abstract: A guided stage mechanism suitable for supporting a reticle in a photolithography machine includes a stage movable in the X-Y directions on a base. Laterally surrounding the stage is a rectangular window frame guide which is driven in the X-axis direction on two fixed guides by means of motor coils on the window frame guide co-operating with magnetic tracks fixed on the base. The stage is driven inside the window frame guide in the Y-axis direction by motor coils located on the stage co-operating with magnetic tracks located on the window frame guide. Forces from the drive motors of both the window frame guide and the stage are transmitted through the center of gravity of the stage, thereby eliminating unwanted moments of inertia. Additionally, reaction forces caused by the drive motors are isolated from the projection lens and the alignment portions of the photolithography machine.

Abstract: An electric motor comprising a first motor portion having a first magnet array and a first coil array positioned adjacent to the first magnet array and operable to interact with magnetic fields of the first magnet array to move a member, and a second motor portion comprising a second magnet array and a second coil array positioned adjacent to the second magnet array and operable to interact with magnetic fields of the second magnet array to move the member. The first motor portion and the second motor portion are generally parallel to one another and configured for receiving the member therebetween. The motor may be used to position a stage in an exposure apparatus. A method of positioning an object with the motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a display of a data processing system uses first and second wireless position control devices, and a control base unit. The first wireless position control device includes an acoustical transducer for transmitting a first ultrasonic carrier signal upon which X-Y position control and/or action control signals generated by the device are imposed. A second wireless position control device includes and acoustical transducer for transmitting a second ultrasonic carrier signal upon which X-Y position control and/or other action control signals generated by the second control device are imposed. The first and second ultrasonic carrier signals have different frequencies. The control base is associated with the data processing system and includes circuitry for receiving and differentiating the first and second ultrasonic carrier signals to generate decoded display control signals. The display control signals are then used to drive the display device.

Abstract: A controller for a work implement, such as the arm of a backhoe, a feller buncher, an excavator or the like provides a number of advantages over previous controllers and control methods. The controller responds to an operator's inputs to a joystick control such that the work implement moves parallel to the direction in which the joystick is deflected at a speed which is proportional to the amount of deflection of the joystick. The controller used the joystick position to generate a path and attempts to cause the work implement to move along the path. The controller computes a maximum available speed in the direction of motion specified by the joystick and is self calibrated so that full deflection of the joystick selects the maximum available speed. The controller has a self calibration mode which compensates for variability in the motion produced by the various actuators in response to given control signals.

Abstract: A pointing device for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on the display screen. Specifically, the device has a base with an end of a shaft mounted therein. Resistors and conductive pads are mounted on the base. A cable is provided with several electrical conductors and an interposer is mounted between the cable and the base for electrically connecting the resistors and the pads to the conductors. The interposer provides an electrical path between the resistors and the conductors. The interposer can be a conductive film adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive having vias filled with a conductive epoxy.

Abstract: A control device for a machine has a control lever operative to rotate about two axes. The control lever is rotatably mounted on a shaft within a frame and is in communication with a first rotation sensor to detect movement of the control lever about the first axis. A first pair of adjustable abutment members are operative to center the control lever within the frame. The control lever and frame are operative to rotate about the second axis. A second rotation sensor is operative to detect movement of the control lever about the second axis. A second pair of adjustable abutment members are operative to center the control lever and frame within a stationary housing.

Abstract: A manipulator having six degrees of freedom includes a moving plate having six moving points arranged with substantial equal angles therebetween, an upper fixed plate having six upper fixed points arranged with substantial equal angles therebetween, the upper fixed plate being positioned above the moving plate and being spaced apart from the moving plate, a lower fixed plate having six lower fixed points arranged with substantial equal angles therebetween, the lower fixed plate being positioned under the moving plate and being spaced apart from the moving plate.

Abstract: A selecting device for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle is suggested in the case of which the selector lever can be swivelled back and forth between two different shifting channels. One shifting channel for the step shifting permits a manual shifting of the automatic transmission; the other shifting channel for engaging the individual driving positions permits the automatic operation of the transmission. The selecting device is designed such that it requires little space and is constructed in a simple manner of few component parts.

Abstract: Lever device for double-action remote-control, i.e. of rigid tie rods and/or flexible cables, consisting of a lever (12) rotatable in respect of a base element (13), connectable (in 14) to a carrying structure external to an operating machine in which the device (11) is contained into bellows (10) connected-to the base element (13) while the lever (12) is connected to a mobile component (15) from which the elements to fasten the ends of two cables (22) for remote transmission extend and the base element is coupled to two reaction sheaths (21) of the two transmission cables (22), three ball elements (16, 16'), placed at 90.degree.

Abstract: An input system for controlling the position or motion of a cursor, three dimensions that uses x, z position for inputting two coordinates and tilt in a plane (x-y or z-y) to input a third (and possibly a fourth coordinate). The invention is moved about on a surface for inputting two of the dimensions and tilted to input the third. The amount or degree of tilt and the direction of tilt controls the input of the third dimension. The base of the hand held device is curved so that the device can be tilted even while it is moved in two dimensions along the surface of the tablet. Tilting can be along two orthogonal axes allowing the device to input four coordinates if desired. The coil can also have switched resistors controlled by mouse buttons connected to it which the tablet can sense being activated to allow clutching and selection operations like those of a conventional mouse.

Abstract: A single lever hand control for multiple functions having two distinct axes of movement. In the case of a stand-up, battery powered lift truck having a mast, a carriage with forks raised and lowered on the mast, and the forks side shifted on the carriage, which also can be tilted from vertical, forward or back, the operator stands facing to the side with reference to the direction of travel of the truck. Movement of the control lever right to left from a neutral position relative to the direction the operator is facing controls the forward or reverse direction and the speed of the truck. The mast and carriage operations are controlled by the lever being pushed or pulled by the operator transversely to the direction of travel. The force required to displace the lever in one direction is less than that required in the other consistent with the large muscle groups employed to overcome the respective forces.

Abstract: A control lever for a vehicle or a machine tool, in particular for an industrial truck, is disclosed for the generation of an electrical control signal. The actuation travel of the control lever is limited by a stop point that is defined by a stop and the control lever has means to generate a restoration force. The stop has an elastic component, as a result of which an at least slight deflection of the control lever beyond the stop point is possible. The elastic component of the stop is realized so that in the event of a deflection beyond the stop point, the restoration force, as a function of the deflection, increases to a greater extent than in the event of a deflection of the control lever between a neutral position and the stop point.

Abstract: A device with a user-actuatable regulating element controls longitudinal movement of a motor vehicle with both an accelerating and a decelerating effect. A forward driving mode and a maneuvering mode can be set as driving modes. In the forward driving mode, the vehicle is moved solely forwards and, when the regulating element is actuated in a first or a second direction of actuation, being respectively accelerated or decelerated to an extent dependent on the deflection or actuating force of the regulating element. In the maneuvering mode, when the regulating element is actuated in one actuation direction or the other, the vehicle is moved respectively forwards or backwards.

Abstract: A manual control device with a control stick (joystick) whose output signal is proportional to the angular deflection of the control stick has transducers that step the output signal in such a way that the manual control device imitates or simulates the switching behavior of a N-stage manual control device. For that purpose, analog or digital electronic means associate with the output signal of the manual control device, depending on its value, one among N different voltage values, whose number and potential difference may be predetermined. The advantages of an analog manual control device (few mechanical components, cheap production) are thus combined with the advantages of a N-stage manual control device (adjustment information for the user, wider field of application in industrial control processes).

Abstract: A multidimensional handle controlled without displacement is used for precisely positioned control and input. The actuating rod is selectively and simultaneously subjected to lateral pressure and to bending by a surrounding fist. The third dimension is controlled without displacement by the thumb, which acts on an additional sensor lever.

Abstract: A high force detent mechanism to selectively hold a control input lever in any selected position between neutral and its maximum travel in either direction. The high force detent mechanism includes a coil assembly connected to a control input lever and disposed in close proximity to a semi-circular member having a serrated edge defined thereon. An armature of the coil assembly has a first portion in driving contact with the serrated edge and a second enlarge portion having a latching surface disposed adjacent one of the first and second end faces of the coil assembly's detent coil. The size of the latching surface is larger than the size of the first portion that is in driving contact with the serrated edge. Consequently, the latching force generated between the latching surface and the one face of the detent coil is multiplied several time to create a detent holding force that is larger than the latching force.

Abstract: A handle assembly, of the type used in railway locomotives, which includes a base plate, a cam mount attached to the base plate, a cam disk and a shaft assembly interconnecting the mount and disk to allow rotation of the disk. The improvement includes a yoke, a bail bar, first and second bearing members anchored to the plate and first and second switches attached to the plate. Pivotally connected to the disk and accommodating a handle, the yoke rotates along with the disk as the handle is moved along its range of motion and tilts as the handle is moved perpendicularly thereto. The bail bar is rotatable between the first and second bearing members. A first mechanism imparts a rotational force to the bail bar so that its middle section presses against an upper portion of the yoke. A stop limits rotation of the bail bar to a point at which the yoke and handle attain an untilted state.

Abstract: A handle mounted generally horizontally on a fork lift truck for controlling forward and reverse speed of movement of the truck and raising and lowering forks is carried by a control device. The control device includes a shaft with a centrally positioned spherical section contained in a socket in a support member. The shaft is therefore free to rotate about the center of the sphere. A ramp cam is mounted on the support member surrounding the shaft. A slider mounted on the shaft is pressed against the cam by action of a spring. This arrangement assures that the shaft and control handle remain centered until acted upon by an operator of the truck. Two linear potentiometers provide electrical output signals representing the X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) positions of the end of the shaft opposite the control handle. The cam is provided with four distinct compound surfaces. For vertical movement of the handle, the slopes of the two lower surfaces are greater than the slopes of the two upper surfaces.

Abstract: To determine the position of a control stick which can be adjusted in three axes, reliably and accurately in all three axes in a constructionally simple, compact and light-weight manner by means of a single sensor in an opto-electronic fashion, the sensor according to the invention contains a beam emitter which is fixedly connected with the control stick and emits at least two mutually spatially separate light beams. A stationary, light-sensitive detector mosaic situated along the whole adjusting range of the control stick in the beam path of both light beams, determines the position coordinates of the two light spots generated thereon by the light beams. An analyzing circuit determines the rolling, pitching and yawing position of the control stick from the position coordinates of the two light spots.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motor generates thrust using Lorentz's forces, and is capable of providing a high thrust and high efficiency by generating high magnetic density, and does not affect magnets with a demagnetization field, thus preventing burning of the magnets. The electromagnetic motor includes a plurality of magnets in which same poles of adjacent magnets are opposed to each other. The plurality of magnets are aligned in one direction at a specified pitch P. A pole unit has a plurality of yokes that are interposed between the plurality of magnets and aligned in one direction with the pitch P. Armature coils are opposed to and spaced from the pole unit, and are surrounded by a space equal to the pitch P. A thrust generator has cores that anchor the armature coils so that they are aligned in one direction.

Abstract: A joystick controller sufficiently strong and durable not to easily be broken even when handled somehow roughly, reasonably compact and which can be manufactured with less costs, is provided by composing it of a housing provided thereon with a plurality of potentiometers, a hollow shell bearing born inside the housing rotatably in one direction and which has a first pair of auxiliary arms attached on either side thereof and extending outwardly; an intermediate bearing born inside the shell bearing rotatably in a direction orthogonal to the shell bearing; a joystick attached rockably on the intermediate bearing and extending upwardly of the housing through a first pair of guide slots formed in the shell bearing; a core bearing pivoted inside the intermediate bearing rotatably in a same direction as the intermediate bearing; and a second pair of auxiliary arms attached on the core bearing, extending in a direction orthogonal to the first pair of auxiliary arms through an aperture formed in the intermediate bear

Abstract: This invention relates to a shift lever mechanism used in driving a simulative running machine. The shift lever mechanism has a first shaft extending along a first axis and a second shaft extending along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. An operation lever is pivotable about the first axis and the second axis. The shift lever mechanism further includes a speed zone setter for variably setting a speed of the running machine among a plurality of speed zones including a neutral zone by shifting the operation lever, and a torsion spring for applying a biasing force to bias the operation lever toward the neutral zone. It is set such that the biasing force exerted by the torsion spring is transmitted to a pivotal movement of the operation lever about the first shaft and the second shaft.

Abstract: A control system for the axes of movement of handling machines with linear drives and/or pivoting drives for transporting and for positioning workpieces relative to and in a target point, particularly relative to and on processing machines. The control system combines a speed adjustment or speed control of the axes of movement of the handling machine for moving a workpiece into the area of a target point, on the one hand, and a position control of the axes of movement for the precise positioning of the workpiece in the target point, on the other hand.

Abstract: Manually-operated remote-control device, especially hydraulic manipulator, comprising: a body (1) containing at least one moving signal-generating member, controlled by a push-rod (2) projecting above the body (1) and movable by a rocking cam (4) fixed to the top of the body (1); means (5) of rotary articulation, comprising a fixed clevis mount (5a) secured to the body (1) and a moving clevis mount (5b) secured to the cam (4), these clevis mounts (5a, 5b) being coupled together so as to allow the cam (4) to rock with respect to the body (1); a base (6) secured to this cam and supporting an operating handgrip (7); characterized in that the moving clevis mount (5b) of the articulation means, the cam (4) and the base (6) are constructed in the form of a single monobloc component (14).

Abstract: A "master-slave" remote manipulation apparatus having six degrees of freedom. The apparatus includes a flexible parallelogram with two parallel arms hinged to a cross member with one degree of rotational freedom and to a frame with two degrees of rotational freedom; two parallel-hinged "master" and "slave" devices at the end of each respective arm; and five two-way linear motion transmitting devices between the "master" and "slave" devices.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a movable stage, a first linear motor for moving the stage in a predetermined direction, a platform for supporting the first linear motor, and an inertial force application mechanism for applying a force for canceling a force acting on the platform, which is generated when the stage is moved by the first linear motor. The inertial force application mechanism includes amass body, a guide for supporting and guiding the mass body, a second linear motor for moving the mass body, and a controller for controlling the second linear motor. Since the inertial force application mechanism of the positioning apparatus prevents transmission of vibration generated by an increase in an exciting force of the stage, rapid and precise positioning can be performed.

Abstract: A positioning system for moving a device over an xy-plane has a drive mechanism with pivotable arms for moving a carriage over the xy-plane by driving it from one side. This drive mechanism allows the system to be made narrow along the other side.

Abstract: A new method for controlling movement of a digging dipper includes providing an earthmoving machine with two drive systems for moving the dipper along two respective paths. Also provided is a control apparatus having a reference axis and a knob mounted for movement between a first, repose position and a maximum position spaced from the repose position by a maximum displacement dimension. The knob is displaced along a control axis to a second position which is spaced from the repose position by an actual displacement dimension less than the maximum displacement dimension. The drive systems are energized and the dipper is powered along a digging axis generally parallel to the control axis. A new apparatus for controlling movement of the dipper has a single control knob having a repose position and also has first and second motion transducers mechanically coupled to the knob.

Abstract: A gearbox is provided with a selector shaft, which is capable of reciprocating movement for selecting the selector slot and rotating movement for changing gears. A gear lever is connected to a first constructional member, provided with a first and a second coupling point, which are positioned on one side of a first axis and on either side of a second axis, and a third coupling point, positioned on the second axis. The selector shaft is provided with a second constructional member, with two coupling points positioned one either side of an axis of rotation, and a further coupling point. The coupling points on the first constructional member and the coupling points on the second constructional member are interconnected and the third coupling point is connected to the further coupling point. The connections are made up of a power transmission which can only transmit forces being exerted in one direction. This reduces play and results in a lighter, more compact selector mechanism.

Abstract: A guided stage mechanism suitable for supporting a reticle in a photolithography machine includes a stage movable in the X-Y directions on a base. Laterally surrounding the stage is a rectangular window frame guide which is driven in the X-axis direction on two fixed guides by means of motor coils on the window frame guide co-operating with magnetic tracks fixed on the base. The stage is driven inside the window frame guide in the Y-axis direction by motor coils located on the stage co-operating with magnetic tracks located on the window frame guide. Forces from the drive motors of both the window frame guide and the stage are transmitted through the center of gravity of the stage, thereby eliminating unwanted moments of inertia. Additionally, reaction forces caused by the drive motors are isolated from the projection lens and the alignment portions of the photolithography machine.

Abstract: An X-Y positioning machine has a forcer, with armature coils, that moves around on a platen, supported by an air bearing. Magnets embedded in the motor platen generate a fixed magnetic field with which the armature coils interact. Perpendicular elongated coils interact with the fields of magnets in columns and rows. When a traditional rectangular pattern of the magnets is provided, a packing density and average peak magnetic flux intercepted by the coils are limited to 50%. The present invention provides magnet configurations that provide greater than 50% maximum peak flux density and up to 100% packing density. Several magnet arrangements are provided: a first in which round magnets are used instead of square, and a second in which diamond shaped magnets are used. The latter can be used at 100% packing density arrangement. In addition to high peak flux density for a narrow coil, these embodiments exhibit low cogging forces. A method of making the magnet is also provided.

Abstract: A joystick device includes a case so that first and second rocking members are respectively supported in a overlapped manner by first and second bearings formed in the case with their first and second elongate holes positioned perpendicular to each other. The operation of the lever inserted through the first and second elongate holes causes tilt movement in at least one of the rocking members so that the movement of the rocking member is supplied as a pulse signal by a detecting device. The lever includes an engaging portion engaged with the rocking member on the upper side, and a spherical portion formed at a position above the same rocking member. The cover has a hole having an inner peripheral edge with which an outer peripheral surface of the spherical portion is contacted so that the lever is operable in every direction. A spring is provided with the case, which acts to press down the rocking member thereby returning the lever to a neutral position.

Abstract: A pointing device for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on a display screen. Specifically, there is an actuator with a shaft having first and second ends. The actuator also has an interposer with the first end of the shaft attached and several strain sensitive resistor are mounted on the shaft to generate an electrical signal representative of a magnitude and direction of force applied to the shaft by a user. A circuit trace is disposed on the interposer and electrically connected to the resistor. A substrate has several circuit lines electrically connected to the circuit trace. A base is mounted above the interposer and has an aperture through which the shaft passes. A cover is mounted over the base to hold the base to the substrate. The cover is held to the substrate by a mounting tab.

Abstract: A control device suitable for controlling the position of a cursor on a computer display. The device includes at least a pair of optical radiation sources irradiating a spaced away pair of optical radiation detectors. Interposed between the sources and detectors is an elongate member moveable transverse to the paths of radiation between sources and detectors. The member is opaque to the radiation and it obscures radiation detected by the detectors dependant upon its position. Thus the outputs of the detectors vary with the position of the member. By comparing the outputs of the detectors, typically subtracting one form the other, the sign of the result indicates the direction the member has been moved and the magnitude can give an indication of the extent of the movement. In a further form, a second pair of sources and a second pair of detectors are provide in similar manner to the first except that the radiation paths are co-planar but at ninety degrees to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyboard with a two-dimensional actuator for generating direction signals which can be used to move a cursor shown on a screen to a target position. The keyboard comprises an encoding circuit, a plurality of text keys connected to the encoding circuit each for generating a corresponding text signal, four direction keys connected to the encoding circuit each for generating a corresponding direction signal, and a two-dimensional actuator connected to the encoding circuit which can be actuated at least toward four predefined directions which are the same as the four predefined directions of the four direction keys. When the actuator is actuated toward any of the four predefined directions, the encoding circuit will generate the direction signals which are the same as the direction signals generated by the corresponding direction key.

Abstract: A joystick mechanism includes a housing, a substantially spherical magnetic ball rotatably mounted on the housing, a joystick shaft attached to the magnetic ball, and a pair of magnetic effect sensors operatively positioned adjacent the magnetic ball. The sensors, which are positioned along the x and y axes, are aimed perpendicular to each other and the z axis. Thereby, movement of the joystick and the ball causes a change in the magnetic field which is measured and indicated by the sensors.

Abstract: A pointing stick for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on the display screen. Strain gages 30 are mounted on the sides of the stick 12 and are made of pressure sensitive strips 32, for electrically changing the resistance of the material in response to the amount of strain applied thereto. A conductive contact bridge 34 for electrically connecting the two strips 32, and conductive contact pads 36 for making electrical contact to electronic circuitry (not shown) are also mounted on the sides of the stick 12. The stick 12 extends through a hole 38 in the base 4 in a Z-axis oriented direction 39, and is held in place by an adhesive bond epoxy 40. Cable 18 is positioned within cavity 16 and adhesively bonded to the cavity wall via adhesive 42. Cable 18 has electrical traces 44 and input/output (I/O) pads 46 mounted thereon. Contact pads 36 are bonded to I/O pads 46 by any suitable bond material 50.

Abstract: A process and an adjustable circuit using a joystick activated controller constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention to provide balanced forward and reverse directional regulation of bidirectional motors oppositely deployed to cooperation in the propulsion of an item of equipment. The joystick responds to the hand of a human operator to regulate the operation of a pair of motors driving opposite sides of an item of equipment along a path of travel. By operating the joystick, the operator can adjust the speed and the forward and reverse directions while trimming the motors or actuators to allow the piece of construction equipment to travel a straight path, or alternatively, to enable the operator to toggle the joystick to guide the equipment during its operational performance, along a path of varied direction.

Abstract: A hand-held pointer control and input device has a case configured to be gripped by a right or left hand, with a curved back surface which fits against a palm of a hand gripping the device, a saddle-shaped surface configured to support and position a thumb of the gripping hand for operation of a cursor control device which protrudes from the top surface, and a curved button mounting surface positioned generally opposite the curved back surface and with at least one control button incorporated therein. The device enables control of a display cursor and input of control commands which correspond to a position of a cursor with a single hand and without contacting the device with a reference surface. A modular pointing stick and circuit board assembly is also provided.

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: The present invention provides a computer pointing device which uses capacitors installed in various directions to generate pointing signals. The pointing device comprises a circuit board, a cap, and a detecting unit. The circuit board comprises a center point, a first conducting plate installed in a first direction and a second conducting plate installed in a second direction. The cap is movably installed above the center point of the circuit board. The bottom side of the cap has a top conducting plate which forms first and second capacitors with the first and second conducting plates separately. The detecting unit is electrically connected to the top, first and second conducting plates to detect the capacitance of the first and second capacitors and generate corresponding pointing signals to reflect the position of the cap in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A device for controlling the transmission of an automotive vehicle. A transmission cable (8) is connected to the end of an arm (15), beginning at which this component is actuated in a direction perpendicular to two orthogonal secant swivel pins (6, 7) by a return-motion lever (19) pivoting on a pin (20) lying in the same plane as the two secant pins (6, 7), in such a way that the transmission component (8) is placed at a desired distance spaced apart from the operating lever (5) and in proximity to the other transmission component (9). The invention is used in the automotive industry.

Abstract: A selection device for an automatic transmission of motor vehicles, with a selection lever, and a crosspiece. The device has a spring-loaded positioned ratchet, which is mounted on the crosspiece so that it can turn around an axle, whereby a catch for the reverse drive step of the selection device is provided.

Abstract: An operating device for a motor vehicle transmission is described which has a shift lever which, for shifting between transmission ratios, is movably mounted on the motor vehicle. In particular, the shift lever can be shifted in a respective shifting channel about a shifting axis essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and, for selecting between different shifting channels, can be swivelled in at least one selection channel about a selection axis essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle. A motion gearing connects the shift lever with at least one transmission control shaft of a motor vehicle transmission, in which case a motor vehicle transmission case is linked to the motion gearing. The shift lever is mounted on a vehicle-body-fixed vehicle part and, in a projection onto a shifting plane, the motion gearing consists of at least one parallelogram linkage.

Abstract: A hand-operated dual joystick for a motor grader is disclosed. The dual joystick comprises a first joystick having a ledge and a switch, and a second joystick that is significantly smaller than the first joystick. The second joystick is mounted to the ledge of the first joystick. The first joystick is moveable along a first axis and a second axis that are perpendicular to each other. In addition, the first joystick is rotatable about a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and to the second axis. The second joystick is moveable along the first axis and the second axis. Movement of the first joystick and the second joystick is used to control a plurality of motor grader functions. The dual function joystick permits an operator to control a plurality of the motor grader functions from a single location thus reducing operator fatigue.

Abstract: A joystick is disclosed which comprises an operator member mounted to a pivotal member, the operator member for moving the pivotal member, a position sensor associated with the pivotal member, a linear solenoid having a pair of plunger members each being positioned within the solenoid on opposite sides of the solenoid, and a cable member connected to the operator member and the plunger members with the cable member for centering the operator member when the solenoid is energized.

Abstract: A dual steering system for controlling the steering of a motor grader is disclosed. The first portion of the steering system comprises a steering wheel connected through a hydraulic steering valve to hydraulic right and left steering cylinders, which are connected to the right front tire and left front tire, respectively. Rotation of the steering wheel causes rotation of the front tires. A second portion of the steering system comprises a first button and a second button that are mounted to a control lever. Actuation of the first button sends a first electrical input signal and actuation of the second button sends a second electrical input signal to an electronic control computer. The electronic control computer generates control signals in response to the electrical input signals and transmits these control signals to a plurality of electro-hydraulic actuators.