Abstract: A micromanipulator fine control apparatus is operated with a mouse. As the mouse is moved to the front, rear, left and right, a control handle is tilted to the front, rear, left and right, respectively, and a fore and aft fine control slider and a left-right fine control slider are moved in the corresponding directions. A liquid amount contained in a first liquid-operated cylinder is varied by a fore and aft fine control liquid-operated arrangement responsive to the fore and aft fine control slider, and a liquid amount of a second liquid-operated cylinder is varied by left-right fine control liquid-operated arrangement responsive to the left-right fine control slider. Accordingly, the micromanipulator is finely moved in the same direction as the mouse is moved.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a linear positioning device, including: a frame member; an electric motor disposed to selectively move axially back and forth in the frame member; carriage apparatus attached to the electric motor; and apparatus to guide the motor in axial movement and to prevent radial movement thereof. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a frame for a linear positioning device, including: a horizontal base plate; vertical end plates for attachment to ends of the base plate; the base plate including a first groove defined in the surface thereof for the mounting therein of a guide rail for a moving member; and the base plate is cut from an extrusion which includes the first groove, without the machining thereof. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided, in a linear positioning device, having the front end plate of an electric motor as an end plate of the device.

Abstract: A shifter for a manual transmission has a lever arm extending upward from the transmission housing. The lever arm has a ball pivotable in a socket for gear selection, so that the gear shift handle can revolve about the pivot. The lever arm includes trunnions sliding in slots to prevent the lever arm from twisting. The invention offsets the axis of the trunnions from the geometric center of the ball; this offset prevents binding and allows smooth shifting. The invention may include springs for pressing the ball into the socket, adjustable stop members for limiting the throw of the lever arm, and a mounting plate and cover for holding the ball-and-socket joint together.

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 dual axis mechanically actuated motion platform which allows a user to move him or herself through a wide range of angular displacement in two intersecting axes individually or simultaneously by apply manual pressure to a lever in the direction of desired angular displacement. The motion platform is comprised of a base frame, a user support platform mounted on top of a universal joint, and a bearing mounted, preloaded offset linkage system coupled to a joystick lever. The offset linkage system creates enough increased mechanical advantage to move the seat platform in concert with the movement of the joystick lever, providing the user with the feeling of controlling an aircraft and the attendant sensations of pitch and roll motion.

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 dual derailleur bicycle gearshift comprises a first cable pull member pivotally secured to a support for rotation about a first axis and a second cable pull member pivotally secured to the first cable pull member for rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the second cable pull member defines a single actuator that is centered on both axes for pivotal movability within a first arc located within a first plane that extends axially of and contains the first axis to rotate the second cable pull member about the second axis and pivotal movability within a second arc located within a second plane that extends axially of and contains the second axis to rotate the first cable pull member about the first axis. In a handlebar mounted embodiment the first cable pull member rotates about a longitudinal axis of the bicycle's handlebar and the actuator is a yoke centered on both axes and having one end defining the second cable pull member.

Abstract: An operator device for controlling control units associated with a pulled working machine and arranged on a pulling working machine, the operator device has a plurality of operator elements, and a multi-function handle having a handle part turnable to several control positions and having a head, an operator field arranged in a region of the head of the handle part and provided with the operator elements for actuation of control functions, and a bus system transmitting control signals of the multi-function handle to at least one of the adjusting units.

Abstract: Fore and aft movement of a lever pivots first and second shafts of a cross shaped member while left and right movement of the lever causes a yoke of the lever to pivot on third and fourth shafts of the cross shaped member. The pivotal movement of the first shaft causes a pair of end portions of a torsion spring to generate forces on a force sensor resulting in the output of electrical signals proportional to the fore and aft movement of the lever. Similarly, left and right pivotal movement of the yoke causes a pair of end portions of another torsion spring to generate forces on another force sensor resulting in the output of electrical signals proportional to the left and right movement of the lever. Selectively energizing a coil device fixed relative to a mounting base pulls a washer anchored to the second shaft into mechanical engagement with the coil device to hold the lever at a fore or aft operational position.

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 apparatus for providing translational and rotational control signals comprises a base; a handle; and a suspension system operable to resiliently couple the handle to the base such that the handle may be freely moved in translational and rotational directions relative to the base and to move the handle to a neutral position when no forces are applied to the handle. The suspension system includes a plurality of suspension members each having an orientation axis, the suspension members being disposed such that respective pairs of the orientation axes are orthogonal to each other; and a plurality of sensors, each sensor having a pair of sensor components, at least two sensors being coupled to each of the suspension members and operable to sense translational and rotational movement of the respective suspension member along its orientation axis, the sensors producing output signals indicative of the translational and rotational movement of the handle with respect to the base.

Abstract: A steering wheel of a transportation device includes controls positioned on the wheel. The controls are operable by operator's fingers and may be connected to the various electrical and electronic devices of the transportation device. Further, in one of the embodiments, controls are positioned on a circular grip member of the wheel. In one of the embodiments, the steering wheel includes a display positioned on the hub-like connecting member of the wheel, which can show radio frequency, time, temperature, etc.

Abstract: A shifting device for a transmission of motor vehicles, wherein a gearshift lever is coupled during the shifting process with a control lug, which reflects a signal, which is sent as a signal corresponding to the shift position of the gearshift lever to a control unit of the transmission.

Abstract: An angle measurement device capable of providing both linear and non-linear control transfer functions directly using a shaped, generally convex, magnet and linear magnetic sensors, such as Hall sensors. The shape of the magnet is also used to control and optimize the magnitude of the angle measured. This technique of using a special shaped magnet is also used with digital sensors, such as digital Hall switches and arrays.This angle measurement device can be used in many applications requiring an accurate, robust, reliable (including redundant) but inexpensive method to translate angle displacement into a signal voltage or current. Industrial or military hand controllers, such as joysticks, are but one implementation.

Abstract: A micromanipulator fine control apparatus of the present invention is operated with a mouse. As the mouse is moved to the front, rear, left and right, a control handle is tilted to the front, rear, left and right, respectively, and a fore and aft fine control slider and a first left right fine control slider are moved in the respective directions. Then, a liquid amount of a first liquid-operated cylinder is varied by fore and aft slider movement, and a liquid amount of a second liquid-operated cylinder is varied by the left right slider movement. Accordingly, the micromanipulator is finely moved in the same direction as the mouse is moved.

Abstract: An operation information input device comprises a control panel, and a pair of joystick each of which includes a control level projecting from the control panel. The joystick converts the direction and quantity of operation of the control level to corresponding electrical signals. The control panel has a pair of openings from which the control levers project with the covers being attached in the corresponding openings. Engagement pawls of a frame engage in opposite ends of one of elongated grooves in the cover so that the frame is attached removably to the cover. The frame has an elongated slot extending in one direction. When the frame is attached to the control panel, the control lever is restricted so as to move in a single channel.

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 stage 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 joystick controller has a body 12 including an end wall 18 in which is secured a resilient arm 10. The resilient arm 10 has secured to its top a tube 90 and a handle 94. The tube 90 surrounds to arm and mounts an annular magnet 38 at the level of a pivot point 96 about which the arm 10 flexes. The outputs of Hall effect probes 26 are affected by the position of the magnet 38 to give an indication of the position of the arm 10. The angular position of a rotary handle 80 is sensed using a magnet 110 which is connected for movement with the handle 80 relative to further Hall effect probes 116 (FIG. 9).

Abstract: A non-contact angular position sensor for sensing the position of a pivotably mounted device, which includes a housing containing a generally spherical socket having a relatively large pivot ball mounted for rotation in the socket, the ball including a spherical magnet having its center coincident with that of the pivot ball, magnetic sensing elements cooperating with and mounted at a fixed distance from the magnet, a joystick having its axis passing through the center of the spherical magnet, and output apparatus connected to the magnetic sensing elements to provide a signal representative of the orientation of the joystick.

Abstract: A cursor controller with a handle which moves in X, Y directions has the handle cantilevered on a upper platform which slides on an intermediate platform in an X direction with the axis of the handle intersecting the effective center of X guide means. And then the intermediate platform slides on a Y guide on a lower fixed platform, all of the foregoing being captured by a top cover. The top cover has a slot through which the handle, which is cantilevered on a bracket fixed to the end of the top platform, extends. The controller can be mounted directly on a keyboard or with a specially shaped enclosure to be operated by one hand.

Abstract: A three degree of freedom parallel mechanism or linkage that couples three degree of freedom translational displacements at an endpoint, such as a handle, a hand grip, or a robot tool, to link rotations about three axes that are fixed with respect to a common base or ground link. The mechanism includes a three degree of freedom spherical linkage formed of two closed loops, and a planar linkage connected to the endpoint. The closed loops are rotatably interconnected, and made of eight rigid links connected by a plurality of single degree of freedom revolute joints. Three of these revolute joints are base joints and are connected to a common ground, such that the axis lines passing through the revolute joints intersect at a common fixed center point K forming the center of a spherical work volume in which the endpoint is capable of moving. The three degrees of freedom correspond to the spatial displacement of the endpoint, for instance.

Abstract: A remote valve control apparatus includes a single lever connected to a pair of valve actuators so that two valves can be operated in conjunction with one another from a remote location to carry out plural functions simultaneously. The apparatus includes a housing presenting a pair of elongated cavities within which the actuators are received, and the housing is constructed of a pair of molded housing elements each forming one half of the housing. The housing elements are exactly identical to one another such that a single mold shape can be used to form both elements. The lever is supported on the housing for universal pivotal movement so that upon manipulation of the lever, the actuators are shifted axially between non-actuated and actuated positions. The direction and extent of movement of each actuator is dependent on the direction and extent of movement of the lever relative to the housing.

Abstract: A satellite mechanism is provided for tilting a directional device such as an earth sensor, telescope, antenna, reaction wheel, etc. through a small angle using flexural supports which provide rigidity in all directions. The tilting mechanism is flexurally supported (semi-fixed) on two points and moved (pivoted) through a small arc at a driven point by an eccentric drive. The flexurally supported points comprise a diaphragm whose periphery is clamped to a supporting structure while one side of a flexural pivot is attached at the center and the other side of the flexural pivot is attached to the earth sensor or pivoted element. The driven point has a similar diaphragm whose periphery is attached eccentrically to an harmonic drive motor. Accordingly, the directional device may be driven through a small angle without moving the entire satellite.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism 41 of fine control ratio in a fine controlling joystick of the present invention offers an adjusting member 47 suspending a fixed ball 50 from a neck thereof and supporting slidably in a vertical direction in a displacement board 43, a movable ball 57 having a long groove 57a provided in a vertical direction at outer surface thereof and suspending an operation handle 60 outside and a cylindrical inner wall contacting the outer surface of the fixed ball, a movable ball holder 52 rotatively supported at a hole of larger diameter of a displacement board 45, rotatively supporting the movable ball 57 in the through hole of the cylinder and projecting an engagement pin 56 to engage into a long groove 57a of the movable ball 57, and transmitting arrangement 55, 61, and 64 to convert rotation of the movable ball holder 52 into fine vertical movement of the vertical direction displacement board 65.

Abstract: A keyboard has a joyball centrally positioned and operable by the operator with a hand, and a plurality of operation keys operable by the operator with the fingertips and disposed in a substantially semicircular array around the joyball. The keyboard is connected to a video camera for controlling the attitude of the video camera with the joyball and adjusting the optical system of the video camera, all with one hand of the operator.

Abstract: An ergonomic control apparatus is provided for producing signals in response to human feedback to control aircraft, land vehicles, computers, video games and the like. The ergonomic control apparatus includes a control stick interconnected to a slidable attachment means, pivotal attachment means and rotatable collar. The slidable attachment means includes first and second signal means for producing first and second signals in response to forward and rearward movement of the control stick from a neutral stick position. The pivotal attachment means includes third and fourth signal means for producing third and fourth sets of signals in response to forward and rearward inclination of the control stick. The rotatable collar may be manually rotated about the longitudinal axis of the control stick in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions from a neutral collar position.

Abstract: A digital positioning system for a joystick. The system uses a potentiometer having one input coupled to a constant supply voltage and a second input coupled to a joystick game port for generating a variable resistance representative of a current position of the joystick. A constant current source is coupled to the joystick game port for generating a current for converting the variable resistance representative of the current position of the joystick to a voltage level representative of the current position of the joystick. An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit is coupled to the joystick game port and is used to convert the voltage level representative of the current position of the joystick to a digital representation of the current position of the joystick.

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 substrate transfer system includes a temporary support for temporarily supporting a substrate, a chuck for holding the substrate by attraction, a stage for supporting the chuck movably in a predetermined direction intersecting a substrate supporting face of the temporary support, a driving system for moving the stage in the predetermined direction, a measuring system for measuring a position of the stage with respect to the predetermined direction, a position servo system for controlling the driving system on the basis of the measurement by the measuring system to thereby servo control the position of the stage with respect to the predetermined direction, and a control system adapted to release the substrate attracting and holding operation of the chuck on the basis of a value corresponding to an amount of operation applied from the position servo system to the driving system.

Abstract: A user-manipulable sensor apparatus is provided for allowing a user to input, through hand manipulation of a movable member, motion in six degrees of freedom: translational motion in the X, Y, and Z axes, and rotation about each of those three axes. The apparatus includes a central member which acts as a stationary reference, and a user-manipulable member, such as a spherical, hollow member which substantially surrounds the central member. Flexible wire or in-line strain gauges are coupled between the central member and the inside surface of the user-manipulable member, to hold the user-manipulable member in a quiescent position, relative to a position of the central member. Accordingly, there is no need for additional support members for holding the user-manipulable member in position. Manipulation of the user-manipulable member causes tension on various ones of the strain gauges. The strain gauges produce signals, from which the motion of the user-manipulable member may be computed.

Abstract: A steering control apparatus is disclosed for a first and second pair of wheel assemblies that are mounted for rotation with respect to a first and second axle. Selective rotation of the respective wheel assemblies is controlled by a plurality of actuators defined by a control module. The actuators are engaged by a control lever that is mounted for movement with respect to the control module in a preselected plane. The control module is rotatable with respect to the preselected plane to allow selective contact between the actuators and the control lever to control the rotation of the wheel assemblies with respect to the axles in one of a plurality of steering modes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simulating multi-stage speed change shift lever operating device capable of simulating an operation similar to that of a driver riding in an actual vehicle and operating a shift lever of a manual speed change gear in multi-stage speed changing operation. The shift lever 2 is oscillatably pivoted around the pivot shafts 6 at the oscillation supporting member 24 in a forward or rearward direction, the returning resilient roller 35 pivotally supported at the oscillation supporting member 24 through the projecting shaft 29 is held by a pair of right and left bolts 39 pivotally fixed to the front plate 8, and the lower end 4 of the shift lever 2 bypasses around the outer circumferences of a pair of forward or rearward resilient guide rollers 19 and the guide rollers 21.

Abstract: There is provided a position control drive system having first and second drive units linked together and travelling on parallel running rails. A passive unit riding on a third parallel running rail is pivotally linked to one of the drive units. The pivoting link allows movement of the drive units longitudinally along the rails, but prevents movement in other directions. The pivot compensates for positional differences between the electronic positional control of the drive units and the mechanical linkage preventing the inefficiency in the electronic system, stresses in the mechanical system and, in severe cases, binding of the drive units to the rails.

Abstract: There is provided a position control drive system having first and second drive units linked together and travelling on parallel running rails. A passive unit riding on a third parallel running rail is pivotally linked to one of the drive units. The pivoting link allows movement of the drive units longitudinally along the rails, but prevents movement in other directions. The pivot compensates for positional differences between the electronic positional control of the drive units and the mechanical linkage preventing the inefficiency in the electronic system, stresses in the mechanical system and, in severe cases, binding of the drive units to the rails.

Abstract: A structure, guidance, and drive assembly for translation of a robotic picker assembly may comprise a support frame having a front end, a rear end, and two opposed sides. The front and rear ends of the support frame are positioned in parallel, spaced-apart relation to a lateral axis, while the two opposed sides are positioned in parallel, spaced-apart relation to a longitudinal axis, the lateral and longitudinal axes defining a horizontal reference plane. The support frame includes a first elongate bearing surface that is located at about the front end of the support frame. The first elongate bearing surface extends between the two opposed sides of the support frame so that the first elongate bearing surface extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the lateral axis and lies in a first bearing plane that is substantially parallel to the horizontal reference plane. The support frame also includes a second elongate bearing surface that is located at about the rear end of the support frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing the motion of an object with a digital processing system includes a sensor for detecting movement of the object along a degree of freedom. A passive pneumatic or hydraulic damper is coupled to the object to provide a damping resistance to the object along the degree of freedom and resist a movement of the object. The damping resistance is provided by regulating the control of a fluid with a digital computing apparatus, thus providing a low-cost, low-power force-feedback interface that is safe for the user. The damper and sensor provide an electromechanical interface between the object and the electrical system. A gimbal or other interface mechanism can be coupled between the damper and the object. The interface is well suited for simulations or video games in which an object such as a joystick is moved and manipulated by the user.

Abstract: A cursor control stick includes a rigid tube having an outwardly-tapering conical throughbore and horizontal protrusions at its base, and a plunger having an outwardly-tapering conical body shaped in correspondence with the throughbore. The plunger slidably fits inside the rigid tube and includes a neck which extends beyond the rigid tube and which is adapted to be manipulated by the user. Electrically-conductive biasing means is disposed beneath and in contact with the plunger, and pressure sensitive resistive material is disposed beneath and in contact with the horizontal protrusions. A base containing electrical circuitry is disposed beneath both the electrically-conductive biasing means and the pressure sensitive resistive material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a single joystick for the simultaneous control of three spool valves for use on a construction machine. A first portion of the joystick is moved in a first direction which causes a cam to selectively depress a first pair of plungers to control the first spool valve. Movement of the first portion in the second direction causes the cam to selectively depress a second pair of plungers thereby controlling the movement of the second spool valve. A handle of a second portion of the joystick rotates about an axis causing a plate to rotate in a corresponding manner. The corresponding rotation of the plate causes a link member to rotate about the axis causing a pair of lugs to selectively depress a third pair of plungers to control the third spool valve. The mechanism for depressing the third plungers works independently of the position of the first portion so that the control of the third spool valve is independent of the control of the first and second spool valves.

Abstract: A joystick for generation of directional control signals for computers, video games, remote controllers, and other electronic devices and instrumentation. The present invention comprises a resistive membrane sensor and an actuator for coupling directional forces onto the membrane sensor. The resistive membrane sensor is comprised of two insulating substrates with resistor rings on each substrate, conductive leads, and a pressure-variable resistor. Increasing pressure on the actuator and membrane sensor decreases the resistance of the pressure-variable resistor in series with the resistor rings. An electronic circuit measures the membrane sensor and converts the resistances into the X and Y components of the force vector acting on the joystick. An alternative membrane sensor comprises a resistive ring, a conductive ring, and a pressure-variable resistor.

Abstract: A six axis joystick (110) employs a 13 pole E-core (112) that includes a center pole (114) and four triads of outer poles (116, 118, 120, 122) that protrude from four orthogonally separated arms (124, 126, 128, 130) of the E-core. A drive winding (132) is wound around the center pole of the E-core, and sense windings (134, 136, 138, 140) are wound around each outer pole in each triad of outer poles. A compression spring (144) suspends a ferromagnetic swash plate (142) at substantially equal distances from the center pole and each of the outer poles. A user employs an actuator handle (148) to axially and rotationally deflect the swash plate to assume varying distances from the center pole and each of the outer poles. A varying magnetic flux induced by the center pole is conducted through the swash plate to each of the outer poles to a degree dependent on the spacing between each outer pole and a bottom surface (146) or a periphery (147) of the swash plate.

Abstract: A manual controller including a control lever having a lower end; a housing having a bottom; a bearing held in the housing and supporting the control lever for pivotable deflection in two orthogonal axes around a fixed point from a zero position to a maximum pivot angle relative to the zero position while the lower end of the control lever moves over a path lying in a spherical surface having a radius R; and converter devices which translate pivotal movement of the control lever from its zero position into an electrical signal. The bearing is an elastomer joint having a transition part extending between a rim and an inner part for imposing on the control lever an elastic restoring force from all deflection positions toward the zero position of the control lever while simultaneously maintaining the spatial position of the fixed point.

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 computer mouse comprises a housing having a bottom wall that defines an opening, a retainer plate fitted in the opening and formed with a circular hole, and a mouse ball in the housing and projecting through the circular hole. A seal adheres to both the bottom wall of the housing and the retainer plate, whereby removal of the retainer plate from the opening is resisted.

Abstract: A dual axis carriage assembly for industrial control handles includes a base yoke fixed to a support surface and a moveable yoke to which the control handle is attached. Each yoke includes a pair of coaxial spaced bearing surfaces and journal portions of one shaft of a cross shaft assembly are received in the bearing surfaces of the moveable yoke while journal portions of the other shaft are received in the bearing surfaces of the base yoke. A torsion coil spring is carried on each shaft with the spring having a pair of parallel arms which straddle the sides of a flange projecting from the yoke within which the corresponding shaft is received. A dog, fixed to the end of each shaft includes an axial leg which is positioned between the spring arms. Rotation of each shaft relative to its yoke results in displacement of one spring arm so that the spring returns the shaft to a null position. The dog also includes two radial legs which engage the yoke flange to provide rotation limit stops.

Abstract: A single handle control mechanism has two shafts for connection to two independently operable mechanisms, such as hydraulic valves controlling the position of hydraulic actuators in an agricultural tractor. The shafts are operable to rotate selectively either individually or in combination about a common longitudinal axis of rotation through manipulation of a handle member which is rotatable about two orthogonal axes oriented perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the shafts. The handle member has a first roller and slot coupling for effecting the rotation of the shafts and a second roller and slot coupling for effecting the rotation of the other coaxial shaft. The slots of the first and second couplings are orthogonal to one another to resolve the rotation of the handle member into a first component for rotating the first shaft and a second component for rotating the second shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pointing and/or directional control device for controlling movement and positioning of an object in at least two dimensions which, in the preferred embodiment, forms a cursor control device for use in a computer system.

Abstract: A mouse including a top cover which has press keys for signal input into the computer, a coupling device at the bottom, a downward rod with a center axle hole, and a plurality of locating posts; a circuit board which has an operation circuit and an IC, a plurality of switches corresponding to the press keys of the top cover shell, and a plurality of locating holes respectively connected to the locating posts of the top cover shell by a respective screw; a case-like intermediate shell which has an opening through which the downward rod of the top cover shell pass, a plurality of hook holes near the rear side, and a plurality of screw holes respectively fixed to the coupling device of the top cover shell by screws; and a bottom shell fitting over the intermediate shell at the bottom which has an upright index rod inserted through the opening of the intermediate shell and fitted into the center axle hole of the downward rod of the top cover shell and having a cable connected to the IC of the circuit board, and a

Abstract: A multi-axial position sensor assembly for a joystick in which sensor/magnet pairs are positioned orthogonally on concentric gimbal rings such that each sensor and corresponding magnet pivot in relation to each other as a result of joystick movement. The sensors produce a reference output voltage when the joystick is centered and the sensors are aligned with the magnets. As a magnet rotates in relation to a sensor, the sensor produces an output voltage which is proportional to the angle of rotation and which has a polarity dependent upon the direction of rotation relative to the centered position.

Abstract: A force and torque converter is provided which provides an electronic representation of a planarly applied force and a torque applied about an axis that is orthogonal to the plane. The converter includes a base, an actuating member which is relatively displaced in response to the applied torque and force, resilient mechanisms to provide a restoring force and torque to the actuating member, and sensing mechanisms to sense the applied torque and force and generate an electronic representation thereof. The electronic representation is characterized by a sensitivity curve in which relatively small applied forces and torques result in a relatively low scale factor and where for a range of small applied forces and torques the relation of scale factor with respect to applied torque and force has a relatively low derivative. Further, for a range of larger applied forces and torques, the sensitivity curve has a relatively large scale factor and a relatively large derivative.

Abstract: The throttle controller according to the invention includes a rectangular base having a shaft pivotally mounted thereon with a potentiometer having a stem connected to the shaft for sensing the position of the shaft. A cable is connected to the potentiometer for transmitting the sensed position to the video game. A handle is disposed along one side of the base and connected to a first end of the shaft for pivotally moving the shaft responsive to angular movement of the handle. The handle is comprised of two parts. A vertical handle member connected to the shaft and perpendicular thereto and a handle portion connected to the vertical handle member, which extends over the base and adapted to receive a user's hand. The shaft is mounted on the base by means of circular bearings that are received in a bearing mounts on the base. A braking mechanism is frictionally engaged with the shaft for adjusting the resistance of the handle to pivotal movement.