Abstract: A control system is provided. The control system allows for control of four independent movement functions with an overriding safety switch or deadman switch. The four different movement functions can be operated simultaneously, or independently, as desired. In preferred embodiments the movement functions of the control handle are coordinated to movement of the controlled device.

Abstract: A switch joystick including a lever, a switch coupled to the lever and operative in response to deflection of the lever by a selectable amount from a neutral position along a predetermined coordinate axis, and means for adjusting the amount of deflection necessary to operate the switch.

Abstract: A valve operating structure for a working vehicle having different control valves with slide spools extending parallel to each other. A control lever is operatively connected to an interlocking member for selectively operating the control valves. The valve operating structure comprises an interlock switching mechanism for moving the interlocking member between a position to engage one slide spool and a position to engage another slide spool. The interlocking member is pivotable about a point located at substantially the same distance to the two spools, with a free end thereof extending to a position between the spools. The two interlocking positions are selectively provided by connecting the free end to one of the spools.

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

Abstract: A trackball device comprising a housing having a circular opening formed in a top wall thereof, a ball received in the housing and partially projecting through the circular opening, a pair of rotatable members arranged orthogonally to each other and rotatable in accordance with rotation of the ball, detectors capable of detecting the amounts of rotation of the respective rotatable members, and elastic members arranged in the vicinity of the edge of the circular opening and capable of suppressing vibration of the ball.

Abstract: A helicopter programmable collective control system includes a motorized collective control stick 2 used in conjunction with a multi-axis control stick 30, with the multi-axis control stick 30 as the default collective controller. A collective control signal processor reads collective input the pilot is giving through one of the two control sticks 2, 30 and provides a motor drive signal 44 (which is dampened to prevent over control) to position the collective control stick 3. The collective control stick position is used to drive the rotor collective pitch actuators 16.

Abstract: The joystick can be mounted on a thin panel or a thick panel. The joystick comprises a frame and a shaft extending through the frame. The shaft has a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion. A handle is mounted on the free end of the large diameter portion and the smaller diameter portion is pivotally mounted to the frame. Actuating means on the smaller diameter portion selectively engages microswitches. A bushing is located on the free end of the small-diameter portion when the joystick is mounted on a thin panel and is mounted on the other end when the joystick is mounted on a thick panel.

Abstract: A combined mouse and trackball having its control ball (15) extend past cover 1. Cover 1 has neck hinges (5) so that it pivots in relations to opposing cover (17). A cable (33) at the front communicates with the computer receiving the control signals from the ball. A switch (43) reverses the significance of front-to-back signals from the ball depending on whether an actuator (45) integral with cover 1 engages the switch. In the closed position of cover 1 the bottom of the devise is flat and the ball is upward for use as a trackball. In the open position of cover 1 the device is formed into a mouse with front and rear surfaces (67, 69) to support the ball for frictional movement on a table (71). Latch surfaces ((25, 57 and 25, 65) hold the covers in the two positions until they are manually released.

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

Abstract: An inputting device for a computer is disclosed. The inputting device includes a box-like housing, has a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, a palm pad cup movably disposed on the top of the box like housing, an automatic firing bottom disposed on the second side of the box like housing, a manual firing bottom disposed on the first side of the box like housing, four suction cups disposed on the bottom of the box like housing so that the inputting device for the computer will not move, and sufficient wire necessary for connecting the computer inputting device to the computer.

Abstract: A vehicular steering and transmission shifting control mechanism includes a transversally rockable control handle and a steering actuator element connected at the bottom thereof to selectively depress either a left or right actuating plunger of a hydraulic pilot valve assembly for effecting steering. The control handle is contoured to be easily grasped and to position an electrical switch actuating element for comfortable movement by an operator's thumb to change the speed of a multi-speed transmission through an associated electronic transmission control system. A three-way electrical switch actuating element at the front of the control handle is adapted to be rocked to select one of forward, neutral, and reverse modes of the transmission.

Abstract: A substantially spherical ball to be used in a cursor controlling mouse. The mouse ball is formed from a composition of silicone having zirconium dust dispersed uniformly throughout. The zirconium provides the added weight necessary to keep the ball rolling on a working surface, but is not sufficiently conductive to short electrical components in mouse. The uniform composition provides for the mouse ball to have its gravitional center coincident with its geometric center to inhibit cursor jitter when the mouse is manually moved.

Abstract: A cursor control and command input device for use with cathode ray tube displays is disclosed. The apparatus includes two cursor positioning spheres that are rotatably mounted within the reach of a user's thumbs without the user having to move his fingers from their current home position of the input device. In addition, devices for sensing the rotation of the spheres and generating output signals based upon such rotation is also provided. Command keys are also provided which are used in conjuction with the cursor positioning spheres to select various options or turn on and off the cursor positioning spheres and operated by the thumbs of the user without requiring that the user change the location of his fingers.

Abstract: A hand controller (10) is provided with which an operator can simultaneously control several degrees of freedom of a mechanism, for example a slave arm (18), single handedly. An operator's handle (12) is connected by four links serially arranged between the handle and elements (50, 48, 46, 42) to a platform (32), these links permitting rotation about three axes (A, B, C) and linear displacement towards and away from the platform (axis Z). The platform is connected by three parallel non-telescopic legs (34) to a base (30) so that the platform (32) (and so the handle 12) can be moved in directions (X and Y) perpendicular to the Z axis. Force and torque feedback may be provided to all motions of the hand controller (10).

Abstract: A manual transmission shift control arrangement adapted for use in combination with a remotely operated shift mechanism operatively connected thereto by means of a pair of push-pull cables. The shift control arrangement includes a support shaft horizontally mounted on a vehicle body structure for rotation about a first axis, a manual shift control lever having a lower end mounted on the support shaft for rotation about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, a drive bevel gear integrally mounted to the lower end of the control lever for rotation therewith, a pair of axially spaced driven bevel gears mounted on the support shaft for rotation therewith and being in meshing engagement with the drive bevel gear, and a pair of power take-off bevel gears rotatably mounted on an upstanding support shaft secured to the vehicle body structure and being in meshing engagement with the driven bevel gears, the power take-off bevel gears each having an arm portion for connection with each of the push-pull cables.

Abstract: The work implements on earthmoving and material handling vehicles are generally controlled with two or more operator control handles or pedals that do not intuitively correspond to the movement of the implement. Generally, the assignment of the implement linkages to the controls is entirely arbitrary, and there exists little correlation between the direction of movement of the implement linkages and those of the control levers and pedals. Inconsistencies also abound between manufacturers and even among different type vehicles within a single manufacturer. These problems compromise the ability and productivity of even the most skilled operator. The invention comprises of two multi-axis joysticks that provide the operator an intuitive control interface to the vehicle. The control system of the invention also provides a coordinated control for spatial placement of the end effector of the work implement.

Abstract: A slider travels on a first rod and a second rod. Both ends of the first rod are respectively connected to two first travellers which are capable of travelling along first guides arranged in parallel. Both ends of the second rod are respectively connected to two second travellers which are capable of travelling along second guides which are arranged in parallel and perpendicularly arranged to the first guides. The first rod moves the slider in a first direction with its travelling driven by a first drive. The second rod moves the slider in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with its travelling driven by a second drive. The movement in the first and the second directions makes two dimensional movement of the slider possible.

Abstract: A multifunction human digit control includes a rotating cylinder journalled in a movable bar slidable in a groove in a deflectable support track. Rotation of the cylinder by a thumb or finger generates a first motion signal and movement of either or both of the bar and the cylinder by tactile movement, generates a second motion signal, representing, for example, X-axis and Y-axis positions, respectively, of a cursor on a computer screen. Various types of motion detectors or encoders are disclosed to detect the various movements of the bar and cylinder. The mechanism also permits actuation of a switch or other motion detector in a Z-axis by deflection of any one of the bar, the cylinder or portions of the support track with respect to a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the overall control has its digit-operated tactile surfaces exposed in an aperture contained in a device casing, such as an opening in a computer keyboard or in an instrument housing or control panel.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling the hydraulic system of a construction machine, such as a hydraulic shovel, having a structure capable of being simply and quickly changed from one setup for another setup suitable for a desired mode of control operation. The control unit comprises a control lever pivotally supported for movement in longitudinal and transverse directions, and first and second link rods for transmitting the operating force of the control lever to first and second hydraulic control valves when the control lever is shifted in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively. An operating force transmitting member is put on the control lever so as to be rotatable about the axis of the control lever, and a locking member is mounted on the control lever so as to be slidable along the axis of the control lever and so as to be unable to rotate relative to the control lever.

Abstract: A control mechanism for operably controlling three functions of the loader mechanism on a tractor-loader is disclosed wherein a longitudinal, fore and aft movement of the control lever effects operation of one function, while a transverse movement of the control lever effects operation of a second function, and a rotational movement of the control lever about the axis thereof controls the third function of the loader mechanism. The control lever includes an elongated inner member affixed to a plate being supported from the frame by a universal joint permitting pivotal movement of the plate in the transverse and longitudinal directions in response to a corresponding manipulation of the control lever. The control lever also includes an elongated tubular member rotatably mounted on the inner member and connected to an additional linkage to translate rotational movement of the elongated tubular member into linear motion for controlling operation of an auxiliary device on the loader mechanism.

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

Abstract: A trackball-type input device (10) uses a retainer (114) to secure a ball (80) to a housing (12) so that a large segment (164) of the ball (80) protrudes from the housing (12) for manipulation by the user, thereby affording precise control over rotational movement of the ball (80).

Abstract: A light ball electronic mouse using a ball with a specific gravity between one and four, X and Y shaft encoders of substantially reduced diameter, and a pressure roller of substantially reduced force for controlling the position of a cursor in a video display.

Abstract: A two-axis hand controller including a human interface to simulate feel parameters for use in a vehicle having a pitch axis and a roll axis. A hollow grip having a base end is connected to a swash plate through a rigid connecting member. A universal joint having a center shaft member rigidly affixed to a first support surface and having roll and pitch pivot axis members is attached within the center of the hollow grip so as to provide dual palm pivot points. The swash plate includes an opening positioned so as to accept the shaft member through the opening and into the hollow grip. The swash plate is also flexibly engaged to the first support surface so as to allow for control of the human interface feel parameters. Apparatus for transducing is attached between the swash plate and the base so as to provide electrical signals responsive to movements in the pitch and roll axes without cross-coupling from one axis to the other.

Abstract: An earth moving machine comprises an earth moving tool, a plurality of drive elements arranged to move the earth moving tool in different directions, and a control unit operative for actuating the drive elements, the control unit including a single control member which is freely movable from an initial position toward all sides and additionally turnable about at least one turning axle, the control unit being further provided with at least one handle which is fixedly connected with the control member, the control unit also having sensors which respond to the movements of the control body in three mutually perpendicular directions and to the turning of the control body, the sensors being associated with the drive elements so that each of the drive elements causes a movement of the earth moving tool in a direction-synchronous manner with the movements and turning of the control member.

Abstract: On the go gear shifter for a small motorized apparatus such as a snow blower uses a gear shift handle movable along a slot and engageable in detent openings located on laterally opposed sides of the slot. An over-center cam mechanism is provided to bias the handle into the detent openings. The arrangement is advantageous in permitting the detent openings associated with different gear ratios to be closely spaced together.

Abstract: A point and select device is disclosed in which a sphere protruding from one major surface of a housing can serve as either a trackball or the moving element in a mouse. Actuators on either side of the device are selected according to the use of the device. The sense of motion for up/down is reversed between the two modes of operation.

Abstract: A three-function control lever is provided with a main ball joint operatively coupling the control lever to a console. An operator plate is coupled to the control lever for manipulating a first and second control link for manipulating an first and second hydraulic control valve. The first and second control links are coupled to the operator plate by first and second auxiliary ball joints. A radially extending arm projecting from the control lever controls the positioning of a third link for manipulating a third hydraulic control valve. The third link is coupled to the radially extending arm by a bell crank and auxiliary link. The auxiliary link is operatively coupled to the radially extending arm by a third auxiliary ball joint. A stabilizing link is operatively coupled to the operator plate and a fixed element to preventing the rotation of the operator plate when the control lever is twisted.

Abstract: A support arrangement which allows pivoting of a non-rotatable shaft has a flexure structure and a pair of axially-displaced inner and outer hubs respectively connected to, and disposed inwardly and outwardly of, the flexure structure. The flexure structure is composed of a disk-shaped flexural elements disposed in stacked, axially spaced relation to one another and connected peripherally one to the next. The flexural elements together define a frictionless, laterally stiff, fulcrum or pivot point about which the shaft can pivot through a predefined range of angular motion. The inner hub is attached to an inner end one of the flexural elements at an interior peripheral edge thereof, whereas the outer hub is attached to an outer end one of the flexural elements at an exterior peripheral edge thereof. The shaft extends axially through the bores in the hubs and an opening in the flexure structure along a common axis, and is rigidly attached to the inner hub.

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

Abstract: The hand grip of a vehicle steering control rotates about an axis passing through the center of the wrist. Control input is by rotation of the forearm while forces exerted by the operator radially from or parallel to the axis of rotation do not cause control input. A transducer, sensing hand grip position, is restrained only in rotation and isolated from forces acting on the hand grip.

Abstract: A manually controlled ball is rotatable in any direction at variable speeds to operate a pair of perpendicular rotatable shafts. Each shaft is rotated at a speed of and direction dependent upon the direction and speed of rotation of the manually operated ball. An encoder disk is mounted on each shaft. The direction and speed of the disk rotation is translated into electrical signals.

Abstract: A shift linkage is used in combination with a shift lever displaceable in two substantially perpendicular directions and with a transmission having an operating shaft extending along an axis and displaceable axially and angularly to change gears. The linkage comprises a first selecting lever extending radially from the shaft, fixed for joint angular movement with the shaft, and having an outer and forming a plurality of like attachment points and a second selecting lever pivoted on the transmission and having one end engaged with the shaft for joint axial movement while permitting relative angular movement and another end forming a plurality of like attachment points.

Abstract: A remote control mechanism has a gear lever 1 pivotable about mutually perpendicular axes 2 and 3 of which the latter is the longitudinal axis of a torque tube 19. When pivoted about the axis 3, the gear lever will rotate the torque tube 19 about its axis and cause, via a lever arm 23, a translational movement of the core 26 of a short push-pull cable 27 to effect a rail select movement of a gear select and shift finger. When the gear lever 1 is pivoted about the axis 2, an arm 7 fast with the gear lever will translate the core 8 of a relatively long push-pull cable 9 to cause the finger to shift the selected rail and so effect a gear change. The point of interconnection 10 of the core 8 with the arm 7 will make arcuate movement about the axis 3 of the torque 19 when the gear lever is pivoted about that axis in the rail select mode, and such arcuate movement will tend to cause unwanted rail shift translation of the core 8 with attendant possible baulking of the gear change system.

Abstract: The posture of a front loader attached to a vechicle body is controllable by an apparatus which comprises an engaging portion provided on a control lever, an engageable member pivoted to a fixed member on the vehicle body and releasably engageable with the engaging portion when the control lever is positioned for lowering the boom of the loader and for moving the work implement of the loader for scooping, an implement sensor for detecting whether the angle between the implement and the boom is an angle which provides contact of a work implement bottom surface parallel with horizontal ground, and a release interlocking mechanism operatively connected to the sensor and to the engageable member for moving the engageable member to a released position where the member is not engageable with the engaging portion upon the sensor detecting that the work implement is at the angle.

Abstract: A power take-off control lever arrangement in which a single control lever 32 controls an engine speed power take-off clutch C2, a ground speed power take-off clutch C2 and a power take-off brake B. The control lever 32 is movable between positions C1' and B' in which switches 28 and 29 are operated to initiate engagement of the engine speed clutch C1 and brake B respectively which are both hydraulically operated. Lever 32 is also movable against the action of spring loading 49, to a position G in which it engages a fork 43 of a mechanical actuating system 43, 41, 31 for the ground speed clutch C2. Movement of lever 32 from position G to position C2' moves the mechanical actuating system to engage clutch C2. Lever 32 is only movable from position C2' to positions C1' and B' via position G to ensure disengagement of the ground speed clutch C2 before initiation of the engagement of the engine speed clutch c1 or the brake B.

Abstract: Control apparatus for effecting control of thrust magnitude and thrust vector angle for aircraft of the short take-off and vertical landing type known by the acronym STOVL comprises a fixed housing (10), a manually movable stick member (7) supported with respect to the fixed housing (10) and arranged to provide a throttle input, the stick member (7) including a grip (8) to enable it to be gripped and moved manually relative to the fixed housing (10), and a rotatable collar (9) arranged to provide the thrust vector angle input. Preferably the grip includes an upright hand-datum flange (13) for positively laterally locating a controlling hand and the hand-datum flange (13) is located at one extremity of the grip (8) and the collar (9) is located at the other extremity of the grip (8).

Abstract: A multifunction human digit control includes a rotating cylinder journalled in a movable bar slidable in a groove in a deflectable support track. Rotation of the cylinder by a thumb or finger generates a first motion signal and movement of either or both of the bar and the cylinder by tactile movement, generates a second motion signal, representing, for example, X-axis and Y-axis positions, respectively, of a cursor on a computer screen. Various types of motion detectors or encoders are disclosed to detect the various movements of the bar and cylinder. The mechanism also permits actuation of a switch or other motion detector in a Z-axis by deflection of any one of the bar, the cylinder or portions of the support track with respect to a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the overall control has its digit-operated tactile surfaces exposed in an aperture contained in a device casing, such as an opening in a computer keyboard or in an instrument housing or control panel.

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

Abstract: An operating device for inputting the coordinate positions of a controlled object that moves across a screen. The present invention is directed to obviating the problems of the prior art involving the bad operability of a knob which requires rotation through a large angle to move the controlled object across the screen, and the short life-span of the knob due to frequent use. In order to overcome these problems, the rotational number of a main shaft is increased by a rotational number increasing mechanism and the rotational number of the output shaft of the rotational number increasing mechanism is optically or magnetically detected. The present invention is therefore suitable for use as an operating device for a TV game machine.

Abstract: An X-Y input apparatus is suitable for a graphic display apparatus and a pattern input apparatus. The X-Y input apparatus includes a rotatable ball, first and second rotating shafts provided in contact with the rotatable ball and orthogonally arranged in an X-Y direction, and a rotatable-angle detector. A stepped-portion is formed on each portion of the first and second rotating members, adjacent to the contacting portion for the rotatable ball. Then, the contamination such as dust is transferred from the rotatable roller to the grooves formed on the first and second rotating members, but is not deposited on the stepped-portion.

Abstract: An operating device for transmission comprising a change lever, a shift cable connected to the change lever, a bell crank, a select cable connected to the first arm of the bell crank, a bearing base, an operating shaft of which the middle part is fixed with the change lever, a first bearing provided on the bearing base to be connected with a supported end of the operating shaft rotatably and inclinably, a second bearing provided at the free end of the operating shaft for the rotatable connection with the second arm of the bell crank, a fixed shaft, of which one end is fixed to the bearing base, projecting from the bearing base, a third bearing provided at the other end of the fixed shaft to support the middle part of the bell crank rotatably and a spring disposed so as to be inserted by the fixed shaft with both ends fixed to the operating shaft.

Abstract: A joystick control unit. The control unit includes a controller, such as a handle, transmitting coil, plurality of receiving coils, and plurality of substrates. The handle may be subjected to spring forces which bias the controller toward a neutral position. The transmitting coil is made of electrically conducting paths on one substrate, and the receiving coils are made of electrically conducting paths on another substrate. One of the substrates is connected to the controller and, together with the controller, is movable in relation to the other substrate, which is located in a substantially fixed position. The controller and interconnected substrate may be moved in a variety of positions such that the controller and attached substrate have at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An aircraft flight control stick is mounted on a gimbal which provides left, right, forward and aft pivotal motion of the stick. A pivot member that is mechanically linked to the aircraft flight controls is attached to the gimbal through a uni-ball bearing which allows the pivot member to pivot independently of the control stick. A bell-shaped housing is slidably mounted on the control stick. The housing is spring-biased downward toward the pivot member so that a stud protruding upward from the pivot member plugs into a socket in the housing. A lever assembly mounted on the control stick and attached to the housing can be actuated to slide the housing away from the pivot member, thereby unplugging the stud from the socket to disengage the control stick from the aircraft flight controls. The downward facing housing circumscribes all possible motion of the stud while the control stick is disengaged. Release of the lever assembly allows a spring to urge the housing downward toward the stud.

Abstract: A control system for a working machine which has a boom equipped with a working implement at its forward end and pivoted to a vehicle body movably about a vertical axis, and control valve for controlling the movement of the boom. The system comprises a variable resistor for setting a target position where the boom is to be stopped to produce a setting signal, a sensor for detecting the moved position of the boom to produce a detection signal, differential device for determining the difference between the setting signal and the detection signal to produce a difference signal, a detector for detecting the direction of movement of the boom from the magnitude of the difference signal, a pulse-width modulator for subjecting the difference signal to pulse-width modulation to produce a pulse signal, and a driver for driving the control valve by the pulse signal in the detected direction in proportion to the difference signal.

Abstract: An ergonomically-shaped hand controller of the type commonly referred to as a "mouse", is specially configured to prevent or reduce hand muscle fatigue despite continuous use over a protracted period of time. A housing for receiving the anterior surface of the hand comprises an arched metacarpalphalangeal support surface, distal phalange support surfaces for the volar pads of the thumb and forefinger and a medial ledge for supporting the remaining three ulnar fingers in a partially wrapped configuration with flexion of the distal, middle and proximal phalanges.

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

Abstract: A video simulation machine creates simulations of various movements, such as flying or driving. The machine has an enclosed cockpit containing movement controls and may be occupied by one or two persons. The machine can rotate 360.degree. in any direction, thus simulating movement (simulataneous pitch, roll, and yaw) and providing the occupant or occupants with the sensations of both position and respective motion, constant, acceleration or deceleration. The monitor inside the cockpit, which displays any given simulated picture, responds through a computer to the movements of the machine via simultaneous interaction of visual, and mechanical motions. The rotating parts of the simulator are driven by electric motors, which are interactively controlled by both the operator and the computer.

Abstract: Two toroidal magnets are spaced apart form each other by a ferrous spherical spacer. The spacer partially engages openings provided in the two magnet surfaces facing each other. The facing magnet surfaces have the same polarity, repelling each other. The configuration creates a stable equilibrium by conduction of the magnetic flux through the spacer and the repulsive forces at the periphery of the magnets. Four "Hall Effect" sensors are mounted to one of the magnets. These sensors detect minute changes in the device's magnetic field caused by relative rotation or other movement of the magnets. A third magnet may be added for tactile sensor applications, allowing evaluation of the pressure exerted on the device.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair has at least two power-steered, driven wheels (15,16,17,18). Preferably, all of the wheels (15,16,17,18) are driven and power-steered such that the wheelchair turns about a point on a transverse axis (X) of the vehicle, and may preferably also pivot on the spot. This turning is preferably achieved by a rotatable steering assembly (1) having steering drive cams (3,4), steering return cams (5,6) and flexible transmission members (13,14).