Abstract: An improved joystick controller is disclosed in which the controller has a handle which is pivotally mounted in a base. An electrical cord carries the signal generated by the joystick controller from the base. The improvement comprises a ring and a spacer for positioning the ring spaced apart from the base. An outer housing encloses the base, the spacer and the ring with the housing having a substantially planar surface. The substantially planar surface has a radius of curvature which is greater than the outer ring of the ring. A cylindrically shaped member is mounted near the center of the planar surface. The member has a radius of curvature less than the inner radius of the ring and is positioned such that the ring passes through the member and rests on the surface. Thus, the rotation of the handle about its pivotal axis causes the cord to be wound or unwound about the spacer in the housing.

Abstract: The trackball device includes two supports for the trackball, each of which has a code wheel associated therewith. The journals on the end of each shaft and the bearing surfaces of the pillow block associated with the shaft are constructed to have substantially point contact and thereby minimize friction.

Abstract: An electric device for adjusting the angle of reflection of a mirror mounted on a motor vehicle. The mirror is pivotally connected to an actuator unit housing containing two actuators. Two adjusting nuts each having a movable pivot are respectively moved forward or backward by their actuators so as to adjust the angle of the mirror. The device of the invention is characterized by having a first guide means and/or a second guide means for controlling the direction of inclination, horizontal or vertical, of the mirror so as to prevent the mirror from being obliquely displaced during the operation of the motor vehicle. The first guide means comprises a cross-shaped member provided in front of the actuator unit housing and a cross-shaped groove, engaging therewith, provided on a mirror holder. Alternatively, the first guide means may comprise a cross pin, one of the two axes thereof being supported on the actuator unit housing, the other axis thereof being supported on the mirror holder.

Abstract: A holder for a joystick controller for video games, video computer systems and the like to facilitate operation of the joystick controller without developing hand cramps, muscle fatigue and muscle soreness and to provide the requisite stability and leverage needed for proper operation of the joystick controller. The holder includes a generally planar panel of convenient size having a slot or notch formed in one edge thereof for receiving the joystick controller. In one embodiment, the controller is retained in place by frictional engagement with the edges of the slot or notch. In another embodiment, the controller is retained in place by a pair of retaining straps and in a third embodiment, the controller is retained in place by a one-piece retainer with the embodiments having the two straps or the one-piece retainer secured to the upper surface of the panel and providing openings for the base of the controller and the firing button or "red" button alongside of the joystick.

Abstract: A control mechanism includes a control lever extending through an opening in a guide plate into a housing where it is pivotally attached. A frustoconical member is slidably mounted on the lever and spring-urged against the opening, tending to return the lever to a control position. A control plate is attached to the frustoconical member and can operate switch actuators.

Abstract: Control apparatus for video games has a control handle spaced apart from and joined to a separate housing by a connecting rod. The housing is contoured and securable to a user's arm, and forms an anchor point for manipulation of the control handle. The user may choose between variable resistive controls and switch controls which operate responsive to movement of the control handle and/or the connecting rod. Multiple individual controls may also be mounted on the handle to control other game functions. Plates having cutouts formed therethrough are attachable to the housing, with the control rod protruding therethrough, the movement of the control rod may thereby be limited by contact with the periphery of the cutout, preventing simultaneous engagement of two or more signal controls.

Abstract: A universal lever apparatus having a first rod and a second rod each for actuating an operated member, an operation lever connected to the first rod and the second rod and pivotally movable in a first direction for moving the first rod and in a second direction for moving the second rod, and lock mechanism for locking the operation lever. The lock mechanism includes a manually operated device operatively connected to the operation lever for pivotally moving the operation lever to a rearward position in which the operation lever does not interfere with movement of a driver without causing effective movements of the first and second rods, the manually operated device being movable between an unlock position in which the pivotal movement of the operation lever causes the effective movement of the first and second rods and a lock position in which the operation lever is located in the rearward position.

Abstract: A control stick assembly capable of conversion between an automatic return mode and a free-floating mode is disclosed. The control stick assembly comprises a control stick, a pair of potentiometers, linkages coupling the control stick to the potentiometers, spring means for urging the control stick toward a select position and means for reversibly disengaging the spring means.

Abstract: A mechanism for connecting and disconnecting return springs for multiple axis analog control sticks. The control stick, movable in two axes, can be fully spring centered along both axes, spring centered along one axis and frictionally positioned along the other axis, or freely frictionally positioned along both axes. Externally accessible pins are selectably operable to engage or disengage the centering springs to change control stick modes. Additionally, motion of the control stick in one or both axes may be substantially inhibited by the pins.

Abstract: In a contactless switch, a magnet is mounted on a rod for movement against the action of a spring to actuate a Hall effect switch. A contactless joy stick switch comprises a rod (20) supported and normally maintained in alignment with an axis (22) by an elastomeric spring (28). A plurality of Hall effect switches (42) are mounted in a circular array around the axis for actuation by a magnet (26) mounted on the rod upon displacement of the rod out of alignment with the axis. A contactless push button switch comprises a magnet (86) supported on a rod (74) which is supported for sliding movement along an axis (78) against the action of a spring (82). Displacement of the magnet (86) actuates a Hall effect switch (94). Another contactless push button switch (100) includes magnets (106, 108) positioned to actuate a Hall effect switch (110) upon sliding movement of a rod (74') against the action of a spring (82').

Abstract: A monitor game machine comprising a cock-pit or driver cabin in which a player is seated, a monitor disposed at the front of said cock-pit, and a steering device operated by the player in response to pictures displayed on the screen of said monitor. The driver seat is inclined backward and forward, and right and left in response to the movement of said steering device.

Abstract: A remote controller is disclosed for controlling the throttle, brake and steering mechanism of a conventional motor vehicle, with the remote controller being particularly advantageous for use by severely handicapped individuals. The controller includes a remote manipulator which controls a plurality of actuators through interfacing electronics. The remote manipulator is a two-axis joystick which controls a pair of linear actuators and a rotary actuator, with the actuators being powered by electric motors to effect throttle, brake and steering control of a motor vehicle adapted to include the controller. The controller enables the driver to control the adapted vehicle from anywhere in the vehicle with one hand with minimal control force and range of motion. In addition, even though a conventional vehicle is adapted for use with the remote controller, the vehicle may still be operated in the normal manner.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair containing a novel steering mechanism which is operable using only low effort by the user. The wheelchair is rugged in design, and very maneuverable thus permitting use both indoors and out-of-doors. The design enables the user to overcome obstacles commonly encountered in use out-of-doors. The device incorporates a single joy stick to control steering while also selectably regulating between forward and reverse direction of motivation.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus for a vehicle rearview mirror including a control device disposed inside the vehicle and connected, by way of two transmission cables, to a mirror actuating device disposed inside the rearview mirror housing, on the exterior of the vehicle. The control device has a support member in which two transmission members are mounted for sliding in parallel and a control member pivotally and rotatably mounted to the support member. Each of the transmission members are connected to a transmission cable. One of the transmission members has a slot located in a place perpendicular to its sliding axis, in which slot is engaged one end of the control lever. The other of the transmission members has a slot inclined relative to the plane perpendicular to the sliding axis. A pin extends from the control member in a direction perpendicular to the one end thereof and engages the slot in the other transmission member.

Abstract: A joystick assembly includes a relatively soft plastic frame and a relatively hard shaft extending through an opening in the frame which is dimensioned to accommodate limited pivotal movement of the shaft. A metal wear member is insert molded in the frame and has an aperture therethrough congruent with the opening in the frame to limit movement of the shaft and prevent wear of the frame around the opening therein. Three different shapes of opening are disclosed for different ranges of pivotal movement.

Abstract: A combination keyboard/joystick controller is provided in which a joystick shaft is pivotally mounted on one end. The shaft passes through elongated apertures in two parallel plates. Each plate is capable of moving along an axis in response to joystick movement along that axis, and each plate is coupled to a potentiometer which therefore provides an analog output indicative of joystick movement along the two axes.Also provided is a keyboard mounted on a flex circuit. An array of keys including a conductive material cooperate to cause electrical contact between traces on the flex circuit.

Abstract: A cursor control device having particular application to a computer display system is disclosed. The cursor control includes a unitary frame, having a domed portion substantially surrounding and retaining a ball which is free to rotate. X-Y position indicating means are provided, such that rotation of the ball provides signals indicative of X-Y positions on the display system. The ball is free to "float" in the vertical direction within the dome, and thereby maintain good surface contact. X-Y positions are established by movement of the control device over a surface. A display system and method is disclosed for use in conjunction with the cursor control device, which permits a user to select command options simply by movement of the displayed cursor over a "pull-down" menu bar.

Abstract: A lever operator for use primarily with valves of the plug type in which a tapered plug is raised to unseat associated slips and then rotated to a valve open position during opening of the valve and is rotated to a valve close position and lowered to seat the associated slips for closing the valve. The lever operator comprises an elongated lever arm having an eccentric cam at one end thereof connected to the trunnion of the valve to which the invention is assembled and also comprises a unique dual slot gate mechanism which houses the lever arm and restricts the motion of the arm to the requisite vertical and rotational movement which must be carried out in the appropriate sequence to properly operate the tapered plug mechanism of the valve.

Abstract: The invention comprehends a remote control mechanism comprising a control device, a controlled device, and push-pull control links operatively connected at one end to said control device and at the opposite end to said controlled device, said control device being supported for pivotal movement about mutually displaced axes, said controlled device including controlled means supported for linear movement along a longitudinal axis and pivotal movement about said longitudinal axis, said control links being coincidentally moved in response to pivotal movement of said control device about one of said mutually displaced axes to effect pivotal movement of said controlled means about said longitudinal axes, and said central links being differentially relatively moved in response to pivotal movement of said control device about the other of said mutually displaced axes to effect linear movement of said controlled means along said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Hall effect elements are placed in proximity to magnets in such a way that the position of the magnets relative to the Hall elements is a function of the position of a joystick controller. In this way, the position of the joystick can be "read" by a machine by reference to the Hall effect voltage.

Abstract: A transmission system for a vehicle such as a farm tractor comprises a solenoid-operated reversible multispeed transmission (twelve speeds forward and four reverse); an electronic control circuit for operating solenoids in the transmission to effect shifting; and a single lever control device including a manually operable control lever movable from neutral to forward or reverse positions and between upshift and downshift directions when in each position to operate electric switches which are connected to the electronic control circuit to effect desired shifting of the transmission.

Abstract: A force control member assembly 1 comprises a force control member unit 2 carried by an intermediate member 3, the intermediate member 3 itself being attached to a fixed bracket 4 by pivot means 5 allowing resilient movement of the intermediate member 3 with respect to the fixed bracket 4 about pitch and roll axes as shown at 6. The force control member unit 2 includes a force control member and force transducer means associated therewith to generate force control signals related to control forces applied to the force control member. In use, when a control force is applied to the control member, a force control signal will be generated simultaneously with a significant displacement of the intermediate member with respect to the fixed member. The intermediate member will return to a median position on removal of a control force; this imparts a `feel` characteristic to the assembly.

Abstract: A two-way control lever includes a pair of shafts journalled in a cab wall for transmitting motion from a handle of the lever to control functions located exteriorly of the cab. The pair of shafts and their support bearings adequately seal holes provided in a cab wall section for their installation for preventing the transmission of noise therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus is manually operated to actuate one or more fluid responsive devices. The apparatus has a plate supporting a plurality of spool valves. A control rod connected to a bearing member movably mounted on the plate supports a member engageable with the actuator of the spool valves. A spring located between the plate and member biases the control rod to a neutral position.

Abstract: A trackball device includes a housing containing a plurality of rotatable supports and a ball seated thereon with a portion of the ball projecting through an opening in the housing for manual rotation by a user. First and second ones of the supports comprise shafts respectively rotatable about orthogonally related axes, the shafts being rotatably mounted in bearings receivable in slots in the housing accommodating slight movement thereof in directions perpendicular to the plane of the ball opening. Bias springs resiliently urge the bearings, and thereby the shafts and ball toward the ball opening. The device may also include illumination means and a light-transmitting ball.

Abstract: A transmission control mechanism for a vehicle having a dual hydrostatic transmission vehicle drive system having a first and second lever mounted to respective displacement control rods of transmission pump units. A cross member communicates with the levers via connecting rods. A steering column is mounted to the cross member. The steering column is mounted in the vehicle such that it can experience simultaneous rotational and pivotal motion. Pivoting of the steering column causes the pump units to displace with a constant relative displacement, and rotation of the steering column causes the pumps to displace with a differential relative displacement.

Abstract: Control handle structure of an excavation work vehicle comprising; two maneuvering levers (14),(15) operable crosswise in back-and-forth and right-and-left directions of the vehicle body, maneuvering valves (V.sub.1), (V.sub.2),(V.sub.5),(V.sub.8) for boom swiveling, arm rocking, bucket pivoting and boom up-and-down rocking, and an interlocking mode change-over mechanism (30) disposed between said two maneuvering levers (14),(15) and said maneuvering valves (V.sub.1),(V.sub.2),(V.sub.5),(V.sub.8) for changing the mode of the interlocking therebetween, whereby any maneuvering mode properly suited to an operator may be readily realized, thus resulting in enhancing work efficiency and decreasing possibility of erroneous maneuvering.

Abstract: There is described a control device for actuating a pair of hydraulic spool valves arranged, for example, side-by-side in a valve block. The device includes a two-arm actuating member such that when the actuating member is pivotted about the axis of one of the arms the other arm operates its associated valve and vice versa, the valves being operatively connected to its respective arm through a follower.

Abstract: A remote control system in which control signals from a transmitter are sent to receivers mounted in a number of cars, or other vehicles. Manually operated controllers for the respective vehicles are connected to the transmitter. The transmitter is capacitively coupled to the receivers, and there is no conversion of the control signals into modulated radio frequency carriers in the embodiment to be described. The track on which the cars are propelled is coated with a conductive material which forms one plate of a capacitor, the other plate being formed by a second conductor which extends around the track and which is spaced and insulated from the conductive coating. Under some circumstances, the second conductor may be ground. Each car forms two additional capacitor plates within the first capacitor to provide capacitive coupling between the transmitter and the cars.

Abstract: A twin control lever arrangement for the control of three functions such as hydraulic valves. The arrangement includes a first control lever (10) mounted on a first mounting means (12) for pivoting about first (A) and second (B) perpendicular axes to operate first and second functions respectively and a second control lever (13) mounted on a second mounting means (15) for pivoting about a third axis (C) aligned with the first axis (A) and a fourth axis (D) parallel to the second axis (B). Pivoting of the second lever (13) about the third axis (C) operates the third function and a link member (32) extends generally perpendicularly to the two control levers (10,13) to operatively connect the levers by way of pivotal connections at both ends of the link member so that the two levers pivot together about the second and fourth axes to allow either lever to operate the second function.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the control members of a transmitter used for sending radio signals to a receiver in a model airplane which emulates the actions of a pilot in a cockpit on board an aircraft.

Abstract: A manually-operable joystick is mounted for universal pivoting motion as by means of spherical bearing and journal means and is biased toward a neutral position so as to return automatically thereto upon release of manual constraint.

Abstract: An improved two-axis electromechanical controller for controlling a dynamic process is described herein and comprises a hand grip coupled to two gimbal elements having mutually perpendicular axes of rotation, adjustable spring centering means mounted eccentric to the said axes of rotation and an adjustable counterweight for resisting displacement forces on the grip and restoring the grip to a reference position when a displacement force is removed, and electrical transducers for sensing the angular positions of each gimbal element. The force versus displacement relationship of the controller of the described invention is smooth and monotone, and may be adjusted to be substantially linear.

Abstract: A device for the fine adjustment in all three directions in space of an instrument arranged on a base by means of an actuating member. The actuating member consists of a handle the turning of which acts, via a universal joint, on the parts of the base adapted to provide vertical displacement of the instrument, and of an inner lever which when moved around the pivot point defined by the universal joint effects the horizontal displacement of the instrument with respect to a base plate. The inner lever is swingable towards all sides in a sleeve firmly connected with the base and its lower end is adapted with a ball foot which rests directly on the base plate. The bearing sleeve of the inner lever is arranged in or near the plane of the cardan joint; the radius of the ball foot corresponds to the distance between the bearing sleeve and the base plate.

Abstract: A lever operated control for two transverse shafts connected for rotating drive control devices. The lever rotates in a first plane normal to a shaft and in second plane in the direction of the shaft. Two spring elements connect the shafts and lever maintaining the lever in a neutral position until operated.

Abstract: A joystick controller in which a conventional handle is moveable radially with respect to its axis relative to an axial pivot location from the nominal rest position of the handle is disclosed. A plurality of pressure-actuated switches are disposed in a common plane normal to the axis of the handle in its rest position. The switches circumscribe the approximate pivot location of the handle. A deformable resilient annular member is superimposed over the switches. The annular member is fixed to the handle so that displacement of the handle from its rest position causes an arcuate portion of the annular member to press against at least one of the switches. The annular member thus actuates selected switches depending on the direction in which the handle is displaced by the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manual control means for motor-assisted manual control of a motor-driven member.A control handle bears against the centre of a deformable diaphragm in the form of a cross. The outer end of each of the arms of the diaphragm is mounted to pivot freely in a fixed support means. When the diaphragm is deformed by movements of the handle, pairs of strain gauges attached to each of the arms produce electrical signals which are processed for use to control the motor-driven member to cause it to be driven in the sense of the movement of the handle.

Abstract: A six-axes manipulator consists of a central tubular support 30 equipped with four bearings A, B, C, D at 90.degree. to each other, disposed in a plane XOY perpendicular to the axis ZZ' of the tubular support, a ring 110 with a diameter larger than that of a section of the tubular support, the ring carrying a gripping and control handle, and rigid and elastic means 120, 121, 122, 123 to support said ring on said tubular support, in such a manner that, at rest, said ring presents itself coaxially with said tubular support. Each bearing A, B, C, D is equipped with at least four force sensors.

Abstract: A squeeze type manual actuator including a control arm with a pair of hand grips extending from the upper end of the arm, at least one of the hand grips being mounted on the arm for movement toward and away from the other hand grips. The hand grips are provided with gripping pads and have a normal spacing in which the pads are respectively engageable by the palm and finger tips of one hand of the operator. The movable hand grip engages a plunger having a return spring. A signal producing device is coupled to the plunger for producing an output signal of pre-selected polarity and which varies in accordance with plunger displacement. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the arm has upper and lower sections with limited lost motion between them in opposite directions from a neutral position.

Abstract: A control stick assembly has a crank coupling the control stick to the input shaft of one potentiometer and a bail coupling the control stick to the input shaft of the other potentiometer. There are no other connections between the control stick and the remainder of the assembly to bear loads exerted on the control stick. The bail furnishes mechanical stability to the control stick support because it is connected to the housing of the assembly at two places on either side of the control stick. This eliminates the cantilever effect of the control stick support without substantially increasing the number of parts or design complexity.

Abstract: An operating device for a swivel working machine so constructed that a fluid pressure motor disposed at the vehicle body is rotated in the forward and reverse directions and stopped by a control valve disposed on the swivel base, and that speed change gears between said motor and travelling means are interlockingly connected to a swing lever disposed at said swivel base. Said lever is constructed so as to be swingingly operated in two directions and its swing operations in one direction and in the other direction may operate said control valve and said speed change gears, respectively.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism (92) is provided between a valve spool (62) and a valve actuating lever (26) whereby with the lever (26) locked in a selected position, the mechanism (92) is manipulated to move an element (99) carried by the valve spool (62) into alignment with an indicator (110) that has been predetermined to be the selected setting of the valve. With the element (99) aligned with the indicator (110), the mechanism (92) is locked so that the valve spool (62) is in the selected setting when the lever (26) is in the selected position. A lockdown apparatus (70) is provided for use in locking the lever (26) in the selected position while the adjusting mechanism (92) is being manipulated.

Abstract: A control lever mechanism for controlling the operative position of a plurality of control valves of a hydraulic distributor by coupling movement of a control lever into selected motion of a pair of rotatable output shafts controlling operation of the valves. Movement of the control lever in planes extending in a longitudinal, transverse, or combination of these directions, is transmitted to the output shaft through interconnecting linkages employing a plurality of spherical joints. The control lever mechanism also includes provisions to protect the linkages from being adversely affected by the introduction of foreign substances such as dirt and other elements.

Abstract: A front wheel drive narrow track passenger and/or cargo vehicle possesses some of the maneuverability of a motorcycle while providing the comparative safety and greater utility of a four wheeled automotive vehicle. Steering and tilting of the vehicle is counteract centrifugal force on curves is under control of a universally movable lever resembling an aircraft joy stick. A vehicle main frame forms a peripheral buffer around the entire vehicle.

Abstract: A three axes controller comprises a support platform in which a first carriage is mounted for movement in a first direction fore and aft of a first neutral position. A second carriage is mounted on the first carriage for movement in the direction of a second axis fore and aft of a second neutral position. A third carriage is mounted on the second carriage for movement in the direction of a third axis fore and aft of a third neutral position. Centering springs are provided for centering each carriage with respect to its neutral position. The first, second and third axes are orthogonally arranged and have a common origin when the carriages are in their neutral positions. A control lever is supported by a gimbal mounted on the first carriage at a point spaced from the proximal and distal ends thereof and a universal joint is provided at the distal end of the control lever for mounting the distal end on the third carriage.

Abstract: An electrical control device having a joystick or lever manually movable in the X and Y directions to actuate a pair of electrical components having respective rotatable shafts. The controller includes a housing having a top cover provided with an opening through which the lever extends. The lower end of the lever is pivotally mounted in a socket on the bottom of the housing and a ball joint is carried by the lever intermediate its ends. The ball joint is pivotally coupled to a control plate shiftable in the housing beneath the top cover, the plate being biased into an equilibrium position by a number of leaf springs normally engaging respective side margins of the plate. The plate has a pair of slots in its lower surface, the slots being mutually perpendicular and vertical projections on the outer ends of a pair of bell cranks are shiftably received within respective slots in the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mechanical handling machinery and equipment or load handling devices (manipulators).The device of the invention comprises a housing accommodating a number of distributors made as spring-opposed directional control spool valves movable from an actuating member. One group of the control spool valves forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the actuating member, while the other group has one arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the actuating member, and the other valve is situated lengthwise of the axis.The actuating member has two articulately interconnected levers of which one is provided with a knob and a ring for cooperation with one of the control spool valves in the first group of the directional control spool valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control mechanism for multi-speed bicycles in which operation of both the front and rear derailleurs is performed by a single lever.

Abstract: The hand control mechanism has the ability to receive two alternative modes of input for the given mode of output. The mechanism includes a handled lever extending into a housing rotatably mounted to a frame, and a bell crank rotatably mounted to said housing. The handled lever can be moved longitudinally to a first or second position. The first position communicates the lever to a plurality of gears such that rotating the lever about its longitudinal axis rotates the bell crank about the housing. Placing the lever in the second position the bell crank is restrained from rotating free of the housing which can be rotated directly by the lever, rotation of the bell crank being the assigned mode of output.

Abstract: A single lever control system for controlling the operation of multiple functions. A single control lever is coupled through linkage to effect individual movement of a plurality of valve spools in a hydraulic system and is supported for movement in predetermined paths to effect operation of the controls for the hydraulic system. Movement of the control lever effects operation of the hydraulic system in response to movement of the lever in a predetermined path.