Abstract: A hand controller which includes a hand grip having therein a mechanism for allowing truly linear motion along at least two axes by modifying a four-bar linkage with a second four-bar linkage to counteract any rotational motion that would otherwise occur.

Abstract: Disclosed is an input device for a computing machine which allows a user to input one, two, three, or more position signals controlling the same number of parameters. Such parameters can be the x, y, and z axis positions of a cursor on a display. The present invention includes structures for encoding the movement of the users fingers into position signals. The present invention is arranged so the differential movement of two of the user's fingers in a first plane generates one of the position signals. The differential movement provides that as a first finger is moved, a second finger is moved in an opposite direction and an amount proportional to the movement of the first finger. The differential movement of the user's fingers allows for more efficient, precise, and less tiresome operation by a user than with other input devices. Embodiments of the present invention can possess movement in one, two, three, or more, degrees of freedom and are able to generate one, two three, or more, position signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing throttle control linkage for an internal combustion engine having a pivotally-mounted injector lever for movement between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position to control a fuel injector pump is disclosed and comprises a throttle control lever mounted for movement between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, a pivotally-mounted bellcrank having an arcuate slot formed therein, first linkage structure operatively connected between the throttle control lever and the pivotally-mounted bellcrank and second linkage structure operatively connected between the arcuate slot and the pivotally-mounted injector lever. The arcuate slot is formed along a predetermined radius from the connection of the second linkage means on the pivotally-mounted injector lever when the throttle control lever and the pivotally-mounted injector lever are positioned in the first predetermined position.

Abstract: A control lever assembly e.g.

Abstract: A controller for a railway locomotive is provided having a first control handle which controls propulsion power and braking power, and a second control handle which controls the direction of movement of the locomotive. The controller includes first and second shafts having a plurality of cams fixed thereto for actuating propulsion and braking power control contacts. Additional cams are rotatably mounted on the second shaft for actuating contacts which control the direction in which the locomotive travels. The first control handle is connected to a drive gear which is operatively connected by two lost motion mechanisms to the first and second control shafts. By manually operating the first control handle, the drive gear and two lost motion mechanisms selectively and alternatively rotate the first and second shafts so as to control propulsion power and braking power for the locomotive.

Abstract: Three functions on a work vehicle are controlled by two interconnected levers. The first lever controls the first and second functions and the second lever controls the first and third functions. The control levers are interconnected by a yoke having three downwardly projecting tangs. Two of the tangs are provided with connections points for the first and second control function linkages. The third tang provides a mounting point for a ball joint. A stub shaft is coupled to the yoke and the main ball joint and projects from the yoke into a stationary guide slot. The second lever is mounted to the stub shaft and the yoke. The second lever is also provided with a link having a connection point for the third control function linkage.

Abstract: A control device for stopping and/or starting plate saws, for a plate saw having at least one workpiece support table operably associated therewith. An actuation member is provided which is accessible to an operator positioned adjacent the workpiece support table or behind it, or between two or more tables. The actuation member is a bar-shaped member, rotatably supported about an axis extending beneath and parallel to a longitudinal edge of a table surface of one of the workpiece support tables.

Abstract: A digital power controller for an aircraft having a computer controlled propulsion system is disclosed. A movable handle is in electronic communication with a computer of the propulsion system. The handle is positionable is a neutral location for maintaining the aircraft at a substantially constant velocity and for resetting power command functions. The handle is also positionable in locations forward the neutral location for commanding increasing acceleration rates of the aircraft. The handle is positionable in locations aft the neutral location for commanding increasing deceleration rates of the aircraft. A switch associated with the movable handle is engagable at the forward end aft positions for commanding velocity hold and for permitting reposition of the handle to the neutral location for resetting power command functions.

Abstract: Control levers for controlling load handling devices are pivotally supported by an eccentric shaft portion of an adjusting shaft. The rotation of the adjusting shaft allows the control levers to move along a circular locus together with the eccentric shaft portion, thereby changing the grip positions of the control levers. Also, the grip positions of a plurality of the control lever can be simultaneously changed.

Abstract: A control mechanism for operating a backhoe is disclosed wherein the controls are adaptable to be configured in a selected one of a two lever system, a three lever system, or a four lever system. The control mechanism includes a first pivot axis on which the control levers are pivotally mounted and a second pivot axis on which a series of bell cranks are pivotally mounted. Various linkages interconnect the control levers with the bell cranks, and the bell cranks with hydraulic valve spools in a manner in which the valve body does not have to be reconfigured depending upon which the control system is utilized. The control levers are configured with a pivot casting having a bent control rod threadably received therein, the position of which is fixed by a lock nut permitting the control handle to be positioned in the orientation desired by the operator.

Abstract: A shaft for manually guided lift vehicles and lift loaders provided with a driving mechanism has a steering head at the free end containing gripping handles for steering the vehicle and operating switches for the driving and lifting operations of the vehicle. The steering head comprises two cup elements which are detachably connected with one another. One cup element is fixedly connected with the shaft and serves as the supporting part for the second cup element at which the gripping handles as well as the operating switches are located.

Abstract: A throttle controller includes a manual mode where engine output is a function of throttle lever angle, and an alternatively selectable Speed Hold/Thrust Hold mode which is initiated when the throttle is placed in a center Hold position. Throttle operation during the Speed Hold mode is governed by (i) a selected speed entered at a mode control panel, or (ii) a speed existing when the lever was placed in the Hold detent, given that no speed is entered and selected at that mode control panel or (iii) a selected speed/thrust designated in a flight plan entered into the aircraft's flight management computer. During the Thrust Hold mode, the throttle controller maintains the level of thrust which existed when the throttle lever was placed in the Hold detent. When out of the Hold detent, the controller operates to control output thrust as a function of Throttle Lever Angle (TLA).

Abstract: An arrangement for preselecting and shifting a motor vehicle gear shift transmission is disclosed. In order to provide a spatially compact arrangement for preselecting and shifting the motor vehicle gear shift transmission, the gear shift lever, which is to be operated manually, is guided at a joint square, the fixed bearings of which are mounted on a frame part of the motor vehicle chassis. A crosspiece of the gear shift lever forms a coupling device of the joint square.

Abstract: A manually transportable, internal combustion engine driven personal watercraft is described. It comprises a rigid, relatively thin fiberglass or other suitable plastic hull with inflatable tubular fabric reinforced sidewalks extending along opposed side edges of the hull from the stern to the bow. Insetted into the hull is a baseplate on which an IC engine/pump module can be readily coupled and uncoupled. The baseplate includes a water inlet scoop in fluid communication with the pump's inlet and an exhaust port which becomes aligned with the exhaust outlet of the IC engine when the two are joined. The pump's high pressure water outlet is pointed in the aft direction above the waterline and the craft is propelled by the reaction force resulting from the high velocity water jet.

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 five or six degree of freedom device which includes a two or three degree of freedom wrist action hand controller and in which additional degrees of freedom are provided by motion of an operator's forearm connected to a mounting member that carries or supports the wrist action hand controller.

Abstract: A three or four degree of freedom device which includes a two or three degree of freedom wrist action hand controller and in which the additional degree of freedom control is provided by motion of an operator's forearm connected to a mounting member that carries or supports the wrist action hand controller.

Abstract: A simulator handgrip is connected to the shaft of a slip clutch which offers resistance to handgrip displacement, thereby simulating the "feel" of an actual thrust control for aircraft. Linkages are provided for measuring the amount of handgrip displacement as an electrical signal that may be utilized by a simulator computer. Adjustment devices are provided for moving the handgrip and clutch devices along a diagonal direction to accommodate pilots of different height.

Abstract: The motor saw has a rear handle connected to the body by vibration-damping elements with rubber or steel springs, and the throttle of the carburetor and the throttle control are connected by a rigid wire link. The throttle control bearing includes a shaft mounted in oblong holes to give a longitudinal play so that when the handle is moved with respect to the body, the throttle control can move the corresponding distance in the bearing without influencing the setting of the throttle in the carburetor in its idle position. When the handle is moved in this position, and a throttle opening is desired by moving the throttle control, a sliding part at the rear end of the throttle will contact a curved partition in the handle and push the throttle control to an advanced position, after which an opening of the throttle takes place by further movement of the throttle control.

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: A manually actuated adjusting device for control valves of a hydraulic lift mechanism of a vehicle, especially of a fork lift truck, includes a shifting lever with an armrest supporting a lower arm which is connected with an adjusting mechanism arranged below the same and consisting of a guide joint and support elements. A formed-out support surface extends over the entire length of the lower arm which terminates at one end in an approximately vertical shifting lever that is formed-in into the armrest. Within the area of its transition to the support surface, the latter includes a trough-shaped recess formed out of the plane of the support surface.

Abstract: An improved trim-tab control for boats has for each trim tab a yoke movably secured to a frame, a mechanical link between the yoke and the trim tab such that yoke and trim tab move in unison, a lever pivotable mounted with respect to the yoke and having first and second engagement surfaces, and a pair of switches on the yoke positioned for selective engagement with the lever surfaces to actuate a hydraulic device for moving the trim tab in opposite directions. Tab adjustment is carried out by continuing movement of the lever with respect to the yoke, while the yoke moves in response to such adjustment. A scale is secured adjacent to the lever such that the lever position provides visual indication of the trim-tab position.

Abstract: A foldable baby carriage also having a handle bar shiftable from a forward to a reverse position. Within a lower portion on each side of the handle bar is located a slider casing containing two sliders. Each slider holds a bar projecting through the casing of the handle bar to engage either a locking mechanism for the handle bar or a locking mechanism for folding the carriage. The sliders are connected by cable threaded through the interior of the handle bars to two pivoting operation levers at the top of the handle bar. The top of the handle bar is composed of two hard resin parts joined together and supporting the operation levers.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a displacement detecting mechanism for a hydraulic circuit of a fork lift, which comprises: at least one loading lever of said fork lift; at least one hydraulic control valve adapted to be operated by the loading lever, said hydraulic control valve having at least one spool adapted to be actuated by the loading lever; and at least one chopper controlling linear stroke type variable resistor for detecting the displacement of the spool, the variable resistor being attached directly to the hydraulic control valve.

Abstract: The console, intended for housing certain controls and services on board a motor car, can be fastened on to the floor of the motor car in the region situated between the two front seats, and is essentially constituted by a box, suitable to serve as a glove box and provided in its upper part with a lid which in its closed position allows the box to act as an armrest for the occupants of the front seats of the motor car. The lid is composed by two plate-shaped portions hinged to each other, one of such portion being also hinged on the box, and the other one being guided along an edge of the box. Sideways to the box two arms of a "U"-lever, constituting a motor car parking brake, are movable.

Abstract: A cable control device for use in connection with a lawnmower throttle control cable or the like is provided which is selectively alterable for positive or negative control action, which maintains the cable in a selected position, and which is adapted for coupling a clutch control bail thereto. The device preferably includes a housing adapted for mounting to a lawnmower handlebar; a body including an operating lever; means rotatably coupling the body with the housing in alternate configurations; and first and second means for pivotally coupling an end of the control cable at respective first and second locations on the body. The device can be used alternatively in a positive action mode whereby forward movement of the operating lever moves the cable forward and in a negative action mode whereby forward movement of the operating lever moves the cable rearward. Additionally, a biased pawl coupled with the housing engages detents formed in the body to hold the cable in a selected position.

Abstract: A cyclic control stick of the type used in helicopters for reducing the safety hazards associated with such a mechanism in the event of a crewman being thrown violently into contact with the cyclic control stick resulting from a crash or the like. The cyclic control stick is configured to break away upon the exertion of an impact force which exceeds a predetermined value and/or is exerted for more than a momentary time duration. The cyclic control stick is also configured to be adjustable so as to locate the grip thereof as far away from the crewman as possible for safety reasons without comprising the comfort of the crewman or the use of the control stick, and a crushable pad is provided on the top of the grip for impact energy absorbing purposes.

Abstract: A control lever is provided for effecting positional control of a work implement. An actuator means applies a force to the control lever in response to a sensed load being applied to the work implement. The force applied to the implement control lever is in proportion to the load being applied to the work implement, thereby giving the operator a feel for the load being applied to the implement.

Abstract: A safety device for the control lever of a construction machine having hydrostatic transmission which comprises a casing provided on the machine and a control rod rotatably connected at one end thereof with the control lever associated with the hydrostatic transmission, said control rod being formed with a slender portion at the other end portion which is slidably accommodated by the casing, said slender portion having a coil spring interposed within the casing, and said coil spring being stressed sufficiently to automatically return the control lever to the neutral position when the operator takes his hands off the control lever.

Abstract: A hand-held controller for a robot end effector having force and position control is disclosed. A single tactile area of the operator's hand, such as one finger, responds to two distinct feedback "feels" which are created by movement of a single element in two degrees of freedom that are both pivotable and rotatable in nature. Rotation of the trigger contacting element about its longitudinal axis is responsive to and reflects the amount of grasp force exerted by the end effector. Deflection of a guard encasing that trigger around a pivot point is responsive to and reflects the amount of movement of the end effector. The operator controls the position and grasp force of an end effector by exerting pressure against the trigger guard and, in turn, can "feel" two distinct feedbacks at the control finger. The feedback is indicative of both the grasp force and position of the controlled end effector.

Abstract: An improved adjustable control device for multi-lever hydraulic controls on earth-moving equipment, which conveniently and easily positions the control levers to accommodate different operators. The device includes a pair of spaced supports, a pair of axially aligned end members each movably mounted on one of the supports, a main shaft extending between the end members used for pivot mounting of the levers, and a device to adjust the end members on the supports. Parts are positioned and arranged such that end member adjustment moves the main shaft vertically, which in turn moves the range of control lever motion force or aft as desired.

Abstract: A manually actuated control device comprises an operating component 1 and an adjusting component 4 which are connected to each other via spring elements 3 and 5 in order to achieve a non-linear output motion of the adjusting component 4 responsive to movement of the operating component 1.

Abstract: A manipulating mechanism is disclosed having a control handle adapted to be positioned freely in three dimensions, a fixture for supporting a tool to be positioned, a linkage system which causes the end of the tool to move in the same direction as the control handle and a support structure. The linkage system includes a first linkage connected between the control handle and an effective ball-and-socket joint and a second linkage connected between the effective ball and socket joint and the fixture. Each linkage includes four link members rotatably connected in a parallelogram and a gimbal connected to one of the link members for mounting the linkage from the support structure.

Abstract: A control lever mounting structure for a walking operator type grass cutting vehicle, comprising a steering handle including a grip portion, a right lever support and a left lever support. A first control lever operatively connected to a cutting blade drive clutch is attached to the left lever support to be pivotable in fore-and-aft directions of the vehicle between a clutching position adjacent the grip portion and a declutching position away from the grip portion. A second control lever operatively connected to a wheel drive clutch is attached to and extending between the right and left supports to be pivotable in the fore-and-aft directions of the vehicle between a clutching portion adjacent the grip portion and a declutching position away from the grip portion. The second control lever is pivotable on a horizontal axis extending transversely of the vehicle, whereas the first control lever is pivotable on an axis inclined relative to the horizontal axis.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a heat control knob, pivotally mounted on the front end of an operating lever which is pivotally and slidably supported by second pivot means, having its pivot axis parallel with but spaced from the axis of the first pivot means. The front portion of the operating lever has a follower which is guided by a guide track, so that the heat control knob is movable along a straight path. The operating lever has a pivot slot which is pivotally and slidably guided by the second pivot means. The operating lever also has a generally longitudinal coupling slot which receives a coupling pin projecting from a control lever, pivotally supported for swinging movement about the axis of the first pivot means.

Abstract: In an aerial lift having a lower boom, an upper boom, and a personnel carrier bucket attached to the upper boom, with the upper boom having an overcenter capability, wherein the upper boom can pivot from a folded position in a non-overcenter zone of operation past a center position and into an overcenter zone of operation, there is provided a control handle arrangement with first and second handles having control movements such that, when the operator is correctly positioned, the direction the bucket moves corresponds to the direction the respective handle moves for all zones of operation.

Abstract: A remote actuating mechanism, in particular for actuating a control lever of a three-point implement hitch, has a transmission unit with a slide which is movable longitudinally by means of a swingable driver. The driver can be held in an inoperative position and has a spring-loaded driving pin by means of which a positive connection can be obtained between the driver and the transmission unit in any position of the slide. The positive connection is possible, however, only in a single spatial relationship between the driver and the slide. In the inoperative position, the driver is separated from the slide and a lock is provided to prevent unintentional actuation.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a tractor trailing hitch link provides for adjusting telescoping link from within the cab of the tractor through a shaft connection and permits locking the telescoping link in its adjusted position while isolating the shaft connection from forces imposed on the trailing hitch link.

Abstract: Disclosed herein in a mount structure where a shift lever retainer for spherically supporting a shift lever is mounted through a vibration damping member to a transmission case by a bolt, a vibration damping structure comprising a stopper means for preventing horizontal and vertical deformations of the vibration damping member greater than a predetermined amount. With this arrangement, there is no possibility that rigid feeling in operating of the shift lever is decreased, that is, shift feeling is deteriorated. Further, vibration of the shift lever and associated noise may be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A concrete finishing machine having a rotatable trowel blade assembly and a mechanism for controllably adjusting the pitch of the trowel blades relative to a wet concrete surface on which the blades rest. Manual pivoting of a control lever controllably adjusts the trowel blade pitch and, in doing so, automatically increases or decreases the amount of blade surface contacting the concrete surface, and correspondingly lowers or raises the machine relative to the surface. The contacting blade surface supports the machine's entire weight. A special counterbalancing apparatus that includes, for example, a compressed coil spring, biases the control lever so as to compensate for the machine's weight and permits an operator to adjust the blade pitch with substantially less force than otherwise would be required.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in supporting a plurality of override control handles of a control valve assembly, the control handles supported for movement in a first direction between engagement and disengagement with the control valve spools and supported for movement in a second direction to cause controlled movement of the valve spools. The apparatus includes a plate having slots housing the control handles and the plate being supported for slideable movement such that movement of one control handle between a valve spool engaging position and a disengaged position causes movement of the other control handles between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A sailboat steering assembly is provided which has a hiking stick that assumes fixed positions in use, but smoothly responds to any changes induced by manual manipulation of the helmsman. Typical swinging and flopping of the unattended hiking stick are eliminated.

Abstract: An autothrottle system for an aircraft includes a throttle lever actuator which is easily retrofitted to an existing throttle quadrant and employs a D.C. stepping motor to slew the throttle levers and eliminate the need for a feedback loop.

Abstract: An external rear-view mirror for motor vehicles, which can be adjusted from inside, has a body connected through a first articulated joint to a support member by an arm that can be oriented relative to this support member by a second articulated joint. The two articulated joints comprise two hemispherical elements formed on the orientable arm and cooperating with corresponding hemispherical elements carried by the body and the support member respectively.

Abstract: An operating device in which a speed change operation performed by a manual operating member is boosted by electric energy or hydraulic pressure or the like and transmitted to the transmission, wherein if an operator moves the manual operating member to perform the speed-change operation, a high reaction force is applied against the movement of the manual operating member by an interference device until the speed change condition of the transmission has reached the one desired and in turn when the speed-change condition of the transmission reaches the one desired, operation of the interference means is controlled by a control means, resulting in applying a low or no reaction force in respect to the movement of said manual operating member, thereby the operator can be apprised of the completion of the speed-change operation of the transmission through a rapid decrease in resistance to operation of the manual operating member, and upon completion of the speed-change operation, the operator may direct his effort

Abstract: A manual override handle assembly for the operation of a hydraulic control valve of the type having a movable spool includes a housing forming a hollow chamber in which a spool extension is slidably mounted. A handle assembly extends outwardly from the housing and is mounted for pivotal movement within the chamber. The handle is movable to an inoperable position wherein the handle is disassociated from the spool extension so that movement of the spool extension will not result in movement of the handle. The handle is further movable to an operable position wherein the handle engages the spool extension so that movement of the handle results in movement of the spool extension.

Abstract: A cycle accessory, for example a double lever 2, 3 for controlling a derailleur, is carried by a support 4 defining a fixing tab 11 received and wedged in a cavity of complementary shape which may be defined by a part 1 of the frame and a bridge member 14 brazed on the frame. The arrangement is such that, when a force is exerted on the accessory in the course of use, this force tends to increase the wedging between the fixing tab 11 and the cavity. Applicable to any accessory for a cycle.

Abstract: An improved control linkage assembly is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with a material handling implement having a reversibly operable mechanism. The assembly includes an operating lever movable from a neutral position in one of two operating directions eminating from a common neutral position and extending in generally the same direction away from the neutral position. The operating lever is selectively engageable with one of two engaging levers for selectively moving a control element of a control member, such as a hydraulic valve, in one of two opposite directions. This type of movement is effected by a series of mechanical linkages which rotate an intermediate shaft clockwise and counterclockwise facilitating movement of the control element in first and second directions.

Abstract: An over center tensioning and locking control for a cable actuated mechanism includes a control bracket on which an actuating lever is pivotally mounted. The cable to be controlled is connected to said actuating lever and rides on an arcuate cam surface thereon. A spring linkage pivotally connected at one end to the bracket and at the other end to the actuating lever passes over center to lock the actuating lever in a cable tensioning position.

Abstract: A speed change operating device for a bicycle which includes first and second operating levers each having a boss and a control portion and supported rotatably at both sides of a base member. Between the opposite inside surfaces of the operating portions of the levers are provided enlarged portions projecting inwardly with respect to both lateral sides of the base member.