Importance

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Abstract

A control device, like a pointing stick, for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a responsive electrical device, like a cursor on a computer display screen. There is a compact gimbal mounted joystick 10 that has a stick assembly 14; a gimbal assembly 12 having the stick assembly mounted thereon; a sensor 42 and 44, mounted to the gimbal assembly, for generating an output signal indicative of a position of the stick assembly; and a switch 50, positioned below the stick assembly, to be activated when the stick assembly is sufficiently displaced to close the switch. Additionally there is a biasing means 56, positioned about the switch and extending to the gimbal assembly, the biasing means forcing the gimbal assembly into a centering position when not in use. Additionally, there is a retainer 58, positioned between the gimbal assembly and the biasing means, for forcing the biasing means toward the switch when the stick assembly and gimbal assembly have a moving force applied thereto, and for forcing the gimbal assembly and stick assembly into the centering position after the moving force is eliminated. Uniquely, the gimbal assembly, at a location that contacts the retainer, has a shape that minimizes a torque about the first and second yokes when in the centering position and that increases the torque when the first and second yokes are in a non-centering position.

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First Claim