Importance

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Abstract

A programmable hand-actuatable controller and method of producing control signals using same are disclosed. The programmable controller has a compact housing from which a rotatable shift lever extends. A twist grip type handle is rotatably mounted to the end portion of the shift lever. A flexible electronic circuit carrying Hall-effect sensor is affixed to the lever and is electrically interfaced with a signal processing module contained within the housing. Directional control signals are produced when shift lever is shifted to any of three detented positions about a first rotational axis for selections of forward, neutral, and reverse directions. Gear ratio control signals are produced for selection of various gear ratios when the handle is rotated to any of a plurality of detented positions about a second rotational axis disposed along the longitudinal extent of the lever. The controller of the present invention is inexpensive to manufacture, uses a minimal number of moving parts, and can be easily programmed for controlling diverse types of machines.

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First Claim