Importance

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Abstract

A joystick controller for utilizing omnidirectional pivoting manual displacement by an operator to operate transducers for producing control signals comprises a mounting plate defining an opening therethrough and gimbal mounting means secured to the mounting plate for pivotally mounting a joystick shaft extending through the opening. The joystick shaft has an operator knob on one end, and a gauge plate on the other end, the gauge plate having a first straight edge and a second straight edge perpendicular thereto. First and second lever arms are pivotally mounted and biased against the first and second straight edges of the gauge plate, whereby displacement of the joystick knob causes displacement of the gauge plate and pivots the lever arms biased thereagainst. Follower rods extend from the lever arms to engage the gauge plate. First and second transducers are respectively operated by the pivoting lever arms. The transducers are either potentiometers, Hall effect sensing devices, LDVT transducers or LED-based transducers. A spring biased sliding centering collar returns the joystick shaft to its neutral position, absent operator input. The opening in the mounting plate limits inclination of the joystick shaft to maintain biased engagement of the gauge plate and lever arms.

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First Claim