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Abstract

A mechanism for providing selective engagement of spring members to a user manipulatable object in a force feedback interface device. A moveable member included in a force feedback mechanism is moveable in a degree of freedom to transmit forces to the user manipulatable object, such as a joystick handle. A spring member can be selectively coupled and decoupled between a grounded member and the moveable member. The spring member provides a spring force on the moveable member that biases the joystick handle to a desired position, such as the center of the degree of freedom. A dynamic calibration procedure reduces inaccuracies when sensing the position of the user manipulandum by only reading new range limits when the actuator is not outputting a force in the direction of that limit. A capstan drive mechanism is preferably coupled between the actuator and linkage mechanism, where a capstan drum includes a curved end over which the cable is routed, the curved end including flanges to substantially prevent the cable from slipping of the sides of the end. The capstan drum includes a tensioning spring member coupled to one or both ends of the cable for tensioning the cable.

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First Claim