Gyral-linear actuator for encoder

A gyral-linear actuator for an encoder, comprising:

• an actuator housing having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a hollow;
• a control member extending from the first end of the actuator housing;
• a spring within the hollow of the actuator housing;
• a cap that couples to the actuator housing so that the spring seats between the cap and the control member, the cap having an aperture therethrough;
• and
• a coupler having:
• an encoder connector positioned outside of the cap;
• an extension that passes through the aperture of the cap, extends into the hollow of the actuator housing through the second end, and couples the control member to the encoder connector;
• and
• wherein, when the encoder connector is coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder:
• rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder;
• and
• depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the encoder connector, and hence the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder.

A gyral-linear actuator for an encoder, comprising:

• an actuator housing having:
• a first end;
• a second end opposite the first end;
• a body between the first end and the second end;
• and
• a hollow that extends into the body from the second end thereof;
• a control member extending from the first end of the actuator housing, the control member rotatable within the actuator housing and capable of axial movement within the body;
• a first spring within the hollow of the actuator housing;
• a primary shaft within the first spring and within the hollow that couples to the control member;
• a cap that couples to the actuator housing so that the spring seats between the cap and the control member, the cap having an aperture therethrough;
• and
• a shaft coupler having:
• a secondary shaft that passes through the aperture of the cap and engages the primary shaft;
• and
• an encoder connector at a distal end of the secondary shaft;
• wherein, when the gyral-linear actuator is connected to an encoder;
• the encoder connector couples to a rotary shaft of the encoder;
• rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the shaft;
• rotation of the shaft causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder;
• and
• depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the encoder connector, and hence the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder.