Joystick control

A joystick control of the type having a base and universal joint means including bearing and journal members, with the joystick attached to one of said members for universal pivoting motion with respect to said base for manual positioning in a range of desired inclinations in at least two orthogonal planes, and bail and signal means positionable by pivoting of said joystick to indicate the joystick inclinations in at least said two orthogonal planes, characterized in that:

• said universal joint means is comprised by only one single bearing member and only one single journal member presenting mating faces substantially conforming to at least portions of a predetermined spherical surface;
• said one member to which said joystick is attached presents at least one other face intersecting said spherically surfaced face thereof;
• springy tilting displacement means are provided for engaging said other face for tilting displacement by said joystick when the joystick is manually pivoted from corresponding neutral positions to corresponding displaced positions, respectively;
• said springy displacement means including at least one spring mounted directly on said base, said spring being biassed toward said neutral position thereof, and being coupled to said joystick for concomittant return of the joystick to the neutral position thereof when the joystick is released from manual constraint.