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US 4,489,304 AGranted
Spring disconnect mechanism for self centering multiple axis analog control stick
OwnerCharles L. Hayesinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mechanism for connecting and disconnecting return springs for multiple axis analog control sticks. The control stick, movable in two axes, can be fully spring centered along both axes, spring centered along one axis and frictionally positioned along the other axis, or freely frictionally positioned along both axes. Externally accessible pins are selectably operable to engage or disengage the centering springs to change control stick modes. Additionally, motion of the control stick in one or both axes may be substantially inhibited by the pins.
Claims10
A spring disconnect mechanism for self centering control sticks, said mechanism comprising;
- a housing comprising;
- a top bezel;
- side panels forming a rectangular cavity with said bezel;
- and
- a base spaced from said bezel and enclosing the interior of said cavity;
- a pair of output signal varying devices, one mounted to each of two adjacent said side panels, the control shaft of each said signal varying device extending into said housing;
- a control stick pivotally mounted to said bezel and extending from outside into said housing;
- orthogonally arranged bail means mounted within said housing, one being connected to each said signal varying device control shaft for rotation therewith, the inner end of said control stick engaging said bails;
- springs means for normally biasing each said bail to the central position;
- and
- means for selectively engaging said spring means, said engaging means being accessible externally of said housing and being effective to selectively connect and disconnect said spring means with respect to said bails;
- whereby said control stick may be fully biased to the center position, and may selectively be freely movable in any desired plane without being subject to any biasing forces.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.