Foot-operated control
OwnerPhilip E. Massieinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention as disclosed is a control mechanism adapted for actuation by a human, in the exemplary embodiment by a person's foot. The invention provides for control or actuation of a plurality of devices to be controlled. A plurality of control elements, preferably arranged arcuately with respect to an actuating member is provided with a structure for accurately indexing the actuating member to a particular control element by way of one mode of movement and for actuating an individual indexed control element of a second mode of movement. Particular structure is provided, by way of a foot pedal, in the exemplary embodiment, with particular adjustments so as to adapt the actuating member, that is, the foot pedal, to various sizes and positions of an operator's foot, as well as amplitude of actuating movement.
Claims17
As an article of manufacture, a control device, the device having a plurality of control elements arranged in a series relationship, an actuating member, said actuating member including at least one first part angularly movable about a first axis and including at least one second part angularly movable about a second axis, said first part being angularly moveable to select a control element for actuation and said second part being movable to actuate a selected control element and further including indexing means, the indexing means comprising at least one plug pin, said control device further including a plurality of holes such that at least one hole is associated with each one of said plurality of control elements, each of said plug pins being configured to be moveable within said holes for actuation of a selected control element.
A control device constructed for operation by a human, the device having a plurality of control elements arranged in a series relationship, an actuating member to be actuated by a human, means whereby the said member has a first mode of movement and has a second mode of movement, and means whereby the actuating device in one mode of movement indexes the actuating device for actuating one of said control elements, and means whereby the device in the second mode of movement actuates one of said control elements that has been indexed, wherein one of said parts is mounted to rotate about an axis, and means providing a roller bearing for said one part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.