US 5,187,630 A · Multi-parameter variable scale rotary switch

Abstract

A switch that can vary at least two controllable parameters and can vary the upper, lower and any intermediary limits of the switch. The switch has a pair of nested coaxial rotary knobs each attached by shafts to sensors that determine the radial position of a reference point on each knob. The knobs rotate with respect to each other and are constructed to allow rotation of the knobs with one hand. The sensors are attached to the controls of the parameters, such that rotation of the knobs varies the output of the parameters. The sensors are coupled to a magnetic clutch that engages and prevents rotation of one of the knobs, when the knob is rotated into a predetermined radial position. A computer can be connected to the magnetic clutch and sensors. The computer receives input signals from the sensors and produces an output signal to the clutch, to engage the clutch and prevent rotation of the knob in accordance with a computer program within the computer. The integration of a computer allows the limits of a switch to be controlled by changing the computer program. The switch has a button in the center that can be pushed in relative to the knobs. The button is attached by a shaft to a micromotion switch that can also be coupled to the computer. The button can be used as a start/stop switch, or to change the functions controlled by the knobs. The switch can also be constructed such that the knobs are connected to another sensor, such that the equipment can be immediately stopped by pusing the knobs down.

Claims58

Dependent claims

A variable rotary switch, comprising:

a first knob adapted to rotate about a vertical axis, said first knob having a first point of origin that rotates into a plurality of first radial positions about said vertical axis;
a second knob within said first knob, said second knob being adapted to rotate about said vertical axis relative to said first knob, said second knob having a second point of origin that rotates into a plurality of second radial positions about said vertical axis;
a hollow first shaft attached to said first knob that rotates with said first knob about said vertical axis, said first shaft extending along said vertical axis;
a second shaft attached to said second knob that rotates with said second knob about said vertical axis, said second shaft being coaxial with said first shaft;
first sensor means operatively connected to said first shaft for determining said first radial positions of said first point of origin of said first knob;
second sensor means operatively connected to said second shaft for determining said second radial positions of said second point of origin of said second knob;
and,
magnetic clutch means operatively connected to said first shaft and said first sensor means for engaging said first shaft and preventing rotation of said first knob when said first point of origin of said first knob is in a predetermined first radial position.

5 more elements

A variable rotary switch, comprising:

a first knob adapted to rotate about a vertical axis, said first knob having a first point of origin that rotates into a plurality of first radial positions about said vertical axis;
a second knob within said first knob, said second knob being adapted to rotate about said vertical axis relative to said first knob, said second knob having a second point of origin that rotates into a plurality of second radial positions about said vertical axis;
a button within said second knob, adapted to move along said vertical axis relative to said first and second knobs from a first to a second button position;
a hollow first shaft attached to said first knob that rotates with said first knob about said vertical axis, said first shaft extending along said vetical axis;
a hollow second shaft attached to said second knob that rotates with said second knob about said vertical axis, said second shaft being coaxial with said first shaft;
a third shaft attached to said button that moves with said button along said vertical axis, said third shaft being coaxial with said second shaft;
first sensor means operatively connected to said first shaft for determining said first radial positions of said first point of origin of said first knob;
second sensor means operatively connected to said second shaft for determining said second radial positions of said second point of origin of said second knob;
third sensor means operatively connected to said first and second knobs for sensing one first and one second knob positions of said first and second knobs;
fourth sensor means operatively connected to said third shaft for sensing said first and second button positions of said button;
and,
magnetic clutch means operatively connected to said first shaft and said first sensor means for engaging said first shaft and preventing rotation of said first knob when said first point of origin of said first knob is in a predetermined first radial position.

9 more elements

A console for setting and varying a video tape frame speed, comprising:

a housing;
control means within said housing for controlling a first, a second and a third parameter of the frame speed, each parameter having a varying scale;
a first knob adapted to rotate relative to said housing about a vertical axis, said first knob having a first point of origin that rotates into a plurality of first radial positions about said vertical axis, said first knob being operatively connected to said control means to control said first frame speed parameter in accordance with said first radial positions of said first point of origin;
a second knob within said first knob, said second knob being adapted to rotate about said vertical axis relative to said first knob, said second knob having a second point of origin that rotates into a plurality of second radial positions about said vertical axis, said second knob being operatively connected to said control means to control said second frame speed parameter in accordance with said second radial positions of said second point of origin;
a button within said second knob, adapted to move along side vertial axis relative to said first and second knobs from a first to a second button position, said button being operatively connected to said control means to control said third frame speed parameter in accordance with said position of said button;
a hollow first shaft attached to said first knob that rotates with said first knob about said vertical axis, said first shaft extending along said vertical axis;
a hollow second shaft attached to said second knob that rotates with said second knob about said vertical axis, said second shaft being coaxial with said first shaft;
a third shaft attached to said button that moves with said button along said vertical axis, said third shaft being coaxial with said second shaft;
first sensor means operatively connected to said first shaft for determining said first radial positions of said first point of origin of said first knob;
second sensor means operatively connected to said second shaft for determining said second radial positions of said second point of origin of said second knob;
third sensor means operatively connected to said first and second knobs for sensing one first and one second knob positions of said first and second knobs;
fourth sensor means operatively connected to said third shaft for sensing said first and second button positions of said button;
and,
magnetic clutch means operatively connected to said first shaft and said first sensor means for engaging said first shaft and preventing rotation of said first knob when said first point of origin of said first knob is in a predetermined first radial position.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-parameter variable scale rotary switch

Life of this patent

Multi-parameter variable scale rotary switch

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims58