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US 5,228,356 AGranted
Variable effort joystick
OwnerKeh-Shih K. Chuanginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variable resistance joystick (20) configured for computer control is provided. A stepper motor (34) turns threaded screws (30) to move a system of springs (26) up and down on the joystick thus varying the lever arm on which the springs impart force. Thus computer commands (113) to the stepper motor may change the force required by a user to move the joystick. A similar system controls the resistance to movement of a button (108) in the joystick handle (42).
Claims17
Apparatus, comprising:
- a first stepper motor responsive to computer commands;
- first exerting means, movably attached to a joystick which is operative about a ball joint, for exerting force transversely on said joystick;
- and
- first means, responsive to said stepper motor, for moving said first exerting means axially along said joystick;
- whereby the effort required to move said joystick by a user thereof may be varied by said computer commands.
2 more elements
Apparatus, comprising:
- a stepper motor responsive to computer commands;
- a lever disposed within a joystick to be abutted by a button movably mounted in said joystick;
- exerting means, movably attached to said lever, for exerting a force transversely thereon;
- and
- moving means, responsive to said stepper motor, for moving said exerting means axially along said lever;
- whereby the effort required to move said button by a user thereof may be varied by said computer commands.
3 more elements
A method of exerting computer controlled variable forces upon a joystick, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first stepper motor responsive to computer commands;
- engaging said joystick at an engagement point thereon with a first spring to exert a force transversely on said joystick;
- and
- moving, in response to said first stepper motor, said first spring and said engagement point on said joystick;
- whereby the effort required to move said joystick by a user thereof may be varied by said computer commands.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.