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US 5,349,881 AGranted
Multi-axial centering spring mechanism
OwnerGeorge M. Olorenshaw, deceased, by Christine J. Olorenshaw, executorinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanism suitable for a control lever such as a joy stick has two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation which provide movement in two planes. At least two close wound coil springs form a set and a set of springs is provided for each plane. The springs deflect when a force is applied on the control lever but return to a center position when the force is released. The mechanism avoids the use of shafts.
Claims7
A multi-axial centering spring mechanism comprising:
- a first set of at least two close wound coil springs, in line and coupled together in a first plane, mounted on a base means;
- a yoke having a first cross piece attached to the first set of springs, such that force applied to the first cross piece, transverse to the first plane, deflects the yoke relative to the base means, and the first set of springs causes the yoke to return to a center position when no force is applied;
- the yoke having a second cross piece transverse to the first cross piece;
- a second set of at least two close wound coil springs, in line and coupled together in a second plane, mounted on the second cross piece;
- a tie bar attached to the second set of springs, such that force applied to the tie bar, transverse to the second plane, deflects the tie bar relative to the yoke, and the second set of springs causes the tie bar to return to a center position when no force is applied, and
- lever means connected to the tie bar for applying force in the first plane and the second plane.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.