Resilient compensator and manual override apparatus and method for electronic control system

Abstract

A control apparatus for controlling an item comprises an input controller which outputs a signal to a resilient buffer apparatus comprising an input member, an output member and a resilient member. The input member moves in response to the input signal from the input controller, and the output member is at least partially responsive to movement of the input member and cooperates with the item to be controlled. The resilient member cooperates with the input and output members to provide a resilient buffer between initial movement of the input member and corresponding movement of the output member. A feedback apparatus cooperates with the input member and input controller and generates a feedback signal to the input controller to accurately locate the input member. The resilient member is pre-loaded and generates a resilient force against relative movement between the members in a first direction and an opposite second direction. The input and output members can be mounted for rotation about a common main axis, or for longitudinal axial movement. A manual override apparatus permits disengagement from the resilient buffer for emergency use, and to facilitate maintenance, and can be automatically and remotely re-engaged.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.