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US 8,039,769 B2Granted
Joystick deactivation
AssigneeDeere & Company
InventorsCharles J Asp, Jeremy B Shuler, Kevin L Pfohl, Daniel J Wild
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention concerns an armrest mounted joystick for communication of operator initiated control signals to a vehicle controller. A plurality of switches require that the operator be safely located in the operation position in order for the control signals to reach the vehicle controller. Only when all of the switches change state, at substantially the same time, does the joystick either activate or de-activate, in response.
Claims32
An operator interface for control of a motorized vehicle comprising:
- a. at least one joystick positioned proximate an armrest when located in an operative position, the joystick generating electric signals sent to a processor responsive to joystick movement;
- and
- b. a plurality of switches electrically connected to the processor;
- c. wherein movement of the armrest into a non-operating position causes the switches to change states at substantially the same time and to send signals to the processor in order to prevent the processor from processing signals received from the joystick.
1 more element
An automatic switch assembly comprising:
- an arm capable of moving from first position to a second position;
- a plate mounted to the arm;
- and
- a pair of switches engaging the plate;
- wherein the switches change state as the arm moves from a first position to a second position.
2 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- an arm moveable between a first position and a second position;
- a plate connected to the arm having an outside edge including a plurality of recesses;
- a plurality of switches connected to the arm, the switches including a member traversing the outer edge of the plate, the switches being in a first state when the member is positioned in a recess and in a second state when the member is not in a recess.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.