Multi-device controller for model aircraft

• US 20060214064A1
• Filed: 03/14/2005
• Published: 09/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Roger G. Caron
• Original Assignee: Roger G. Caron
• Inventors: Caron, Roger G.
• Granted Patent: US 7,195,208 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/190
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 27/02 Model aircraft

Abstract

Control system for radio-controlled aircraft. The control system includes a control master for simultaneously controlling a group of flight control means, for example, a group of ailerons. A control bar is slidably mounted in the control master and connected to a servo-controller. A plurality of controller cables or push rods, one for each flight control means in the group, are connected to the control bar. A sliding movement of the control bar effects a repositioning of the flight-control means.

Claims

1. Apparatus for controlling a group of a radio-controlled (RC) aircraft, said apparatus comprising:

two or more control masters for effecting a repositioning of multiple flight-control means within a flight-control-means group;

a servo that is connected to and controls motion of said two or more control masters, thereby effecting a repositioning of said multiple flight-control means; and

an actuating means coupling said control masters and said multiple flight control means;

wherein actuation of said servo simultaneously effects a repositioning of said two or more control masters and of all said multiple flight-control means in said flight-control-means group.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, each one of said control masters including a control bar slidably assembled within a control-bar guide and a linkage that links said control bar to said servo, wherein said actuation means couples said control bar and said multiple flight control means, and wherein a displacement of said control bar in said control-bar guide effects said repositioning of said multiple flight-control means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a protective cover that is attachable to said control bar guide.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actuating means is a push-pull cable.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actuating means is a push rod.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a quick-coupler, wherein said actuating means has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate coupling section, said first end being attached to said control bar and said second end attachable to said flight-control means, and wherein said quick-coupler is assembled at said intermediate coupling section, for coupling and decoupling said second end of said actuating means from said first end.

7. A control system for controlling flight control means of an RC aircraft, said control system comprising:

a plurality of flight-control-means groups, each group comprising a plurality of flight control means;

a control master coupled with one or more of said flight control means within one of said flight-control-means groups;

a plurality of servos, said plurality of servos corresponding in number to said plurality of flight-control-means groups; and

an actuation means coupling said control master with said one or more units of said flight control means;

wherein a first servo of said plurality of servos controls a position of each said control master within a first group of said flight-control-means groups; and

wherein actuation of said first servo causes a slidable movement of said said each control master, thereby effecting simultaneous operation of said plurality of flight control means in said first group.

9. The control system of claim 7, wherein said first servo is linked to two control masters, wherein each of said two control masters is coupled with two engine throttles for a total of four engine throttles, and wherein, actuation of said first servo effects an opening or closing simultaneously of all said four engine throttles.