Transmitter extension apparatus for manipulating model vehicles

• US 4,386,914 A
• Filed: 04/15/1981
• Issued: 06/07/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert J. Munsch
• Original Assignee: Larry L. Dustman
• Inventors: Dustman, Larry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grieb, William H.
• Application Number:
  US06/254,405
• Time in Patent Office: 783 Days
• Field of Search: 434/32, 46/1 H, 46/1 R, 46/76 R, 46/78, 272/1 C, 272/31 A, 244/190, 244/3.14, 74/471 XY
• US Class Current: 434/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/28 Simulation of stick forces or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/305 by viewing with a camera a small-scale model of the terrain
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20201 Control moves in two planes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/209 Extension

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling the control members of a transmitter used for sending radio signals to a receiver in a model airplane which emulates the actions of a pilot in a cockpit on board an aircraft.

Claims

1. Apparatus for actuating pivotally mounted control members of a transmitter used for transmitting radio signals to a receiver on board a model aircraft comprising:

an elongated platform for positioning on a supporting surface,

a seat mounted at one end of said platform for seating an operator,

a pair of foot controls mounted at the other end of said platform on a common surface thereof in reach of the feet of the operator seated on said seat for independent movement thereof,

hand operated control means mounted on said platform between said seat and said foot controls within reach of the operator when seated on said seat,

said control means being pivotally biased to a neutral position,

a first means for mounting a transmitter having two pivotally mounted control members, the radial movement of which causes a plurality of different radio signals to be transmitted for receipt by a receiver mounted in a model aircraft for actuating various parts thereof,

a second means for transmitting a force corresponding to the independent movement of each of said foot controls to one of the control members of the transmitter, and

a third means for transmitting a force corresponding to the movement of said control means to the other of the control members of the transmitter,

said third means comprising a linkage mechanically interconnecting said hand control means with the other of the control members,

said linkage being pivotally connected to said control means at one end thereof and telescopically engaging the other of the control members at the other end thereof,

said hand operated control means comprising a shaft mounted on a base member for radial movement,

said base member comprising a pair of slide plates slidably mounted therein for movement in directions transversely of each other, and

said radial movement causing components of force to be applied to said plates, the movement of which is used to actuate said control members.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said control means is biased by spring means juxtapositioned to said base.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said control means is biased by a coil spring surrounding said shaft,

one end of said coil spring being fixedly attached to said shaft and the other end of said coil spring being fixedly attached to said base.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said control means is biased by a plurality of springs spacedly mounted around said base with one common end of each spring being attached to said base and the other common end of each of said springs being attached to points spaced from each other around said shaft.