Control yoke apparatus for computerized aircraft simulation
First Claim
1. A control yoke simulation apparatus comprising:
- hand manipulatable means;
shaft means having a long axis and connected to said hand manipulatable means;
bearing means for supporting said shaft means to that said shaft means can move back and forth in said bearing means in the direction of the long axis of said shaft means;
crank means attached to said shaft means for amplifying the rotational movement of said shaft means;
first resilient means connected to said crank means; and
,transducer means attached by said first resilient means to said crank means for translating said rotational movement into an output indicative of the movement of said hand manipulatable means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An aircraft control yoke apparatus includes an inexpensive mechanism for manipulating a two axis variable transducer and is especially adaptable for use with microcomputers. The apparatus includes a control wheel attached at one end to a shaft which is in turn supported by a linear bearing. The linear bearing permits the shaft to rotate and simultaneously move back and forth. A crank mechanism is attached to the other end of the shaft and serves to amplify the rotational movement of the steering wheel. A resilient, elastic material like natural isoprene rubber connects the crank to a two axis variable transducer. The elastic material causes the two axis transducer to follow the motion of the rotational and back and forth movement of the steering wheel. A return-to-center mechanism causes the wheel to return to a neutral position when no force is applied to it. A very life-like simulation of airplane flight is achieved with a minimum of expense and a high degree of realism.
103 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A control yoke simulation apparatus comprising:
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hand manipulatable means; shaft means having a long axis and connected to said hand manipulatable means; bearing means for supporting said shaft means to that said shaft means can move back and forth in said bearing means in the direction of the long axis of said shaft means; crank means attached to said shaft means for amplifying the rotational movement of said shaft means; first resilient means connected to said crank means; and
,transducer means attached by said first resilient means to said crank means for translating said rotational movement into an output indicative of the movement of said hand manipulatable means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A simulation apparatus comprising:
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rotatable aircraft control means for hand manipulation; a shaft connected at one end to said control means; bearing means for supporting said shaft; rotation amplifying means attached to said shaft for amplifying the rotational movement of said shaft; resilient means attached to said rotation amplifying means; and
,two axis transducer means attached to said resilient means for transforming the rotational motion and back and forth motion of said control means into an electrical output. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A simulation apparatus comprising:
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control wheel means for rotational and back and forth hand manipulation; a shaft connected to said control wheel means; bearing means for supporting said shaft and for permitting said shaft to rotate and move in a back and forth direction; crank means attached to said shaft for amplifying the rotational movement of said shaft; a resilient means attached to said crank means; and
,a two axis transducer means attached to said resilient means, said two axis transducer means including at least two variable resistor means whose resistance varies in relation to the motion of said control wheel means.
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Specification