Multiple function control member

• US 4,748,441 A
• Filed: 09/17/1986
• Issued: 05/31/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen R.M. Brzezinski
• Original Assignee: Stephen R.M. Brzezinski
• Inventors: Brzezinski, Stephen R. M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brigance, Gerald L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Brier, Jeffery A.
• Application Number:
  US06/908,292
• Time in Patent Office: 622 Days
• Field of Search: 340/706, 340/709, 74/471 XY, 74/523, 200/6 A, 200/DIG. 2, 273/148 B, 273/DIG. 28, 364/190
• US Class Current: 345/161
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/04711 with substantially hemispherical bearing part forced into engagement, e.g. by a spring
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/04744 Switches
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/04774 with additional switches or sensors on the handle
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/047 the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks for switches H01H25/04
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20201 Control moves in two planes

Abstract

A control member which includes two or more pivoting ball members, one seated in a housing, and the others pivotally seated within an operational control stick integral with the first ball member. Each ball member includes a plurality of contacts with leads which extend to various operational controls. Upon touching of the ball contacts with an electrical source, current is transmitted to the operational controls to perform various operations.

Claims

1. A multiple function control member comprising a housing, said housing including an internal annulus having a bore therethrough defined by peripheral edge, first contacts positioned about said bore peripheral edge, a first control stick including an integral first ball member seated in said annulus, said first ball member including second contacts corresponding with said first contacts to complete an electric circuit upon touching of said first and second contacts, said first control stick also including an internal annulus spaced above said first ball member having a bore there-through defined by peripheral edges, third contacts positioned about said control stick annulus peripheral edge, a second ball member seated in said control stick annulus and including fourth contacts thereon corresponding with said third contacts to complete an electric circuit upon touching of said third and fourth contacts, outwardly accessible joystick means connected to said second ball member for controlling movement of said second ball member, a first series of leads extending from one of said first and second contacts to a first operational control wherein touching of said first and second contacts activates said first operational control, and a second series of leads extending from one of said third and fourth contacts to a second operational control wherein touching of said third and fourth contacts activates said second operational control whereby said first control stick and said joystick means are operable simultaneously and independently of each other to allow said first and second operational controls to function simultaneously and independently.

2. The multiple function control member of claim 1 and a switch located in said first control stick, outwardly accessible means for opening and closing said switch, a lead extending from said switch to a third operational control wherein closing said switch activates said third operational control.