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Three degree of freedom mechanism for input devices

  • US 6,580,418 B1
  • Filed: 02/29/2000
  • Issued: 06/17/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/29/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A joystick, comprising:

  • (a) a multi-axis control assembly, including;

    (i) a control handle upon which an input force is applied to pivotally displace the control handle;

    (ii) a control handle shaft extending from an end of the control handle;

    (iii) an end member defining a spherical surface having a first radius about a center point, the end member being coupled to the control handle shaft; and

    (iv) a first hemispherical-shaped shell coupled to the control handle shaft and including a spherical exterior surface having a second radius different than the first radius about the center point;

    (b) a housing that includes;

    (i) a top portion comprising an opening having a bearing surface defined therein that is adapted to slidingly engage the spherical exterior surface of the first hemispherical-shaped shell; and

    (ii) a base portion coupled to said top portion and including a receiver adapted to slidingly engage the spherical surface of the end member;

    (c) a first angular position sensor operatively coupled to the control handle shaft so as to measure a rotation of the control handle about a first axis that extends through the center point; and

    (d) a second angular position sensor operatively coupled to the shaft so as to determine a rotation of the control handle about a second axis that extends through the center point, wherein an input motion applied to the control handle causes the control handle shaft to be pivotally displaced about the center point so as to cause at least one of the angular position sensors to produce an output signal indicative of a direction and an extent of rotation of the control handle.

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