Joystick controller
First Claim
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1. A joystick controller comprising:
- an upper housing having a concave surface with an opening therethrough;
a first yoke having a complementary outer convex surface whereby the yoke is rotatable about a first axis by sliding movement between the complementary concave and convex surfaces, the first yoke being provided with an inner part-spherical concave surface concentric with the outer surface, and a slot extending through the first yoke from the inner to the outer surfaces;
an operating shaft extending through the opening in the upper housing and the slot in the first yoke and coupled to a ball portion having a part-spherical surface complementary to the part-spherical inner concave surface of the first yoke;
a lower clamping arrangement provided with a part-spherical concave surface complementary to the part-spherical surface of the ball portion, whereby the part-spherical concave surfaces together provide a socket within which the ball portion is pivotable; and
a first sensor for sensing movement of the first yoke and for generating a first output signal indicative of rotation of the first yoke about the first axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A joystick controller comprises a housing (10) and a joystick (12) mounted for pivotal movement relative to the housing (10) by means of a ball (14) and socket joint (18,20). A yoke (18) resolves directional movement of the joystick (12) into a component direction. A sensor senses movement of the yoke (18) and generates an output indicative of movement of the joystick in the component direction. The socket (18,20) of the ball (14) and socket joint (18,20) is formed by the yoke (18).
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A joystick controller comprising:
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an upper housing having a concave surface with an opening therethrough; a first yoke having a complementary outer convex surface whereby the yoke is rotatable about a first axis by sliding movement between the complementary concave and convex surfaces, the first yoke being provided with an inner part-spherical concave surface concentric with the outer surface, and a slot extending through the first yoke from the inner to the outer surfaces; an operating shaft extending through the opening in the upper housing and the slot in the first yoke and coupled to a ball portion having a part-spherical surface complementary to the part-spherical inner concave surface of the first yoke; a lower clamping arrangement provided with a part-spherical concave surface complementary to the part-spherical surface of the ball portion, whereby the part-spherical concave surfaces together provide a socket within which the ball portion is pivotable; and a first sensor for sensing movement of the first yoke and for generating a first output signal indicative of rotation of the first yoke about the first axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A joystick controller comprising:
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a housing; a joystick mounted for pivotal movement relative to the housing by means of a ball and socket joint; at least one yoke for resolving directional movement of the joystick into a respective component direction; first sensor means for sensing movement of the yoke and for generating an output indicative of movement of the joystick in the respective component direction the first sensor means comprising a sensor element that is carried by the yoke, and a stator element in fixed relationship with the housing; second sensor means operative to provide a second output signal in response to movement of the joystick in the respective component direction the second sensor means comprising a non-contact sensor; and processor means for detecting a predetermined level of deterioration in the output signal generated by the first sensor means, and for automatically generating the output signal by means of the non-contact sensor instead.
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22. A method of assembling a joystick controller comprising the components:
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a joystick coupled at one end to a ball; an upper yoke member having a socket portion shaped to receive the ball and having an opening through the shaped portion; a housing adapted to support the upper yoke member so that the upper yoke member is rotatable about a first axis relative to the housing; and a clamp member, the method comprising; a) locating the upper yoke member into the housing; b) inserting the joystick through the opening in the upper yoke member so that the ball mates with the shaped portion of the upper yoke member; and c) securing the clamp member to the housing to hold the assembled components together while allowing the upper yoke member to rotate about the first axis in response to movement of the joystick. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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Specification