Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-17
2001-06-12
Evans, F. L. (Department: 2877)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
C345S161000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06246047
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to joystick devices of the kind having a swivel mounted manually-engageable lever capable of movement from a center position to any one of a number of angular positions lying within a theoretical upwardly-extending conical surface, for controlling the operation of various types of electronic or electromechanical equipment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART INCLUDING INFORMATION DISCLOSED UNDER 37 CFR §§1.97-1.99
The following references are hereby cited as being representative of some of the known prior art in the field to which the present invention pertains:
U.S. Pat. Nos.:
4,459,022 4,731,530
U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,022 discloses a fiber optic angular sensor wherein a mirror is carried by a joystick so as to have universal movement as the joystick is manipulated. An optical cable having five fibers is brought to cooperate with the mirror. One cable directs a light beam against the mirror to be reflected thereby, and the remaining four cables pick up reflected light from the mirror and carry the same to a light responsive control, from which functions are obtained to operate various pieces of equipment.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,530 a joystick operates sector members which have a varied transparency. Light beams are directed against the sectors and pass through the same with varying degrees of intensity, in the manner of a filter. These filtered beams are utilized by means of electronic circuitry to effect control functions for operating different pieces of equipment.
While the foregoing patents disclose fiber optic cables in connection with joystick controls, the junctures where the cables were connected were shown as mostly diagrammatic in nature, with specific details largely omitted, and in practice such showings left much to be desired.
The shortcomings in the prior art where the primary actuator is to join with the fiber optic cables are obviated by the present invention, and one object of the invention is to provide an improved and simplified juncture means between cable ends on the one hand and the primary actuator on the other hand.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved fiber optic control device of the type having cables and a joystick, which is especially simple in its construction and economical to fabricate.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved fiber optic/joystick control as above set forth, wherein the number of moving parts is reduced to an absolute minimum, thereby reducing manufacturing cost, simplifying assembly, and improving reliability.
Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.
In accomplishing the above objects the invention provides a joystick control comprising, in combination a joystick having fixed thereon a unique pivot ball which not only enables the stick to have a universal pivotal movement, but which also constitutes the primary mover of the control. This unique pivot ball has relatively large surface portions of poor light-reflecting properties and other surface portions of good light reflecting properties. A base that provides a socket for the pivot ball is provided, together with cooperable movement-limiting means on the ball and socket, that enable the required pivotal movement to be had while at the same time preventing relative rotative movement of the joy stick and ball about the longitudinal axis thereof. The invention provides fiber optic light transmission means which are cooperable with the various surface portions of the pivot ball, such means including a source of light adapted to direct a light beam against various portions of the ball surface. Reflections of light from said surfaces provide output light signals which are a function of the virtual position of the ball as effected by the movements of the joy stick. Unique light-coupling means in the form of complementary light-transmitting blocks are provided with bores that receive the ends of the fiber optic cables, such blocks as assembled being received in large bores of the base member and having concave surfaces in which portions of the pivot ball are closely fitted.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4459022 (1984-07-01), Morey
patent: 10-21003 (1998-01-01), None
Evans F. L.
Lehman Gibner
OURPAL® Asija
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