Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlled elements
Reexamination Certificate
2005-09-27
2005-09-27
Fenstermacher, David M. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlled elements
C074S473120, C180S272000, C172S170000, C227S008000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06948398
ABSTRACT:
A multi-axis vehicle control device or “joystick” includes one or more sensors defining discrete sensor zones on the handle portion thereof. The sensors are operative to passively detect the presence of a person or object in the vicinity of the handle. Location of the sensor zones in the regions of the handle engaged by the thumb and fingers of the operator's hand during normal operation allows the sensors to detect when the operator has manually engaged the joystick for normal operation. The sensors are in communication via a logic circuit to the actuator circuitry so that the actuator portion of the joystick is enabled only when a presence is detected in the discrete sensor zones and disabled when no presence is detected. The use of such sensors greatly reduces the risk of inadvertent actuation of the joystick and the associated safety hazards, while maintaining the positive ergonomic characteristics of the joystick.
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John Deere Model 700H Brochure, 19 pages.
John Deere Model 450H 550H 650H Brochure, 28 pages.
PCT Search Report, 6 pages, Oct. 20, 2003.
Deere & Company
Fenstermacher David M.
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