Abstract:
A user input device is provided for a hydraulic system that has a source of pressurized fluid and a tank. The user input device includes a body with a supply passage (40) for receiving the pressurized fluid, a tank passage (42) for connection to the tank, and a first chamber (44). A handle (19) is pivotally attached to the body and operates one or more valves within the body. In a preferred embodiment, the handle can be pivoted independently about two orthogonal axis with separate pairs of valves (21,22) operated by movement about each axis. In response to the position of the handle, each valve (21,22) connects a separate chamber (44,58) alternately to either the supply passage (40) or the tank passage (42) and different pressure sensor (61,62) produces an electrical signal indicating a level of pressure in the chamber (44,58) of each valve. Thus an electrical signal is produced from each valve to indicate motion of the handle.
Abstract:
A system for releasably attaching a steerable disposable multi-linked device to a durable device may include a disposable portion and a durable portion. The disposable portion may include a connecting member connected to the disposable portion and the durable portion and a steerable multi-linked device. The steerable multi-linked device may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links, a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links, and a cable which passes through the first link and intermediate links and extends beyond a first end of the first link. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The durable portion may include an axial member which defines an opening therethrough and a feeder mechanism.
Abstract:
A human-machine interface assembly is implemented with a gimbal assembly (104) that includes a roll hub (702), a pitch hub (704), and a main hub (706). The gimbal assembly further includes a plurality of bearings (716), and is mounted via a plurality of bearing sets, that are each disposed in a free floating manner. As a result, each of the bearings is self -aligning and self-adjusting when the gimbal assembly is assembled and mounted. The gimbal assembly additionally includes a plurality of integral stops that mechanically limit movement of a user interface to predetermined pitch and roll angles.
Abstract:
An active stick apparatus (40) includes a stick housing (41) and a stick control member (42) pivotally mounted to the stick housing (41) at a pivot point (43). The pivot point (43) acts to divide the stick control member (42) into a first member section (44) and a second member section (45). The pivot point (43) allows the stick control member (42) to pivot with respect to the stick housing (41), as indicated by directional arrows (46) and (47). An actuator (50) is attached to the first member section (44) at an end distal from the pivot point (43). The actuator (50) is arranged to act as a counterbalance to movement of the stick control member (42) about the pivot point (43) under acceleration forces asserted on the stick control member (42). The output axle drive (52) of the actuator (50) is fixedly coupled to a first section (53) of a drive link (54) and a second section (55) of the drive link (54) is pivotally coupled to a first section (56) of a mounting linkage (57). A second section (58) of the mounting linkage (57) is pivotally coupled to the stick housing (41). Coupling of the actuator (50) to the first member section mitigates the requirement for a conventional lump mass.
Abstract:
A device for transmitting movements comprising a parallel kinematics transmission structure providing at least one degree of freedom with respect to a symmetry axis, the parallel kinematics transmission structure comprising a base member, a moveable member, and at least one parallel kinematics chain coupling the base member and the moveable member, each parallel kinematics chain having a first arm moveable in a movement plane wherein the movement planes are at a distance to a symmetry axis.
Abstract:
A user interface system comprises a plurality of linkages connected between a platform and a base. The linkages permit motion of the platform over at least a portion of a spherical surface. A support assembly coupled between the platform and the base comprises a spherical joint having a centre of rotation substantially concentric with a centre of the spherical surface. The spherical joint constrains motion of the platform to the spherical surface. The system may include a sensor corresponding to each linkage. Each sensor may be coupled to sense a movement of its corresponding linkage in response to motion of the platform over the portion of the spherical surface. A user-manipulable handle may be coupled to the platform so that the user can move the platform.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a control system comprising a control input device (10) having a movable magnet (13), a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet (13) and positioned therein at least two magnetic flux sensors (22) for sensing movement of the magnet (13) in a given direction. The control system further comprises a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of the sensors (22) and permits the input device (10) to control the system only when the output of the sensors (22) are within a predefined range. This multiple sensing provides a fail-safe in the event that one of the sensors (22) generates an erroneous signal.
Abstract:
A motor allowing multiple degrees of output freedom includes a stator having first and second orthogonally positioned stator coils 16, 18 on the interior surface of a curved surface 12. A rotor 36 fixed to an output shaft 22 and movably supported adjacent the stator includes a plurality of magnets 38, 40, 42, 44 disposed thereon and is movable along the interior surface. Upon energization of the first stator coil, a first magnetic field is established to force at least a first or second one of the magnets and the rotor in a direction in the first or second degree of freedom. A method of providing force feedback to the joystick handle includes providing a motor consistent with the invention for driving the joystick sensing a position of the joystick and energizing at least one of the coils 16, 18 to establish the feedback force against one or more of the magnets 38, 40, 42, 44.
Abstract:
A thrust control system is described, including a control apparatus having water jet deflectors that deflect water to provide a reversing/backing thrust and a trim force to marine vessels using water jet propulsion. Other aspects include an electro-mechanical control lever assembly for operating actuators, the assembly comprising a mechanical lever coupled to a transducer that generates an electrical output. Yet other aspects comprise a load-sensing hydraulic circuit comprising at least two loads and a control system for controlling at least one of the loads, that prevents unwanted pressure transients in the circuit.
Abstract:
The invention proposes a device (20) comprising a housing, and two coding shafts (32L, 32T) driven in rotation by a trackball (30), and in which each shaft is tied in rotation to a mobile coding element (44L, 44T) belonging to a generator of control signals, characterized in that the signal generator comprises: - a mobile contact rod (70L, 70T) which, at rest, runs vertically with its lower span (78L, 78T) received between two fixed and opposed contact lugs (P5L-P6L, P5T-P6T), and which is tiltably mounted; and - a toothed pinion (44L, 44T), tied in rotation to the shaft, between two consecutive teeth of which is received an upper span (68L, 68T) of the mobile rod (7OL, 70T), in such a way as to cause the tilting of the rod so as to establish electrical contact between the lower span and one or other of the two contact lugs.