Joystick apparatus
US8648804B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2012 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a Joystick apparatus comprising a housing for anchoring the Joystick to; a stem having an actuator connected to a first end, the stem having a second end terminating at a working tip, the stem having an intermediate portion adapted to interface with a pivot point supported by the housing; a flexible disc having a peripheral rim and a central portion, the peripheral rim being supported by the housing, the central portion being connected to the stem about the stem's pivot point; and a sensor located proximate to the working tip and being adapted to detect the motion of the working tip. A novel aspect of the invention is in the use of a flexible disc acting simultaneously as a joint and a spring, thereby simplifying construction of the Joystick.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.