US4217569A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Three dimensional strain gage transducer
Assignee: THERATRONICS INTERNATIONAL Ltd PO BOX 13140 413 MARCH ROAD KANATA ONTARIO CANADA K2K 2B7 A CORP OF CANADA
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Filing: 1979-01-23
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Granted: 1980-08-12
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Expires: 1999-01-23
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a single lever joystick having movement in X and Y directions and rotation about a further axis Z wherein axes X, Y and Z are substantially perpendicular. The joystick can be moved in all three senses at the same time. Movement of the joystick is resiliently restrained to a selected neutral position. Resiliency is obtained from substantially plate-like springy members to which are attached strain gauges. Each of the strain gauges is capable of producing a continuously variable electrical resistance output which is a function of the displacement of the joystick from its neutral position.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Nejedly
- 👤 Douglas W. Whitfield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 13:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L5/00; G01L5/22; G01L5/223; G01L5/16; G01L5/161; G01L5/1627
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A three dimensional strain gauge transducer comprising: (a) a body member, (b) a joystick pivoted on said body member for limited movement from a neutral position in first and second substantially perpendicular directions and limited rotation about the axis thereof, said first and second directions and said rotation being in relation only to said body member, said joystick having a first end defining a manually operable knob and a second end defining spring engaging means, (c) a first pair of spring means engageable and deformable by said engaging means in response to movement in said first direction, (d) a second pair of spring means engageable and deformable by said engaging means in response to movement in said second direction, (e) a third pair of spring means engageable and deformable by said engaging means in response to said rotation, said first, second and third spring means respectively urging said joystick to said neutral position, and (f) associated pairs of strain gauge elements mounted on the first, second and third pairs of springs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
A three dimensional strain gauge transducer comprising: (a) a body member, (b) a joystick pivoted on said body member for limited movement from a neutral position in first and second substantially perpendicular directions and limited rotation about the axis thereof, said first and second directions and said rotation being in relation only to said body member, said joystick having a first end defining a manually operable knob and a second end defining spring engaging means, (c) a first pair of spring means engageable and deformable by said engaging means in response to movement in said first direction, (d) a second pair of spring means engageable and deformable by said engaging means in response to movement in said second direction, (e) a third pair of spring means engageable and deformable by said engaging means in response to said rotation, said first, second and third spring means respectively urging said joystick to said neutral position, and (f) associated pairs of strain gauge elements mounted on the first, second and third pairs of springs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A transducer as defined in claim 1, wherein said joystick is pivoted in a spherical bearing member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A transducer as defined in claim 1, where said joystick further includes a function enable button.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A transducer as defined in claim 1, wherein said strain gauge elements mounted on each of said springs constitute means for providing continuously variable electrical resistance output for simultaneous three-directional control.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A transducer as defined in claim 1, further including pairs of stops associated with each of said pairs of springs to positively define the neutral positions thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-08-12 | 1984-02-11 | 1984-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-12 | 1988-02-11 | 1988-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-12 | 1992-02-11 | 1992-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |