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 Title: |
US5409226:
Apparatus for providing position signals
[ Derwent Title ]
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| Country: |
US United States of America
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| Inventor: |
Mesko, Mark S.; Valencia, CA
Schrader, Charles E.; Northbridge, CA
Garlington, Joseph O.; La Crescenta, CA
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| Assignee: |
The Walt Disney Company, Burbank, CA
other patents from WALT DISNEY COMPANY (617665) (approx. 101)
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| Published / Filed: |
1995-04-25
/ 1993-05-28
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| Application Number: |
US1993000069566
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| IPC Code: |
Advanced:
A63F 13/06;
A63F 13/08;
G06F 3/033;
Core:
A63F 13/02;
more...
IPC-7:
A63B 71/04;
A63F 9/22;
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| ECLA Code: |
G06F3/033B; A63F13/06; A63F13/08; K63F300/10S; K63B22/16; K63B24/00A2B6; K63B230/01;
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| U.S. Class: |
Current:
273/148.B;
074/471.XY;
463/036;
700/070;
700/085;
Original:
273/148.B;
273/438;
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| Field of Search: |
273/148 B,438,313,187 A,187 B,195 B
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| Priority Number: |
| 1993-05-28 |
US1993000069566 |
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| Abstract: |
The present invention is an apparatus for producing position signals in response to induced pivoting motion of the apparatus by an user. The signals generated by the control device can be used to operate computer systems, entertainment systems, and automated processes. A circular contact disk is coupled to a suspension block that includes a universal joint allowing the contact disk to pivot in 360 DEG . The suspension block comprises a pneumatic spring for providing continuous suspension of the contact disk in response to motion of the contact disk. The suspension block further comprises dampers for providing continuous damping in response to motion of the contact disk. Also, the suspension block comprises stop cylinders for stabilizing the contact disk in a reference state. Transducers coupled to the contact disk generate position signals in response to motion of the contact disk. A chassis is coupled to the suspension block, thereby supporting the input mechanism. The contact disk includes a steering fixture perpendicularly disposed to a surface of the contact disk for facilitating pivotal motion. The chassis comprises an upper and lower chassis. Compliant pivots couple the upper chassis to the lower chassis, thereby allowing rotation of the upper chassis in a direction perpendicular to a supporting surface. The system further comprises an air cylinder coupled between the upper chassis and lower chassis for vertically displacing the upper chassis. The air cylinder is also used to weigh the user.
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| Attorney, Agent or Firm: |
Hecker & Harriman ;
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| Primary / Asst. Examiners: |
Chiu, Raleigh W.;
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| Maintenance Status: |
E2 Expired Check current status
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| INPADOC Legal Status: |
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| Family: |
None
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First Claim:
Show all 20 claims |
We claim:
1. An apparatus for providing position signals comprising:
- circular contact means for receiving user motions;
- pneumatic suspension means coupled to said contact means for supporting said contact means;
- a base coupled to said pneumatic suspension means;
- an upper chassis coupled to said base;
- pivoting means centrally coupled to said circular contact means for allowing pivotal motion of said contact means, said pivoting means coupled to said upper chassis;
- damping means coupled to said circular contact means and to said upper chassis;
- transducing means coupled to said contact means and to said base for providing position signals, said transducing means responsive to said contact means;
- a lower chassis coupled to a first side of said upper chassis;
- an air cylinder centrally coupled to said upper chassis and to lower chassis for allowing vertical displacement of said upper chassis.
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| Background / Summary: |
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| Drawing Descriptions: |
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| Description: |
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| Forward References: |
Show 8 U.S. patent(s) that reference this one
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