Patent ID: 6246047
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: G05G

Abstract:
A fiber optic control device comprising, in combination:a) a joy stick having fixed thereon a pivot ball to enable the stick to have a universal pivotal movement;b) said pivot ball having relatively large surface portions of poor light-reflecting properties;c) other surface portions of said ball having good light-reflecting properties;d) means providing a socket for said pivot ball;e) cooperable movement-limiting means on said pivot ball and socket, enabling said universal pivotal movement of the joy stick and pivot ball to be had while preventing rotative movement of the joy stick and pivot ball about the longitudinal axis thereof;f) fiber-optic light transmission means cooperable with said surface portions of the pivot ball and including a source of light adapted to direct a light beam against portions of said ball surface, for providing output light signals which are a function of the virtual position of said ball as effected by movements of said joy stick;g) said light transmission means includes light coupling means for receiving fiber optic cables;h) said light coupling means comprising a pair of each semi-cylindrical cooperable blocks having faces which together form a concave surface in which a portion of the said pivot ball is received; andi) said blocks having flat faces which are engaged with each other whereby the blocks constitute a composite cylindrical configuration.