Patent ID: 6227066
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for returning an angularly displaceable elongate member to a center position comprising:a base and a mounting bracket located a fixed distance from said base, said mounting bracket defining a first axis;a restoring plate having an upper surface and a multi-faceted lower surface pivotally mounted to said mounting bracket about said first axis, said elongate member extending from said upper surface;a linearly displaceable force plate having a substantially flat upper surface disposed between said base and said multifaceted lower surface of said restoring plate;a spring biasing said force plate against said multi-faceted lower surface of said restoring plate to creating a restoring force acting against said multi-faceted lower surface of said restoring plate;said multi-faceted lower surface of said restoring plate including a center position facet symmetrically located relative to said first axis, said center position comprising an angular position of said restoring plate wherein said center position facet abuts said upper surface of said force plate and said restoring force is evenly distributed on opposite sides of said first axis.