Patent ID: 6222179
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: G05G

Abstract:
A fiber optic control device comprising, in combination:a) a joystick having fixed thereon a pivot ball to enable the stick to have universal pivotal movement,b) a base having a socket in which said pivot ball is held captive while permitting said joystick to have said universal movement,c) a pair of swivel members,d) means pivotally mounting said swivel members on the base for movement about non-coincidental axes,e) slide driving connections between said joystick and swivel members, for causing reversible movements of the members in response to universal movements of the joystick,f) mirrors carried by said swivel members, andg) fiber optic light transmission means cooperable with said mirrors and including a source of light adapted to direct a light beam against the mirrors, thereby to provide output light signals which are a function of the virtual position of said joy stick at any time.