Patent ID: 6508058
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: B25J,F15B

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the movement of a hydraulically operated machine member, the apparatus comprising:an operator input subassembly, the operator input subassembly having at least one input fitment that can communicate with an anatomical feature of an operator, and wherein application of a force to said input fitment outputs a mechanical displacement and a first hydraulic fluid displacement, and wherein an element of the operator input subassembly has at least one member in communication with an associated moving member of a machine such that a motion of the moving member is translated into a second hydraulic fluid displacement that augments the first hydraulic fluid displacement, thereby opposing said mechanical displacement and permitting said input fitment to move in a direction of the force in concert with the movement of said machine member; a power control subassembly having a driver operator, a controllable hydraulic power source, said controllable hydraulic power source producing a stream of pressurized hydraulic fluid, wherein said driver operator receives the mechanical displacement imparted by the operator input subassembly, said mechanical displacement causing the power control subassembly to engage the controllable hydraulic power source directing the stream of pressurized hydraulic fluid therefrom to at least one hydraulic driver, and wherein a portion of the stream of pressurized hydraulic fluid directed to at least one hydraulic driver is diverted through at least one hydraulic fluid sampling conduit; and a feedback subassembly in communication with at least one hydraulic fluid sampling conduit of the hydraulic driver, wherein the portion of the stream of pressurized hydraulic fluid diverted through the at least one hydraulic fluid sampling conduit is used to generate a force directed opposing the mechanical displacement generated by the operator input subassembly.