Patent Description:
Encoders are finding application in a variety of electronic devices, including processing devices typically used by musicians. In this regard, rotary encoders are particularly useful for digital processing devices including digital effect processors, modelers, and controllers, e.g., because the encoder is operated in a manner similar to a traditional potentiometer, which makes its use familiar to the typical musician. <CIT> relates to a clutch mechanism for a pushbutton tuner in which the buttons are rotatable after depression for purposes of tuning adjustment. <CIT> relates to a control knob with a safety feature. To reduce injury to passengers, vehicle safety standards require that control knobs and other devices that extend beyond a surrounding surface plane collapse to the level of that plane if forces on the knob exceed a specified threshold, as they might during a crash. <CIT> relates generally to a rotary electronic device such as a rotary encoder which includes a push/turn operating button designed to be locked in a push-in position by finger pressure of an operator and returned to an unlocked position by depressing it again.

The invention is defined by a gyral linear actuator according to claim <NUM>.

According to a further aspect, the gyral-linear actuator's housing may further comprise a generally cylindrical body between the first end and the second end. Additionally, the body may comprise a male threaded portion on an outside periphery. Hence, the gyral-linear actuator may be coupled to a female threaded portion of a musical instrument easily.

According to a further aspect, the control member may comprise a neck axially received by the body of the actuator housing and a head positioned on a first end of the neck.

According to a further aspect, the control member may include an inside surface having a receiver that receives a distal end of the extension. Preferably, the receiver may comprise a socket. Further preferably, the socket may comprise a milled cross pattern.

According to a further aspect, the gyral-linear actuator may further comprise a cap that seats over the first spring, the cap having an aperture therethrough. Additionally, the encoder connector of the coupler may be positioned outside of the cap and the extension may pass through the aperture of the cap.

According to a further aspect, the actuator housing may further comprise a generally cylindrical body between the first end and the second end. The body may comprise a male threaded portion on an outside periphery and the cap may include a female threaded portion that threads onto the male threaded portion of the body of the actuator housing.

According to a further aspect, the extension of the coupler may comprise a primary shaft that connects to the control member. Additionally, the extension of the coupler may comprise a secondary shaft axially coupled to the primary shaft for relative axial movement therebetween. Preferably, the encoder connector is connected to the secondary shaft.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the primary shaft may have a hollow therein. The secondary shaft may be axially received in the hollow of the primary shaft. The primary shaft may have a male plug end that seats into a corresponding receptacle of the control member. Additionally, the primary shaft and the secondary shaft may have corresponding non-circular cross sections where the secondary shaft may be axially received in the hollow of the primary shaft. The encoder connector may be coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder. Rotation of the control member may cause corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder. Additionally, depression of the control member may cause corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder.

According to a further aspect, the gyral-linear actuator may further comprise a secondary spring positioned in the hollow of the primary shaft adjacent to the secondary shaft.

According to a further aspect, the primary shaft may have a hollow therein. The primary shaft may have at least one key slot on an inside surface adjacent to the hollow. The secondary shaft may have at least one key that mates with a corresponding key slot of the primary shaft when the secondary shaft is axially received in the hollow of the primary shaft.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a gyral-linear actuator for an encoder comprises an actuator housing, a control member, a spring, a cap, and a coupler. The actuator housing has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a hollow. The control member extends from the first end of the actuator housing. Moreover, the spring is positioned within the hollow of the actuator housing, and the cap seats over the spring (e.g., the cap couples to the second end of the actuator housing). The coupler has an encoder connector and an extension. The encoder connector can be positioned "outside" the cap opposite the actuator housing. In this configuration, the extension couples between the control member and the encoder connector. For instance, the extension can pass through an aperture of the cap and extend into the hollow of the actuator housing, where the extension couples to the control member. In this regard, when the encoder connector is coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder, rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder. Moreover, depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder. In some embodiments, the control member is a button that is suitable for foot actuation of the switch function. Moreover, a user can grab and rotate the button, which correspondingly turns the rotary shaft of the encoder.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the actuator housing may further comprise a generally cylindrical body between the first end and the second end. Additionally, the body may comprise a male threaded portion on an outside periphery.

According to a further aspect, the control member may comprise a neck axially received by the body of the actuator housing. Additionally, the control member may comprise a head positioned on a first end of the neck.

According to a further aspect, the control member may include an inside surface having a receiver that may receive a distal end of the extension. Additionally, the receiver may comprise a receptacle.

According to yet further aspects of the present disclosure, a gyral-linear actuator for an encoder comprises an actuator housing, a control member, a first spring, a primary shaft, a cap, and a shaft coupler. The actuator housing has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a body between the first end and the second end, and a hollow that extends into the body from the second end thereof. The control member extends from the first end of the actuator housing. In this regard, the control member is rotatable within the actuator housing and is capable of axial movement within the body. The first spring is positioned within the hollow of the actuator housing, and the primary shaft is positioned within the first spring and within the hollow. Moreover, the primary shaft couples to the control member. The cap seats over the first spring. For instance, the cap can couple to the second end of the actuator housing, thus containing the first spring in the actuator housing between the control member and the cap. The shaft coupler has a secondary shaft that passes through an aperture of the cap and engages the primary shaft. The shaft coupler also includes an encoder connector at a distal end of the secondary shaft. When the gyral-linear actuator is connected to an encoder, the encoder connector couples to a rotary shaft of the encoder. Thus, in operation, rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the primary shaft, which causes corresponding rotation of the secondary shaft, which causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder. Likewise, depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder via the primary shaft and the secondary shaft, thus operating a switch function of the rotary encoder. In some embodiments, a secondary spring is positioned in cooperation between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft.

According to further aspects, the body may comprise a male threaded portion on an outside periphery thereof. Further, the cap may comprise a cylindrical, knurled cap. Further, the aperture in the cap may be axially aligned with the body of the actuator housing. The scope of protection is defined by the claims.

A rotary encoder is a useful feature for electronic devices, including digital effect processors, modelers, and controllers. Such encoders provide even further usability and convenience when combined with a switch function. In this regard, a typical encoder includes an encoder shaft that can be rotated to generate encoder data. Moreover, the shaft can be pressed, e.g., in a direction orthogonal to a plane in which the encoder shaft is rotated, in order to operate a switch function. Unfortunately, encoders are currently provided as delicate electrical components that are not ruggedized. As such, a typical encoder is not suitable for harsh operating conditions such as using foot pressure to activate the switch of the encoder.

However, according to aspects of the present disclosure, a ruggedized actuator is provided as an encoder add-on, thus forming a ruggedized control. More particularly, the actuator herein extends the functionality of a typical rotary encoder, and in particular, a rotary encoder with a switch function, to a form that is usable in harsh environments that require ruggedized controls. A non-limiting example of a ruggedized application is to adapt an otherwise delicate encoder with a ruggedized actuator for use in a foot operable processing device. Such a device is used for instance, by musicians that require the ability to change settings of a processing device using foot switching while simultaneously playing an instrument, e.g., a keyboard, horn, percussion instrument, stringed musical instrument such as a guitar or bass, etc. A ruggedized actuator as described herein can also find application in industrial settings, e.g., on industrial controls, robots, industrial controllers, etc. Yet further, a ruggedized actuator as described herein can find application in industrial vehicles, consumer vehicles, various processing devices, etc., that require the use of an encoder.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to <FIG>, an example embodiment of a gyral-linear actuator <NUM> is illustrated in an exploded view. The gyral-linear actuator <NUM> provides a ruggedized actuator that is suitable for attachment to an encoder, thus forming a ruggedized control. In this regard, the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> includes an actuator housing <NUM> having a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM> opposite the first end, and a hollow <NUM>. As illustrated, the actuator housing <NUM> can further comprise a generally cylindrical body <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The body <NUM> is illustrated as having a male threaded portion <NUM> on an outside periphery thereof. The male threaded portion <NUM> provides a convenient means to attach the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> to an equipment housing, e.g., using one or more nuts (not shown). Attachment of the actuator housing <NUM> rigidly and directly to an equipment housing provides a first force absorbing means that can transfer/distribute some force applied to the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> to the equipment housing thus isolating at least a portion of the applied force from a corresponding encoder.

In this regard, depending upon mounting requirements of the gyral-linear actuator <NUM>, not all the body <NUM> need include a threaded portion <NUM>. Moreover, in some embodiments, there may be no male threaded portion <NUM>.

The gyral-linear actuator <NUM> also comprises a control member <NUM> extending from the first end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. The control member <NUM> defines the portion of the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> for user interaction. For example, as will be described in greater detail herein. The control member <NUM> can be rotated relative to the body <NUM> (e.g., for rotational control of a corresponding encoder). The control member <NUM> may also be depressed relative to the body <NUM> (e.g., to control a switch function, where provided, on a corresponding encoder). As such, the control member <NUM> is also capable of axial movement relative to the body <NUM>. As such, the control member <NUM> may be configured in a manner that facilitates rotation and/or axial movement relative to the actuator housing <NUM>.

By way of example, the illustrated control member <NUM> includes a neck <NUM> axially received by the body <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. The control member <NUM> is also illustrated as having a head <NUM> positioned on a first (distal) end of the neck <NUM>. In this regard, a user can actuate a switch by depressing the head <NUM> of the control member <NUM>, which axially moves the neck <NUM> into the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> is ruggedized in a manner making the device suitable for operation by a foot of a user. In this example implementation, the head <NUM> is dimensioned so as to be comfortable to fit underneath a typical user's foot. The neck <NUM> provides a convenient way to position the head <NUM>, and optionally control a throw (i.e., maximum length of axial travel) of the control member <NUM> relative to the actuator housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the control member <NUM> can optionally include a shoulder, flange, washer, nut, or other suitable structure (not shown) that is positioned in the hollow <NUM> that forms an interference preventing the control member <NUM> from pushing through the first end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the actuator housing <NUM> can "neck in" or include other feature that prevents the control member <NUM> from pushing through the first end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>.

The gyral-linear actuator <NUM> also comprises a spring <NUM> within the hollow <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is illustrated as a conventional coil spring. However, other spring configurations and materials can be used. For instance, the spring <NUM> can be a resilient material, etc. The spring <NUM> provides the primary resistance to depression of the head <NUM> of the control member <NUM>, e.g., to activate a switch of a corresponding encoder. The spring <NUM> also provides a return force that biases the head <NUM> of the control member <NUM> away from the actuator housing <NUM> in a ready position to be actuated. For instance, an end of the spring <NUM> can engage the neck <NUM> (or other suitable abutment surface) of the control member <NUM> to bias the control member <NUM> relative to the actuator housing <NUM>. Stepping on the head <NUM> or otherwise axially moving the head <NUM> towards the actuator housing <NUM> compresses the spring <NUM>. When pressure is relieved from the head <NUM> of the control member <NUM>, the biasing force of the spring <NUM> returns the control member <NUM> to a ready state where the head <NUM> is axially returned to a position distal from the actuator housing <NUM>. In this regard, the specific parameters of the spring <NUM> are selected to account for a desired switch resistance, which is likely to be application dependent. In some embodiments, the spring <NUM> further ruggedizes the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> by setting a bias force to correspond to a force anticipated by foot pressure.

The gyral-linear actuator <NUM> still further includes a coupler <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> includes an extension <NUM> and an encoder connector <NUM>. The extension <NUM> is a generally elongate member that couples the control member <NUM> to the encoder connector <NUM>. The encoder connector <NUM> provides a connection to a corresponding rotary encoder. As such, the shape and configuration of the encoder connector <NUM> can vary, e.g., depending upon the geometry of the shaft of a select encoder that the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> attaches. For instance, the encoder connector <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a bell that forms a friction fit with an encoder shaft. In this regard, the encoder connector <NUM> can be integral with the extension <NUM>, or the encoder connector <NUM> can be attached, connected, or otherwise fixed to the extension <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> generally, an example implementation of the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> is shown attached to an encoder to form a ruggedized control. Notably, the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is presented for illustrative purposes, and can include any combination of features and/or structures described in the various embodiments of gyral-linear actuators described herein. As such, like structure is illustrated with like reference numbers except as otherwise noted.

For sake of illustration of operation, <FIG> collectively show a gyral-linear actuator <NUM> having an actuator housing <NUM>. The actuator housing <NUM> can include features analogous to that described with regard to <FIG>. Moreover, the actuator housing <NUM> in this illustrated embodiment includes a keyway <NUM> along an outside periphery thereof (e.g., in an axial direction). The keyway <NUM> is not required, but provides a convenient way to lock the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> to a corresponding enclosure (e.g., using a corresponding key) so that the actuator housing <NUM> does not rotate or twist relative to the enclosure.

Analogous to that shown in <FIG>, extending axially from a first end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM> is a control member <NUM> having a neck <NUM> and head <NUM>.

<FIG> also show an embodiment where the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> includes a cap <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is optional, e.g., the functionality of the cap <NUM> can be implemented in another means, such as the design of the actuator housing <NUM> itself. In general, the cap <NUM> threads onto the actuator housing <NUM> and provides an abutment surface for the spring (not shown - but analogous to the spring <NUM> of <FIG>). For instance, where the actuator housing <NUM> includes a male threaded portion <NUM>, the cap <NUM> can include a female threaded portion that threads onto the male threaded portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. The cap <NUM> can also be implemented as a cylindrical, knurled cap <NUM>.

Thus, in an example embodiment, an inside surface of the cap <NUM> that covers over the second end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM> can be used to define an abutment surface so that the spring <NUM> (<FIG>) is seated between the abutment surface of the cap <NUM> and the control member <NUM>. The cap <NUM> can also provide an external shoulder <NUM> for mounting the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> to a corresponding enclosure (not shown), e.g., when used in combination with a nut (not shown) that threads onto the actuator housing <NUM>.

Additionally, the cap <NUM> has an aperture <NUM> that extends therethrough. The aperture <NUM> is coaxially aligned with the coupler <NUM>, and provides a means for the extension <NUM> to pass from within the actuator housing <NUM> (where the extension <NUM> couples to the control member <NUM>), to a position outside the actuator housing <NUM> (where the extension <NUM> couples to the encoder connector <NUM>).

<FIG> further show the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> coupled to an encoder <NUM>. When the encoder connector <NUM> of the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> is coupled to a rotary encoder shaft <NUM> of the encoder <NUM>, rotation of the control member <NUM> causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector <NUM> so as to turn the rotary encoder shaft <NUM> of the encoder <NUM>. Likewise, depression of the control member <NUM> causes corresponding depression of the rotary encoder shaft <NUM> of the encoder <NUM> (e.g., via the coupler <NUM> including the extension <NUM> and the encoder connector <NUM>), thus operating a switch function of the rotary encoder <NUM>. Here, the "throw" of the switching function can be controlled in part, by the length of the neck <NUM> of the control member <NUM>, as the head <NUM> causes interference with the actuator housing <NUM>, thus limiting the axial travel of the control member. The spring <NUM> (<FIG>) within the actuator housing <NUM> can also potentially limit the axial travel distance due to compression.

The spring <NUM> (not shown) provides a biasing force to default the control member <NUM> to an extended state distally displaced axially from the actuator housing <NUM>, thus corresponding to a retracted position of the coupler <NUM>. The spring <NUM> also sets the "stiffness" or resistance to the gyral-linear actuator <NUM>. As the head <NUM> of the control member <NUM> is depressed (axially moved towards the actuator housing <NUM>), the coupler <NUM> correspondingly moves axially downward. This axial movement operates the switch function of the encoder <NUM>. In this embodiment, the coupler <NUM> is fixedly connected to the control member <NUM>. As such, rotation of the head <NUM> and/or neck <NUM> cause corresponding rotation of the coupler <NUM>. As the coupler <NUM> rotates responsive to rotation of the control member <NUM>, the encoder connector <NUM> rotates the rotary encoder shaft <NUM>, thus operating the encoder <NUM>. Here, the encoder connector <NUM> may form a frictional connection to the rotary encoder shaft <NUM>, e.g., making the connection temporary/non-permanent. Moreover, the frictional mating of the encoder connector <NUM> to the rotary encoder shaft <NUM> ensures reliable operation as a switch and rotational encoder.

Referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of a gyral-linear actuator <NUM>' is illustrated according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, the gyral linear actuator of <FIG> includes components analogous to the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> of <FIG>. As such, like structure is illustrated with like reference numbers, and operation is analogous unless otherwise discussed herein.

Analogous to that illustrated in <FIG>, the gyral-linear actuator <NUM>' includes an actuator housing <NUM> having a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM> opposite the first end, and a hollow <NUM>. As illustrated, the actuator housing <NUM> further comprises a generally cylindrical body <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Moreover, the body <NUM> is illustrated as having a male threaded portion <NUM> on an outside periphery thereof.

The gyral-linear actuator <NUM> also comprises a control member <NUM> extending from the first end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. By way of example, the illustrated control member <NUM> includes a neck <NUM> axially received by the body <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>, and a head <NUM> at the distal end of the neck <NUM>. The control member <NUM> is configured for rotational movement relative to the actuator housing <NUM>, and for axial movement within the hollow <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>.

The gyral-linear actuator <NUM>' also comprises a spring <NUM> within the hollow <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. An optional cap <NUM> can be used to contain the spring <NUM> within the hollow <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>.

The above components of the gyral-linear actuator <NUM>' are analogous to those like parts of <FIG>, and will thus not be discussed further.

Different from the embodiment of <FIG>, the gyral-linear actuator <NUM>' includes a coupler <NUM>'. The coupler <NUM>' is analogous to the coupler <NUM> of <FIG>, in that the coupler <NUM>' includes an extension <NUM> and an encoder connector <NUM>. However, as illustrated in the embodiment of <FIG>, the extension <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>' comprises a primary shaft <NUM> that connects to the control member <NUM>. The extension <NUM> also comprises a secondary shaft <NUM> axially coupled to the primary shaft <NUM> for relative axial (but not rotational) movement therebetween. In this regard, the encoder connector <NUM> is connected to the secondary shaft <NUM>. Here the encoder connector <NUM> can be integral with the secondary shaft <NUM>, or the encoder connector <NUM> can connect as a separate component.

<FIG> is an exploded view for illustrative purposes. In this regard, the cap <NUM> is schematically shown to the right of the secondary shaft <NUM>. In practice, the secondary shaft <NUM> may pass through the aperture <NUM> in the cap <NUM> such that a bell defining the encoder connector <NUM> is on one side of the cap <NUM> opposite the length of the secondary shaft <NUM> as described more fully herein.

In an example embodiment, the primary shaft <NUM> is a generally elongate shaft structure having a hollow <NUM> therein. The secondary shaft <NUM> is axially received in the hollow <NUM> of the primary shaft <NUM>. However, the generally elongate shaft need not be cylindrical. For instance, the primary shaft <NUM> can have any desired geometric cross-section (e.g., square, rectangular, circular, hexagonal, etc.). Analogously, the secondary shaft <NUM> is also a generally elongate shaft structure. However, the generally elongate shaft need not be cylindrical. For instance, the secondary shaft <NUM> can have any desired geometric cross-section (e.g., square, rectangular, circular, hexagonal, etc.). Moreover, the primary shaft <NUM> and the secondary shaft <NUM> need not have the same shape. For instance, as shown in <FIG> (solely for illustrative, non-limiting purposes), the primary shaft <NUM> has a generally hexagonal cross-section, whereas the secondary shaft <NUM> has a generally "star pattern" cross-section due to the key arrangement.

As noted above, the primary shaft <NUM> axially moves relative to the secondary shaft <NUM>. In this regard, certain embodiments can include a feature such as a key <NUM> (or set of keys <NUM>) on the outside surface of the secondary shaft <NUM> that mate with corresponding key slot(s) <NUM> on an inside surface of the primary shaft <NUM> adjacent to the hollow <NUM> when the secondary shaft <NUM> is axially received in the hollow <NUM> of the primary shaft <NUM>. This arrangement allows axial movement of the primary shaft <NUM> relative to the secondary shaft <NUM>, while restricting rotational relative movement of the primary shaft <NUM> relative to the secondary shaft <NUM>. Thus, in some embodiments, the secondary shaft <NUM> has at least one key <NUM>, and correspondingly, the primary shaft <NUM> has at least one key slot. Each key of the secondary shaft <NUM> mates with a corresponding key slot of the primary shaft <NUM> when the secondary shaft <NUM> is axially received in the hollow <NUM> of the primary shaft <NUM>.

Also, in some embodiments (not shown), the second shaft <NUM> may axially receive the primary shaft <NUM>. Under such embodiments, a feature such as a key or set of keys can be provided on the outside surface of the primary shaft <NUM> that mate with corresponding key slots (not shown) on an inside surface of the second shaft <NUM>, e.g., analogous to that described above.

Thus, in some embodiments, the primary shaft <NUM> and the secondary shaft <NUM> have corresponding non-circular cross sections where the secondary shaft <NUM> is axially received in the hollow <NUM> of the primary shaft <NUM>. In other example implementations, the primary shaft <NUM> and/or the secondary shaft <NUM> can have a circular cross-section, e.g., so long as when the encoder connector is coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder, rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder, and depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder.

Moreover, in some embodiments, a secondary spring <NUM> is positioned between the primary shaft <NUM> and the secondary shaft <NUM>. For instance, the secondary spring <NUM> can be placed in the hollow <NUM> of the primary shaft <NUM> adjacent to the secondary shaft <NUM> (e.g., adjacent to a first end thereof). In this regard, the secondary shaft <NUM> may include a feature <NUM> such as a tip, nub, dome, etc., that provides a seat that receives an end of the secondary spring <NUM>. This configuration assists to prevent switch failure due to excess force, serving as a secondary dampener to the spring <NUM>. Moreover, the secondary spring <NUM> extends the linear action (axial) range making the gyral-linear actuator <NUM> compatible with different encoders by allowing for compensation in the variability of switch travel distance. As such, the gyral-linear actuator <NUM>' includes adjustable features (including features that auto-adjust) for different applications.

Also shown in <FIG> is an embodiment where the primary shaft <NUM> has a male plug end <NUM> that seats into a corresponding receptacle of the control member <NUM>. The male plug end <NUM> can also be implemented on the embodiment of <FIG>. Also, the plug/socket relationship can be reversed, where the control member <NUM> includes a male plug end that connects to a mating socket in the end of the coupler <NUM>.

As an example of assembly, the control member <NUM> is installed in actuator housing <NUM>. The control member <NUM> includes (e.g., via the neck <NUM> or some other suitable component), a feature that prevents the control member from pushing through the first end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is dropped into the hollow <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM> through the second end <NUM>. Then, the primary shaft <NUM> is dropped into the hollow <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM> within the spring <NUM> such that the end <NUM> mates with a corresponding receptacle of the control member <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is then screwed onto the threaded portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> (or is otherwise attached to the body <NUM>) of the actuator housing <NUM> thus containing the spring <NUM> within the actuator housing <NUM>.

The secondary spring <NUM> is dropped through the aperture <NUM> of the cap <NUM> and into the hollow <NUM> of the primary shaft <NUM>. Then the secondary shaft <NUM> is passed through the aperture <NUM> of the cap <NUM> and is axially received into the hollow <NUM> of the primary shaft <NUM> seating the secondary spring <NUM>. Here, the shaft portion of the secondary shaft <NUM> extends through the aperture <NUM> in the cap <NUM> and the "bell" of secondary shaft <NUM> defining the encoder connector <NUM> extends axially past the cap <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a gyral-linear actuator <NUM>" is illustrated according to further embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the gyral linear actuator <NUM>" of <FIG> includes components analogous to the gyral-linear actuator <NUM>' of <FIG>. As such, like structure is illustrated with like reference numbers, and operation is analogous unless otherwise discussed herein.

Here, in order to seat the coupler <NUM> into the actuator housing <NUM>, an insert <NUM> is installed into the hollow <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. The insert <NUM> engages the control member <NUM> and provides a socket for receiving the plug end <NUM> of the extension <NUM> (e.g., primary shaft <NUM> as shown). Here, the spring <NUM> is removed for clarity of illustrating the insert <NUM>. However, where desired, the spring <NUM> can be included.

Referring to <FIG>, an example embodiment illustrates the primary shaft <NUM> axially receiving the secondary shaft <NUM> with the spring <NUM> engaged thereby. Here, compressing the secondary spring <NUM> moves the encoder connector <NUM> relatively closer to the plug end <NUM> of the primary shaft <NUM>, and the bias of the secondary spring <NUM> in a non-compressed state moves the encoder connector <NUM> relatively farther from the plug end <NUM>. This allows for adjustments to be made automatically to account for specific encoder requirements. Also, the keys <NUM> cooperate with corresponding slots <NUM> to prevent relative rotation of the primary shaft <NUM> relative to the secondary shaft <NUM>. Other mechanisms can be used to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Also shown in <FIG> is an example configuration of the plug end <NUM> at the tip of the primary shaft <NUM>. As illustrated, the plug end <NUM> takes the form of a cross pattern.

Referring to <FIG>, the control member <NUM> (or optional insert <NUM>) includes a receiver, implemented as a socket <NUM>. The socket <NUM> has a shape complimentary to the shape of the plug end <NUM>. For instance, the socket <NUM> can comprise a milled cross pattern. In this regard, a bottom surface of the control member <NUM> opposite the head <NUM> (e.g., bottom surface of the neck <NUM>) can include a receptacle forming the socket <NUM>. The socket <NUM> can be milled into the control member <NUM>, or otherwise formed. Alternatively, the insert <NUM>, where used, can include a molded or milled socket as described above.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when receiver receives a distal end of the extension <NUM> (e.g., the plug end <NUM> is received into the mating socket <NUM>), rotation of the head <NUM> of the control member <NUM>, causes corresponding rotation of the neck <NUM>. Because of the cross pattern of the plug and socket, the rotation of the neck <NUM> causes corresponding rotation of the coupler <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A gyral-linear actuator (<NUM>) for an encoder (<NUM>), wherein the gyral-linear actuator (<NUM>) is suitable for attachment to the encoder (<NUM>), comprising:
an actuator housing (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>), a second end (<NUM>) opposite the first end (<NUM>), a body (<NUM>) between the first end (<NUM>) and the second end (<NUM>) and a hollow (<NUM>) that extends into the body (<NUM>) from the second end (<NUM>) thereof;
a control member (<NUM>) extending from the first end (<NUM>) of the actuator housing (<NUM>);
a first spring (<NUM>) within the hollow (<NUM>) of the actuator housing (<NUM>), wherein the first spring (<NUM>) provides a return force that biases the control member (<NUM>) away from the actuator housing (<NUM>) and wherein the control member (<NUM>) is rotatable within the actuator housing (<NUM>) and is capable of axial movement within the body (<NUM>); and
a coupler (<NUM>; <NUM>') having:
an encoder connector (<NUM>) and an extension (<NUM>) that couples the control member (<NUM>) to the encoder connector (<NUM>);
characterized in that,
the encoder connector (<NUM>) is configured to be coupled to a rotary shaft (<NUM>) of the encoder (<NUM>) and configured to rotate and depress the rotary shaft (<NUM>) of the encoder (<NUM>);
and in that rotation of the control member (<NUM>) causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector (<NUM>) so as to turn the rotary shaft (<NUM>) of the encoder (<NUM>) when coupled to the encoder connector (<NUM>); and in that
depression of the control member (<NUM>) causes corresponding depression of the encoder connector (<NUM>) so as to depress the rotary shaft (<NUM>) of the encoder (<NUM>) when coupled to the encoder connector (<NUM>).