Patent ID: 8742711

Claim:
An active feedback user interface system, comprising: a plurality of motors, each motor configured, when energized, to supply a motor torque about a first rotational axis; a first input mechanism configured to rotate about the first axis, the first input mechanism coupled to receive the motor torque supplied from a first one of the plurality of motors and configured, upon receipt thereof, to supply a first output torque, a second input mechanism spaced apart from the first input mechanism and configured to rotate about the first rotational axis, the second input mechanism coupled to receive the motor torque from a second one of the plurality of motors and configured, upon receipt thereof, to supply a second output torque; a user interface drive mechanism configured to rotate about a second rotational axis that is perpendicular to, and co-planar with, the first rotational axis, the user interface drive mechanism coupled to receive the first and second output torques from the first and second input mechanisms, respectively; and an idler mechanism spaced apart from the user interface drive mechanism and configured to rotate with the user interface drive mechanism about the second rotational axis, wherein the first and second input mechanisms and the user interface drive mechanism are configured to implement an N:1 reduction ratio, wherein N is greater than 1.