Patent ID: 8076599

Claim:
A foot control unit for use by an operator to control the function of an instrument, the foot control unit comprising: a base plate having a longitudinal axis; a heel support connected to said base plate and extending upwardly therefrom, said heel support having an upper surface upon which a heel of the operator is supported; a first switch connected to said base plate, said first switch having a medial edge and a lateral edge, said first switch having an upper surface defining a first angle relative to said base plate in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said base plate, wherein said lateral edge of said first switch is spaced from said base plate by a greater distance than said medial edge of said first switch; and a second switch connected to said base plate, said second switch having a medial edge and a lateral edge, said second switch having an upper surface defining a second angle relative to said base plate in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said base plate, wherein said lateral edge of said second switch is spaced from said base plate by a greater distance than said medial edge of said second switch.