Firma Jungheinrich Unternehmensverwaltung Kg

Michael A Archer

A control lever switch for providing steplessly adjustable control values, e.g. directional commands, for a plurality of outputs is based upon the provision of a number of electrodes in a spaced array around a control lever, these electrodes being capacitively coupled to a transmitter electrode which is carried by the control lever and which is adjustable via the control lever both radially and circumferentially of the electrode array. Preferably, four 90.degree. segment electrodes are provided, with a circular gap in the center, appropriately connected to two output channels to give, in a vehicle control system, both directional control and speed control in each channel. The electrode array and the transmitter electrode may be provided on respective opposite sides of a circuit board over which the transmitter electrode can slide easily. The control lever switch permits one-hand control of vehicles, such as wheelchairs, of model aircraft and boats, and of quadrophonic sound systems for example, just by tilting and turning the control lever.

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Norderstedt, Germany

Michael A Archer