The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 25, 1995
Filed:
May. 28, 1993
Mark S Mesko, Valencia, CA (US);
Charles E Schrader, Northbridge, CA (US);
Joseph O Garlington, La Crescenta, CA (US);
The Walt Disney Company, Burbank, CA (US);
Abstract
The present invention is an apparatus for producing position signals in response to induced pivoting motion of the apparatus by an user. The signals generated by the control device can be used to operate computer systems, entertainment systems, and automated processes. A circular contact disk is coupled to a suspension block that includes a universal joint allowing the contact disk to pivot in 360.degree.. The suspension block comprises a pneumatic spring for providing continuous suspension of the contact disk in response to motion of the contact disk. The suspension block further comprises dampers for providing continuous damping in response to motion of the contact disk. Also, the suspension block comprises stop cylinders for stabilizing the contact disk in a reference state. Transducers coupled to the contact disk generate position signals in response to motion of the contact disk. A chassis is coupled to the suspension block, thereby supporting the input mechanism. The contact disk includes a steering fixture perpendicularly disposed to a surface of the contact disk for facilitating pivotal motion. The chassis comprises an upper and lower chassis. Compliant pivots couple the upper chassis to the lower chassis, thereby allowing rotation of the upper chassis in a direction perpendicular to a supporting surface. The system further comprises an air cylinder coupled between the upper chassis and lower chassis for vertically displacing the upper chassis. The air cylinder is also used to weigh the user.