Tracy W Lay

US Patent:

20030066739, Apr 10, 2003

Filed:

Jul 2, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/897217

Inventors:

Roger Rickenbach - Logan UT, US
Cathal Sheehan - Douglas, IE
Steven Archibald - Ogden UT, US
Malcolm Harvey - Hyde Park UT, US
Padraig Keane - BallyNoe Cobh, IE
Tracy Lay - Ogden UT, US
Maurice O'Brien - Riverstown, IE
Alexy Yessayan - Ogden UT, US

International Classification:

H01H009/26

US Classification:

200/00500R

Abstract:

A controller that provides tactile feedback to an operator comprises a base having force-sensing elements disposed thereon, the base defining a sensing plane having first and second orthogonal axes therein, and a force-transmitting member orthogonally disposed with respect to the base, the force-transmitting member defining a third axis mutually orthogonal with the first and second axes. The force transmitting member moves at least along the third axis in response to an applied force, both to generate an electrically discernible indication and to provide tactile feedback to an operator.

US Patent:

20020171629, Nov 21, 2002

Filed:

May 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/862883

Inventors:

Steven Archibald - Ogden UT, US
Tracy Lay - Ogden UT, US

International Classification:

G09G005/08

US Classification:

345/157000

Abstract:

A low power measurement circuit for a position sensor incorporating strain gauges. The position sensor includes a bridge resistive network coupled to a multiplexer. The multiplexer routes current through different portions of the position sensor creating different resistive networks sensitive to forces applied to the position sensor. Current flowing through the resistive networks generate output signals proportional to the forces applied to the position sensor. A sample and hold circuit allows the position sensor to be de-energized while an analog to digital converter digitizes the output signals. A programmable controller and a digital to analog converter are included to create a flexible amplifier stage. The circuit further includes a controller for controlling the operation of the multiplexer, programmable amplifier, digital to analog converter, and analog to digital converter.