An inceptor apparatus and method for operating a machine, the operation of the machine providing an output from at least one inertial sensor. The apparatus comprises a stick member having a base portion, and a grip portion extending from the base portion in only one direction. The apparatus further comprises at least one sensor for generating actual stick member position data, and a control unit configured to receive an inertial force signal from the or each inertial sensor and the actual stick member position data. The control unit is operable generate a first stick member position compensation signal in dependence upon the inertial force signal and actual stick member position data.

A removable protective cover for engines and/or transmissions includes a central portion and a flexible peripheral flange that extends transversely from the central portion. The peripheral flange includes an engagement surface formed by a groove or other suitable feature on an inner side of the peripheral flange. A plurality of teardrop shaped washers or retainers have protruding portions that engage the groove to removably retain the cover on the engine. At least a portion of the peripheral flange comprises an elastomeric material such that the removable cover can be installed and removed by flexing the peripheral flange to cause the teardrop shaped washers to engage and disengage the groove.

A button assembly for an exterior of a vehicle is disclosed. The button assembly is designed with improved water drainage properties. The button assembly includes a button switch and a bezel housing surrounding the button switch that is spaced apart from the button switch. A channel extends between the two components. In one example, the channel has a width of approximately 0.5 mm at one end. In another example, the channel is formed between two surfaces, and the outer surface is sloped relative to the button switch by approximately 15 degrees. Furthermore, in some examples, the channel has a height of approximately 3 mm. Each of these structural characteristics serves to significantly improve the assembly's overall drainage performance, which may be especially essential in colder climates.

A button assembly for an exterior of a vehicle is disclosed. The button assembly is designed with improved water drainage properties. The button assembly includes a button switch and a bezel housing surrounding the button switch that is spaced apart from the button switch. A channel extends between the two components. In one example, the channel has a width of approximately 0.5 mm at one end. In another example, the channel is formed between two surfaces, and the outer surface is sloped relative to the button switch by approximately 15 degrees. Furthermore, in some examples, the channel has a height of approximately 3 mm. Each of these structural characteristics serves to significantly improve the assembly's overall drainage performance, which may be especially essential in colder climates.

A pedal device includes a pedal and a reaction force generation mechanism. The reaction force generation mechanism includes a resilient device and a first holder. The first holder contacts the resilient device from one side, which is a side where the pedal is placed. The first holder has a primary disengagement stopper. The reaction force generation mechanism includes a second holder that contacts the resilient device from another side, which is opposite to the one side. The second holder has a secondary disengagement stopper. In a non-depressed state of the pedal, the pedal limits movement of the first holder toward the one side. When the pedal no longer limits and thus releases the movement of the first holder, the secondary disengagement stopper limits the movement of the first holder relative to the second holder beyond a predetermined limit toward the one side.

A seamless button including a guiding element, a movable actuating element and a switch located on a mounting plate. The movable actuating element is made of elastic material with a massive middle shaft spaced from the inner walls of the chamber by an air gap. It has an upper actuating surface and crimp surrounding the actuating surface above the air gap. It also has a profile area at the outer circumference of the movement crimp, where the horizontally outwardly extending portion of the profile area rests on top of the outer wall, the downwardly extending portion of the profile area rests on the outside of the outer profile edge and the protrusion rests on the pedestal covering it at least partially. A seamless multi-button is also disclosed, with a method for manufacturing seamless buttons.

A seamless button including a guiding element, a movable actuating element and a switch located on a mounting plate. The movable actuating element is made of elastic material with a massive middle shaft spaced from the inner walls of the chamber by an air gap. It has an upper actuating surface and crimp surrounding the actuating surface above the air gap. It also has a profile area at the outer circumference of the movement crimp, where the horizontally outwardly extending portion of the profile area rests on top of the outer wall, the downwardly extending portion of the profile area rests on the outside of the outer profile edge and the protrusion rests on the pedestal covering it at least partially. A seamless multi-button is also disclosed, with a method for manufacturing seamless buttons.

Joystick controllers having one or both of a reference bar and a throat plate. The reference bar substantially surrounds the joystick and is mounted to a control panel, and provides a hand rest surface for an operator while operating the joystick. A top curved surface of the reference bar extends substantially parallel to the path of movement of the joystick in the fore and aft direction of travel. The throat plate has a shape oriented with tapered surfaces and vertices at the furthest fore and aft points to limit turning, caused by movement of the joystick in a side-to-side direction, at higher forward and aft speeds. The joystick can be biased such that, in the neutral position, it is oriented aft of center to allow for a full forward stroke, while limiting rearward stroke.

Joystick controllers having one or both of a reference bar and a throat plate. The reference bar substantially surrounds the joystick and is mounted to a control panel, and provides a hand rest surface for an operator while operating the joystick. A top curved surface of the reference bar extends substantially parallel to the path of movement of the joystick in the fore and aft direction of travel. The throat plate has a shape oriented with tapered surfaces and vertices at the furthest fore and aft points to limit turning, caused by movement of the joystick in a side-to-side direction, at higher forward and aft speeds. The joystick can be biased such that, in the neutral position, it is oriented aft of center to allow for a full forward stroke, while limiting rearward stroke.

The invention relates to an actuation device (3) for installing on a vehicle part (2), in particular in the form of a door or a hatch, having an electric switch means (30) with at least one switch element (31) for initiating a vehicle function and having a housing unit (10) with at least one first and second housing section (11, 12), wherein the second housing section (12) can be moved from a rest position (I) into an actuation position (II) at least in some regions relative to the first housing section (11) in order to actuate the switch element (31). The invention additionally relates to a vehicle (1) and to an actuation method (100).