Aspects hereof relate to control devices for controlling features or functions of apparatuses and devices. At a high level, the control devices described herein provide an input locus that is positioned within a handle of the control devices. The input locus may have a fixed position such that the control device may resist movement in response to forces applied to the handle in force vectors passing through the input locus. Further, the handle may pivot or rotate about the input locus in response to forces applied to the handle in force vectors that are offset from the input locus to generate inputs and/or controls.

The apparatus includes remote controlled knobs with a safety sensor. The knobs are configured for universal use and replace the existing knobs on a stove. Motorized gears in the knob are configured to rotate the knob to the off position and turn the burner off from a remote location though an application hosted on an electronic device. The sensor is fastened to a surface above the stove by adhesive and is adapted to sense, though an infrared sensor, the presence of a dangerous condition. The sensor includes a camera and heat sensor communicating with the application to verify that the stove is off, or if not off enable a user or turn it off. The sensor includes a plurality of adjustable, infrared temperature sensors which are angled at the burners. The heat sensors enable monitoring and may turn off the stove top when an unsafe heat level is reached.

An adjustable pedal for a vehicle has readily accessible adjustment mechanisms. An adjustment component has a first leg and also has a cross leg secured in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A slot extends horizontally in the first leg with horizontal first alignment holes above and below the slot. Bolts couple a slide block to the first alignment holes at a vertical position of comfort to a driver. A brake pedal has an upper end pivotably coupled to the slide block and has a lower end adapted to be depressed by the driver. A foot pad is coupled to the lower end of the brake pedal. A plurality of elevationally spaced holes are in the brake pedal. Bolts couple the foot pad to the brake pedal at a horizontal position of comfort for the driver.

A manual controller for controlling a machine comprises a mounting platform and a control lever. The control lever is mounted in a joint on the mounting platform so that it can pivot about an axis. A position sensor detects the deflection of the control lever and generates a signal corresponding to the deflection. An evaluation and processing unit processes the signal from the position sensor and controls the machine according to the deflection. A return mechanism returns the control lever back to a starting position.

A method of determining the state of a pedal actuator system within a vehicle includes receiving a position sensor signal indicative of a position of an actuator pedal within the pedal actuator system, receiving a force sensor signal indicative of a compressive force applied to the actuator pedal, and determining, with a processor, a state of the actuator pedal based on the position sensor signal and the force sensor signal. The state of the actuator pedal is one of a normal operating state and a fault state.

An active inceptor apparatus and method for operating a machine. The apparatus comprises a stick member having a grip portion, the stick member being pivotably mounted relative to a housing. It further comprises a position sensor responsive to, and for generating signals indicative of, stick member position. A force sensor is provided on the stick member responsive to, and for generating signals indicative of, force applied to the stick by a user. The apparatus also includes a control unit operable to receive the position and force signals from the position and force sensors respectively. The control unit is operable to process the signals according to a predetermined relationship to determine a value FD indicative of force applied to the stick member relative to displacement of the stick member. The control unit is also operable to generate machine control signals as a function of position signals and force signals in dependence upon the value FD, for communication to the machine.

In a shift device, rotational movement of a lever in a left and right direction is restricted by control of a motor. Rotational movement of the lever in a front and rear direction is also restricted by control of the motor. Therefore, rotational movements of the lever in the left and right direction and in the front and rear direction can be restricted by control of the single motor. Thus, structure of the restricting mechanism can be simplified.

A motor vehicle includes a plurality of seats. Each seat receives a respective human occupant of the motor vehicle. A movable driver control interface enables a human occupant to drive the motor vehicle. A positioning mechanism is coupled to the driver control interface and enables a human occupant to move the driver control interface to a position in front of any one of the seats such that any one of the human occupants may use the driver control interface to drive the motor vehicle.

A linear lifting device including a lifting column, a synchronous adjusting mechanism, a first motion element and a second motion element is provided. The lifting column has a fixed end and a movable end. The synchronous adjusting mechanism, disposed on the movable end, has a first force-bearing end and a second force-bearing end, which are respectively separated from the center of the synchronous adjusting mechanism by a rotating radius and remain at a synchronous state. The first and second elements respectively connect the first and second force-bearing ends for generating a first force to push the first force-bearing end to move in a first force direction and generating a second force to push the second force-bearing end to move in a second force direction, such that the movable end can move with respect to the fixed end in a resultant force direction of the first and second force directions.

A multi-axis adjustable machine handle may comprise a handle assembly and a handle mounting assembly. The handle mounting assembly may comprise a clamping assembly including an elongate clamp with first and second sides rotatably engaging the handle assembly and first and second cup-shaped members slidably engaging the elongate clamp. The handle mounting assembly may further comprise a locking assembly extending through the first cup-shaped member, second cup-shaped member, and elongate clamp to selectively prevent relative movement. Finally, the handle mounting assembly may also comprise a support brace engaging the second cup-shaped member.