CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY

**Definition:** This place covers:

Operator control devices (e.g. knobs, buttons, levers, joysticks or pedals) or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only, i.e. the element which the operator is manipulating or actuating, to generate control commands.

The following model describes the operator control device:

A) an operator actuated part (the part coming in contact with the human body to receive a command)

B) mechanisms that do not transmit the command (e.g. ratchet mechanisms, mechanisms with hysteresis, return spring mechanisms)

C) command treating mechanisms (i.e. mechanical systems aimed at transmitting, amplifying, converting or delaying the command received)

D) a commutation part (aimed at performing the final operation, e.g. electric contact being actuated).

If the invention is concerned with A or B, it is classified in respectively G05G1/00 or G05G5/00 .

If the invention is concerned with C, and the mechanism is a mechanism in which:

1. the ratio of motion or force between the controlling member and the controlled member is altered (e.g. US 2009/0095100 with brake pedal, which includes a mechanism capable of varying a ratio between an output amount of a push rod connected to a master cylinder and an operation amount of the brake pedal),

2. repeated movement of the controlling member produces increments of movement of the controlled member (e.g. US4311060 a parking brake in which, when the brake handle is pulled up, the brake cable is winded around a rotating member. By repeating the above operation of the brake handle, the rotating member is intermittently rotated until necessary length of the brake cable is wound up to effect firm locking of the parking brake), or

3. repeated movement of the controlling member moves the controlled member through a cycle of distinct positions (e.g. US3187602; push button wherein a contact is switched on or off by repeated pushing),

it is classified in groups G05G7/00 - G05G13/00

If the invention is concerned with C, and it is not one of the mechanisms under point 1 - 3 above, it is classified in other fields, e.g. H01H , B60K35/00 , F16H59/00 - F16H63/00 , G06F3/00 , B62K , F24C , etc.

If the invention is concerned with D, it is classified in other fields, e.g. H01H , B60K35/00 , F16H59/00 - F16H63/00 , G06F3/00 , B62K , F24C , etc.

**Limiting references (this place does not cover):** - Means for transmitting linear movement in a flexible sheathing, e.g. "Bowden mechanisms" -> F16C1/10 - Adjustable cranks or eccentrics -> F16C3/28 - Gearings or mechanisms not intended for mechanical control -> F16H - Speed changing or reversing mechanisms for gearings conveying rotary motion -> F16H59/00 , F16H61/00 , F16H63/00

**Glossary:** - Controlling member: Knob, handle, lever, disc, wheel, joystick, pedal, etc. , and consists of: Part manipulated or actuated directly by the operator (part A in the model of the operator control device), and the mechanism that does not transmit a command (part B in the model of the operator control device), andthe mechanism that processes the movement (part C in the model of the operator control device) from the operator actuated part to the controlled member. - Controlled member: The controlled commutation member (part D in the model of the operator control device), e.g. electric switch, sensor, valve or gear shifter yoke. - Control mechanism: Mechanism that is the mechanism that processes the movement (part C in the model of the operator control device) from the operator actuated part to the controlled member, and / orthe mechanism that does not transmit a command (part B in the model of the operator control device).