Operator station innovations

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Controls and instrumentation

A new joystick from J.R. Merritt Controls, the BH-10, features an enable bar (lever) used as a deadman switch to prevent inadvertant operation.

For both safety and comfort, a new joystick handle from J.R. Merritt Controls, the BH-10, features an enable bar (lever) and a sealed rocker switch. The enable bar is used as a deadman switch to prevent inadvertent operation or as an additional function to the joystick controller. The BH-10 handle was designed with a slight angle to enhance operator function by conforming to the natural curve of the hand, with an area to rest the index finger to allow easier control of the rocker switch. The handle is suitable for use on scissor lifts, bucket trucks, cranes, and agricultural, mining, and forestry equipment where the security of the deadman function is vital to the control of the machinery.

ITT Industries, Cannon Div. recently expanded its AJ3 Series of multifunction joysticks for off-highway vehicles to include improved performance and operator choices. The AJ3 Series includes four signal outputs - voltage, current, pulse-width modulation, and CAN protocol. There are also four handle configurations, ranging from the basic ball handle for simple tasks to three varieties of ergonomic joysticks into which customers can integrate up to 20 functions.

According to ITT Cannon, one of the advantages of the AJ3 joysticks is their customizability. "Most custom programs are prohibitive due to tooling and development costs," said Peter Leuty, Product Manager at ITT Industries, Cannon Div. "Our AJ3 family is an off-the-shelf solution easily modified for lower volume applications that require a specific functional solution but without the cost of developing and tooling a completely new handle."

The ITT Industries, Cannon Div.'s AJ3 Series of joysticks for off-highway equipment includes four signal outputs - voltage, current, pulse-width modulation, and CAN protocol.

The series features Hall-effect sensors that rely on a magnetic field to detect the movements of the joystick, then send a signal to microcontrollers that operate the vehicle's joystick controls. Unlike potentiometers, Hall-effect sensors do not use interlocking moving parts, reducing mechanical failures and resisting damage from moisture or debris. The microcontrollers used in the AJ3 Series introduce memory and diagnostics to joystick system control. Taking the signal produced by the Hall-effect sensors, the microcontrollers compute temperature adjustments, detect sensor failures, and control the output signal that represents the position of the joystick. The microcontroller's memory enables operators to program the joystick to meet the needs of their specific application.

Resistive elements are the core of many low-cost, high-reliability position sensors for applications ranging from agriculture to robotics. Invensys Sensor Systems offers a variety of resistive technologies, optimized for low cost, long life, low noise, tight linearity, or operation in hostile environments. The sensors are found in applications such as throttle levers and pedals, control wheels and levers, cab lighting controls, seat and mirror adjustment mechanisms, and active suspension devices. The company offers its resistive position sensor elements to customers for use in their own housing, mounting, and drive mechanisms, as well as a variety of wiper contact springs and lubrications custom-matched to the customer's application. Invensys provides a custom-designed combination of resistive technology, contact material, lubricant, and design advice for an application. In turn, system designers are able to integrate the sensor with their own mechanism.

Invensys Sensor Systems offers a variety of resistive sensor technologies for operation in hostile environments.

Invensys also can design and install conditioning circuitry to suit specific interfacing needs. Resistive film technologies include Cermet and conductive plastic. Substrate materials range from FR4, ceramic, and polyimide to flexible materials like Kapton. Available contact wiper designs vary from low-cost stamped wipers to high-performance precious-metal brushes.

VDO North America's new Bus Analog Interface (BAI) system is a multifunctional modular interface between an electronic engine controller and analog instruments, sound alarms, and warning lamps. The system is designed to ensure reliability and performance in rugged off-highway applications and is programmed through Windows-based software.

VDO North America's Bus Analog Interface (BAI) system is a multifunctional modular device that interprets signals and data from an electronic engine controller.

The BAI interfaces directly into an existing wiring harness using customer-specified connectors. It is designed for electronic engine applications and can be used with more than one engine or chassis combination. The system can operate up to 10 analog or 4-20 mA instruments, including tachometer and hourmeter. Eight channels can be programmed to handle warning lights, shut downs, and alarm systems. Maximum output is 300 mA. Seven auxiliary analog outputs are available for monitoring additional chassis functions.

The BAI's housing is environmentally sealed and fluid resistant to IEC IP65, with an IP67 rating pending. The BAI system uses SAE J1708/J1587 and CAN v.2.0A (B passive) interfaces. The operating voltage is 8 to 34 V, with an input voltage of 5-15 V (ignition switched).

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