Science Fair Project Encyclopedia

Yoke

A yoke is a shaped wooden crosspiece bound to the necks of a pair of oxen, occasionally horses. It is held on the animal's neck by, usually, iron U-shaped clamps that also transmit force from the animal's shoulders. A swivel beneath the centre of the yoke, between the animals, attaches the pole of the vehicle (when the animals steer the vehicle) or chains that are used to drag the load.
A yoke is also a control used in most transport airplanes, that is also called a joystick or steering wheel. The aviator uses it to control the attitude of the plane, usually both pitch and roll. Rotating the wheel on the yoke changes the roll attitude and pulling or pushing the yoke affects the pitch in a natural sense. There are also computer input devices designed to simulate a yoke, intended for flight simulators—that are more genarally called a control stick.
not to be confused with yolk

10-26-2009 08:16:03
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