Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an encryption tool for securing electronic data storage devices. The method and encryption tool of the present invention install a file system on the electronic data storage device. Then, an input module of the encryption tool receives a user password. A key cryptography unit generates, from the user password, at least one key. A storage module stores the at least one key on the electronic data storage device. All data that is to be stored on the electronic data storage devices is encrypted using one of the at least one key. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the electronic data storage device is further filled with insignificant data.

Abstract: A motion simulation system for providing force feedback to a user in response to movement of the user within a virtual environment comprises a virtual environment system for producing a virtual environment to the user. Cables are connected to a user interface to support the user interface in a suspended position. Actuators are associated to each cable to adjust the length of the cables. A cable tension controller is connected to the actuators and to the virtual environment system to calculate a position and orientation of the user within the virtual environment as a function of the length of the cables, and to control the actuators so as to constrain movement of the user interface as a function of interactions between the user and the virtual environment, to provide force feedback to the user. A locomotion simulation apparatus and method are provide as well.

Abstract: A construction member, comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal dimension with a first end and a second end. Complementary end rotational joint portions are provided at the first end and at the second end of the elongated body, for interconnecting first end to second end a plurality of the construction member so as to form a polygon with construction members. A longitudinal rotational joint portion is provided in the longitudinal dimension of the elongated body for interconnecting two longitudinally adjacent ones of the construction member so as to interconnect polygons of the construction member at a common edge of the polygons to form a polyhedron.

Abstract: A manipulator for receiving and displacing an object, comprising a moving portion, adapted to receive the object. Four support legs each extend between the moving portion and a ground for supporting the moving portion. Each support leg is connected to the ground by a first joint, and with sequentially second, third, fourth and fifth joints connecting the first joints to the moving portion. The support legs are topologically equivalent to one another with respect to the joints. Each of the support legs has constraints in the joints operable to restrict movement of the moving portion to three translational degrees of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom. Actuators are each operatively connected to a different first joint for controlling the movement of the moving portion in any one of the four translational degrees of freedom. A method for controlling the movement of the moving portion is provided.

Abstract: A manipulator for receiving and displacing an object, comprising a moving portion, adapted to receive the object. Four support legs each extend between the moving portion and a ground for supporting the moving portion. Each support leg is connected to the ground by a first joint, and with sequentially second, third, fourth and fifth joints connecting the first joints to the moving portion. The support legs are topologically equivalent to one another with respect to the joints. Each of the support legs has constraints in the joints operable to restrict movement of the moving portion to three translational degrees of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom. Actuators are each operatively connected to a different first joint for controlling the movement of the moving portion in any one of the four translational degrees of freedom. A method for controlling the movement of the moving portion is provided.

Abstract: A manipulator having three support legs each extending between the platform and a ground. The support legs are connected to the ground by a first joint member and to the platform by a second joint member, and these joint members are interconnected by a third joint member. The support legs each have a rotational degree of freedom and have constraints in the joint members operable to restrict the platform to translational motion and to constrain a relationship between linear displacement of the first joint members and output of the platform to be linear. With three actuators each controlling exclusively one of three translational degrees of freedom of the platform, the manipulator is said to be decoupled. With the relationship being equal for a linear displacement of any one of the first joint members and a displacement output of the platform, the decoupled manipulator is said to be isotropic.

Abstract: A construction member, comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal dimension with a first end and a second end. Complementary end rotational joint portions are provided at the first end and at the second end of the elongated body, for interconnecting first end to second end a plurality of the construction member so as to form a polygon with construction members. A longitudinal rotational joint portion is provided in the longitudinal dimension of the elongated body for interconnecting two longitudinally adjacent ones of the construction member so as to interconnect polygons of the construction member at a common edge of the polygons to form a polyhedron.

Abstract: A power switching mechanism for selectively connecting a robotic system having two-degrees-of-freedom power input to a robot tool having a plurality of actuators. The two-degrees-of-freedom power input comprises a translation power input and a power shaft rotation input. The switching mechanism comprises an axially displaceable connector mounted to the power shaft rotation input for rotating therewith. An indexing mechanism is connected to the power shaft rotation input and is axially movable sequentially between a neutral position and an actuator engaging position for each actuator. The axially displaceable connector engages any one of the actuators in response to movement of the axial translation of the two-degrees-of-freedom power input.

Abstract: A manipulator (10) for receiving and displacing an object, comprising a moving portion (11), adapted for receiving the object. Three articulated support legs (A, B, C) each extend between the moving portion (11) and a ground (12) for supporting the moving portion (11). The articulated support legs (A, B, C) are connected to the ground (12) by a first joint member (JA1, JB1, JC1) and to the moving portion (11) by a second joint member (JA3, JB3, JC3). The first joint member (JA1, JB1, JC1) and the second joint member (JA3, JB3, JC3) in the articulated support legs (A, B, C) are interconnected by a third joint member (JA2, JB2, JC2).

Abstract: This invention provides an actuation system for a highly underactuated gripping mechanism with ten degrees of freedom, which requires only two actuators, one for actuating the opening and closing of three fingers and the other for the orientation of two rotatable fingers with synchronization. Underactuation between the fingers is provided by a one-input/three-output differential which is associated with an orientation mechanism so that an orientation-fixed finger is deactivated when the two orientatable fingers are rotated to face each other for a pinch grasp. Each finger is enabled to be self-locked in its closing and opening action when the power is off. This feature is important, especially for the fingers actuated by a differential mechanism for the underactuation between the fingers. In one embodiment of the invention, planetary gearing system is used for the differential.

Abstract: A power switching mechanism for selectively connecting a robotic system having two-degrees-of-freedom power input to a robot tool having a plurality of actuators. The two-degrees-of-freedom power input comprises a translation power input and a power shaft rotation input. The switching mechanism comprises an axially displaceable connector mounted to the power shaft rotation input for rotating therewith. An indexing mechanism is connected to the power shaft rotation input and is axially movable sequentially between a neutral position and an actuator engaging position for each actuator. The axially displaceable connector engages any one of the actuators in response to movement of the axial translation of the two-degrees-of-freedom power input.