Abstract: Disclosed is a simulator includes a substantially circular outer frame pivotally mounted on a base; an outer frame-driving tire which is pressed against an outer side of the outer frame by means of a spring disposed on the base and is adapted to drive the outer frame; an inner frame formed in a maneuvering seat and pivotally supported between opposing portions of an inner peripheral wall of the outer frame; and an inner frame-driving tire which is pressed against an inner side of the outer frame by means of a spring disposed within the inner frame and is adapted to drive the inner frame. Also disclosed is an occupant holding apparatus for use in the simulator.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for simulating a system, which provides a recording of steps taken in operation of the system. The invention provides teaching and evaluation for the use and repair of the system.

Abstract: The present system sets, as numeral information, the characteristic data of a space navigation vehicle and characteristic data of a circumstance situation and sets action setting condition information of the space navigation vehicle with the use of a nonprogramming language containing symbols, and computes, based on the characteristic data and action condition setting information, circumstance data in a circumstance generation unit which are actual action variables necessary for maneuver operation, and performs operation maneuver simulation in a simulator library on the basis of the circumstance data, whereby the characteristic data and action setting condition information can achieve substantially the same function as in the case of the system modification and it is possible to compute the circumstance data under various action setting conditions.

Abstract: A simulator device provides a full 360 degree axial roll to a passenger capsule. This device also provides 70 degrees of pitch to the capsule. The 70 degrees of total range of pitch motion provided by the simulator device creates additional desirable and exciting sensations. For example, if the passenger is quickly rotated from a full pitched back position to a full pitch forward position, the feeling of flying or dropping straight down is simulated. The simulator device provides the passenger with 0.5 Gs pitch forward, 0.25 Gs pitch backward, 0.25 Gs rotational acceleration, and 2.25 Gs vertical acceleration. These forces simulate the motion sensations of high speed looping roller coasters, bobsled rides, water rides, flying rides, and driving rides. The simulator device provides sufficient vertical motion to create more than 1/2 second of weightlessness. In this manner, the passenger experiences free falls off cliffs, vertical drops down the side of skyscrapers or plunges over Niagara Falls.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus, for rotating immobilized subhuman primate animal test subjects about one or more axes according to a preselected sequence to simulate weightlessness and to minimize trauma during simulated zero or micro-gravity studies is disclosed. The method includes intermittent rotation of the test subject ninety degrees every thirty minutes about an axis parallel to both the spine of the test animal and to the ground, and intermittent rotation of the test subject forty-five degrees every three to five minutes about each of two axes. The method is performed using a timed roto-positioning apparatus having a frame, a subframe rotatably attached to the frame, and a carrier for a primate restraint system rotatably attached to the subframe. Two motors, controlled by a programmable controller, individually rotate the subframe and the carrier according to a preselected sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating an exoatmospheric structure, such as a spin stabilized satellite, in an environment subject to gravitational forces. The apparatus includes a floating structure which is pivotally and rotationally supported upon a gimballed bearing structure positioned adjacent the center of mass of the floating structure and suspended upon a support structure. The floating structure is translatable in either vertical direction relative to the supporting structure upon a vertically movable suspension system connected to the supporting structure. The supporting structure is provided with bearing assemblies which are adapted to engage a supporting surface for permitting freedom of movement of the supporting structure over the supporting structure in any direction.

Abstract: A suspension device is provided for simulating the free-free boundary conditions of space for a low frequency structure. A support cable is connected at one end to the test structure and is vertically guided by a guiding ring. The other end of the cable is connected to a cam having an outer circumference which supports the cable. A drive axle passes through the cam center of rotation and is rotatably journalled in a suitable manner to a rigid structure. Two torsion springs are provided about the drive axle. One end of each spring is connected to a respective face of the cam and the other end is connected to the fixed support. The cam is shaped and the torsion springs selected such that Wr.sub.(t) =T.sub.s(t), wherein W is the weight of the test structure; r.sub.(t) is the instantaneous moment arm defined as the perpendicular distance from the rotational center of the cam to the cable at time t, and T.sub.s(t) is the total spring torque exerted by the two springs on the cam at time t.

Abstract: The testing device, also known as a totally integrated payload attitude control tester (T.I.P.A.C.T.), is suspend on a single, high strength, low torsional moment line through the gravity vector axis. Attached directly to this line is a strong back assembly having a fixed lateral width with ends thereon. Attached to the ends of the strong back assembly are thin, high strength straps which are connected to a pair of tensile universal joints which are further connected to, by way of this high strength straps, to a pair of trunnions. The trunnions are connected to the payload support frame which may have a satellite payload therein. The three orthogonal axes of the test device allow rotation to .+-.45 degrees, .+-.60 degrees and >360 degrees, simultaneously in roll, yaw, and pitch respectively. The thin fabric strap allows movement with virtually no friction or suspension resistance.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises at least one spherically segmented bearing assembly arranged about the periphery of the device so as to maintain the center of rotation of the device within the assembly coincident with the center of mass of the device. A fluid source provides fluid to the spherically segmented bearing assemblies.

Abstract: In a device for the ground-based simulation of operations capable of being performed in the direction of or around the three axes of an orthogonal coordination system of a manipulator usable in space by a model of a space vehicle, easily movable carriages are each guided in rails extending in the y-direction and disposed on a horizontal support frame, and a deflection roller is disposed on each, over which are guided ropes fastened with one free end on opposite sides of at least one segment of a simulated manipulator, in fact laterally offset in respect to the longitudinal segment axis and the center of gravity of the segment. Furthermore, the ropes are fastened, following an appropriate guidance over a plurality of deflection rollers and associated counterweights, with their other ends on the associated carriage.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus having a rotary capsule, which comprises: a capsule having therein a seat, provided with a player restraining means; an inner frame arranged outside the capsule, for rotatably supporting the capsule through a first shaft; an intermediate frame arranged outside the inner frame, for rotatably supporting the inner frame through a second shaft extending in a direction different from that of the first shaft; and an outer frame arranged outside the intermediate frame, for rotatably supporting the intermediate frame through a third shaft extending in a direction different from those of the first shaft and the second shaft. The capsule, the inner frame and the intermediate frame rotate independently and selectively by the action of respective driving means.

Abstract: A video simulation machine creates simulations of various movements, such as flying or driving. The machine has an enclosed cockpit containing movement controls and may be occupied by one or two persons. The machine can rotate 360.degree. in any direction, thus simulating movement (simulataneous pitch, roll, and yaw) and providing the occupant or occupants with the sensations of both position and respective motion, constant, acceleration or deceleration. The monitor inside the cockpit, which displays any given simulated picture, responds through a computer to the movements of the machine via simultaneous interaction of visual, and mechanical motions. The rotating parts of the simulator are driven by electric motors, which are interactively controlled by both the operator and the computer.

Abstract: A weightlessness simulator (10) has a chamber (12) and a suit (56) in the chamber (12). O-rings (26) and valves (30, 38, 42 and 66) hermetically seal the chamber (12). A vacuum pump (32) connected to the chamber (12) establishes a pressure in the chamber (12) less than atmospheric pressure. A water supply tank (34) and water supply line (38) supply a body of water (44) to the chamber (12) as a result of partial vacuum created in the chamber (12). In use, an astronaut enters the pressure suit (56) through port (60), which remains open to ambient atmosphere, thus supplying air to the astronaut during use. The pressure less than atmospheric pressure in the chamber (12) is chosen so that the pressure differential from the inside to the outside of the suit (56) corresponds to the pressure differential with the suit (56) in outer space.

Abstract: Amusement apparatus is disclosed comprising a spherical passenger-holding body, and a vertical tube having a diameter sufficient to receive the body in a vertical path of motion. A turbine for moving air through the tube is located at the upper end of the tube for raising the body from the lower inlet end toward the upper end of the tube. To change the attitude of the body in its raised position, two sets of controls are utilized which are both manipulated by the passenger. Louver members externally mounted permits revolution of the body about its vertical axis by reaction to the air. Two U-shaped members in perpendicular planes are rotatably mounted at their ends in the body. Each has a weight slidable along its member, with the weights pivotally joined to each other.

Abstract: Astro capsule intended for use as a toy and raisable and rotatable on a four-bar linkage by hydraulic cylinders through hydraulic circuits. An electrical circuit provides for sequenced flashing flight lights, pulsating front gun lights, and for providing through a speaker a rocket sound and a phasor gun sound. The hydraulic circuits include a novel single spool for regulating flow through a valve between a combined motor pump tank to a cylinder at a fast speed up and slow speed down, and a hydraulically actuated system for rotating the capsule about its vertical axis. The vertical motion valve is mechanically linked to the joystick for ascending and descending motion and electrically controlled by the joystick for hydraulic actuation of the capsule about its vertical axis. The four-bar linkage includes a safety bar which overrides the joystick in the event that an individual or an object is positioned under the linkage in an elevated condition.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a spherical body for holding a passenger, a ground supported base having a semi-spherical seat for supporting the body in a lower position, a source of air under pressure connected to the base beneath the body for raising it to predetermined position supported solely by air, and an upright tube mounted on the base for guiding the body as it is being raised above the base. Movable control members mounted externally and internally of the body permit the passenger to revolve the body in any direction.

Abstract: A motion simulator having a people-holding capsule mounted on a supporting structure comprising pitch and roll cradles which are uniquely nested together and otherwise interrelated to hold the capsule minimumly spaced from the floor or base surface on which the simulator is mounted and having drive mechanisms for rockably actuating the cradles to move the capsule fore-and-aft and/or from side-to-side. A movie screen may be located at the front of the capsule where projected images can be readily viewed by the people inside the capsule.