Abstract: A robot teaching machine according to the present invention includes a guiding tool having a first angle sensor, a coordinate detector having a plurality of rotating portions and a second angle sensor for detecting a rotational angle of each of the rotating portions, a first motion transfer member for detecting a distance between the guiding tool and the coordinate detector that are connected with each other, a second motion transfer member for connecting the guiding tool and the coordinate detector and detecting an attitude of the guiding tool, and a coordinate converter for deriving a three-dimensional position and an attitude of the guiding tool from values detected by the first and the second angle sensors, respectively. The first motion transfer member and the second motion transfer member independently work for providing precise guiding data.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by means of actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: The experience of parachute flight is simulated including parachute release and malfunctions. The parachutist trainee is suspended in a harness and a control line provided for the parachutist to operate. The parachutist's actions are sensed by an action sensor actuated by the control line. Force and position sensors sense position and force factors effected by the parachutist. The parachutist's head motion can be tracked by a head mounted sensor. The outputs of the sensors are converted to digital signals which are fed to a computer. The computer is programmed with a mathematical and logical model of parachute dynamics and environmental factors. The computational results are displayed to the parachutist on a monitor or on a head mounted display, the scene viewed containing a variety of three dimensional representations of objects on the ground such as buildings vegetation roads, etc.

Abstract: An control mechanism apparatus is shown which electromechanically actuates a control board of a radio transmitter. The radio transmitter transmits radio signals to a receiver on board a model aircraft for actuating the various parts thereof. The apparatus comprises a base frame for providing a stable platform with a seat mounted at the rear of the base frame. A plurality of controls emulating the controls found in a cockpit of an actual aircraft are mounted to the base frame. A plurality of mechanical linkages are provided which transmit the position of each of the plurality of controls to a corresponding plurality of electrical devices. Each of the corresponding electrical devices is in electrical communication with the control board and the output of each of the electrical devices varies in accordance with the position of the controls. The radio signals are transmitted by the radio transmitter control board and vary in accordance with the electrical output of each of the electrical devices.

Abstract: A system for simulating the forces associated with touching objects in a virtual reality simulator system includes a panel that contains an example of the various types of switches, knobs and any other item or object being simulated that is to be touched by a user of the system. The panel is attached as the payload of a robotic positioning device controlled by a computer. The computer is connected to a tracker and a flexible lightweight data glove worn by the user. The computer maintains a database that includes the positions of all of the controls being simulated by the system. The computer uses the trajectory data to determine the position of the robotic device.

Abstract: A control wheel attached to a control wheel column is movably mounted to a control housing that is securely fastened to a support surface by way of a pair of pivoting clamp mechanisms. In-and-out movement of the control wheel column with respect to the control housing manipulates the elevator control mounted in the housing. Turning of the control wheel with respect to the control wheel column manipulates the aileron control mounted in the control housing. Additional button control and variable controls are mounted on the control wheel and control housing. Besides an aileron trim tab, the control wheel contains several buttons that may be used as weapons triggers. Besides an elevator trim tab, the control housing contains a throttle control.

Abstract: A modular assembly of theater seats aligned in a row. Each of the seats in the row moves with an identical motion in response to a coordinated sequence to create seat motions which can complement a scene being protrayed on a movie screen. Three or more rotatable shafts run along the row under the seats. The shafts are caused to rotate by hydraulic cylinders coupled to the shafts through bell cranks. Each seat is supported by three legs which are also coupled to the shafts by bell cranks. Rotation of the shafts causes vertical motion of the legs, and by coordinating the motions of the individual legs, in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the seats can be made to move with linear vertical motion, or to rotate either side to side or fore and aft in the vertical plane. Linear fore and aft motion of the seats may be provided by a fourth rotatable shaft running along the row under the seats.

Abstract: A reaction force generating apparatus is provided which generates a reaction force for a rotationally operated member to be manually or mechanically operated. An alternating motor is provided that has a stator with three-phase coils; a rotor including permanent magnets; and a rotational axle extending from the center of the rotor and having a rotationally operated member attached to its one end. A direct voltage is supplied to the three-phase coils of the alternating motor, thereby producing a magnetic field on the stator. The magnetic field is oriented in one direction and cooperates with the permanent magnets to generate an electromagnetic attraction force for maintaining the operated member in a predetermined angular position. When the operated member is moved, a torque, or reaction force, is generated to restore the initial position of the operated member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a desired response in accordance with an external applied force. The apparatus includes a member which is responsive to the applied force, an actuator coupled to the member for exerting a torque on the member, a force sensor for detecting the applied force, and a torque sensor for detecting the torque exerted by the actuator. Signals from the force sensor are used to determine the system response based upon a desired relation. The force sensor signals also are used to determine the actual system response based upon the physical characteristics of the apparatus. The detected torque is compared with the desired and the actual system response, and as a result of the comparison the torque exerted by the actuator onto the member is adjusted accordingly so that the member performs the desired system response. The actuator is preferably an electric motor so that the apparatus can simulate any desired response, notwithstanding the physical characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A flight simulator kit which includes at least a simulated flight attitude control member, the simulated flight attitude control member being capable of mimicking the movements of an actual aircraft flight attitude control member. A visual display system is also provided for receiving input signals and in response thereto visually display a video simulation of a plurality of simulated aircraft flight instruments mimicking the movements and responses of actual aircraft flight instruments. The kit further includes a computer for receiving the output signals from the simulated control system and in response thereto for providing the input signals to the visual display system. The kit may be used to set up a simulator in an actual aircraft not in flight.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a simulator or stabilized platform comprising constant force spring device for supporting the weight of the platform and a plurality of impulsive force generating devices preferably in the form of electromagnetic linear rams although a rotary linkage driven by an electric motor would also work. The mechanism provides an agile arrangement at relatively low cost.

Abstract: The throttle controller according to the invention includes a rectangular base having a shaft pivotally mounted thereon with a potentiometer having a stem connected to the shaft for sensing the position of the shaft. A cable is connected to the potentiometer for transmitting the sensed position to the video game. A handle is disposed along one side of the base and connected to a first end of the shaft for pivotally moving the shaft responsive to angular movement of the handle. The handle is comprised of two parts. A vertical handle member connected to the shaft and perpendicular thereto and a handle portion connected to the vertical handle member, which extends over the base and adapted to receive a user's hand. The shaft is mounted on the base by means of circular bearings that are received in a bearing mounts on the base. A braking mechanism is frictionally engaged with the shaft for adjusting the resistance of the handle to pivotal movement.

Abstract: The foot pedal assembly of the present invention generates and provides three inputs to a personal computer. Each of the two foot pedals of the foot pedal assembly pivot and generate an input in the form of an electrical signal in proportion to the pivoted position of the foot pedal. Each foot pedal is connected to a slidable foot pedal support, which pivotally supports the foot pedal and which allows the foot pedal to slide in forward and reverse directions. A connecting member rotatably and slidably connects the two foot pedal supports, and rotates about an axis located between the two foot pedal supports. A signal generator is operably connected to the connecting member for generating a third axis of input in the form of an electrical signal in proportion to a rotated position of the connecting member.

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: An aircraft throttle simulator comprises throttle levers which extend upwly from spheres frictionally clamped between plates. The levers are constrained for movement in a pattern allowing for forward movement from an idle position to a full throttle position, a lateral shift from the full throttle position, and forward movement to an afterburner position. A linkage is provided to connect each lever to a linear transducer to provide a position signal.

Abstract: A flight simulator is disclosed which includes active electronic display controls. A simulated cockpit area is provided which includes a visual display screen for depicting a simulated cockpit viewpoint. A simulated instrument panel is provided within the cockpit area by means of a cathode ray tube display device and an overlying bezel which defines the perimeter of at least one displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device. A rotary switch which includes a rotary encoder having an output indicative of a direction of rotation and an amount of rotation is then mounted within the bezel. Outputs from the rotary switch are then coupled to electronic circuitry which is utilized to selectively vary the displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device, providing a realistic representation of an actual flight instrument.

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: A reconfigurable aircraft stick control for an aircraft simulator that enes pitch and roll to be simulated. It includes a generic base that has mounting means that are adapted to be connected to a stick control of the type having a standard production grip as well as a stick control that uses a yoke. The control sticks include linkages that are easily connected to the mounting means on the base so that control sticks can be exchanged with minimum expenditure of time and effort to thereby simulate the control sticks on aircraft that are being simulated. Torque motors can be connected to the simulator to detect the speed and displacement of the control stick and to provide resistance to movement of the control sticks so as to simulate actual flying conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a desired response in accordance with an external applied force. The apparatus includes a member which is responsive to the applied force, an actuator coupled to the member for exerting a torque on the member, a force sensor for detecting the applied force, and a torque sensor for detecting the torque exerted by the actuator. Signals from the force sensor are used to determine the system response based upon a desired relation. The force sensor signals also are used to determine the actual system response based upon the physical characteristics of the apparatus. The detected torque is compared with the desired and the actual system response, and as a result of the comparison the torque exerted by the actuator onto the member is adjusted accordingly so that the member performs the desired system response. The actuator is preferably an electric motor so that the apparatus can simulate any desired response, notwithstanding the physical characteristics of the system.

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: Structure for varying the turning resistance of a wheel (30) via computer commands is disclosed. The structure includes springs (42) coupled to the wheel via a leverage arm (46). Commands to motors (50) move the arm attachment location of the springs.

Abstract: An electronic control loading system to create tactile control feel for vehicles and vehicle simulators (especially aircraft) to provide a realistic reaction force by coupling a linear electro-magnetic actuator to a control element for real-time feedback from a preprogrammed computer controller. In an aircraft simulation system, a loadcell and position transducer are associated with the flight control element for measuring applied force and determination of flight control element position. The position transducer is integrated with an actuator, the actuator being capable of setting forth a drive force that reacts to the force and position data as manipulated by a preprogrammed computer based upon an aircraft data package used to construct real-time software models and a digital signal processor or the like high speed microprocessor used to manipulate flight control algorithms.

Abstract: The present invention features a simulator apparatus and method for realistically simulating actual forces at the horizontal stabilizer trim controls of an aircraft. The invention features a closed-loop, microprocessor-based programmable system with reduced mechanical, electromechanical, and/or hydraulic components. The microprocessor computes the required reaction forces using a softward model of the horizontal stabilizer trim system.

Abstract: A control system and process method for reducing energy consumption of flight simulators includes electronic circuitry to automatically control the starting and stopping of the large motors that drive the hydraulic pumps for the motion system. The electronic circuitry monitors existing signals in the simulator motion and control loading cabinet and determines when the motors need to be started or stopped automatically. The circuitry generates the necessary outputs to start and stop the motors at the user level, and interfaces to the manual (user) motor control switches. The Energy Saving Control System (E.S.C.S.) provides a safe and reliable means of producing substantial electrical energy savings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a desired response in accordance with an external applied force. The apparatus includes a member which is responsive to the applied force, an actuator coupled to the member for exerting a torque on the member, a force sensor for detecting the applied force, and a torque sensor for detecting the torque exerted by the actuator. Signals from the force sensor are used to determine the system response based upon a desired relation. The force sensor signals also are used to determine the actual system response based upon the physical characteristics of the apparatus. The detected torque is compared with the desired and the actual system response, and as a result of the comparison the torque exerted by the actuator onto the member is adjusted accordingly so that the member performs the desired system response. The actuator is preferably an electric motor so that the apparatus can simulate any desired response, notwithstanding the physical characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A device for causing the steering wheel of a video-based vehicle simulator to selectively vibrate during predetermined periods of the video sequence includes a frame which is rigidly attached to the steering wheel. A cylindrical electrical motor is mounted on the frame, and a first shaft is attached to one base of the motor and extends outwardly from the motor. Also, a second shaft is attached to and extends outwardly from the other base of the motor, and the second shaft is coaxial with the first shaft. The two shafts can be rotated by the rotor of the motor. Each shaft has a weight attached to the shaft. These weights are attached to their respective shafts radially asymmetrically with respect to the axis of the shafts. One weight is attached to its shaft on one side of the axis of the shafts, and the other weight is attached to its shaft on the side of the axis which is opposite from the first weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a realistic feel for a simulated gearshift includes a simulated gearshift for a simulated transmission in a simulated vehicle and has a gearshift lever and a simulated shift pattern for simulating the look and movements through an actual shift pattern of an actual gearshift in a actual vehicle. A pivoting mechanical coupling couples the gearshift lever to a housing for allowing the gearshift lever to pivot about at least two axes. A solenoid is coupled to the pivoting mechanism and has a control signal input for receiving a control signal that controls the amount of force applied to the pivoting mechanism to cause resistance to movement by the shift lever along at least one of the axes. A control computer generates to apply an amount of force to the pivoting mechanical coupling which simulates the actual forces which would be felt by said operator in making the corresponding movement of the gearshift in an actual vehicle.

Abstract: A hand held, one dimensional, torque feedback device is used to feel and manipulate computer generated visual information and associated torque forces. In the preferred embodiment, molecular bond data is manipulated in a virtual reality system. The device can also be used with a workstation generated display on a plurality of problems which generate torque.

Abstract: A foot operated electrical control is disclosed with simulated aircraft rudder pedals coupled to potentiometers for providing signals to a microcomputer having a flight simulation program. The pedals are additionally linked to one another by slides and a rocker arm for simultaneous pedal travel in opposite directions. The potentiometers may provide cumulative signals determined by pedal displacement or distinct signals when functioning independently of one another. For this latter purpose a carrier block for the rocker arm is positionable out of engagement with the foot pedals. Opposed springs of the control serve to position the pedals in an upright static position. Each pedal is coupled to a potentiometer by spring and pedal biased slides with one of the slides in wiping contact with the pedal.

Abstract: An accessory apparatus for use with computerized airplane flight simulations providing full-size control for elevator, ailerons, rudder, and throttle. Apparatus is free-standing and includes a single compact partially collapsible frame which is anchored by the user's chair. Electronics are provided by user in the form of two conventional dual-axis analog computer joysticks which are removably installed in unmodified form in the accessory. Control stick, rudder pedals, and throttle arrangement mimics that of typical airplanes. Means are provided to adjust the trim position of the rudder, elevator, and (on the yoke configuration), the ailerons. Controls for elevator, rudder, and ailerons are spring-loaded to simulate control forces in an airplane and may be damped for additional realism.

Abstract: A foot pedal mechanism for controlling input to a computer. The mechanism is particularly useful in computer video simulation programs. The mechanism offers realistic foot pedal action for rudder control, braking, speed control, or the like. The mechanism includes a housing placeable upon the floor; a pair of spring biased foot pedals pivotally engaging the housing in a side by side relationship for parallel vertical movement relative to one another; a potentiometer mounted within the housing and having an input into a computer, the potentiometer provided with an elongated shaft; and a cable having opposing ends affixed to the pedals and a central portion engaging the potentiometer shaft. Pivotal movement of the pedals rotate the shaft for controlling potentiometer input into the computer. Arms, radially extending from the potentiometer shaft and connected to the cable, permit realistic movement of the pedals and prevent excessive rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: The control device, which provides control signals to a computer simulating a vehicle being driven, includes a handle 10 which is manually rotatable about a first axis 11, the handle comprising a handlebar 16 extending outwards from the first axis on either side thereof. The handlebar includes an inner portion 17 and hand grips 18 on the ends thereof inner portion, the hand grips being slightly curved and obliquely pivoted to the respective inner portion of the handlebar in such a way that in a first disposition the hand grip is substantially aligned with the inner portion to simulate handlebars of a motor cycle, and in a second disposition the hand grips are in a position simulating a joystick of an aircraft, wherein the inner portions represent spokes and the hand grips are generally parallel to one another.

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: An apparatus and method for simulating the forces acting on the steering wheel or other control device of a vehicle. The apparatus uses an electrical motor coupled to a steering wheel in the preferred embodiment. The electrical motor is driven by a computer running software which received data regarding the real world forces which would be acting upon a real steering wheel in a car under similar conditions. A software driver coupled to a position-sensing transducer on the steering wheel calculates the steering wheel position and velocity and sends this data to a model process not forming part of the invention. The model process then calculates the conditions affecting the simulated vehicle and outputs data reflecting the real world forces which would affect the steering wheel of the actual car under similar conditions.

Abstract: An aircraft flight simulator system adaptable to an actual inoperative aircraft not in flight provides instrument displays driven by a computer flight simulator program interacting with inputs from sensors attached to the actual aircraft control system and overlay switches. The computer may also drive visual displays placed in the cockpit windshield and side windows, as well as provide audio output and output for the operation of aircraft jacks to simulate inflight motion. All equipment may be relatively quickly and easily installed or removed so as to make maximum use of an otherwise inoperative aircraft on the ground, and by the use of computer program modifications, may be used to simulate a wide variety of aircraft. Realistic control handling is provided by feedback mechanisms attached to various aircraft control surfaces and the control column and which are coupled to the computer.

Abstract: A simulator handgrip is connected to the shaft of a slip clutch which offers resistance to handgrip displacement, thereby simulating the "feel" of an actual thrust control for aircraft. Linkages are provided for measuring the amount of handgrip displacement as an electrical signal that may be utilized by a simulator computer. Adjustment devices are provided for moving the handgrip and clutch devices along a diagonal direction to accommodate pilots of different height.

Abstract: An interactive game includes a housing with a first part and a second part. The first part is moveable with respect to the second part and carries a liquid crystal display. Switches provide electrical signals indicating the position of the first part with respect to the second part. A microcomputer connected to both the display and the switches is programmed to generate electrical signals to produce a moving image on the display. Movement of the first part of the housing with respect to the second part moves the display and the images thereon in a consistent fashion. A manually operable switch is provided to generate hit indicating events under operator control. When the images enter a target region they may be obliterated from the display by a manually generated hit indicating event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flight simulation control apparatus, and more particularly pertains to the field of computer game controllers which are used for the control of games being played on a personal computer. In the present invention, the controller takes the form of a control yoke similar to the one used in actual aircraft with a control wheel, a forward and back movement mechanism, and a throttle. The controllers interface with the computer through the use of a game port on the computer. The game ports are of a standard design and are common on many computers.

Abstract: A sidestick grip is slidably mounted to achieve adjustable fore-aft displacement. Separate spring devices are linked to the grip for simulating break-out force and force-deflection characteristics. Each spring device is linked to a damper for damping grip movement in the pitch and roll directions. The spring devices have (1) variable spring pre-load bias thereby enabling adjustments of the breakout forces; and (2) adjustable stick neutral position. Transducers measure grip deflection in roll and pitch for utilization by a computer.

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 mockup device interfaces directly with the keyboard port of a desktop (personal) computer and requires no additional or specialized adapter. A hardware mockup of an aircraft cockpit control panel, including instruments, switches and control yoke, includes an interface unit through which digital signals that replicate keystroke sequences employed by flight simulation application software are generated. The interface unit is coupled with and responds to the physical manipulation of the control elements of the cockpit control panel mockup, so that control panel manipulative action of the computer user `pilot` causes the generation and delivery of keystroke representative signals to the keyboard port of the computer. In response to these keystroke representative signals the flight simulation software that has been loaded into the computer controls the flight simulation display just as though the user were operating the system directly from the keyboard.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for a computerized aircraft flight simulation program which employs a control stick assembly to simulate the forces on and movement of an aircraft control stick which a pilot would actually experience in flight. The accessory employs a joystick extension of at least fifteen inches in length and four springs which extend in orthogonal directions from the joystick extension over pulleys on upright mounting posts to anchoring locations near a mounting base to which the posts are attached. The springs are maintained in tension and are long enough to produce realistic sensations of resistance which a pilot actually experiences in operating the control stick of an aircraft. The springs are arranged in linearly aligned pairs with the springs in each pair working in opposition to each other. Tension on the springs in one pair can be adjusted to simulate elevator trim control in an aircraft. Tension on a spring in the other pair can be adjusted to simulate rudder trim control in an aircraft.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for interfacing with a mouse (12) including a transducer (13) which controls movement of a cursor on a computer display is disclosed as including a base (14), a first member (16) having a peripheral surface (18) for interfacing with the mouse (12) mounted on the base (14) for rotary and axial movement and a second member (20) connected to the first member (16) and manually actuable for actuating driving movement of the first member (16) to thereby allow an operator to simulate control wheel movement associated with playing video games.

Abstract: A flight simulator includes a servo system connected with a control element, an electrical analog providing inputs to the servo system and receiving inputs from a digital computer and including a combining circuit, a divider and two integrators. Outputs from the two integrators to the computer are of digital form and the second integrator preferably is itself of digital form.

Abstract: An aircraft controls simulator, for use with a computer programmed for aircraft flight simulation, having a yoke, a throttle control and a rudder control. A cabinet has a shaft extending therefrom attached to a simulated yoke control. The shaft operates an elevator potentiometer responsive to horizontal movement of the shaft and an aileron control responsive to rotation of the shaft. A throttle knob connected to a second shaft operates a throttle potentiometer. A foot operated potentiometer produces rudder control signals. A cable connects the potentiometers to the computer which utilizes the potentiometer positions to operate the flight simulation program.

Abstract: A simulation device which comprises a cabin mounted for movement in one or more senses, apparatus for control such as a joystick, in the cabin to at least in part control cabin movement produced by one or more motors, display apparatus in the cabin producing a window-type and/or radar-type display, sensors for sensing cabin movement, and one or more CPUs responsive to the sensors for causing the display to change at least in part in synchronized relationship to the cabin movements.

Abstract: A simulator of previously chosen mechanical properties of the steering system of a device such as an aircraft employs a controllable limiter for simulating the mechanical Coulomb friction of the control member and is arranged in a negative feedback loop and having two control signal inputs which determine the maximum and minimum outputs of the limiter in association with a further input signal corresponding to the friction concerning the control member. The limiter interrupts output until the level of the Coulomb friction to be simulated is exceeded.

Abstract: An aircraft control yoke apparatus includes an inexpensive mechanism for manipulating a two axis variable transducer and is especially adaptable for use with microcomputers. The apparatus includes a control wheel attached at one end to a shaft which is in turn supported by a linear bearing. The linear bearing permits the shaft to rotate and simultaneously move back and forth. A crank mechanism is attached to the other end of the shaft and serves to amplify the rotational movement of the steering wheel. A resilient, elastic material like natural isoprene rubber connects the crank to a two axis variable transducer. The elastic material causes the two axis transducer to follow the motion of the rotational and back and forth movement of the steering wheel. A return-to-center mechanism causes the wheel to return to a neutral position when no force is applied to it. A very life-like simulation of airplane flight is achieved with a minimum of expense and a high degree of realism.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for simulating a control system such as an aircraft flight control system. Image generating and display apparatus for use in conjunction with the simulated control system are disclosed. Also disclosed are apparatus and a method for simulating a movable control such as an aircraft control wheel or rudder pedals for a system in which force and movement parameters of the control can be varied in accordance with simulated operation of the system. A lever having an adjustably positioned fulcrum is utilized in the simulation of the movable control. The application further discloses a flight simulator having a pilot's console and an instructor's console interconnected by a computer. The simulator enables the pilot to "fly" an aircraft while permitting the instructor and computer to introduce various different flight and aircraft conditions into the flight simulator.

Abstract: Flight Simulator feel apparatus suitable for use with an elevator control column and a rudder bar is provided by a variably tensioned cable subjected to transverse deflection by movement of the control column or rudder bar as the case may be, whereby a variable control stiffness (feel) is achieved in a simple and effective manner.