Abstract: A flight simulator control loading system (10A) comprises a compression assembly (18a), a tension assembly (18b), and a motor (30) which rotates a shaft (78). The compression assembly (18a) and the tension assembly (18b) each include a fixed actuator (50a,50b) fixedly secured to an outer housing (46a,46b), and an adjustable actuator (52a,52b) slidably mounted within a guide housing (48a,48b). Springs (54a,54b,56a,56b) are located between and push against the actuators (50a,50b,52a,52b). As the shaft (78) is rotated in an increase direction, each adjustable actuator (52a,52b) slides toward the respective fixed actuator (50a,50b), compressing the springs (54a,54b,56a,56b) and increasing control load. As the shaft (78) is rotated in a decrease direction, each adjustable actuator (52a,52b) slides away from the respective fixed actuator (50a,50b), relieving compression on the springs (54a,54b,56a,56b) and decreasing control load.

Abstract: The system produces movements in a home entertainment chair. It has a motor controller and a plurality of movement generator units for generating small amplitude and low frequency movements in the viewer's chair. The system is intended for home use and can be easily installed under each leg of a chair or of a sofa. The source of movement control signals can be derived from a video presentation soundtrack, and directional movement sensations can be created by inducing controlled movements in each leg of the viewer's chair.

Abstract: An avionics maintenance training device to train cognitive and psychomotor skills is disclosed. The training device is a physical mock-up of an actual aircraft's cabin assembly. The avionics maintenance training device includes actual avionics components and non-functional and functional physically replicated avionics components of the actual aircraft. The avionics maintenance training device further includes an instructor workstation, a simulator/stimulator, and an interactive electronic training manual. The training device runs the actual operational flight program of the aircraft. The replicated components are three-dimensional components with physical characteristics similar to the avionics components they replicate to teach component removal and replacement skills. The actual and replicated avionics components are located in the training device in positions similar to positions of the avionics components in the aircraft to replicate accessibility.

Abstract: An amusement ride includes a motion base having multiple degrees of freedom. An audience platform is eccentrically pivotable on top of the motion base about a pivot point that is eccentrically offset from a central region of the audience platform. A motor disposed on either the motion base or the audience platform is used to pivot the audience platform via a shaft. A projection screen is located either on board or off board and is used to display images or a motion picture. The amusement ride simulates fishtailing, slide out, and similar movements experienced as a vehicle turns.

Abstract: A motion platform for supporting a g-force sensitive load, the motion platform includes base, a top having a g-force sensitive load bearing portion and a support portion. A support member supports the top relative to the base with freedom of movement about at least one horizontal axis and a pair of positioning motor assemblies mounted to the base. A respective arm assembly extends between each of the positioning motor assemblies and the top, and a microcontroller is electrically connected to the positioning motor assemblies for controlling a rotational speed and a rotational direction of said positioning motor assemblies and thus angular displacement of said top of the motion platform. The g-force sensitive load bearing portion of the top is displaced from the support portion of the top at which the support member supports the top.

Abstract: In a VR motion producing apparatus and an apparatus, comprising: a reception unit for receiving a presently projected picture frame No. from a picture apparatus; a detection unit for detecting a frame No. of operation data of a motion base presently executed by a motion base; a difference unit for comparing the picture frame No. with the motion frame No. to calculate a difference between them; a calculation unit for calculating an operation velocity of a motion base so as to correct this difference value; and a synchronization unit for reducing the difference between the picture frame No. and the motion frame No.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting motion to a load comprises means for applying a force to the load and a compliant support for the load, in which there are provided means for effecting dynamic variation of the compliance of the support during operation of the apparatus so as to optimise the power efficiency. The apparatus may be capable of controlling relative motion in a plurality of degrees of freedom between a platform and a reference plane, the compliant means acting to support the weight of the platform, and the force-applying means being one or more actuators for applying perturbing forces between the platform and the reference plane. Control means act to control one or more actuators to move in one direction or the other to displace the platform with respect to the reference plane. At least part of the compliant supports may be a gas spring and in one embodiment this is in the form of a bellows supporting the platform.

Abstract: In a VR motion producing apparatus and an apparatus, comprising: a reception unit for receiving a presently projected picture frame No. from a picture apparatus; a detection unit for detecting a frame No. of operation data of a motion base presently executed by a motion base; a difference unit for comparing the picture frame No. with the motion frame No. to calculate a difference between them; a calculation unit for calculating an operation velocity of a motion base so as to correct this difference value; and a synchronization unit for reducing the difference between the picture frame No. and the motion frame No.

Abstract: A motion platform comprises a base, a top, a pair of positioning motor assemblies mounted to the base, and an arm assembly extending between each of the positioning motor assemblies and the top of the platform. Each of the arm assemblies is responsive to rotary motion of a respective one of the positioning motor assemblies and includes a rotating arm mounted at one end on the motor shaft and rotatable over a full 360-degree arc. Sensors detect the position of the arm assemblies and the speed and amount of rotation of the positioning motor assemblies. The motion platform further comprises a microcontroller, electrically connected to the positioning motor assemblies and responsive to input commands and to signals from the sensors, for controlling rotational speed, rotational direction and rotational extent of the positioning motor assemblies and thus angular displacement of the top of the motion platform relative the base.

Abstract: In order to display distortion-free and high-precision images which give a three-dimensional appearance to many crews in a ride simulation system, there is provided a ride simulation system comprising a ride casing which is in shape of a capsule and can accept one or more people and a driving mechanism for driving this ride casing, wherein a horizontally long, curve screen is provided at the front of the interior of the ride casing, a plurality of projectors are provided at the rear of the interior of the ride casing, and because of projection on each corresponding divided area of the curve screen by means of the plurality of projectors, one picture is displayed on the curve screen.

Abstract: A cockpit is supported by a motion base in a state of being capable of making swinging movement. A host computer calculate vehicle motion information in accordance with operation of various operation equipments performed by a driver accommodated in the cockpit. A simulation image is formed, the cockpit is controlled for swinging movement, and various meters or the like in the cockpit are controlled on the basis of an obtained result of the calculation. Thus, the drive simulation is carried out in a state approximate to that of a real vehicle.

Abstract: An amusement ride or theater attraction has a moveable floor for guest loading and unloading. A screen displays images. A motion base moves guests in at least one degree of freedom. The moveable floor that has a cutout for the motion base. The moveable floor is positioned to a raised position during guest loading and unloading. The moveable floor is lowered to a lowered position during ride operation, with the motion base passing through the cutout. Loading and unloading of passengers is simplified, without limiting motion base movement during operation of the ride.

Abstract: A simulation rider transporting apparatus includes a seat having means for constraining an attitude of a rider mounted on a first base and having a second base positioned under the first base. Elevation means for elevating the first base include two cranks which are arranged opposite to each other between the first and the second base. Each of the cranks has crank arms with each crank arm having one end coupled to the second base. A crank rod is provided for coupling the other end of each crank arm to the first base. Drive means are provided for changing a relative angle between the two crank arms to a predetermined value and for holding the changed relative angle.

Abstract: A VR motion producing apparatus includes a dynamic object to be controlled, a motion base having a finite stroke and motion model converting means for converting in a real time a motion model of a dynamic object to be controlled which is moved within a virtual reality space constituted by computer graphics into another motion model of the motion base having a finite stroke. The motion model converting means includes means for converting coordinate data of the motion model of a dynamic object to be controlled into coordinate data of the motion model of the motion base.

Abstract: A six-degree-of-freedom travelling system, wherein a solid is driven by eight suspending lines in six degrees of freedom. The six-degree-of-freedom travelling system can be provided as a bodily sensing machine comprising a human-riding cage: eight suspending lines in connection with the cage; eight actuators hauling and veering the respective lines for vary the position and attitude of the cage, and a controller controlling the eight actuators for constantly holding the eight lines under proper tensions, wherein the cage is travelled in six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A motion translating apparatus which may be used in a motion simulator or in a motion controlling device has an x axis, a y axis and a z axis, each of which axes is perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Amusement facilities for providing predetermined images to passengers inside a vehicle for amusement on the basis of a scenario while the vehicle (ride)(1) is moving in a predetermined course, wherein the course includes bright areas and dark areas, and acceleration/deceleration of the ride (1) is done at the boundaries of these areas. A video camera (11) provides images outside the vehicle to the passengers in the bright areas and images of a video disk player (34) are provided to the passengers in the dark areas. Further, sways are imparted by a motor (23) for rolling and a motor (24) for pitching to the ride (1) in accordance with scenarios. These images, acceleration/deceleration and sway give the passengers an illusion as if they had moved over a longer distance than an actual distance in the dark areas.

Abstract: A VR motion producing apparatus includes a reception unit for receiving a presently projected picture frame No. from a picture apparatus; a detection unit for detecting a frame No. of operation data of a motion base presently executed by a motion base; a difference unit for comparing the picture frame No. with the motion frame No. to calculate a difference between them; a calculation unit for calculating an operation velocity of a motion base so as to correct this difference value; and a synchronization unit for reducing the difference between the picture frame No. and the motion frame No. for operating the motion base from the calculated velocity.

Abstract: The described invention concerns a device enabling the spatial movement of bodies, especially persons, consisting of a contraption allowing a spherical movement, of at least on device capable of holding a person, one steering device, and of at least one input device.

Abstract: In a VR motion producing apparatus and an apparatus, comprising: a reception unit for receiving a presently projected picture frame No. from a picture apparatus; a detection unit for detecting a frame No. of operation data of a motion base presently executed by a motion base; a difference unit for comparing the picture frame No. with the motion frame No. to calculate a difference between them; a calculation unit for calculating an operation velocity of a motion base so as to correct this difference value; and a synchronization unit for reducing the difference between the picture frame No. and the motion frame No.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motion simulator for a video game. The motion simulator includes a base and a platform supported on the base. The platform has first and second sides. First and second motors drive respective first and second shafts. First and second cams are mounted to the respective first and second shafts. First and second cam followers are connected to the platform proximate the respective first and second sides. The first and second cam followers rest on the respective first and second cams such that rotation of either the first or second shaft causes vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: The system produces movements in a home entertainment chair. It has a motor controller and a plurality of movement generator units for generating small amplitude and low frequency movements in the viewers chair according to desired effects. A synchronization is achieved using an audio/video stream.

Abstract: Full motion interactive simulator for use by two or more persons that can play a simulation game running on a display screen, where each player can alternate controlling the pitch and roll of a motion base platform supporting a vehicle on which the players sit. A joystick mounted in front of each player can be moved forward, backward, side-to-side, and in 360 degree circles to cause the platform to pitch and roll along any angle. The joystick can have separate buttons for firing weapons at targets on the display screen, controlling the position of images on the screen and answering questions by the system such as yes, and no to certain questions. Each player can have a set of foot pedals in front of their seats, where a left pedal can cause the screen image to rotate to the left, and the right pedal can cause the screen image to rotate to the right. The active player on the joystick controls both pedals at one time.

Abstract: A simulator system in which a visual display assembly is arranged to present an image to be viewed on a display surface and a viewing station is positioned in front of the display surface such that a person looking from a predetermined eyepoint defined within the viewing station can see the display surface through a viewing window defined by the viewing station. The viewing station is displaceable relative to the visual display assembly between first and second positions to adjust the position of the display surface relative to the viewing window when viewed from the eyepoint. During displacement of the viewing station between the two positions, the viewing station is rotated about the eyepoint. The actuator is arranged such that the rate of rotation of the viewing station increases with distance from the first and second positions to a maximum when the viewing station is in an intermediate position.

Abstract: The present invention provide an establishment for viewing an image that the Spectators can see the image projected on the sceen from the seat while they move so that the spectators can experience a big change for visual sense, various visual experience as well as a non-daily-physical sense.

Abstract: In a VR motion producing apparatus and an apparatus, comprising: a reception unit for receiving a presently projected picture frame No. from a picture apparatus; a detection unit for detecting a frame No. of operation data of a motion base presently executed by a motion base; a difference unit for comparing the picture frame No. with the motion frame No. to calculate a difference between them; a calculation unit for calculating an operation velocity of a motion base so as to correct this difference value; and a synchronization unit for reducing the difference between the picture frame No. and the motion frame No.

Abstract: The portable and compact motion simulator (10) comprises of a platform (22), a support base (20), one powered and controlled extensible member (24), and a motion base controller (26). The simulator can be used like a seat cushion that can be placed on a chair or can be part of a chair. The platform (22) is driven by the said extensible member (24) via a motion base controller (26) to effect motion along the single degree-of-freedom in synchronization with audio and visual images. The said motion base controller (26) provides computing resources to operate and control the motion simulator (10), thereby eliminating the need for computing resources external to the motion simulator (10). A dynamics control means (40) optimizes the dynamic performance of the motion base in accordance with the weight of the patron (02). The portable and compact motion simulator (10) is designed to simulate motion for a patron playing an interactive computer game or participating in a virtual reality experience.

Abstract: A roller coaster includes a plurality of ride vehicles that ride along a track. Each vehicle provides seating for at least one passenger. The track is elevated off the ground and includes a variety of hills, curves, loops, rolls, drops, inversions and the like. The vehicles are totally enclosed and preferably designed to represent a space capsule. Sight line controls and a yaw mechanism are used at the load platform to prevent passengers from seeing the other ride vehicles. In addition, the track at the load platform is angled upwards to allow for easy access to the ride vehicles. Portals in the cabin are designed to control sight lines to focus the passengers' attention on show elements that are placed along the track. An on-board audio system enhances the realism of the ride experience. Adjustable restraint systems are provided in each vehicle to keep the passengers in their seats and inside the vehicle during the ride.

Abstract: A motion simulator comprises a cabin (10) which is supported on the ground (14) by at least three feet (12). Each of the feet can swivel about an essentially horizontal axis, the cabin (10) having a swivel drive (26) for each foot. Each foot (12) bears a wheel (30) by which it rolls along the floor (14).

Abstract: A motion base device for simulators is disclosed. In the motion base device, an upper plate is positioned above a base plate with a simulating cabin being carried on the upper plate. Three cylinder actuators are positioned between the base and upper plates so as to heave, pitch and/or roll the upper plate relative to the base plate. Of the three cylinder actuators being respectively placed at apexes of a regular triangle, the first one is fixedly mounted to the base plate and is jointed to the upper plate using a universal joint. Each of the second and third cylinder actuators is jointed to the base and upper plates using a universal joint and a joint block. A hydraulic pressure supply unit supplies pressurized oil to the three cylinder actuators so as to allow the three cylinder actuators to be independently operated.

Abstract: A virtual reality system is provided including at least one game station. Such game station has at least one virtual reality outfit equipped with a helmet having an input device for subjecting a user to visual and audio stimuli upon the receipt thereof. The outfit also has a plurality of output devices including a movement sensor for generating an output signal upon the detection of a movement of the user and an audio sensor for generating the output signal upon the detection of a vocalization of the user. Further provided is a plurality of auxiliary sensory mechanisms for subjecting the user to various feeling sensory conditions upon the actuation thereof. A server is connected to each game station and adapted to transmit the audio and visual stimuli and further actuate a predetermined number of the auxiliary sensory mechanisms as a function of the output signals of at least one game station.

Abstract: Three driving means for rocking a rocking object are provided, each of the foregoing driving means has a motor and an arm which rotates with one end thereof as an axis by the rotation of the motor, the other end of the foregoing arm is rotatably mounted to the front central portion and the rear both side portions of the foregoing rocking object, and each of the foregoing driving means is drivingly controlled to thereby pitch, roll and heave the foregoing rocking object. Such a rocking device capable of performing complicated operations with simple structure will be provided.

Abstract: The system produces movements in a home entertainment chair. It has a motor controller and a plurality of movement generator units for generating small amplitude and low frequency movements in the viewer's chair. The system is intended for home use and can be easily installed under each leg of a chair or of a sofa. The source of movement control signals can be derived from a video presentation soundtrack, and directional movement sensations can be created by inducing controlled movements in each leg of the viewer's chair.

Abstract: A locomotion platform is composed of a platform main body, a waist holding device, a signal fetching circuit, and a monitoring system. The platform main body consists of a platform structure body, a perforated platform face plate, position sensors, and balls located over the position sensors. The waist holding device consists of a waist ring for catching the waist of a user, and a fastening member for fastening the waist holding device with the platform structure body. The signal fetching circuit is intended to fetch the signals generated by the position sensors. The monitoring system is intended to receive the output signals of the signal fetching circuit and is provided with a software for computing the displacement generated by the strolling of the user on the platform main body. The results of computation are exhibited on a monitor.

Abstract: A modular, reconfigurable and easily deployable simulator system includes a plurality of vehicle personality kits and at least one frame to support a single crewstation. Members of a selected kit are coupled to the frame. A multi-platform control system provides on-the-window and in vehicle instrument displays in real-time in response to the crewperson manipulating platform controls. An editor with a graphical user interface provides a capability to modify program segments of the control system thereby altering the behavior of the simulated platform.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a vehicle chassis that rolls on caster wheels. Pinch drive wheels, driven by on-board electric motors, engage a guide rail and propel the vehicle along a rack. A motion base is positioned on top of the vehicle chassis. A yaw ring is rotatably supported on the motion base. A passenger cabin is mounted on to the yaw ring. A slip ring assembly extends from the vehicle chassis to the passenger cabin, to provide electrical power and audio signals to the passenger cabin. A yaw drive motor turns the yaw ring, allowing the passenger cabin to spin on the motion base, and to provide continuous yaw movement. The motion base provides pitch and roll movements, as well as heave, slip and surge movements.

Abstract: A process and neural network architecture for on-line adjustment of the weights of the neural network in a manner that corrects errors made by a nonlinear controller designed based on a model for the dynamics of a process under control. A computer system is provided for controlling the dynamic output response signal of a nonlinear physical process, where the physical process is represented by a fixed model of the process. The computer system includes a controlled device for responding to the output response signal of the system. The computer system also includes a linear controller for providing a pseudo control signal that is based on the fixed model for the process and provides a second controller, connected to the linear controller, for receiving the pseudo control signal and for providing a modified pseudo control signal to correct for the errors made in modeling the nonlinearities in the process. A response network is also included as part of the computer system.

Abstract: The disclosed motion device comprises a triangular platform supporting a load, for example a simulator cabin. This platform is supported at all three corners by hinged arms driven by cranks that are moved by an actuator. There is provided a load compensation device facilitating the work of the actuators. Thus the load can be moved in pitch and roll as well as vertically.

Abstract: A centripetal acceleration movement apparatus includes a base support having a rotatable portion rotatably disposed about a first axis. A plurality of carrying pods are attached to the rotatable portion of the base support and are positioned remotely with respect to the first axis for carrying at least one passenger. A rotating device is provided for rotating the rotatable portion of the base support about the first axis and thereby causing the attached carrying pod to (i) orbit the first axis along an orbital movement path and (ii) apply a centripetal force to the at least one passenger. A motion picture device is provided for producing a motion picture display confined to orbital movement with the carrying pods in a manner sufficient to enable the motion picture display to be viewed by a seeing passenger being carried by the carrying pods.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for creating motion are provided. The apparatus includes a base and a frame connected by legs with a rod extending from the base towards the frame. Cylinders, preferably pneumatic, connect to the rod to the frame. Air or fluid to the cylinders may be controlled in a programmable manner to create motion to the rod and, hence, to the base. Another connecting element is provided between the base and one of the legs which may also include a cylinder creating an additional degree of freedom and motion to the apparatus.

Abstract: A controlled mechanical carrier motion system comprising a base support, a pivot holder and a plurality of pivoting links with the pivoting links rotatably coupled to both to members of the pivot holder and to either the base support or to a corresponding one of a plurality of force imparting members, or both, to rotate about axes which extend in different directions for each of these rotatable couplings in a link, typically in accord with specific geometrical arrangements, and in different directions from similar axes in another of such links.

Abstract: A motion platform assembly having at least three degrees of freedom for providing simulated motion in a flight or vehicle simulator. The motion platform assembly includes a base frame, mounting pedestal and a stabilized platform. The simulator is powered by actuators that independently effect movement with respect to the base frame by extending to increase and decrease a length. Stabilizers stabilize the motion platform assembly by restricting movement of the stabilized platform while only permitting vertical translation of the stabilized platform relative to the mounting pedestal in both directions. In one embodiment, the stabilizers are unpowered linear bearings extendable to increase and decrease a length thereof between the mounting pedestal and the stabilized platform. The linear bearings resist the shear forces acting upon the stabilized platform when the stabilized platform is vertically extended from the mounting pedestal.

Abstract: An entertainment device is based on a sphere that moves in coordination with visual and auditory stimuli. Audience members are seated inside the sphere in one hemisphere while an image is displayed on the inside of the opposite hemisphere. The sphere is driven by actuators to roll, pitch and yaw without limit in synchrony with the images displayed. An audio system works in synchrony with the motion to further enhance the experience. Pure horizontal or vertical motion effects may be obtained by adding one or more linear motion stages which translate the entire sphere assembly horizontally or vertically. The audience members may interact with the ride using actuators. Multiple spheres may interact with each other.

Abstract: A realistic roller coaster simulator is disclosed having one or more passenger seats equipped with a safety harness and mounted for 360 degree rotational movement along at least two axes for simulating the motion of a roller coaster. A controller is provided for controlling and coordinating the motion of the simulator with a simulation controller which generates to the passenger synchronized audio and visual effects which would be experienced by a passenger on a roller coaster of a predetermined design. Linked to the simulator is a design station where a passenger can design his or her own roller coaster. Upon entering the simulator station, the passenger's design can be accessed from memory and selected for simulation on the simulator vehicle. Upon initiation of the simulation, the passenger can experience in real time the visual, motive, audible and other effects (such as wind, heat, cold, water, etc.) of the simulated roller coaster ride which the passenger has designed.

Abstract: The invention provides a motion simulating device which provides the user with full freedom of motion. Ideally, the motion is coordinated with the user's senses. The motion simulating device may include a generally spherical capsule supported by a number of rollers, at least one of which is a multi-directional active roller which frictionally engages the spherical capsule. This causes the spherical capsule to rotate in any desired direction. The capsule may have mounted within it an interactive solid, which may take the form of an omni-directional treadmill for supporting the user.

Abstract: The portable and compact motion stimulator (10)comprises of a platform (22), a support base (20), three extensible members (24), and a motion base controller (26). The simulator can be used like a seat cushion that can be placed on a chair or can be a part of a chair. The motion base controller (26) drives the extensible members (24) to produce rotations about the pitch axis (14), roll axis (16), and translation in the heave (18) direction in synchronization with audio and visual images. The motion simulator system can be used interactively with a computer game or in a virtual reality environment. Numerous motion simulators can be linked to a common system controller (12) to provide identical synchronous motions to a plurality of users in a theater application.

Abstract: A riding game machine for playing the game of a jet ski race, for example has a display unit for displaying a simulated image of an object on a wavy surface, and a riding device swingable depending on the simulated image displayed by the display unit. The riding device has a riding unit for a player to ride thereon, a handle coupled to the riding unit for changing a direction of travel of the object of the simulated image displayed by the display unit, an accelerator lever mounted on the handle for changing a speed of the object of the simulated image displayed by the display unit, a pitching member for swinging the riding unit about a horizontal transverse axis, a rolling member for swinging the riding unit about a horizontal longitudinal axis, and a pitching mechanism for actuating the pitching member in relation to travel of the object on the wavy surface in the simulated image displayed by the display unit.

Abstract: A simulator includes a base plate, a platform, a plurality of actuators, each of the actuators having a hydraulic cylinder, a sensor, a servo valve and a pair of universal joints, and a weight supporting actuator including a pressure sensor and designed to support a specific weight of the platform and the substance thereon. The sensors and the pressure sensor sense the variation of length and weight imposed on each of the hydraulic cylinders, respectively. The servo valve selectively passes a high pressure fluid to an upper and a lower portions of the cylinder and the pair of universal joints have a three degrees of freedom to allow the platform to have six degrees of freedom. A controller controls the servo valve of both actuators to vary the length of each of the hydraulic cylinders thereof, thereby lessening the load imposed on the actuators.

Abstract: A fail-safe ride simulator (10) broadly includes a base (11), a platform (13) mounted for movement relative to the base, an actuation mechanism (14) operatively arranged between the platform and an actuation mechanism operatively arranged between the platform and the base. The actuation mechanism includes a plurality of electro-mechanical servoactuators (23) acting between the platform and base for causing relative movement therebetween. A fail-safe circuit (34) is operatively arranged to continuously monitor the condition of the actuation mechanism, and to cause the platform to move automatically toward a predetermined position relative to the base in the event of an unsafe condition in the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided a motion simulator comprising a platform mounted on a base, the platform being mounted by a multi directional swivel connection with first and second motion actuators situated proximate first and second sides of the platform. Each motion actuator comprises a motor, a shaft rotatably driven by the motor and a cam member mounted on the shaft. A roller is mounted on the cam member and is associated with a follower mounted on the platform, the arrangement being such that rotation of the shaft and the cam will cause the roller to move within the follower and cause vertical movement of the platform proximate the follower. The platform can thus move in a vertical plane and also have rotational movement about an axis extending longitudinally of the platform.