Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a hand-operated input device on a hand. The apparatus includes a first mounting member with a hoop-shaped body and a second mounting member with a semi-circular shaped body. At first and second ends, the second mounting member is rigidly coupled at spaced-apart first and second locations to the first mounting member. A device support is rigidly coupled to the first mounting member, and the device support is adapted for supporting a hand-operated input device. The first mounting member contacts the hand at first and second contact points, and the second mounting member contacts the hand at a third contact point. The first and second contact points are located on opposite sides of the hand between the knuckles and the heel of the hand, and the third contact point is on an opposite side of the hand from the first contact point and proximate to the heel.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a hand-operated input device on a hand. The apparatus includes a first mounting member with a hoop-shaped body and a second mounting member with a semi-circular shaped body. At first and second ends, the second mounting member is rigidly coupled at spaced-apart first and second locations to the first mounting member. A device support is rigidly coupled to the first mounting member, and the device support is adapted for supporting a hand-operated input device. The first mounting member contacts the hand at first and second contact points, and the second mounting member contacts the hand at a third contact point. The first and second contact points are located on opposite sides of the hand between the knuckles and the heel of the hand, and the third contact point is on an opposite side of the hand from the first contact point and proximate to the heel.

Abstract: A consumer electronics device 10 comprises a housing 12. A control panel 16 is arranged on the housing 12. The control panel 16 has a plurality of control keys 18 having an outline shape approximating that of a part of a predetermined cartoon eharacter.

Abstract: An animated figure method and apparatus including an animated figure having moveable elements and a base unit for supporting the animated figure. The apparatus of the present invention includes multiple control cables, a first end of each control cable connects to a cable driver assembly or cable driver mounted on the base unit and a second end of each control cable attaches to a corresponding animated figure moveable element or assembly. The cable drivers that are attached to the base unit drive the control cables, and propel the animated figure's moveable elements. The present invention achieves detailed control of many animated figure functions using intricate control cable branching which may require many bends in the control cable. In addition, a walk mechanism provides both horizontal and vertical movement of the animated figure's feet to achieve simulated stepping movements in a very realistic manner.

Abstract: The invention regards an inflatable motion base for moving one or more loads, such as objects or riders, through various degrees of freedom, and a simulator employing the motion base. The invention includes a plurality of modular, inflatable cells on a foundation that serves as a structure to provide reaction forces, the cells being adjacent to each other and joined along their load-bearing surfaces with interlaced bungee cords. Each cell is connected to a high volume manifold through an inlet. The inlets each include an actuator controlling a butterfly valve to control the airflow into the cell. A plurality of pumps maintain the manifold pressure. Each cell is also provided with an exhaust passage, which includes an actuator controlling a butterfly valve to control the airflow out of the cell. The exhaust passages connect to tubes that direct the exhaust to blow on the cell load-bearing surfaces. The foundation houses manifolds, inlets, exhaust passages, pumps, and sound dampening material.

Abstract: A helmet mounting device which allows a helmet to be securely mounted to a user's head in a desired alignment, without irritating chin straps, is provided. The device includes a frame and a liner with a retention band that can be uniformly tightened about the user's head and that aligns with cranial features such as the indentation in the occipital area at the base of the skull. A plurality of these devices can be given out in advance to users waiting on line for a virtual reality amusement attraction, who can don them in advance. When a user reaches the attraction, he or she can easily slip onto the device a helmet having shape complementary to the device for quick alignment. When the user is finished, the device can easily be cleaned before being given to the next user.

Abstract: A motion base for an apparatus for subjecting a user to sensory experience is provided. The motion base has a motion generator for moving a platform about at least one axis of rotation. The platform supports the user such that the user's center of gravity is substantially coincident with the center of rotation of the platform. The active elements of the motion generator are separate from the elements that support the weight of the apparatus and the user.