Abstract: This invention relates to a three degree of freedom motion generator for moving a payload above the surface, the motion generator comprising a rotatable platform arranged for rotation on a circular guide above the surface, at least three linear guides extending ray-wise above the surface from a centre, each linear guide having a linear guide carriage moveable thereon, a peripheral guide carriage pivotally mounted on each linear guide carriage about the periphery of the rotatable platform, and a plurality of actuators, whereby at least one actuator may be operated to exert a force between a peripheral guide carriage on the circular guide and the rotatable platform. Other aspects include a motion system, and vehicle driving simulators including such a motion generator.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a motion generator comprising an effector for applying forces, moments and movements to a payload relative to a surface connected to one or more elongate rigid struts, each strut being connected at one end thereof by a first joint to the effector and being connected at its other end by a second joint to an associated rocker, the rocker having a pivot axis, such that movement of a rocker about the pivot axis leads to movement of the effector, and forces applied to an associated rocker lead to forces being applied to the effector, in which the movement of a rocker and forces applied by the rocker are controlled by an actuator, the actuator being in the form of an elongate belt, cable, rope drive, or linear motor arranged to apply a force to a point on an associated rocker away from the pivot axis of the rocker.

Abstract: An electro-magnetically operated valve which has a pole piece, an armature member mounted for movement relative to the pole piece, and an electro-magnetic device associated with the pole piece for effecting movement of the armature member between a first position spaced from the pole piece to a second position where the armature member contacts the pole piece, where at least a portion of the armature member and/or the pole piece has in or on a coating or layer of material having a higher mechanical hardness or a higher magnetic permeability than the material of the armature and/or pole piece.