Abstract: A mobile and versatile vehicle simulator is integrated with a vehicle control system to provide a mobile simulator based vehicle control system such as the exemplary system. The vehicle simulators included in the simulator based control system allows for a vehicle operator to be moved in two or even three axis of rotation while, in some embodiments, also allowing for sudden jolts or motion similar to what might be encountered when a pilot encounters air turbulence or a driver encounters ruts or pot holes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of improved wind energy capture system design and operation are discussed. Improved wind energy capture system blade/sail implementations are described. Retractable sails are used in a novel configuration in some but not all implementations. In one embodiment, a turbine blade assembly includes a plurality of uniformly spaced hollow blades. Each hollow blade includes a furling rod onto which a retractable sail can be rolled and stored. Each hollow blade also includes a sail tensioning cable guide for providing tension for a retractable sail included in an adjacent hollow blade. The turbine blades are secured at their root end to a hub assembly. In some but not all embodiments the turbine blades are supported at their tip end, e.g., by using a set of support cables which provide tension. Computer control and automated operations of sail deployment and/or blade adjustments are implemented.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a variable blade assembly including adjustable sails and wing shaped masts expanding the wind velocity capture envelope. The blade assembly turns a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes fluid and stores the pressurized fluid in a chamber in the support tower. Pressurized fluid is directed via an electronically controllable proportioning valve to a hydraulic motor which is coupled to an electric generator. A computer control module operates the proportioning valve regulating pressure to the hydraulic motor, maintaining generator rotational speed, and providing consistent output frequency to the power grid. Stored energy in the high pressure tank is used to continue generator operation after the winds cease, allowing early warning notification to the power management system of impending power loss. Residual pressure maintained in the high pressure tank allows restart operations via hydraulic pressure rather than power grid energy drain.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of improved windmill design and operation are discussed. An improved windmill assembly includes a support, a movable counterweight and a counterweight position adjuster. The windmill tower experiences oscillations, e.g., oscillations from wind variation, turbulence, varying stress levels, structural design attributes and/or balance considerations. The windmill tower is also subjected to external forces, e.g., a steady state wind pushing the tower in one direction. The windmill assembly includes at least one sensor to measure tower position, tower motion, and/or wind velocity. A computer module, as part of the windmill assembly, processes the sensor output information and uses stored modeling information to determine counterweight position such as to dampen oscillations and/or counteract steady state forces. Control signals are generated and communicated to an actuator to move the counterweight in response to the determination.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a variable blade assembly including adjustable sails and wing shaped masts expanding the wind velocity capture envelope. The blade assembly turns a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes fluid and stores the pressurized fluid in a chamber in the support tower. Pressurized fluid is directed via an electronically controllable proportioning valve to a hydraulic motor which is coupled to an electric generator. A computer control module operates the proportioning valve regulating pressure to the hydraulic motor, maintaining generator rotational speed, and providing consistent output frequency to the power grid. Stored energy in the high pressure tank is used to continue generator operation after the winds cease, allowing early warning notification to the power management system of impending power loss. Residual pressure maintained in the high pressure tank allows restart operations via hydraulic pressure rather than power grid energy drain.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a variable blade assembly including adjustable sails and wing shaped masts expanding the wind velocity capture envelope. The blade assembly turns a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes fluid and stores the pressurized fluid in a chamber in the support tower. Pressurized fluid is directed via an electronically controllable proportioning valve to a hydraulic motor which is coupled to an electric generator. A computer control module operates the proportioning valve regulating pressure to the hydraulic motor, maintaining generator rotational speed, and providing consistent output frequency to the power grid. Stored energy in the high pressure tank is used to continue generator operation after the winds cease, allowing early warning notification to the power management system of impending power loss. Residual pressure maintained in the high pressure tank allows restart operations via hydraulic pressure rather than power grid energy drain.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a variable blade assembly including adjustable sails and wing shaped masts expanding the wind velocity capture envelope. The blade assembly turns a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes fluid and stores the pressurized fluid in a chamber in the support tower. Pressurized fluid is directed via an electronically controllable proportioning valve to a hydraulic motor which is coupled to an electric generator. A computer control module operates the proportioning valve regulating pressure to the hydraulic motor, maintaining generator rotational speed, and providing consistent output frequency to the power grid. Stored energy in the high pressure tank is used to continue generator operation after the winds cease, allowing early warning notification to the power management system of impending power loss. Residual pressure maintained in the high pressure tank allows restart operations via hydraulic pressure rather than power grid energy drain.

Abstract: Flight simulator with the ability to subject a passenger in a passenger compartment to sudden and possibly substantial horizontal and vertical thrusts in addition to a full 360 degrees of motion along a pitch, roll and yaw axes is described. In some embodiments, sustained G forces are also possible by mounting the passenger compartment in a support arm which includes an additional boom around which the passenger compartment is rotated to provide sustained acceleration to passenger compartment occupants.

Abstract: Flight simulator with the ability to subject a passenger in a passenger compartment to sudden and possibly substantial horizontal and vertical thrusts in addition to a full 360 degrees of motion along a pitch, roll and yaw axes is described. In some embodiments, sustained G forces are also possible by mounting the passenger compartment in a support arm which includes an additional boom around which the passenger compartment is rotated to provide sustained acceleration to passenger compartment occupants.

Abstract: A control system for a motion simulator and the associated method of operating the motion simulator. The control system contains a memory. Within the memory is a plurality of pre-programmed maneuvers that are capable of being simulated by the motion simulator. An interface is provided that enables a person to select some of the pre-programmed maneuvers from the memory in a desired sequence, prior to that person entering the motion simulator. Once a certain sequence of maneuvers is selected, the motion simulator simulates those maneuvers in the chosen sequence. This enables each rider of the motion simulator to design his/her own simulation each time that person uses the motion simulator. The control system also enables a rider to program the motion simulator at the sight of the motion simulator or at home, via a personal computer.

Abstract: A control system for a motion simulator and the associated method of operating the motion simulator. The control system contains a memory. Within the memory is a plurality of pre-programmed maneuvers that are capable of being simulated by the motion simulator. An interface is provided that enables a person to select some of the pre-programmed maneuvers from the memory in a desired sequence, prior to that person entering the motion simulator. Once a certain sequence of maneuvers is selected, the motion simulator simulates those maneuvers in the chosen sequence. This enables each rider of the motion simulator to design his/her own simulation each time that person uses the motion simulator. The control system also enables a rider to program the motion simulator at the sight of the motion simulator or at home, via a personal computer.