Abstract: A vehicle model including main and secondary modules is provided. The vehicle module may also include vehicle components, a frame, a camera system, and a controller. The vehicle components are operably connected to the modules. The frame supports the modules and components and defines a 3D coordinate system including identifiable reference points. The camera system is arranged with the frame to capture activity within the 3D coordinate system. The controller is in communication with, and configured to direct operation of, the modules, components, and camera system based on the identifiable reference points and accessible vehicle CAD data. The vehicle components may comprise a subject platform located adjacent to, detached from, and integrated to function with the modules. The subject platform may be configured to vertically adjust between a plurality of positions for simulating ground outside a vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes plural, different sensors configured to be operably connected to a first vehicle. The sensors obtain status data indicative of a state of a cooling system of the first vehicle. The system includes a digital twin system having processors configured to modify the status data having sampling rates or resolutions that differ such that the status data that is modified has a common sampling rate resolution as that of other data. The processors create a digital twin matrix of the status data. The digital twin matrix is indicative of the state of the cooling system. The processors also determine a health score of the cooling system or simulate operation of the cooling system based on the digital twin matrix. The digital twin system is configured to change or control actual operation of the cooling system based on the health score or the operation that is simulated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical fixture which simulates a four bar link drive system for pedal driven scooters and bicycles and the resulting drive system. A four bar drive link system simulator has a frame assembly, a proximal hinge attachment bracket, a bottom bracket simulator, a pair of crank levers, a pair of coupling levers and a pair of pedal levers. The frame assembly has a plurality of guide rails, including at least a proximal hinge adjustment rail, and a frame rail. The proximal hinge attachment bracket is connected to the proximal hinge adjustment rail. The bottom bracket simulator is attached or otherwise connected to the frame simulator rail.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical fixture which simulates a four bar link drive system for pedal driven scooters and bicycles and the resulting drive system. A four bar drive link system simulator has a frame assembly, a proximal hinge attachment bracket, a bottom bracket simulator 0, a pair of crank levers, a pair of coupling levers and a pair of pedal levers. The frame assembly has a plurality of guide rails, including at least a proximal hinge adjustment rail, and a frame rail. The proximal hinge attachment bracket is connected to the proximal hinge adjustment rail. The bottom bracket simulator is attached or otherwise connected to the frame simulator rail.

Abstract: A four bar drive link system simulator 10 has a frame assembly 11, a proximal hinge attachment bracket 20, a bottom bracket simulator 40, a pair of crank levers 31L, 31R, a pair of coupling levers 32 and a pair of pedal simulator levers 22L, 22R. The frame assembly 11 has a plurality of guide rails, including at least a proximal hinge adjustment rail 22, and a frame simulator rail 13. The proximal hinge attachment bracket 20 is connected to the proximal hinge adjustment rail 22. The bottom bracket simulator 40 is attached or otherwise connected to the frame simulator rail 13. The pair of crank levers 31L, 31R is each attached at a first end to an axle 42 having its axis of rotation in the bottom bracket simulator 40, one crank lever being on one side of the bottom bracket simulator 40, the other on the opposite side. The pair of coupling levers 32 is each attached to an opposite second end of the crank lever 31L or 31R.

Abstract: A method for graphically displaying a vehicle condition within an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving information from a sensor on a vehicle regarding a vehicle condition. The vehicle condition is measured against a predetermined level for that specified vehicle condition. The method then determines if the vehicle condition is above the predetermined level. If the vehicle condition is above the predetermined level, the method then transmits information regarding the vehicle condition to a processor connected to a display screen. The method then proceeds to graphically display the vehicle condition on a vehicle within the vehicle by means of a graphical replication of an image replication of the actual vehicle condition in the actual vehicle being used.

Abstract: An air bag simulator device essentially functions to educate drivers on proper seat-body position relative to a vehicular air bag deployment zone. The air bag simulator device comprises an air bag-simulating envelope, sized and shaped to simulate a deployed driver side, vehicular air bag. The air bag-simulating envelope defines a certain volumetric space filled with certain matter. The air bag-simulating envelope is positionable adjacent a vehicular steering wheel for visually demonstrating to a user the volumetric space otherwise occupied by a deployed driver side vehicular air bag. The driver, having the air bag simulating device in position, may thus properly position his or her seat and/or body to accommodate the air bag simulating device. Once having learned to anticipate the volumetric space defined by the air bag simulating device, the driver may repeat the process so as to avoid being struck by a vehicular air bag during a deployment.

Abstract: A four bar drive link system simulator 10 has a frame assembly 11, a proximal hinge attachment bracket 20, a bottom bracket simulator 40, a pair of crank levers 31L, 31R, a pair of coupling levers 32 and a pair of pedal simulator levers 22L, 22R. The frame assembly 11 has a plurality of guide rails, including at least a proximal hinge adjustment rail 22, and a frame simulator rail 13. The proximal hinge attachment bracket 20 is connected to the proximal hinge adjustment rail 22. The bottom bracket simulator 40 is attached or otherwise connected to the frame simulator rail 13. The pair of crank levers 31L, 31R is each attached at a first end to an axle 42 having its axis of rotation in the bottom bracket simulator 40, one crank lever being on one side of the bottom bracket simulator 40, the other on the opposite side. The pair of coupling levers 32 is each attached to an opposite second end of the crank lever 31L or 31R.

Abstract: Provided is a game device which determines the goal point pursuant to the game progress and not in advance. The game device 1 is a game for competing for game scores in accordance with the superiority of the state of arrival upon the taxi, which is the moving object, reaching a goal. This game device 1 is a game wherein a presentation unit for presenting a goal determining element (passenger), which becomes the objective upon a taxi moving in the game space 511 (S104, S105), and judgment unit for determining the game results by judging the superiority of the state of arrival in accordance with such selected goal determining element upon selecting one goal among a plurality of goals (S105; YES) provided by the presentation unit (S104, S105) are processed by the CPU and displayed on the display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing simulation method, a fishing simulation execution method, and a fishing simulator, and more specifically, to a fishing simulation method, a fishing simulation execution method, and a fishing simulator, in which a fishing activity procedure of detecting a fish school, gathering fish, and catching the fish can be realized in a three-dimensional virtual space of a computer, and a fishery environment and fishing activity simulated in the computer virtual space comes to be similar to a real fishery environment and fishing activity by simulating the behavior of the fish school, including an avoidance behavior of fish entities forming the fish school, responding to the movement of a fishing boat and a fishing gear, thereby enhancing learning effects on the fishery environment and the fishing activity.

Abstract: A seatbelt kit for demonstrating and educating proper seatbelt usage to at least one individual. The seatbelt kit includes at least one retractor, at least one latch plate, at least one segment of webbing and at least one seatbelt buckles The kit also includes a manual for instructing at least one individual on the proper usage of at least one seatbelt component provided in the seatbelt demonstration kit. A method for educating the at least one individual on proper usage of a seatbelt is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching installers the proper technique for adhesively bonding a protective covering to an exterior portion of a vehicle. The apparatus of the invention includes a training cover constructed from a static-cling material and having the shape of the protective covering that is to be adhesively bonded to the exterior portion of the vehicle and one that can be easily removed from the automobile surface by applying a pulling force in a direction away from the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention detects the squaring and feathering of an oar during rowing. The time interval between two consecutive feathers is measured, and it is used to calculate the stroke rating. It is mounted to an oar close to the grip of the oar. An enclosure houses a display, a sensor, a microcontroller, a power source and a clock which is a component of the microcontroller. The stroke rating is displayed on a display. A strap is attached to the enclosure. The strap fastens the enclosure to the oar. The direction of the rotation of the oar from the squared position to the feathered position is shown by the arrow. Because of its small size, the device does not hinder rowing while remaining in plain view of the rower, and because it does not use any external or rigidly mounted sensors it can easily be transported and used on various equipment.

Abstract: A controller for use with an operated object such as a model vehicle contains therein a memory. The movement of the model vehicle is stored in advance into the memory with each of push buttons in a keyboard unit of the controller. Once a “GO” button is pushed even during a manual operation, a signal to cause to perform the procedure stored in the memory is transmitted from an antenna which is provided in the controller. In this arrangement, the model vehicle can be subject to complicated operations even by an unskilled operator.

Abstract: A method and sampling system are provided for sampling and marketing fluid replacement services. Once an automobile arrives at the service facility, the automobile service technician quickly obtains fluid samples from the various systems of an automobile. While the consumer provides relevant information relating to the vehicle to a customer service technician, the automobile service technician places the fluid samples into receptacles allowing the consumer to visually inspect the condition of each fluid. The service technician then provides new fluids in proximity to the actual fluids of the engine to allow a side-by-side comparison of the visual condition of the fluids. The samples are then presented to the consumer while the consumer is in contact with the customer service technician to allow the consumer to make a determination as to whether the fluids must be replaced.

Abstract: A self-contained, self-sufficient computer bus is disclosed, featuring a number of computer workstations with computers and peripherals. The computers are networked with servers that are housed on the bus, and by using a satellite internet system, the computers have broadband, two-way internet access. The bus includes a special support beam placed longitudinally inside the bus, and this beam helps secure various pieces of furniture, including the workstations themselves, cabinets, and racks to hold the servers. The bus provides its own power using a generator, although it can use local power if available.

Abstract: A system and method for computerized competition useful for rewarding a player. The system and method may be utilized in arcade games, personal computer games, dedicated video games, networked games, and simulators. The method may include selecting a target reward level or threshold such as by selecting a score from a list of past scores, and dynamically adjusting the reward level according to the ability of the players of the system. The method may further include adjusting the playback of a previous competition sequence according to the adjusted reward level. In one embodiment, a previous vehicle race sequence is stored and played back as a ghost or phantom vehicle simultaneously with a present vehicle of a player.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus consisting of a set of parts that can be assembled into a variety of internal-combustion engine analogs. The set of parts comprises a set of platform parts that can be assembled into a platform having a platform rotary axis and a platform reference axis normal to the platform rotary axis and a set of driver parts that can be assembled with a set of platform parts into a driver assembly supported by the platform. The driver assembly comprises one or more drivers, each driver containing a first driver point and a second driver point. The first driver point travels back and forth along a driver line segment while the second driver point travels in a driver circle around a driver-assembly rotary axis.

Abstract: A method and sampling system are provided for sampling and marketing fluid replacement services. Once an automobile arrives at the service facility, the automobile service technician quickly obtains fluid samples from the various systems of an automobile. While the consumer provides relevant information relating to the vehicle to a customer service technician, the automobile service technician places the fluid samples into receptacles allowing the consumer to visually inspect the condition of each fluid. The service technician then provides new fluids in proximity to the actual fluids of the engine to allow a side-by-side comparison of the visual condition of the fluids. The samples are then presented to the consumer while the consumer is in contact with the customer service technician to allow the consumer to make a determination as to whether the fluids must be replaced.

Abstract: A dimensionally adjustable vehicle component and/or a simulated entire vehicle includes body panels and vehicle components arranged in a simulated vehicle position and movably mounted on internal support structure for dimensional adjustment in fore/aft, up/down and lateral directions to form a variety of different spatial relationships between the vehicle components. A drive mechanism, typically including a motor and a rotatable drive shaft, is coupled to each dimensionally adjustable vehicle component support structure for adjusting the dimensional position of a selected component via control signals from a central controller. An encoder is coupled to each rotatable shaft output and generates actual travel position information for the controller to determine the actual position of the selected, dimensionally adjusted component.

Abstract: A demonstrator for mounting, operating and displaying a multiplicity of automotive vehicle components comprises an open-frame exoskeleton of aluminum tubes. The tubes are in a configuration suggestive of the shape of an automotive vehicle. The demonstrator is light in weight, is easily shipped and is movable by a single person. A central compartment of the exoskeleton resembles a passenger compartment and has doorways similar in height and width to door openings of the vehicle. A front compartment of the demonstrator resembles a vehicle engine compartment, this compartment defining a generally horizontal window free of other structure of the demonstrator. The front compartment includes front wheel-well outlines defined by tube segments welded together. A rear compartment of the demonstrator similarly defines rear wheel-well outlines.

Abstract: A computerized learning approach that enables a user to improve their performance on multiple-choice exams is disclosed. Although the learning approach includes various aspects and implementations, in general, the invention forces test-takers to practice their examination skills and subject matter knowledge in a systematic way. The systematic way forces the users to follow a proven problem-solving approach designed to improve their performance. The invention provides important performance feedback to user's, for example, elapsed time per question and percentage of correctly answered questions. The invention can also pinpoint for the user the substantive areas of the exam which the user is either weak or strong. Further, the invention is able to assist the user in predicting his/her eventual score.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an audio playback unit and method for assembling and providing information pertaining to an automobile for sale to prospective purchasers. Both non-replaceable and replaceable memories are utilized to provide the information. An automated method selects and organizes speech elements, which may originate either in the non-replaceable or replaceable memory, to be spoken by the playback unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a real sound-producing toy engine. It includes a main housing having a simulated automobile engine exterior and a plurality of activation sites located at the main housing for activating a plurality of different real sounding motor-related sounds. It also includes a plurality of switches, there being at least one for each of the activation sites which is connected thereto. Each of the switches has an off-position and an on-position, each of the switches being also connected to at least one sound-producing mechanism. There is an engine start-up activation site at the main housing and a switch connected to the engine start-up activation site, with sound-producing device capable of producing an engine start-up sound, including a running engine sound which simulates an idling engine, and at least one power source connected to the foregoing. In some embodiments there is an oil fill port activation site having a pressure switch and simulated oil container.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, and recursive training software to display a previous route through an environment simultaneously with a present route through the environment. The user then incrementally and recursively maximizes parameters associated with vehicle operation skill. In addition, a present user may compete with one or more previous users by having previously recorded routes played back on the video display simultaneously with the route of the present user. The driver training system may be embodied as an arcade game.

Abstract: An automotive maintenance instruction kit comprising a miniature scale model automobile with a plurality of removable parts. A set of repair tools, a maintenance and repair manual and a video tape to be inserted into a video player and played on a television set. A person utilizing the above components of the kit can become skilled in removing and installing the removable parts in the miniature scale model automobile, so that the person can apply this skill to a real automobile.

Abstract: A device for demonstrating and testing electronic meters for bicycles including a body portion having a slot, a rod mounted on the body portion, a plurality of seats mounted on the rod, a first magnet fitted on the body portion, a handwheel partially pivotally fitted in the slot of the body portion, a second magnet fitted on a the handwheel, and an electronic testing device disposed within the body portion and operatively connected with the seats, whereby the device can be used for demonstrating as well as testing electronic meters for bicycles.

Abstract: A device for simulating electrical characteristics of an electrical, electronic or electromechanical component comprising circuitry (21) adapted to reproduce electrical characteristics which are produced by, or may be sensed in, the component, the device (1) being configured so as to substantially resemble the component in appearance and/or size. The device may have two substantially flat opposed surfaces (3,27), one of which carries a picture (5)of the component and the other a sectional view through the component to illustrate its technical construction or operation, and/or other data relating to the component. A kit may be provided comprising a number of such devices each to simulate a component forming part of an equipment or system so as to simulate the electrical characteristics and/or performance of the equipment or system.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three dimensional graphics, a computer, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, atmospheric effects software to simulate time-of-day and weather conditions, and realistic operating feedback software for simulating on the input devices the feedback normally experienced with operating the vehicle. One aspect of the preferred embodiment is a system including a low frequency speaker mounted on an enclosure adjacent to the simulation user's seat through which road feel cues such as hitting an object are transmitted to the user in response to signals received from the computer. Another aspect of the invention is the a system for simulating the feel to the user of anti-lock brakes on a brake pedal in response to signals received the computer.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, atmospheric effects software to simulate time-of-day and weather conditions, and recursive training software to display a previous route through an environment simultaneously with a present route through the environment together with associated performance data. Another aspect of the recursive training software replays either the previous route or present route and controls one of the input devices to provide "hands-on" feedback to the user. The user then incrementally and recursively maximizes parameters associated with vehicle operation skill. The driver training system may be embodied as a vehicle simulator.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, and recursive training software to display a previous route through an environment simultaneously with a present route through the environment. The user then incrementally and recursively maximizes parameters associated with vehicle operation skill. In addition, a present user may compete with one or more previous users by having previously recorded routes played back on the video display simultaneously with the route of the present user. The driver training system may be embodied as an arcade game.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, and recursive training software to display a previous route through an environment simultaneously with a present route through the environment. The user then incrementally and recursively maximizes parameters associated with vehicle operation skill. The driver training system may be embodied as an arcade game.

Abstract: The invention features an engine operation simulation system for training maintenance and service personnel to diagnose and repair engines. The engine operating simulation system utilizes an actual electronic control unit for controlling an engine. A processor is provided to perform an simulation of engine operating parameters. The processor interfaces with the engine electronic control unit. A mechanism is provided for generating inputs and is connected to the processor and to the engine electronic control unit to provide parameters that represent engine operating characteristics. The parameters are applied to the engine electronic control unit. The input generating mechanism provides a plurality of simulated input signals that monitor the engine operation. There is also provided a mechanism for simulating a malfunction in the engine so that the processor can alter the desired operating parameters.

Abstract: An instructive toy consisting in a disassemblable vehicle model, which comprises a supporting structure which substantially simulates the frame of a real vehicle and is provided with releasable connections, and a number of operative units, provided with releasable connections complementary to the releasable connections of the supporting structure, and also provided with operative connections complementary to corresponding operative connections of other units. Each operative unit simulates a main functional unit of a real vehicle, particularly an engine unit, a speed gear unit and a differential unit, and each operative unit comprises movable component parts intended to simulate the operation of the simulated real functional unit, mounted within a transparent casing which allows their observation. The structure and the operation of the different operative units may be observed both separately in the disassembled model, and in their whole in the mounted model.

Abstract: An simulated engine characteristic control system for transmission transient performance tests for automotive vehicles comprises a motor for driving an input shaft of the tested transmission, a pick-up for detecting revolution of the motor, a simulating circuit for simulating an opening angle of the throttle of the engine to be associated with the tested transmission or the intake manifold pressure of the engine, an engine characteristic generator for generating a torque command signal according to predetermined engine revolution/torque characteristic curves, in response to the signals from the pick-up and the simulating circuit, a torque/current transducer for transducing the torque command signal to an analog current command signal according to a predetermined torque/current characteristic, and means for compensating the current command signal in consideration of a torque component occurring at an axial moment of inertia of the rotating member of the motor during acceleration or deceleration of the motor, a

Abstract: A portable device for modeling of vehicle graphics having two flat opposite side panels each forming a side profile of the vehicle, at least two flat cross panels extending between the side panels and including front and back panels forming front and back profiles of the vehicle, respectively, hinged interconnections of the cross panels to the side panels such that the structure is erectable to a three-dimensional vehicle model and collapsible to a flat stack, and provision for replaceable attachment of graphics-bearing sheets on the panels. Preferred embodiments include a foldable enclosure dimensioned when folded to receive the collapsed flat stack and when unfolded to serve as a display mount.

Abstract: A device to simulate the rolling of a hypothetical wheel along a path is provided. The device includes a wheel sector mounted to one end of a rotor. A drive is provided for rotating the rotor in one direction and the sector in the opposite direction so that the sector remains substantially tangent to a line segment. The wheel sector is driven by a pulley the diameter of which is one-half that of a drive pulley rotated with the rotor.