By Fluid Actuated Piston/cylinder Ram Patents (Class 434/58)
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Patent number: 12083445Abstract: An AGV tool for entertainment and transportation includes a cabin, an AGV base, and a connection component connecting the cabin and the AGV base. The connection component includes a supporting component, a driving component, an upper installation component and a lower installation component. The driving component is fixedly connected to the supporting component. The supporting component includes two supporting arms and a supporting plate. The two supporting arms are arranged at two sides of the supporting plate. One end of each supporting arm is connected to one end of the supporting plate at a preset angle. The upper installation component is connected to another end of the supporting plate and configured to fixedly connect the cabin. The lower installation component is connected to the driving component and configured to fixedly connect to a supporting surface of the AGV base.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignees: SHENZHEN YEE FUNG AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., SHENZHEN YEEFUNG ROBOTICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hao Wu, Yi Qu, Ye Zhou, Yingjie Cai
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Patent number: 11976785Abstract: An expandable device includes a base having a top side and a bottom side, first and second coupling portions disposed on the top side of the base, a linkage mechanism, and a button. The linkage mechanism is movably coupled to the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion. The button has a top side and a bottom side and is operably coupled to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism is rotatable between a first configuration where the button is disposed in a first, collapsed configuration adjacent to the base and a second configuration where the button is disposed in a second, expanded configuration spaced away from the base.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: POPSOCKETS LLCInventors: Robert Lane, Angela Sevilla
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Patent number: 11931662Abstract: A motion simulation apparatus includes a motion platform. A carrier for carrying a user is mounted on the motion platform. The apparatus has a drive arm with a lower end that is pivotally mounted on a substrate to pivot relative to the substrate with two degrees of freedom of movement and an upper end that is pivotally connected to the motion platform to pivot with respect to the motion platform with two degrees of freedom of movement. The apparatus has two guide arms, each guide arm having a lower end that is pivotally mounted on the substrate to pivot relative to the substrate with three degrees of freedom of movement and an upper end that is pivotally connected to the motion platform to pivot relative to the motion platform with three degrees of freedom of movement. The drive arm, the guide arms and the motion platform define a dynamic frame that can pivot with respect to the substrate such that a resultant movement of the motion platform can be imparted to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: KINCHINGTON HOLDINGS PTY LTDInventors: Alan Smith, Justin Kinchington
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Patent number: 11850530Abstract: A motion simulation apparatus includes a motion platform. A carrier for carrying a user is mounted on the motion platform. The apparatus has a drive arm with a lower end that is pivotally mounted on a substrate to pivot relative to the substrate with two degrees of freedom of movement and an upper end that is pivotally connected to the motion platform to pivot with respect to the motion platform with two degrees of freedom of movement. The apparatus has two guide arms, each guide arm having a lower end that is pivotally mounted on the substrate to pivot relative to the substrate with three degrees of freedom of movement and an upper end that is pivotally connected to the motion platform to pivot relative to the motion platform with three degrees of freedom of movement. The drive arm, the guide arms and the motion platform define a dynamic frame that can pivot with respect to the substrate such that a resultant movement of the motion platform can be imparted to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: KINCHINGTON HOLDINGS PTY LTDInventors: Alan Smith, Justin Kinchington
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Patent number: 11717761Abstract: A motion simulator comprises a base, a motion platform, a carrying platform, a support assembly and a driver assembly for simulating different motions. The motion platform is movably connected to the base, the carrying platform comprises a carrier arranged on the carrying platform, the support assembly is movably connected to the motion platform and the carrying platform, and the driver assembly drives the motion platform to move relative to the base and drives the actuator to actuate the carrying platform to move relative to the motion platform. The support assembly further includes an actuator and a support tube that are movably connected between the motion platform and the carrying platform, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: BROGENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Chih-Hung Ouyang, Yang-Chen Lin, Zong-Yu Yu, Ching-Wen Chuang
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Patent number: 11244578Abstract: A simulation device includes an outer frame and an inner frame. The outer frame is fixed to a floor surface and the inner frame is slideably interfaced to the outer frame. The inner frame has an inner frame axis. A hydraulic cylinder is interfaced between the outer frame and the inner frame. Operation of the hydraulic cylinder slides the inner frame with respect to the outer frame along the inner frame axis. A yaw platform is interfaced to the inner frame at one end at a pivot and at a distal opposing end by two or more bearings. The yaw platform has a yaw platform axis. Operation of a yaw motor or a yaw hydraulic ram interfaced between the yaw platform and the inner frame causes the yaw platform to change an angle between the inner frame axis and the yaw platform axis, providing simulation of yaw (loss of control).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Advanced Training System LLCInventor: Enrique Mar
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Patent number: 10713971Abstract: A flight simulator and flight simulation method, comprising a simulator cabin provided on a parallel kinematic device, wherein the simulator cabin has a maximum positive pitch position, in which the roll axis, proceeding from a horizontal direction, is inclined upwardly as far as possible within the range of the kinematic capabilities of the parallel kinematic device, while observing whatever control reserves that might be provided, and the operator is resultantly inclined toward the back, and wherein the first pitch angle is greater than 25°.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: AMST-Systemtechnik GmbHInventors: Richard Schlüsselberger, Jr., Michael Mayrhofer, Rainer Schlüsselberger
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Patent number: 10699591Abstract: A motion simulator is constructed from a base driving an intermediate member via a 6 DOF hexapod, and a platform driven by a 2 DOF simulator is provided on the intermediate member to supplement pitch and roll.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Moog BVInventor: Jean Paul Warmerdam
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Patent number: 10413836Abstract: A ride system includes a base, a ride vehicle, a platform assembly positioned between the base and the ride vehicle, and an extension mechanism coupled to the platform assembly and positioned between the base and the ride vehicle. The platform assembly includes a first platform, a second platform, and six legs extending between the first platform and the second platform, and the platform assembly is configured to actuate each of the six legs so as to move the first platform relative to the second platform in different configurations based on which of the six legs is actuated. The extension mechanism is configured to extend and contract so as to move the ride vehicle away from and toward, respectively, the base of the ride system.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Steven C. Blum, Steven King
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Patent number: 10066714Abstract: A drive apparatus of a chair assembly for a 4D theater according to the present disclosure includes: a lower plate which is in contact with the ground; an upper plate which is positioned above the lower plate so as to be spaced apart from the lower plate; a first actuator which is positioned at a left portion between the lower plate and the upper plate; a second actuator which is positioned at a right portion between the lower plate and the upper plate; and a spline device, in which the spline device is installed to be positioned on a vertical centerline of the lower plate, and the first actuator is installed to have a predetermined first angle with respect to a horizontal centerline of the lower plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: CJ 4DPLEX CO., LTDInventors: Jong Su Choi, Tae Young Ku, Min Jong Kim
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Patent number: 10056004Abstract: A motion simulator is constructed from a base driving an intermediate member via a 6 DOF hexapod, and a platform driven by a 2DOF simulator is provided on the intermediate member to supplement pitch and roll.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Moog BVInventor: Jean Paul Warmerdam
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Patent number: 9278736Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel including a motion compensation platform. The platform comprises at least one carrier for bearing, moving and/or transferring a load, and a gangway provided with a first end pivotably connected to the carrier and a second end for contacting a target area. Further, the platform comprises a multiple number of first actuators for moving the carrier relative to the vessel, and at least a second actuator for moving the gangway relative to the carrier. The platform also comprises a control system arranged for driving the multiple number of first actuators, and motion sensors for measuring motions relative to at least one element in a target area, which measurements are used as input for the control system. The control system is also arranged for driving the at least one second actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Ampelmann Operations B.V.Inventors: Jan Van Der Tempel, Frederik Willem Boudewijn Gerner, David Julio Cerda Salzmann, Arie Jan Göbel
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Patent number: 9079642Abstract: An active heave compensation system comprises a motor generator to interact with a load so as to drive the load in a first part of a heave motion cycle and to regenerate at least part of energy with which the load has been driven in a second part of the heave motion cycle, and an electrical storage element for storing the regenerated energy. The active heave compensation system further comprises a power supply electrically connected to the motor generator and the electrical storage element for providing electrical power to at least the motor generator, and a control unit configured to control the power supply substantially in synchronism with the heave motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: ITREC B.V.Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Cornelis Johannes Ekelaar
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Patent number: 8608475Abstract: A motion simulator for transmitting motion with respect to a floor as a function of motion signals associated to a video output. The motion simulator comprises a seating portion for accommodating a viewer viewing the video output. Actuators each have a housing and an output shaft interrelated by a degree of freedom. Each of the actuators has a motor connected to the seating portion for displacing the housing with respect to the output shaft along the degree of freedom as a function of actuation from the actuators in relation to the motion signals. The housing of each of the actuators is secured to the seating portion. The output shaft of each of the actuators comprises a leg supporting the motion simulator on the floor, whereby the seating portion is movable as a function of actuation from the actuators.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: D-Box Technologies Inc.Inventors: Philippe Roy, Michel Bérubé
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Patent number: 8454366Abstract: An actuated support frame for transmitting motion to a seat with respect to a ground as a function of motion signals associated with video output, comprises a frame. The frame is expandable/retractable along translational degrees of freedom. Support surfaces are provided on the frame. The support surfaces are displaceable with respect to one another by expansion/retraction of the frame so as to be sized to support a seat. Actuators are provided between the frame and the ground. The actuators receive signals and selectively displace the frame with respect to the ground in synchronization with a video output, whereby a seat supported on the frame is displaceable within the frame. A method for installing a seating system of a motion simulator system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: D-Box Technologies Inc.Inventors: Gauthier Orban, Michel Bérubé, Philippe Roy
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Publication number: 20120301853Abstract: A motion and vibration cuing system for use with a motion simulator provides vibratory, impulse, onset and sustained motion cuing, independently or simultaneously, by operation of a frame assembly capable of producing vibration and six degrees-of-freedom of motion in coordination with one or more motion seats, mounted to the frame assembly, which produce surge, sway, heave and roll motions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: INDUSTRIAL SMOKE & MIRRORS, INC.Inventors: Andrew W. Garvis, Dennis P. Wilhelm, Richard E. Johnson, Steven G. Lansrud
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Patent number: 8113839Abstract: An image and motion corresponding to the image are presented in response to a request issued by an user. The user transmits image data from a terminal to a motion data generating apparatus. The motion data generating apparatus generates motion data from the received image data. The motion data generating apparatus transmits the generated motion data together with the image data, in a mutually related fashion, to an image/motion control apparatus. The motion data generating apparatus also transmits ID data assigned to the image data and the motion data to the terminal. The image/motion control apparatus stores the received data. When the image/motion control apparatus receives ID data input by a user via an image/motion presenting apparatus, the image/motion control apparatus reads image data and motion data corresponding to the received ID data and transmits the image data and the motion data to the image/motion presenting apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tetsushi Kokubo, Kazuyuki Marukawa, Yasuhiro Yukawa
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Patent number: 8065951Abstract: A motion platform/simulator uses pumps coupled to servo-controlled electric motors to pump fluid directly into and out of rubber bellows-type actuators. Peristaltic or gear pumps may be used in conjunction with linear transducers/encoders. The fluid can be a gas such as air or one of many non-toxic fluids, even water, as the pump or actuators require no lubrication from the working fluid. In the preferred embodiment, a mechanical pivot such as a U-joint is situated between the platform and the ground surface, and each transducer is located immediately adjacent an actuator. A reservoir or reservoirs may be provided to supply and receive fluid to and from the actuator(s) through the pump(s) or, alternatively, the pump(s) may be coupled between two actuators, thereby eliminating the need for a fluid reservoir. A pump may be coupled between two stacked actuators or different actuators located at different points on the platform.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: P.I. Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Jack Hetherington, Michael Hetherington
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Patent number: 7967688Abstract: A motion simulator has a motive device suspended in midair and having a base, a moving panel, twelve universal joints mounted on the base and the moving panel and six actuators connected to the universal joints and being retractable. A seat assembly is hung on the moving panel. Therefore, as the actuators retract, the seat assembly is moved in six degrees of freedom such as heave, sway, surge, pitch, roll and yaw. Audiences sitting on the seat assembly are hung with their feet hanging in the air and therefore feel excited and experience vivid virtual reality. Moreover, the actuators bear axial force such as drag force and thrust force and are endurable and safety.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignees: Brogent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Deng-Horng Lai, Ke-Cheng Chien
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Patent number: 7033177Abstract: A motion simulator includes a stationary frame, a movable frame pivotally connected with the stationary frame, an operating chamber formed at a lower side of one end of the movable frame, a first actuator for pivoting the movable frame, and a second actuator arranged between the operating chamber and the movable frame, for rotating the operating chamber in forward and backward directions with respect to the movable frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventor: Eui-sok Kim
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Patent number: 6820846Abstract: A multiple ball joint gimbal mount apparatus which includes a mount platform structure, and a plurality of linear motor actuators arranged in a housing assembly. Each actuator includes an actuator shaft and an actuator connector at a distal end of the shaft. The platform structure includes a plurality of platform connectors each for coupling to a corresponding actuator connector to form a pivoting connection between the actuator shaft and the platform structure. A controller selectively actuates the plurality of linear motor actuators to selectively position the plurality of actuator shafts along respective shaft axes and position the mount platform structure at a selected position within a gimbal range of motion. The gimbal structure can optionally include a mechanism to selectively lock the mount structure in any respective position within the gimbal range of motion.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Jerry L. Knoski
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Publication number: 20030180693Abstract: A motion simulator provided with a movable housing, preferably carried by a number of length-adjustable legs, in which housing projection means are arranged for visual information supply, while in the housing a control environment of a motion apparatus to be simulated is situated, the control environment being incorported in a removable unit, which unit is exchangeable for another, comparable unit having a different control environment to be simulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Jan Albert Mulder, Adriaan Beukers, Max Baarspul, Michael Johannes L van Tooren, Stefaan Emiel E de Winter
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Patent number: 6592374Abstract: A motion simulator having a stationary frame and a movable frame below the stationary frame in the direction of gravity. A passenger car is attached to the bottom surface of the movable free. A driving device is located between the stationary frame and the movable frame and rotationally or linearly moves the movable frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventor: Eui-sok Kim
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Patent number: 6468082Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Advanced Motion Technologies, LLCInventor: Phillip Raymond Michael Denne
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Patent number: 6283757Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Simulation Entertainment Group, Inc.Inventors: Rupert L. A. Meghnot, John D. Younkin
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Patent number: 6224380Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Interactive Motion SystemsInventors: Patrick K. Lo, Robert A. Dietrich
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Patent number: 6210164Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Stefan Otto
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Patent number: 6162058Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Kumyang Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gi Chool Yang
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Patent number: 6077078Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Thomson-CSFInventors: Robert Alet, Roland Jezequel
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Patent number: 6038940Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Ross-Himes Designs, IncorporatedInventor: Mark E. Rosheim
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Patent number: 6027342Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Stricor, Inc.Inventor: Jeff R. Brown
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Patent number: 5954508Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Interactive Motion SystemsInventors: Patrick K. Lo, Robert A. Dietrich
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Patent number: 5947740Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jeoung-Tae Kim
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Patent number: 5901936Abstract: A six-degree-of-freedom multi-axes positioning apparatus is comprised of a geometry of six independent angle connectors. Each angle connector connects two fixed length rods to a pivot on one of two opposing platforms. The combination of an angle connector, at least two pivots and at least two rods having free ends connected to the pivots comprises a leg assembly. The spatial location of the upper platform is changed in relation to the lower platform by angular changes within each angle connector. This angular change results in degrees of motion within the apparatus defined as X, Y, Z, Tip, Tilt, and Rotation, or a combination of the above. This invention is known as a ROTOPOD.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: Lothar F. X. Bieg
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Patent number: 5829982Abstract: A method of manufacturing a motion simulator having a deck and a number of deck-supporting legs (2) that are pivotally connected with the deck in first pivot points (4). The legs are actively and continuously length-adjustable, such that the deck is capable of describing a motion envelope comprising all desired deck positions, wherein a leg envelope is determined for each leg within which the possible positions of the relevant leg are located, whereafter the common surrounding space of the legs, and in particular the interspace included between the leg envelopes is determined. A shell is then designed that at least carries the deck, which shell defines an inner space extending at least partly within the interspace between the legs (2) defined by the leg envelopes, in such a manner that in each position of the simulator, the legs are clear of the shell (1).Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Technische Universiteit DelftInventors: Sunjoo Kan Advani, Adriaan Beukers, Tom Jacobus van Baten
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Patent number: 5810596Abstract: Apparatus for simulating the motion of a vehicle includes a base frame, a subframe which is movable in relation to the base frame, the movements of the subframe simulating the real life movements of the vehicle, and first, second, third and fourth linkage members each connected through a universal joint both to the base frame as well as to the subframe. The first and second linkage members are positioned in a first imaginary plane and the third and fourth linkage members are positioned in a second imaginary plane, the first and second imaginary plane intersecting each other at a first intersection line. The first and third linkage members are positioned in a third imaginary plane and the second and fourth linkage members are positioned in a fourth imaginary plane, the second and fourth imaginary plane intersecting each other at a second intersection line. The first and second intersection lines cross each other at right angles.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Fokker Space B.V.Inventor: Pieter Theodoor Jacob Van Lookeren Campagne
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Patent number: 5782639Abstract: A manually operated motion device for user interactive motion of a motion surface. The motion device includes a motion surface with a support points in a substantially triangular arrangement and that are used to support the motion platform in a substantially parallel relationship to the floor by a pair of support members attached to universal hinges on the motion surface and a compression member which connects to a universal hinge on the motion surface and may move in a substantially vertical plane that bisects the triangular arrangement of the support points on the motion surface. Attached to the supports is at least one mechanism for manually moving at least one of the support members, so that motion of one support member allows motion of the motion surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Inventor: Robert Austen Beal
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Patent number: 5752834Abstract: This invention relates to parallel mechanisms and, to be more specific, mechanical devices consisting of plates connected together by several legs. The 6 degrees of freedom variable leverage motion simulator, shown in FIG. 1, basically an in-parallel actuated robotic platform with three serial subchains, features a novel design that can provide 6 degrees of freedom motion capability. Two simplified versions, shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, can provide selective 3 degrees of freedom motion. The designs also exploit the use of various pickup points which make them very easy to adapt to different actuators and to provide different leverages. Potential energy storage devices can be installed to the pickup points as a safety feature and to reduce the payload of actuators. The preferred embodiments of this invention may be used, among other things, as a motion/force simulator for flight simulation, driving simulation or object interaction and telepresence issues in virtual reality environments.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1995Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventor: Shou Hung Ling
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Patent number: 5719763Abstract: A high frequency injection system overlays a textured signal onto a digital control signal for controlling a motion base. The system includes a digital motion controller and HFIS generator linked to a mixer. A mixed signal from the mixer is amplified and provided to a valve for controlling an actuator for moving a motion base.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Universal City Florida PartnersInventor: Robin D. Leyden
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Patent number: 5711670Abstract: A motion-base ride simulator includes a passenger cabin which is carried by a plurality of actuators within a limited operating envelope. During operation of the ride the movements of the passenger cabin simulate G-forces associated with an audio-visual presentation to the passengers within the cabin. The combination of sight, sound, and feeling (i.e., G-forces) provides the passengers of the ride with a sense of riding on a vehicle, such as a racing car or rocket ship. In order to facilitate one or both of passenger ingress and egress of the cabin, the motion base is so associated with a stationary passenger platform that the passenger cabin may be moved to a passenger access position immediately adjacent to but not touching an adjacent edge of this platform. In this passenger access position of the cabin passengers may enter into or leave from the passenger cabin without use of a movable passenger platform.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1995Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Inventor: Craig Kevin Barr
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Patent number: 5678889Abstract: A modular assembly of theater seats aligned in a row. Each of the seats in the row moves with an identical motion in response to a coordinated sequence to create seat motions which can complement a scene being protrayed on a movie screen. Three or more rotatable shafts run along the row under the seats. The shafts are caused to rotate by hydraulic cylinders coupled to the shafts through bell cranks. Each seat is supported by three legs which are also coupled to the shafts by bell cranks. Rotation of the shafts causes vertical motion of the legs, and by coordinating the motions of the individual legs, in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the seats can be made to move with linear vertical motion, or to rotate either side to side or fore and aft in the vertical plane. Linear fore and aft motion of the seats may be provided by a fourth rotatable shaft running along the row under the seats.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Inventor: Joseph William Purcell, Jr.
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Patent number: 5669773Abstract: A realistic motion ride simulator comprising three stacked tiers pivotally supported by three legs. Each tier can be activated independent of each other while the entire apparatus is moved up and down, tilted laterally, pitched upwardly and downwardly and combinations thereof to simulate the various dynamic forces experienced by riders of a moving vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Inventor: Lewis Gluck
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Patent number: 5584697Abstract: A simulator system for use in providing an event simulation to a passenger includes an inverted motion base having six degrees of freedom. An audio-visual display mechanism is included for providing a sequence of audio and visual images to the passenger. A motion base controller generates actuator drive signals. A system controller provides the command signals to the motion base controller in synchronization with the presentation of the audio-visual images. The motion base is characterized by an passenger platform which is suspended from a series of spars. Motion is accomplished by means of displaceable actuators arranged in a substantially orthogonal relationship. The present system has compact dimensions and minimize loads impressed to the surrounding structure; thereby allowing the present system to be incorporated into existing commercial structures with minimal modification.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1994Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: Ridefilm CorporationInventor: Douglas Trumbull
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Patent number: 5545040Abstract: A motion generating system for simulator includes a multi-tier assembly of jacks. The multi-tier jacks permit a platform and equipment on the platform to move freely and safely in six degrees of freedom and to a maximum extent permitted by the mechanical properties of the jacks and joints. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a two-tier assembly of jacks connects the floor and the platform of a simulator for extending a maximum range in movement of platform and equipment on the platform.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Compacific Engineering Pte Ltd.Inventor: Youyi Lu
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Patent number: 5513990Abstract: A ride motion simulator comprising a first lower tier carried on at least three retractable and extensible legs secured to a base platform, the lower tier having support arms at edges thereof extending upwardly and outwardly a length approximately equal to the length which said legs may be extended. The upper ends of the arms are pivotally attached to upper ends of the legs. A middle tier is carried on the first tier and mounted thereto in a manner to allow forward and backward longitudinal motion of said second tier with respect to the first tier by a ram mounted at the rear of the first tier, and pivotally connected to the second tier. The second tier includes a plurality of seat supports. The seat supports have a rail running laterally on the tops. The tops also having an actuator mounted thereon with extensible and retractable rams secured to the seats mounted on the base and capable of moving the seats left and right laterally.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Inventor: Lewis Gluck
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Patent number: 5511979Abstract: An actuator assembly comprising a pair of interconnected extensible actuators defining two sides of a triangle structure, and a linkage constrained to move with the actuators such that differences in extension of the actuators cause a change in position of the linkage. Changes in position of the linkage are detected to enable relative actuator extensions to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Hughes Rediffusion Simulation LimitedInventors: Lawrence J. Perfect, Peter Waller
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Patent number: 5366375Abstract: A motion simulator comprising a base support connected to a motion platform by hinged legs. The motion simulator is provided with an actuator for moving the motion platform relative to the base support. Preferably, each leg is defined by a lower leg portion and an upper leg portion with a separate actuator connecting the leg portions for providing actuating legs that also stabilize movement of the motion platform.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1992Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Inventor: John F. Sarnicola
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Patent number: 5364270Abstract: In an apparatus having a video display and display-synchronizing motion mechanism, various images can be easily selected and displayed, and a seat or the like is moved in synchronism with motions in the images, so that a person can enjoy the images as if real. An information select unit specifies a desired one of a plurality of video/motion information pieces recorded on a storage medium, and an information read unit reads the specified video/movement information. Images formed by video information contained in the readout video/motion information are displayed on a display device, and the seat or the like is moved in synchronism with the images on the basis of motion information contained therein. A monitor unit monitors the readout video/motion information, and stops a read operation of the information read unit when the apparatus malfunctions.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1992Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: Pioneer Electronic CorporationInventors: Akihiro Aoyama, Hitoshi Kaneko, Akira Tajiri, Iwao Okamura, Yuzo Tanaka
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Patent number: 5344316Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement simulator having a support frame and a subframe movable relative to the support frame and connected by a variable element. A simple control assembly is electrically connected to the variable element for controlling its length. The transducer assembly having at least one acceleration transducer attached to the variable element supplies an acceleration signal of a subframe relative to the support frame to the control assembly. The invention includes circuitry to avoid non-defined senarios in determining the acceleration signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1993Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Fokker Aircraft B.V.Inventors: Jan Hordijk, Gerhard J. Wierda
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Patent number: 5199875Abstract: A simulator system for use in providing an event simulation to occupants includes a motion base moveable along displacement axes by means of displaceable actuators. Feedback sensors provide signals indicative of the measured displacement of a corresponding actuator. An audio-visual display mechanism is included for providing a sequence of audio and visual images to the occupants. A motion base controller receives the feedback sensor signals and generates actuator drive signals below a cutoff frequency in response to received command signals. A system controller provides the command signals to the motion base controller in synchronization with the presentation of the audio-visual images to the occupants. A mechanism is included for generating supplemental actuator drive signals that have frequencies above the cutoff frequency.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1990Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: Ridefilm CorporationInventor: Douglas Trumbull