Abstract: A simulator mechanism has a simulator capsule (10) mounted on a platform (12) which provides a simulator operating plane. Three independent hydraulic rams (20, 24 and 26) are used to change the position of the simulator operating plane. The actuators (20, 24, and 26) are pivotally coupled at separate points on the platform (12). The weight of the simulator capsule (10) is carried by the three actuators (20, 24 and 26). Two of the actuators are positioned on a line perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of both the base plane annd the simulator operating plane. The third actuator (20) is positioned at one end and on the longitudinal axis of the base plane. Restraining mechanisms (16 and 18) are in the form of A-frames.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus having a rotary capsule, which comprises: a capsule having therein a seat, provided with a player restraining means; an inner frame arranged outside the capsule, for rotatably supporting the capsule through a first shaft; an intermediate frame arranged outside the inner frame, for rotatably supporting the inner frame through a second shaft extending in a direction different from that of the first shaft; and an outer frame arranged outside the intermediate frame, for rotatably supporting the intermediate frame through a third shaft extending in a direction different from those of the first shaft and the second shaft. The capsule, the inner frame and the intermediate frame rotate independently and selectively by the action of respective driving means.

Abstract: A motion simulator for vehicle driver training, which includes at least three actuators placed at the vertices of a triangle, connected to at least three connecting points, arranged in a triangle, for the fastening of a platform of a cabin by lever arms, one end of each of these arms being connected to a corresponding actuator by a joint with two degrees of freedom, the other end of one of the lever arms being connected to a point for fastening the platform by the joint with two degrees of freedom, and the other end of the other lever arms being connected, at all times, to one of the other platform fastening points by a joint with at least four degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A simulator mechanism capable of operating in three degrees of freedom is described comprising a base (14) having a fixed plane, a simulator plane (12) and three independent extendible actuators (16, 18 and 20) capable of changing the simulator operating plane, three actuators (16, 18 and 20) being pivotally coupled with universal freedom at or around, a substantially single point (C), each actuator (16, 18 and 20) being pivotally coupled to points (J, E, and F) on the simulator plane (12), each point (J, E and F) being spaced apart from the other actuator coupling points on the same plane A restrainer means is provided to prevent motion in the yaw, surge and sway axes.

Abstract: A video simulation machine creates simulations of various movements, such as flying or driving. The machine has an enclosed cockpit containing movement controls and may be occupied by one or two persons. The machine can rotate 360.degree. in any direction, thus simulating movement (simulataneous pitch, roll, and yaw) and providing the occupant or occupants with the sensations of both position and respective motion, constant, acceleration or deceleration. The monitor inside the cockpit, which displays any given simulated picture, responds through a computer to the movements of the machine via simultaneous interaction of visual, and mechanical motions. The rotating parts of the simulator are driven by electric motors, which are interactively controlled by both the operator and the computer.

Abstract: A motion simulator for simulating the working characteristics of motion vehicles is based on the synergistic `six degrees of freedom` system. The apparatus of the simulator comprises a main frame 10 mounted on three pairs of extensible and retractable legs 11 by means of a corresponding number of universal pivots. The pairs of legs 11 are arranged in a triangular formation on the underside of the frame 10 such that adjacent legs 11 from adjacent vertices of the formation converge to a common foot, to which they are secured by further universal pivots 13. Movement of the frame 10 is achieved by the relative extension and retraction of the legs 11.Supplementary longitudinal acceleration effects are simulated by means of a surge frame 14 slidably mounted on the main frame 10 and independently actuated by means of a piston and cylinder device 17 to move in a fore/aft sense with respect to the frame 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motion simulator system, for example, a flight simulator system. In accordance with the invention, the system is driven by command signals representing both position and acceleration, and a circuit is provided to process and combine the signals to provide a system command signal. High frequency position command signals, and low frequency acceleration command signals, are eliminated by their drive circuits, and all command signals are varying electrical voltages.

Abstract: A mechanical shaker mechanism used in the laboratory for imparting oscillry motions to a military tank turret. The mechanism can be programmed to duplicate test track conditions at lesser cost then would be required to operate a complete tank on a proving ground. The mechanism is designed to include special link mechanisms between the power devices and the turret-support ring. Other stabilizer link mechanisms are provided between the turret-support ring and stationary anchorage points.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting the motion of the motion platform of a vehicle simulator in which the motion platform is supported on a plurality of extensible members, the extension of the members being controlled by commands initiated by a user of the simulator. At least one absolute limit is set for at least one parameter such as position or velocity of the extension of each of the members, and the parameter is maintained within the limit. The commanded or actual magnitude of the parameter is monitored for each member relative to that members absolute limit, the member for which the monitored relative magnitude is the greatest is determined, and the limit determined for each of the other members is scaled down such that a movement of the motion platform which causes the parameter for any one member to reach its absolute limit also causes each of the other members to reach its scaled down limit at the same time.

Abstract: A self-propelled robot platform consists of a frame with a plurality of casters to support the frame on and space the frame from a supporting surface, as well as permitting any selected direction of movement over the support surface. At least two linear motors are arranged on the frame transversely to one another and generally parallel to the support surface and so that their flux links the support surface. The support surface is preferably a conductor such that by a combination of signals to the respective motor means, the motor fluxes linking the supporting surface will drive the platform. The platform is provided with tool support means and that tool support means includes articulation structure with associated drive means which permits tool positioning.

Abstract: A motion simulator for oscillating (shaking) a tank turret. Multiple fluid ylinders are used to produce elevational, roll, pitch and yaw movements of the turret. An additional fluid cylinder imparts rotational motion to the turret in the azimuth plane.

Abstract: A monitor game machine comprising a cock-pit or driver cabin in which a player is seated, a monitor disposed at the front of said cock-pit, and a steering device operated by the player in response to pictures displayed on the screen of said monitor. The driver seat is inclined backward and forward, and right and left in response to the movement of said steering device.

Abstract: A motion system is provided by a platform generally parallel to a base and connected thereto by a column and powered and controlled extensible members, at least three of which are connected between distributed points around the column. In a three degree of freedom device, the column is conical, rigidly supported at its base with a universal joint at its top. The points of attachment define triangles in the base and in the platform surrounding the column with one extensible member connected between each.In the four degree of freedom version, the column is modified by making it effectively a column which is pivoted or guided at the base or contains an extensible member, preferably retains its triangular shape and its universal joint connection to the platform at its apex. For stability four powered and controlled extensible members are provided between points in the base and platform distributed around the column, a preferred pattern of arrangement being a square with the column at the center.

Abstract: In complex systems which involve a large amount of interacting electronic equipment and interconnecting cabling, the maintenance and testing required to isolate defective components or components having degraded performance become an almost continuous task. The system of this invention includes new techniques for continuous testing of components and interconnecting cabling of such a complex system such that deteriorating performance can be flagged thereby substantially eliminating catastrophic type system failure without at the same time requiring additional components and interconnecting cabling. This invention is potentially suitable for operation with a data transmission system which includes a master controller for converting parallel digital data from a computer to serial digital data for transmission to the using device through a single communication path where it is then converted to a form suitable for the using device.