Abstract: Interactive driver test administration systems include a vehicle actuating mechanism and an instruction vehicle movable on a vehicle travel surface and operatively engaged by the vehicle actuating mechanism for travel of the instruction vehicle on the vehicle travel surface. The instruction vehicle may include a vehicle chassis having vehicle wheels, a windshield on the vehicle chassis, driver inputs in the vehicle chassis and a central processing unit interfacing with the windshield and the driver inputs. The central processing unit may be configured to present and operate a virtual windshield screen in a selected one of a question-and-answer driver testing mode and a practical driver testing mode on the windshield. The central processing unit may be configured to operate the instruction vehicle via the vehicle actuating mechanism responsive to input from the driver inputs in the vehicle chassis. An answer selecting system may interface with the central processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for soothing a child is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cart, a conveyor belt, and a stabilization frame. The cart is configured to receive and support a child seat, and includes a plurality of downwardly extending wheels. The conveyor belt is disposed below the cart to support the cart. The conveyor belt has an uneven surface. The wheels of the cart role over the uneven surface while the conveyor belt operates. The stabilization frame extends higher than the conveyor belt, surrounds the conveyor belt, and is configured to maintain the cart over the conveyor belt while the conveyor belt operates. Movements created by the wheels of the cart rolling over the uneven surface are transmitted via the cart to the child seat, which can have a soothing effect on a child seated therein.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The portable simulation system is a computer-based driving simulator, which uses an actual vehicle as an input device, and a portable display to present a Virtual Driving Environment (VDE) to the driver. Vehicle's steered wheels are placed atop of the turntables permitting free operation of the steering wheel. The vehicle remains immobile while its engine and power steering can be turned off during the simulation. External non-invasive sensors can be placed under the gas and brake pedals, permitting any vehicle to be used in the simulator, including the driver's own vehicle. A digital interface to the vehicle's systems, like OBD II, can be used to increase the fidelity of the simulation. A portable computer used for driving simulation and VDE presentation provides a low cost simulation option. A simple configuration of the portable simulator does not require an external power source and can be set-up and operated at any parking space.

Abstract: A riding simulation system includes a steering handle mechanism capable of being gripped by an operator for steering a front wheel of a motorcycle displayed on a display of a personal computer or the like. The system also includes a frame body for rotatably holding the steering handle mechanism, and a control unit mounted to the frame body for performing control based on the operation amounts of the steering handle mechanism, a clutch lever and a brake lever, with a circuit substrate being incorporated in the control unit and being connected to the detection units through connection cables. The riding simulation system provides a relatively small system with a control unit that is easily mounted to enhance maintenance and installation of system components.

Abstract: A steering sensing apparatus for measuring steering actions of a driver of a motor vehicle for use in an apparatus for simulated driving of the vehicle in which the motor vehicle remains stationary. The apparatus includes two ultrasonic transducers which are mountable relative to a steerable wheel of the vehicle to each transmit an ultrasonic signal to a target location on the steerable wheel, which target locations are on the same side of and equally oppositely spaced from the centre of the steerable wheel along a generally horizontal diametrical line. Each transducer provides an output electrical signal representative of the magnitude of steering movements of the steerable wheel. The signal representative of the steering movements can be used in the apparatus for simulated driving to deflect computer driven virtual scenic imagery to simulate turning of the vehicle in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing realistic motorcycle stunts while stationary includes a motorcycle, a restraint bracket, a road simulation means, a failsafe mechanism frame savers, an exhaust vent system, and safety protection. The restraint bracket comprises a bracket system for the attachment of the motorcycle to the apparatus. The road simulation means comprises an apparatus such as a 900 lb. Barrel that spins on two pivot points creating 100% balance under the rear wheel or front wheel of the motorcycle for “popping a wheelie” or performing an “endo” that can simulate actual road conditions. The failsafe mechanism frame savers comprises a series of sensors in electronic communication with the restraint bracket and road simulation means to ensure that the motorcycle does not roll over on one side or pitch back too far.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle motion simulation arrangement comprising a platform; a simulated two-wheeled vehicle; an arrangement for retaining the simulated two-wheeled vehicle relative to the platform with a roll axis; and a control system for imparting motion to the platform in response to control inputs from a rider. The arrangement can additionally include mechanisms for moving the platform over a support surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet material having metal points (8) and surfaces (2 and 3) located opposite one another, wherein the sheet material (1) has through-holes (4) from one surface (2) to the surface (3) located opposite. Those through-holes (4) are filled with needle-point-shaped conical pins (5) or through-contacts (6) of electrically conducting material, whereas the surrounding sheet material in a preferred embodiment of the invention consists of an insulating plastics material (7). In a further embodiment of the invention, instead of the insulating plastics material (7) there are provided needle-shaped pins that are surrounded by air or some other gaseous medium. The invention further relates to a method for the production of such a sheet material (1) and to forms of use of the sheet material (1).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a game apparatus which can provide an experience of vibrations similar to a real experience. The game apparatus relating to the present invention executes a game program to display displayed bodies on a screen and comprises means for simulating vibrations generated by the displayed bodies in a state of motion for the player operating the game apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanically propelled apparatus for teaching principles of mechanics. The apparatus includes a drive wheel disposed on a first axis of rotation and a power drum disposed on a second axis of rotation. At least one flexible tensile member transmits energy from a weight to the drive wheel via the power drum to propel the apparatus.

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: An apparatus and method consisting of a model of a vehicle dashboard, steering wheel, windshield area and illustration of a driving situation or location attached to and extending in front of the vehicle simulator. The student driver follows highlighted arrows imprinted on the illustration to view the driving area and the dashboard instruments with a specific eye movement pattern. The specific eye movement pattern taught is to look at the center, scan left, look to the center, scan right, look to the center, check the mirror, look to the center, and check the instruments. The windshield of the apparatus contains a center mark comprising a small hole directly in front of the student driver that indicates the very small area of central vision that can be viewed and maneuvered effectively simulating a scanning eye movement pattern. The student driver moves his “central vision” from area to area systematically in order to be aware of all that is happening in the surrounding driving vicinity.

Abstract: A ride simulator for use with a children's ride-on vehicle. The simulator includes a base, and a mechanism for removably securing to at least one of the wheels of an independently operable children's ride-on vehicle. The mechanism includes a fastener that selectively engages a mount on the wheel to support the wheel and at least a portion of the vehicle above the base. Driven rotation of the wheel to which the fastener is engaged causes reciprocating horizontal and vertical motion of the vehicle with respect to the base, thereby simulating ground-traveling movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exercise stationary bicycle a base, a frame having a seat stay, a seat tube and a fork pivotally mounted on the base, and two hydraulic cylinders mounted between two sides of the fork and the base, whereby the frame may be swayed from side from side in riding thus making it to exactly simulate riding bicycles.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the training of cyclists that simulates the riding of a bicycle while in a stationary position. The training apparatus includes a running belt in a platform base on top of which are placed the wheels of a bicycle and a front vertical bar that secures the bicycle at the frame or handlebars onto the apparatus. The front vertical bar is adapted to pivotally swing laterally back and forth so that a rider of the bicycle may exert a force thereby tilting the bicycle to facilitate pedaling, and springs attached to the front vertical bar provide resistance against the inclination and return the bicycle to a generally vertical orientation. Stops are also provided to limit the degree of inclination of the bicycle.

Abstract: A rotary sliding device which can perform agile motion, without the need to make the driving means large, and a simulator using the same, are disclosed. The rotary sliding device includes first and second sliding plates 32 which slide in parallel and separately with a predetermined interval, a pair of stepping motors 20 for separately sliding said sliding plates 32, and a moving plate 12 and a seat 32. The first sliding plate 32 is connected to the moving plate 12 so as to allow it to rotate only around the rotation axis 38, and the second sliding plate 32 is connected to the moving plate 12 so as to engage therewith in a sliding direction, and to allow the moving plate 12 to move in the crossover direction to the sliding direction and to rotate by means of a roller 64.

Abstract: A ride simulator for use with a children's ride-on vehicle. The simulator includes a stationary base, a first support structure extending upwardly from the base for supporting at least a portion of the vehicle above the base, and an actuator for coupling to the vehicle to effect reciprocating horizontal and vertical motion of the vehicle about a defined location on the simulator, thereby simulating ground-traveling movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated motion platform which provides a realistic simulation of the side to side motion experienced while operating a vehicle which is normally steered at its front end. The motion platform is comprised of a base frame coupled through a pivot to a second frame which carries a steering assembly and a operator seat. The steering assembly is coupled though a means for conveying rotational energy to an axle shaft which uses a traction wheel fixedly connected to the axle shaft to effect substantially horizontal movement of the second frame when rotational force is applied to the steering shaft. Also provided is a tiltable operator seat which acts in concert with a spring loaded throttle pedal to impart sensations of acceleration and deceleration to the user.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator includes a base member, a seat member pivotally connected to the base member, a rotatable follower connected to the seat member, and a driving device rotatably mounted proximate the follower for engaging the follower and displacing the follower between predetermined limits at predetermined time intervals. The seat member displaces or vibrates in response to the movement of the follower which the driving device displaces.

Abstract: A stationary game machine can responds to steering by a player to change the orientation of a dummy mover such a vehicle or the like, and also to translate the dummy mover in a direction crossing the dummy mover's path of movement at a speed corresponding to the changed orientation. The game machine can comprise a stationary vehicle used as the dummy mover and an endless belt representing a road as the path of movement.As the scenes on and in the road change in association with the movement of the endless belt, a steering wheel is rotated by the player to change the orientation of the vehicle and, at the same time, to translate the vehicle in the transverse direction. Tile translation of the vehicle is accomplished by a combination of a rotating shaft with a pressure roller contacting the rotating shaft, the cross-angle between the rotating shaft and the pressure roller being controlled to generate a thrust for translating the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of programming a vehicle simulator to provide an operator of the simulator with exertional and vibrational responses substantially the same as the driver of an actual vehicle would experience when driving the vehicle has been provided. The simulator comprises a frame supporting a vehicle seat from which the operator operates a gear shift, an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, clutch pedal and steering wheel. Inflatable pods are provided under each corner of the simulator to simulate road conditions and turning of the vehicle by selectively deflating them. Each of these controls selectively provides one or more signals to a programmed logic controller (PLC) which provides suitable signals to devices for controlling movement of the simulator to closely simulate movement of a vehicle under similar circumstances. The simulator can be used to determine the tolerance level of a person to the exertional and vibrational levels of a simulated vehicle over a given time period.

Abstract: A driver training apparatus for simulating skid conditions of an automobile, comprises a separate lifting frame carried by four castor wheels which is disposed under the car and is propelled by the car. Under ordinary driving conditions, the castor wheels turn to follow the movements of the car directed by the driver. Under control of an instructor, however, the frame can raise one or more of the car wheels relative to the ground, to simulate a predetermined skid condition. This can be done either by providing members carried by the frame that are vertically movable relative to the frame, or by raising and lowering the castor wheels relative to the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for vehicle driving simulation including a cabin capable of being swivelled and having therewith a screen, control devices and the driver's seat, from where the road picture can be observed and controlled. The cabin is capable of being swivelled around an axis which is parallel to the viewing direction and above the center of gravity of the driver. The cabin is driven by a power drive dependent upon the signal of the centrifugal acceleration via a control amplifier and by use of a measuring device, a tipable back which is driven by a power drive dependent upon the acceleration signal via a control amplifier, elastic buffers which support the driver's seat and a vibrator which is intermittingly switched on dependent upon the rotation signal via a frequency divider and a control amplifier.