Abstract: A vehicle includes a first control configured to operate the vehicle from a first operator position facing a front of the vehicle and a second control configured to operate the vehicle from a second operator position facing a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to monitor for an operator presence in the first operator position or the second operator position and receive a vehicle operating request, wherein the operator presence is monitored independent of receiving the vehicle operating request. The processor is further configured to enable either the first control or the second control and select a vehicle operating parameter associated with the vehicle operating request, wherein the vehicle operating parameter varies according to which control is enabled.

Abstract: A user interface system comprises a plurality of linkages connected between a platform and a base. The linkages permit motion of the platform over at least a portion of a spherical surface. A support assembly coupled between the platform and the base comprises a spherical joint having a center of rotation substantially concentric with a center of the spherical surface. The spherical joint constrains motion of the platform to the spherical surface. The system may include a sensor corresponding to each linkage. Each sensor may be coupled to sense a movement of its corresponding linkage in response to motion of the platform over the portion of the spherical surface. A user-manipulable handle may be coupled to the platform so that the user can move the platform.

Abstract: A fail-safe electromagnetic linkage has a support device for a valve head, and an actuator component actuable by an actuator. The support device is coupled to the actuator component while power is supplied to the electromagnet and decoupled from the actuator component while power is not supplied to the electromagnet. The assembly further comprises a return mechanism configured to drive the support device relative to the actuator component if power is not supplied to the electromagnet.

Abstract: A force multiplying linkage comprising a first linkage connector, a second linkage connector, a first force output member, a second force output member, the first end pivotably attached to the linkage end of the second linkage connector. The first force output member comprises a first link and a second link. A first end of the first link is attached a second end of the second force output member, a second end of the first link is pivotably attached to a first end of the second link, a second end of the second link is pivotably attached to the second linkage connector. A first stop affixed to the second link, wherein the first stop limits an angle theta when the first stop rests against the second end of the first link, and a first travel limiter interacting with the second link.

Abstract: A spacecraft payload element is rotated by a mechanism about virtual pivot point (VPP) substantially distant from the mechanism. The mechanism couples the payload element to a spacecraft main body structure, and has a four-bar linkage configured to rotate the payload element about a virtual pivot point (VPP). The VPP may be proximate to the focus or center of gravity (cg) of the payload element. Rotation of the payload element about the VPP may be controlled by linear or rotary actuators which drive the four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage may be configured to provide a mechanical advantage to the actuator.

Abstract: A position adjustment device of a turbo compressor that supports an annular member of which at least a portion is capable of being disposed in a diffuser flow path and that can be disposed in and adjusts the height of the annular member. The position adjustment device has a plurality of lever mechanisms that each have a rod connected to the annular member and are disposed separated from each other in the circumferential direction; and a transmission mechanism that transmits a drive force that at least one of the plurality of lever mechanisms has received to the other lever mechanisms. The transmission mechanism has a substantially circumferential linkage in which an open section is partially provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for exerting on a regulating piston of a control device a regulating force that is a function of the position of an actuating lever. The apparatus comprises a bearing arrangement for supporting the actuating lever, a first arm and a second arm, each of which is rotatably mounted on the bearing arrangement independently of the others. The apparatus additionally includes a carrier element that is connected to the actuating lever, and an elastic element connecting the first arm and the second arm to one another. The apparatus is especially distinguished by the fact that the position of the carrier element relative to the first arm and to the second arm is adjustable to establish freedom from backlash.

Abstract: A manipulator has a working unit including an end effector and a posture axis for changing the orientation of the manipulator, a compound mechanism provided on the working unit, and a controller for actuating a gripper axis, a yaw axis, and a roll axis by respectively controlling movement positions of three motors. The controller includes a torque generation detector for detecting a timing at which torque is generated on the gripper axis. When the controller detects the timing at which a torque ?g? is generated on the gripper axis under operation of a given motor, the movement positions of the plural motors are shifted and set, corresponding to the directions at which interference torques are generated with respect to the yaw axis and the roll axis, and to predetermined positions of the same directions.

Abstract: Configuration-adjusting mechanisms include linkages interconnecting first and second layers of a sheet material. The linkages have hinges positioned and oriented to cause motion of at least a portion of the linkages out of a plane of the first and second layers when the mechanisms are actuated. An apparatus, system, and method include one or more of the mechanisms for changing a contour of a surface provided by a cover overlying the mechanisms. An array of mechanisms or mechanisms corresponding to an array of positions on the surface may be selectively actuated to change the contour or texture of the surface. The array of mechanisms for changing the contour can provide user interface buttons selectively actuated by the mechanisms, which cause the buttons to emerge from the surface. A reconfigurable contour may be provided by selectable sets of the buttons associated with respective functions of a control panel, for example.

Abstract: A force vector transferring apparatus to transfer a force vector to a finger of a human being. The force vector transferring apparatus may include an outer wall being formed of a hard material, an inner wall being formed of a flexible material to surround an inserted object, and an actuator being disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall to transfer a force to the object through the inner wall. The force vector transferring apparatus may transfer, to an end portion of a finger of a human being, a force from a plurality of directions acting on an end portion of a robot finger.

Abstract: An action ornament composes of a decoration housing formed by a front and back cases, a main body which engages with said housing, a linkage unit which is partially provided inside the main body and a protracting element hidden and incorporated in the housing and jointed with the linkage unit. A seat is provided on the top of the main body for engaging the case. A hollow tube for attaching a rod object is provided to the bottom of said seat. To actuate the mechanism, a pin is pulled down, driving the linkage unit and causing the housing to open slightly and exposing the protracting element.

Abstract: An image sensor holder includes a frame, first and second slidable holders, first and second driving devices, first and second driving arms, and at least two elastic members. The first slidable holder is slidably mounted on the frame. The second slidable holder is slidably mounted on the first slidable holder. The first and second driving devices are separately mounted on the frame. The first driving arm is mounted on the frame and contacts to the first slidable holder and the first driving device by opposite ends thereof. The second driving arm is slidably mounted on the frame extending from the second slidable holder, and contacts the second driving device by an end thereof. The two elastic members are separately positioned between the first holder and the frame and between the first holder and the second holder.

Abstract: A joystick for controlling the functions of machines and/or vehicles comprises an actuator which can be moved in different directions by means of a joint having preferably two degrees of freedom, wherein the back-and-forth motions of the actuator occurring in a first plane are subjected to an active force feedback in the form of an electromotor and a reduction gear, and the back-and-forth movement of the actuator which occurs in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane is subjected to a passive force feedback in the form of a sprung reset device. In order to make such a joystick which allows for a low-cost serial production, the invention proposes that the reduction gear is designed with low backlash and is connected on the output side to the actuator via a preferably leaf-spring assembly which connects a swing arm to a joint part.

Abstract: A control panel for a communications system of an aircraft has at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, with multiple transmission and reception channels, and multiple operating elements that have an on/off function, in each instance. Each operating element is assigned to one of the transmission and reception channels. Reception on the transmission and reception channel, in each instance, can be released by the on/off function. A selection switch has a selection position for each transmission and reception channel, in which it releases the related transmission and reception channel for the transmission and blocks the other transmission and reception channels for transmission. The selection switch has a further selection position, in which it releases the transmission and reception channels that are released for reception by the operating elements, for transmission, and blocks the other transmission and reception channels for transmission.

Abstract: An image sensor holder a frame, a first slidable holder, a second slidable holder, a first and a second driving arms, a first and a second driving device and at least two restoration devices. The first slidable holder is slidably mounted on the frame. The second slidable holder is slidably mounted on the first slidable holder. The first and second driving devices are separately mounted on the frame. The first driving arm rotatably is mounted on the frame and contacts the first slidable holder and the first driving device by both opposite ends thereof. The second driving arm slidably is mounted on the frame and contacts the second slidable holder and the second driving device respectively by both opposite ends thereof. The restoration devices are respectively positioned on the frame and the first holder for restoring the first and second holders back to original positions.

Abstract: A tactor system transforms cable motion to tactor motion. A housing defining a plane is adapted for placement proximate to the skin of a user. A cable is operative to deform a tactor element in the housing, causing a portion of the element to move outwardly from the plane of the housing, thereby imparting a tactile sensation to the user's skin. For example, tension on the cable may cause a strip of flexible plastic or other suitable material to bend at a living hinge that moves outwardly from the plane of the housing. The cable may be driven by an actuator including. Two or more tactor elements may be disposed next to each other or in the same housing, with different elements being activated at different times to enhance the apparent frequency of the stimulus. For example, a reciprocating mechanism may be used to operate a pair of tactor elements out of phase with respect to one another.

Abstract: A media retrieval mechanism includes a pivot shaft, a media delivery device and a driving device. The media delivery device is capable of rotating about the pivot shaft. The media delivery device includes a contact portion and a rotating arm. The contact portion is capable of engaging at least one media. The driving device is attached to the pivot shaft. The driving device is capable of being driven by the pivot shaft. The driving device includes a driving member and the driving member includes a driving arm. The driving arm is capable of directing the rotating arm to angle the media delivery device thereby elevating the contact portion from the lower position to a lift-up position for disengaging the at least one media.

Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device is basically provided with a fixed structure, an input member and a positioning member. The input member is movably coupled relative to the fixed structure. The input member has a first moving direction and a second moving direction. The positioning member is operatively coupled to the input mechanism to selectively move between a plurality of predetermined positions. The input member and the positioning member are configured and arranged relative to each other such that the positioning member is initially moved by the input member in a direction different from the first and second moving directions in response to movement of the input member both in the first moving direction and in the second moving direction.

Abstract: A valve body has a channel extending along an axis and an inlet port open to the channel. A sleeve, received about the valve body, overlies the inlet port and is rotatable about the axis relative the body. A nozzle projects radially outward from the sleeve. The nozzle is rotatable with the sleeve into a range of positions in which the nozzle communicates with the inlet port through the sleeve.

Abstract: A fixed support is provided on a base member near a moving lever. A moving support is provided on the moving lever. A coil spring comprises a coil and a pair of arms extending from the coil. The fixed support is wound with the coil. The moving support is held between the two arms of the coil spring and pressed by outward force of the coil spring thereby assuring smooth reverse of a direction of the force.

Abstract: An industrial robot has a base for installation, a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, a wire feeder, a welding torch, and a torch cable. The first arm rotates with respect to the base. The second arm pivots with respect to the first arm. The third arm pivots with respect to the second arm. The torch cable is coupled to the wire feeder and feeds a welding wire to a welding torch. The wire feeder is provided to the second arm and is rotatable around a rotation axis.

Abstract: An improved linkage assembly for operatively connecting a derail to a blue flag assembly to cause the blue flag assembly to be raised from a horizontal position between train track rails to a vertical position substantially perpendicular to the train track when the derail is manipulated into an operative mode for derailing a train, train car or similar type wheeled vehicle, and further provided with a stop device to inhibit accidental raising of the blue flag assembly until it is desired to do so. The linkage assembly is constructed having a support plate also mountable on adjacent cross ties, and further includes a blue flag mounting assembly to permit the blue flag signal to pivot between horizontal and vertical positions. The linkage assembly further including a spring loaded tensioning device attached at one end to the blue flag mounting assembly and attached at its opposite end to a cam assembly also mounted on the support plate.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between seat-lift, closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a base plate fixedly mounted to a lift assembly, a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a seat-adjustment assembly with a bellcrank, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a force on the bellcrank that translates the seat-mounting plate rearward in a consistent angle of inclination and rotates the back-mounting link from a reclined to an upright orientation. A stroke in a second phase acts to collapse the footrest assembly. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the seating unit, thereby accommodating egress and ingress of an occupant.

Abstract: A glider-recliner-style seating unit (glider recliner) that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the glider recliner between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The glider recliner is powered by a linear actuator that facilitates automated adjustment of the linkage mechanism. This adjustment of the linear actuator is sequenced into a first phase and a second phase. A stroke of the linear actuator in the first phase acts to adjust the linkage mechanism between the closed and extended positions by extending or retracting ottoman(s) attached to a footrest assembly. A stroke in the second phase acts to adjust the linkage mechanism between the extended and reclined positions by translating a seat-mounting plate forward or rearward at a consistent inclination angle while, concurrently, tilting a back-mounting link. Accordingly, the phase sequencing ensures that the linkage mechanism commences adjustment within the second phase only once the first-phase adjustment is substantially complete.

Abstract: Vessel provided with a mechanism having a first arm which is positioned thereon, and a second arm having a movable extremity distant from the first arm, wherein said first arm and said second arm are connected to each other with at least one link having hinges on opposite sides of said at least one link that connect said link or links to the first arm and second arm respectively, and wherein the length of the second arm is selected so as to arrange that when the hinges on the opposite sides of said links are at the same level, the movable extremity of the second arm is level with a predetermined position within the vessel.

Abstract: A wafer transfer apparatus includes a main body, a wafer carrier, a linkage and a shielding mechanism. The linkage includes a first connecting rod and a pair of second connecting rods. The wafer carrier connects with a first side of the first connecting rod. A first terminal of each second connecting rod pivotedly connects with two ends of the first connecting rod. The shielding mechanism on the first connecting rod includes a shielding part and two fixing parts. The shielding part is configured at the first side of the first connecting rod for shielding a pivot joint between the first connecting rod and each second connecting rod. The fixing parts connect with both sides of the shielding part, and are respectively configured at a second and a third sides of the first connecting rod so as to fix the shielding part at the first side of the first connecting rod.

Abstract: A valve operating system that includes a drive shaft, a drive lever that is fixedly provided thereon and can pivot in a direction of movement of a valve body, a follower arm that is fixedly provided on the valve body, a link, a first connecting shaft that connects one end of the link and the drive lever, and a second connecting shaft that connects the other end of the link and the follower arm; in response to a movement of the valve body from a first position to a second position by pivoting of the drive lever, a center of the first connecting shaft approaches from one side a straight line connecting two centers of the drive shaft and the second connecting shaft, and after the valve body reaches the second position, further pivoting of the drive lever is carried out through a predetermined angle so that the center of the first connecting shaft moves to the other side of a dead point on the straight line.

Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes a spindle guide section (3) of an elongated configuration, a distal end member (2) fitted to a distal end of the spindle guide section (3) through a distal end member connecting unit (15) for alteration in attitude, a tool (1) rotatably provided to the distal end member (2), a tool rotating drive source (41) for rotating the tool, and an attitude altering drive source (42) for manipulating the attitude of the distal end member. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle (13) then holding the tool (1). The spindle guide section (3) includes a rotary shaft (22) for transmitting rotation of the tool rotating drive source to the spindle and a guide hole (30a). A flexible attitude altering member (31) capable of altering the attitude of the distal end member is reciprocally movably inserted within the guide hole (30a).

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide, wherein the movable member is coupled to the base member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member for moving a chain among a plurality of sprockets; an intermediate member that mounts the base member to a bicycle frame; a first adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the intermediate member relative to the bicycle frame; and a second adjusting mechanism that adjustably sets a position of the base member relative to the intermediate member.

Abstract: An aim assembly includes a hub movable about a central axis and at least one support operably connected to the hub. At least one arm is operably connected to the at least one support and thereby movable about the central axis in a predetermined path. At least one adjustment mechanism is located at the central axis and is capable of altering the predetermined path during movement of the at least one support about the central axis. A method of operating an arm assembly includes locating at least one hub at a central axis and moving at least one arm about the central axis in a predetermined path. The at least one arm is operably connected to the at least one hub via at least one support. An adjustment mechanism is engaged thereby altering the predetermined path during movement of the at least one arm about the central axis.

Abstract: A multi-rod mechanism includes at least one ternary link and a plurality of binary links. The ternary link and the binary links are connected between a first fixing pivot point and a second fixing pivot point to form a combination of the ternary link and the binary links. The combination of the ternary link and the binary links is designed to provide a first movable pivot point and a second movable pivot point between the first fixing pivot point and the second fixing pivot point. In operation, the ternary link and the binary links are rotated to move the first movable pivot point and the second movable pivot point toward or away from each other in opposite directions.

Abstract: Constant force mechanisms and adjustable constant force mechanisms are described having two movable sliders constrained along two perpendicular axes and each abutting a resilient member. The mechanisms are adapted to produce an output force that is constant for a given input force. However, when an equilibrium position of one of the two resilient members is adjusted for a given mechanism, a different output force will result. Micro-compliant mechanisms are also described in which the resilient members may be made from one or more different elastomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20) for moving at least one moveable element (19) in a gas turbine engine (1) between a first and a second position. The device includes a linkage (21) that connects a pivotable annular member (18) with the moveable element (19) in such a way that the movement of the moveable element (19) between the two positions is accomplished when the annular member (18) is pivoted. The linkage (21) has a link member (22) connected to the moveable element (19) via a first articulation joint (23). The device also has a support member (24) that supports the link member (22) at a distance from the first articulation joint.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for a blast furnace charging distribution chute includes: a driving unit comprising a crankshaft connected to a motor to rotate with a variable rotational radius; a power transmission unit comprising a plurality of connection rods connected to the driving unit to linearly transmit power; and a working unit connected to the power transmission unit and fixed to circumference of a distribution chute to rotate or tilt the distribution chute.

Abstract: A device for the relative movement between an input member and an output member, the device comprising an input member (100); an output member (108); an intermediate member (104) coupling the input member (100) and the output member (108); a first kinematics bond (102) coupling the intermediate member (104) and the input member (100); the first kinematics bond (102) providing at least two rotational degrees of freedom; and a second kinematics bond (106) coupling the intermediate member (104) and the output member (108), the second kinematics bond (106) being adapted to transmit rotational motions between the intermediate member (104) and the output member (108) and to offset rotation axes of at least two rotational degrees of freedom of the output member (108).

Abstract: A backstay spreader attachable between a pair of backstay sections on a crane includes first and second members each having a backstay section connector at a first end and a pivoting joint connector at a second end, the pivoting joint connectors being used to hold the first and second members together with a pivotal connection and each having an extending portion extending away from the pivotal connection, with an angle between the extending portions. The backstay spreader also includes an actuator mounted between the pivoting joint connectors. The actuator controls the angle between the extending portions of the two pivoting joint connectors, which defines an angle between the first and second members.

Abstract: Metal coated organic polymer compositions are useful as vehicular transmission parts. Such parts may have lighter weight, and/or superior corrosion resistance, and/or be more easily fabricated than similar conventional transmission parts.

Abstract: A crank arm (200) includes a mechanical ring amplifier (232), having a cavity and a connecting bridge (140), to amplify the radial strain exerted on the crank arm by a rider. Strain sensors (234, 235) are positioned to detect the amplified radial strain. The crank arm (200) may include further strain sensors (228, 229) adapted to detect tangential strain on the crank arm, allowing both the tangential and radial forces exerted by a bicycle rider to be measured. The crank arm (200) may also comprise means for adjusting the position of a pedal axle relative to the crank arm, via the loosening, rotation and retightening of a carrier disc held by the crank arm, where the carrier disc has an eccentrically mounted aperture for holding the pedal axle.

Abstract: A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.

Abstract: A transmission member for a device for transmitting movements comprising an actuator for providing movements to be transmitted and a base member, the transmission member comprising a first arm adapted to be coupled to the base member and comprising a base portion and a curved portion, and at least one engagement means for engagement with the actuator of the device for transmitting movements from the actuator to the transmission member.

Abstract: Provided is a cat-and-mouse type internal combustion engine of concentric two-rotor/six-piston type, which has a cooling chamber in its cylinder housing and which needs neither any lubricating oil nor any valve mechanism so that its structure is simple and compact and can be easily manufactured. Further provided are a variable correlation type crank for a constant-pressure burning (CPB) engine of a variable compression ratio, and an inertial correlation type crank for a premixed compression ignition (HCCI), thereby to realize an internal combustion engine, which matches fuels of various kinds and which has a high energy efficiency and a clean exhaust gas.

Abstract: A coupling arm presses a first or second arm of a swing member, connected to a frame of a seat back, by an occupant's backrest load caused by a rear-end collision of a vehicle to pivotally move the swing member. The swing member has a first arm receiving a first backrest load via the coupling arm and a second arm receiving a second backrest load, which is larger than the first backrest load, via the coupling arm. A distance between the first arm and a rotation center of the swing member is longer than a distance between the second and the rotation center of the swing member.

Abstract: A swing control apparatus for a boom comprising at least one rod attached to an arm, at least one sector gear attached to the arm and a translation gear interconnected with the at least one sector gear wherein, the movement of the rod causes movement of the arm and sector gear, resulting in movement of the translation gear which is translated into an electrical signal to thereby move the boom of the dragline excavator.

Abstract: A device is provided for moving a plurality of hatches, spaced at intervals from one another in a circumferential direction of a gas turbine engine, between a first position and a second position, wherein each of the hatches is arranged to keep an opening in a wall in a closed position, when in the first position, and to keep the opening in an open position, when in the second position. At least one of the hatches is provided with two connecting members which are mutually separated in the circumferential direction of the device, and the device includes a linkage for the movement, the linkage being connected to the hatch at the two mutually separated connecting members.

Abstract: A throttle linkage for a vehicle engine is provided comprising a vehicle engine and a throttle actuation arm secured for pivotal movement about an axis substantially fixed relative to the engine, the throttle actuation arm having an axis extending from the pivotal axis. A throttle control arm extending from the engine and capable of actuation to adjust engine power is also provided, the throttle arm having an axis extending from a point of connection to the throttle and substantially intersecting the throttle actuation arm axis, along with a coupling for engaging the throttle control arm and throttle actuation arm at approximately the point of intersection of their respective axes, the coupling allowing sliding of the arms along their respective axes, relative to each other.

Abstract: There is provided a link mechanism for a chair that is a link mechanism that is used at a chair, the link mechanism for a chair having: a first link whose one end is connected to a bottom surface of a link that supports a seat surface portion of the chair; a second link whose one end is connected to another end of the first link; a first joint portion rotatably connecting the first link and the second link; a second joint portion provided at another end of the second link; and a first elastic resistance unit imparting elasticity in a rotating direction to the second joint portion.

Abstract: A sliding assistance mechanism for helping a switching operation of a moving body on a main body side from a first position to a second position, or from the second position to the first position, includes a case 1 attached to the main body side; first and second moving members (sliders 2A, 2B) slidably placed in the case 1, respectively; a pair of latches 5, 5 pivotally supported at each moving member, respectively, and releasably locked to corresponding parts of a case side; and an urging device 3 provided between both moving members. When the moving members are halfway switched to the first position from the second position, or to the second position from the first position, an engagement of one of the latches is released by an engagement pin 9 additionally provided in the moving body, and the engagement pins are pulled with the latch into the first position or the second position with an approaching drive through the moving members and the urging device 3 to a side of the other latch.

Abstract: An actuating device comprising an actuating element that is moved by a ball stud relative to a base comprising a ball socket. The actuating element can move relative to the base, within at least one pivot plane, between at least two shift positions. At least one recess of the ball socket has an elastic surface area which is flexible in the direction along the radius of the ball socket. The flexible elastic surface area has a centrally arranged pressure contact element, which bears against the joint ball. In a neutral position of the elastic surface area, the contact surface of the pressure contact element is at a distance away from the mid-point of the ball socket which is smaller than the radius of the joint ball, such that it possible to produce actuating devices which are robust in operation and free from play.

Abstract: A controlling device includes a range switch mechanism, range switch operating means, operation frequency monitoring means, and heat generation limit controlling means. The range switch mechanism is adapted to change a shift range using a motor. Through the range switch operating means, an occupant inputs a required shift range. The motor is controlled in accordance with the required shift range such that the shift range is changed into the required shift range. The operation frequency monitoring means monitors an operation frequency of the range switch operating means. The heat generation limit controlling means switches a control of the motor to a heat generation limit control when the operation frequency of the range switch operating means exceeds a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A driving simulation device for simulating a driving game includes a mounting frame, a coupler shaft journaled to the mounting frame, extending along a coupling axis and cooperating with a horizontal direction to define an inclined acute angle, a seat body fixed on the coupler shaft above the mounting frame and having an extending direction, a seating portion and a driving portion disposed on the seat body along the extending direction. The extending direction of the seat body cooperates with the coupling axis to define a deviating acute angle therebetween. A swinging action of a rider on the seat body relative to the mounting frame results in turning of the seat body about the coupling axis, which, in turn, causes swinging action of the driving portion and the seating portion such that a swinging range of the driving portion is smaller than that of the seating portion.