Patent ID: 6038940
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: G09B,Y10T

Abstract:
A controlled relative motion system permitting a controlled motion member, joined to a base member, to selectively move with respect to said base member, said system comprising:a base support;a first pivot holder comprising at least one holding member;a first plurality of pivoting links at least one of which is rotatably coupled to said base support so as to be rotatable about a corresponding base link axis and rotatably coupled to said first pivot holder so as to be rotatable about a corresponding holder link axis including at least one of said first plurality of pivoting links being rotatably connected to said first pivot holder holding member, each of said first plurality of pivoting links that is coupled to both said base support and said first pivot holder having said corresponding base link axis thereof extending in a direction differing from that direction in which said corresponding holder link axis thereof extends, each of said first plurality of pivoting links that is coupled to both said base support and said first pivot holder having said corresponding base link axis thereof and said corresponding holder link axis thereof extending in different directions than do said corresponding base link axis and said corresponding holder link axis of any other of said first plurality of pivoting links that is also coupled to both said base support and said first pivot holder;a first plurality of force imparting members each coupled to either said first pivot holder or one of said pivoting links in said first plurality of pivoting links so as to be able to impart force thereto to cause at least one of those said pivoting links in said first plurality of pivoting links to rotate about an axis therethrough;a manipulable support having supported thereon a selected one of at least a portion of a control system, capable of directing said first plurality of force imparting members to impart selected forces, or of at least a portion of an information presentation system, capable of providing information in a selected form; anda second plurality of pivoting links each rotatably coupled to said first pivot holder so as to be rotatable about a corresponding holder link axis and each coupled to said manipulable support so as to be rotatable about a corresponding support link axis including at least one of said second plurality of pivoting links being rotatably connected to said first pivot holder holding member as aforesaid, each of said second plurality of pivoting links having said corresponding holder link axis thereof extending in a direction differing from that in which said corresponding support link axis thereof extends, each of said second plurality of pivoting links having said corresponding holder link axis thereof and said corresponding support link axis thereof extending in different directions than do said corresponding holder link axis and said corresponding support link axis of another of said second plurality of pivoting links.