US5316480A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable multiple module simulator apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-02-10
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Granted: 1994-05-31
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Expires: 2013-02-10
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are disclosed for multi-media simulation of the sounds, sights, and motions associated with various real life experiences. Roadable trailers having modules are combined to form a platform or support for an exoskeleton in the shape of various structures such as a spaceship, moon base, cave, mountain, vehicle, airplane, helicopter, ship, submarine, etc. The modules are provided with cameras, viewing screens, audio equipment and actual and optical motion imparting mechanisms for real-time point-of-access imagery simulating take-off, landing, turns, and hover-type turns from the environment surrounding the simulator. External image gathering cameras are attached to a movable support to provide relative motion point-of-access imagery.
Inventors
- 👤 Thayne N. Ellsworth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:08
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63G; A63G31/00; A63G31/16; A63H; A63H33/00; A63H33/42; A63H33/425; F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/006; G; G09; G09B; G09B19/00; G09B9/00; G09B9/02; G09B9/08; G09B9/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A portable multiple module simulator apparatus comprising: multiple roadable trailers attached together to form a platform; an exoskeleton covering enclosing said multiple roadable trailers; multiple simulator modules formed on said roadable trailers; said simulator modules having means for accommodating more than one person; said simulator modules having means for providing visual, auditory, and motion stimuli which simulate various real-life and pre-recorded experiences; said simulator modules having image gathering means attached to external supports with means that provide movement for said external supports; viewing screens are located within said modules and connected to said external image gathering means to impart real-time point-of-access imagery from the environment surrounding said simulator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A portable multiple module simulator apparatus comprising: multiple roadable trailers attached together to form a platform; an exoskeleton covering enclosing said multiple roadable trailers; multiple simulator modules formed on said roadable trailers; said simulator modules having means for accommodating more than one person; said simulator modules having means for providing visual, auditory, and motion stimuli which simulate various real-life and pre-recorded experiences; said simulator modules having image gathering means attached to external supports with means that provide movement for said external supports; viewing screens are located within said modules and connected to said external image gathering means to impart real-time point-of-access imagery from the environment surrounding said simulator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said visual means is a video display and said means for accommodating more than one person is a seating arrangement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 2 wherein: an area in said modules simulates a lateral transport elevator that exits into said modules.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said image gathering system comprises at least one video camera.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said external supports for said image gathering means include platforms; power means are mounted on said platforms to provide 360 degree rotation in all directions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 5 wherein boom mechanisms for raising and lowering said platforms are attached to said external supports and said platforms.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein: hydraulic rams are located under floors of said modules and connected to said trailers to cause movement of said modules.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein: one or more of said trailers contains or supports a retail marketing area.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for simulation of actual real-life experiences comprising: positioning persons to experience said simulations in a portable multiple module simulator apparatus comprising: multiple roadable trailers attached together to form a platform; an exoskeleton covering enclosing said multiple roadable trailers; multiple simulator modules formed on said roadable trailers; said simulator modules having means for accommodating more than one person; said simulator modules having means for providing visual, auditory, and motion stimuli which simulate various real-life and pre-recorded experiences; said simulator modules having image gathering means attached to external supports with means that provide movement for said external supports; viewing screens are located within said modules and connected to said external image gathering means to impart real-time point-of-access imagery from the environment surrounding said simulator; moving said external image gathering means to view adjacent areas to provide point-of-access imagery and the appearance of relative movement between said person in said module and said adjacent areas; conducting said point-of-access imagery into said modules and displaying it to said persons in said modules on the said viewing screens.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for simulation of actual real-life experiences comprising: positioning persons to experience said simulations in a portable multiple module simulator apparatus comprising: multiple roadable trailers attached together to form a platform; an exoskeleton covering enclosing said multiple roadable trailers; multiple simulator modules formed on said roadable trailers; said simulator modules having means for accommodating more than one person; said simulator modules having means for providing visual, auditory, and motion stimuli which simulate various real-life and pre-recorded experiences; said simulator modules having image gathering means attached to external supports with means that provide movement for said external supports; viewing screens are located within said modules and connected to said external image gathering means to impart real-time point-of-access imagery from the environment surrounding said simulator; moving said external image gathering means to view adjacent areas to provide point-of-access imagery and the appearance of relative movement between said person in said module and said adjacent areas; conducting said point-of-access imagery into said modules and displaying it to said persons in said modules on the said viewing screens.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method for simulation of actual real-life experiences as set forth in claim 9 including: positioning said modules on roadable trailers; joining said roadable trailers together to form a platform or support; covering said joined roadable trailers with a shaped exoskeleton.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method for simulation of actual real-life experiences as set forth in claim 10 including: providing said modules with sound, sight, and motion means for additional simulation stimuli; coordinating said point-of access imagery and said sound, sight, and motion means to provide a realistic representative of said real-life experiences.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-05-30 | 1997-11-29 | 1998-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-05-30 | 2001-11-29 | 2002-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-05-30 | 2005-11-29 | 2006-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |