Eric M King

US Patent:

7094157, Aug 22, 2006

Filed:

Feb 18, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/781126

Inventors:

Stephen F. Fromyer - Silver Spring MD, US
Samuel T. Foster - Baltimore MD, US
Eric A. King - Westminster MD, US
Clifford A. Jennings - Highland MD, US
Brian M. Welsh - Sykesville MD, US

Assignee:

Oceaneering International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

A31G 31/16

US Classification:

472 59, 472130, 434 55

Abstract:

A pneumatic motion platform is disclosed, adapted to allow an open center to handle shear stress without the need for a central support. In an embodiment, the platform comprises a deck; a base; a plurality of inflatable actuators, each actuator attached to the deck at a predetermined location intermediate the base and the deck, the plurality of inflatable actuators adapted for use as an active motive force with respect to the deck in a plurality of planes; a plurality of compliant stabilizers disposed intermediate the deck and the base, at least one portion of each stabilizer disposed proximate a predetermined one of the plurality of inflatable actuators; a fluid controller in fluid communication with the plurality of inflatable actuators; and a source of fluid in fluid communication with the fluid controller. A ride vehicle may comprise a cabin attached to a deck attached to the motion platform attached to a rotator such as a turntable. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.