Gerald J Kron

US Patent:

43403719, Jul 20, 1982

Filed:

Mar 18, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/244842

Inventors:

Gerald J. Kron - Conklin NY

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air
Force - Washington DC

International Classification:

G09B 900

US Classification:

434 59

Abstract:

An apparatus for simulating the loads acting on the arms of an aircraft pilot under high G conditions including a first torque motor of pancake-like configuration attached to the flight suit near the elbow area of the pilot. A second torque motor positioned near the pilot's waist operates through a tether line to apply a force to the shoulder of the pilot. With both torque motors operating, the upper and lower arms of the pilot are loaded in a manner to simulate the effect of acceleration loading of primary consequence, +Gz.

US Patent:

40302075, Jun 21, 1977

Filed:

Dec 2, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/636895

Inventors:

Gerald J. Kron - Binghamton NY

Assignee:

The Singer Company - Binghamton NY

International Classification:

G09B 908

US Classification:

35 12E

Abstract:

A G-seat for simulating accelerations is provided with apparatus for generating skin tension/contraction cues. These cues are generated by displacing at least a portion of a body-supporting, seat cushion surface in a direction generally parallel to said surface. Disclosed are various exemplary mechanisms for producing this displacement including apparatus for imparting coplanar movement to either a whole seat cushion, or a section thereof, relative to the remainder of the seat; seat cushion lip extenders; and driveable seat upholstery. The operation of the skin tension cue generator is preferably coordinated with the operation of the other active elements of an Advanced G Seat to produce compatible skeletal attitude, flesh pressure gradient, area of contact and skin tension cues.

US Patent:

39836401, Oct 5, 1976

Filed:

Nov 6, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/521457

Inventors:

Frank M. Cardullo - Harpursville NY
William J. Hewitt - Binghamton NY
Gerald J. Kron - Binghamton NY

Assignee:

The Singer Company - Binghamton NY

International Classification:

G09B 908

US Classification:

35 12E

Abstract:

A "G" seat for providing kinesthetic (sensation of motion) cues to a pilot of a simulated aircraft. The seat is designed specifically to stimulate elements of the haptic sensory system and is capable of independently producing desired skeletal attitude shifts, area of flesh contact changes and flesh pressure gradient variations and coordinating same to simulate acceleration effects. The seat contains two mosaics of air cells forming a seat cushion and a back cushion, respectively. The air cells comprise tension spring loaded bellows having rigid top plates. The top plates of the cells in each mosaic form a body supporting surface of the corresponding cushion. The cells may be individually driven under computer control to vary the elevation, attitude and shape of these body supporting surfaces. In addition, clam-shell shaped air cells are positioned on either side of the seat cushion to provide thigh pressure and area of contact variations and a lap belt is driven to provide ventral area pressure variation.

US Patent:

42831776, Aug 11, 1981

Filed:

Mar 5, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/017645

Inventors:

Gerald J. Kron - Binghamton NY
Timothy E. Hale - Vestal NY

Assignee:

The Singer Company - Binghamton NY

International Classification:

G09B 908

US Classification:

434 59

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for simulating the loss of vision in a subject, which occurs for example under sustained high "G" loading, using an optical element 12 such as a visor with variable optical characteristics ranging from opaque to transparent. An oculometer 18 monitors at least one of the subject's eyes and provides a signal representative of its line of sight. This signal is fed to a computer 56 which calculates a pattern of opacity, light scattering transmissivity and transparency and controls the screen accordingly to produce such a pattern simulative of the visual effects which occur during loss of vision.

US Patent:

42995760, Nov 10, 1981

Filed:

Apr 27, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/034064

Inventors:

Gerald J. Kron - Binghamton NY

Assignee:

The Singer Company - Binghamton NY

International Classification:

G09B 900

US Classification:

434 59

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for simulating acceleration forces on the head and helmet of a pilot of a vehicle simulator. A device for producing those forces (10) is positioned unobtrusively in the cockpit of the simulator. An apparatus (22, 80) is provided which inconspicuously interconnects the force-producing device and the pilot's helmet (14) after the pilot has seated himself in the vehicle simulator. After the helmet and force-producing device have been inter-connected, a drive sequence is implemented which drives the force-producing device to provide forces to the helmet of the pilot in a manner which simulates the experience of the actual acceleration forces of the vehicle being simulated.

US Patent:

43210449, Mar 23, 1982

Filed:

Nov 14, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/960525

Inventors:

Gerald J. Kron - Binghamton NY

Assignee:

The Singer Company - Binghampton NY

International Classification:

G09B 908
A47C 100

US Classification:

434 59

Abstract:

An improved G-seat system for providing kinesthetic cues to the operator of a vehicle simulator in which the motion sensations associated with the "G" forces are simulated by the motion of a single seat plate (62) having a pair of passive thigh ramps (78) mounted thereon and the variation in the degree of inflation of thin bladders (82A,B) which overlie the seat plate. Raised surfaces (80) may be provided on the plate beneath the ischial tuberosity region of the operator to increase the dynamic range of perceived g-loading effects. A backrest plate (92) may be provided for motion in conjunction with the seat plate and a thin bladder (128) may likewise be provided theron. Driven radial elements (108,110) may then be positioned on the lower part of the backrest plate to augment pressure cues at selected areas of the operator's back.

US Patent:

40599094, Nov 29, 1977

Filed:

Aug 9, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/496131

Inventors:

Gerald Joseph Kron - Binghamton NY

Assignee:

The Singer Company - Binghamton NY

International Classification:

G09B 908

US Classification:

35 12E

Abstract:

An improved "G" seat system for use in aircraft simulators in which the motion associated with "G" forces is simulated by a plurality of individually controllable air cells which make up the seat and back, and the feeling of seat hardness is simulated by a plurality of firmness cells placed atop the air cells to come in contact with the seat occupant is shown. In another embodiment heat exchangers are placed in the firmness pads in the tuberosity region and used to further simulate pressure change by using temperature change.