Hemispheroidal-truss spatial manipulator system and apparatus

Mammalian-subject spatial manipulator apparatus comprising:

• a fixed base having an upright hub-support portion in a first region of the base and having an upright rim-support portion in a second region of the base opposite the first region;
• and
• a generally hemispheroidal truss frame mounted on an upright portion of the base, the frame including a hub defining a first axis of rotation, three or more struts mounted thereto and extending arcuately to three or more circumferentially substantially evenly spaced mounting positions on a substantially circular rim, the truss frame being rotatable through 360° about the first axis, the truss frame further including a second frame for supporting a mammalian subject, the second frame being mounted along a diameter of the circular rim for 360° rotation in a second axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation,
• the rim-support portion of the base mounting at least two 360° rotatable wheels each having a concave channel conforming to the outer surface of the circular rim, whereby the at least two wheels and the hub provide three-point load-bearing and rotational support for the truss frame.

A spatial orientation system for a human subject, the system comprising:

• a hemispheroidal shell having a central hub defining a first substantially horizontal rotational axis and a substantially circular rim defining a substantially circular planar opening, the first rotational axis extending through the central hub and through a center of the substantially circular planar opening normal thereto;
• the shell being mounted for rotation about the first axis on a stabilizing base with the circular planar opening in a vertical orientation;
• and
• a mammalian-subject frame mounted for rotation about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis within the circular planar opening of the hemispheric shell,
• the shell, the base and the support mechanism being configured for controlled orientation of a mammalian subject secured within the frame.