LINCAGES: LINKAGE INTERACTIVE COMPUTER ANALYSIS AND GRAPHICALLY ENHANCED SYNTHESIS PACKAGE.

This paper introduces a linkage synthesis and analysis package which can be used to design almost any planar linkage. The LINCAGES Package is the first such program to be generally available over telephone lines in a time sharing mode and to be designed to make optimal use of graphical output from either a teletype or graphics CRT. The computer, the designer, and graphics output are used strategically to maximize the utility of each. Synthesis programs (based on the Burmester Theory and the complex number method) may be applied for either 3, 4, or 5 finitely spaced precision points for combinations of motion, function, and path generation with prescribed timing. A step-by-step design example is covered to illustrate the basic features of the LINCAGE Package.