Abstract: A system includes a plurality of rotatable track members that guide travel of a vehicle. Each rotatable track member of the plurality of rotatable track members is configured to individually rotate between a first orientation along a first direction of vehicle travel and a second orientation along a second direction of vehicle travel.

Abstract: An amusement device includes a substructure with a passenger seat, which is rotatable relative to a main structure by a bearing and a coupling. The coupling has a coupling ring and a coupling actuator for driving the substructure about a coupling axis C-C. The coupling ring has an end face which is toothed to engage with a toothed end face of a lock element of a lockage for rotationally locking the coupling ring with respect to the main structure. The lock element is axially movable and rotationally constrained with respect to an lockage actuator. A spring and electromagnet respectively serve for axially moving the lock element. During a normal ride, the lockage is open and all kind of rotations are possible, but in case of an interference the lockage engages for safety.

Abstract: A ride system includes a tunnel, a vehicle ride path, a ride vehicle, and a projection system. The tunnel includes a first end and a second end and is curved between the first and second ends. The vehicle ride path extends within the tunnel from an entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position within the tunnel. The second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position. The ride vehicle travels along the vehicle ride path and decelerates as the ride vehicle approaches the intermediate position. The projection system projects images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, such that the images are synchronized with the deceleration of the ride vehicle and a perceived speed of the ride vehicle, as perceived by a guest in the ride vehicle, exceeds an actual speed of the ride vehicle.

Abstract: Provided herein is a ride system. The ride system includes a ride vehicle configured to move along a ride path at a first speed in a forward direction. Furthermore, the ride system includes a display system proximate the ride path, such that the display system displays imagery of an object moving at a second speed and away from the forward direction, and such that the second speed is based on a position of the ride vehicle, the first speed of the ride vehicle, or a combination thereof. The ride system also includes a control system that includes a processor and a memory device communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory devices stores instructions that cause the processor to provide a first control signal to cause the display system to change the second speed of the imagery based on the position of the ride vehicle, the first speed of the ride vehicle, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The swinging apparatus includes a base, a support located above the base, a coupler disposed between the base and the support and including a universal joint, and linear actuators disposed between the base and the support. Each of the linear actuators includes a first end and a second end located on an opposing side to the first end. The first end is mechanically connected to one of the base and the support. The second end is configured to freely move touching a surface of the other of the base and the support.

Abstract: A drag strip race amusement ride runs on a straight-line track and is propelled to high rates of acceleration over the 150-foot racetrack. The vehicle cab seats nine. Each racer has an individual acceleration pedal. Located on the front windshield and on each side window is an LCD video screen. Audio sounds are also introduced into the cab during the ride. When the signal is given to begin the race, each racer hits his acceleration pedal. A central computer system synchronizes the video, audio, acceleration and deceleration so that the sensory perceptions of sight, sound and feeling of an actual drag strip race are created. A winner is determined by measuring the reaction time of each racer between the signal and the pedal.

Abstract: A vehicle and screen assembly is provided for theme park rides to create a ride-through screen experience. The assembly includes a vehicle for carrying passengers that includes a top or roof assembly with first and second sets of magnetic elements on an exterior surface of the top assembly, with each of the sets having a like pole oriented outward from the exterior surface. A screen assembly is included with first and second planar screen segments that are pivotably mounted adjacent to each other so as to hang or be positioned in a plane that is transverse to a track traveled by the vehicle. The screen segments include magnetic elements with exposed poles that match the outward facing pole of the corresponding sets of magnetic elements on the vehicle. The screen segments magnetically levitate away from the top assembly when the vehicle passes through the screen assembly without touching the vehicle.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus (10) comprises a transporting plane (11) and a transporting platform which can be displaced in different directions in a largely friction-free manner on an air cushion above the transporting plane (11), the air cushion being generated by air nozzles (13) which are distributed in the transporting plane (11) and can be optionally opened and closed individually in each case by means of a valve, and through which compressed air flows out in the upward direction from beneath through the transporting plane (11), and the valves of the air nozzles (13) and the transporting platform being designed such that they interact with one another depending on the position of the transporting platform.

Abstract: Passenger boats are mounted on an undercarriage assembly that includes rail-mounted centering wheels. The passenger boats are accelerated by linear induction drive motors mounted on a guide rail structure. Thrust is applied to the racing boats by magnetically conductive reaction plates that are attached to the undercarriage assembly and are movable through linear flux slots formed in the induction stators of the linear induction motors. The submerged guide track structure is arranged in various closed loop courses, including “Figure-Eight,” an hour-glass, serpentine and oval patterns, as well as parallel guide track structures that extend between a launch station and a return station. A dual “Figure-Eight” watercourse includes a simulated jump ramp and an underground tunnel arrangement. In the continuous loop guide structure, two or more boats are launched and separation is maintained by a safety block arrangement.

Abstract: An amusement ride, such as a roller coaster, installed in an amusement park and the like, is adapted to allow a vehicle to travel on a track. The amusement ride has an arrangement such that the track has different track portions, and the vehicle having a passenger car and a detachable car carrier. The vehicle is adapted to be supported on the car carrier during traveling on one of the track portions, and detached from the car carrier for traveling onto another one of the track portions. During a ride, passengers on the vehicle may be seized with fear that the vehicle is out of control, thus increasing the thrill of the ride.

Abstract: A roller coaster includes a plurality of ride vehicles that ride along a track. Each vehicle provides seating for at least one passenger. The track is elevated off the ground and includes a variety of hills, curves, loops, rolls, drops, inversions and the like. The vehicles are totally enclosed and preferably designed to represent a space capsule. Sight line controls and a yaw mechanism are used at the load platform to prevent passengers from seeing the other ride vehicles. In addition, the track at the load platform is angled upwards to allow for easy access to the ride vehicles. Portals in the cabin are designed to control sight lines to focus the passengers' attention on show elements that are placed along the track. An on-board audio system enhances the realism of the ride experience. Adjustable restraint systems are provided in each vehicle to keep the passengers in their seats and inside the vehicle during the ride.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a vehicle chassis that rolls on caster wheels. Pinch drive wheels, driven by on-board electric motors, engage a guide rail and propel the vehicle along a rack. A motion base is positioned on top of the vehicle chassis. A yaw ring is rotatably supported on the motion base. A passenger cabin is mounted on to the yaw ring. A slip ring assembly extends from the vehicle chassis to the passenger cabin, to provide electrical power and audio signals to the passenger cabin. A yaw drive motor turns the yaw ring, allowing the passenger cabin to spin on the motion base, and to provide continuous yaw movement. The motion base provides pitch and roll movements, as well as heave, slip and surge movements.

Abstract: A dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in an amusement park attraction or other environment includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including computer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

Abstract: This disclosure provides to a ride vehicle for used in an amusement attraction. The ride vehicle mounts a structure upon a hydraulically-actuated motion base, so that the passenger holding structure may be articulated about one or more axes as the vehicle moves. Thus, this "simulator ride" carries passengers through three-dimensional scenery and articulates the passenger holding structure in synchronism with motions of the ride vehicle, the motions of moving show sets, which are external to the vehicle, sound, projection and other effects. The ride vehicle is programmably-controlled, and derives electrical power from a track mounted power bus to drive vehicle hydraulics, which drive motion base actuation, steering and vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A ship, in which stereoscopic imagery is displayed, can move, and the ship can swing in various directions and can vibrate. The ship moves along a guide path while the stereoscopic imagery is being viewed by inside viewers. The guide path includes a plurality of diverging guide paths midway along the guide path. The ship can freely select one of the diverging paths in accordance with the contents and running time of imagery. The ship, which has passed the diverging guide path, passes through a confluence portion and returns to the start position. Thereby, multisensation can be created, and an effective sensation atmosphere can be created on the basis of visual and other senses, with a small space for installation and low costs.

Abstract: Fluid cushion equipment comprising a floor having valves supplied by a matrix of fluid supply lines and a fluid cushion platform. Positioning of the platform on or above the valves actively causes them to open to supply fluid beneath the platform which is trapped by flexible hollow tubular skirts. The platforms are driven in the described direction by one or more wheeled drives which are only in contact with the floor when thrust is required.

Abstract: An amusement ride system according to the present invention comprises a pair of rails extending at a fixed distance from each other, and a passenger car located between the rails and traveling along the rails. A plurality of wheel units are provided on either side portion of the car, along the rails. Each wheel unit includes a set of wheels, which are in rolling contact with each corresponding rail, so as to hold it between them. The middle portion of the rail pair is twisted around a central axis between the rails, thus forming at least one twist region. As the car runs past the twist region of the rails, therefore, it is rotated around the central axis, following the twist of the rails.