Abstract: A reusable, ornamental air-filled balloon structure includes a large, elongate, unbalanced upper ornamental chamber. The chamber has a valve on its bottom for inflating for use and deflating for storage of the balloon structure. A lower base ornamental chamber, that is adapted to rest on a flat surface or plane, has a centralized pocket with an aperture for transversely receiving the bottom of the upper chamber. A hidden valve for inflating the lower chamber for use and deflating for storage is provided. The upper chamber air valve is capable of being passed through the aperture and anchored to the lower chamber to secure the two chambers together while the upper chamber stays in an upright condition ideal for display. Common household filled cans are placed in the hidden centralized pocket to weigh the balloon structure down and keep it in place. The height of the upper ornamental chamber is at least three times taller than the height of the lower base chamber.

Abstract: A gliding depth control method for a biomimetic gliding robotic dolphin includes: obtaining a preset gliding depth and a preset yaw angle; obtaining an estimated velocity by a sliding mode observer based on depth information and inertial navigation information, and obtaining a control quantity of pectoral fins on both sides of the biomimetic gliding robotic dolphin by a yaw controller in combination with the preset yaw angle; obtaining a segmented diving velocity reference trajectory by constructing and segmenting a Bézier curve; obtaining a diving control quantity by a model predictive control method in combination with the estimated velocity; obtaining a target position of a piston through a buoyancy principle, and obtaining a control quantity of the piston according to a current position of the piston; and controlling the biomimetic gliding robotic dolphin to glide based on the control quantity of the piston and the control quantity of the pectoral fins.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable artificial sport log for logrolling, having physical properties that mimic a selected natural log, has a hollow cylindrical shell of a suitable high density polymeric material and an internal baffle support shape of a rigid polymeric material fixed to the internal surface of the cylindrical shell. One or more sealable fill/drain ports allow addition and draining of water from the artificial log. Auxiliary training devices to control log rotation are disclosed, as is an inflatable embodiment.

Abstract: A reaction component or plate for a linear induction motor incorporates a flexibility increasing feature and a wear resistant feature.

Abstract: An amusement ride in the form of a boat regatta having a water-filled basin and boats traveling thereon with their own drive, where there is arranged in the basin a raisable platform which allows the boats to travel in the lowered position and lifts the boats out of the water in the travel breaks.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, a floating water park positioned in a body of water is described, as well as, a floating marine park. A floating marine/water park may include one or more floating containers positioned in a body of a first fluid. One or more of the floating containers may function to hold a second fluid, marine life, and/or participants in water amusement activities. A floating container may include a view window configured to allow participants (e.g., below the surface of water) in a first floating container to view marine life or participants in a second floating container.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable artificial sport log having physical properties that mimic a selected natural log is disclosed that has a hollow cylindrical shell of a suitable polymeric material defining a volume having the desired dimensions of length and diameter of a selected natural log of interest, an internal baffle support shape of a rigid polymeric foam material is fixed to said internal surface of said cylindrical shell, end closure members at ends of said hollow cylindrical shell provided with sealable fill/discharge openings for adding and draining water from the artificial log. The internal baffle volume and shape are determined such that the buoyancy of the artificial log generally equals the buoyancy of the natural log of interest and the mass moment of inertia resembles that of the natural log of interest when the artificial log is filled with water.

Abstract: A tube toy made up of a fabric sleeve having a tubular shape with bubble wrap material disposed within the fabric sleeve.

Abstract: A snow and water sliding carrier for amusement center has a body having a general shape of a torus having a central opening, a floor member that closes the central opening, and has an opposite side defining a bottom member, such that the floor member is concave and the bottom member is convex. The bottom member extends beyond the floor member and is co-joined with the outside wall, and includes a plurality of threaded receptacles adapted to receive respective threaded nipples, wherein each threaded nipple is adapted to be threaded into a respective receptacle in varying amounts, such that a predetermined rotation of the sliding carrier is induced and controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water amusement ride (1), comprising at least one water vehicle (20) that can be moved in a body of water and a floating body (23) that is carried by water, having seats for accommodating passengers, wherein a platform (10) is provided, which extends out of the water surface (4) of the body of water when the water amusement ride (1) is in an idle state and is beneath the water surface (4) when in operation. An advantage of said invention is that the passengers can reach their seats in the water vehicles without getting wet feet when the water amusement ride is in an idle state.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle for maneuvering over a travel surface having a cushion of water includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface and at least one drive assembly housed by the vehicle body. The at least one drive assembly comprises a driven wheel disposed for selective engagement with the travel surface to maneuver the vehicle generally along the travel surface. The at least one drive assembly operates between a neutral state having the driven wheel disengaged from the travel surface, a forward drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a forward direction, and a reverse drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A reaction component or plate for a linear induction motor incorporates a flexibility increasing feature and a wear resistant feature.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.

Abstract: An amusement device that is added to a new or existing bumper boat attraction, consisting of a singular or plurality of targets, lights, water effect devices, and a control system or module. The target may be comprised of a mechanical switch, pressure switch, sensor, optical beam, or any other device for detecting a participant signal. When a participant operating a bumper boat, bumps (or sprays if equipped with onboard squirt guns), or enters into the sensor area of pool, a signal is sent to a control module or control system. The control module or system will in turn send a signal to a water effect device, actuating a singular or plurality of valves. The water effect device will be directed over the pool or arena area such that there is a possibility of other participants getting wet. A water effect device may consist of a water cannon, water blast, mist, air assisted mist, dumping of water or water spray.

Abstract: A waterslide amusement ride having in a portion thereof, a linear induction motor to efficiently and effectively affect the motion of a vehicle sliding on the ride. The linear induction motor comprises linear induction motor units embedded below a sliding surface, and a reaction plate mounted to the bottom of the vehicle. Depending on the configuration of the linear induction motor units and the reaction plate, the linear induction motor drive can be used to accelerate the vehicle, decelerate the vehicle, maintain the speed of the vehicle up an uphill section, or rotate the vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method of use for the same adapted for aquatic exercise. The device includes an inner member and an outer foam member, each having a length much greater than its respective average outside diameters and both the inner member and an outer foam member having approximately the same length. The inner member adapted to be water-tight and being located substantially within the outer foam member. Where the inner member is more rigid than said outer foam member.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, a floating water park positioned in a body of water is described, as well as, a floating marine park. A floating marine/water park may include one or more floating containers positioned in a body of a first fluid. One or more of the floating containers may function to hold a second fluid, marine life, and/or participants in water amusement activities. A floating container may include a view window configured to allow participants (e.g., below the surface of water) in a first floating container to view marine life or participants in a second floating container.

Abstract: A waterslide amusement ride having in a portion thereof, a linear induction motor to efficiently and effectively affect the motion of a vehicle sliding on the ride. The linear induction motor comprises linear induction motor units embedded below a sliding surface, and a reaction plate mounted to the bottom of the vehicle. Depending on the configuration of the linear induction motor units and the reaction plate, the linear induction motor drive can be used to accelerate the vehicle, decelerate the vehicle, maintain the speed of the vehicle up an uphill section, or rotate the vehicle.

Abstract: An amusement ride system includes an amusement ride infrastructure defining a travel surface, with at least one vehicle having a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface. A plurality of valves are disposed to selectively deliver a pressurized flow of water through the travel surface, into a confined region defined between the vehicle undersurface and the travel surface, the pressurized flow of water into and through the confined region creating a cushion of water to separate the vehicle undersurface from the travel surface. The vehicle is configured to convey at least one passenger generally along the travel surface upon the cushion of water.

Abstract: A swimming robot according to the present invention is constructed to simulate a human body having an upper portion including a chest 3, back 6, a swivable head 2, a shoulder portion 8, a pair of rotatable arms 14, 16 and a lower portion 4 including a pair of movable legs 34, 36 and a movable hip portion 7. A handle 5 is attached to the back 6 of the swimming robot 1. The swimming motion of the swimming robot 1 according to the present invention comprises drive mechanisms such as, a manual drive mechanism, a leg drive mechanism and a head-tilt mechanism.

Abstract: A system may enable a participant to play games of chance in a water environment. A gambling facility may be part of a water ride. The gambling facility is coupled to a water amusement system. Gambling stations may be at least partially submerged in the body of water. Gambling apparatus may float on or be coupled to structures in the body of water. A participant may move from station to station, or apparatus to apparatus, by swimming, floating, traveling underwater, walking or jogging in the body of water, or using a conveyor. In some embodiments, participant identifiers are coupled to the one or more participants. The participant identifiers may be used to assess a status of the participants in the gambling facility or water amusement park system.

Abstract: The water amusement ride according to the invention has watercraft that are pulled through the body of water (1) on a traction cable (40). These watercraft are composed of a frame (10), pulled by the traction cable (40), on which a float (20) having a platform (24) is rotatably supported and on the underside of which is provided with a blade wheel (30). When the watercraft is moved through the body of water (1) in the direction of the arrow (A), the blade wheel (30) together with the float (20) are set in rotational motion by the resulting flow.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, a floating water park positioned in a body of water is described, as well as, a floating marine park. A floating marine/water park may include one or more floating containers positioned in a body of a first fluid. One or more of the floating containers may function to hold a second fluid, marine life, and/or participants in water amusement activities. At least a portion of a floating marine park may be coupled to at least a water amusement ride.

Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, a floating water park positioned in a body of water is described, as well as, a floating marine park. A floating marine/water park may include one or more floating containers positioned in a body of a first fluid. One or more of the floating containers may function to hold a second fluid, marine life, and/or participants in water amusement activities. A water transportation system may include a floating marine/water park.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating exercise mat. The mat has a substantially planar surface with distal and proximal ends. The mat has a headrest secured to the proximal end. The headrest is thicker than the body of the mat to support the head of a user. The body of the mat has two apertures therein, where each aperture has a handle disposed therein. The handles provide the user a gripping surface so that the user can perform exercises when gripping the floating mat. The distal end of the body of the mat has resistance wings secured thereon. The resistance wings can be made of a rigid material such as polycarbonate. The wings can be in the shape of a oval, triangle, semicircle, triangle, or a rectangle.

Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. The system may include one or more fluid jets. The fluid jets may function to produce a fluid stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as a velocity of a participant at each of the fluid jet locations and are oriented tangentially with respect to the surface of the source of water so as to contact a participant and/or participant vehicle. An amusement ride system may include a system for controlling a participant flow rate through a multi path water amusement ride system.

Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may include a rollable carrier. The rollable carrier may include an exterior rollable surface and an inner area. The inner area may include a participant container. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may include a water path system. The water path system may function to substantially contain the rollable carrier such that the rollable carrier will remain in the water path system while rolling. In some embodiments, a rollable carrier may function to roll in a water path system while containing a participant in the participant container.

Abstract: A floating aquatic stair stepper (1) having a frame (2) with support bars (6, 7), two extension legs (4) secured to the frame (2) and two foot placement steps (3) movably secured to each extension leg (4). The support bars (6, 7) permit a user to comfortably rest his or her hands, arms and shoulders, thereby permitting him or her to float. The foot placement steps (3) are each preferably slidably secured to extension legs (4). To use, a person raises and lowers each foot so as to simulate climbing stairs. The extension legs (4) may be fixedly secured to the frame (2) to provide for upward and downward movement only, or pivotally secured to the frame (2) to provide forward and backward movement of the legs as well. To further intensify the up and down movement of the present invention, resistance bands (5) may be used to secure the frame (2) to the foot placement steps (3).

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a kit for converting an elongated flexible noodle-type personal floatation device into a floating exercise assembly. Specifically, the rider straddles the flexible noodle-type device while rotating the first exercising assembly and/or the second exercising assembly for exercising the user's lower and upper body, respectively.

Abstract: The water amusement ride according to the invention has watercraft that are pulled through the body of water (1) on a traction cable (40). These watercraft are composed of a frame (10), pulled by the traction cable (40), on which a float (20) having a platform (24) is rotatably supported and on the underside of which is provided with a blade wheel (30). When the watercraft is moved through the body of water (1) in the direction of the arrow (A), the blade wheel (30) together with the float (20) are set in rotational motion by the resulting flow.

Abstract: A flotation device includes an elongated and flexible member with a channel extending between longitudinal ends of the flexible member, where the flexible member is configured to support an individual within water during a recreational activity, and a nozzle member securable to the flexible member. The nozzle member includes a flexible bulb member with at least one opening and a shaft suitably dimensioned to fit within the channel of the flexible member to secure the nozzle member to the flexible member. The bulb member can be squeezed to establish a pressure differential between a location within the bulb member and a location near the at least one opening.

Abstract: A device for dabbling in water. A body section has a support frame which possesses a configuration of a ring so that a user can freely pass through the ring. A first floating section has first rods which are secured to the support frame to be spaced apart one from another by a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction and extend downward from the support frame, second rods which are respectively coupled to the first rods, and first floating parts which are respectively provided to lower ends of the second rods to float the supporting frame and a user. A second floating section has wires which are connected at one ends thereof to the support frame, and a pair of second floating parts which are connected to the other ends of the wires to be worn on the feet of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport and gliding device for surfboards, comprising a guided stream of water influenc-ing the action of the surfboard, and a plurality of flexible parallel tubes (1) which are inclined at an angle (2) and have a non-abrasive, pressure-insensitive cover. Water flows upstream through said tubes which are preferably arranged or fixed on a solid base with spac-ers. In the region of the board gliding thereover, the cross-section of the tubes is reduced to a maximum value of zero by the gliding and squashing edge (5) of the board. In this way, the upwardly flowing water column (3) in the tube moves the board (4) with the surfer upwards. Strong jets of water (8) are also sprayed upwards on the surface of the tube, hitting the lower side of the board when it tilts and thus also pushing the board with the surfer upwards. The inventive gliding device can either be used in a buoyant manner on a lake, on the land or in areas with pools.

Abstract: A flotation device includes an elongated and flexible member with a channel extending between longitudinal ends of the flexible member, where the flexible member is configured to support an individual within water during a recreational activity, and a nozzle member securable to the flexible member. The nozzle member includes a flexible bulb member with at least one opening and a shaft suitably dimensioned to fit within the channel of the flexible member to secure the nozzle member to the flexible member. The bulb member can be squeezed to establish a pressure differential between a location within the bulb member and a location near the at least one opening.

Abstract: A flotation device includes an elongate buoyant body and an outwardly extending seat disposed intermediate first and second longitudinal ends of the buoyant body. The flotation device is configured to buoyantly support a user in both a reclining and a sitting position. In the reclining position, the body is disposed in a substantially flat configuration. In the sitting position, the body is substantially bent adjacent the seat for at least partially supporting the trunk of the user, and the seat extends between the legs of the user for abuttingly supporting the crotch of the user. The seat is provided with an oar coupling assembly for operatively coupling an oar thereto. The buoyant body is further provided with a solidifying component that extends outwardly from the body to act as a keel when the body is in the reclined position.

Abstract: A water entertainment assembly of shoreline mounted and floating water based modules releasably interconnected with edge joints, bridges, or strung along a flexible cord that is constructed on a beach or anchored to the sea floor in any selected configuration, including individual modules and assemblies for use as: deck platforms; shelters or kiosks; docks; playground equipment; parasols; bars; pool decks; seating areas; a swimming safety barrier, swimming spectator seating; floating dock platforms for various water based activities; containers for artificial grass and planters; floating spectator seating area; floating dock platform; floating platform for mounting various water activity accessories such as: a slide; a diving board; a ladder, bridge for spanning between adjacent platform modules; a lifeguard station; a trampoline; water area illumination; audio speakers; and a contoured seating surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an aquatic game that floats on the water and releases treasure members at different time intervals. The aquatic game comprises a base member adapted to float on the water. The base member has an upper portion above disposed the water and a lower portion disposed below the water. The lower portion has first and second exit channels in communication with the water. The aquatic game further comprises an upper member rotatably engaged to the base member from a first position to a second position. The upper member further comprises a cavity portion having an opening. The aquatic game further comprises first and second treasure members disposed in the cavity portion of the upper member. Each of the first and second treasure members are design with sufficient weight and buoyancy to sink in the water.

Abstract: The present invention is a recreational floating device for use by a person in water such as a swimming pool. The device comprises a board member adapted to float on the water. The board member comprises an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is in contact with the water. The device further comprises a projectile retention member engaged with the board member and a projectile member retained by the projectile retention member. The device further comprises a projectile trigger member engaged with the projectile retention member and operable by the person to dispense the projectile member thru the water. In another embodiment, the device further comprises a projectile viewing member that allows the person to view the projectile member after firing or dispensing.

Abstract: An improved floatboard having a manually operable articulating member formed thereon. The articulating member is designed to assume a first inwardly biased position and a second outwardly extended position. The articulating member is provided with a stop member designed and oriented to engage with a stop surface formed on the floatboard when the articulating member is actuated to assume the second outwardly extended position to thus prevent a catastrophic tear from forming between the articulating member and the floatboard. The articulating member is further preferably provided with a surface that will enable the member to be easily grasped and manipulated. The floatboard of the present invention may additionally be formed to assume the appearance of a particular animal or creature, with the articulating member simulating the jaw or claw of such animal or creature.

Abstract: An interactive target game system for one or more players includes at least one designator, in the form of a pistol, holdable by a player for aiming at a target and operating to simulate shooting at the target. The designator includes a photodetector for detecting an electromagnetic beam when the designator is accurately aimed at a beam source. Also included is at least one target viewable by the player for periodically producing an electromagnetic beam which is directed outwardly of the target. During those times that the target is producing the beam, a visible light signal is produced to alert the player that the target is "active". When the designator is accurately aimed at the target and operated to detect an electromagnetic beam, a visual and/or audible signal is produced by the designator to indicate that a "hit" has occurred.

Abstract: A floatation toy device includes a cylindrical elongated member, a variable buoyancy collar and an attachment collar. The floatation toy device provides for an improved and variable buoyancy of the floatation toy device by the user.

Abstract: An amusement ride includes a vehicle traveling down a chute through a region of water. The vehicle is shaped to minimize splashing and to allow water to flow away from the vehicle. The vehicle flanks are curved to deflect splashing water down and away from the vehicle, and the vehicle bow has upper flanks to deflect water down and away from the vehicle. The vehicle bottom has a concave channel to accommodate water displaced by the vehicle. The vehicle has sets of wheels for traveling, for guiding lateral motion, and for interlocking with floating prevention mechanism. A groove along each side of the vehicle accommodates a splash prevention member on the water chute.

Abstract: An inflatable recreational inner tube toy comprising a seat further including a toroid-shaped inflatable primary tube having a bottom surface, a top surface, an inner periphery defining a hollow interior, an outer periphery, a plurality of straps extended across the interior and coupled to the inner periphery, a generally-inflatable leg rest integrally coupled to and extended outwards from the outer periphery of the primary tube, and a valve for allowing the seat to be inflated and deflated; and a back rest formed of a toroid-shaped inflatable secondary tube sized smaller than the primary tube with the back rest coupled to the inner periphery of the primary tube and extended upwards therefrom and with the back rest further including a valve coupled thereto for allowing it to be inflated and deflated.

Abstract: A water teeter-totter is provided having a seating member for two or more persons. The seating member is pivotally mounted to a floating, buoyant support member, such as one defined by a pair of pontoons. The seating member is rockable relative to the floating support member by seated persons in a seesaw motion. In an embodiment, a propeller or other mover is operably connected to the seating body and propels the water totter device through the water upon rocking of the seating member relative to the floating support member(s).

Abstract: An open cage for occupancy by a person, for recreational water activities. The person walks, runs, or otherwise maneuvers while inside, thus rotating the cage and propelling the same across the water. The open frame has floats attached to the exterior, the floats comprising toroidal, inflatable members, such as rubber, pneumatic inner tubes. Paddles comprising a cruciform arrangement of rigid sheets are attached to the open frame and project from inside each toroidal float. The paddles enhance engagement of the water, and the cruciform configuration enables the paddle to be effective regardless of the angle of travel across the water surface. The floats are strapped around cage frame members, there being an interior plate which anchors the straps and which clips to cage frame members. A friction tread disposed upon each plate affords a foot hold to a user. The cage frame assembles in peg and socket fashion.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention is a safe birling amusement for use in swimming pools, in which a rotating central cylinder is flanked longitudinally by two stationary approach cylinders with flattened tops; pipes extending through the centers of all three cylinders support the structure, and these support pipes are set in adjustable brackets in two facing vertical walls of the pool. All three cylinders are covered with soft foam, and a foam guard is placed over the bracket and poolside surface; thus approach to the birling cylinder is easy and safe. As well, the rotational speed of the birling cylinder is decreased by virtue of paddle-wheels within that contact the pool water; this allows users to balance more easily.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a float (1) in the form of a body of revolution, a pair of arms (20) connected to the central portion of the float and extending symmetrically on either side of the float, and a pair of gripping members (31), each of which is accessible by a user (U1, U2) supported on one of said arms (20), whereby two users located opposite each other can impart a rocking movement to the apparatus about the axis of revolution (XX') of the float.

Abstract: A buoyant support for a human comprises a plurality of sections for the head, upper back, and buttocks, respectively. The sections are hingedly connected to each other so that the unit may be folded into a compact package. At least two of the sections are longitudinally adjustable to each other to facilitate fitting individuals of different size. The device preferably is fabricated of a plastic cellular material to achieve desired buoyancy in water, light weight and cost effectiveness.

Abstract: A flotation system to support rehabilitation of patients in an aquatic environment. The system includes a restriction pad to limit the level of flexing associated with select aquatic exercises and pathologies. In addition, the system includes two symmetrically opposed outriggers connected to the upper float section for increase stability during use along with a strapping system on all sections to decrease movement on the device.The rehabilitation float system of the present invention permits patient access to aquatic based exercises even when the patient is handicapped or being rehabilitated from a significant and disabling trauma.

Abstract: A buoyancy device for individuals engaged in water related activities is disclosed, with the buoyancy device having features useful for individuals engaged in water based exercises such as water based aerobics. The device has a configuration which is that of a somewhat bloated trapezoid symmetrical about its axes.