Abstract: An amusement device has an elongated track along which one or more amusement device seat assemblies adapted to carry the one or more passengers are moveable. Each seat assembly has a seat with a seating surface and a back support with a back support surface. The seat assembly further includes a bar construction attached to a pivot mechanism. This bar construction has a hip bar and one or more pivot arms integral with the hip bar, which bar construction is pivotable about the pivot axis from a raised position in which the hip bar is raised from the seating surface to allow a passenger to sit down in the amusement device seat assembly, to a lowered position. No part of the bar construction takes away the view of the person and limits the movements of the arms of the person, allowing the passenger to experience a great sense of freedom.

Abstract: The patron restraint system for amusement rides includes a locking receiver with a locking assembly for engaging a restraining strap. The engagement of the restraining strap in the locking receiver can be verified by a ride operator by visual or physical inspection, or by a sensor system indicating the locked or unlocked state of the locking receiver. A latching ratchet mechanism may be provided in the receiver to restrict movement of the restraining strap until it is released by the ride operator. The sensor system includes an acoustic sensor that detects alignment of an aperture with a piezoelectric acoustic emitter and an acoustic detector.

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 lap bar assembly with dual lap bar and grab bar functions. The assembly includes a locking mechanism and a lap bar pivotally mounted to the locking mechanism via a support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a ratchet wheel affixed to the support shaft. A pawl is pivotally supported within the locking mechanism on a pawl support axle parallel to and spaced apart from the lap bar support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a trip cam pivotally attached to the lap bar support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a cam follower that selectively engages the pawl. The locking mechanism is configured to automatically first lock in a first position (or ride position) with the pawl engaging teeth of the ratchet wheel and then second lock in a second position (or released position) with the pawl engaging the ratchet wheel on an uplock surface spaced apart the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus has a platform, pulleys mounted below the platform, a cable extending around the pulleys, a motor coupled to a pulley to cause the cable to move, a passenger vehicle supported by wheels on the platform, and a swing coupling having a horizontal arm coupled to the passenger vehicle and a vertical element coupled to the arm and coupled to the cable. The cable traverses a path having both left and right turns. In one embodiment, the platform defines a continuous slot located above and substantially following the path. In another embodiment, the platform defines a continuous slot with first portions above but laterally parallel the cable on one side of the cable, second portions above and laterally parallel the cable on the other side of the cable, and third portions crossing over the cable and connecting the first and second portions. Different swing coupling arrangements are described.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention discloses a method for animating an advertising device. The method comprising multiple steps such as providing a track system and a tower that is operatively coupled to the track. The tower can comprise one or more substantially transparent sections. The method further comprises providing a base support system that is operatively coupled to the tower. The base can be operatively coupled to a facade with one or more substantially non-transparent sections. The method further includes providing a vehicle system comprising a passenger-carrying vehicle that is operatively coupled to the track. Finally, the method includes animating the advertising device by transporting the vehicle between the substantially transparent section of the tower and the substantially non-transparent section of the facade. The vehicle movement can, for example, simulate fluid movement between the tower and the facade.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus includes at least a pair of interconnected platforms configured to move on a track. A seat may be connected to at least one of the platforms and may include, for example, a support and an immobilization device for immobilizing the user on the support suitable for acting on the user's back. The seat may optionally have a motorcycle shape and may include handlebars and retractable leg extensions projecting from each side of the seat for maintaining a user's legs in a crouched motorcycle riding position. At least one of the platforms may include a bridging portion to bridge a gap between the platforms during, for example, loading and unloading of the amusement apparatus with riders.

Abstract: A child motion device has a frame assembly configured to rest on a support surface. The frame assembly includes at least one track configured to slidably receive a child seat assembly. The track can extend in any desired direction and include a geometric profile so that as the seat assembly travels along the track, a desired motion profile is imparted onto the seat assembly and to the child seated therein.

Abstract: A seat for amusement apparatus, unusually suitable for allowing the user to adopt a new position on the apparatus, comprising a support and means for immobilising the user on the support. The immobilising means comprise at least one support in front of the user and opposing means suitable for acting on the user's back. The opposing means comprises an arm which can move between a lowered position in which the user can sit down on the support and a raised position in which one end of the arm abuts against the user's back.

Abstract: A circular track may be flat or hilly. Riding on the track is a big wheel sized larger than a rider compartment. The rider compartment is supported out bound from the big wheel's axle. The big wheel's inbound axle is attached to a radius arm which is powered by a conventional rotating hub. The radius arms are pivotally connected to the hub to allow an up and down movement on a hilly track. The rider compartment has a magnetic coupler assembly to the axle to enable an automatic and/or a rider controlled head over heels spinning of the rider compartment while the big wheel is traveling in its circular path around the hub.

Abstract: A pair of opposed inflatable bladders form a false floor, ceiling or wall having a seam through which an object support is propelled, deforming the inflatable bladders around the support, thereby giving the appearance that an object mounted on the support above the bladders is self-propelled above the false floor, ceiling or wall.

Abstract: A fun-ride more particularly for amusement parks, fairs and the like comprises at least one rail vehicle 1 and a guide lap for the vehicle 1. In a lateral projection a lap section 2 of the guide lap essentially constitutes a loop, the lap section 2 comprising a first uphill section 3 and a second downhill section 4 and the top ends of the sections are connected together. At least in the uphill section 3 the means 5 for engagement with the vehicle 1 is arranged. This means may for example be a holding brake or a coupling device. It is preferably operated when the vehicle 1 comes to a halt after a downward movement owing to the action of gravity on the vehicle 1.

Abstract: Transformable scenery includes a shell wherein at least one discrete portion of the shell is configured to be transformable between one outward appearance and one or more other outward appearances wherein the one outward appearance and the one or more other outward appearances are three-dimensional.

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 runway over which can travel vehicles driven by gravity, comprising a supporting structure and a track line structure sustained by the supporting structure and extending from a upper start region to a lower arrival region, wherein the supporting structure is limited to a central region of the runway by forming a pillar, and the track line structure includes some track line sections directly connected to the supporting structure and several overhanging track line sections of large extent, which project out of the supporting structure and are sustained by the same by means of rigging systems whose extension can be regulated; these rigging systems establish the geometrical location of the overhanging track line sections.

Abstract: An amusement ride and fall apparatus includes a track having a discharge point below which there is a substantial drop. A passenger is propelled along the track to the discharge point and discharged therefrom with a horizontal component of motion. The passenger then free falls. An elastic tie having a second first end and free second end connected directly or indirectly to the passenger limits the free fall and, together with the horizontal component of motion imparted to the passenger, causes the passenger to swing and bounce for a period of time at the end of the free fall. At the end of the ride and fall the passenger is released safely. The invention therefore provides a trill similar to that of a bungee jump but with enhancements.

Abstract: The invention provides an interactive dark ride configured and designed to stimulate the development of creative thinking and problem solving abilities and to encourage group cooperation and team work. A dark ride vehicle is also provided having inward-facing seating adapted to facilitate socializing and group gaming activities among ride participants during the ride sequence. Various interactive effects are provided along a defined ride path and/or along various associated ride cueing areas. The interactive effects are configured and arranged such that ride participants selectively actuate the various effects by successfully completing various requested tasks. Some or all of the interactive effects require the cooperation of multiple ride participants (either on the same vehicle, other vehicles and/or in adjacent queuing areas) in order to actuate the desired effect(s).

Abstract: An amusement device comprising at least one holder for a person and a securing device for detachably securing a person in the holder. The holder comprises at least a seat and a backrest. The securing device includes at least two straps, first ends of which are positioned near a part of the backrest remote from the seat and second ends of which are positioned near the seat. The straps are each fitted with a lock plate between said first and said second ends, which lock plates can be detachably locked together. The straps furthermore each include at least one spring element, wherein the straps can be moved towards the holder against spring force.

Abstract: An amusement ride that simulates the sport of drag racing. The ride includes a vehicle propelled by a compressed fluid system. They compressed fluid system includes a pressure sleeve slid over and receiving pressure from a pressure tube. The vehicle is attached to the pressure sleeve such that pressure entering the pressure sleeve through the pressure tube from a pressure source causes separation of the pressure tube and pressure sleeve thereby moving the vehicle. The compressed fluid system further includes a main dump valve operative to supply pressure to the pressure tube on demand. Accordingly, the release of pressure into the pressure sleeve causes the vehicle to rapidly accelerate and simulate the sport of drag racing.

Abstract: A roller coaster ride includes a pair of spaced apart parallel tracks and a car assembly. The car assembly includes a superstructure with wheels which engage the track and a passenger compartment which is coupled to the superstructure but force-isolated from it by force controlling devices. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the force controlling devices include springs and pneumatic cylinders. The pneumatic cylinders are preferably controlled by an electrically operated pump/valve in response to signals from the roller coaster operator and/or a computer. The passenger compartment is preferably provided with a plurality of sensors for sensing velocity and acceleration as well as the condition of doors and restraints. According to one embodiment of the invention, the outputs from sensors are transmitted to the roller coaster operator and the operator manually activates pumps/valves to alter the forces acting on the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An amusement ride comprises a hollow launch tube having an inner surface and first and second ends, the first end being open; a passenger vehicle having an outer peripheral surface which forms a substantial seal with the inner surface of the launch tube so as to form a substantially sealed space inside said launch tube from said passenger vehicle to the second end of the launch tube; guidance means for guiding said passenger vehicle along a pre-determined path to exit the launch tube, said guidance means being self-rigid and extending through said open first end along said pre-determined path; and a pressurized gas source for introducing pressurized gas into the substantially sealed space inside said launch tube sufficient to launch the passenger vehicle along said guidance means and out of the launch tube.

Abstract: A method for moving at least one carriage over a guide by transport mechanism, wherein the carriage, which can be moved over the guide, is connected to an engaging mechanism, which can be moved by the transport mechanism, whereupon the carriage is moved in a direction of transport over the guide by the engaging mechanism, after which the engaging mechanism is moved with respect to the carriage in a direction opposed to the direction of transport, and the engaging mechanism is disconnected from the carriage. An amusement device utilizing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a floor deck assembly slideably mounted inside the body of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion and telescopically extended away from the body toward a loading platform when the vehicle is at rest. A ramp assembly is supported by the floor deck assembly and may be deployed to accommodate a guest in a wheelchair. To promote safety, the ramp and vehicle door preferably have automatic latch mechanisms. Also for safety purposes, if the vehicle door is not completely pushed back or closed in the locked position, an override switch connected to the door release mechanism, prevents the ride from running. To maintain the ride capacity at all times, a companion seat is built into the vehicle body and a conversion seat can be deployed if no guest in a wheelchair is being accommodated.

Abstract: The installation for amusement park, comprises at least one vehicle designed in such a way as to be able to accommodate at least one passenger in at least one seat, associated with at least one retention device. The retention device comprises a pivoting bar mounted on a retention element intended to retain the passenger in the seat. The retention element features a complex spatial shape, of which the lower part, intended to come in contact with the passenger's thighs, comprises for this purpose two recesses forming a hollow corresponding approximately to the size of the passenger's thighs.

Abstract: The invention discloses an amusement park comprising an elevated wooden racetrack built in combination with another park activity. The combination comprises a wooden racetrack surface extending along at least one portion elevated above ground level, and a support frame comprising a plurality of vertical supports connected to support the elevated portion above ground level, and another park facility constructed at least partially below the elevated portion of the racetrack to thereby conserve space in the amusement park. The combination includes a go-kart as the motorized amusement vehicle. The park facility constructed below the racetrack is selected from an amusement ride, a building, and a parking lot, the amusement ride being particularly a boat ride having bumper boats. An amusement ride includes a second racetrack operated at least partially below an elevated portion of the first racetrack, and sharing a pit area therewith.

Abstract: A track-mounted ride powered by compressed gas injected either into a tube surrounding the vehicle of the ride or into a housing having a piston connected to a catch that removably engages the vehicle. The track can be an open course or a closed course. Braking is accomplished either by braking systems traditionally utilized in the art of track-mounted amusement rides or by using a tube which the vehicle enters and in which the vehicle compresses air to produce pneumatic braking.

Abstract: A merry-go-round with a frame supported for rotation by a plurality of driven wheels, the merry-go-round having a space for a wheel chair and a space for a non-wheel chair bound person. Each separate space on the merry-go-round is associated with a respective crank assembly such that a person in that space can drive one of the driven wheels through a crank. A plurality of smaller wheels secured to the underside of the frame provide additional support for the merry-go-round. The person in the non-wheel chair bound space can stand on the frame, or in an alternate embodiment can sit on a chair. Because the merry-go-round has spaces for both wheel chairs and non-wheel chair bound people, both can use the merry-go-round at the same time.

Abstract: An amusement park includes a plurality of rides, each ride being provided with car support mechanisms. Each car support mechanism is configured to receive and support an automotive vehicle filled with at least one passenger.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a seat for accommodating a rider in a wheelchair. A door attached to the seat pivots outwardly. The seat bottom folds down and a seat back pivotably attached to the seat bottom retracts, to create space for maneuvering a wheelchair and reveals storage panels for wheelchair tiedowns. A fixed companion seat is provided alongside the space created for the wheelchair. To accommodate non-physically disabled riders, the seat bottom is moved to an up position and the seat back moved out, to align with the seat bottom and back of the fixed companion seat. The door, when in the closed position, engages a seat lock that supports the folding seat on both sides.

Abstract: The device for simulating longitudinal and transverse accelerations on a vehicle compartment has a first motion level for longitudinal displacement of the compartment and, placed on top of the former, a second motion level for transverse displacement of the compartment. To simplify the construction in the interests of low production costs and to allow large mechanical loads to be applied while keeping the height of the assembly low, a pair of bogies configured at a fixed longitudinal distance from one another can run in each level on the appropriate one of two parallel tracks. Each track of the mutually perpendicular pairs is at least in the front and rear track regions uniformly ascending. The second motion level directly accommodates the vehicle compartment.

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: An amusement ride vehicle has a seat on a seat chassis. The seat moves up for assisting a physically disabled person to enter or exit the vehicle. The seat moves down before the vehicle begins to ride. A slide is attachable to the vehicle to help a disabled person get into and out of the elevated seat. The seat chassis can pivot forward to provide access to the motor which lifts and lowers the seat.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle with motion controlled seating includes a chassis supporting a platform. Guests are transported through an amusement attraction in seating attached to the platform. Preferably, the guests ride in a chair having a hinged seat pan adapted to effect a bouncing motion or a chair adapted to effect a rocking motion. An actuator is advantageously provided to move the chair at a predetermined time. In a preferred embodiment, a triggering mechanism drops the seat pan from an inclined position to a declined position at a predetermined time, and a reset assembly returns the seat pan to the inclined position.

Abstract: A realistic roller coaster simulator is disclosed having one or more passenger seats equipped with a safety harness and mounted for 360 degree rotational movement along at least two axes for simulating the motion of a roller coaster. A controller is provided for controlling and coordinating the motion of the simulator with a simulation controller which generates to the passenger synchronized audio and visual effects which would be experienced by a passenger on a roller coaster of a predetermined design. Linked to the simulator is a design station where a passenger can design his or her own roller coaster. Upon entering the simulator station, the passenger's design can be accessed from memory and selected for simulation on the simulator vehicle. Upon initiation of the simulation, the passenger can experience in real time the visual, motive, audible and other effects (such as wind, heat, cold, water, etc.) of the simulated roller coaster ride which the passenger has designed.

Abstract: A vehicle playing apparatus on which a player himself or herself operates a simulation vehicle. The apparatus comprises a vehicle moving variably on which a player rides, driving mechanism 33, 70 for driving the vehicle detection member 25, 26, 35 for detecting a state of the vehicle, operation member 42, 46 provided on the vehicle, and controller 80 for controlling the drive mechanism based on a detection signal inputted from the detection member and an operation signal inputted from the operation member. The controller judges the state of the vehicle in accordance with the detection signal, indication and timing of the operation signal in view of the state, of vehicle to output an instruction signal to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A wheeled child seat is provided including a seat having a bottom, a back integrally coupled to the bottom and extending upwardly therefrom. A harness is provided for securing a child within the seat. Also included is a drive assembly having wheels mounted on the seat, a plurality of batteries mounted on the seat, and a motor coupled to the seat and in communication with the wheels for rotating the same upon actuation.

Abstract: A control system for a motion simulator and the associated method of operating the motion simulator. The control system contains a memory. Within the memory is a plurality of pre-programmed maneuvers that are capable of being simulated by the motion simulator. An interface is provided that enables a person to select some of the pre-programmed maneuvers from the memory in a desired sequence, prior to that person entering the motion simulator. Once a certain sequence of maneuvers is selected, the motion simulator simulates those maneuvers in the chosen sequence. This enables each rider of the motion simulator to design his/her own simulation each time that person uses the motion simulator. The control system also enables a rider to program the motion simulator at the sight of the motion simulator or at home, via a personal computer.

Abstract: A carousel for carnivals and amusement parks of the type comprising a loading and unloading station (10) for passengers in vehicles moving about the path of a tubular railway (1) defining curves, ups and downs. Each vehicle (2) comprises a rolling platform (3) and a nacelle (4) accommodating the passengers, the nacelle (4) being constituted by a passenger compartment independent of the rolling platform (3) and being mounted pivotally on the rolling platform (3). The vehicle (2) has structure adapted to limit the pivoting of the nacelle (4) and to return it toward a stable forward position with the passengers facing in the direction of movement of the vehicle (2).

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 ride attraction has vehicles on a vehicle path. An animated figure over or on one side of the vehicle path is concealed from the path, and passengers in the vehicles on the path, by a waterfall. As the vehicles approach the waterfall, a diverter closes off the waterfall or diverts the waterfall into sidewalls creating an opening and exposing the animated figure. Simultaneously, the animated figure moves forward through the waterfall, or the plane of the waterfall, and approaches the oncoming vehicle. The sudden emergence and movement of the animated figure from a concealed position behind the waterfall adds to the excitement of the ride attraction.

Abstract: A reversing Gravity Fed Orbital Ride "GFOR" (10) produces a repeating, descending and ascending orbital rotation, influenced by the tug of gravity. A plurality of variably inclining and declining paths, defined in a central column (12). A passenger carriage (14) supports seats (48) and guides (22), that interlock with the closed loop paths. Passengers are elevated to an Event Horizon (42) by rotating column (12), while simultaneously inhibiting the rotation of carriage (14). Passengers are driven along a descending orbital course, after reaching the Event Horizon. Thus, passengers can experience an intense centrifugal G-Force sensation and/or weightlessness. When maximum rotational velocity is obtained, a reverse in the vertical direction sends the passengers in an orbital ascent, that slows to a brief stop, reverses it's rotational direction and begins another descent. This repeats until built momentum is spent.

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 relates to a ride vehicle for use in an amusement attraction. The ride vehicle mounts a passenger supporting structure upon a motion base, so that the passenger supporting 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 supporting 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 by a redundant, two computer control system aboard each vehicle, which controls motions of the ride vehicle in synchronism with actions of the motion base and other special effects in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of ride programs.

Abstract: A vehicle that provides safe and stable transportation of passengers, yet allows passengers, including wheelchair-bound passengers, to quickly enter and exit the vehicle without climbing up or down and without stepping on the seats has been provided. The preferred embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention, which is towed by an underwater cable system, has a double hull construction with a fixed outer hull and a moveable inner hull or seating platform, which may be raised or lowered. In the ride dispatch area, the inner hull is raised so that the floor of the inner hull is even with that of the vehicle gunwales and the dispatch floor level. During the ride, the hull is lowered so that the floor of the inner hull is below the level of the vehicle gunwales, and thus the vehicle forms a secure and stable seating compartment configuration for the duration of the ride. The vehicle is further equipped to secure wheelchair-bound guests to the inner hull quickly and easily.

Abstract: A motion simulator having a people-holding capsule attached at the front end and at the rear end to a supporting structure. The supporting structure has movable arms that, when extended or retracted, provide positive and negative pitch to the capsule. The supporting structure also provides the mechanism for rotating the capsule up to and in excess of 360 degrees. It is also possible to make the support structure capable of supporting forward/backward as well as side-by-side motion. With a video display system installed inside the capsule providing optical cues, this invention provides the motion cues necessary to provide a safe entertainment environment for passengers.

Abstract: An amusement car ride system having multiple axis rotation of the car with decentralized control processing and centralized system monitoring allows significant improvement in ride control and flexibility. The seat portion 28 of the car is attached to a dolly 14 through an articulating structure providing rotation about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. Drive motors 56, 60 connected to the articulating structure provide rotation about the axes and a programmable controller 64 connected to the drive motors provides power and position information. Sensors connected to the controller sense actual position of the drive motor, position of the car relative to the track at desired locations, and general elements of car status. A communication system integral with the controller communicates to a master controller in one or more cars for overall control of the system.

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: An amusement park attraction having a dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in the amusement park attraction or other environment. The ride vehicle includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including Ycomputer 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 in the amusement park attraction. 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.