Abstract: Systems and related methods related to structures with large-scale rotatable elements. Some of the present systems comprise: a tower defining a plurality of human-habitable spaces; a tower hub coupled to the tower and having a transverse dimension of at least 50 feet; an observation wheel rotatably coupled to the tower and having a central wheel hub; and one or more bearings disposed between the tower hub and the wheel hub to rotatably support the observation wheel relative to the tower.

Abstract: Mobile subassembly (30) to receive and convey at least one passenger, comprising a support (20), a cabin (22) and a cabin (22) guide (32) in relation to the support (20) in rotation around a horizontal reference axis (200). The mobile subassembly (30) is equipped with a stabilization system (36) comprising at least one gear ring (38) attached to the support (20), at least one sprocket (40), a motor (66) comprising a motor shaft which turns around an axis which is fixed in relation to the cabin (22) a kinematic transmission chain between the motor shaft and the sprocket (40), and a coupling mechanism to guide the sprocket between an engagement position with the gear ring, in which the first sprocket is able to mesh with the first gear ring (38), and an uncoupled position in which the first sprocket (40) is a distance away and disengaged from the first gear ring (38).

Abstract: A fairground ride includes a first section which includes a travel route on which at least one vehicle is movably arranged. The vehicle is designed for accommodating at least one passenger. The fairground ride also includes a second section within which the passenger can move freely, a third section which connects the first section to the second section and in which the passenger can enter the vehicle and can exit from the vehicle, and a VR apparatus for generating and depicting a virtual reality. The virtual reality corresponds to a journey of the passenger with the vehicle along the travel route in the first section, to the position and movement of the passenger in the second section and to the entry and/or the exit of the passenger in the third section. The virtual reality can be depicted on a head-mounted display assigned to the passenger.

Abstract: Systems and related methods related to structures with large-scale rotatable elements. Some of the present systems comprise: a tower; a tower hub coupled to the tower and having a transverse dimension of at least 50 feet; an observation wheel rotatably coupled to the tower and having a central wheel hub; a plurality of roller bearings disposed between the tower hub and the wheel hub to rotatably support the observation wheel relative to the structure, the roller bearings each having a diameter that is less than one quarter of the transverse dimension of the wheel hub.

Abstract: A ride system including a ride vehicle, the ride vehicle being operable to support a ride patron having a display arrangement for displaying a viewing script to the ride patron during a ride event during which the ride vehicle travels along an event path located within a volume.

Abstract: Various embodiments of load carrying systems comprise a load supporting frame comprising three or more connection points and an associated set of lifts configured which define six separate triangles defining separate planes configured to brace against surge, sway and yaw with respect to a support frame, such as unintended or unwanted surge, sway and yaw, while allowing intended and/or desired surge, sway and yaw.

Abstract: Various embodiments of load carrying systems comprise a load supporting frame comprising three or more connection points and an associated set of lifts configured which define six separate triangles defining separate planes configured to brace against surge, sway and yaw with respect to a support frame, such as unintended or unwanted surge, sway and yaw, while allowing intended and/or desired surge, sway and yaw.

Abstract: An improved inverted motion base with left, right, and rear supports, a carriage to travel along a length of the rear support. The inverted motion base includes a first cable connected to the carriage and wound about a first drum to raise and lower the carriage, and left and right load carrying arms, each connected to a respective left and right ends of a transverse support member. The inverted motion base further includes a second cable connected to the right load carrying arm to raise and lower the right load carrying arm, and a third cable connected to the left load carrying arm to raise and lower the second end of the left load carrying arm. One or more rows of seats are positioned between and suspended from the right and left load carrying arms, each row of seats being parallel to the other row of seats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attraction (100) for amusement rides, such as a fairground attraction or an amusement park attraction. The attraction comprises two towers (101), each provided with a drivable arm (102) which is mounted rotatably on the tower. The attraction is provided with a number of gondolas (104), each with a number of seats (105), wherein each gondola is connected to the arms. According to the invention the attraction comprises at least one carrier arm (103) which extends between the arms (102) and each gondola (104) is connected to the carrier arm for rotation about at least one rotation axis (R1, R2) extending substantially transversely of the carrier arm.

Abstract: Systems and related methods related to structures with large-scale rotatable elements. Some of the present systems comprise: a tower; a tower hub coupled to the tower and having a transverse dimension of at least 50 feet; an observation wheel rotatably coupled to the tower and having a central wheel hub; a plurality of roller bearings disposed between the tower hub and the wheel hub to rotatably support the observation wheel relative to the structure, the roller bearings each having a diameter that is less than one quarter of the transverse dimension of the wheel hub.

Abstract: Systems and related methods related to structures with large-scale rotatable elements. Some of the present systems comprise: a tower; a tower hub coupled to the tower and having a transverse dimension of at least 50 feet; an observation wheel rotatably coupled to the tower and having a central wheel hub; a plurality of roller bearings disposed between the tower hub and the wheel hub to rotatably support the observation wheel relative to the structure, the roller bearings each having a diameter that is less than one quarter of the transverse dimension of the wheel hub.

Abstract: The observation wheel is the arrangement of passenger modules in groups with a distance between the groups circumferentially which exceeds the distance circumferentially between the passenger modules in the groups. An outer annular element is reinforced in the areas in which the groups are arranged.

Abstract: A mobile unit for transportation of at least one passenger comprises a car accommodating this passenger and an assembly device for fitting this car on a mobile support in rotary manner with respect to a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The assembly device comprises a single first crown rigidly secured to the car and assembled by a bearing to a second crown performing securing to the mobile support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attraction (100) for amusement rides, such as a fairground attraction or an amusement park attraction. The attraction comprises two towers (101), each provided with a drivable arm (102) which is mounted rotatably on the tower. The attraction is provided with a number of gondolas (104), each with a number of seats (105), wherein each gondola is connected to the arms. According to the invention the attraction comprises at least one carrier arm (103) which extends between the arms (102) and each gondola (104) is connected to the carrier arm for rotation about at least one rotation axis (R1, R2) extending substantially transversely of the carrier arm.

Abstract: A stationary track wheel ride is disclosed where a chain of rider carriages (gondolas) are driven around the stationary track. The rider carriages are rotationally mounted on axles on a support frame that allow the rider carriages to rotate around the axles so that the floor of the rider carriage remains approximately level with the ground while the rider carriage travels around the stationary track. A drive mechanism for the ride that simultaneously mounts the rider carriages to the track and provides the drive force is also include: a drive cable mechanism, motors attached to the track to drive the rider carriage train using drive wheels contacting some portion of the rider carriage. Motors attached to the rider carriage with drive wheels contacting the track. An emergency access assembly for fixed track rides and for Ferris wheel type rides is also disclosed.

Abstract: The observation wheel is the arrangement of passenger modules in groups with a distance between the groups circumferentially which exceeds the distance circumferentially between the passenger modules in the groups. An outer annular element is reinforced in the areas in which the groups are arranged.

Abstract: A ride system for rotating vehicles through a vertical plane or ride space about a common horizontal axis. The ride system includes an elongated support member with a longitudinal axis. The system includes a housing with a base and a frame supporting the elongated support member with the longitudinal axis spaced apart a distance from the base and such that the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal. The system also includes a plurality of vehicle support assemblies hanging from the elongated support member. Each of the vehicle support assemblies includes an extension arm supporting a passenger vehicle at one end and attached to the elongated support member at a second end via a support coupling assembly. The support coupling assembly is configured to rotate the extension arm about the longitudinal axis, whereby the passenger vehicle is moved through a vertical plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A mobile cabin for the reception and the transport of at least one passenger is to be mounted on a mobile support so as to rotate relative to a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. A motorized driving device drives the counterweight between balancing positions for balancing the cabin around a predetermined angular orientation of the cabin relative to the horizontal, by correcting the horizontal position of the center of gravity of the whole formed by the cabin together with a possible load in this cabin.

Abstract: A Ferris wheel-type ride. A lever arm is mounted to the wheel rim to freely pivot between front and rear stops. Passenger gondolas, pivotally attached to the lever arms, travel through four zones experiencing differing ride dynamics. In the first zone, the lever arm abuts the front stop while, in the second, the lever arm is spaced apart from the stops and the lever arm is supported from above by the wheel via the lever arm causing the gondola to be vertically lifted and to rotate slower than the hub rotation rate. In the third zone, the lever arm abuts the rear stop and, in the fourth zone, the lever arm is spaced apart from the stops and is supported from below by the wheel as it falls toward the front stop at a rate greater than the hub rotation rate.

Abstract: A stationary track wheel ride is disclosed where a chain of rider carriages (gondolas) are driven around the stationary track. The rider carriages are rotationally mounted on axles on a support frame that allow the rider carriages to rotate around the axles so that the floor of the rider carriage remains approximately level with the ground while the rider carriage travels around the stationary track. A drive mechanism for the ride that simultaneously mounts the rider carriages to the track and provides the drive force is also include: a drive cable mechanism, motors attached to the track to drive the rider carriage train using drive wheels contacting some portion of the rider carriage. Motors attached to the rider carriage with drive wheels contacting the track. An emergency access assembly for fixed track rides and for Ferris wheel type rides is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Ferris wheel-type ride. A lever arm is mounted to the wheel rim to freely pivot between front and rear stops. Passenger gondolas, pivotally attached to the lever arms, travel through four zones experiencing differing ride dynamics. In the first zone, the lever arm abuts the front stop while, in the second, the lever arm is spaced apart from the stops and the lever arm is supported from above by the wheel via the lever arm causing the gondola to be vertically lifted and to rotate slower than the hub rotation rate. In the third zone, the lever arm abuts the rear stop and, in the fourth zone, the lever arm is spaced apart from the stops and is supported from below by the wheel as it falls toward the front stop at a rate greater than the hub rotation rate.

Abstract: An improved zip line trolley allowing a rider control of his or her speed while traversing along a suspended cable (8) as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The trolley comprises front and rear pulleys (44F) and (44R) conjoined via pulley housing (16) with left and right horizontal handles (10L) and (10R) attached to vertical shaft (12). Front and rear hand brake levers (20F) and (20R) are mounted onto left and right horizontal handles (10L) and (10R). When front and rear hand brake levers (20F) and (20R) are squeezed by the rider, they create a constricting force on front left and right calipers (32FL) and (32FR) along with rear left and right calipers (32RL) and (32RR) of FIGS. 2A and 3A. Thus, friction is applied to front and rear pulleys (44F) and (44R) via front left and right brake pads (34FL) and (34FR) along with rear left and right brake pads (34RL) and (34RR).

Abstract: An elevating mechanism includes a cage, a connecting element, a balancing weight body, a sheave and a power output unit. The cage includes an outer box and an inner box. The outer box for containing a fluid has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is for the fluid flowing into the outer box. The outlet is for the fluid flowing out of the outer box. The inner box is placed inside the outer box for containing a loading body, and suspended in the fluid. The connecting element is wound around the sheave. The power output unit is for driving the sheave. One end of the connecting element is connected to the outer box, and the other end connected to the balancing weight body. The weight of the balancing weight body is equal to the total weight of the outer box, the fluid, the inner box and the loading body.

Abstract: A structure of a giant wheel is disclosed. The giant wheel includes a ring steel tracks, motors, an inner wheel and an outer wheel. The ring steel track has a crossed base and stoppers positioned at four corners of the crossed base. The stopper and the base form an inner groove and an outer groove with openings. The motors are positioned at an inner side and an outer side of the ring steel track, and have latches to fit through the openings, and the latches have rollers positioned in the groove. The inner wheel has bars at two outer sides connecting to the motors positioned at an inner side of the ring steel track. The outer wheel has pillars having joint portions at a distal end positioned towards the motor, wherein the joint portions of the pillars are connected to the motor positioned at an outer side of the ring steel track.

Abstract: An elevating mechanism includes a cage, a connecting element, a balancing weight body, a sheave and a power output unit. The cage includes an outer box and an inner box. The outer box for containing a fluid has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is for the fluid flowing into the outer box. The outlet is for the fluid flowing out of the outer box. The inner box is placed inside the outer box for containing a loading body, and suspended in the fluid. The connecting element is wound around the sheave. The power output unit is for driving the sheave. One end of the connecting element is connected to the outer box, and the other end connected to the balancing weight body. The weight of the balancing weight body is equal to the total weight of the outer box, the fluid, the inner box and the loading body.

Abstract: Amusement apparatus which permits unusual compactness and easy transportation comprises a vehicle for accommodating users, the vehicle being suitable for following a path in space which comprises a component due to oscillation about a center of instantaneous rotation and a component due to rotation about an axis oriented variously in space. The vehicle is supported on a support structure comprising two rails the shape of which defines the shape of the component due to oscillation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The observation apparatus provided with the observation wheel comprises a water tank housing fish and being arranged around the substantially lower half of a rotation locus of the observation wheel in which at least an inside face facing the observation wheel of the water tank is formed of a transparent material.

Abstract: A structure of a giant wheel is disclosed. The giant wheel includes a ring steel tracks, motors, an inner wheel and an outer wheel. The ring steel track has a crossed base and stoppers positioned at four corners of the crossed base. The stopper and the base form an inner groove and an outer groove with openings. The motors are positioned at an inner side and an outer side of the ring steel track, and have latches to fit through the openings, and the latches have rollers positioned in the groove. The inner wheel has bars at two outer sides connecting to the motors positioned at an inner side of the ring steel track. The outer wheel has pillars having joint portions at a distal end positioned towards the motor, wherein the joint portions of the pillars are connected to the motor positioned at an outer side of the ring steel track.

Abstract: In an underwater and midair observation apparatus, a casing made of a substantially transparent material and the upper part of which is open, is arranged from the underwater to the water surface whereby an observation wheel maybe operated in a state of being isolated from the water.

Abstract: Braking and motion-arrest apparatus for braking the arrival of a zipline cable rider at a landing platform and arresting the rider's motion to retain the rider at the platform. A frame is mounted on the cable to allow longitudinal rolling movement of the frame along the cable. A self-closing one-way latch is provided at the forward end of the frame. The latch includes a pair of capture plates which are normally inwardly biased toward one another, on opposite sides of the cable. The rider is tethered to a pulley block which rolls along the cable and collides with the latch. The collision force drives the plates laterally away from the cable, allowing the pulley block to roll through the latch. After the pulley block rolls past the latch, the plates' normal biasing closes the latch, preventing the pulley block from rolling back through the latch.

Abstract: Amusement apparatus which permits unusual compactness and easy transportation comprises a vehicle for accommodating users, the vehicle being suitable for following a path in space which comprises a component due to oscillation about a center of instantaneous rotation and a component, due to rotation about an axis oriented variously in space. The vehicle is supported on a support structure comprising two rails the shape of which defines the shape of the component due to oscillation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An amusement device, including a frame made from four support legs which, running obliquely upwards toward one another, at their top end support a rotary member, an arm, one end of which is secured to the rotary member and which can be pivoted between the support legs, and a receiving device for people, which is suspended from the other end of the arm. The support legs, at their bottom end, are secured to a trailer by means of hinges, the hinge axis of which is oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the trailer, and the axis of rotation of the rotary member is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the trailer.

Abstract: An amusement ride (100) is disclosed which includes first and second vehicles (128, 130) which are supported in a cantilevered manner off cantilever beams (124, 126) from the stationary supporting track (102) to provide the occupants with the impression of being unsupported. The vehicles (128, 130) are floorless to enhance the effect for the passengers. A coaster style floorless amusement ride (150) is provided. A second embodiment of the amusement ride (200) has a floor style vehicle (202, 204). It can also be a coaster style amusement ride (220). A hubless and spokeless Ferris wheel (10) is also provided.

Abstract: A motion simulator including passenger carrying apparatus designed to receive and carry a number of seated passengers from a first position in which the passengers board the apparatus into a second position from which the passengers view visual images displayed on a presentation screen. The apparatus includes multiple passenger carriers, each carrier including multiple rows of passenger seats, arrayed with a single presentation screen. Operation of the apparatus is such that the passenger seats are pivoted upwardly into a position directly above a portion of the presentation screen. A wing-shaped deployable canopy is provided over each passenger seat. In the deployed position, the canopy is positioned to block a portion of the passenger's visual field outside the presentation screen. Apparatus is provided for moving air and scent materials over the passengers to enhance the sense of flight created in the minds of the passengers.

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 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 10 including a tower 12 that pivotably supports an elongated boom 16 that includes an extended end 20 and a pivot 18. A passenger carriage 28 is pivotably attached to the extended end of the boom. The shorter end of the boom includes a moveable counterweight 26 that is operable for raising the boom. The boom is then locked, the counterweight is moved, and the boom is released to swing freely. The movable counterweight includes first and second storage tanks 34 and 35, a counterweight fluid 36, and at least one pump 39 for moving the counterweight fluid between the first and second storage tanks. Passengers are loaded into the passenger carriage when the boom is in the down position. The boom is then raised by moving the counterweight fluid into the first storage tank. After the boom is raised, a brake is set to lock to boom in the raised position, and the counterweight fluid is moved into the second storage tank. The operator then lowers the boom by releasing the brake.

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: An amusement ride 10 including a tower 12 that pivotably supports an elongated boom 16 that includes an extended end 20 and a pivot 18. A passenger carriage 28 is pivotably attached to the extended end of the boom. The shorter end of the boom includes a moveable counterweight 26 that is operable for raising the boom. The boom is then locked, the counterweight is moved, and the boom is released to swing freely. The movable counterweight includes first and second storage tanks 34 and 35, a counterweight fluid 36, and at least one pump 39 for moving the counterweight fluid between the first and second storage tanks. Passengers are loaded into the passenger carriage when the boom is in the down position. The boom is then raised by moving the counterweight fluid into the first storage tank. After the boom is raised, a brake is set to lock to boom in the raised position, and the counterweight fluid is moved into the second storage tank. The operator then lowers the boom by releasing the brake.

Abstract: An amusement ride 10 including a tower 12 that pivotably supports an elongated boom 16 that includes an extended end 20 and a pivot 18. A passenger carriage 28 is pivotably attached to the extended end of the boom. The shorter end of the boom includes a moveable counterweight 26 that is operable for raising the boom. The boom is then locked, the counterweight is moved, and the boom is released to swing freely. The movable counterweight includes first and second storage tanks 34 and 35, a counterweight fluid 36, and at least one pump 39 for moving the counterweight fluid between the first and second storage tanks. Passengers are loaded into the passenger carriage when the boom is in the down position. The boom is then raised by moving the counterweight fluid into the first storage tank. After the boom is raised, a brake is set to lock to boom in the raised position, and the counterweight fluid is moved into the second storage tank. The operator then lowers the boom by releasing the brake.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor light-emitting device including a light-emitting layer having a first semiconductor layer, and formed on a main surface of one side of a semiconductor substrate, an upper-most layer of the light-emitting layer made of a compound semiconductor containing elements from the group II and group VI of the periodic table, the second semiconductor layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, and made of a material having a lattice constant different from that of the material of the semiconductor substrate by at least 2%, the second semiconductor layer having a film thickness of a critical film thickness, the first electrode formed on a main surface of the other side of the semiconductor substrate, and the second electrode formed on the second semiconductor layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in a funfair ride and in particular one which comprises a rocking ship. The ride, of the type mounted on the plane (1a) of a transportable carriage (1) comprises a pair of telescopic uprights (2) to which a frame is connected, the frame comprising a shaft (3) and a pair of levers (4) having equal arms, which frame rotates about the axis of the shaft (3) and which bears a ship (5) connected to the levers and in its turn rotating about an axis parallel to the shaft (3); the height of the uprights (2), their extension, the length of the arms of the levers (4) and the maximum height of the ship (5) have a size conformation and relationship such as to permit of compacting the ride into transportable dimensions, without disconnecting among themselves the various pieces that compose the ride.

Abstract: The passenger gondola of a looping swing suspended in pendulum fashion on motor-driven outriggers has parallel rows of passenger seats that are disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the outriggers and to the axis of swing of the passenger gondola. Here, the head rests of the passenger seats are a short distance from the axis of swing, in order to hold the acceleration forces acting on the passengers, which occur with looping over of the passenger gondola.Preferably, the position of the passenger gondola relative to the outriggers is locked at a particular angular position. The ride activity is then operated such that the gondola locks in the tilted, forward direction of rotation, and locking is released at about the top dead point of outrigger rotation, so that the passenger gondola executes a loop on the outriggers overtaking it.