Abstract: A system for patron movement and entertainment comprising a track, and at least one vehicle engaged with and positioned below the track, capable of carrying at least one patron in a passenger portion and moving along the track. Each vehicle preferably includes a motion base between the track and the passenger portion, and a turntable between the track and the motion base for rotating the passenger portion in the yaw direction, and particularly for directing the patron's viewpoint toward desired show elements.

Abstract: A flight simulator for amusement rides simulating aircraft or space flight with visual presentations and motion having an operator station attached to a structural support frame through an articulating member providing unlimited angular rotation about a roll axis and limited angular rotation about a pitch axis. An electrical coupling concentric with a drive axle is rotatable through at least 360.degree. about the roll axis.

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.