Abstract: An amusement ride includes a motion base having multiple degrees of freedom. An audience platform is eccentrically pivotable on top of the motion base about a pivot point that is eccentrically offset from a central region of the audience platform. A motor disposed on either the motion base or the audience platform is used to pivot the audience platform via a shaft. A projection screen is located either on board or off board and is used to display images or a motion picture. The amusement ride simulates fishtailing, slide out, and similar movements experienced as a vehicle turns.

Abstract: An image correction method of compensating for point of view image distortion in pictures includes the steps of obtaining an image at a first position within a predetermined frame, wherein at the first position the image is distorted due to point of view image distortion. The image obtained comprises an array of pixels. The distorted image is transformed into a compensated image by re-mapping the array of pixels of the distorted image using a predetermined transforming function that stretches the distorted image to fill the entire frame. The transformation function depends on the geometric orientation of the camera, projector, projecting surface, and viewer. The compensated image is projected at a second position different from the first position, wherein the projection of the compensated image substantially reduces point of view image distortion at the first position. This method can be employed for stationary and moving point of views.

Abstract: In a system for managing admissions into parks and attractions, a guest requests reservations via a kiosk unit or purchases advanced ticket attraction packages via the World Wide Web/Internet or through the phone. Once the reservations or purchase has been made, the confirmed reservation is printed onto a confirmation ticket or guest card and the data is uploaded into the system. The guest can then take their confirmation ticket or guest card at the appointed time and gain entry into the attraction through a barrier controlled by the controller unit. The controller unit reads or scans the guest card and allows guests with advance reservations to gain entry without waiting in long lines. In an alternative park operation system, admission to the park is permitted only with advance reservations. As part of the advance reservation, each guest is assigned to a menu group, with each menu group provided with assigned times for each attraction in the park.

Abstract: An amusement ride or theater attraction has a moveable floor for guest loading and unloading. A screen displays images. A motion base moves guests in at least one degree of freedom. The moveable floor that has a cutout for the motion base. The moveable floor is positioned to a raised position during guest loading and unloading. The moveable floor is lowered to a lowered position during ride operation, with the motion base passing through the cutout. Loading and unloading of passengers is simplified, without limiting motion base movement during operation of the ride.

Abstract: A queue clip for mounting to a control gate includes a holder having a nose extending from one wall of the holder. A tongue is cantilevered off the nose and may be angled to either side of the nose. The tongue preferably supports a chain linking one crowd control gate to another. The tongue is inclined in an upward fashion to support downward chain forces. The tongue may also be angled to a particular side of the nose to allow the chain to be slid off the tongue such that a person may pass between the previously linked control gates.

Abstract: A device and method of loading wheelchair-using passengers includes a passenger platform, a ride vehicle, a lifting device, and a moveable transfer platform. The lifting device is located under the passenger platform and has raised and lowered positions. A moveable transfer platform is affixed to the lifting device when the lifting device is in the raised position. The lifting device is then lowered in the lowered position, wherein a wheelchair-using passenger is secured to the top of the moveable transfer platform. The lifting device then raises the moveable transfer platform and passenger to a raised position. The moveable transfer device is then rolled to a nearby ride vehicle wherein the moveable transfer device and passenger are secured. After completion of the ride, the moveable transfer device is then rolled on top of the lifting device, which is then lowered beneath the platform. The wheelchair-using passenger is then able to simply exit the ride attraction via the platform.

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: An amusement attraction is housed within a building. The building contains several different settings. Each setting contains a variety of scenic elements. One setting acts as a pre-show and includes an audio-visual presentation. A second setting is designed to resemble a tornado-damaged building. A third setting contains various scenic elements designed to resemble an outdoor scene. In the third setting, a special effects show takes place that includes a man-made tornado. Other special effects are used to simulate the effect of the tornado on the scenic elements in the outdoor scene. Guests can safely view the man-made tornado from a guest viewing area.

Abstract: An amusement system has first and second paths extending through an amusement attraction. Vehicles moving along the paths have simulated weapons. Riders in the vehicles shoot at targets along the paths or on the vehicles. If sufficient points are accumulated, by hitting targets, or other events occur, the riders in the first vehicle can cause the movement of the second vehicle to change, for example, causing the second vehicle to spin, or to slow down.

Abstract: A dueling or racing roller coaster ride has tracks which approach or cross over each other at near miss locations. A controller system controls the timing of launch of a roller coaster vehicle on each track to better achieve consistent simultaneous arrival of the roller coaster vehicles at the near miss locations, to provide increased thrills and excitement to the riders. The control system determines the loaded vehicle weight via current draw on the track side vehicle motors. The control system generates a vehicle performance parameter, based on past vehicle speed over the track, to compensate for roller resistance and aerodynamic factors. The vehicle weight information and performance parameters are used to determine which vehicle to launch first, and the amount of delay between launching the vehicle on the first track and launching the vehicle on the second track, to better achieve simultaneous arrival at one or more locations.

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: A vehicle for an amusement ride attraction has front and rear bumper systems which include proximity or impact sensors connected to a programmable controller. The controller signals the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate for a pre-determined period of time, during a sensed collision. Consequently, during a collision, the chasing car is automatically decelerated and the leading car is automatically accelerated. The dynamic effect of a collision can thus be simulated or exaggerated without the full impact normally associated with collisions.

Abstract: An amusement attraction provides a set transformation effect. The audience watches a presentation in a viewing area. A moveable, open-bottomed flying set piece is located at a raised position above the viewing area. The flying set piece is hidden from the audience when the audience enters the viewing area. The flying set piece is attached to an overhead rigging system. A drive system lowers the flying set piece from the raised position above the viewing area to a lowered position such that the flying set piece surrounds the audience in the viewing area. The audience perceives that they have been transported back to different location within the attraction.

Abstract: A theater includes an audience seating area, a stage and at least three projection screens. Multiple film projectors simultaneously project a three dimensional film onto the three projection screens. Three dimensional film elements appear to move seamlessly from one projection screen to the next. In a live action show, actors, stage sets and show action equipment appear to interact with the three dimensional film. The filmed set blends with the stage sets to give dimension and a feeling of depth to the viewing audience. The audience cannot easily distinguish between the real elements and filmed elements thereby intensifying the theater experience.

Abstract: A carousel has a ramp for providing wheelchair access. The ramp is slidably stored on the underside of the carousel platform. In use, the ramp is pulled out from the carousel and is then unfolded, using a lever handle. The outer or bottom end of the lower ramp section rests on the ground. The inner or upper end of the second ramp section is positioned on the top surface of the carousel platform, or on a raised vehicle platform above the carousel platform. A wheelchair can then roll up the ramp and onto the carousel. The wheelchair is secured into a vehicle, such as a chariot, on the carousel. The vehicle oscillates vertically, to provide the wheelchair passenger with a more traditional and enjoyable carousel ride experience.

Abstract: A ride attraction includes a vehicle having a seat mover for use by physically disabled passengers. A swing arm is pivotally attached to a jack post in the boat, with an extension arm attached to the swing arm. The physically disabled passenger is moved to a loading position on a seat supported by a dolly. The extension arm of the seat mover engages the seat. The seat is locked onto the extension arm and unlocked from the dolly. The jack post lifts the seat high enough to clear the side of the vehicle. The seat is swung into position in the vehicle and lowered on the jack post, and then locked into position in the vehicle. Accordingly, the physically disabled are provided access to theme park ride attractions.

Abstract: In a live-action theater, a catapult launches a prop which achieves free flight in the theater. The catapult and prop are concealed until the moment of launch, whereupon the prop suddenly hurtles into an audience's view, and lands in front of the audience. The audience views the launch from a seating area or from a vehicle moved through the theater. The prop is for example, a seaplane or a jetski. The prop is then retrieved from the landing area using a crane or other lifter and returned to the catapult for a subsequent launch. By launching a prop in a theater with a catapult, the audience sees true free flight, rather than an illusion of flight. The audience sees no supports or other devices which can diminish the effect. A catapult allows a prop to be launched directly at the audience at a realistic or full speed, creating a more dramatic effect than if a prop is moved about some distant stage area using cables or a boom.

Abstract: An amusement attraction has a theater with an audience seating area. The audience seating area faces a projection screen and a film presentation is projected onto the projection screen. The audience seating area contains seats that are arranged in rows. The seats are supported on seat drop units that vertically shift the seats. The theater also contains wheelchair platforms that are installed between some of the seats. The wheelchair platforms are also capable of moving in a vertical direction. During a predetermined sequence in the film presentation, an explosion takes place on the projection screen, and the seats and the wheelchair platforms drop suddenly to simulate the theater floor being blown out. In this manner, the audience, including members of the audience who are physically disabled, is provided with a participatory theater experience.

Abstract: A ride attraction has a stationary domed projection screen and a stationary projector, a plurality of motion bases with each supporting a viewer platform or vehicle. An elevator is provided for lifting the vehicle out of a staging room to a viewing position. The motion bases are mutually arranged with respect to each other such that a passenger in any vehicle can view substantially the entire screen but not any other vehicle within the theatre. Actuators beneath each vehicle move the vehicle in three dimensions in coordination with the projected motion picture.

Abstract: An underwater explosion effect simulator includes a submerged shooter for shooting props and dye-colored water through the water surface. A compressed air source is linked to the shooter to drive the charge of water from the shooter during the explosion sequence. Prop pieces are ejected from the shooter through the water surface and trajectories over a submerged collector substantially surrounding the shooter. The collector is displaceable through an underwater winching system from a collect position wherein the props settle onto the collector to a funnel position wherein the props fall under gravity into the shooter. The shooter extends from a loading position below the collector to a shooting position close to the water surface.