Abstract: A magnetic pacer system and method for adjusting vehicle speed in an amusement park ride. The system includes a controller and memory that stores speed settings such as upper and lower speed limits for the vehicle in a specific portion of a ride. A magnetic thruster is positioned near the portion of the ride, and a signal or signals are sent from position sensors to the controller. The controller determines the actual velocity of the vehicle as it travels along a direction of travel and acts to compare the determined vehicle velocity with the stored and desired speed settings. The controller then determines a magnetic force to apply to the vehicle including selecting whether the force is along the direction of travel or opposite to provide acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The magnetic thruster is selectively operated to generate a magnetic force to act on the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing tactile feedback to an operator. The apparatus includes first and second magnetic assemblies having first and second magnets, respectively. The apparatus further includes a user input device, such as a trigger, a knob, a release cord, or a joystick, that is connected to at least one of the two assemblies and positions the first magnet proximate to the second magnet such that interaction occurs between the magnetic fields to generate a force that is exerted on the input device. The force may be an opposing, resisting, or attractive force that creates movement of the user input such as resisting a triggering or releasing action in an interactive video game when the poles are of like polarity. The first magnetic assembly may be stationary, and the second magnetic assembly may be connected to the user input device to be positioned relative to the first magnet assembly.

Abstract: A system of corrosion protection and a method of applying the protection on items to be used or being used in marine environments and otherwise susceptible to the deleterious effects of erosion and/or corrosion. The protection is comprised of a coating formed of a polyamine converter and an epoxy resin that can be applied either to virgin metal or to pre-existing metallic items immersed below sea level and a rigid cladding such as fiberglass reinforced pipe encapsulating the coating. Where on site restoration of an item is to be performed, some or all of the coating and cladding application can be conducted underwater by preceding the applications with an abrasive blasting of the surface to be protected.

Abstract: An epoxy coating composition, a coating and a method of applying the coating composition to items to be used or being used in marine environments and otherwise susceptible to the deleterious effects of erosion and/or corrosion. The coating composition is comprised of a polyamine converter and an epoxy resin that can be applied either to virgin metal or to preexisting metallic items immersed below sea level. The coating in either situation is comprised of a plurality of layers of the epoxy composition sequentially applied about the affected surface area of the item with a wrap of vitrified cloth disposed intervening between juxtaposed of said layers. Where on site restoration of an item is to be performed, some or all of the layer applications can be conducted underwater by preceding application of the coating with an abrasive blasting of the surface to be coated.