Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computing device, transaction information from a buyer and sending, from the computing device, the transaction information over a communication network to a seller. The method further includes receiving, at least periodically at the computing device, a geographical location of the buyer, and sending, from the computing device, the geographical location of the buyer to the seller when the buyer is within a threshold distance of the seller. The method also includes accumulating information about the buyer and their location at a specific store or business. The method may include data analysis of buyer visiting similar businesses.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle for maneuvering over a travel surface having a cushion of water includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface and at least one drive assembly housed by the vehicle body. The at least one drive assembly comprises a driven wheel disposed for selective engagement with the travel surface to maneuver the vehicle generally along the travel surface. The at least one drive assembly operates between a neutral state having the driven wheel disengaged from the travel surface, a forward drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a forward direction, and a reverse drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An amusement ride system includes an amusement ride infrastructure defining a travel surface, with at least one vehicle having a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface. A plurality of valves are disposed to selectively deliver a pressurized flow of water through the travel surface, into a confined region defined between the vehicle undersurface and the travel surface, the pressurized flow of water into and through the confined region creating a cushion of water to separate the vehicle undersurface from the travel surface. The vehicle is configured to convey at least one passenger generally along the travel surface upon the cushion of water.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle for maneuvering over a travel surface having a cushion of water includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface and at least one drive assembly housed by the vehicle body. The at least one drive assembly comprises a driven wheel disposed for selective engagement with the travel surface to maneuver the vehicle generally along the travel surface. The at least one drive assembly operates between a neutral state having the driven wheel disengaged from the travel surface, a forward drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a forward direction, and a reverse drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An amusement ride system includes an amusement ride infrastructure defining a travel surface, with at least one vehicle having a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface. A plurality of valves are disposed to selectively deliver a pressurized flow of water through the travel surface, into a confined region defined between the vehicle undersurface and the travel surface, the pressurized flow of water into and through the confined region creating a cushion of water to separate the vehicle undersurface from the travel surface. The vehicle is configured to convey at least one passenger generally along the travel surface upon the cushion of water.

Abstract: A marble run game consists of a set of block elements constructed and arranged for assembly and disassembly by a user to create an extended, generally horizontal path for travel of a marble. Each block element has a top surface and one or more side surfaces, the top surface and at least one side surface of the block element together defining at least one groove for generally horizontal travel of a marble along the top surface and through a plane of the side surface.