Abstract: A thin-client user interface includes a user interface and an application server. The user interface is executed on a client device, such as a personal computer having a display. The user interface includes a client application for displaying data. The application server is coupled with the user interface and with a remote database via an electronic data network and is configured to receive a request for data from the user interface, to generate a query request based on the request for data, to access the database and submit the query request to the database, to receive results from the database in response to the query request, and transmit a portion of the results to the user interface.

Abstract: An amusement ride assembly includes a rotatable endless loop cable spanning between end stations and a drive system operable to rotate the loop cable. A passenger carrier is suspended from the cable and includes a roller mechanism to enable the passenger carrier to free-roll along the cable and an associated clamping mechanism to alternatively fix the passenger carrier to the cable. A control system may control the drive system and to enable actuation of the clamping mechanism to fix the passenger carrier to the cable when the carrier is at a position along the cable remote from the end stations.

Abstract: A thin-client user interface includes a user interface and an application server. The user interface is executed on a client device, such as a personal computer having a display. The user interface includes a client application for displaying data. The application server is coupled with the user interface and with a remote database via an electronic data network and is configured to receive a request for data from the user interface, to generate a query request based on the request for data, to access the database and submit the query request to the database, to receive results from the database in response to the query request, and transmit a portion of the results to the user interface.

Abstract: A thin-client user interface includes a user interface and an application server. The user interface is executed on a client device, such as a personal computer having a display. The user interface includes a client application for displaying data. The application server is coupled with the user interface and with a remote database via an electronic data network and is configured to receive a request for data from the user interface, to generate a query request based on the request for data, to access the database and submit the query request to the database, to receive results from the database in response to the query request, and transmit a portion of the results to the user interface.

Abstract: A thin-client user interface includes a user interface and an application server. The user interface is executed on a client device, such as a personal computer having a display. The user interface includes a client application for displaying data. The application server is coupled with the user interface and with a remote database via an electronic data network and is configured to receive a request for data from the user interface, to generate a query request based on the request for data, to access the database and submit the query request to the database, to receive results from the database in response to the query request, and transmit a portion of the results to the user interface.

Abstract: The rigid balloon has a chamber to hold lighter-than-air gas portions to retain a structural member or members and a separate light gas is filled into the chamber through a valve in the balloon. Structural members are inserted into the portion to help retain the desired shape of the balloon. The structural members also provide a counterbalancing weight which prevents the balloon from floating upward. Thus, the balloon, once released into the air, will retain its shape and remain floating at the height from which it was released unless repositioned.

Abstract: The rigid helium balloon has a helium compartment and a separate, channel portion. Helium gas is filled into the helium compartment through a valve in the balloon. Fiberglass rod members are inserted into the channel portion to help retain the desired shape of the balloon. The rod members also provide a counterbalancing weight which prevents the balloon from floating upward. Thus, the balloon, once released into the air, will retain its shape and remain floating at the height from which it was released unless repositioned. No additional weights or tethering devices are required to prevent the balloon from floating upwards.

Abstract: A durable, clear, protective cover for a device having a touch screen, keypad, or other user interface. The cover protects the device without interfering with the ability to use the device. The protective cover is constructed by vacuum-forming a thin sheet of transparent polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on the front and at least a portion of the sides of a mold made of the target device. Accordingly, the protective cover made from a single piece of material will have the topography matching the device, which facilitates in the continued usability of the device when the protective cover is disposed on the device. Furthermore, the protective cover fits securely on the device such that no adhesives or other mechanisms are required to secure the protective cover onto the device, nor are any tools required to install or remove the protective cover.

Abstract: The rigid helium balloon has a helium compartment and a separate, channel portion. Helium gas is filled into the helium compartment through a valve in the balloon. Fiberglass rod members are inserted into the channel portion to help retain the desired shape of the balloon. The rod members also provide a counterbalancing weight which prevents the balloon from floating upward. Thus, the balloon, once released into the air, will retain its shape and remain floating at the height from which it was released unless repositioned. No additional weights or tethering devices are required to prevent the balloon from floating upwards.