Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for receiving thrown sharp implements. The apparatus comprises a plurality of modular target blocks arranged in an array. The apparatus further comprises a compression device configured to retain together the plurality of modular target blocks in the array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a harness apparatus for an amusement ride that includes an elongate shaft fixedly secured at two attachment points to a passenger carriage, a fitting coupled to the elongate shaft, a harness attachment coupled to the fitting, and a harness. The fitting is freely movable along the elongate shaft between the two attachment points. The harness includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the harness is fixedly coupled to the harness attachment to secure a passenger in the amusement ride and the second end is fixedly secured to the passenger carriage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a harness apparatus for an amusement ride that includes an elongate shaft fixedly secured at two attachment points to a passenger carriage, a fitting coupled to the elongate shaft, a harness attachment coupled to the fitting, and a harness. The fitting is freely movable along the elongate shaft between the two attachment points. The harness includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the harness is fixedly coupled to the harness attachment to secure a passenger in the amusement ride and the second end is fixedly secured to the passenger carriage.

Abstract: An amusement ride system is disclosed. The amusement ride system includes a support subsystem that includes a loading location, a first location, and a second location. The support subsystem includes a first anchor cable extending between the loading location and the first location and a second anchor cable extending between the loading location and the second location, with a first trolley movably attached to the first anchor cable and a second trolley movably attached to the second anchor cable. A trolley actuation subsystem moves the first trolley and the second trolley along the length of the first anchor cable and the second anchor, respectively. A swing subsystem includes a passenger carriage, wherein a first swing line is coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the first trolley and a second swing line coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the second trolley.

Abstract: Described herein is an amusement ride that includes an object that supports a passenger, a carriage that releasably supports the object, a propulsion mechanism that accelerates the carriage and the object releasably supported by the carriage up to a desired velocity, and a braking mechanism that decelerates the carriage to release the object from the carriage at the desired velocity.

Abstract: An automated storage system for vehicles or the like is provided with a guidance system that interacts with a remote-controlled transport system that transports a vehicle between an access location, such a drive-up location, and a storage location. More particularly, in one embodiment, an omni-directional, battery-powered, wirelessly-controlled, transport system or so-called automated guided vehicle (“AGV”) is designed to follow magnetic field generating wires and RFID chips on the floors of the parking facility to move forward, backward and side to side underneath cars that are parked on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the AGV automatically contracts and expands its body to slide its arms under the wheelbase of a car, lift the car, and roll with speed and precision in any direction on to a waiting lift, that will then raise and lower the AGV and its automobile payload toward its ultimate destination.

Abstract: Disclosed is an amusement ride system that includes a support component extending in a generally horizontal direction. The support component includes a first anchored segment, a medial segment, and a second anchored segment. The medial segment of the support component is elevated a distance above the ground. The amusement ride system further includes a trolley that is movably attached to the support component and a retraction subsystem. The retraction subsystem moves the trolley along the length of the support component between the first anchored segment and the medial segment. Also, the amusement ride system includes a swing subsystem that includes a passenger carriage and a swing line pivotally coupled to the trolley. The passenger carriage swings on the swing line about the trolley and the length of the swing line between the passenger carriage and the trolley is less than the distance above the ground.

Abstract: An amusement ride system is disclosed. The amusement ride system includes a support subsystem that includes a loading location, a first location, and a second location. The support subsystem includes a first anchor cable extending between the loading location and the first location and a second anchor cable extending between the loading location and the second location, with a first trolley movably attached to the first anchor cable and a second trolley movably attached to the second anchor cable. A trolley actuation subsystem moves the first trolley and the second trolley along the length of the first anchor cable and the second anchor, respectively. A swing subsystem includes a passenger carriage, wherein a first swing line is coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the first trolley and a second swing line coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the second trolley.

Abstract: Described herein is a motion dampening system for dampening the motion of a moving object. The system includes a tension member with a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is positionable to contact the moving object. The system also includes a tubular element that is configured to receive the second portion of the tension member. The tubular element contains a compressible substance. The system further includes a piston that is movable within the tubular element. The piston is coupled to the second portion of the tension member and sealingly divides the tubular element into first and second sections. Contact between the moving object and the first portion of the tension member moves the piston within the cylinder to compress the compressible substance in the first section and to create a vacuum in the second section.

Abstract: An amusement ride apparatus includes a suspended cable and a carriage that supports a user. The carriage is supported on and movable along the suspended cable. Additionally, the apparatus includes a load/unload mechanism that includes a tethering portion and a retractor. The tethering portion is removably coupleable to at least one of the suspended cable and carriage. The retractor is selectively operable in a first mode to retract the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to lower the carriage relative to the platform from a raised position to a lowered position and in a second mode to extend the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to raise the carriage relative to the platform from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: Described herein is an amusement ride that includes an object that supports a passenger, a carriage that releasably supports the object, a propulsion mechanism that accelerates the carriage and the object releasably supported by the carriage up to a desired velocity, and a braking mechanism that decelerates the carriage to release the object from the carriage at the desired velocity.

Abstract: A compact, low profile omnidirectional drive and steering unit that, in one embodiment, utilizes a single, centrally located wheel, mounted on a drive shaft, upon which is also mounted a tapered pinion gear. The pinion gear on the drive shaft meshes with a ring shaped beveled worm gear contained within the outer housing of the gear unit that surrounds the centrally located wheel. At one side of the outer housing is a worm drive that meshes with the ring shaped and beveled worm gear. Rotation of the worm drive causes rotation of the ring shaped worm gear, which causes the drive shaft mounted pinion gear to turn, which turns the drive wheel to provide driving power for whatever vehicle or system of which the unit is a part. A steering and timing gear is mounted on the lower surface of the unit to provide steering capability.

Abstract: A roller coaster or amusement ride providing a unique free-floating sensation by extending the passenger vehicles out on either side of the central frame structure. The passenger vehicles (48, 50) are supported between two cushioned cantilevered vehicle support arms {34, 36) that pivot while being supported between air bags (30, 32} or springs. The air pressure in the air bags or the tension in the springs can be adjusted to provide a soft, free-floating sensation to the ride. Additional passenger vehicle motions are achieved by the omni-directional ball-swivel joints (38, 40) on the ends of the support arms. The off-center location of the passenger vehicles (48, 50) and the weight of the passengers enable the passenger vehicles to remain in the up right position even when the central frame structure rotates around the track system. No additional drive systems or passenger controls are required on this unique roller coaster ride.

Abstract: An automated storage system comprises a plurality of storage locations, at least one access location, a plurality of storage containers provided on the storage locations, a control system and at least one user interface, the control system further comprising a retrieval mode and a storage mode, and a delivery system for delivering a storage container from a storage location to an access location during the retrieval mode, and for returning the storage container to a storage location during the storage mode. User instructions at the control interface initiate the retrieval mode and the storage mode, and a user is provided access to the retrieved storage container while it is located at the access location.

Abstract: An amusement ride apparatus includes a suspended cable and a carriage that supports a user. The carriage is supported on and movable along the suspended cable. Additionally, the apparatus includes a load/unload mechanism that includes a tethering portion and a retractor. The tethering portion is removably coupleable to at least one of the suspended cable and carriage. The retractor is selectively operable in a first mode to retract the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to lower the carriage relative to the platform from a raised position to a lowered position and in a second mode to extend the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to raise the carriage relative to the platform from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speed control system, a speed control wheel mechanism and a spring compression system where magnetism is used as a unique speed reduction means to control excessive speed of a free rolling wheel, roller or pulley. The action takes place where a plurality of braking fins between two side plates are forced outward by the means of centrifugal force into one or more magnetic braking calipers. The braking fins are retained by the means of springs that are overcome by inertia of the centrifugal force with increasing speed. With the addition of the spring compression system using multiple springs of different compressive resistance over a wire rope or cable, a cushioning effect can be achieved over any given distance depending upon the speed and weight of the vehicle or device.

Abstract: A roller coaster or amusement ride providing a unique free-floating sensation by extending the passenger vehicles out on either side of the central frame structure. The passenger vehicles (48, 50) are supported between two cushioned cantilevered vehicle support arms {34, 36) that pivot while being supported between air bags (30. 32} or springs. The air pressure in the air bags or the tension in the springs can be adjusted to provide a soft, free-floating sensation to the ride. Additional passenger vehicle motions are achieved by the omni-directional ball-swivel joints (38, 40) on the ends of the support arms. The off-center location of the passenger vehicles (48, 50) and the weight of the passengers enable the passenger vehicles to remain in the up right position even when the central frame structure rotates around the track system. No additional drive systems or passenger controls are required on this unique roller coaster ride.

Abstract: The storm shield relates to a deck or platform adjacent to a structure that can be elevated up to a vertical position that will resist high winds and air-borne debris that occur during severe storm events, particularly hurricanes and tornados. The storm shield will protect structures, including but not limited to residential dwellings garages, commercial, and industrial structures. This storm shield additionally provides a means whereby occupants can enclose the most vulnerable, full side of a structure for extended periods of time when it has to be left vacant.

Abstract: A compact, low profile omnidirectional drive and steering unit that, in one embodiment, utilizes a single, centrally located wheel, mounted on a drive shaft, upon which is also mounted a tapered pinion gear. The pinion gear on the drive shaft meshes with a ring shaped beveled worm gear contained within the outer housing of the gear unit that surrounds the centrally located wheel. At one side of the outer housing is a worm drive that meshes with the ring shaped and beveled worm gear. Rotation of the worm drive causes rotation of the ring shaped worm gear, which causes the drive shaft mounted pinion gear to turn, which turns the drive wheel to provide driving power for whatever vehicle or system of which the unit is a part. A steering and timing gear is mounted on the lower surface of the unit to provide steering capability.

Abstract: An automated storage system for vehicles or the like is provided with a guidance system that interacts with a remote-controlled transport system that transports a vehicle between an access location, such a drive-up location, and a storage location. More particularly, in one embodiment, an omni-directional, battery-powered, wirelessly-controlled, transport system or so-called automated guided vehicle (“AGV”) is designed to follow magnetic field generating wires and RFID chips on the floors of the parking facility to move forward, backward and side to side underneath cars that are parked on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the AGV automatically contracts and expands its body to slide its arms under the wheelbase of a car, lift the car, and roll with speed and precision in any direction on to a waiting lift, that will then raise and lower the AGV and its automobile payload toward its ultimate destination.