Abstract: An amusement ride 10 including a tower 12 that pivotably supports an elongated boom 16 that includes an extended end 20 and a pivot 18. A passenger carriage 28 is pivotably attached to the extended end of the boom. The shorter end of the boom includes a moveable counterweight 26 that is operable for raising the boom. The boom is then locked, the counterweight is moved, and the boom is released to swing freely. The movable counterweight includes first and second storage tanks 34 and 35, a counterweight fluid 36, and at least one pump 39 for moving the counterweight fluid between the first and second storage tanks. Passengers are loaded into the passenger carriage when the boom is in the down position. The boom is then raised by moving the counterweight fluid into the first storage tank. After the boom is raised, a brake is set to lock to boom in the raised position, and the counterweight fluid is moved into the second storage tank. The operator then lowers the boom by releasing the brake.

Abstract: The ride (100) is capable of raising a rider module (20) to a height of ten meters or more above the ground, and then releasing the rider module (20) to swing. The ride (100) includes an arch (10) having two upper support brackets (11, 19), a support line (13) secured to the support structure at one end, with an opposed end secured to chair assembly (20). A launch tower (15) is spaced from the arch (10) and carries a launch line (14) which has an end which is capable of being raised and lowered above the ground by a winch. In operation, the support line attached is secured to the rider module. The launch line is releasably secured to the rider module, and the launch line is activated to move the rider module laterally and upwardly towards the top of the launch tower. When the launch line is released from the rider module it swings downwardly at a high speed simulating the sensation of "body flight" in a pendulum like motion. Optionally, the rider module spins while in flight.

Abstract: The present invention is an amusement ride which whips a rider high into the air at the end of a long crane-like arm. The ride comprises an arm having a rider capsule at one end and a counterweight at the other. A pivot point is located on the arm at a point near the counterweight. The pivot point is not at the center point of the arm. The pivot point is attached to a fulcrum on a base. The base is of sufficient height so that the arm in operation oscillates through an arc of 170.degree. without the counterweight contacting the ground. The rider capsule spins while the arm is oscillating. The effect of the ride is to subject riders first to a positive and then a negative "g" during the ride's operation.