Abstract: An amusement ride comprises a hollow launch tube having an inner surface and first and second ends, the first end being open; a passenger vehicle having an outer peripheral surface which forms a substantial seal with the inner surface of the launch tube so as to form a substantially sealed space inside said launch tube from said passenger vehicle to the second end of the launch tube; guidance means for guiding said passenger vehicle along a pre-determined path to exit the launch tube, said guidance means being self-rigid and extending through said open first end along said pre-determined path; and a pressurized gas source for introducing pressurized gas into the substantially sealed space inside said launch tube sufficient to launch the passenger vehicle along said guidance means and out of the launch tube.

Abstract: An amusement device, such as a sling-shot machine, for successively propelling and retarding a rider to cause the rider to undergo a vertically oscillatory motion. The amusement device comprises cables (31, 32) one end of each of which is connected to a carrier (19) for supporting one or more riders. A releasable anchoring means is provided for releasably anchoring the carrier (19) at a launch site (17). An elastic structure (71) has opposed ends between which the elastic structure can undergo extension and contraction. One end of the elastic structure (71) is connected to a first support means (57). Each cable (31, 32) passes around a support tower (11) and has a section thereof winding back and forth between first and second guide means (83, 85). The first guide means (83) is connected to the other end of the elastic structure (71) and the second guide means (85) is connected to a second support means (47).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to partially counter normal gravitational force. The personnel lifting device is a paraballoon, a lighter-than-air gas-filled balloon having a harness to suspend a user therefrom. The paraballoon further includes a plurality of flaps extending therefrom in order to allow the paraballoon to be maneuvered during descent, wherein the paraballoon may be used as a component of an amusement. In addition, various applications and attachments and embodiments are described.

Abstract: Amusement ride that allows for enhanced control of the ride path and, thus, the riders' experience. In one embodiment, the ride allows for manual control of the acceleration, speed and direction of the carrier into which at least one rider is secured. In one embodiment, the ride also allows for selection of one from a plurality of pre-programmed ride paths.

Abstract: An amusement device, such as a sling-shot machine, for successively propelling and retarding a rider to cause the rider to undergo a vertically oscillatory motion. The amusement device comprises cables (31, 32) one end of each of which is connected to a carrier (19) for supporting one or more riders. A releasable anchoring means is provided for releasably anchoring the carrier (19) at a launch site (17). An elastic structure (71) has opposed ends between which the elastic structure can undergo extension and contraction. One end of the elastic structure (71) is connected to a first support means (57). Each cable (31, 32) passes around a support tower (11) and has a section thereof winding back and forth between first and second guide means (83, 85). The first guide means (83) is connected to the other end of the elastic structure (71) and the second guide means (85) is connected to a second support means (47).

Abstract: An amusement ride for providing vertical movement of a passenger is disclosed. Typically, a support tower having a vertical movement mechanism defining a vertical movement path is present. The carriage is typically coupled to the movement mechanism for providing travel along the vertical movement path. Connected to the carriage is a support structure which extends radially from the carriage for supporting passenger seats. The support structure can be a wall, a rigid post, or some other structure extending outwardly from the tower. In one embodiment, the seats can be positioned along the support structure such that a first seat is closer to the carriage than a second seat. The passenger seats can be positioned to face outwardly or toward other passenger seats. Additionally, the passenger seats can be coupled to the support structure along a support structure side, above the support structure, beneath the support structure, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Method an apparatus for providing a thrilling amusement ride to a passenger stemming predominantly from the inducement of a feeling of dropping through the air and falling from the ride's supporting chair. The method includes positioning a passenger in a passenger support or chair of an amusement ride in a forward facing orientation. The passenger support is located at a drop position in a pre-fall orientation. This drop position may be an origination position, or may be a position to which the support is raised. The passenger support, together with the passenger, is tilted forward into a falling orientation which is at a predetermined tilt-angle to the pre-fall orientation. The passenger support, together with the passenger, is dropped from the drop position to a lower position while the passenger support and the passenger are in the forward tilted falling orientation thereby providing a thrilling amusement ride to the passenger.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a thrilling amusement ride to a passenger stemming predominantly from the inducement of a feeling of being propelled downward toward the ground and from the inducement of a feeling of falling from the ride's supporting chair. The method includes positioning a passenger in a passenger support or chair of an amusement ride in a forward facing orientation. The passenger support is located at a drop position in a pre-fall orientation. This drop position may be an origination position, or may be a position to which the support is raised. The passenger support, together with the passenger, is tilted forward into a falling orientation which is at a predetermined tilt-angle to the pre-fall orientation. The passenger support, together with the passenger, is dropped and/or propelled from the drop position to a lower position while the passenger support and the passenger are in the forward tilted falling orientation thereby providing a thrilling amusement ride to the passenger.

Abstract: An elevator for moving passengers from a first, outside level to a second, inside level at a theme park, and for providing themed special effects during the journey is provided. The elevator includes an elevator car divided into a passenger compartment and a special effects equipment compartment. The passenger compartment appears to the unsuspecting passenger to be a conventional elevator. However, at least one partition in the passenger compartment is opaque when the passenger compartment is illuminated and becomes transparent to reveal illuminated special effects when the lighting in the passenger compartment is extinguished. Special effects equipment can include a pair of video projectors for creating a virtual image which appears to be located outside of the elevator car, along with audio speakers for generating appropriate sound to accompany a video sequence for creating an active visual and audio presentation which can be appropriately themed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an amusement device (1) with one or several passenger carriers (2) and a framework (3). It is preferably designed as dropping framework. To brake down the movable passenger carriers is provided an eddy current brake (4). It is preferably designed as linear brake. It is so designed that by influence of the different brake factors it develops basically a constant braking effect by compensating the declining drop speed.

Abstract: A support for aiding a person, robot or material-moving member in a gravity free environment. The support comprises a platform having slots therein with releasable securing means disposed on either side thereof which cooperate with a wheeled member disposed in the slot having a shoe connected thereto with cooperating means engaging the releasable securing means to permit the person, robot or the like wearing the shoes to traverse the support in a safe, regulated manner.

Abstract: An amusement facility having a frame with a passenger carrier movably mounted on the frame and a drive connected to the passenger carrier for moving the passenger carrier on the frame. The drive includes a cylinder and a piston with a tension member connecting the passenger carrier to the piston. The piston is movable in the cylinder between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position. Also the cylinder preferably has ends which are closable, and a lateral fluid inlet and outlet for fluid, preferably air, to move the piston in the cylinder. The fluid outlet is positioned between the top dead center position and the bottom dead center position of the piston.

Abstract: A rotary sliding device which can perform agile motion, without the need to make the driving means large, and a simulator using the same, are disclosed. The rotary sliding device includes first and second sliding plates 32 which slide in parallel and separately with a predetermined interval, a pair of stepping motors 20 for separately sliding said sliding plates 32, and a moving plate 12 and a seat 32. The first sliding plate 32 is connected to the moving plate 12 so as to allow it to rotate only around the rotation axis 38, and the second sliding plate 32 is connected to the moving plate 12 so as to engage therewith in a sliding direction, and to allow the moving plate 12 to move in the crossover direction to the sliding direction and to rotate by means of a roller 64.

Abstract: A spinning play device for children is disclosed. The spinning play device includes a rotating mechanism mounted to a frame a predetermined distance above a supporting surface and a handhold depending from the rotating mechanism to allow a user to grip the handhold during rotation of the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a rotating element that is weight activated by a user's weight. From its lowermost position, the rotating mechanism may be returned to its uppermost position by vertical or linear movement only.

Abstract: A tower (150, 200, 250) is disclosed which can be used for an amusement ride, having gondolas (20) or for advertising, having an advertising sign (252). The tower has a lower section (16) and an upper section (18) and a lifter, such as a hydraulic cylinder, to lift the upper section (18) between a retracted position and an extended position. At least one cable interconnects the gondola or advertising sign and the lower section so that the gondola or advertising sign is lifted at twice the rate as the upper section. The tower can be mounted on a rotatable base (152) which rotates the entire tower about a vertical axis. Also, counterweights (202) can be used to reduce the load necessary on the lifter to lift the upper section.

Abstract: A ride system having a frame (6), at least one passenger carrier (8) which for altering its height is guided along the frame (6) between an upper end position II and a lower end position I, a cable or chain pull (12) which at its first end (12a) is fastened to the passenger carrier (8) and is deflected round a first roller (14) supported on the frame (6) so that the passenger carrier (8) is suspended from the first roller (14) by means of the cable (12) or chain, and a driving mechanism (24, 26, 36, 44) to drive the cable or chain pull (12) for raising the passenger carrier (8) from its lower end position, (I) up to its upper end position (II).

Abstract: A device for accelerating and decelerating objects by introducing compressed gas into the bore of a housing. A piston is slidably mounted in the bore and has attached to it a cable which proceeds along the bore, through a first aperture near the first end of the housing, around a first pulley, along the exterior of the housing, around a second pulley, through a second aperture near the second end of the housing, and along the bore again before entering the piston and having the second end of the cable connected to the first end of the cable. A carrier is attached to the cable so that the carrier is near the second end of the housing when the piston is near the first end of the housing. Compressed gas can be introduced into the bore near the first end of the housing or near the second end of the housing.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for accelerating and decelerating one or more objects by introducing compressed gas through an injection valve into the bore of a housing. A piston is slidably mounted in the bore and has a cable attached to one side. The cable travels through an aperture near one end of the housing before passing over a first pulley and then connecting to a carrier which hold the object or objects. The cable is selected to be of a length such that the piston will not exit the open end of the bore, which is opposite to the end near where the aperture is located. This creates the possibility of operating the pneumatic device in two different modes. In the first mode, the pressure of the introduced gas is insufficient to propel the objects past the side of the first pulley that is opposite to the initial location of the objects.

Abstract: An amusement ride according to the present invention includes a vertical tower having one or more sides. Along each side of the tower, passengers are strapped into separate vehicles which are lifted vertically to the top of the tower, from where the vehicles are released. The vehicles free fall until slowed and stopped by a braking system. Vertical guides attached to the tower control the direction of the vehicles.

Abstract: A vertical free fall system is proposed where a capsule with human beings is raised pneumatically in a tube, then is released to fall down in a free fall mode inside of the tube. The capsule has some means of controlling the air flow passing across the capsule so that the rate of deceleration is controlled. In this way the capsule is able to free fall then to be decelerated to the bottom of the tube. Also the tube has means to control the flowing air by this being possible to control the deceleration of the said capsule.

Abstract: Pneumatic vacuum lift elevator, in which the vertical shaft is a tube with smooth interior surface, preferably cylindrical, with straight axle, and the transport cab or vehicle moving inside such tube is a piston with vertical movement, with minimum play inside the tube, equipped with air suction devices at the upper end of the tube, capable of causing a sufficient pressure differential to displace such piston in controlled ascending and descending movement; completed with an air entry or intake in the lower end of the tube, and the access doors with which the tube is equipped, and which are hermetically closed on the various stopping levels.

Abstract: The ride (10) is capable of raising a rider (22) to a height of ten meters or more above the ground, and then releasing the rider to swing. It includes a support structure (12), a support line (16) secured to the support structure at one end, with an opposed end secured to a rider, preferably to an attachment which is worn by a rider (20). A launch structure (26) is spaced from the support structure (12) and carries a launch line (24) which has an end (48) which is capable of being raised and lowered above the ground, and which is designed to be releasably attached to a rider attachment, so as to lift a rider from the ground. In operation the rider attachment with the support line attached is secured to the rider, the launch line is releasably secured to the attachment, and the launch line is activated to move the rider laterally and upwardly towards the top of the launch structure.

Abstract: Pneumatic vacuum lift elevator, in which the vertical shaft is a tube with smooth interior surface, preferably cylindrical, with straight axle, and the transport cab or vehicle moving inside such tube is a piston with vertical movement, with minimum play inside the tube, equipped with air suction devices at the upper end of the tube, capable of causing a sufficient pressure differential to displace such piston in controlled ascending and descending movement; completed with an air entry or intake in the lower end of the tube, and the access doors with which the tube is equipped, and which are hermetically closed on the various stopping levels.

Abstract: A bungy jumping tower (10) is disclosed having an elongated boom (11) arranged at an inclined angle relative to the ground, The boom (11) has at least one guide (45). A carriage (29) provides a platform from which a jumper may launch himself. The carriage is driven along the guide for movement between a raised and a lowered position.

Abstract: An amusement ride for slingshotting and bouncing humans with bungee cords. The ride is similar to a bungee jump, except that two separate bungee cords are used, and the jumper (rider) starts on the ground. The ride keeps most of the thrilling sensations of bungee jumping, but reduces or eliminates many of the dangers, including hitting the ground, swinging into a tower, and getting tangled in the cords. The slingshot ride consists of two elevated supports (10). In between the two elevated supports is a carrier (24). Two spring members (12) connect the carrier to the top of both supports (picture the letter "M"). A rider is strapped into the carrier that is secured to the ground with a release mechanism (28). The two springs are stretched with a tensioning mechanism (22). The release mechanism is triggered by the operator, and the rider is shot up into the air. The strapped-in rider bounces up and down about four times before being lowered to the ground.

Abstract: An air driven amusement ride propels a passenger vehicle upward along a guide cable out of an acceleration tube by a blast of pressurized air within the tube under the vehicle. Passengers experience a feeling of weightlessness and free fall from the time the vehicle exits the tube until it later re-enters, which can exceed ten seconds. The source of pressurized gas for the tube preferably includes a gas reservoir, a pump that raises the gas pressure in the reservoir at a predetermined pump rate, and a release that allows gas to flow from the reservoir into the tube at a rate substantially faster than the pump rate.

Abstract: The ride is capable of raising a rider to a height of thirty feet or more above the ground, and then releasing the rider to swing. It includes a support structure, a support line secured to the support structure at one end, with an opposed end secured to a rider, preferably to an attachment which is worn by a rider. A launch structure is spaced from the support structure and carries a launch line which has an end which is capable of being raised and lowered above the ground, and which is designed to be releasibly attached to the rider attachment to lift a rider from the ground. A release device is located between the launch line and the rider attachment. In operation, the rider attachment with the support line attached is secured to the rider, the launch line is releasibly secured to the attachment, and the launch line is activated to move the rider laterally and upwardly towards the top of the launch structure.

Abstract: A vertical tower which participants ascend by means of an internal stairway. At the top of the tower there are several horizontal arms. Each participant walks through a horizontal arm to its open, outward end. The participant is then connected to a resilient band that is also attached to the horizontal arm. Subsequently, the participant leaps from the open, outward end and undergoes dampened vertical oscillations before being lowered to the surface of the earth. The stairway and multiple horizontal arms permit multiple participants to use the device simultaneously and to repeat rapidly the experience. Numerous safety features are employed to prevent injury to the participants.

Abstract: A tower is located within a tube and is arranged to displace a liquid, which preferably is water. The tower may be arranged to float in the water and its buoyancy is controlled to cause movement of the tower relative to the tube. An observation gallery may be is carried at the top of the tower for carrying passengers, being arranged to rotate relative to the tower. As the tower floats in water, and the volume of tower structure which moves out of the water is minimal, the amount of energy required to move it from the bottom of the tube to its highest position may be made relatively small.