Abstract: A multi faceted system for simulating free flight, playing games in a free flight mode, and photographing the experience in a manner which permits of the creation of a montage, in which a vertical air column is defined by a variable cylindrical walls, and in which at least a portion of the air column is moving in laminar flow mode.

Abstract: A riding simulation system for providing an operator with a pseudo-experience of a running motorcycle. A steering handle mechanism of the system which enables the operator to perform steering operations is turnably held on a frame body and a connection shaft is supported to be inclinable relative to the frame body through an inclination lock mechanism. The connection shaft is provided to be extendable and contractable along the axial direction thereof through an extension/contraction lock mechanism, so that the position of a pedal mechanism mounted on the lower side of the connection shaft can be displaced to a desired position relative to the position of the steering handle mechanism. The system also includes a vibrator and a click generator to simulate the vibration of a motor and the sound of gear shifting, as well as a mechanism to simulate a reaction force to a steering handle.

Abstract: A combination snack food and game piece assemblage and method of use of same as an entertainment method.

Abstract: A rocker that may be used to entertain an infant. In one embodiment, the rocker includes a seat portion, an activity portion and a connector. The connector is coupled to the seat portion and to the activity portion. In one embodiment, the seat portion and the activity portion are configured to rock on a support surface. In one embodiment, the seat portion and the activity portion can be rocked side-to-side. The rocker includes an output generating system that can generate audible and/or visual outputs.

Abstract: The game apparatus has: a rotating bin containing at least one game piece; a moveable claw for grabbing the at least one game piece; a catapult for launching the at least one game piece; and a target area for receiving the at least one game piece; wherein the moveable claw places the at least one game piece on the catapult, and wherein the catapult launches the at least one game piece at the target area. The method of playing the game having a plurality of game pieces and having a target area, has the steps of: selecting at least one of the game pieces at a first location; moving the selected game piece to a second location; and catapulting the at least one of the game pieces from the second location toward a target area. The step of selecting may have the steps of rotating a plurality of game pieces, selectively stopping rotation of the plurality of game pieces, and picking up at least one of the game pieces.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information and to use the objects, clues or information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game.

Abstract: A flume ride is provided having a funnel-shaped slide feature having a relatively larger entry end and a relatively smaller exit end, the funnel-shaped slide feature being configured and arranged such that a rider enters at the wider end with a predetermined expected velocity and swings back and forth and/or spins around the inner surface of the funnel before safely draining through the smaller end.

Abstract: A camera comprising means for capturing an image, integral scent association means operable by a user to associate a scent with the image, and integral means operable to cause the said scent to be perceived by a user. The invention also provides a printer comprising printing means and integral scent generation means, wherein the scent generation means comprise a drive mechanism and a tape having a plurality of scented regions, the drive mechanism being operable to spool the tape and the scent generation means being operable to cause a selected scented region to emit its scent.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided, which awards loyalty points to players playing the game who have identified themselves to the machine. The machine is arranged to award loyalty points to the player and to play two game means wherein, the first or base game may be provided by the slot machine game as a stand alone function with no dependence upon a supporting communications network, the second game may be linked game in which a plurality of network connected machines (50) participate with control of the game being provided by a central game controller (60), while the communications network (62) is controlled by a network controller (61). A first game mode is available to all players and a second enhanced game mode is made available to players who have reached a predetermined threshold of loyalty points.

Abstract: Casino table device with automated progressive jackpot, comprising a gaming table, game means for a casino game, several player positions (1) with a betting position, a jackpot calculator (32), and display means (34) for displaying the state of the jackpot.

Abstract: The invention provides an imitation climbing rock that allows children to simulate rock climbing activity. The climbing rock is adapted to be attached to a wall to simulate a natural rock-like structure. The climbing rock includes a mounting surface, a body (e.g., a continuous side wall) and an endless grip that extends outwardly from the entire circumference of the body. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold for children seeking to grasp the climbing rock as the attempt to negotiate a wall that includes several of the climbing rocks. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold regardless of a climbing childs position relative to the climbing rock and no matter how the climbing rock is mounted to the climbing wall. The body, or side wall, of the climbing rock preferably includes a mounting portion that forms an edge with the mounting surface and a gripping portion where the endless grip extends outwardly from the gripping portion.

Abstract: An improved novelty item is disclosed. The novelty item has a container that receives a solid piece of carbon dioxide when the solid carbon dioxide contacts water vapor in the container a fog is created. As the solid carbon dioxide sublimates, the water vapor is emitted from the container as a visible fog. The container may be in the shape of any number of designs for which the visible fog streaming from the container creates a pleasing illusion.

Abstract: A compact ball launching activity device has an upper and lower member. The upper member having multiple funnel shaped openings that are positioned on the sides of the upper member. The upper member also has one funnel shaped opening positioned at the top of the upper member. The device includes a launch system having an angled feeder tray and flywheel. The balls enter the side funnels of the upper member and are collected on the angled feeder tray. The balls fall through a hole in the feeder tray to a launch channel. The flywheel propels the balls through the launch channel, up and out of the funnel positioned at the top of the ball launching activity device.

Abstract: In an instant lottery ticket game structure having a lottery administration host computer that includes a ticket validation file containing prize codes for at least some of the lottery tickets, provision for instant lottery tickets having variable redemption values can be made by allowing the prize codes in the validation file to be changed under certain predetermined circumstances. At least some of the lottery tickets in the game, whether printed or electronically simulated, can be provided with play indicia under a removable coating that indicates that the redemption value of that lottery ticket is variable. Using the host computer, a lottery administration can change the prize codes and therefore the redemption value of these instant lottery tickets according to the predetermined criteria such as the termination of a game.

Abstract: A novelty device attaches to the exterior of a motor vehicle, with an upwardly extending arm producing a passive lateral oscillation due to vehicle motion to simulate a wagging animal tail. The device includes a base plate which attaches to the vehicle between a license plate mounting area and the license plate, with a bracket extending outwardly from the plane of the plate. A laterally flexible arm is attached to the distal end of the bracket. A fabric or plastic sleeve resembling an animal tail may be installed over the arm, so the covered arm resembles the tail of a team mascot animal or the like. The flexibility of the arm may be adjusted or varied by providing a series of bends at the base of the arm or elsewhere along the arm, and/or providing a bobweight at the distal end of the arm or elsewhere along the arm.

Abstract: The invention provides an imitation climbing rock that allows children to simulate rock climbing activity. The climbing rock is adapted to be attached to a wall to simulate a natural rock-like structure. The climbing rock includes a mounting surface, a body (e.g., a continuous side wall) and an endless grip that extends outwardly from the entire circumference of the body. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold for children seeking to grasp the climbing rock as the attempt to negotiate a wall that includes several of the climbing rocks. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold regardless of a climbing childs position relative to the climbing rock and no matter how the climbing rock is mounted to the climbing wall. The body, or side wall, of the climbing rock preferably includes a mounting portion that forms an edge with the mounting surface and a gripping portion where the endless grip extends outwardly from the gripping portion.

Abstract: An interactive play system and structure is provided in which a plurality of interactive play elements are provided for creating various desired effects utilizing soft foam balls or other suitable “dry” play media. In one embodiment the interactive play system comprises a multi-level support structure on which the interactive play elements are disposed. These allow play participants to create desired play effects using a fun and familiar dry play media. Some of the play elements may be multi-order play elements in that they receive play media from a first effect to create yet another effect. Various automated and/or play-participant-operated conveyers and play media collection and return mechanisms are provided throughout the structure for collecting and transporting play media from a source, such as a collection basin, to the various interactive play elements.

Abstract: A currency bank includes a housing having an inlet and an opening. A shredded currency mechanism is located in the housing and selectively appears in the opening. A feed mechanism is provided for feeding associated currency into the housing at the inlet. A motor powers the shredded currency mechanism and the feed mechanism. A timing assembly is provided for activating the shredded currency mechanism when the feed mechanism is activated by an associated piece of currency so that it appears that the associated currency being fed into the housing is being shredded.

Abstract: A fish and marine mammal aquatic observatory. The observatory comprises an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall that define an enclosed annular volume. The inner cylindrical wall is formed of a transparent material, e.g., glass or reinforced plastic. The enclosed annular volume is partially filled with a body of sea water that includes fish and marine mammal animals and other aquatic plants. The observatory further includes a carousel or platform supported on a tower located along a longitudinal axis of the observatory. An outer diameter of the carousel substantially abuts the inner cylindrical wall of the observatory. The carousel is accessible to participants when located at a first or upper position above the enclosed annular volume of water. A lift mechanism moves the carousel from the first, upper position to a second, lower position within the enclosed annular volume of water.

Abstract: A positive-feedback go/no-go control system for an electric-vehicle ride (10) at an amusement park reliably communicates motion commands, vehicle-presence signals, and vehicle-status signals in the presence of high electrical noise and does so without the addition of expensive add-on equipment. The railway electric-vehicle ride includes an outbus (16) and an inbus (18) running along a railway (14). The positive-feedback go/no-go control system comprises a wayside control board (22) that provides a bipolar pulse-width-modulated command signal (26) to the outbus. A control circuit (24) onboard the electric vehicle receives the bipolar pulse-width-modulated command signal, amplitude modulates it at different frequencies that represent the electric vehicle's intended action, and provides the processed bipolar pulse-width-modulated command signal (30, 32) to the inbus.

Abstract: A film to live-action theater includes a screen facing an audience seating area. The screen has exit and entrance openings and movable panels to open and close off the openings. A screen elevator lifts the screen from a lowered position, wherein the entrance and exit openings are concealed behind a stage, to an up position, to allow an actor and/or a prop to move through the openings. The audience views a film presentation projected onto the lowered screen. At a predetermined time, the screen is quickly raised and a live actor and/or a prop move through the screen to a front stage area, on a track. The opening of the door panels is preferably partially concealed through special effects such as fog or lighting. As the film presentation is preferably made with three dimensional film technology, the audience perceives a film-to-live transition.

Abstract: An amusement ride for catapulting a human rider, enclosed within a capsule, into the air in much the same fashion as ancient armies would hurl large boulders over the walls of castles. The ride provides many of the sensations and thrills encountered by fighter pilots launching from the decks of aircraft carriers without the requirement for flight training or the associated dangers. The ride essentially consists of a siege type catapult and a releasably connected launch pod. When in the launch position, a release mechanism is triggered by the operator and the rider is catapulted into the air at a physiologically safe rate of acceleration along a predictable free-flight arc. When an acceptable elevation is reached, the rider is separated from the capsule and gently brought back to earth using an automatically deploying parachute or similar device. An alternate embodiment envisions the use of a similar device to project a conveyance vehicle along a horizontal track similar to a stone skipping across the water.

Abstract: A playground apparatus is disclosed which includes four upright posts secured in the ground in a square configuration. Playground apparatus further includes four curved beam members formed from substantially rigid material, each of which is pivotally connected at its midpoint. The adjacent ends of the beams are interconnected by a resilient spring assembly, and the assembled beams define a ring-like support surface upon which children can stand and jump, producing undulating and resilient motion.

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: A horse shaped building with recreational area that is inspired by Greek mythology wherein the horse shaped building replicates the Greek horse doureios ippos. The horse shaped building with recreational area includes an octagonal shaped garden, the horse shaped building, an octagonal shaped water canal, and a movably mounted stepped bridge. The horse shaped building is disposed on the octagonal shaped garden. The octagonal shaped water canal surrounds the octagonal shaped garden. And, the movably mounted stepped bridge extends from the octagonal shaped garden and passes over the octagonal shaped water canal.

Abstract: Disclosure is made in this application of apparatus to synchronize and change the pitch of wind actuated flapping wings of a simulated bird.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprises a housing, a first ejection mechanism in the housing for ejecting a first entertainment device from the housing, a second ejection mechanism in the housing for ejecting a second entertainment device from the housing, and a control unit operatively connected to the first ejection mechanism and the second ejection mechanism for sequencing the operation of the first ejection mechanism and the second ejection mechanism. Upon lapse of a predetermined interval after ejection of the first entertainment device such as confetti or streamers from the housing, a second entertainment device such as sparklers or fireworks spinners is automatically ejected from the housing. Predetermined sound effects such as music may be generated in a predetermined synchrony with the ejection of the entertainment devices.

Abstract: A child's amusement device having a torsible beam with the torsible beam having a child-support surface for a child to sit or stand on with pivotal supports spaced about and supporting the periphery of the torsible beam, with the torsible beam having sufficient rigidity to remain in a fixed position when no external force is applied to the child-support surface, and the torsible beam having sufficient resiliency so that when an external force deflects the torsible beam, the torsible beam flexes and twists in response thereto, causing the torsible beam to oscillate about the pivotal supports and thereby provide an amusement ride for a child thereon.

Abstract: In one embodiment the amusement device is a series of trampolines arranged vertically and offset to allow a user, starting at the top to spring serially from the uppermost to lower trampolines. A tram can deliver the user to the top. In another embodiment, a trampoline is described which has a rigid support structure except for a portion which is deflectable when excess force is applied so as to prevent injury to a user.

Abstract: A figure moving article capable of accomplishing unique and unexpected movement sufficient to exhibit unexpected movements. The figure moving article includes a cylindrical container having a peripheral wall formed of a flexible material. In the container is arranged a bending structure which is actuated to cause the container to carry out bending motion. Also, a motor is received in the container in a manner to be operatively connected to the bending structure to actuate the bending structure and a motor drive circuit for driving the motor is arranged in the container. The bending structure is operatively connected to the container so as to transmit the actuation of the bending structure to the container, resulting in the container exhibiting bending movement.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprises a housing, a first ejection mechanism in the housing for ejecting a first entertainment device from the housing, a second ejection mechanism in the housing for ejecting a second entertainment device from the housing, and a control unit operatively connected to the first ejection mechanism and the second ejection mechanism for sequencing the operation of the first ejection mechanism and the second ejection mechanism. Upon lapse of a predetermined interval after ejection of the first entertainment device such as confetti or streamers from the housing, a second entertainment device such as sparklers or fireworks spinners is automatically ejected from the housing. Predetermined sound effects such as music may be generated in a predetermined synchrony with the ejection of the entertainment devices.

Abstract: A freefall simulator for producing a controlled airstream in an upward direction, and at a control ed velocity to accommodate all of the human sizes, shapes, forms, and weights, and allow them to practice freefalling, or, freeflight, in an ultra safe environment, and to provide an instructional environment for purposes of teaching freefalling, or, freeflight. The freefall simulator is housed in a building specifically designed for this purpose, having a hydraulic drive train consisting of two separate hydraulic motors, one to provide from 0% to 50% of the power needs of the freefall simulator, and the other to provide the remaining 51% to 100% of the power needs on a controlled increase, on demand, of power to fit the size, shape, and weight of the participant. The entire building is designed for noise abatement, and also has an earth "Berm" surrounding the building to redirect any noise escaping the building into an upward direction.

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 novelty display item comprises a transparent, sealed container loosely holding a solid flowable material and least one solid object, which together form a decorative scene. A new decorative scene is created by shaking, rolling or otherwise moving the item so that the flowable material and solid object within are displaced to new positions.

Abstract: An architectural structure is made of one or more walls, each wall consisting of a lattice of rigid cells hingedly interconnected and supported by frame members. The cells may have holes sized and constructed to make the walls suitable for playground equipment.

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.