Abstract: The present invention provides an ergonomic multi-positionable workstation having independently positionable and adjustable seating and work area components. The seating components can further comprise back, leg support, and head support components, and the work area components can further comprise a work surface or desk area and areas for accommodating a computer keyboard and monitor.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for detecting an aberrant fibrinolysis condition in a patient. The method includes subjecting a blood sample from the patient to a viscoelastic analysis in the presence of a known amount of a thrombolytic agent, to obtain a coagulation characteristic value of the patient; and comparing the coagulation characteristic value of the patient to a coagulation characteristic value of a healthy individual, the coagulation characteristic value of the healthy individual obtained by subjecting a blood sample from a healthy individual to the viscoelastic analysis in the presence of the known amount of the thrombolytic agent, wherein a difference in the coagulation characteristic value of the patient as compared to the coagulation characteristic value of the healthy individual identifies the patent as having aberrant fibrinolysis.

Abstract: An amusement ride providing the sensation of riding scissor lift construction equipment to ride passengers is disclosed. The amusement ride has a scissor lift mechanism supported by a construction equipment frame with wheels thereon. A stationary support structure supports the equipment frame and suspends the wheels in midair to hold the equipment stationary. A cargo lift platform connected on top of the scissor lift mechanism has amusement ride seats mounted thereon. The ride seats have passenger restraints which provides amusement-ride-level safety. An electric motor drivingly connected to the scissor lift mechanism is operated by a ride operator to raise and lower the cargo lift platform. A passenger access platform situated adjacent the cargo lift platform allows ride passengers to easily and safely enter and exit the scissor lift.

Abstract: A ride attraction system includes a tower track and a ride vehicle configured to accommodate one or more riders. The ride vehicle is coupled to and configured to move relative to the tower track and the ride vehicle includes one or more user input devices. The ride attraction system further includes an image system configured to display a ride environment, wherein the user input devices are configured to enable the one or more riders to interact with elements of the ride environment via the one or more user input devices. The ride attraction system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle and the image system and configured to control movement of the ride vehicle relative to the tower track based on signals from the one or more user input devices.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided that moves a rider in a manner that is synchronized with a video image being displayed on a screen visible to the rider. In one embodiment, the ride is comprised of a rider station for supporting a rider, a trolley that supports the station, a tower that vertically guides the trolley, a motor system for vertically moving the trolley along the tower, an actuator system for moving the station relative to the trolley, a projector system, a screen, and a controller for synchronizing the movement of the station and any rider disposed in the station with imagery projected onto the screen. The controller is adapted to position the station using the motor and/or actuator system in a manner that is synchronized with the imagery being displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A cable driven elevator system having an elevator platform with an integral motion system is provided using one or multiple actuators. Each actuator includes a support plate attached to the elevator platform, a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by an electric servo motor, and a drive shaft driven by the servo motor and engaged with a one crank. Connecting rods are connected between the crank and a frame. The frame supports a passenger platform. A control system is operable with each electric servo motor of each actuator for providing a simulated motion to the passenger platform including a heaving (vertical) motion such that the vertical downward acceleration experienced by persons riding the elevator exceeds 1 g, by way of example. The motion system is also capable of directly imparting vibrations to the elevator platform of up to at least 100 Hz without additional vibration generating equipment.

Abstract: A liquid-resistant control systems enclosure may include a shell, a shaft and at least one shell anchoring member. The shell may include a top, a shell wall connected to and extending downwardly from a perimeter of the top, and a sleeve. The shaft may extend upwardly through a surface pad and may be adapted to pass through the sleeve. The sleeve may include a sleeve wall extending downwardly from an inner perimeter of an opening in the top. The sleeve may matingly engage the shaft to move the shell between a raised position and a lowered position. The shell may be moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The shell may be adapted to be positioned in the latched position when the shell is in the lowered position.

Abstract: An amusement ride apparatus comprising: a free fall tower having a proximal end hingedly attached to a base platform and a distal end; a lifting assembly connected to the base platform and the free fall tower so that the free fall tower can transition between a loading position and a free fall position; a trolley slideably attached to the free fall tower; a trolley securing assembly attached to the trolley and releasably attached to the distal end of the tower for securing the trolley to the distal end prior to the free fall tower transitioning from the loading position to the free fall position so that the trolley is held at the distal end when the tower is in the free fall position; a braking assembly carried by the base platform for slowing the downward movement of the trolley when the trolley securing member is released; and, a passenger carriage pivotably carried by the trolley allowing the passenger carriage to pivot to maintain a generally upright orientation as the free fall tower transitions from the

Abstract: An amusement ride system combines about six or more different ride elements from different types of amusement rides available to the public today into a single design. The amusement ride system may bring customers back time and time again for a new ride experience on the same ride design. This may allow amusement ride operators to provide varying ride experiences without requiring a completely different ride, thus saving cost and space. The amusement ride system may include a plurality of pods adapted to house riders. The pods may be adapted to move up and down, spin about a central tower, and spin and swivel about the pod's axes.

Abstract: An amusement ride system combines about six or more different ride elements from different types of amusement rides available to the public today into a single design. The amusement ride system may bring customers back time and time again for a new ride experience on the same ride design. This may allow amusement ride operators to provide varying ride experiences without requiring a completely different ride, thus saving cost and space. The amusement ride system may include a plurality of pods adapted to house riders. The pods may be adapted to move up and down, spin about a central tower, and spin and swivel about the pod's axes.

Abstract: An elevating mechanism includes a cage, a connecting element, a balancing weight body, a sheave and a power output unit. The cage includes an outer box and an inner box. The outer box for containing a fluid has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is for the fluid flowing into the outer box. The outlet is for the fluid flowing out of the outer box. The inner box is placed inside the outer box for containing a loading body, and suspended in the fluid. The connecting element is wound around the sheave. The power output unit is for driving the sheave. One end of the connecting element is connected to the outer box, and the other end connected to the balancing weight body. The weight of the balancing weight body is equal to the total weight of the outer box, the fluid, the inner box and the loading body.

Abstract: An amusement ride system having an amusement ride for carrying a rider thereon while giving the rider a high-speed view of a screen provided along a traveling path of the amusement ride extending vertically, for example. A plurality of image projectors for projecting an image toward the screen are positioned in one side of the traveling path opposite from the screen and configured to project an image in a direction transverse to a line of vision of the rider thereby to give the rider vivid representation of the image improved in the feeling of presence of the rider.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission (1) comprises power rollers (18C, 18D, 20C, 20D) which transmit a torque between input disks (18A, 20A) and output disks (20A, 20B), and trunnions (104, 105, 114, 115) which drive the power rollers (18C, 18D, 20C, 20D) in a perpendicular direction to a rotation shaft (16A) according to a differential pressure between a first oil chamber (101) and a second oil chamber (102). When the second oil chamber (102) is at higher pressure than the first oil chamber (101), the toroidal continuously variable transmission (1) causes a downshift, and when the first oil chamber (101) is at higher pressure than the second oil chamber (102), the toroidal continuously variable transmission (1) causes an upshift. The first oil chamber (101) is connected to a first passage (176) and the second oil chamber (102) is connected to a second passage (177). A speed ratio control valve (70, 70A) controls a direction and a flowrate of the first passage (176) and the second passage (177).

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: 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 falling amusement ride which is capable of letting a player enjoy a thrill of dropping to the same extent as in a conventional equipment in spite of its height restrained low is provided. The falling amusement ride has a seat supported so as to go up and down to be dropped, and illusion giving device for giving an illusion regarding a sense of height to the player sitting on the seat.

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 reversing Gravity Fed Orbital Ride "GFOR" (10) produces a repeating, descending and ascending orbital rotation, influenced by the tug of gravity. A plurality of variably inclining and declining paths, defined in a central column (12). A passenger carriage (14) supports seats (48) and guides (22), that interlock with the closed loop paths. Passengers are elevated to an Event Horizon (42) by rotating column (12), while simultaneously inhibiting the rotation of carriage (14). Passengers are driven along a descending orbital course, after reaching the Event Horizon. Thus, passengers can experience an intense centrifugal G-Force sensation and/or weightlessness. When maximum rotational velocity is obtained, a reverse in the vertical direction sends the passengers in an orbital ascent, that slows to a brief stop, reverses it's rotational direction and begins another descent. This repeats until built momentum is spent.