A playground apparatus, extended landing platform attachment, and method of retrofitting a playground structure comprises a slide having at least one inclined surface and a landing platform configured to be coupled to a base of the inclined surface of the slide. The landing platform may be positioned at the base of the slide to enable a user to slide onto the platform from the slide and to move across the platform away from the path of a subsequent user sliding down the inclined surface of the slide. The landing platform may also be configured to provide additional seating area and more points of accessibility to provide easier access to a disabled user using the playground apparatus.

A slide has a slide body and a fixing assembly. The fixing assembly has a connecting rod mounted on the slide body, a flexible unit, and a fixing unit. An end of the flexible unit is connected to the connecting rod. The fixing unit is mounted on the flexible unit. The fixing unit and the flexible unit jointly fix a tread of an open riser stairway. As the flexible unit is bendable, the flexible unit and the fixing unit can be easily moved to clamp the tread, thereby facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.

A ride system includes a tunnel, a vehicle ride path in the tunnel, an entrance disposed at a first end of the tunnel, a second end of the tunnel, one or more walls of the tunnel, and a projection system to project images onto the one or more walls of the tunnel. The tunnel is curved such that the second end of the tunnel is not visible at an intermediate position between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel.

A ride system includes a tunnel, a vehicle ride path in the tunnel, an entrance disposed at a first end of the tunnel, a second end of the tunnel, one or more walls of the tunnel, and a projection system to project images onto the one or more walls of the tunnel. The tunnel is curved such that the second end of the tunnel is not visible at an intermediate position between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel.

Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.

Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.

A transport system comprising linear motor modules utilized both straight and curved track modules, with movers displaced on the track modules by control of power applied to coils of the modules. Curved track modules have modified spline geometries to provide desired acceleration and jerk characteristics. The modified spline geometries may be defined by more than one generators, such as an equation generator and a spline fit between the equation-generated segment and one or more constrained points or locations. The curved track modules may be divided into 180 degree modules, or may be reduced to 90 degree, 45 degree or other fractional arcs to provide for modular assembly, mirror-image geometries and motion profiles, and the like. The system may be adapted to provide improved motion characteristics based on modification of a conventional spline geometry.

A track for a roller coaster is provided. The track includes a plurality of layers that are each constructed from a plurality of layer segments prefabricated with an automated precision cutting device.

A track for a roller coaster is provided. The track includes a plurality of layers that are each constructed from a plurality of layer segments prefabricated with an automated precision cutting device.

The lever, wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, screw, and inclined plane are the six Simple Machines of the Classical era. Over 2000 years ago a man from Syracuse used them to create a way to move water against the pull of gravity. The Archimedes' screw is still a standard for simple efficiency. In homage to those early machines and the dreamers who built them, the Human Flying Apparatus provides a carriage, wheels and an axle, a harness, and a braking and steering system and, in specific embodiments, thrusters, all suspended from a single rail, which allows a human being to soar in simulated flight that is safe, sustained, and suitable for all skill levels.

For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you long to return.