Importance

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Abstract

A gondola 40 is mounted to move freely along an endless, sinuous track 20. With the track 20 rotating about a horizontal axis, the gondola 40 is raised and, as the track 20 presents a downhill section, the gondola 40 rolls down it under the influence of gravity. The steeper the downhill section, the greater the speed until the gondola 40 reaches its lowermost position (FIG. 1B). Its momentum cause the gondola 40 to carry on travelling along a momentarily uphill section of the track 20. Travel from then on depends on a number of variables, including the rotational speed, direction and acceleration of the track 20, the weight of the gondola 40 and its passengers, the natural damping effect of friction in the mounting of the gondola 40 on the track 20, and any additional braking and/or driving effect that may be applied to the gondola 40. As compared to a conventional rollercoaster, the ride 1 may occupy a very much smaller footprint, incur a much lower capital cost and be readily adaptable to mobile use. By varying the operating parameters, many differing ride experiences may be achieved.

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First Claim