Gravitron: Difference between revisions
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''This article is about the amusement ride. For the hypothetical elementary particle, see [[graviton]].'' |
''This article is about the amusement ride. For the hypothetical elementary particle, see [[graviton]].'' |
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[[Image:Gravitron2.jpg|frame|right|Riders on the Gravitron's walls]] The '''Gravitron''' is an [[amusement ride]] which involves fast rotations around an axis causing riders within the rotating frame to feel [[centrifugal force]]. 4 [[Acceleration due to gravity|Gs]] are created which stick people to the walls of a |
[[Image:Gravitron2.jpg|frame|right|Riders on the Gravitron's walls]] The '''Gravitron''' is an [[amusement ride]] which involves fast rotations around an axis causing riders within the rotating frame to feel [[centrifugal force]]. 4 [[Acceleration due to gravity|Gs]] are created which stick people to the walls of a saucer. These walls are fitted with individual [[cushion]]s for each rider, set on sliders which move up and down at varying intervals, depending on the weight of the rider and the speed of the Gravitron. In the middle of the disc is most often a [[Disk jockey|DJ]] who makes comments and plays music through a speaker system. |
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Revision as of 22:49, 24 August 2006
This article is about the amusement ride. For the hypothetical elementary particle, see graviton.
The Gravitron is an amusement ride which involves fast rotations around an axis causing riders within the rotating frame to feel centrifugal force. 4 Gs are created which stick people to the walls of a saucer. These walls are fitted with individual cushions for each rider, set on sliders which move up and down at varying intervals, depending on the weight of the rider and the speed of the Gravitron. In the middle of the disc is most often a DJ who makes comments and plays music through a speaker system.
The ride has a capacity of 45 adults, at a rate of 1,000 riders per hour (rides generally last between one minute and 90 seconds).
An accident occurred at the Dade County Youth Fair when the Gravitron ride when a girl flew out of the ride, with the panel coming off when the ride was in function. The girl and 7 other passengers were injured, and DCYF stengthened their safety guidelines and has removed the entire ride and its similar counterparts from the park.
First manufactured by Wisdom Industries in 1983 (patented in 1986), the Gravitron quickly became a fixture at fairs and carnivals in the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Wisdom continues to manufacture the Gravitron, though the official name of the ride has been changed to "Starship 2000".