Patents by Inventor Alexander Burkat

Alexander Burkat has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5551920
    Abstract: A motion base for an apparatus for subjecting a user to sensory experience is provided. The motion base has a motion generator for moving a platform about at least one axis of rotation. The platform supports the user such that the user's center of gravity is substantially coincident with the center of rotation of the platform. The active elements of the motion generator are separate from the elements that support the weight of the apparatus and the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ogden, Alexander Burkat, Jon H. Snoddy, Edward Fritz
  • Patent number: 5529382
    Abstract: An over-the-shoulder passenger restraint system that operates in three modes and permits fine adjustments of two pairs of pivoting elements, one pair located behind and above the passenger's shoulders, the second pair located in front of the passenger is described. Fine adjustments permit the securing of guests of varying sizes, from small children to tall or overweight adults. The restraint fits each person snugly, thus minimizing potential of injuries while also not blocking the view of a show or scenery around which a ride is themed. The restraint system is also very safe; when passengers are boarding the ride, the restraint cannot be moved, making it useful for balance. After passengers are seated, the restraint can only be pulled downward toward the passenger. During the ride, the restraint is locked and cannot move up or down. When passengers are exiting the ride, the restraint can only be moved upward and away from the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventor: Alexander Burkat
  • Patent number: 5182836
    Abstract: A pressure activated seat belt locking device is disclosed for allowing an operator from a remote location to control the locking or unlocking of seat belts such as those used on amusement park type rides, or elsewhere. The seat belt locking device has a buckle portion into which a latching tongue is inserted and held into place by a retractable element which extends through an aperture in the latching tongue. The latching tongue can be removed from the buckle by depressing a release latch to disengage the retractable element from the aperture. The seat belt locking device is provided with a pneumatically inflatable air bladder which is exerted against a pivotable lever lock when properly inflated. The inflation of the air bladder causes the lever lock to pivot and bear against the lower end of the release latch, such that the release latch cannot be depressed by the user of the seat belt to disengage the retractable element from the latching tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventor: Alexander Burkat