Switchback Patents (Class 104/67)
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Patent number: 7373888Abstract: A system which simulates a dragster which exposes a driver to both “G” forces and “wheelies”, and methodology of conducting a competition therewith.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventors: Kenneth D. Namanny, Keith E. Namanny, Kerry T. Namanny
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Patent number: 6508179Abstract: A play set for use with unpowered (e.g. {fraction (1/64)} scale) toy vehicles having non-steerable, free rotating wheels includes a closed loop track with a conveyor that raises such unpowered toy vehicles from a lower end to an upper, elevated end and a driven, tilting roadway that randomly directs toy vehicles from the upper level to either of two track branches. At least part of each track branch can be opened to release a toy vehicle from the track. A merge track section joins together a lower level end of each of the two track branches and leads to the lower end of the conveyor. The upper end of the conveyor and the tilting roadway are simultaneously supported by a single and driven by a single motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Robert Annis, Daniel Gleason, Trevor J. Hayes, Robert A. Butkiewicz, Julian R. Payne, Jeremy S. Robotham, Francis Ponton
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Patent number: 5638755Abstract: A trolley includes a track having first and second ends. A pivot is located between the first and second ends of the track so that movement of the first end of the track causes opposite movement of the second end of the track. A counterweight is located near the first end of the track so as to apply downward force. A trolley is movable along a portion of the track located between the pivot and the second end of the track. The trolley has a handle or carriage for a user. The combined weight of the user and the trolley overcomes the counterweight so as to move the second end of the track downward causing the trolley to move along the track toward the second end of the track. The counterforce is sufficient to move the second end of the track upward and to return the trolley to the starting position when the weight of the user is released from the trolley. The trolley moves between a first platform located near the starting position and a second platform lower than the first platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: PlaySmart, Inc.Inventors: Randy H. Love, Darrell Weaver
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Patent number: 5522321Abstract: A pair of side-by-side track assemblies are provided and each track assembly has a wheeled, dragster simulating and occupant riding vehicle mounted thereon for guided movement longitudinally therealong. Each track assembly includes bungee cord vehicle accelerating structure for rapidly accelerating the corresponding vehicle along the track assembly toward the other end thereof and each track assembly other end includes bungee cord vehicle decelerating structure operative to engage the corresponding vehicle and to gradually increasingly decelerate the same as the vehicle moves along the track other end portion. In addition, the bungee cord decelerating structure is further operative, after decelerating the corresponding vehicle and terminating its movement toward the track structure other end portion, to accelerate the vehicle back toward the first end of the track assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1995Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Inventors: Jimmy D. Mosley, Ernest D. Mosley
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Patent number: 5353887Abstract: A household trash delivery system having a guidance member moveable within a track. The cart is controlled by a programmable timer to send the cart from a household location to a curbside destination at a desired time, and the return of the cart from the curbside destination to the household destination at a second desired time. The cart may be elevated above obstacles adjacent to the track such as a mound of snow and has a built in pressure sensitive system to cut off power temporarily if it encounters an obstacle such as a small child within the path of the cart.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1993Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Inventor: John Putnam
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Patent number: 5174569Abstract: A route diverter for selecting a first or a second track route for a slot track vehicle to follow is disclosed. The diverter is engageable with track portions of the first and second routes and comprises a platform and means for supporting the platform for see-saw movement between first and second positions in which the first and second routes are respectively selected, the platform being movable in response to movement of a slot track vehicle past the diverter to change the route selected.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1990Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: Artin Industrial Company LimitedInventor: Kam-Fai Ngai
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Patent number: 5115744Abstract: An amusement car ride is disclosed which propels a car along a first straight track section, a curved track section having 180 degrees of arc and a second straight track section, in that order. Movement of the car is provided by a d.c. motor under control by a controller for energizing the motor with accelerating speed during movement of the car through the first straight section, constant speed during movement through the curved section and decelerating speed during movement through the second straight section. A tractor device is mounted for movement along the track sections and the car is pivotally mounted at its forward end to the tractor so that the car can pivot as the same moves along the curved section of track. In so pivoting, passengers in the car are subjected to centrifugal force.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1989Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
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Patent number: 4991514Abstract: An electromagnetically powered drag racing ride attraction is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Inventors: Tyrone E. Powell, James Trani
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Patent number: 4718891Abstract: A method and system for continuously monitoring patient heart rate and blood pressure during hemodialysis and for automatically controlling fluid extraction rate and/or dialysate sodium concentration in the event that blood pressure and/or heart rate indicate onset or impending onset of a patient hypotensive episode. A decrease in patient blood pressure below preselected systolic and/or diastolic low alarm limits automatically initiates a second mode of therapeutic intervention wherein sodium concentration in the dialysate is increased for a predetermined time duration. Upon detection of such low blood pressure alarm, or upon detection of an increase in patient heart rate above a preselected alarm limit, the extraction rate of fluids from the patient through the ultrafiltration membrane is reduced in a first mode of therapeutic intervention by reducing such fluid extraction rate to a minimum level.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1986Date of Patent: January 12, 1988Assignee: Henry Ford HospitalInventor: Ben J. Lipps