Simulates Aircraft Or Space Vehicle Or Simulates The Movement Thereof Patents (Class 472/130)
  • Patent number: 11701595
    Abstract: A reaction controlled system of includes a track, a trolley that travels along the track, an animated figure coupled to the trolley, at least one reaction control element coupled to a portion of the animated figure (e.g., on the features, limbs, and/or body of the animated figure), and a controller. The controller detects presence of a ride vehicle or a guest. The controller also controls the trolley to position the animated figure based on the presence of the ride vehicle or the guest. The controller also controls animation of the animated figure by operating the reaction control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Pratik Sanjay Chatrath, Benjamin Clark, Robert Cortelyou, Timothy J. Eck, Byron C. Miller, James B. Winfrey, Ethan Terwilliger, Corey Cox, Justin Daimler
  • Patent number: 11466809
    Abstract: A gantry-type positioning device includes a planar base parallel to first and second directions. Two first linear axes are arranged in the first direction, each having a first linear drive. A frame held by the first linear axes is movable in the first direction, and comprises two transverse and two longitudinal beams. The transverse beams carry second linear axes with second linear drives parallel to the second direction, so that a movable element arranged between the transverse beams is movably held by the second linear actuators. The frame is flexibly constructed such that the movable element is rotatable about a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and second directions. With respect to the third direction, the movable element is guidable by a guide surface of only one of the transverse beams serving as a guide beam for the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: ETEL S.A.
    Inventor: Philipp Kobel
  • Patent number: 10674824
    Abstract: In the present invention, by providing a motion control apparatus comprising an input interface configured to obtain a motion control input, a pattern selector configured to select at least one similar motion pattern corresponding to the motion control input from a plurality of predefined motion patterns, and a motion controller configured to control a seat on which the viewer sits based on the at least one similar motion pattern, the time and cost for providing realistic effect are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Sangwook Park
  • Patent number: 9981194
    Abstract: In a theater or ride attraction, a motion base articulates a load-bearing seating platform by independently revolving two intermediate wedge-like rings to provide pitch, roll and yaw movements. Unlike flight simulator types of motion bases, these movements do not rely on substantially horizontally pivoting axes, and the resultant loads imparted to motive components. Rather the movements are provided by a circumferentially wedging action between the rings. The motion base has high load carrying capacity and reduced space requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Falcon's Treehouse LLC
    Inventor: Clifford A. Jennings
  • Patent number: 9732535
    Abstract: Various embodiments of load carrying systems comprise a load supporting frame comprising three or more connection points and an associated set of lifts configured which define six separate triangles defining separate planes configured to brace against surge, sway and yaw with respect to a support frame, such as unintended or unwanted surge, sway and yaw, while allowing intended and/or desired surge, sway and yaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Clifford Allen Jennings
  • Patent number: 9511300
    Abstract: A motion simulation system includes a pedestal that may be positioned on a support surface. A car seat is coupled to the top wall and the car seat may support a child. A tilting unit is positioned within the pedestal and the tilting unit is mechanically coupled to the car seat. The tilting unit selectively urges the car seat to tilt in a plurality of angles with respect to a longitudinal axis extending through the pedestal. Thus, the tilting unit simulates motions associated with riding in a vehicle thereby facilitating the tilting unit to soothe the child. A control unit is coupled to the pedestal and the control unit is electrically coupled to the tilting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Huron
  • Patent number: 9011259
    Abstract: A people moving system having a people pod and a cable support system attached to the people pod. The cable support system supports the people pod in the air and includes cables that are each connected at one end to the people pod and each connected to their own respective motor/winch system at the other ends. A computer control system is in signal communication with the motor/winch systems and allows the same to move the people pod in three (3) dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jordan Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8992336
    Abstract: An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Falcon's Treehouse, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Cecil D. Magpuri
  • Patent number: 8968109
    Abstract: A method utilizes reduced operational time and motion paths with consequently reduced manufacturing, operational, and maintenance costs relative to roller coasters, motion simulators, and other similar thrills rides currently in use. This method is accomplished by an Aggressive Linear Acceleration System (A.L.A.S.) maneuver, which is defined as 1) moving a passenger vehicle (107) at a constant angular speed (A) about one central axis of rotation (105), 2) moving passenger vehicle (107) at constant angular speed (A) about central axis of rotation (105), and away from central axis of rotation (105) at an increasing speed by a negative driven acceleration C, and 3) moving passenger vehicle (107) at constant angular speed (A) about central axis of rotation (105), and away from central axis of rotation (105) at a decreasing speed by a positive driven acceleration E. Consequently, the A.L.A.S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel James Stoker
  • Patent number: 8961326
    Abstract: A suspended flying rig system including a plurality of cables attached to a load support. In response to retraction and/or deployment of at least one of the plurality of cables, motion is provided generally within a three-dimensional working space to the load support. The motion includes at least six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tait Towers Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Fisher
  • Patent number: 8920251
    Abstract: An amusement ride has a retaining structure and at least one platform that is connected in an articulated manner to retaining elements which hold the at least one platform on the retaining structure. The retaining elements are cables which are under tensile stress during operation of the amusement ride. The cables have an effective length and the effective length of the cables is variable. Cable winches disposed on the retaining structure are provided that wind the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Dietz, Andreas Pott, Gino De-Gol, Alexander Verf
  • Patent number: 8864593
    Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a plurality of stabilizing members mounted to a base. A passenger support member is moveably mounted along the plurality of stabilizing members. A plurality of spaced apart inflatable actuators are drivingly connected to the passenger support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Simex Inc.
    Inventors: Alex L. Gil, Michael Berinde
  • Patent number: 8864594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carnival ride the comprises a passenger seat for receiving at least one person, a display device for displaying a film sequence and a robot with a control device and with a robotic arm to which the passenger seat can be fastened or is fastened. The film sequence comprises several successive images. The robotic arm comprises drives connected to the control device and comprises several members that can be moved relative to each other by the drives relative to axes. The control device is arranged for controlling the drives for a movement of the robotic arm so that the members have positions of the axes which positions are associated during the movement with the movement. Information about an association of at least several of the images of the film sequence with corresponding positions of the axes of the robotic arm is stored in the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: KUKA Laboratories GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Hasenzahl
  • Patent number: 8858350
    Abstract: An inflatable rocket assembly is an apparatus that improves upon existing rocket shaped balloons. The apparatus is provided in a particular arrangement that enables said inflatable rocket assembly to traverse a fluid, in a particular manner, upon being thrown by human capable means. The inflatable rocket assembly is able to provide amusement and function as a teaching tool to a user through a plurality of interactions. The apparatus utilizes the combination of an inflatable body coupled with a plurality of front fins and a plurality of tail fins in order to achieve a particular flight characteristic while traversing through a fluid. The particular component arrangement allows the inflatable rocket assembly to be thrown through the air, achieving distances of 30? feet or more while requiring very little effort from the user. Furthermore, the inflatable rocket assembly is provided in manner that permits it to be easily inflated and deflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: John Stanley Christoffel
  • Patent number: 8834281
    Abstract: A round ride adapted for efficient and safe maintenance of elevated components. The ride includes a central hub assembly with a hub and a hub drive adapted for selectively rotating the hub about a central axis. The hub assembly includes a plurality of vehicle support arms pivotally mounted at a first end to the hub and extending outward to a second end. The round ride includes a maintenance platform assembly with, for each of the vehicle support arms, extension plates proximate to the first end and extending outward from sides of the vehicle support arm. The extension plates each include a planar upper surface, and the planar upper surfaces are coplanar with an upper surface of the vehicle support arm. When the support arms are pivoted into a horizontal position, the upper surfaces of the plates combined with the upper surfaces of the arms creates a platform near the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Robert Hilsen, Guillermo L. Herrejon, Anthony Steven Castillo
  • Patent number: 8827822
    Abstract: A robot for virtual reality experience, in which a settling body for a user is moved in multidirectional according to operation states of first and second moving units and first and second crank motors. The settling body creates various moving directions according to the operation states of the first and second moving units and the first and second crank motors, and each magnitude of forces applied to each moving direction is changed, thereby forming the various waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Xenarts., Inc
    Inventors: Wan Pyo Lee, Dong One Ha, Seung Hwan Paek
  • Patent number: 8773238
    Abstract: The present document describes a device and method for synchronizing a motion signal corresponding to a media content with a media signal for the media content, the motion signal being for controlling a motion feedback system. The method comprises: receiving a portion of the media signal; obtaining a fingerprint corresponding to the received portion of the media signal; from reference fingerprints associated with time positions of at least one reference media content, identifying a reference time position of the media content corresponding to the obtained fingerprint; obtaining the motion signal associated with the identified reference time position of the media content; and outputting the motion signal synchronized with the media signal using the identified reference time position of the media content for controlling the motion feedback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: D-Box Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Pierre-Anthony Stivell Lemieux
  • Patent number: 8721464
    Abstract: A dynamic simulator includes a carrying platform, a movable platform, a load carrying seat, a first actuator pivotally coupled to carrying platform, and a second actuator pivotally coupled to movable platform, and an included angle is formed between the first actuator and the carrying platform, and an included angle is formed between the second actuator and the load carrying seat, and an included angle is formed between the second actuator and the first actuator, so as to simplify the dynamic simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Brogent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Hung Ou Yang, Deng-Horng Lai, Ke-Cheng Chien
  • Patent number: 8684854
    Abstract: A flying rig system includes a load guidance apparatus and at least two first positioning devices operatively connected to the load guidance apparatus to control the areal position of the load guidance apparatus within an upper portion of a working space. A second positioning device is operatively connected to the load guidance apparatus to permit selective vertical positioning of a load suspended from the load guidance apparatus substantially beneath the upper portion of the working space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Tait Towers Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Fisher
  • Patent number: 8678940
    Abstract: A ride combining two or more vertical rotation axes with vertical translation motion of passenger vehicles. The ride includes a primary turntable rotating about a central axis and includes one to three or more secondary turntables mounted on the primary turntable to rotate with the primary turntable. Each of the secondary turntables is driven to rotate about a secondary rotation axis (vertical axis passing through the center of the sub-turntable). Each of the sub-turntables includes a vertical translation motion assembly that rotates with the sub-turntable and also supports a plurality of passenger vehicles. The passenger vehicles are supported within this assembly so as to be able to rotate (via manual operation or in a controlled manner) about a vertical rotation axis passing through the body of the vehicle. The vertical translation motion assembly is configured to allow each passenger vehicle to be lifted vertically upward a distance above the sub-turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Willcox
  • Patent number: 8641540
    Abstract: A system for patron movement and entertainment comprising a track, and at least one vehicle engaged with and positioned below the track, capable of carrying at least one patron in a passenger portion and moving along the track. Each vehicle preferably includes a motion base between the track and the passenger portion, and a turntable between the track and the motion base for rotating the passenger portion in the yaw direction, and particularly for directing the patron's viewpoint toward desired show elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Roland Feuer, Matthew Sellers
  • Patent number: 8591346
    Abstract: A rotating hub ride configured to position passenger vehicles at different vehicle radii relative to the hub's axis of rotation. The ride includes curved support arms extending outward from the hub, with a first end coupled to the hub at a lower height than a second end of the arm. A vehicle is attached, via a mounting assembly, to each curved support arm to slide radially inward and outward on the arm in response to forces applied to the vehicle due to rotation of the hub, e.g., at two or more hub rotation rates. The arm or track defines a travel path for radial movement of the vehicle. When hub rotation is halted, the vehicle slides inward on the track to a load position corresponding to a minimum vehicle radius. At increasing hub speeds, the vehicle slides outward to position the vehicle in any of a number of vehicle radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Edward A. Nemeth
  • Publication number: 20130310188
    Abstract: An inflatable rocket assembly is an apparatus that improves upon existing rocket shaped balloons. The apparatus is provided in a particular arrangement that enables said inflatable rocket assembly to traverse a fluid, in a particular manner, upon being thrown by human capable means. The inflatable rocket assembly is able to provide amusement and function as a teaching tool to a user through a plurality of interactions. The apparatus utilizes the combination of an inflatable body coupled with a plurality of front fins and a plurality of tail fins in order to achieve a particular flight characteristic while traversing through a fluid. The particular component arrangement allows the inflatable rocket assembly to be thrown through the air, achieving distances of 30? feet o more while requiring very little effort from the user. Furthermore, the inflatable rocket assembly is provided in manner that permits it to be easily inflated and deflated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: John Stanley CHRISTOFFEL
  • Patent number: 8491403
    Abstract: An amusement ride system combines about six or more different ride elements from different types of amusement rides available to the public today into a single design. The amusement ride system may bring customers back time and time again for a new ride experience on the same ride design. This may allow amusement ride operators to provide varying ride experiences without requiring a completely different ride, thus saving cost and space. The amusement ride system may include a plurality of pods adapted to house riders. The pods may be adapted to move up and down, spin about a central tower, and spin and swivel about the pod's axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Nathan Schreibfeder
  • Patent number: 8480501
    Abstract: A round ride with suspended vehicles from ends of actuated support arms. The ride includes a drive assembly rotating a centrally located hub. The ride also includes a passenger vehicles including at least one input device such as a support arm actuator controller. For each of the passenger vehicles, a vehicle support assembly is provided that supports the passenger vehicle such that the vehicle rotates with the hub. The vehicle support assembly includes a rigid support arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the hub. The support assembly has an actuator that operates in response to signals from the input device to move the support arm through a range of vertical support angles. The support assembly includes a suspension arm connected at a first end for free pivoting about a second or the free end of the support aim and attached at its second end to the passenger vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 8454366
    Abstract: An actuated support frame for transmitting motion to a seat with respect to a ground as a function of motion signals associated with video output, comprises a frame. The frame is expandable/retractable along translational degrees of freedom. Support surfaces are provided on the frame. The support surfaces are displaceable with respect to one another by expansion/retraction of the frame so as to be sized to support a seat. Actuators are provided between the frame and the ground. The actuators receive signals and selectively displace the frame with respect to the ground in synchronization with a video output, whereby a seat supported on the frame is displaceable within the frame. A method for installing a seating system of a motion simulator system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: D-Box Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gauthier Orban, Michel Bérubé, Philippe Roy
  • Patent number: 8444496
    Abstract: A lateral dynamic simulation device includes a positioning platform (1), a motor mechanism (2) and a carriage (3). The positioning platform (1) has an upright positioned arm (10). The motor mechanism (2) has multiple degrees of freedom and comprises a base (20), a platform (21) and a plurality of stretchable bars (22) to join the base (20) and the platform (21) by the universal joints (220). The carriage (3) has a space (30) at the frontal portion for carrying passengers and a back portion (31) at the rear portion. The base (20) of the motor mechanism (2) is fixed to the arm (10) of the positioning platform (1) and the platform (21) of the motor mechanism (2) is fixed to the back portion (31) of the carriage (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Brogent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Deng-Horng Lai, Ke-Cheng Chien
  • Patent number: 8388458
    Abstract: A round ride configured to provide lateral flight or movement of the passenger vehicle. The ride includes a vehicle support or boom arm that includes a four-bar linkage with: a base link affixed to the rotating hub; a crank or driver link rotating about a pivotal connection with this base link by a rotary actuator; a vehicle support link pivotally connected at one end to the crank or driver link to move with this link and at a second or outboard end to a coupler that supports the vehicle; and a follower or connector link pivotally connected at its ends to the base link and vehicle support link. As the crank or driver link is rotated, the guest compartment moves along a motion profile defining irregular vertical movement (not simply a preset arc) and providing lateral movement, which changes the ride dynamics including changing vehicle velocity with varying vehicle radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peyton B. Buhler
  • Patent number: 8342976
    Abstract: A rotating hub ride configured to position passenger vehicles at different vehicle radii relative to the hub's axis of rotation. The ride includes curved support arms extending outward from the hub, with a first end coupled to the hub at a lower height than a second end of the arm. A vehicle is attached, via a mounting assembly, to each curved support arm to slide radially inward and outward on the arm in response to forces applied to the vehicle due to rotation of the hub, e.g., at two or more hub rotation rates. The arm or track defines a travel path for radial movement of the vehicle. When hub rotation is halted, the vehicle slides inward on the track to a load position corresponding to a minimum vehicle radius. At increasing hub speeds, the vehicle slides outward to position the vehicle in any of a number of vehicle radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Edward A. Nemeth
  • Patent number: 8317632
    Abstract: A round ride is selectively placing passenger vehicles in one of two or more workspaces or vehicle fly zones. The ride includes a drive assembly including a rotating hub structure and a plurality of vehicle support assemblies mounted to the hub. Each of the vehicle support assemblies includes: (a) a vehicle; (b) a support arm supporting the vehicle proximate to a first end; (c) a base pivotally supporting the arm; and (d) a base angle mechanism mounted to the rotatable structure and selectively operable to position the base into a low position and a high position. The vehicle support assemblies are grouped into first and second sets including alternating ones of the vehicle support assemblies. The base angle mechanisms positions the first set of vehicle support assemblies in the low position and the second set of vehicle support assemblies in the high position and later swaps the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 8308232
    Abstract: A seat for amusement apparatus including a support and means for immobilizing the user on the support. The immobilizing means comprise at least one support in front of the user and opposing means suitable for acting on the user's back. The opposing means comprises an arm which can move between a lowered position in which the user can sit down on the support and a raised position in which one end of the arm abuts against the user's back. The seat may optionally have a motorcycle shape and include handlebars and retractable leg extensions projecting from each side of the seat for maintaining a user's legs in a crouched motorcycle riding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Antonio Zamperla S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Zamperla, Antonio Nardin
  • Patent number: 8303426
    Abstract: A round ride with passenger-initiated motion profiles controlling vertical vehicle movements. The ride includes a drive assembly with a rotating hub that includes support arms extending outward from the structure supporting passenger vehicles. Each of the vehicles includes a triggering device capable of generating either an onboard or offboard discrete signal when operated by a passenger causing a controller to select a motion profile from a number of stored profiles that each defines an actuator motion profile (or angular movement of a support arm about its pivotal mounting point to the rotatable central hub). The motion profiles define different angular rotations for a support arm to cause a vehicle to jump to differing heights, and the profile may be chosen by the controller based on vehicle height and position along the circular path and other environmental inputs such as a game state for the vehicle or a show/ride status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Edward Allen Nemeth, Paul E. Baker
  • Patent number: 8287394
    Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a plurality of stabilizing members mounted to a base. A passenger support member is moveably mounted along the plurality of stabilizing members. A plurality of spaced apart inflatable actuators are drivingly connected to the passenger support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Simex Inc.
    Inventors: Alex L. Gil, Michael Berinde
  • Patent number: 8206230
    Abstract: An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Falcon's Treehouse, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Cecil D. Magpuri
  • Publication number: 20120149480
    Abstract: A ride system for rotating vehicles through a vertical plane or ride space about a common horizontal axis. The ride system includes an elongated support member with a longitudinal axis. The system includes a housing with a base and a frame supporting the elongated support member with the longitudinal axis spaced apart a distance from the base and such that the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal. The system also includes a plurality of vehicle support assemblies hanging from the elongated support member. Each of the vehicle support assemblies includes an extension arm supporting a passenger vehicle at one end and attached to the elongated support member at a second end via a support coupling assembly. The support coupling assembly is configured to rotate the extension arm about the longitudinal axis, whereby the passenger vehicle is moved through a vertical plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: DAVID W. CRAWFORD, EDWARD A. NEMETH
  • Patent number: 8162768
    Abstract: An amusement park ride that provides an interactive flying experience in a round ride setting by allowing vehicle passengers to move their vehicle in and out horizontally through a fly zone. The ride includes a central support assembly with a structure rotatable about a central axis at one or more rotation speeds. The ride also includes passenger vehicles and, for each vehicle, a support arm assembly that extends outward from the rotatable structure. The support arm assembly includes a support arm and a variable radius mechanism. The support arm is mounted to the rotatable structure and supports the passenger vehicle. The variable radius mechanism operates during rotation of the rotatable structure to vary the arm length or support location of the vehicle on the arm to vary the vehicle's rotation radius. The variable radius mechanism may include a telescoping arm that reciprocates the vehicle along a linear displacement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 8147344
    Abstract: A ride system for moving a passenger vehicle through a dynamically-defined work space. The system includes a track structure that guides one or more motorized or driven carriers on the track structure. The system includes winches on the carrier(s) that are independently operable to set lengths of the vehicle supporting cables, which extend outward from the winches to the vehicle. During operation, the winch systems provide upper anchor points for suspending the passenger vehicle such that these anchor points are selectively positioned. The winches may be independently operated as the carrier(s) travels from a first position to a second position, such that the vehicle body pitches, rolls, or yaws and moves transversely relative to the track. The winches may be operated concurrently to drop or raise the vehicle to define the work space for the vehicle in the vertical direction. Passenger input may interactively control motion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Edward A. Nemeth
  • Patent number: 8137205
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a motion-based attraction device engagable with a plurality of spaced guest supports that are movable along a path, having a rotatable carousel configured to temporarily and separately synchronize with the plurality of spaced guest supports, at least one pair of domes supported by the carousel, each dome having a viewing portion that is positioned towards the guest supports and the dome being movable to temporarily cover the guest supports, and an image projecting assembly supported by each dome and configured to display an image on the viewing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Thierry Jean-Andre Coup, Brian McQuillan
  • Patent number: 8092287
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a real-time interactive surface. In one embodiment, such a system comprises an activity surface for use as a venue for an interactive experience, and an interactive experience control unit including an events management application. The events management application is configured to monitor and coordinate events occurring during the interactive experience. The system also comprises a surface rendering application interactively linked to the events management application, the surface rendering application configured to render a visual image for display at the activity surface in real-time, the visual image corresponding to one or more visual assets associated with a subset of the events occurring during the interactive experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Purvis, Jonathan Michael Ackley
  • Patent number: 8038541
    Abstract: A motion-based system includes one or more passenger units, gimbaled about three axes, movably attached to arms or slots in a planar system extending radially from a central hub. The passenger units may be positioned along the arms any distance from the central hub thereby providing means for varying forces to be exerted thereon while maintaining a constant rotational speed. The mobile passenger units further provide means for loading and unloading subjects during operation of the system. The means includes passenger units being moved to the central hub location where they are disengaged from the rotating system and safely loaded and unloaded. Computers control the rotational speed of the system and the movements of the passenger units about at least three axes based on inputted or real-time data. The data can simulate real events, be arbitrarily developed or be based on real time events. The motion-based system has both training and amusement purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jared Freeman Solomon
  • Patent number: 8025581
    Abstract: A ride vehicle for use in amusement park rides with interactive game or show equipment. A vehicle body is included with a passenger seat and an interactive device operable by a passenger to interact with the interactive game. A mounting assembly is provided in or on vehicle body and is configured for pivotally mounting the interactive device on the vehicle body. The mounting assembly may be adapted such as with a cam or guide plate to rotate or otherwise position the interactive device through a range of positions at varying distances from the seat. Further, A passenger restraint assembly is provided and is used to determine a size of the passenger in the seat. The passenger restraint is linked to the mounting assembly to drive the mounting assembly so as to place the interactive device at a passenger-use position that is selected based on the defined size of the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan M. Bryan, Gregory A. Wilzbach, James Stephen Frankenberger
  • Patent number: 8021237
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for recreational purposes. The system includes a vessel rotatably mounted, a support stand, and a drive system. The vessel has a wall that defines an internal cavity, sufficient for at least one occupant to be received wherein the occupant is in contact with the wall, and a tunnel for accessing the internal cavity. The wall has dampens the contact between the occupant and the vessel. The support stand has two connectors carried by elevated members on opposing sides of the vessel for supporting the vessel. A drive system that includes a motor mechanically connected to at least one of the connectors for rotating the vessel and the occupant within the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Outdoor Gravity, Inc.
    Inventor: David Charles Akers
  • Publication number: 20110177873
    Abstract: This invention is a compact motion simulator incorporating a potential energy assisted drive mechanism and a direct memory motion method. The mechanism provides movement of heavy loads with reduced power compared to simulators of its type employing direct drive mechanisms. Potential energy devices are connected to rigid leverage members extending from the rotational axes. When moved about said axes, by means of powered actuators, displacement of the load away from center causes the potential energy devices to expand and store energy. This energy acts on opposition to the forces that created it producing a state at or near static equillibrium and thus greatly reduces power required to move the load back to center. The direct memory motion method uses a software component memory reader that gains access to the running process of a simulation program and derives motion data from memory addresses used by the programs graphical and physics engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Sebelia, Saneesh Sadashiv Apte
  • Patent number: 7967688
    Abstract: A motion simulator has a motive device suspended in midair and having a base, a moving panel, twelve universal joints mounted on the base and the moving panel and six actuators connected to the universal joints and being retractable. A seat assembly is hung on the moving panel. Therefore, as the actuators retract, the seat assembly is moved in six degrees of freedom such as heave, sway, surge, pitch, roll and yaw. Audiences sitting on the seat assembly are hung with their feet hanging in the air and therefore feel excited and experience vivid virtual reality. Moreover, the actuators bear axial force such as drag force and thrust force and are endurable and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Brogent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Deng-Horng Lai, Ke-Cheng Chien
  • Patent number: 7854660
    Abstract: A vehicle for simulating flight in a park ride having a rotating drive with supports or radial arms. The vehicle includes a body with seats and passenger restraints. A connection assembly is used to attach the body to a support. The connection assembly includes a linkage assembly allowing the body to radially pivot inward and outward relative to the drive assembly based on the angle of the support arm and rotation rate of the drive assembly. The linkage assembly translates radial movement of the body into rotation of the body about a pitch axis. The pitch axis extends through or proximal to the center of mass of the body, and the pivotal connector that supports the vehicle in a pendular manner is spaced apart and above the center of mass. The linkage assembly may include one or more four-bar linkages to provide two degrees of freedom of the body relative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Dana Scot Drake, Aidan John Bradley
  • Patent number: 7837566
    Abstract: A passenger restraint system for a vehicle having a plurality of seats, each seat having a seatbelt, a retractor from which the seatbelt is extendable, and a receiver used to latch the seatbelt. Each retractor includes a first pneumatic locking element and a second pneumatic locking element for limiting movement of the seatbelt and each receiver includes a receiver pneumatic locking element for locking the seatbelt within the receiver. A controller controls the operation of a plurality of first valves for supplying air to the first pneumatic locking element of a corresponding one of the plurality of retractors, a second valve for supplying air to each of the second pneumatic locking element of the plurality of retractors, and a plurality of third valves for supplying air to the receiver pneumatic locking element of a corresponding one of the plurality of receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Smith, James Burgess, Joel Fritsche, Chris Hellsten, Tim Kelley, Michael Mathaisel, Mario Scarabino, Dave Wiedman
  • Publication number: 20100184524
    Abstract: A motion simulator has a motive device having a base, a moving panel, twelve universal joints mounted on the base and the moving panel and six actuators connected to the universal joints and retractable. A seat assembly is mounted on the moving panel. Therefore, as the actuators retract, the seat assembly is moved in six degrees of freedom such as heave, sway, surge, pitch, roll and yaw. Audiences sitting on the seat assembly feel excited and experience a real virtual reality. Moreover, the actuators bear axial force such as drag force and thrust force and are endurable and safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Deng-Horng LAI, Ke-Cheng Chien
  • Publication number: 20100144413
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a real-time interactive surface. In one embodiment, such a system comprises an activity surface for use as a venue for an interactive experience, and an interactive experience control unit including an events management application. The events management application is configured to monitor and coordinate events occurring during the interactive experience. The system also comprises a surface rendering application interactively linked to the events management application, the surface rendering application configured to render a visual image for display at the activity surface in real-time, the visual image corresponding to one or more visual assets associated with a subset of the events occurring during the interactive experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Purvis, Jonathan Michael Ackley
  • Patent number: 7722470
    Abstract: A flying arrangement, consisting of at least one flying unit that is able to start vertically and that can accommodate at least one person for flying freely within at least a hall, the boundaries of which prevent a flying unit from leaving the hall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Dieter Wagels
  • Patent number: 7662042
    Abstract: An adjustable video game cockpit that facilitates a number of independent adjustments to accommodate users of all sizes. The video game cockpit may include a video monitor stand and a universal video game console mount. The inclusion of the video monitor stand and universal video game console permit the cockpit to operate as a single gaming unit. The video game cockpit collapses down to a low profile for convenient relocation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: George Joseph Oswald