Patents Assigned to Light Wave Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8096891
    Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Light Wave Ltd
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Jeffery W. Henry
  • Patent number: 7666104
    Abstract: A water ride attraction is disclosed which utilizes a containerless riding surface to eliminate disadvantageous boundary layer effects. A sheet flow of water is directed up the incline to produce a simulated wave. The configuration and contour of the riding surface and the various flow parameters can be widely varied to produce numerous desirable wave conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20090191785
    Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature live-action surfing attraction and associated surf game specifically adapted for use with one or more surf toy action figures. The surf toy action figures are mountable to a surf board appropriately sized and weighted to provide relatively stable or semi-stable surf-riding action upon a sheet flow of water flowing up an inclined ride surface of the reduced scale attraction. Various surf action figures may be set free upon the ride surface, or they may be constrained or partially constrained by wires, strings, magnets or the like, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be controlled via a remote control, or radio control transmitter, as desired. Thus, a fun and entertaining game is created that provides realistic live-action surfing within a relatively small or confined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 7547255
    Abstract: A ride surface for water ride attractions and the like is provided. The ride surface is fabricated from a reinforced membrane material tensioned over a supporting framework. The tensioned membrane ride surface serves the dual role of providing structural support for water flow and riders thereon while at the same time providing an impact safe surface that is non-injurious to riders who may fall thereon. The tensioned membrane can be adjusted actively and/or passively in order to accommodate different and varied ride experiences. Optionally, the shape of the membrane ride surface can be changed either dynamically or passively by special tensioning techniques and/or by using auxiliary support structures such as air bladders, pressure/suction, foam supports or/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 7513504
    Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature live-action surfing attraction and associated surf game specifically adapted for use with one or more surf toy action figures. The surf toy action figures are mountable to a surf board appropriately sized and weighted to provide relatively stable or semi-stable surf-riding action upon a sheet flow of water flowing up an inclined ride surface of the reduced scale attraction. Various surf action figures may be set free upon the ride surface, or they may be constrained or partially constrained by wires, strings, magnets or the like, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be controlled via a remote control, or radio control transmitter, as desired. Thus, a fun and entertaining game is created that provides realistic live-action surfing within a relatively small or confined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 7401786
    Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature live-action surfing attraction and associated surf game specifically adapted for use with one or more surf toy action figures. The surf toy action figures are mountable to a surf board appropriately sized and weighted to provide relatively stable or semi-stable surf-riding action upon a sheet flow of water flowing up an inclined ride surface of the reduced scale attraction. Various surf action figures may be set free upon the ride surface, or they may be constrained or partially constrained by wires, strings, magnets or the like, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be controlled via a remote control, or radio control transmitter, as desired. Thus, a fun and entertaining game is created that provides realistic live-action surfing within a relatively small or confined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 7040994
    Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Jeffery W. Henry
  • Patent number: 6957662
    Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Light Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Jeffrey W. Henry
  • Patent number: 6928670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave generating system comprising a wave generator that travels along the surface of a body of water, and preferably in the middle thereof, wherein the wave generator can create both primary and secondary waves that travel toward the shore. The primary waves are intended to allow surfing maneuvers to be performed in a relatively deep water environment. In the preferred embodiment, the body of water has opposing undulating shorelines upon which the secondary waves can break, wherein by modifying the shoreline's slope and curvature, and providing undulating peninsulas and cove areas, various multiple wave formations and effects can be created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Light Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Charles E. Sauerbier
  • Patent number: 6758231
    Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Light Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Jeffery W. Henry
  • Patent number: 6716107
    Abstract: A water ride attraction is disclosed which utilizes a containerless riding surface to eliminate disadvantageous boundary layer effects. A sheet flow of water is directed up the incline to produce a simulated wave. The configuration and contour of the riding surface and the various flow parameters can be widely varied to produce numerous desirable wave conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 6676530
    Abstract: A ride surface for water ride attractions and the like is provided. The ride surface is fabricated from a reinforced membrane material tensioned over a supporting framework. The tensioned membrane ride surface serves the dual role of providing structural support for water flow and riders thereon while at the same time providing an impact safe surface that is non-injurious to riders who may fall thereon. The tensioned membrane can be adjusted actively and/or passively in order to accommodate different and varied ride experiences. Optionally, the shape of the membrane ride surface can be changed either dynamically or passively by special tensioning techniques and/or by using auxiliary support structures such as air bladders, pressure/suction, foam supports or/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 6491589
    Abstract: A mobile and compact simulated-wave water ride attraction is provided having one or more sluice slide-over covers for ensuring the safety of riders in the absence of an extended transition surface or using a shortened transition surface. Advantageously, the ride attraction comprises a plurality of transportable modules and other associated components that can be shipped between sites using trucks, trains or other transportation means. The slide-over sluice cover advantageously enables riders to safely slide over the sluice gate and/or injection nozzle without risk of injury or interference with ride operation. The sluice cover comprises a contoured flexible pad which covers and extends over the top surface of the sluice gate. A flexible tongue is provided which is urged downward squeezing against the flow and sealing the nozzle area off from possible injurious contact from a rider. The shape of the tongue also provides a short transition surface over the top of which a rider can slide without injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 6319137
    Abstract: A water ride attraction is disclosed which utilizes a containerless riding surface to eliminate disadvantageous boundary layer effects. A sheet flow of water is directed up the incline to produce a simulated wave. The configuration and contour of the riding surface and the various flow parameters can be widely varied to produce numerous desirable wave conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 6132317
    Abstract: A water ride attraction is disclosed which utilizes a containerless riding surface to eliminate disadvantageous boundary layer effects. A sheet flow of water is directed up the incline to produce a simulated wave. The configuration and contour of the riding surface and the various flow parameters can be widely varied to produce numerous desirable wave conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 6105527
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat-activated wake enhancement method and system that extends from the boat. According to one aspect, a pair of protuberances is provided on the lower stem quarter of the boat's hull, primarily along the sidewalls. The protuberances are elongated and each has a rounded surface that extends substantially laterally outward in relation to the boat hull. The protuberances help to displace more water by increasing and shifting the effective width of the boat, causing the boat to travel deeper in the water, and creating additional interference that affects the natural wakes created by the boat. Additional inverted hydrofoil members and ballasts can also be provided to cause the boat to travel deeper in the water and therefore create larger waves. The present invention is used to increase the size and enhance the shape and location of the wake and/or waves for wakeboarding and wake surfing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Light Wave Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Charles E. Sauerbier
  • Patent number: 5911190
    Abstract: The present invention is primarily a boat activated wave generator that can be operated in a deep body of water. The wave generator is pulled or otherwise pushed through the water, and has wave generating portions that scoop up water, to form wave shapes thereon, upon which various surfing and skimming maneuvers can be performed. The shape of the wave generator is such that it forms wave shapes, and various wave formations, and remains in substantial equilibrium in the water. The wave generator also forms wakes, and enhances the boat's wake, such that various skimming maneuvers, i.e., wake-boarding and water skiing can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Charles E. Sauerbier
  • Patent number: 5899634
    Abstract: A water sculpture is provided having a an upwardly inclined flow surface. A flowing body of water is caused to flow upon the flow surface simulating various desired wave shapes. A variety of aesthetic wave shapes can be created, such as an unbroken wave face, a white water bore, a spilling breaking wave, or a tunnel wave. In one embodiment a walk-through water sculpture is provided such as for an entranceway of a building or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 5860766
    Abstract: The present invention is a boat activated wave generating device for use in a body of water. The wave generating device preferably has wave forming sections that help to create wave shapes and wake formations upon which surfing and/or other skimming maneuvers can be performed. The wave forming sections are moved by the boat and have forward leading edges and upper flow forming surfaces. The device can be pivotally connected to the boat and pulled, or directly attached to the side of the boat hull. In operation, the device is moved through the water such that the forward leading edges are submerged to lift water onto the flow forming surfaces. Water flowing on and conforming to the surfaces is directed relatively upwardly and/or laterally across the surfaces, to create various wave shapes and wake formations thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Charles E. Sauerbier
  • Patent number: RE39171
    Abstract: A water sculpture is provided having a an upwardly inclined flow surface. A flowing body of water is caused to flow upon the flow surface simulating various desired wave shapes. A variety of aesthetic wave shapes can be created, such as an unbroken wave face, a white water bore, a spilling breaking wave, or a tunnel wave. In one embodiment a walk-through water sculpture is provided such as for an entranceway of a building or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Light Wave, LTD
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld