Patents Assigned to Vekoma Rides Engineering B.V.
  • Publication number: 20240123361
    Abstract: An amusement system for entertaining a group of passengers by showing at least one event in at least one delimited space includes at least one pair of a neighbouring first and second structures. Each structure has a centre of rotation defining a vertical axis A-A, and at least one carriage for carrying at least one passenger. Each structure includes at least three wall portions which are laterally extending, wherein a segment TS is defined in between each neighbouring wall portion. The first and second structures are arranged as a cooperating pair of structures in that in operation the first and second structures are driven in rotation by a control unit in opposite directions with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventor: Bart HARTELOH
  • Patent number: 11311813
    Abstract: In a rollercoaster trigger system to output a data signal to a control unit for triggering and controlling an event at a predetermined track position, a beacon plate with a certain aperture pattern and a sensor set is provided to send a trigger signal and a data signal to the control unit. The sensor set includes a first and a second trigger sensor which provide together the trigger signal to readout the data of the beacon plate when together simultaneously detecting a first and second trigger aperture of the aperture pattern. A read sensor is provided for reading data from the aperture pattern by detecting a presence or absence of a read aperture. The data signal is obtained by the control unit when the trigger signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Jozef Christina Cüppers
  • Publication number: 20220040587
    Abstract: In a rollercoaster trigger system to output a data signal to a control unit for triggering and controlling an event at a predetermined track position, a beacon plate with a certain aperture pattern and a sensor set is provided to send a trigger signal and a data signal to the control unit. The sensor set includes a first and a second trigger sensor which provide together the trigger signal to readout the data of the beacon plate when together simultaneously detecting a first and second trigger aperture of the aperture pattern. A read sensor is provided for reading data from the aperture pattern by detecting a presence or absence of a read aperture. The data signal is obtained by the control unit when the trigger signal is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Jozef Christina CÜPPERS
  • Patent number: 11110877
    Abstract: An amusement device seat assembly includes a seat to allow a passenger to sit. A leg space is provided under a seat base for holding a left and right leg of the passenger. The seat assembly includes a leg locking device for retaining an in the leg space introduced lower leg of the passenger. The leg locking device includes a central mount for preventing a laterally inwardly directed movement of a leg. A lateral mount prevents a forwardly directed movement of the lower leg. A bracket which may be operatable by the passenger himself is movable to provide an open or closed configuration of the leg locking device. In the closed configuration, an outer bracket extension prevents a laterally outwardly directed movement of a leg of a passenger. Advantageously, an intuitively working leg locking device is provided which contributes to a high level of operational reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventor: Eloy Jacobus Antonius Gerardus Caelen
  • Publication number: 20210245694
    Abstract: An amusement device seat assembly includes a seat to allow a passenger to sit. A leg space is provided under a seat base for holding a left and right leg of the passenger. The seat assembly includes a leg locking device for retaining an in the leg space introduced lower leg of the passenger. The leg locking device includes a central mount for preventing a laterally inwardly directed movement of a leg. A lateral mount prevents a forwardly directed movement of the lower leg. A bracket which may be operatable by the passenger himself is movable to provide an open or closed configuration of the leg locking device. In the closed configuration, an outer bracket extension prevents a laterally outwardly directed movement of a leg of a passenger. Advantageously, an intuitively working leg locking device is provided which contributes to a high level of operational reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventor: Eloy Jacobus Antonius Gerardus CAELEN
  • Patent number: 10843090
    Abstract: An amusement device includes a substructure with a passenger seat, which is rotatable relative to a main structure by a bearing and a coupling. The coupling has a coupling ring and a coupling actuator for driving the substructure about a coupling axis C-C. The coupling ring has an end face which is toothed to engage with a toothed end face of a lock element of a lockage for rotationally locking the coupling ring with respect to the main structure. The lock element is axially movable and rotationally constrained with respect to an lockage actuator. A spring and electromagnet respectively serve for axially moving the lock element. During a normal ride, the lockage is open and all kind of rotations are possible, but in case of an interference the lockage engages for safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventor: Arno Johannes Petronella Van Heijster
  • Patent number: 10766502
    Abstract: An amusement ride such as a roller coaster, more in particular to booster drives mounted on a track of such a ride, are disclosed. The booster drives each include at least one booster drive motor for driving booster wheels, and for engaging a drive fin of a passenger vehicle to propel that vehicle along the track. The booster drive further includes a base mounted to the track structure, a frame that supports the at least one booster drive motor and the two booster wheels, and a mobile carrier that connects the frame to the base via a left and a right carrier arm. These carrier arms are non-flexible arms pivotably connected to the base and the frame or they are flexible arms, such that in use they enable movement of the frame relative to the base. A biasing device resiliently forces the frame towards a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Ficus Roodenburg, Mattheus Hendrik Louis Thissen, Koen Janssen, Petrus Henricus Josephus Van Oosterhout
  • Publication number: 20200086221
    Abstract: An amusement device includes a substructure with a passenger seat, which is rotatable relative to a main structure by a bearing and a coupling. The coupling has a coupling ring and a coupling actuator for driving the substructure about a coupling axis C-C. The coupling ring has an end face which is toothed to engage with a toothed end face of a lock element of a lockage for rotationally locking the coupling ring with respect to the main structure. The lock element is axially movable and rotationally constrained with respect to an lockage actuator. A spring and electromagnet respectively serve for axially moving the lock element. During a normal ride, the lockage is open and all kind of rotations are possible, but in case of an interference the lockage engages for safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Ficus ROODENBURG, Arno Johannes Petronella VAN HEIJSTER
  • Patent number: 10556511
    Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement ride, such as a roller coaster, comprising a vehicle track and a speed trim system for reducing the speed of the passenger vehicle traveling along the vehicle track. The speed trim system comprises a magnet arrangement located on the passenger vehicle, at least one trim brake located along the track, one or more sensors for measuring the speed of the passenger vehicle approaching and/or passing the trim brake, and a control system. According to the invention, the trim brake comprises a pivotable supported induction blade, that can be pivoted about an induction blade pivot axis between an active position, for trimming the speed of the passenger vehicle while it passes the trim brake, and an inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Ficus Roodenburg, Eloy Jacobus Antonius Gerardus Caelen
  • Publication number: 20180162227
    Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement ride, such as a roller coaster, comprising a vehicle track and a speed trim system for reducing the speed of the passenger vehicle traveling along the vehicle track. The speed trim system comprises a magnet arrangement located on the passenger vehicle, at least one trim brake located along the track, one or more sensors for measuring the speed of the passenger vehicle approaching and/or passing the trim brake, and a control system. According to the invention, the trim brake comprises a pivotable supported induction blade, that can be pivoted about an induction blade pivot axis between an active position, for trimming the speed of the passenger vehicle while it passes the trim brake, and an inactive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Ficus ROODENBURG, Eloy Jacobus Antonius Gerardus CAELEN
  • Publication number: 20180072328
    Abstract: An amusement ride such as a roller coaster, more in particular to booster drives mounted on a track of such a ride, are disclosed. The booster drives each include at least one booster drive motor for driving booster wheels, and for engaging a drive fin of a passenger vehicle to propel that vehicle along the track. The booster drive further includes a base mounted to the track structure, a frame that supports the at least one booster drive motor and the two booster wheels, and a mobile carrier that connects the frame to the base via a left and a right carrier arm. These carrier arms are non-flexible arms pivotably connected to the base and the frame or they are flexible arms, such that in use they enable movement of the frame relative to the base. A biasing device resiliently forces the frame towards a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Ficus ROODENBURG, Mattheus Hendrik Louis THISSEN, Koen JANSSEN, Petrus Henricus Josephus VAN OOSTERHOUT
  • Patent number: 9669320
    Abstract: An observation wheel type ride includes a wheel, multiple passenger cabins supported by the wheel, a drive mechanism for rotating the wheel about its rotational axis, and a support structure that supports the wheel. The wheel furthermore includes two first bearings, provided with a first bearing locking mechanism, and two second bearings, provided with a second bearing locking mechanism. Each bearing locking mechanism can selectively be converted between a locking condition, in which it prevents rotational movement of a bearing inner ring relative to a bearing outer ring, and an unlocking condition, in which it allows for rotational movement of the first bearing inner ring relative to the first bearing outer ring. Providing the second bearings allows for rotational movement of the wheel about the rotational axis of its support axle when the first bearing locking mechanisms are in their locking condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Ficus Roodenburg, Johan Willem Philippen
  • Publication number: 20160256787
    Abstract: An observation wheel type ride includes a wheel, multiple passenger cabins supported by the wheel, a drive mechanism for rotating the wheel about its rotational axis, and a support structure that supports the wheel. The wheel furthermore includes two first bearings, provided with a first bearing locking mechanism, and two second bearings, provided with a second bearing locking mechanism. Each bearing locking mechanism can selectively be converted between a locking condition, in which it prevents rotational movement of a bearing inner ring relative to a bearing outer ring, and an unlocking condition, in which it allows for rotational movement of the first bearing inner ring relative to the first bearing outer ring. Providing the second bearings allows for rotational movement of the wheel about the rotational axis of its support axle when the first bearing locking mechanisms are in their locking condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Ficus ROODENBURG, Johan Willem PHILIPPEN
  • Patent number: 9162150
    Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle for transporting multiple passengers is provided. The vehicle includes a movable base, a support, a lift arm and a carrier. The support is mounted on the movable base. The lift arm is pivotably connected to the support at one end and pivotably connected to the carrier at its opposite end. The carrier is provided with multiple passenger seats and includes a restraining device adapted to restrain each individual passenger in a seat. The vehicle is further provided with a first actuator for pivoting the lift arm relative to the support, and thus for lifting and lowering the carrier relative to the movable base while the movable base rides over the substructure, and a second actuator for pivoting the carrier relative to the lift arm, and thus for adjusting the pitch of the carrier relative to the movable base while the movable base rides over the substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Sjoerd Jacco Sintenie
  • Publication number: 20130233198
    Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement ride vehicle for transporting multiple passengers. The vehicle comprises a movable base (2), a support (3), a lift arm (4) and a carrier (5). The support is mounted on the movable base, the lift arm is pivotably connected to the support at one end and pivotably connected to the carrier at its opposite end. The carrier is provided with multiple passenger seats and comprises a restraining device adapted to restrain each individual passenger in a seat. The vehicle is further provided with a first actuator (13) for pivoting the lift arm relative to the support, and thus for lifting and lowering the carrier relative to the movable base while the movable base rides over the substructure, and a second actuator (14) for pivoting the carrier relative to the lift arm, and thus for adjusting the pitch of the carrier relative to the movable base while the movable base rides over the substructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Sjoerd Jacco Sintenie
  • Patent number: 8453576
    Abstract: A roller coaster amusement device adapted to provide for the passengers a ride wherein the passengers experience at least a portion of the ride in a racing position, the amusement device wherein an endless guide structure at least including multiple curves, one or more carriages displaceable along the guide structure, a passenger assembly associated with a carriage, said passenger assembly being adapted to accommodate at least one passenger such that said passenger experiences at least a portion of the ride in a racing position, a station along said guide structure allowing the passenger to board the passenger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Vekoma Rides Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Petrus Joseph Hubertus Clerx
  • Patent number: 8375863
    Abstract: An amusement ride includes at least one passenger carrier, an amusement ride guide structure and a launch system adapted to accelerate the at least one passenger carrier from a starting position. The launch system includes a launch guide structure having a curvature, a launch arm rotatable about a rotation axis, an engagement device for providing a temporary connection between the launch arm and the at least one passenger carrier during the launch, and a launch drive providing the launch arm with an angular velocity. In the launch system, the radial distance between the engagement device and the launch arm support is variable such that portions of the launch guide structure have a deviating radius, or the distance in axial direction between the engagement device and the launch arm support is variable such that portions of the launch guide structure have curvatures perpendicular to the surface of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Vekoma Rides Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Petrus Joseph Hubertus Clerx
  • Patent number: 8308245
    Abstract: An amusement device seat includes a seat and a bar construction, moveable between an access position to a passenger fixation position, in which the passenger is fixed in the seat. The assembly further includes a locking device to lock the bar construction at the passenger fixation position. The locking device includes an engagement device to engage and disengage with the bar construction and a guide for the engagement device allowing the engagement device to assume an engagement position between the access position and the passenger fixation position, and allowing the engagement device and the engaged bar construction to move between the engagement position to the passenger fixation position. The locking device includes a fixation device for fixing the engagement device and the engaged bar construction at multiple passenger fixation positions along the guide to accommodate passengers of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Vekoma Rides Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Willem Johan Philippen, Iris Van Noorden
  • Publication number: 20120068521
    Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement device seat assembly, comprising a seat and a bar construction, moveable between a access position to a passenger fixation position, in which the passenger is fixed in the seat. The assembly further comprises locking means to lock the bar construction at the passenger fixation position. The locking means comprise engagement means to engage and disengage with the bar construction and a guide for the engagement means allowing the engagement means to assume an engagement position between the access position and the passenger fixation position, and allowing the engagement means and the engaged bar construction to move between the engagement position to the passenger fixation position. The locking means comprise fixation means for fixing the engagement means and the engaged bar construction at multiple passenger fixation positions along the guide to accommodate passengers of different sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Willem Johan Philippen, Iris Van Noorden
  • Patent number: 8057317
    Abstract: An amusement park attraction comprises an array of cells, the array including cells being arranged at various horizontal positions and various vertical positions. A movable passenger assembly, preferably a seat assembly, is provided for one or more passengers, which passenger assembly is at least movable in vertical direction. The passenger assembly and/or the array of cells is movable in horizontal direction. A cell is defined by a boundary and has a viewing opening. Mmultiple cells of said array each contain a discrete scene to be viewed by the one or more passengers. A programmable actuating system is provided, which actuating system provides a programmed route of said passenger assembly along the viewing openings of said scene containing cells, so that the one or more passengers are presented a predetermined sequence of scenes and at least experience a vertical motion along said route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Vekoma Rides Engineering B V, Olaf Karl-Heinz Mordelt
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Johan Willem Philippen, Olaf Karl-Heinz Mordelt