Patents by Inventor Darrin Hughes

Darrin Hughes 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: 12005368
    Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20240075394
    Abstract: An image presentation system for an amusement park includes a first display with an opening extending therethrough, wherein at least a portion of the first display is viewable from a viewing area, a movable arm, wherein the movable arm is positioned within the opening, a second display supported by the movable arm and offset from the first display, wherein the second display conceals the opening from the viewing area, and a controller configured to provide a first image via the first display and a second image via the second display such that the second image comprises an image effect that accounts for the offset and coordinates with the first image to present as though the first image and the second image are a single image displayed by the first display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew Carbonar, Gregory Hall, Darrin Hughes, Michael Wadsworth, William Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20230330547
    Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20230330556
    Abstract: A show effect system of an amusement park attraction includes a prop component and a linkage system having an extension and a contactor system. The linkage system is configured to move relative to the prop component to move the extension toward the prop component and to cause engagement between the contactor system and the prop component, cause the prop component to move, via the engagement between the contactor system and the prop component, in conjunction with the extension, and block direct contact between the prop component and the extension. The extension is coupled to an animated figure such that the linkage system is configured to cause movement of the animated figure via the extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Lee Wadsworth, Darrin Hughes, Timothy J. Eck
  • Patent number: 11697073
    Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 11691087
    Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20230123667
    Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20220143519
    Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20220134246
    Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 11247138
    Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 11229852
    Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 10913005
    Abstract: A system may include a housing that may hold a body of water, an inflatable assembly disposed within the body of water, and a processor. The processor may receive an indication related to a speed of a flow of the body of water and send a signal to at least one valve coupled between the inflatable assembly and a fluid source in response to the indication. The signal may cause the at least one valve to fluidly couple the inflatable assembly to the fluid source to cause the inflatable assembly to expand to an inflated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20200282319
    Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20200282318
    Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20200215443
    Abstract: An entertainment figure system includes an entertainment figure having an attachment point, a bogie coupled to a track and to the attachment point of the entertainment figure via a cable and a winch coupled to the cable. The bogie is configured to translate along the track and the winch is configured to adjust a length of the cable extending from the winch and thereby modify a distance between the attachment point and the bogie.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Keith Brister, Dwain South, Robert Charles Aradio, Gerard Howland, Darrin Hughes
  • Patent number: 10688401
    Abstract: An entertainment figure system includes an entertainment figure having an attachment point, a bogie coupled to a track and to the attachment point of the entertainment figure via a cable and a winch coupled to the cable. The bogie is configured to translate along the track and the winch is configured to adjust a length of the cable extending from the winch and thereby modify a distance between the attachment point and the bogie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keith Brister, Dwain South, Robert Charles Aradio, Gerard Howland, Darrin Hughes
  • Patent number: 10675547
    Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 10668393
    Abstract: An inflatable assembly may include a housing that has a plurality of adjustment inflatables that may form a range of shapes at different levels of inflation. The inflatable may also include one or more sensors disposed on the housing and one or more valves disposed in the housing. The valves are controllable and configured to direct fluid flow into the plurality of adjustment inflatables. The assembly may also include a processor that receives data from the one or more sensors disposed on the housing and adjust one or more positions of the one or more valves based on the data to control fluid flow into one or more of the plurality of adjustment inflatables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 10668394
    Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Publication number: 20200016500
    Abstract: A system may include a housing that may hold a body of water, an inflatable assembly disposed within the body of water, and a processor. The processor may receive an indication related to a speed of a flow of the body of water and send a signal to at least one valve coupled between the inflatable assembly and a fluid source in response to the indication. The signal may cause the at least one valve to fluidly couple the inflatable assembly to the fluid source to cause the inflatable assembly to expand to an inflated configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas