Patents by Inventor David W. Spencer, II

David W. Spencer, II 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: 5623878
    Abstract: A dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in an amusement park attraction or other environment includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including computer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: Anthony W. Baxter, David G. Fink, William G. Redmann, Jon H. Snoddy, David W. Spencer, II, Scott F. Watson
  • Patent number: 5583844
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a ride vehicle for use in an amusement attraction. The ride vehicle mounts a passenger supporting structure upon a motion base, so that the passenger supporting structure may be articulated about one or more axes as the vehicle moves. Thus, this "simulator ride" carries passengers through three-dimensional scenery and articulates the passenger supporting structure in synchronism with motions of the ride vehicle, the motions of moving show sets, which are external to the vehicle, sound, projection and other effects. The ride vehicle is programmably-controlled by a redundant, two computer control system aboard each vehicle, which controls motions of the ride vehicle in synchronism with actions of the motion base and other special effects in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of ride programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: William L. Wolf, William G. Redmann, Jon H. Snoddy, David W. Spencer, II, Scott F. Watson
  • Patent number: 5403238
    Abstract: An amusement park attraction having a dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in the amusement park attraction or other environment. The ride vehicle includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including Ycomputer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path in the amusement park attraction. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: Anthony W. Baxter, David G. Fink, William G. Redmann, Jon H. Snoddy, David W. Spencer, II, Scott F. Watson, William L. Wolf