Patents by Inventor John Schooley

John Schooley 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).

  • Publication number: 20070060403
    Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include an elevation system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. An elevation system may assist in adjusting and/or controlling a participant flow rate through at least a portion of a water amusement park. An elevation system may include two or more conveyor belt systems. An elevation system for adjusting a participant flow rate may include one or more floating queue lines. An elevation system may include a control system. A control system may be automated, semi-automated, or manual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070060402
    Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. An amusement ride system may include a system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include a belt and a belt movement system. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include a support structure which functions to provide support for the belt and belt movement system, one or more coupling mechanisms functioning to releasably couple one or more ends of the support structure to a portion of a water amusement park, and/or one or more spatial adjustment mechanisms coupled to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070051036
    Abstract: An elevated structure system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to a surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The base may include one or more openings. A first portion of at least one of the living plants may be coupled in one of the openings such that a second portion of the living plant extends from the opening to form a branch of the composite tree. The system may include at least one structure coupled to the base. At least one of the structures may function to contain one or more persons above the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070051039
    Abstract: A water amusement system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to a surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The water amusement system may include a water amusement ride coupled to the base. The water amusement ride may include an access point configured to allow participants to access the water amusement ride from the structure. The access point may be positioned adjacent to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070054745
    Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, a floating water park positioned in a body of water is described, as well as, a floating marine park. A floating marine/water park may include one or more floating containers positioned in a body of a first fluid. One or more of the floating containers may function to hold a second fluid, marine life, and/or participants in water amusement activities. A floating marine park may include a heat exchange system configured to exchange heat between a body of water and fluid in at least one of the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070051037
    Abstract: A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The base may include one or more openings. A first portion of at least one of the living plants may be coupled in one of the openings such that a second portion of the living plant extends from the opening to form a branch of the composite tree. A first portion of the living plant may include at least a portion of the root system of the living plant. In some embodiments, at least two sets of branch portions may be configured to removably couple to the base. At least one set of branch portions may have a different theme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070051038
    Abstract: A system may include a tree and a covering apparatus. The tree may include a composite tree. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The base may include one or more openings. A first portion of at least one of the living plants may be coupled in one of the openings such that a second portion of the living plant extends from the opening to form a branch of the composite tree. The covering apparatus may function to cover at least a portion of the tree. The covering apparatus may be coupled to the tree. At least a portion of the covering apparatus may be positioned in or above the tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070049385
    Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include a system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include a belt and a belt movement system. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include one or more barriers configured to inhibit participants from leaving the belt as the participants are conveyed along the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070049388
    Abstract: A water amusement ride system is disclosed. The system may include a first channel of water. The first channel may function to convey participants in a first direction. The system may include a second channel of water. The second channel may function to convey participants in a second direction. The second direction may be different from the first direction. The system may include a first adjustable flow controller positioned in the first channel of water. The system may include a third channel coupling the first channel, upstream of the first adjustable flow controller, to the second channel. The first adjustable flow controller may function at least in part to control the flow of water through the third channel. The system may be part of a continuous water ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070049387
    Abstract: A water amusement ride system is disclosed. The system may include a device or apparatus, including a water bypass channel in fluid communication with a channel of water. The water bypass channel may include a water entrance, a water exit, and an adjustable valve. The water entrance is in fluid communication with water upstream of the apparatus. The water exit is in fluid communication with water downstream of the apparatus. The adjustable valve may be located between the water entrance and the water exit. The adjustable valve may be adjusted to control an amount of water exiting the water bypass channel. The water bypass channel may increase the flow rate of water between the water entrance and the water exit of the water bypass channel. The water bypass channel may assist in controlling a water effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070049386
    Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. An amusement ride system may include a system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include a belt and a belt movement system. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include at least one gate mechanism. At least one of the gate mechanisms may function to position a gate to adjust a participant flow rate through the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070033868
    Abstract: A water amusement system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to the surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The system may include at least one structure coupled to the base. At least one of the structures may function to contain one or more persons above the surface. The water amusement system may include a water amusement ride coupled to the base. The water amusement ride may include an access point configured to allow participants to access the water amusement ride from the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070033867
    Abstract: A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The base may include one or more openings. A first portion of at least one of the living plants may be coupled in one of the openings such that a second portion of the living plant extends from the opening to form a branch of the composite tree. A first portion of the living plant may include at least a portion of the root system of the living plant. In some embodiments, a composite tree may include one or more systems forming and/or coupled to the composite tree. Systems may perform various functions (e.g., providing heat and/or nutrients to a living plant).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20070033866
    Abstract: An lift apparatus may include a holder and a lift mechanism. A holder may function to couple with a plant held at least partially in an opening of the base element. The base element and the plant may form a portion of a composite tree. The base element may be configured to couple to a surface. The lift mechanism may be coupled to the holder. The lift mechanism may function to move at least a portion of the holder to lift the plant out of the opening. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20060178222
    Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20060052171
    Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20050090320
    Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20050090318
    Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20050090319
    Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley
  • Publication number: 20050090321
    Abstract: A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffery Henry, John Schooley