Patents by Inventor Kevin R. Rice

Kevin R. Rice 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: 9148202
    Abstract: An interactive entertainment system using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to allow participants to communicate user input to the system. The system includes an interactive station including an RFID reader and wireless communication devices that each has a user input portion operable by a user. Each communication device includes an RFID assembly that operates to broadcast to the RFID reader tag data, which is selectable by a user by operating the user input portion. The RFID assembly may use passive RFID tags that are activated or operable in response to user input such as pressing a button associated with an RFID tags, which causes the RFID tag to be read by the RFID reader to obtain a button ID. The RFID assembly may include an active RFID tag and a computing device that selectively modifies tag memory based on user input to communicate user messages to the RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Ackley, Kevin R. Rice
  • Publication number: 20100308964
    Abstract: An interactive entertainment system using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to allow participants to communicate user input to the system. The system includes an interactive station including an RFID reader and wireless communication devices that each has a user input portion operable by a user. Each communication device includes an RFID assembly that operates to broadcast to the RFID reader tag data, which is selectable by a user by operating the user input portion. The RFID assembly may use passive RFID tags that are activated or operable in response to user input such as pressing a button associated with an RFID tags, which causes the RFID tag to be read by the RFID reader to obtain a button ID. The RFID assembly may include an active RFID tag and a computing device that selectively modifies tag memory based on user input to communicate user messages to the RFID reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Ackley, Kevin R. Rice
  • Patent number: 6007338
    Abstract: A realistic roller coaster simulator is disclosed having one or more passenger seats equipped with a safety harness and mounted for 360 degree rotational movement along at least two axes for simulating the motion of a roller coaster. A controller is provided for controlling and coordinating the motion of the simulator with a simulation controller which generates to the passenger synchronized audio and visual effects which would be experienced by a passenger on a roller coaster of a predetermined design. Linked to the simulator is a design station where a passenger can design his or her own roller coaster. Upon entering the simulator station, the passenger's design can be accessed from memory and selected for simulation on the simulator vehicle. Upon initiation of the simulation, the passenger can experience in real time the visual, motive, audible and other effects (such as wind, heat, cold, water, etc.) of the simulated roller coaster ride which the passenger has designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. DiNunzio, Thomas K. Morris, Steven A. Elliott, Joseph O. Garlington, Raul S. Fernandez, Susan M. Bryan, Kevin R. Rice, William G. Redmann, Kenneth D. Salter