Patents by Inventor Paula Stenzler

Paula Stenzler 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: 10987598
    Abstract: A method in accordance with present embodiments includes receiving a signal that a vehicle is positioned on a motion base system; and actuating a plurality of motion bases of the motion base system to actuate independently of one another to cause the vehicle to roll, pitch, or heave. Actuating the plurality of motion bases includes providing a first signal to an electrical actuator associated with a first motion base; actuating a movable deck of the first motion base to move a first distance relative to its housing at a first time point; providing a second signal to an electrical actuator associated with a second motion base; and actuating a movable deck of the second motion base to move a second distance relative to its housing at the first time point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Ted W. Van Winkle, Paula Stenzler, Steven C. Blum
  • Patent number: 10788603
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Patent number: 10729985
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
  • Patent number: 10661184
    Abstract: A system includes one or more retro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a tracking system that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to track a position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that may emit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detector that may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflective markers, and a controller that may determine the position of the rider relative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detection of the reflected light and that may provide an indication of the position of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Paula Stenzler
  • Publication number: 20190143228
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
  • Patent number: 10286329
    Abstract: A motion simulator ride assembly includes a motion base and a rider support assembly positioned beneath and coupled to the motion base. The rider support assembly includes a plurality of rider support units, each rider support unit of the one or more rider support units having an inversion table having a surface that may abut a rider. The inversion table may rotate about an axis to transition between a loading configuration and a ride configuration and the ride configuration positions the rider in a substantially facedown position. Each rider support unit also includes a restraint system that may secure the rider onto the inversion table. The restraint system includes a first moveable restraint and a second moveable restraint that are each coupled to the inversion table and the first and second moveable restraints may move relative to the surface to move the first and second movable restraints from an unrestrained configuration to a restrained configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Freedman, Nathanael G. White, Paula Stenzler
  • Patent number: 10258893
    Abstract: A simulator ride may include an annular structure forming at least a partial annulus on which a path is implemented. Additionally, the simulator ride may include a headset with a display designed to be worn by a passenger. A passenger support system may be coupled to the path of the annular structure and designed to move along the path and rotate about a center axis of the annular structure when in operation. Additionally, the annular structure may be configured to be articulated in one or more degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Matthew Freedman, Nathanael Gordon White, Paula Stenzler
  • Patent number: 10207193
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
  • Publication number: 20180341040
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Publication number: 20180304162
    Abstract: A simulator ride may include an annular structure forming at least a partial annulus on which a path is implemented. Additionally, the simulator ride may include a headset with a display designed to be worn by a passenger. A passenger support system may be coupled to the path of the annular structure and designed to move along the path and rotate about a center axis of the annular structure when in operation. Additionally, the annular structure may be configured to be articulated in one or more degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Matthew Freedman, Nathanael Gordon White, Paula Stenzler
  • Publication number: 20180304163
    Abstract: A motion simulator ride assembly includes a motion base and a rider support assembly positioned beneath and coupled to the motion base. The rider support assembly includes a plurality of rider support units, each rider support unit of the one or more rider support units having an inversion table having a surface that may abut a rider. The inversion table may rotate about an axis to transition between a loading configuration and a ride configuration and the ride configuration positions the rider in a substantially facedown position. Each rider support unit also includes a restraint system that may secure the rider onto the inversion table. The restraint system includes a first moveable restraint and a second moveable restraint that are each coupled to the inversion table and the first and second moveable restraints may move relative to the surface to move the first and second movable restraints from an unrestrained configuration to a restrained configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Freedman, Nathanael G. White, Paula Stenzler
  • Patent number: 10061058
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Patent number: 10031259
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Publication number: 20180104600
    Abstract: A system includes one or more retro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a tracking system that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to track a position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that may emit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detector that may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflective markers, and a controller that may determine the position of the rider relative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detection of the reflected light and that may provide an indication of the position of the rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Paula Stenzler
  • Publication number: 20180043272
    Abstract: A method in accordance with present embodiments includes receiving a signal that a vehicle is positioned on a motion base system; and actuating a plurality of motion bases of the motion base system to actuate independently of one another to cause the vehicle to roll, pitch, or heave. Actuating the plurality of motion bases includes providing a first signal to an electrical actuator associated with a first motion base; actuating a movable deck of the first motion base to move a first distance relative to its housing at a first time point; providing a second signal to an electrical actuator associated with a second motion base; and actuating a movable deck of the second motion base to move a second distance relative to its housing at the first time point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Ted W. Van Winkle, Paula Stenzler, Steven C. Blum
  • Patent number: 9839855
    Abstract: A system includes one or more retro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a tracking system that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to track a position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that may emit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detector that may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflective markers, and a controller that may determine the position of the rider relative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detection of the reflected light and that may provide an indication of the position of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
    Inventor: Paula Stenzler
  • Patent number: 9814991
    Abstract: A method in accordance with present embodiments includes receiving a signal that a vehicle is positioned on a motion base system; and actuating a plurality of motion bases of the motion base system to actuate independently of one another to cause the vehicle to roll, pitch, or heave. Actuating the plurality of motion bases includes providing a first signal to an electrical actuator associated with a first motion base; actuating a movable deck of the first motion base to move a first distance relative to its housing at a first time point; providing a second signal to an electrical actuator associated with a second motion base; and actuating a movable deck of the second motion base to move a second distance relative to its housing at the first time point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
    Inventors: Ted W. Van Winkle, Paula Stenzler, Steven C. Blum
  • Publication number: 20170189818
    Abstract: A system includes one or more retro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a tracking system that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to track a position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that may emit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detector that may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflective markers, and a controller that may determine the position of the rider relative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detection of the reflected light and that may provide an indication of the position of the rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Paula Stenzler
  • Patent number: 9616350
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of machines and people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control the machines or other equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Amanda K. Zielkowski
  • Patent number: 9600999
    Abstract: A system includes one or more retro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a tracking system that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to track a position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that may emit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detector that may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflective markers, and a controller that may determine the position of the rider relative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detection of the reflected light and that may provide an indication of the position of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Paula Stenzler