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).
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Patent number: 10987598Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2017Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Ted W. Van Winkle, Paula Stenzler, Steven C. Blum
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Patent number: 10788603Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
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Patent number: 10729985Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
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Patent number: 10661184Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventor: Paula Stenzler
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Publication number: 20190143228Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2018Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
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Patent number: 10286329Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Daniel Freedman, Nathanael G. White, Paula Stenzler
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Patent number: 10258893Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Daniel Matthew Freedman, Nathanael Gordon White, Paula Stenzler
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Patent number: 10207193Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLCInventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
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Publication number: 20180341040Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
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Publication number: 20180304162Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2017Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Daniel Matthew Freedman, Nathanael Gordon White, Paula Stenzler
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Publication number: 20180304163Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2017Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Daniel Freedman, Nathanael G. White, Paula Stenzler
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Patent number: 10061058Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
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Patent number: 10031259Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
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Publication number: 20180104600Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventor: Paula Stenzler
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Publication number: 20180043272Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Ted W. Van Winkle, Paula Stenzler, Steven C. Blum
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Patent number: 9839855Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLCInventor: Paula Stenzler
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Patent number: 9814991Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLCInventors: Ted W. Van Winkle, Paula Stenzler, Steven C. Blum
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Publication number: 20170189818Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2017Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventor: Paula Stenzler
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Patent number: 9616350Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Amanda K. Zielkowski
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Patent number: 9600999Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventor: Paula Stenzler