Patents by Inventor Preston A. Jones

Preston A. Jones 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: 10685491
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a ride attraction system includes a track, a bogie coupled to the track and configured to move along the track, and an attachment coupled to the bogie and configured to couple a user to the bogie. The ride attraction system also includes an image controller coupled to the bogie and configured to supply virtual reality (VR) and/or mixed reality (MR) images to the user via headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Preston Jones
  • Publication number: 20190329811
    Abstract: A skid including an upper surface having a concave shape running from a leading edge to a trailing edge and a lower surface having a convex shape running from the leading edge to the trailing edge. A storage compartment having a pair of wheels and an upstanding handle rolls onto the upper surface of the skid. The skid aids in transporting the storage compartment across sand or snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Royce Preston Jones, Kurt Thomas Messenger
  • Patent number: 10460539
    Abstract: A system includes a portable locker including a container that may receive and store items and a first lock coupled to the container and that may lock the container to block access to the stored items. The first lock includes a detector that may receive a wireless signal, and receiving the wireless signal causes the first lock to lock or unlock. The system also includes a restraint coupled to the container and includes a second lock. The second lock may secure the portable locker to a rider of an amusement park ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Amanda K. Zielkowski, Michelle Phillips, John Ugrin, Alexandria Catania, Steven C. Blum, Matthew Preston Jones
  • Publication number: 20190026946
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a ride attraction system includes a track, a bogie coupled to the track and configured to move along the track, and an attachment coupled to the bogie and configured to couple a user to the bogie. The ride attraction system also includes an image controller coupled to the bogie and configured to supply virtual reality (VR) and/or mixed reality (MR) images to the user via headgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew Preston Jones
  • Publication number: 20180061157
    Abstract: A system includes a portable locker including a container that may receive and store items and a first lock coupled to the container and that may lock the container to block access to the stored items. The first lock includes a detector that may receive a wireless signal, and receiving the wireless signal causes the first lock to lock or unlock. The system also includes a restraint coupled to the container and includes a second lock. The second lock may secure the portable locker to a rider of an amusement park ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Amanda K. Zielkowski, Michelle Phillips, John Ugrin, Alexandria Catania, Steven C. Blum, Matthew Preston Jones
  • Patent number: 8253533
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for managing a plurality of lockers proximate a theme park attraction, the system having an electronically actuated lock disposed on the plurality of lockers, a guest identifier carriable on the guests person, the identifier usable as an electronic key configured to lock and unlock the lock, an egress sensor positioned at an exit of the theme park attraction and a processor in communication with the lock and the egress sensor and configured to unlock the lock subsequent to being signaled by the egress sensor. A method for using and managing a plurality of lockers is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Preston Jones
  • Patent number: 8251008
    Abstract: A device for projecting ice cubes onto a roof to scare away birds, especially pigeons. The use of ice is environmentally friendly and will not jam gutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Preston A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20110074541
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for managing a plurality of lockers proximate a theme park attraction, the system having an electronically actuated lock disposed on the plurality of lockers, a guest identifier carriable on the guests person, the identifier usable as an electronic key configured to lock and unlock the lock, an egress sensor positioned at an exit of the theme park attraction and a processor in communication with the lock and the egress sensor and configured to unlock the lock subsequent to being signaled by the egress sensor. A method for using and managing a plurality of lockers is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Preston Jones
  • Patent number: 7906199
    Abstract: Color harmonization is provided for articles of manufacture comprising different substrate materials. A coating composition is selected that can be applied to the different substrate materials while maintaining substantially uniform visual characteristics of the article. The substrates may include flexible materials such as natural leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, foam, textiles and the like. Examples of articles of manufacture include footwear, automotive upholstery and automotive interiors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Rearick, R. Preston Jones, Deborah E. Hayes, Kevin P. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 7706904
    Abstract: A multi-language attraction communication device is provided wherein a guest selects a particular language file corresponding to an audio file coordinated with at least one entertainment activity. The communication device includes a memory for storing multiple language files for at least one entertainment activity and a processor. The processor is configured to access the memory, in response to a selected language file for the at least one entertainment activity, and to communicate the language file for review by a guest in real time coordination with the at least one entertainment activity. A method of providing audio to guests at an entertainment activity is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLLP
    Inventors: Matthew Preston Jones, Steven C. Blum, Justin Michael Schwartz, Brian McQuillian
  • Publication number: 20080140382
    Abstract: A multi-language attraction communication device is provided wherein a guest selects a particular language file corresponding to an audio file coordinated with at least one entertainment activity. The communication device includes a memory for storing multiple language files for at least one entertainment activity and a processor. The processor is configured to access the memory, in response to a selected language file for the at least one entertainment activity, and to communicate the language file for review by a guest in real time coordination with the at least one entertainment activity. A method of providing audio to guests at an entertainment activity is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew Preston Jones, Steven C. Blum, Justin Michael Schwartz, Brian McQuillian
  • Publication number: 20020116235
    Abstract: In a system for managing admissions into parks and attractions, a guest requests reservations via a kiosk unit or purchases advanced ticket attraction packages via the World Wide Web/Internet or through the phone. Once the reservations or purchase has been made, the confirmed reservation is printed onto a confirmation ticket or guest card and the data is uploaded into the system. The guest can then take their confirmation ticket or guest card at the appointed time and gain entry into the attraction through a barrier controlled by the controller unit. The controller unit reads or scans the guest card and allows guests with advance reservations to gain entry without waiting in long lines. In an alternative park operation system, admission to the park is permitted only with advance reservations. As part of the advance reservation, each guest is assigned to a menu group, with each menu group provided with assigned times for each attraction in the park.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Universal City Studios, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Grimm, James D. Waters, Mark A. Woodbury, Matthew Preston Jones