Patents by Inventor Steven C. Blum

Steven C. Blum 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: 9937426
    Abstract: A ride assembly includes a ride vehicle configured to carry one or more passengers and to move in a direction along a ride path, a first passenger seat of the ride vehicle having a seatback, where the first passenger seat is configured to seat a first passenger of the one or more passengers, and where the seatback is configured to rotate with respect to the ride vehicle from a loading position to an active position, a second passenger seat of the ride vehicle positioned behind the first passenger seat with respect to the direction, where the second passenger seat is configured to seat a second passenger of the one or more passengers, and a passenger restraint coupled to the seatback of the first passenger seat, where the passenger restraint is configured to secure the second passenger in the second passenger seat when the seatback is in the active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Tom Masterson, Steven C. Blum, Christopher Oliver, Eric A. Vance, Daniel Freedman, Ted W. Van Winkle
  • Patent number: 9925663
    Abstract: A robotic system includes a robotic arm and a movable hardstop disposed proximate to the robotic arm. The movable hardstop is separated from the robotic arm by at least one clearance in a first operating condition. The movable hardstop physically contacts the robotic arm in a second operating condition. The robotic system also includes one or more controllers configured to control movement of the robotic arm and movement of the movable hardstop such that the first operating condition is maintained or such that, if the second operating condition occurs, the hardtop blocks movement of the robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Eric Vance, Steven C. Blum
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20180009104
    Abstract: A robotic system includes a robotic arm and a movable hardstop disposed proximate to the robotic arm. The movable hardstop is separated from the robotic arm by at least one clearance in a first operating condition. The movable hardstop physically contacts the robotic arm in a second operating condition. The robotic system also includes one or more controllers configured to control movement of the robotic arm and movement of the movable hardstop such that the first operating condition is maintained or such that, if the second operating condition occurs, the hardtop blocks movement of the robotic arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Eric Vance, Steven C. Blum
  • Publication number: 20170364145
    Abstract: A ride system includes at least one ride vehicle. The at least one ride vehicle is configured to receive a ride passenger. The ride system includes electronic goggles configured to be worn by the ride passenger. The electronic goggles include a camera and a display. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the electronic goggles, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the electronic goggles, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the electronic goggles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, Brian B. McQuillian
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9690375
    Abstract: A ride system includes at least one ride vehicle. The at least one ride vehicle is configured to receive a ride passenger. The ride system includes electronic goggles configured to be worn by the ride passenger. The electronic goggles include a camera and a display. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the electronic goggles, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the electronic goggles, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the electronic goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, Brian B. McQuillian
  • 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: 9433870
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of ride vehicles 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 ride vehicles or other equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, Christopher Oliver
  • Patent number: 9429398
    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 show elements within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to determine whether the show elements are to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Publication number: 20160096114
    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 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Ted W. Van Winkle, Paula Stenzler, Steven C. Blum
  • Publication number: 20160048203
    Abstract: A ride system includes at least one ride vehicle. The at least one ride vehicle is configured to receive a ride passenger. The ride system includes electronic goggles configured to be worn by the ride passenger. The electronic goggles include a camera and a display. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the electronic goggles, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the electronic goggles, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the electronic goggles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, Brian B. McQuillian
  • Publication number: 20150336015
    Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of ride vehicles 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 ride vehicles or other equipment as a result of this evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, Christopher Oliver
  • Publication number: 20150338196
    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 show elements within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to determine whether the show elements are to be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Publication number: 20150336014
    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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Amanda K. Zielkowski
  • Publication number: 20150338548
    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: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Cortelyou, Steven C. Blum, Paula Stenzler, Christopher Oliver, Brian B. McQuillian, Justin M. Schwartz, Michael R. Kiddoo
  • Publication number: 20150336013
    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: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Paula Stenzler, Robert J. Cortelyou, Brian B. McQuillian, Christopher Oliver, Steven C. Blum, Justin M. Schwartz, Bradley D. Okeson
  • Patent number: 9192865
    Abstract: A system for confirming authorization of a operator for controlling a vehicle on fixed paths, the system having at least one ride vehicle with an onboard control system being configured to confirm operator authorization prior to allowing operator control thereof and an electronic device dimensioned and configured to be supported by an operator, the electronic device being further configured to remotely authorize operator control of the onboard control system. A method for confirming authorization of an operator for controlling a vehicle on fixed paths is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Universal Studios LLC
    Inventors: Steven Morris King, Justin Michael Schwartz, Steven C. Blum
  • Publication number: 20150300635
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for generating a flame effect. An embodiment includes a nozzle assembly with an outer nozzle and an inner nozzle. At least a portion of the inner nozzle is nested within at least a portion of the outer nozzle. The system also includes a fuel source with two or more separate types of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, Benjamin Robert Clark