Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Lochtefeld

Thomas J. Lochtefeld 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).

  • Publication number: 20230243171
    Abstract: A wave pool having multiple wave breaking zones extending across the pool floor, wherein different wave breaking formations with different wave characteristics can be generated within each zone, using the same wave energy derived from the same original wave, wherein surfers with different abilities can surf in different locations within the same pool. Specific features are provided that enable breaker waves to be properly managed and controlled such that intermediate/advanced surfers can surf in one zone and beginner surfers can surf in another zone. Included are special dividers to prevent surfers from crossing from one zone to the next, while at the same time, allowing wave energy to pass through. An attenuating means is provided to help reduce the choppiness of the waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 11572702
    Abstract: A wave pool having multiple wave breaking zones extending across the pool floor, wherein different wave breaking formations with different wave characteristics can be generated within each zone, using the same wave energy derived from the same original wave, wherein surfers with different abilities can surf in different locations within the same pool. Specific features are provided that enable breaker waves to be properly managed and controlled such that intermediate/advanced surfers can surf in one zone and beginner surfers can surf in another zone. Included are special dividers to prevent surfers from crossing from one zone to the next, while at the same time, allowing wave energy to pass through. An attenuating means is provided to help reduce the choppiness of the waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 11040289
    Abstract: A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: WhiteWater West Industries, LTD.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 10458136
    Abstract: A wave generator for a wave pool with a floating attenuator housed within a caisson compartment that has mass, density and weight characteristics that enable it to remain substantially in contact with the top surface of the water in the compartment. Additional mechanisms are provided which help to keep the attenuator in a substantially horizontal orientation within the caisson, such that unwanted wave motions and water movements within the caisson compartment can be substantially reduced or eliminated. These mechanisms include the adaptation of a vertical post within the compartment and cable and pulley systems that are designed to help control the up and down movement of the attenuator as it travels up and down within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Patent number: 10233660
    Abstract: A wave pool having a deep end and a shallow end with a plurality of wave generators along the deep end that are extended along a curved stagger line positioned at an oblique angle relative to the moving waves. The wave generators are preferably extended in a substantially staggered manner relative to the travel direction of the waves. A pair of dividing walls is preferably provided in front of each generator, wherein the dividing walls are extended substantially forward with a fade angle of no more than about 20 degrees relative to each other. The wave generators are preferably operated in sequence, such that a plurality of wave segments is generated, and such that the wave segments travel forward and then merge together to form a substantially uniform resultant wave which travels forward and then breaks along the shallow end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Patent number: 10105611
    Abstract: A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20180264368
    Abstract: A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 9879438
    Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section and a second wave dampening portion having a raised floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor preferably has multiple openings thereon and a predetermined porosity (?) within the range of 0<??0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves, and wherein the raised floor preferably comprises a padded grate drainage system consisting of multiple elongated members formed by rigid bars with foam adhered on one side thereof, which are encapsulated by a water impervious layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Patent number: 9856665
    Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves has a first wave-forming portion with an inclined section for causing the waves to begin breaking and a second wave-dampening portion with a raised floor with perforations extended above a bottom chamber floor. The raised floor is preferably adapted with a predetermined porosity such that a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies is generated above and below the raised floor, resulting from water passing up and down through the openings, and the boundary layer effects on the raised floor help to dampen the waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Patent number: 9777494
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a wave pool having a deep end and a shallow end, wherein a plurality of wave generators is provided for producing wave segments in the wave pool. The wave generators are preferably extended substantially along the deep end in a substantially staggered manner relative to the travel direction of the wave segments. A pair of dividing walls is preferably provided in front of each wave generator, wherein the dividing walls are extended substantially forward in the travel direction and substantially parallel to each other or with a fade angle of no more than about 20 to 30 degrees relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Stagger Reef Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Publication number: 20170128846
    Abstract: A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 9556633
    Abstract: A wave pool having a deep end and a shallow end with a plurality of wave generators along the deep end that are extended along a curved stagger line positioned at an oblique angle relative to the moving waves. The wave generators are preferably extended in a substantially staggered manner relative to the travel direction of the waves. A pair of dividing walls is preferably provided in front of each generator, wherein the dividing walls are extended substantially forward with an outward fade angle of no more than about 20 degrees relative to each other. The wave generators are preferably operated in sequence, such that a plurality of wave segments is generated, and such that the wave segments travel forward and then merge together to form a substantially uniform resultant wave which travels forward and then breaks along the shallow end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Patent number: 9550127
    Abstract: A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 9506259
    Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves and a second wave dampening portion having a raised perforated floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor is preferably extended substantially horizontally at a predetermined depth in the water or at a slight incline, and wherein the raised floor preferably has a predetermined porosity (?) within the range of 0<??0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Publication number: 20160273236
    Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves has a first wave-forming portion with an inclined section for causing the waves to begin breaking and a second wave-dampening portion with a raised floor with perforations extended above a bottom chamber floor. The raised floor is preferably adapted with a predetermined porosity such that a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies is generated above and below the raised floor, resulting from water passing up and down through the openings, and the boundary layer effects on the raised floor help to dampen the waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas J. LOCHTEFELD, Hendrik Dirk van ETTINGER, Dirk BASTENHOF
  • Publication number: 20160256788
    Abstract: A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventor: THOMAS J. LOCHTEFELD
  • Publication number: 20160053504
    Abstract: A wave generator for a wave pool with a floating attenuator housed within a caisson compartment that has mass, density and weight characteristics that enable it to remain substantially in contact with the top surface of the water in the compartment. Additional mechanisms are provided which help to keep the attenuator in a substantially horizontal orientation within the caisson, such that unwanted wave motions and water movements within the caisson compartment can be substantially reduced or eliminated. These mechanisms include the adaptation of a vertical post within the compartment and cable and pulley systems that are designed to help control the up and down movement of the attenuator as it travels up and down within the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Patent number: 9144727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positively buoyant wave generator adapted to travel through a body of water, wherein specific features are incorporated into the wave generator to help create and off-set various hydrodynamic forces that can act on the wave generator as it travels through the water. Rather than eliminating these hydrodynamic forces, the invention seeks to create and counter these forces, which has been found to help keep the wave generator in substantial equilibrium. For example, a connecting member can be extended forward and below the wave generator's center of buoyancy, such that as the wave generator is pulled, it creates an upward force that helps to counter a downward force acting on the front end of the wave generator as water is lifted up. Various internal moments can also be created and off-set by adjusting the center of gravity and/or center of buoyancy and using these forces to help keep the wave generator in substantial equilibrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20150107013
    Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves and a second wave dampening portion having a raised perforated floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor is preferably extended substantially horizontally at a predetermined depth in the water or at a slight incline, and wherein the raised floor preferably has a predetermined porosity (?) within the range of 0<??0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Publication number: 20150089731
    Abstract: A wave pool having multiple wave breaking zones extending across the pool floor, wherein different wave breaking formations with different wave characteristics can be generated within each zone, using the same wave energy derived from the same original wave, wherein surfers with different abilities can surf in different locations within the same pool. Specific features are provided that enable breaker waves to be properly managed and controlled such that intermediate/advanced surfers can surf in one zone and beginner surfers can surf in another zone. Included are special dividers to prevent surfers from crossing from one zone to the next, while at the same time, allowing wave energy to pass through. An attenuating means is provided to help reduce the choppiness of the waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld