Abstract: A ride surface for water ride attractions and the like is provided. The ride surface is fabricated from a reinforced membrane material tensioned over a supporting framework. The tensioned membrane ride surface serves the dual role of providing structural support for water flow and riders thereon while at the same time providing an impact safe surface that is non-injurious to riders who may fall thereon. The tensioned membrane can be adjusted actively and/or passively in order to accommodate different and varied ride experiences. Optionally, the shape of the membrane ride surface can be changed either dynamically or passively by special tensioning techniques and/or by using auxiliary support structures such as air bladders, pressure/suction, foam supports or/or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature live-action surfing attraction and associated surf game specifically adapted for use with one or more surf toy action figures. The surf toy action figures are mountable to a surf board appropriately sized and weighted to provide relatively stable or semi-stable surf-riding action upon a sheet flow of water flowing up an inclined ride surface of the reduced scale attraction. Various surf action figures may be set free upon the ride surface, or they may be constrained or partially constrained by wires, strings, magnets or the like, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be controlled via a remote control, or radio control transmitter, as desired. Thus, a fun and entertaining game is created that provides realistic live-action surfing within a relatively small or confined area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in the construction of water ride surfaces and comprises at least one layer of soft permeable material built into the padded substrate of a structurally supported ride surface. The permeable material connects to a drainage system and is preferably sandwiched between a slick skin upper waterproof membrane, and a supporting substrate beneath it. The advantage to this improvement is when water leaks through the waterproof membrane, the permeable material prevents water from building up inside the padded substrate, and allows the water to be drained out, rather than blistering and bubbling up under the waterproof membrane, thereby helping to preserve the integrity and longevity of the ride surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature live-action surfing attraction and associated surf game specifically adapted for use with one or more surf toy action figures. The surf toy action figures are mountable to a surf board appropriately sized and weighted to provide relatively stable or semi-stable surf-riding action upon a sheet flow of water flowing up an inclined ride surface of the reduced scale attraction. Various surf action figures may be set free upon the ride surface, or they may be constrained or partially constrained by wires, strings, magnets or the like, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be controlled via a remote control, or radio control transmitter, as desired. Thus, a fun and entertaining game is created that provides realistic live-action surfing within a relatively small or confined area.

Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave generating system comprising a wave generator that travels along the surface of a body of water, and preferably in the middle thereof, wherein the wave generator can create both primary and secondary waves that travel toward the shore. The primary waves are intended to allow surfing maneuvers to be performed in a relatively deep water environment. In the preferred embodiment, the body of water has opposing undulating shorelines upon which the secondary waves can break, wherein by modifying the shoreline's slope and curvature, and providing undulating peninsulas and cove areas, various multiple wave formations and effects can be created.

Abstract: A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave pool wherein a portion of the floor and/or beach is provided with a grated section. With the grated section extending along the beach, the grates will allow water to pass into a cavity, wherein backflows are eliminated and rip currents are avoided. With the grated section extending along the floor, the grated section is able to change the effective depth of the pool floor at that location, thereby altering the wave formation characteristics. One or more channels can be provided to circulate water away from the cavity toward the other end of the pool, which helps keep the pool in substantial equilibrium.

Abstract: A water ride attraction is disclosed which utilizes a containerless riding surface to eliminate disadvantageous boundary layer effects. A sheet flow of water is directed up the incline to produce a simulated wave. The configuration and contour of the riding surface and the various flow parameters can be widely varied to produce numerous desirable wave conditions.

Abstract: A ride surface for water ride attractions and the like is provided. The ride surface is fabricated from a reinforced membrane material tensioned over a supporting framework. The tensioned membrane ride surface serves the dual role of providing structural support for water flow and riders thereon while at the same time providing an impact safe surface that is non-injurious to riders who may fall thereon. The tensioned membrane can be adjusted actively and/or passively in order to accommodate different and varied ride experiences. Optionally, the shape of the membrane ride surface can be changed either dynamically or passively by special tensioning techniques and/or by using auxiliary support structures such as air bladders, pressure/suction, foam supports or/or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for automated photo/video capture and retrieval using RFID tags containing a unique person and/or group identifier number. The system allows automated capturing and indexing of individual or group photo/video images according to each unique person and/or group identifier. Tags are worn by each park patron during their visit to the park or other entertainment facility. Various readers distributed throughout the park or entertainment facility are able to read the RFID tags. Thus, the unique identifier numbers can be conveniently read and provided to an associated photo/video capture system for purposes of providing indexing of captured photo/video images according to the unique identifiers of all individuals standing within the field of view of the camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave generating system comprising a wave generator that travels along the surface of a body of water, and preferably in the middle thereof, wherein the wave generator can create both primary and secondary waves that travel toward the shore. The primary waves are intended to allow surfing maneuvers to be performed in a relatively deep water environment. In the preferred embodiment, the body of water has opposing undulating shorelines upon which the secondary waves can break, wherein by modifying the shoreline's slope and curvature, and providing undulating peninsulas and cove areas, various multiple wave formations and effects can be created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave pool wherein a portion of the floor and/or beach is provided with a grated section. With the grated section extending along the beach, the grates will allow water to pass into a cavity, wherein backflows are eliminated and rip currents are avoided. With the grated section extending along the floor, the grated section is able to change the effective depth of the pool floor at that location, thereby altering the wave formation characteristics. One or more channels can be provided to circulate water away from the cavity toward the other end of the pool, which helps keep the pool in substantial equilibrium.

Abstract: A ride surface for water ride attractions and the like is provided. The ride surface is fabricated from a reinforced membrane material tensioned over a supporting framework. The tensioned membrane ride surface serves the dual role of providing structural support for water flow and riders thereon while at the same time providing an impact safe surface that is non-injurious to riders who may fall thereon. The tensioned membrane can be adjusted actively and/or passively in order to accommodate different and varied ride experiences. Optionally, the shape of the membrane ride surface can be changed either dynamically or passively by special tensioning techniques and/or by using auxiliary support structures such as air bladders, pressure/suction, foam supports or/or the like.

Abstract: A mobile and compact simulated-wave water ride attraction is provided having one or more sluice slide-over covers for ensuring the safety of riders in the absence of an extended transition surface or using a shortened transition surface. Advantageously, the ride attraction comprises a plurality of transportable modules and other associated components that can be shipped between sites using trucks, trains or other transportation means. The slide-over sluice cover advantageously enables riders to safely slide over the sluice gate and/or injection nozzle without risk of injury or interference with ride operation. The sluice cover comprises a contoured flexible pad which covers and extends over the top surface of the sluice gate. A flexible tongue is provided which is urged downward squeezing against the flow and sealing the nozzle area off from possible injurious contact from a rider. The shape of the tongue also provides a short transition surface over the top of which a rider can slide without injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature live-action surfing attraction and associated surf game specifically adapted for use with one or more surf toy action figures. The surf toy action figures are mountable to a surf board appropriately sized and weighted to provide relatively stable or semi-stable surf-riding action upon a sheet flow of water flowing up an inclined ride surface of the reduced scale attraction. Various surf action figures may be set free upon the ride surface, or they may be constrained or partially constrained by wires, strings, magnets or the like, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be controlled via a remote control, or radio control transmitter, as desired. Thus, a fun and entertaining game is created that provides realistic live-action surfing within a relatively small or confined area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave pool wherein a portion of the floor and/or beach is provided with a grated section. With the grated section extending along the beach, the grates will allow water to pass into a cavity, wherein backflows are eliminated and rip currents are avoided. With the grated section extending along the floor, the grated section is able to change the effective depth of the pool floor at that location, thereby altering the wave formation characteristics. One or more channels can be provided to circulate water away from the cavity toward the other end of the pool, which helps keep the pool in substantial equilibrium.

Abstract: A water ride attraction is disclosed which utilizes a containerless riding surface to eliminate disadvantageous boundary layer effects. A sheet flow of water is directed up the incline to produce a simulated wave. The configuration and contour of the riding surface and the various flow parameters can be widely varied to produce numerous desirable wave conditions.

Abstract: A water sculpture is provided having a an upwardly inclined flow surface. A flowing body of water is caused to flow upon the flow surface simulating various desired wave shapes. A variety of aesthetic wave shapes can be created, such as an unbroken wave face, a white water bore, a spilling breaking wave, or a tunnel wave. In one embodiment a walk-through water sculpture is provided such as for an entranceway of a building or the like.