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).

  • Patent number: 5236280
    Abstract: An amusement apparatus for water sports activities wherein a flowing body of water is provided. The water moves across an inclined, declined or horizontal riding surface upon which the velocity, volume and gravitational dynamics of the flowing body of water is such that a rider may perform water skimming/simulated surfing maneuvers thereon. Composite structures with horizontal and inclined surfaces and varying flow velocity over time across specifically shaped structures permit water skimming/simulated surfing maneuvers on unbroken, spilling or tunnel type wave forms. Asymmetry in the downstream ridge line of an inclined surface allows spilling type wave formations as well as facilitating the removal of a transient surge. A novel fluid "half-pipe" waveform is also introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Blade Loch, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 5213547
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably injecting, subsequent to the start of a water ride, a high velocity water flow over the water ride surface. A rider (or vehicle) that rides into such injected flow can, as the result of water-to-rider momentum transfer, either be accelerated, matched, or de-accelerated in a downhill, horizontal or uphill straight or curvilinear direction by such injected flow. Flow emitting nozzles can either be positioned above, along side or from any position along the length of the water ride surface. When a horizontal or upwardly inclined ride surface has flumed channel walls, either a special "flume within a flume" design is incorporated, or vents are positioned along the sides or bottom of the riding surface to minimize any transient surge/hydraulic jump that occurs during start-up or when a lower speed rider encounters a higher speed water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 5171101
    Abstract: A wave-forming generator for generating inclined surfaces on a contained body of water. The water is propelled against the surface-shaping generator with sufficient force to impart the desired shape to the water surface, and the generated surfaces can include waves, such as tunnel waves, appropriate for surfing and other water skimming manuevers on the surface of a body of water. Surfaces generated can require a wide range of skills to negotiate, from beginning to advanced levels. The surfaces generated are substantially stationary with respect to the water containment means, the water itself moving with respect thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles E. Sauerbier, Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 4954014
    Abstract: A wave-forming generator for generating inclined surfaces on a contained body of water. The water is propelled against the surface-shaping generator with sufficient force to impart the desired shape to the water surface, and the generated surfaces can include waves, such as tunnel waves, appropriate for surfing and other water skimming manuevers on the surface of a body of water. Surfaces generated can require a wide range of skills to negotiate, from beginning to advanced levels. The surfaces generated are substantially stationary with respect to the water containment means, the water itself moving with respect thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
    Inventors: Charles E. Sauerbier, Thomas J. Lochtefeld