Patents by Inventor Thomas Lochtefeld

Thomas 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: 20170138074
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Lochtefeld, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Publication number: 20080021776
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of promoting the development of an inland surfing facility within a real estate development by creating a strategic package of products and services that can be promoted and sold by a surfing consortium to the developer of the development. The package is preferably developed by the consortium and comprises 1) a commitment to develop and construct at least one wave pool and surf wave generator for producing quality waves at the wave venue site, 2) a commitment by at least one branded surf related retailer to occupy and lease commercial retail space at the development and cross promote its brands and sponsored athletes with the development, and 3) a commitment to sponsor and conduct at least one surf event at the wave venue site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20070090602
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20060260697
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Lochtefeld, Jeffery Henry
  • Publication number: 20050286976
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Lochtefeld, Charles Sauerbier
  • Publication number: 20050274420
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Lochtefeld, Jeffery Henry
  • Publication number: 20050148398
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20050047869
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20050034768
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Lochtefeld, Jeffery Henry