Having Occupant Or Article Carriage Mounted Propulsion Means Patents (Class 472/27)
  • Patent number: 10449462
    Abstract: A plurality of sensors is configured to obtain data relating to operation of a plurality of ride vehicles, wherein the plurality of sensors include cameras configured to capture images. A control system is communicatively coupled to control features of each of the plurality of ride vehicles and configured to control operation based on the data. A workstation includes at least one interface panel to provide an animated representation of the ride vehicles, wherein animation effects of the animated representation are configured to mimic movement of the ride vehicles based on positioning information. One or more panel displays of views in a matrix is positioned beyond the workstation such that an operator can observe the one or more panel displays. A portion of the views corresponds to a camera feed and a graphic indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Kathryn Lee Woodcock
  • Patent number: 8630734
    Abstract: A method to move a person with an automated manipulator, in particular a robot, includes moving a rider receptacle for a person with the manipulator, and determining an acceleration variable of this movement before and/or during the execution of this movement and comparing the acceleration variable with a predetermined acceleration variable and/or adapting the movement to a predetermined acceleration variable in the event that the determined acceleration variable deviates from the predetermined acceleration variable, and/or a predetermined acceleration variable is used that includes different permissible acceleration durations that are respectively associated with a permissible acceleration value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kuka Laboratories GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Hasenzahl
  • Publication number: 20130090175
    Abstract: A rotating hub ride configured to position passenger vehicles at different vehicle radii relative to the hub's axis of rotation. The ride includes curved support arms extending outward from the hub, with a first end coupled to the hub at a lower height than a second end of the arm. A vehicle is attached, via a mounting assembly, to each curved support arm to slide radially inward and outward on the arm in response to forces applied to the vehicle due to rotation of the hub, e.g., at two or more hub rotation rates. The arm or track defines a travel path for radial movement of the vehicle. When hub rotation is halted, the vehicle slides inward on the track to a load position corresponding to a minimum vehicle radius. At increasing hub speeds, the vehicle slides outward to position the vehicle in any of a number of vehicle radii.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8327769
    Abstract: A large bipedal walking robot that a human can directly board and ride and that may be used as an amusement park ride, and to an amusement park system using the same includes a large bipedal walking robot capable of being boarded and ridden, a boarding vehicle to be coupled to the head or body of the robot, a safety cable and a safety rail that prevent the robot from falling, a safety vehicle that prevents the robot, but not the safety cable, from falling and makes the robot's bipedal walking steadier, connection means enabling the robot to be connected to a roller coaster (tram railway) in order to provide the effect of a flying robot, and a tunnel in which various villain robots are installed to provide an experience of the robot engaging in combat, and safety rails installed and connected in all areas where the robot moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: In-Sang Kim
  • Publication number: 20100234118
    Abstract: A collaborative play toy generally includes a plurality of satellite assemblies capable of a first movement and a second movement, and a center assembly coupled to the plurality of satellite assemblies. The center assembly is configured to move in response to the first movement of a first satellite assembly and to create a second movement in a second satellite assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: BIGTOYS, INC.
    Inventors: John M. Underbrink, Brian D. Lovgren, Paul J. Danforth, Charlene Underbrink
  • Publication number: 20040092322
    Abstract: An amusement ride and fall apparatus includes a track having a discharge point below which there is a substantial drop. A passenger is propelled along the track to the discharge point and discharged therefrom with a horizontal component of motion. The passenger then free falls. An elastic tie having a second first end and free second end connected directly or indirectly to the passenger limits the free fall and, together with the horizontal component of motion imparted to the passenger, causes the passenger to swing and bounce for a period of time at the end of the free fall. At the end of the ride and fall the passenger is released safely. The invention therefore provides a trill similar to that of a bungee jump but with enhancements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: David Fea
  • Patent number: 6719563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a driving simulator, particularly for simulating the movements of earthbound vehicles. To take into account the special features of the movements of earthbound vehicles, the proposed driving simulator has a carrier unit that has a rigid floor platform, on which a test vehicle can be mounted. The carrier unit also includes at least one projection surface and at least one projector, and at least three movement modules, each of which has a wheel that rolls on a floor surface. The wheel can be steered, relative to the axis extending perpendicular to the floor, via a first drive, and can be driven by a respectively associated second drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Edmund Donges
  • Patent number: 6331152
    Abstract: The described invention concerns a device enabling the spatial movement of bodies, especially persons, consisting of a contraption allowing a spherical movement, of at least on device capable of holding a person, one steering device, and of at least one input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Axel Holle
  • Patent number: 5741188
    Abstract: Ride-on toys and garden tools operated solely by household water pressure, a ride-on toy or a garden tool according to the invention includes (i) a stationary element; (ii) a movable element movably connected to the stationary element; (iii) water pressure operating means for moving the moveable element with respect to the stationary element; (iv) a water inlet for directing the household water into the operating means, the water inlet being in communication with a household water source; (v) a water outlet for directing the household water out from the operating means; and (vi) a valve for controlling the flow of the water through the operating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Hanoch Levin, Ehud Nagler
  • Patent number: 5658201
    Abstract: An amusement ride 10 including a tower 12 that pivotably supports an elongated boom 16 that includes an extended end 20 and a pivot 18. A passenger carriage 28 is pivotably attached to the extended end of the boom. The shorter end of the boom includes a moveable counterweight 26 that is operable for raising the boom. The boom is then locked, the counterweight is moved, and the boom is released to swing freely. The movable counterweight includes first and second storage tanks 34 and 35, a counterweight fluid 36, and at least one pump 39 for moving the counterweight fluid between the first and second storage tanks. Passengers are loaded into the passenger carriage when the boom is in the down position. The boom is then raised by moving the counterweight fluid into the first storage tank. After the boom is raised, a brake is set to lock to boom in the raised position, and the counterweight fluid is moved into the second storage tank. The operator then lowers the boom by releasing the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: AirSurfer, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Kleimeyer, Stat Cochron
  • Patent number: 5443012
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a playground carriage (10) is provided for moving people (100) from one play area to another. The playground carriage comprises a rotatable support pipe (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16). The support pipe extends between a first vertical column (18) and a second vertical column (20). A manually-operated crank (22) having a first end (24) and a second end (26) is also included. The manually-operated crank extends between the first vertical column and a third vertical column (48). The first end of the crank is coupled to the first end of the support pipe so that manually turning the crank rotates the support pipe. A carriage (28) for carrying people is mounted to the support pipe. The carriage is advanced along the support pipe by a carrier (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: BigToys, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Underbrink, Russell L. Keeler
  • Patent number: 5370583
    Abstract: A thrill-ride apparatus having as a basic concept the revolving of a rider station, whose support provides that the path of the ride will be along an inclined plane. The rider station is fixed to a support arm; and there is no counterbalance as to the weight of the support arm, rider's station, and the rider. The path of the rider is thus such that he must incrementally achieve not only the revolution with respect to the ground and the axis of the support structure, but by such oscillating incremental efforts achieve a raise from "bottom dead center" to "top dead center" as supported by the base of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Robert E. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5100155
    Abstract: An amusement game using self-propelled bumper cars adapted for colliding engagement with one another. The bumper cars are provided with resilient bumpers having attack sections and target sections. A scoring arrangement is provided to tally and display a score for each car with the score being increased for contact with its attack bumper and decreased for contact with its target bumper. The scores are displayed on the cars as well as on a stationary display at the track. Excitement inducing effects such as flashing lights, sound alarms and the like are provided both on the cars and at the track and may be actuated under control of the scoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Bompo Corp.
    Inventor: Lamanna Egidio