Having Carrier Rotating About Horizontal Axis Patents (Class 472/44)
  • Patent number: 11834868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cabin for transporting passengers, comprising at least one door (P1, P2), an interior floor (C) and a doorsill (S) located on either side of the door, and a locking device comprising a lug (E) which is rigidly connected to the door and projects toward the outside of the cabin, and a catch finger (4) that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The invention also relates to an actuating mechanism comprising a pedal (7) which is located under the interior floor (C) of the cabin and can be accessed via a hatch in the floor of the cabin, and a kinematic connection between the pedal (7) and the finger (4), which connection is located under the interior floor (C) and under the doorsill (S) of the cabin. In the locked position, the finger is an abutment on the path of the lug (E). In the unlocked position, the finger is retracted under the doorsill (S) of the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: POMA
    Inventors: Xavier Libert, Thierry Vittoz
  • Patent number: 11759719
    Abstract: A movable sub-assembly (30) for accommodating and conveying at least one passenger, comprising a support (20), a cabin (22) and a guide (32) for rotationally guiding the cabin (22) relative to the support (20) about a reference axis (200) common to the support (20) and to the cabin (22), the reference axis (200) being horizontal when the movable sub-assembly (30) is in an operational state. The movable sub-assembly (30) is equipped with a stabilization system (36) comprising at least one toothed ring (38) rigidly connected to the support (20) and centered on the reference axis (200), at least one first gear (40) supported by the cabin (22) so as to mesh with the toothed ring (38), and drive means (42) capable of driving the first gear (40). The first gear (40) is supported by the cabin (22) so as to mesh with a zone of the toothed ring (38) that is located above the first gear (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SIGMA COMPOSITE
    Inventors: Philippe Desflammes, Thierry Vittoz
  • Patent number: 10661186
    Abstract: A capsule ride system includes a capsule, where the capsule includes a drum, which may include a curved annular wall that may define a chamber. The capsule also includes a platform that may fit within the chamber and that supports a restraint for a passenger. The system further includes a drive system capable of driving rotation of the capsule about a central axis of the capsule and driving forward and/or rearward movement of the capsule along a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Matthew Freedman, David Gerard Majdali, Nathanael Gordon White
  • Patent number: 8777762
    Abstract: A motorized driving device drives the counterweight between balancing positions for balancing the cabin around a predetermined angular orientation of the cabin relative to the horizontal, by gravity of the whole formed by the cabin together with a possible load in this cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sigma Composite
    Inventors: Yannick Morand, Philippe Desflammes, Jean-Francois Mugnier
  • Patent number: 8641541
    Abstract: A wheel amusement ride is depicted, which moves carriages containing riders around the wheel on a track. In other words, the carriages move, not the wheel. This design allows a moment frame to be used to support the wheel. Because a moment frame can be constructed to be much narrower than the supports for a traditional Ferris wheel, the wheel of the present invention can be installed in a much narrower land area, while still achieving great height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: William J. Kitchen
  • Patent number: 8313418
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a playing device with which a player can perform more diversified plays. A playing device 1 comprises a beam 11 disposed such that its longitudinal direction is directed laterally and which is configured such that a player Y can move on the outer circumferential surface thereof under a standing state along the longitudinal direction; a first support mechanism and a second support mechanism which are disposed at a distance in the longitudinal direction of the beam 11 for supporting the both end portions of the beam 11, respectively, the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism for supporting the beam 11 such that one or both end portions of the beam 11 can displaces freely in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; and a drive mechanism for driving the beam 11 to displace one or both end portions thereof in the intersecting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: BLD Oriental, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Patent number: 8057317
    Abstract: An amusement park attraction comprises an array of cells, the array including cells being arranged at various horizontal positions and various vertical positions. A movable passenger assembly, preferably a seat assembly, is provided for one or more passengers, which passenger assembly is at least movable in vertical direction. The passenger assembly and/or the array of cells is movable in horizontal direction. A cell is defined by a boundary and has a viewing opening. Mmultiple cells of said array each contain a discrete scene to be viewed by the one or more passengers. A programmable actuating system is provided, which actuating system provides a programmed route of said passenger assembly along the viewing openings of said scene containing cells, so that the one or more passengers are presented a predetermined sequence of scenes and at least experience a vertical motion along said route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Vekoma Rides Engineering B V, Olaf Karl-Heinz Mordelt
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Johan Willem Philippen, Olaf Karl-Heinz Mordelt
  • Patent number: 8021237
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for recreational purposes. The system includes a vessel rotatably mounted, a support stand, and a drive system. The vessel has a wall that defines an internal cavity, sufficient for at least one occupant to be received wherein the occupant is in contact with the wall, and a tunnel for accessing the internal cavity. The wall has dampens the contact between the occupant and the vessel. The support stand has two connectors carried by elevated members on opposing sides of the vessel for supporting the vessel. A drive system that includes a motor mechanically connected to at least one of the connectors for rotating the vessel and the occupant within the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Outdoor Gravity, Inc.
    Inventor: David Charles Akers
  • Patent number: 7988562
    Abstract: The observation apparatus provided with the observation wheel comprises a water tank housing fish and being arranged around the substantially lower half of a rotation locus of the observation wheel in which at least an inside face facing the observation wheel of the water tank is formed of a transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Norio Kojiro
  • Patent number: 7854661
    Abstract: A structure of a giant wheel is disclosed. The giant wheel includes a ring steel tracks, motors, an inner wheel and an outer wheel. The ring steel track has a crossed base and stoppers positioned at four corners of the crossed base. The stopper and the base form an inner groove and an outer groove with openings. The motors are positioned at an inner side and an outer side of the ring steel track, and have latches to fit through the openings, and the latches have rollers positioned in the groove. The inner wheel has bars at two outer sides connecting to the motors positioned at an inner side of the ring steel track. The outer wheel has pillars having joint portions at a distal end positioned towards the motor, wherein the joint portions of the pillars are connected to the motor positioned at an outer side of the ring steel track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Chuan-Pin Chu
  • Publication number: 20080081706
    Abstract: An amusement apparatus includes at least a pair of interconnected platforms configured to move on a track. A seat may be connected to at least one of the platforms and may include, for example, a support and an immobilization device for immobilizing the user on the support suitable for acting on the user's back. The seat may optionally have a motorcycle shape and may include handlebars and retractable leg extensions projecting from each side of the seat for maintaining a user's legs in a crouched motorcycle riding position. At least one of the platforms may include a bridging portion to bridge a gap between the platforms during, for example, loading and unloading of the amusement apparatus with riders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Alberto Zamperla, Antonio Nardin
  • Patent number: 6994629
    Abstract: Attraction consisting of a number of gondolas arranged a fixed distance apart which move along a fixed endless track, such as a circle. By this means a difference in height of at least approximately 30 meters is travelled. The gondolas are linked to one another in such a way that the distance between them remains constant and are guided along a track by means of a roller construction. Driving takes place with the aid of a drive cable and with the aid of a supporting platform that can turn with respect to the gondolas it is ensured that the users are always in the same position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ronald Bussink Amusement Design GmbH
    Inventor: Ronald Alexander Bussink
  • Patent number: 6969323
    Abstract: An amusement ride combining rotational motion, linear motion, and tumbling motion. Rotational motion and linear motion are independently variable and tumbling motion is added at patrons option. For ride patrons this offers a wide variety of acceleration and speed experiences in a single ride. For ride operators this offers a ride that can give a mild ride to one group of patrons and follow it with a wild ride to the next group by merely changing velocities. For ride owners the ride gives a large patrons-per-hour capacity in a relatively small operating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Joseph von Bose, Joseph Walter von Bose
  • Publication number: 20040192453
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an entertainment apparatus including an enclosure; and a ride placed within the enclosure where the ride is a programmably controlled ride that can position a passenger to observe a show experience. The programmably controlled ride can vary a show experience. The programmably controlled ride can be programmed to vary the show experience by, e.g., intensifying, moderating, lengthening, shortening, providing variable ratings to, or providing variable age categorization to the ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: PARAMOUNT PARKS INC.
    Inventors: Anthony F. Esparza, Dean P. Sharits
  • Patent number: 6634952
    Abstract: A ferris wheel has a base, a supporting structure, which includes two pairs of masts erected on the base, and at their top end bear a head and a wheel that is rotatably supported on the head. The masts can be folded down on the base. At least one mast of each pair of masts is articulated, in such a way that in the erected state of the supporting structure the articulations of a mast are aligned in each case, and in the folded-down state of the supporting structure the articulations of a mast are in each case rotated relative to each other out of the aligned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Cobra Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Louisito Johannes Eusebio Kroon, Albert Louisito Phillipus Kroon
  • Patent number: 6402624
    Abstract: An amusement ride (100) is disclosed which includes first and second vehicles (128, 130) which are supported in a cantilevered manner off cantilever beams (124, 126) from the stationary supporting track (102) to provide the occupants with the impression of being unsupported. The vehicles (128, 130) are floorless to enhance the effect for the passengers. A coaster style floorless amusement ride (150) is provided. A second embodiment of the amusement ride (200) has a floor style vehicle (202, 204). It can also be a coaster style amusement ride (220). A hubless and spokeless Ferris wheel (10) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Versa Corporation
    Inventors: Walter F. Larson, Jeffrey P. Novotny
  • Publication number: 20020042303
    Abstract: An amusement ride (100) is disclosed which includes first and second vehicles (128, 130) which are supported in a cantilevered manner off cantilever beams (124, 126) from the stationary supporting track (102) to provide the occupants with the impression of being unsupported. The vehicles (128, 130) are floorless to enhance the effect for the passengers. A coaster style floorless amusement ride (150) is provided. A second embodiment of the amusement ride (200) has a floor style vehicle (202, 204). It can also be a coaster style amusement ride (220). A hubless and spokeless Ferris wheel (10) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Versa Corporation
    Inventors: Walter F. Larson, Jeffrey P. Novotny
  • 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: 5989127
    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: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: SkyMax Incorporated
    Inventors: William Joel Kitchen, Mark A. Kleimeyer, Stat Cochron
  • Patent number: 5947828
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ride for a fun fair. It includes an upright to which two first arms are coupled, each of which oscillates on a vertical oscillation plane. The oscillation planes are parallel and located on opposite sides of the upright. A capsule is associated to each arm and oscillates solidly therewith. The capsule affords space to a plurality of passengers on board. The upright rotates about a vertical axis (y--y) thereof, so that during operation the oscillation planes of the arms rotate about the vertical axis solidly with the upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: FAR Fabbri S.R.L.
    Inventor: Licinio Fabbri
  • Patent number: 5941777
    Abstract: An amusement ride presenting a platform; two parallel vertical uprights extending upwards from the platform; two arms fitted to respective uprights and rotated by drive means about a first horizontal axis; and a passenger car fitted to the arms and rotating about a second axis; characterized in that the car presents a supporting structure, and three rows of seats fitted to the structure and all facing in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Soriani & Moser Manufacturers of Amusement Rides S.r.L.
    Inventors: Alfeo Moser, Claudio Soriani
  • Patent number: 5851154
    Abstract: An amusement ride resenting a platform; two vertical uprights extending upwards from the platforms; two arms fitted to respective uprights and rotated by a drive about a first horizontal axis; and a passenger car fitted to the arms, rotating about a second axis, and presenting two rows of seats, each defined by a seat portion and a backrest with a headrest; characterized in that the distance between the second axis and the headrests of the seats in the rear row is less than the distance between the second axis and the headrests of the seats in the front row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventors: Alfeo Moser, Claudio Soriani
  • Patent number: 5803816
    Abstract: An amusement ride presenting a platform, two parallel vertical posts extending upwards from the platform, and two arms fitted respectively to the posts and rotated about a horizontal axis by a first drive means. The ride is characterized in that it presents a passenger car in turn presenting a circular supporting structure fitted to an axial end of the two arms, a circular plate fitted to the structure and rotated freely about its own central axis by a second drive means and a number of seats fitted to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Soriani & Moser
    Inventors: Alfeo Moser, Claudio Soriani
  • Patent number: 5803815
    Abstract: The present invention is an amusement ride which whips a rider high into the air at the end of a long crane-like arm. The ride comprises an arm having a rider capsule at one end and a counterweight at the other. A pivot point is located on the arm at a point near the counterweight. The pivot point is not at the center point of the arm. The pivot point is attached to a fulcrum on a base. The base is of sufficient height so that the arm in operation oscillates through an arc of 170.degree. without the counterweight contacting the ground. The rider capsule spins while the arm is oscillating. The effect of the ride is to subject riders first to a positive and then a negative "g" during the ride's operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Skymax, Inc.
    Inventor: William Joel Kitchen
  • 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: 5556340
    Abstract: An amusement ride attraction, with a rotating tube and an image is disclosed that is, relatively inexpensive and compact. The viewer stands inside the rotating tube, and the forces applied to the viewer are in automatic synchronization with the projected image. This creates an illusion that the person is moving in a moving vehicle, thereby resulting in a feeling of motion and a simulated experience of participating in the activity. The cylinder is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in synchronization with movements of the projected image showing a "rider's eye" view from a moving motorcycle, airplane, car, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: William R. Bohn, Shelly Short, Joseph O. Garlington
  • Patent number: 5389800
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor light-emitting device including a light-emitting layer having a first semiconductor layer, and formed on a main surface of one side of a semiconductor substrate, an upper-most layer of the light-emitting layer made of a compound semiconductor containing elements from the group II and group VI of the periodic table, the second semiconductor layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, and made of a material having a lattice constant different from that of the material of the semiconductor substrate by at least 2%, the second semiconductor layer having a film thickness of a critical film thickness, the first electrode formed on a main surface of the other side of the semiconductor substrate, and the second electrode formed on the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Itaya, Genichi Hatakoshi
  • Patent number: 5306211
    Abstract: A roundabout having a substantially vertical mast, means forming a support for a gondola mounted to move in a straight line along the mast, driving means for moving the means forming a support along the mast between a low position and a high position and vice-versa, a gondola mounted such that it is mobile with respect to said means forming a support, and wherein there is provided a hub-shaft pair of which one end is integral with the means forming a support and of which the other end is integral with the side surface of a cylindrical drum, the shaft being mounted such that it rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, driving means to rotate the shaft about its substantially horizontal axis, and wherein the gondola includes at least one cylindrical part housed inside the drum, and guiding in rotation to the drum about a substantially vertical axis, and in that the driving means is provided to rotate the cylindrical part of the gondola in the drum, which makes it possible to subject the passengers seated
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Yves Pasquier
  • Patent number: 5256108
    Abstract: A passenger powered, rotatable, amusement ride comprises a multisided, peripheral frame having the general shape of a convex polygon, with the frame having at least 5 sides and a number of apexes equal to the number of sides in the frame wherein the apexes alternate with the sides around the periphery of the frame. The frame has an open interior space bounded by internal surfaces of the sides of the frame. The frame is mounted to rotate like a wheel about a substantially horizontal axis through the central portion of the frame. A passenger is seated within the open interior space of the frame at an inside corner forming one of the apexes of the frame. A second passenger can be seated within the open interior space of the frame at an adjacent inside corner of the frame such that the second passenger faces the first passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventors: Stacy I. Whitmore, James A. Mayfield