Universal City Studios, Inc.

Michael Roy Kiddoo

Steven C Blum

Robert Cortelyou

Justin Michael Schwartz

Brian Birney McQuillian

Paula Stenzler

Christopher Oliver

Scott R Trowbridge

Robert J Cortelyou

Eric Alan Vance

Sameer Kawash

Eric Parr

Bradley Dwight Okeson

Gregory J Rude

Joseph F Casey

William F Whitcomb

Peter D Jelf

James Michael Hightower

Brian B Mcquillian

Eric A Vance

A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.

Tracking system and method for use in surveying amusement park equipment

A system may include a plurality of grid elements, an analytic system, and a control system. The plurality of grid elements are installed in a dynamic driving area in an attraction and are configured to perform based on command instructions received from the control system to control the movement of a vehicle disposed on the plurality of grid elements. The analytic system may be configured to track, via one or more sensors, vehicle information and to send the vehicle information to the control system via a communication module, and the control system may be configured to receive the vehicle information, to determine, via one or more processors, which of the grid elements to actuate and a corresponding manner of actuation based on a desired movement of the vehicle, and to send command instructions including performance data to each of the grid elements identified for actuation.

Systems and methods for controlling the transportation of vehicles

A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from show elements within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to determine whether the show elements are to be adjusted.

Optical tracking for controlling pyrotechnic show elements

A system includes a plain bearing assembly configured to enable rotation of a shaft about a bearing system axis of the shaft. The plain bearing assembly includes the shaft, a cylindrical intermediate bearing disposed about the shaft, and an external bearing disposed about the intermediate bearing. The plain bearing assembly is configured to facilitate oscillatory motion of the shaft relative to the external bearing such that, when the shaft rotates in a first direction about the bearing system axis, the intermediate bearing rotates about the bearing system axis in the first direction, and when the shaft rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction about the bearing system axis, rotation of the intermediate bearing about the bearing system axis is resisted or prevented.

System and method for lubricating plain bearings

Present embodiments relate generally to brake systems, and more specifically, to caliper-based brake systems. In an embodiment, a method includes electrifying at least a portion of a first inner surface of a first brake block with a first potential. The method also includes electrifying at least a portion of a second inner surface of a second brake block with a second potential that is different from the first potential. The method includes performing an electrical measurement between the first brake block and the second brake block, wherein the electrical measurement include a voltage measurement, a current measurement, a resistance measurement, a frequency measurement, or a combination thereof. The method further includes determining a position of the first and brake blocks relative to a brake member based on the electrical measurement.

Systems and methods for brake systems with engagement sensing

A ride vehicle includes a tactile or physical contact system. The ride vehicle moves along a path or track. The path or track can be outdoors or partially or entirely indoors, i.e., in a dark ride. The system provides a touch effect by causing a physical or solid touch element to make physical contact with a part of a rider's body. Alternatively, the system can operate by projecting or spraying a gas, such as air, a vapor, such as water vapor or steam, or even a liquid, such as water, toward or onto part of a rider's body or the rider's clothing. The system is advantageously substantially self-contained aboard the vehicle, but may receive power or working fluid from off-board sources, either at discrete locations, or continuously along the ride path.

Amusement ride vehicle with sensory stimulation effects

An amusement ride has a track defining a ride vehicle path with a section of the track that can be decoupled from the main track and is subsequently movable on or about up to three axes with between one and six independent degrees of freedom.

Amusement ride track with motion base

A vehicle for an amusement ride attraction has front and rear bumper systems which include proximity or impact sensors connected to a programmable controller. The controller signals the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate for a pre-determined period of time, during a sensed collision. Consequently, during a collision, the chasing car is automatically decelerated and the leading car is automatically accelerated. The dynamic effect of a collision can thus be simulated or exaggerated without the full impact normally associated with collisions.

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Orlando, FL, United States of America

Michael Roy Kiddoo