Christopher J Rose

US Patent:

7784405, Aug 31, 2010

Filed:

Apr 24, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/109195

Inventors:

Christopher J. Rose - Canyon Country CA, US
David W. Crawford - Long Beach CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

B61K 1/00

US Classification:

104 20, 104 31, 104 35

Abstract:

An assembly for transferring passenger-carrying vehicles to and from an amusement park ride conveying a train of vehicles without stopping for passenger loading. The assembly includes a transfer vehicle and a vehicle receiver positioned in the vehicle train. The vehicle receiver includes a connection mechanism, such as an electromagnet selectively operable to capture and release the transfer vehicle. A turntable is positioned adjacent to the track and selectively rotates at a rotation rate. The turntable includes an engagement mechanism, such as an electromagnet, on its periphery operable to capture and release the transfer vehicle (e. g. , to capture when the vehicle receiver releases and vice versa). The rotation rate and the ride speed synchronize turntable rotation with travel of the train to mesh placement of the turntable engagement mechanism proximate to the connection mechanism of the vehicle receiver to facilitate hand off of the transfer vehicle without stopping the vehicle train.

US Patent:

7806054, Oct 5, 2010

Filed:

May 5, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/114894

Inventors:

Paul E. Baker - Porter Ranch CA, US
Mark W. Sumner - Saugus CA, US
Derek Howard - Pasadena CA, US
David A. Durham - Northridge CA, US
Christopher J. Rose - Canyon Country CA, US
David W. Crawford - Long Beach CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

A63G 31/02

US Classification:

104 74, 104 53, 104 60

Abstract:

A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.

US Patent:

7921781, Apr 12, 2011

Filed:

Aug 30, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/871399

Inventors:

Paul E. Baker - Porter Ranch CA, US
Mark W. Sumner - Saugus CA, US
Derek Howard - Pasadena CA, US
David A. Durham - Northridge CA, US
Christopher J. Rose - Canyon Country CA, US
David W. Crawford - Long Beach CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

A63G 31/02

US Classification:

104 75, 104 60

Abstract:

A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.

US Patent:

8117968, Feb 21, 2012

Filed:

Nov 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/934899

Inventors:

Christopher J. Rose - Canyon Country CA, US
David W. Crawford - Long Beach CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

A63G 1/00

US Classification:

104 53

Abstract:

A magnetic pacer system and method for adjusting vehicle speed in an amusement park ride. The system includes a controller and memory that stores speed settings such as upper and lower speed limits for the vehicle in a specific portion of a ride. A magnetic thruster is positioned near the portion of the ride, and a signal or signals are sent from position sensors to the controller. The controller determines the actual velocity of the vehicle as it travels along a direction of travel and acts to compare the determined vehicle velocity with the stored and desired speed settings. The controller then determines a magnetic force to apply to the vehicle including selecting whether the force is along the direction of travel or opposite to provide acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The magnetic thruster is selectively operated to generate a magnetic force to act on the vehicle.

US Patent:

8141495, Mar 27, 2012

Filed:

Dec 22, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/975611

Inventors:

Paul E. Baker - Porter Ranch CA, US
Mark W. Sumner - Saugus CA, US
Derek Howard - Pasadena CA, US
David A. Durham - Northridge CA, US
Christopher J. Rose - Canyon Country CA, US
David W. Crawford - Long Beach CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

A63G 31/02

US Classification:

104 75, 104 60

Abstract:

A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.