US20010015148A1 - Watercraft amusement ride - Google Patents
Watercraft amusement ride Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010015148A1 US20010015148A1 US09/784,595 US78459501A US2001015148A1 US 20010015148 A1 US20010015148 A1 US 20010015148A1 US 78459501 A US78459501 A US 78459501A US 2001015148 A1 US2001015148 A1 US 2001015148A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- watercourse
- guide
- boat
- passenger
- boats
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61B9/00—Tramway or funicular systems with rigid track and cable traction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G33/00—Devices allowing competitions between several persons, not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61B13/00—Other railway systems
- B61B13/12—Systems with propulsion devices between or alongside the rails, e.g. pneumatic systems
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
- B63B1/16—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H19/00—Marine propulsion not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G3/00—Water roundabouts, e.g. freely floating
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to amusement watercraft, and in particular to a passenger boat ride in which passenger boats are propelled along a submerged guide channel from a ground level launch or from an inclined launch across or around a watercourse.
- Amusement parks and theme parks such as Six Flags Over Texas, Opryland U.S.A., Cedar Point, Carowinds, Busch Gardens, Geauga Lake, Elitch Gardens and many others feature various watercraft rides that are guided safely through natural and man-made waterways.
- Some watercraft rides that are currently popular include a floating gardens ride, a river rapids ride, a log flume ride and a mill chute ride.
- a passenger boat In a typical watercraft ride, a passenger boat is guided along a water channel from a passenger loading station to one or more intermediate stations and back to the passenger loading station. Such boats are usually propelled in part by water currents, gravity or passenger manpower, although some are propelled by motor-driven chains. Generally, variations such as music, sound effects, lighting effects, stage props and costumed characters enhance the entertainment value of the ride.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,161 discloses a flume boat ride having dual launch chutes that guide amusement boats through a shallow body of water.
- a similar boat ride is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,404,635 in which a pair of passenger boats are guided from an elevated passenger loading station along dual tracks into a waterway.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,434 discloses an amusement boat ride in which a passenger boat is pulled by a chain drive to a launch station above a turbulent waterway. The passenger boat is then released from the chain drive and travels by gravity on guide wheels that roll along a guide track.
- the amusement boat ride according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a simulated boat race in which a pair of racing boats compete in forward and return heats. Novel combinations of sudden acceleration/deceleration, high velocity travel, reversal of movement, exposure to lighting effects, sound effects, water spray and group competition provide a sense of excitement and fun.
- the passengers of each boat are subjected to high launch velocity, high speed hydroplaning across a splash lake, and giant water spray rooster tails that, in the spirit of good fun, spray onto passengers of the competing boat as well as onto nearby spectators.
- the passenger boats are propelled along parallel guide channels from one launch station to the other by linear induction motor that are structurally integrated with the passenger boat undercarriage and the submerged guide channels.
- a pair of passenger boats are launched from a first pair of inclined launch ramps and are propelled by linear induction motors along guide rails into a shallow splash lake.
- the passenger boats are then accelerated along the parallel guide channels by the linear induction motors so that the boats hydroplane across the splash lake.
- the linear induction motors propel the passenger boats partially up a second pair of inclined launch ramps on the opposite end of the splash lake to a predetermined return launch elevation.
- the passenger boats are stabilized by centering wheels and guide rollers that travel along submerged rails that run in parallel along the guide channels.
- the linear induction motors include stators that are mounted laterally offset from the guide rails and in tandem relation with each other along opposite sides of each guide channel.
- the linear induction motor stators are mounted on the rail support structure and vertically offset and centered beneath the undercarriage assembly in tandem relation with each other along the rail guide structure.
- a reaction plate is attached to the undercarriage assembly and projects vertically into the stator flux slots.
- Each linear induction motor includes a stator having a linear magnetic flux slot for receiving a reaction plate.
- the passenger boat is attached to an undercarriage assembly which is movably coupled to the guide rails by the centering wheels and rollers.
- a pair of reaction plates are attached to the undercarriage assembly and project laterally into the stator flux slots.
- Each stator when energized with AC electrical current, produces electromagnetic flux waves which travel longitudinally through each flux slot. The electromagnetic forces imposed on the reaction plates produce linear thrust which drives the undercarriage assembly and passenger boat along the guide rails.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified side elevational view of a simulated racing boat ride having launch stations on opposite ends of a splash lake;
- FIG. 2 is a top plan elevational view thereof
- FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a racing boat mounted on guide rails and magnetically coupled to a pair of linear induction motors;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof
- FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of an inclined launch ramp
- FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a linear induction motor
- FIG. 7 is a side elevational view showing an amusement boat ride in which a pair of passenger boats are driven by linear induction motors through a splash lake situated between a pair of inclined launch ramps;
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof
- FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing an amusement boat ride in which a pair of passenger boats are propelled across a splash lake along a continuous loop, Figure -8 guide channel situated between a pair of launch ramps;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an amusement boat ride in which a pair of passenger boats are propelled across a splash lake along submerged and elevated guide channels between a pair of launch ramps;
- FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a continuous loop, submerged guide channel which extends in a Figure-S pattern between a pair of launch stations;
- FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3 which illustrates a passenger boat mounted on guide rails and coupled to the flux slot of a linear induction stator by a downwardly projecting reaction plate.
- a simulated boat race is conducted in first and second heats in which a pair of racing boats 10 , 12 are propelled by first and second pairs of linear induction motors 14 , 16 and 18 , 20 , respectively, from a forward launch station 22 at a hydroplaning speed, for example 40 m.p.h., along parallel guide channels 24 , 26 across a shallow splash lake L to a first heat finish line 28 . Large (twenty feet high) water spray rooster tails follow the passenger boats across the lake. The winning time of the first heat is announced and displayed on an electronic score board.
- the racing boats 10 , 12 are then propelled at a coasting speed by a second set of linear induction motors 20 , 32 and 34 , 36 to a return launch station 38 on the opposite end of the splash lake.
- the racing boats are held steady at the return launch station 38 during a second heat countdown, and then are suddenly accelerated by the second set of linear induction motors along the guide channels 24 , 26 into the shallow splash lake L in the reverse (return) direction to the second heat finish line 40 .
- the winning time of the second heat is then announced and displayed.
- the passengers remain facing the return launch station (opposite to the direction of return travel) during the return heat as the racing boats hydroplane across the splash lake, thus permitting the passengers to watch closely as both boats generate the giant water spray rooster tails.
- each group o linear induction motors for example group 14 , include forty linear induction motor units mounted in tandem relation.
- the linear induction motor construction shown in FIG. 6 is typical, with the linear induction motor 14 including a pair of linear stators 14 A, 14 B separated by a narrow, linear flux slot 45 .
- Each stator includes slotted, laminated steel core members which are wound with three-phase winding coils that are energized with alternating current from a three-phase source.
- reaction plate When the magnetically conductive reaction plates are present in the flux slots, currents are induced in the reaction plates and produce a reaction flux wave of the same magnetic polarity as the stator flux wave.
- the reaction wave forces the reaction plate in the same direction as the stator flux wave is traveling.
- the interaction of the stator and reaction plate flux waves produce forces in the longitudinal direction and in the normal direction.
- the longitudinal thrust force moves the reaction plate in direction of the traveling flux wave.
- the normal force levitates the reaction plate.
- the reaction plate achieves equilibrium velocity when the thrust exerted on it by the traveling flux wave is balanced by the restraining drag load imposed by the undercarriage and the passenger boat.
- the linear induction motors maintain positive control of the speed and relative positions of the racing boats during acceleration and braking.
- the dual launch stations 22 , 38 on opposite ends of the shallow splash lake L permit the passengers to experience rapid acceleration and hydroplaning across the splash lake at a high speed to the forward heat finish line 28 , followed by hydroplaning across the splash lake at a high speed in the reverse (return) direction to the return heat finish line 40 , with the boats being guided along parallel rails 46 , 48 and 50 , 52 during both heats.
- the passengers Prior to the start of the first heat, the passengers are loaded onto the racing boats 10 , 12 from a ground level staging platform P. After passenger loading has been completed, the racing boats 10 , 12 are held in launch pens 22 A, 22 B at the forward launch station 22 during the forward heat countdown. Upon launch, the racing boats are accelerated along the guide channels 24 , 26 by the linear induction motors 14 , 16 and 18 , 20 . As the racing boats exit the forward launch, they hydroplane across the shallow lake L at a high speed, for example 40 miles per hour, thus creating giant water spray rooster tails as they approach the forward heat finish line 28 .
- the linear induction motors 30 , 32 and 34 , 36 continue to drive the racing boats at a reduced (coasting) speed, for example 5 m.p.h., along the drive channels to the return launch station 38 on the opposite end of the splash lake.
- the racing boats are held in launch pens 38 A, 38 B during a second heat countdown and then are accelerated rapidly along the guide channels while the passengers remain facing the return launch station so that they can observe the water spray rooster tails.
- the racing boats 10 , 12 hydroplane across the shallow lake at a high speed, for example 40 mph, to the return heat finish line 40 .
- the racing boats are then propelled by the linear induction motors 14 , 16 and 18 , 20 at a coasting speed, for example 5 m.p.h., to the staging platform P where the passengers are off-loaded and new passengers are admitted for the next race.
- Hydraulically actuated turntables T are submerged in the launch pens 22 A, 22 B and 38 A, 38 B. When actuated, the turntables T elevate the passenger boats above the deck surfaces of the loading platforms 22 , 38 and turn the passenger boats through 180 degrees so that the passengers are facing in the direction of travel during the return heat.
- each heat of the simulated boat race is accompanied by giant voice (public address) messages announcing departure, countdown, timing lights that indicate various stages during the countdown and loud warning signals prior to launch.
- giant voice public address
- Synchronized sound effects and flashing light effects accentuate the acceleration of the launch.
- Compressed steam is released at each launch station as the racing boats initially accelerate across the splash lake.
- An electronic scoreboard flashes the winning time as the racing boats are guided under linear induction motor control to each launch station. The special effects are repeated as the racing boats are propelled from the return launch station to the second heat finish line 40 .
- the linear induction motors 14 , 16 are mounted on support posts 50 , 52 in parallel alignment with the guide rails 46 , 48 .
- High velocity movement of each passenger boat is stabilized laterally and vertically by multiple sets of centering guide wheels 54 , 56 and 58 (FIG. 4) that are mounted on an undercarriage 60 beneath each racing boat.
- the guide wheels are mounted for rotation on axles 61 , 63 and 65 , respectively.
- each racing boat is opposed by the centering wheels 58 and vertical movement is opposed by the centering wheels 54 , 56 .
- the centering wheels ride on the tubular rails 46 , 48 .
- the guide wheels are captured for rolling movement along the guide rails thus maintaining the racing boats centered horizontally within their respective guide channels 24 , 26 and vertically in alignment with the linear induction motors.
- the guide rails 46 , 48 form continuous runways along the guide channels 24 , 26 .
- the guide wheels 54 are mounted on the main axle 61 for rolling movement along the guide rails 46 , 48 with lateral movement being opposed by the centering wheels 58 .
- Downward (bottoming) movement of each passenger boat is opposed by rolling engagement of the upper guide wheels 54 against the top surface of the guide rails.
- Upward (pitching) movement of each passenger boat is opposed by engagement of the lower guide wheels 56 against the underside of the guide rails 46 , 48 .
- a guide channel structure 62 is formed by a tubular weldment which is submerged within the splash lake L.
- the guide rails 46 , 48 are formed by continuous tubular beams that are elevated from the lake bed by struts 64 , 66 , respectively.
- the struts and guide rails are connected to a central support beam 68 by gusset plate weldments 70 , 72 . Opposite ends of the struts are welded to the support posts 50 , 52 .
- an alternative amusement ride of the present invention includes a first pair of inclined launch ramps 74 , 76 located adjacent one end of the splash lake L.
- a second pair of inclined launch ramps 78 , 80 are located on the opposite end of the splash lake L in alignment with the guide channels 24 , 26 , respectively.
- Groups of linear induction motors 14 , 16 ; 18 , 20 ; 30 , 32 ; and 34 , 36 are submerged within the splash lake in the same manner as described with reference to the FIG. 2 amusement ride embodiment.
- aligned groups of linear induction motors 82 , 84 ; 86 , 88 ; 90 , 92 ; and 94 , 96 are installed laterally adjacent the guide rails on the scaffolding which supports the inclined ramps.
- the passenger boats are propelled by the submerged linear induction motors from the splash lake L upwardly along the inclined ramp 74 .
- the momentum of the passenger boats carry them into magnetic coupling alignment with the elevated linear induction motors 82 , 84 , 86 and 88 .
- the reaction plates 42 , 44 are coupled magnetically with the traveling linear magnetic flux wave, thus propelling the passenger boats up the inclined ramp 74 to a predetermined launch elevation, for example a height of 70 feet.
- the direction of thrust is reversed and the elevated linear induction motors propel the passenger boats rapidly down the inclined launch ramp 74 into the shallow splash lake.
- the passenger boats 10 , 12 are then accelerated along the parallel guide channels 24 , 26 by the submerged linear induction motors so that the passenger boats hydroplane at a high speed, for example 40 mph, across the splash lake toward the inclined ramps 78 , 80 .
- a continuous loop guide structure 100 arranged in the general form of an hour glass pattern, is submerged in the watercourse and provides a continuous guide channel from a first passenger loading station 102 to a second passenger loading station 104 .
- Multiple linear induction motor groups 106 , 108 , 110 and 112 each include a stator component mounted on the guide structure 114 for propelling one or more passenger boats through the watercourse.
- the guide channel structure a dual guide rail support arrangement shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and the passenger boats are supported for rolling movement along the guide rails on and undercarriage assembly.
- a safety release system 116 coordinates the release and speed of each passenger boat under microprocessor and limit switch control thereby maintaining a safe operating separation between the passenger boats at all times.
- the guide structure can assume various configurations such as the dual “ Figure 8” arrangement 118 and the serpentine pattern 120 shown in FIG. 11.
- Other closed loop arrangements including oval and circular patterns, can be used to good-advantage.
- passengers are transported through a watercourse 100 comprising a guide structure 114 submerged in the watercourse and arranged in an hour-glass pattern.
- Passenger boats are launched from loading platforms 102 , 104 at opposite ends of the guide channel structure.
- the safety release system 116 coordinates the release and operating speed of the boats so that they close toward each other and in passing at the midpoint of the hour-glass pattern, project water spray onto the other boat as they recede from each other.
- passengers are transported on two or more passenger boats through a watercourse including a serpentine guide structure 120 submerged in the watercourse and arranged in closed loop through the watercourse including oval loop portions 122 , 124 that are banked or inclined with respect to spectator stands 126 , 128 .
- the passenger boats are banked around the inclined loops and spray the spectator stands with water as each passenger boat transitions through the turn.
- first and second passenger boats 10 , 12 are transported on first and second passenger boats 10 , 12 along a watercourse including first and second guide structures 24 , 26 submerged in the watercourse and extending from the first launch station 22 to the second launch station 38 .
- the boats are launched from opposite ends of the watercourse and the speed of each boat is controlled so that they approach closely to each other substantially at the midpoint of the watercourse, and project water spray onto the other boat as the passenger boats recede from each other.
- passengers are transported through a watercourse including a guide structure 118 formed in a dual “ Figure Eight” pattern submerged in the watercourse and extending in a closed loop through the watercourse.
- the passenger boats are guided over elevated jump ramps 120 , 132 along one portion of the watercourse, and on return, the passenger boats are guided beneath the jump ramps through underground tunnel structures 134 , 136 .
- a magnetically responsive reaction plate 43 is attached to the undercarriage 60 which supports the passenger boat.
- the reaction plate 43 projects beneath the passenger boat for longitudinal travel through the flux slot of a stator 15 which is mounted on the submerged guide structure 62 .
- the reaction plate 43 is responsive to magnetic flux produced by the induction stator 15 for propelling the passenger boat along the guide structure.
- Typical construction specifications for the simulated boat race and passenger boat climb amusement rides are given in TABLE 1 and TABLE 2 below.
- TABLE 1 SIMULATED BOAT RACE Ground Space Requirements 500 ⁇ 60 Ft.
- Launch Chute Length 100 Ft.
- Brakes - linear induction motor control Propulsion - 160 linear induction motors in each propulsion group for launch, hydroplaning and coasting speeds Positioning - guide wheels, centering wheels under the boat Guide Channel Length 300 Ft.
- Boat Speed (Hydroplaning) 40 M.P.H. Number of Guide Channels 2 Boat Length 25 Ft. Boat Width 8 Ft. Passengers per Boat 24 to 26 Acceleration - 1.5 G during launch Peak Electrical Power - 11000 amperes per phase at 480 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz
Abstract
Passenger boats are mounted on an undercarriage assembly that includes rail-mounted centering wheels. The passenger boats are accelerated by linear induction drive motors mounted on a guide rail structure. Thrust is applied to the racing boats by magnetically conductive reaction plates that are attached to the undercarriage assembly and are movable through linear flux slots formed in the induction stators of the linear induction motors. The submerged guide track structure is arranged in various closed loop courses, including “Figure-Eight,” an hour-glass, serpentine and oval patterns, as well as parallel guide track structures that extend between a launch station and a return station. A dual “Figure-Eight” watercourse includes a simulated jump ramp and an underground tunnel arrangement. In the continuous loop guide structure, two or more boats are launched and separation is maintained by a safety block arrangement.
Description
- This invention relates generally to amusement watercraft, and in particular to a passenger boat ride in which passenger boats are propelled along a submerged guide channel from a ground level launch or from an inclined launch across or around a watercourse.
- Amusement parks and theme parks such as Six Flags Over Texas, Opryland U.S.A., Cedar Point, Carowinds, Busch Gardens, Geauga Lake, Elitch Gardens and many others feature various watercraft rides that are guided safely through natural and man-made waterways. Some watercraft rides that are currently popular include a floating gardens ride, a river rapids ride, a log flume ride and a mill chute ride.
- In a typical watercraft ride, a passenger boat is guided along a water channel from a passenger loading station to one or more intermediate stations and back to the passenger loading station. Such boats are usually propelled in part by water currents, gravity or passenger manpower, although some are propelled by motor-driven chains. Generally, variations such as music, sound effects, lighting effects, stage props and costumed characters enhance the entertainment value of the ride.
- Some dominant concerns in the operation of such rides is the creation of a sense of fun and excitement while maintaining passenger safety, reliable equipment operation and expedited handling of passengers during loading and off-loading.
- Conventional watercraft amusement rides are described in the following patents:
U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Title of Invention 357,790 Schaefer Marine Boat Slide 849,970 Boyton Amusement Device 3,404,635 Bacon et al Boat Amusement Ride 3,830,161 Bacon Flume Boat Ride with a Double Downchute 4,392,434 Durwald et al Turbulent Waterway 3,853,067 Bacon Boat Amusement Ride with a Spillway 4,299,171 Larson Demountable Flume Amusement Ride 4,337,704 Becker Turbulent-Water Way 4,149,469 Bigler Log Braking and Sta- bilizing System for Log Flume Ride 5,011,134 Langford Waterslide with Up- hill Run and Flota- tion Device Therefor 3,690,265 Horibata Aquatic Sled and Shooting Apparatus Thereof 5,299,964 Hopkins Amusement Raft Ride 4,836,521 Barber Whirlpool Amusement Ride 5,069,443 Shiratori Water Slider Lane 5,282,772 Ninomiya Simulator for Shoot- ing Down the Rapids 4,391,201 Bailey Aquatic Toboggan Slide 4,543,886 Spieldiener Amusement Ride In- cluding a Rotating Loading Terminal 3,923,301 Myers Amusement Water Slide and Method 3,930,450 Symons Boat Ride for Amuse- ment Park 5,213,547 Lochtfeld Method and Apparatus for Improved Water Rides by Water In- jection and Flume Design 4,516,943 Spieldiener Amusement Ride Raft - These patents disclose various watercraft amusement rides in which a passenger boat is propelled through a flume or guided down an inclined launch, and then recovered. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 849,970 discloses an inclined launch in which a pair of passenger boats are winched up dual tracks by sprocket-driven chains, are reversed on a turntable and then permitted to descend the launch by the force of gravity along the inclined tracks into a splash lake. The boats are guided by wheels along the guide tracks during descent.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,161 discloses a flume boat ride having dual launch chutes that guide amusement boats through a shallow body of water. A similar boat ride is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,404,635 in which a pair of passenger boats are guided from an elevated passenger loading station along dual tracks into a waterway.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,434 discloses an amusement boat ride in which a passenger boat is pulled by a chain drive to a launch station above a turbulent waterway. The passenger boat is then released from the chain drive and travels by gravity on guide wheels that roll along a guide track.
- Conventional watercraft rides as exemplified by the patents discussed above broadly disclose the concept of guiding one or more amusement boats from an elevated launch into a waterway.
- The operators of amusement parks are constantly striving to provide safe, yet thrilling and entertaining boat rides. Accordingly, there is a continuing interest in providing novel watercraft rides that offer passengers a memorable and exciting ride experience under closely controlled, safe operating conditions.
- The amusement boat ride according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a simulated boat race in which a pair of racing boats compete in forward and return heats. Novel combinations of sudden acceleration/deceleration, high velocity travel, reversal of movement, exposure to lighting effects, sound effects, water spray and group competition provide a sense of excitement and fun. The passengers of each boat are subjected to high launch velocity, high speed hydroplaning across a splash lake, and giant water spray rooster tails that, in the spirit of good fun, spray onto passengers of the competing boat as well as onto nearby spectators. The passenger boats are propelled along parallel guide channels from one launch station to the other by linear induction motor that are structurally integrated with the passenger boat undercarriage and the submerged guide channels.
- According to an alternative amusement ride of the present invention, a pair of passenger boats are launched from a first pair of inclined launch ramps and are propelled by linear induction motors along guide rails into a shallow splash lake. The passenger boats are then accelerated along the parallel guide channels by the linear induction motors so that the boats hydroplane across the splash lake. The linear induction motors propel the passenger boats partially up a second pair of inclined launch ramps on the opposite end of the splash lake to a predetermined return launch elevation.
- Upon reaching the return launch elevation, the direction of thrusting force is reversed and the passenger boats are propelled rapidly down the inclined launch ramps with the passengers facing away from the direction of return travel. The passenger boats are then propelled along the guide channels across the shallow splash lake at hydroplaning speed, followed by coasting at a reduced speed to the passenger loading station.
- In each embodiment, the passenger boats are stabilized by centering wheels and guide rollers that travel along submerged rails that run in parallel along the guide channels. In one arrangement, the linear induction motors include stators that are mounted laterally offset from the guide rails and in tandem relation with each other along opposite sides of each guide channel. In another arrangement, the linear induction motor stators are mounted on the rail support structure and vertically offset and centered beneath the undercarriage assembly in tandem relation with each other along the rail guide structure. In this arrangement, a reaction plate is attached to the undercarriage assembly and projects vertically into the stator flux slots.
- Each linear induction motor includes a stator having a linear magnetic flux slot for receiving a reaction plate. The passenger boat is attached to an undercarriage assembly which is movably coupled to the guide rails by the centering wheels and rollers. A pair of reaction plates are attached to the undercarriage assembly and project laterally into the stator flux slots. Each stator, when energized with AC electrical current, produces electromagnetic flux waves which travel longitudinally through each flux slot. The electromagnetic forces imposed on the reaction plates produce linear thrust which drives the undercarriage assembly and passenger boat along the guide rails.
- The accompanying drawing is incorporated into and forms a part of the specification to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Throughout the drawing, like reference numerals designate corresponding elements. This drawing, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention and is only for the purpose of illustrating exemplary embodiments showing how the invention can best be made and used. The drawing should not be construed as limiting the invention to the illustrated and described embodiments. Various advantages and features of the invention will be understood from the following detailed description taken in connection with the appended claims and with reference to the attached drawing in which:
- FIG. 1 is a simplified side elevational view of a simulated racing boat ride having launch stations on opposite ends of a splash lake;
- FIG. 2 is a top plan elevational view thereof;
- FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a racing boat mounted on guide rails and magnetically coupled to a pair of linear induction motors;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof;
- FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of an inclined launch ramp;
- FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a linear induction motor;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevational view showing an amusement boat ride in which a pair of passenger boats are driven by linear induction motors through a splash lake situated between a pair of inclined launch ramps;
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing an amusement boat ride in which a pair of passenger boats are propelled across a splash lake along a continuous loop, Figure -8 guide channel situated between a pair of launch ramps;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an amusement boat ride in which a pair of passenger boats are propelled across a splash lake along submerged and elevated guide channels between a pair of launch ramps;
- FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a continuous loop, submerged guide channel which extends in a Figure-S pattern between a pair of launch stations; and
- FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3 which illustrates a passenger boat mounted on guide rails and coupled to the flux slot of a linear induction stator by a downwardly projecting reaction plate.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein by referring to various examples of how the invention can be made and used. Like reference numerals are used throughout the description and several views of the drawing to indicate like or corresponding parts.
- In the description which follows, like parts are marked through the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale, and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated for sake of clarity.
- Referring now to FIGS.1-4, a simulated boat race is conducted in first and second heats in which a pair of
racing boats linear induction motors forward launch station 22 at a hydroplaning speed, for example 40 m.p.h., alongparallel guide channels heat finish line 28. Large (twenty feet high) water spray rooster tails follow the passenger boats across the lake. The winning time of the first heat is announced and displayed on an electronic score board. Theracing boats linear induction motors return launch station 38 on the opposite end of the splash lake. - The racing boats are held steady at the
return launch station 38 during a second heat countdown, and then are suddenly accelerated by the second set of linear induction motors along theguide channels heat finish line 40. The winning time of the second heat is then announced and displayed. The passengers remain facing the return launch station (opposite to the direction of return travel) during the return heat as the racing boats hydroplane across the splash lake, thus permitting the passengers to watch closely as both boats generate the giant water spray rooster tails. - The
racing boats parallel guide channels linear induction motors fins 42, 44 (FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 8). Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, each group o linear induction motors, forexample group 14, include forty linear induction motor units mounted in tandem relation. The linear induction motor construction shown in FIG. 6 is typical, with thelinear induction motor 14 including a pair oflinear stators linear flux slot 45. Each stator includes slotted, laminated steel core members which are wound with three-phase winding coils that are energized with alternating current from a three-phase source. - When the magnetically conductive reaction plates are present in the flux slots, currents are induced in the reaction plates and produce a reaction flux wave of the same magnetic polarity as the stator flux wave. The reaction wave forces the reaction plate in the same direction as the stator flux wave is traveling. The interaction of the stator and reaction plate flux waves produce forces in the longitudinal direction and in the normal direction. The longitudinal thrust force moves the reaction plate in direction of the traveling flux wave. The normal force levitates the reaction plate. As a result, the reaction plate achieves equilibrium velocity when the thrust exerted on it by the traveling flux wave is balanced by the restraining drag load imposed by the undercarriage and the passenger boat.
- The linear induction motors maintain positive control of the speed and relative positions of the racing boats during acceleration and braking. The
dual launch stations heat finish line 28, followed by hydroplaning across the splash lake at a high speed in the reverse (return) direction to the returnheat finish line 40, with the boats being guided alongparallel rails - Prior to the start of the first heat, the passengers are loaded onto the
racing boats racing boats forward launch station 22 during the forward heat countdown. Upon launch, the racing boats are accelerated along theguide channels linear induction motors heat finish line 28. - After the
racing boats linear induction motors return launch station 38 on the opposite end of the splash lake. The racing boats are held in launch pens 38A, 38B during a second heat countdown and then are accelerated rapidly along the guide channels while the passengers remain facing the return launch station so that they can observe the water spray rooster tails. Theracing boats heat finish line 40. The racing boats are then propelled by thelinear induction motors - Hydraulically actuated turntables T are submerged in the launch pens22A,22B and 38A,38B. When actuated, the turntables T elevate the passenger boats above the deck surfaces of the
loading platforms - Preferably, each heat of the simulated boat race is accompanied by giant voice (public address) messages announcing departure, countdown, timing lights that indicate various stages during the countdown and loud warning signals prior to launch. Synchronized sound effects and flashing light effects accentuate the acceleration of the launch. Compressed steam is released at each launch station as the racing boats initially accelerate across the splash lake. An electronic scoreboard flashes the winning time as the racing boats are guided under linear induction motor control to each launch station. The special effects are repeated as the racing boats are propelled from the return launch station to the second
heat finish line 40. - Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the
linear induction motors support posts guide wheels undercarriage 60 beneath each racing boat. The guide wheels are mounted for rotation onaxles - Lateral movement of each racing boat is opposed by the centering
wheels 58 and vertical movement is opposed by the centeringwheels tubular rails respective guide channels - The guide rails46, 48 form continuous runways along the
guide channels guide wheels 54 are mounted on themain axle 61 for rolling movement along the guide rails 46, 48 with lateral movement being opposed by the centeringwheels 58. Downward (bottoming) movement of each passenger boat is opposed by rolling engagement of theupper guide wheels 54 against the top surface of the guide rails. Upward (pitching) movement of each passenger boat is opposed by engagement of thelower guide wheels 56 against the underside of the guide rails 46, 48. - Referring again to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a
guide channel structure 62 is formed by a tubular weldment which is submerged within the splash lake L. The guide rails 46, 48 are formed by continuous tubular beams that are elevated from the lake bed bystruts central support beam 68 bygusset plate weldments - Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, an alternative amusement ride of the present invention includes a first pair of inclined launch ramps74, 76 located adjacent one end of the splash lake L. A second pair of inclined launch ramps 78, 80 are located on the opposite end of the splash lake L in alignment with the
guide channels linear induction motors - In this embodiment, aligned groups of
linear induction motors inclined ramp 74. The momentum of the passenger boats carry them into magnetic coupling alignment with the elevatedlinear induction motors reaction plates inclined ramp 74 to a predetermined launch elevation, for example a height of 70 feet. - Upon reaching the launch elevation, the direction of thrust is reversed and the elevated linear induction motors propel the passenger boats rapidly down the
inclined launch ramp 74 into the shallow splash lake. Thepassenger boats parallel guide channels inclined ramps inclined ramps reaction plates - Upon reaching the return launch elevation, the direction of thrusting movement is reversed and the passenger boats are propelled rapidly down the inclined return ramps78, 80 with the passengers facing away from the direction of return travel. The
reaction plates linear induction motors passenger boats linear induction motors - Referring now to FIG. 9, a continuous
loop guide structure 100, arranged in the general form of an hour glass pattern, is submerged in the watercourse and provides a continuous guide channel from a firstpassenger loading station 102 to a secondpassenger loading station 104. Multiple linearinduction motor groups guide structure 114 for propelling one or more passenger boats through the watercourse. Preferably, the guide channel structure a dual guide rail support arrangement shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and the passenger boats are supported for rolling movement along the guide rails on and undercarriage assembly. - When multiple passenger boats are launched, a
safety release system 116 coordinates the release and speed of each passenger boat under microprocessor and limit switch control thereby maintaining a safe operating separation between the passenger boats at all times. - In the continuous loop embodiment, the guide structure can assume various configurations such as the dual “Figure 8”
arrangement 118 and theserpentine pattern 120 shown in FIG. 11. Other closed loop arrangements, including oval and circular patterns, can be used to good-advantage. - Referring again to FIG. 9, passengers are transported through a
watercourse 100 comprising aguide structure 114 submerged in the watercourse and arranged in an hour-glass pattern. Passenger boats are launched fromloading platforms safety release system 116 coordinates the release and operating speed of the boats so that they close toward each other and in passing at the midpoint of the hour-glass pattern, project water spray onto the other boat as they recede from each other. - Referring now to FIG. 11, passengers are transported on two or more passenger boats through a watercourse including a
serpentine guide structure 120 submerged in the watercourse and arranged in closed loop through the watercourse includingoval loop portions - Referring again to FIG. 2, passengers are transported on first and
second passenger boats second guide structures first launch station 22 to thesecond launch station 38. The boats are launched from opposite ends of the watercourse and the speed of each boat is controlled so that they approach closely to each other substantially at the midpoint of the watercourse, and project water spray onto the other boat as the passenger boats recede from each other. - Referring now to FIG. 10, passengers are transported through a watercourse including a
guide structure 118 formed in a dual “Figure Eight” pattern submerged in the watercourse and extending in a closed loop through the watercourse. The passenger boats are guided over elevated jump ramps 120, 132 along one portion of the watercourse, and on return, the passenger boats are guided beneath the jump ramps throughunderground tunnel structures - Referring now to FIG. 12, a magnetically
responsive reaction plate 43 is attached to theundercarriage 60 which supports the passenger boat. In this embodiment, thereaction plate 43 projects beneath the passenger boat for longitudinal travel through the flux slot of astator 15 which is mounted on the submergedguide structure 62. Thereaction plate 43 is responsive to magnetic flux produced by theinduction stator 15 for propelling the passenger boat along the guide structure. - Typical construction specifications for the simulated boat race and passenger boat climb amusement rides are given in TABLE 1 and TABLE 2 below.
TABLE 1 SIMULATED BOAT RACE Ground Space Requirements 500 × 60 Ft. Launch Chute Length 100 Ft. Brakes - linear induction motor control Propulsion - 160 linear induction motors in each propulsion group for launch, hydroplaning and coasting speeds Positioning - guide wheels, centering wheels under the boat Guide Channel Length 300 Ft. Boat Speed (Hydroplaning) 40 M.P.H. Number of Guide Channels 2 Boat Length 25 Ft. Boat Width 8 Ft. Passengers per Boat 24 to 26 Acceleration - 1.5 G during launch Peak Electrical Power - 11000 amperes per phase at 480 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz -
TABLE 2 PASSENGER BOAT CLIMB Ground Space Requirements 400 × 60 Ft. Dock Lengths 50 Ft. Positioning - guide wheels, centering wheels under the boat Guide Channel Length 200 Ft. Launch Chute Length 100 Ft. Launch Chute Elevation 70 Ft. Propulsion - 160 linear induction motors in each propulsion group for hydro- planing and coasting speeds; 200 linear induction motors in each propulsion group for climb and launch acceleration Boat Speed (Hydroplaning) 40 M.P.H. Number of Guide Channels 2 Boat Length 25 Ft. Boat Width 8 Ft. Passengers Per Boat 24 to 26 Acceleration - 1.5 G during launch Peak Electrical Power - 2,000 amperes per phase at 480 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz - Although the invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary arrangements, it is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described are to be treated as preferred embodiments. Various changes, substitutions and modifications can be realized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (23)
1. An amusement boat ride for transporting passengers through a watercourse comprising, in combination:
a guide structure submerged in the watercourse and extending in a continuous loop through the watercourse;
a passenger boat movably coupled to the guide structure for forward and return travel through the watercourse; and,
linear induction motor drive means including a stator component and a reaction component coupled to the passenger boat and to the guide structure for propelling the passenger boat through the watercourse.
2. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the submerged guide channel structure includes one or more guide rails extending in a closed loop.
claim 1
3. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the guide channel structure includes one or more guide rails arranged in a “Figure-Eight” closed loop.
claim 1
4. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the guide channel structure comprises one or more guide rails arranged in an hour-glass pattern.
claim 1
5. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the guide channel structure comprises one or more guide rails arranged in an oval pattern.
claim 1
6. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the guide channel structure includes dual guide tracks, each guide track including one or more rails arranged in a “Figure-Eight” pattern and extending generally in alignment with each other.
claim 1
7. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the guide channel structure comprises a ramp portion elevated above the watercourse for simulating travel over a jump ramp.
claim 1
8. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the guide channel structure comprises an underground tunnel that extends beneath the floor of the watercourse.
claim 1
9. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the guide channel structure includes one or more guide rails extending in a closed loop, serpentine pattern.
claim 1
10. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the submerged guide channel structure includes one or more guide rails extending in a closed loop, and including multiple linear induction motors mounted on the guide rails for propelling one or more passenger boats through the watercourse.
claim 1
11. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , including at least one additional passenger boat movably coupled to the guide structure for forward and return travel through the watercourse; and,
claim 1
a safety release system coupled to the linear induction drive means for controlling movement of the passenger boats.
12. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , including:
claim 1
a first launch station disposed adjacent the guide structure;
a second launch station disposed adjacent the guide structure at a location remote from the first launch station;
a first turntable disposed at the first launch station;
a second turntable disposed at the second launch station;
whereby first and second passenger boats can be rotated and launched from and returned to the first and second launch stations with the passengers facing foward in the direction of travel.
13. A method for operating an amusement boat ride in which passengers are transported through a watercourse comprising a guide structure submerged in the watercourse and arranged in an hour-glass pattern comprising the step of launching the passenger boats from opposite ends of the guide channel structure and coordinating the release and operating speed of the boats so that they close toward each other and in passing at the midpoint of the hour-glass pattern, project water spray onto the other boat as they recede from each other.
14. A method for operating an amusement boat ride in which passengers are transported through a watercourse comprising a guide structure submerged in the watercourse and arranged in closed loop through the watercourse including an oval loop portion that is banked or inclined with respect to a spectator stand, including the step of banking the passenger boat around the inclined loop and spraying the spectator stand with water as the passenger boat transitions through the turn.
15. A method of operating an amusement boat ride in which passengers are transported on first and second passenger boats along a watercourse that includes first and second guide structures submerged in the watercourse and extending from a first launch station to a second launch station, including the step of launching the boats from launch stations at opposite ends of the watercourse and synchronizing the speed of the boats so that they approach closely to each other substantially at the midpoint of the watercourse, and project water spray onto the other boat as the passenger boats recede from each other.
16. A method of operating an amusement boat ride for transporting passengers through a watercourse including a guide structure submerged in the watercourse and extending in a closed loop through the watercourse, including the steps of guiding a passenger boat over an elevated jump ramp along one portion of the watercourse, and on return, guiding the passenger boat beneath the jump ramp.
17. A method of operating an amusement boat ride for transporting passengers through a watercourse including a guide structure submerged in the watercourse and extending in a closed loop through the watercourse, including the step of guiding a passenger boat through an underground tunnel portion of the watercourse.
18. A method for operating an amusement boat ride for transporting passengers through a watercourse including a guide structure with dual guide tracks submerged in the watercourse and extending in a continuous loop through the watercourse, including the step of propelling a passenger boats along a portion of the guide structure that rises out of the water adjacent a spectator stand for a banked turn with one guide track above water and one guide track submerged in the water, and projecting water spray onto the spectator stand as the boat negotiates the turn.
19. An amusement boat ride for carrying passengers across a watercourse comprising, in combination:
a submerged guide channel structure extending in a continuous loop through the watercourse;
multiple linear induction motors attached to the guide channel structure, each linear induction motor including a linear stator and a longitudinal flux slot;
a carriage assembly including a passenger boat movably coupled to the guide channel structure for travel through the watercourse; and,
a magnetically responsive reaction plate attached to the carriage assembly and projecting radially beneath the carriage assembly for linear travel through the flux slots of the linear induction motors.
20. An amusement boat ride as set forth in , wherein the guide channel means include first and second laterally spaced guide rails extending in alignment with the guide channel, further including:
claim 19
at least first and second centering wheels mounted beneath the passenger boat for rolling engagement against the first and second guide rails, respectively.
21. An amusement boat ride for transporting passengers across a watercourse comprising, in combination:
a first launch station disposed adjacent one end of the watercourse;
a second launch station disposed adjacent an opposite end of the watercourse;
a guide structure submerged in the watercourse and extending from the first launch station to the second launch station;
a passenger boat including an undercarriage assembly movably coupled to the guide structure for forward and return travel through the watercourse;
linear induction motor drive means including multiple linear induction stators mounted on the guide structure, each stator having a longitudinal flux slot disposed in alignment with the direction of travel; and,
a magnetically responsive reaction plate coupled to the passenger boat, the reaction plate projecting beneath the passenger boat for longitudinal travel through the flux slot and for electromagnetic coupling with magnetic flux produced by the induction stator as the passenger boat moves along the guide structure.
22. An amusement boat ride apparatus comprising, in combination:
a pair of first launch stations disposed adjacent one end of a watercourse;
a pair of second launch stations disposed adjacent an opposite end of the watercourse;
a pair of parallel guide structures submerged in the watercourse and extending from the first launch stations to the second launch stations;
a pair of passenger boats movably coupled to the guide structures for forward and return travel through the watercourse;
power drive means disposed adjacent the parallel guide structures and movably coupled to the passenger boats for propelling the passenger boats across the watercourse, the power drive means including multiple linear induction motors mounted on the guide structure, each linear induction motor including a linear stator and a linear flux slot extending in alignment with the direction of travel; and,
a magnetically responsive reaction plate coupled to each passenger boat and projecting downwardly therefrom for travel through the linear flux slots.
23. An amusement boat ride for transporting passengers across a watercourse comprising, in combination:
a first launch station disposed adjacent one end of the watercourse;
a second launch station disposed adjacent an opposite end of the watercourse;
a guide structure submerged in the watercourse and extending from the first launch station to the second launch station;
a passenger boat movably coupled to the guide structure for forward and return travel across the watercourse; and,
power drive means including a linear induction stator mounted on the guide structure and a reaction plate coupled to the passenger boat for propelling the passenger boat through the watercourse.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/784,595 US6354223B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2001-02-15 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US10/093,067 US6629501B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2002-03-07 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US10/679,912 US6860209B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2003-10-06 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US11/010,536 US6971317B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2004-12-13 | Watercraft amusement ride |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/661,365 US5732635A (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1996-06-11 | Amusement power-cable-propelled and channel-guided boat ride structure |
US09/050,810 US5860364A (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1998-03-30 | Amusement boat ride featuring linear induction motor drive integrated with guide channel structure |
US09/281,740 US6237499B1 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1999-03-30 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US09/784,595 US6354223B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2001-02-15 | Watercraft amusement ride |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/281,740 Division US6237499B1 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1999-03-30 | Watercraft amusement ride |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/093,067 Division US6629501B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2002-03-07 | Watercraft amusement ride |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010015148A1 true US20010015148A1 (en) | 2001-08-23 |
US6354223B2 US6354223B2 (en) | 2002-03-12 |
Family
ID=27367836
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/281,740 Expired - Lifetime US6237499B1 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1999-03-30 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US09/784,595 Expired - Lifetime US6354223B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2001-02-15 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US10/093,067 Expired - Lifetime US6629501B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2002-03-07 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US10/679,912 Expired - Fee Related US6860209B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2003-10-06 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US11/010,536 Expired - Fee Related US6971317B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2004-12-13 | Watercraft amusement ride |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/281,740 Expired - Lifetime US6237499B1 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1999-03-30 | Watercraft amusement ride |
Family Applications After (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/093,067 Expired - Lifetime US6629501B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2002-03-07 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US10/679,912 Expired - Fee Related US6860209B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2003-10-06 | Watercraft amusement ride |
US11/010,536 Expired - Fee Related US6971317B2 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2004-12-13 | Watercraft amusement ride |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (5) | US6237499B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1541439A1 (en) * | 2002-09-17 | 2005-06-15 | Senyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Transportation system |
US11389719B2 (en) * | 2017-11-10 | 2022-07-19 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Water ride attraction incorporating interactive game play |
Families Citing this family (67)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6237499B1 (en) * | 1996-06-11 | 2001-05-29 | Mckoy Errol W. | Watercraft amusement ride |
JP3510187B2 (en) * | 2000-07-14 | 2004-03-22 | 泉陽興業株式会社 | Personnel transport equipment |
AU2001290826A1 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2002-03-26 | Nbgs International, Inc. | Water amusement conveyor system and method |
US7179173B2 (en) | 2002-03-25 | 2007-02-20 | Nbgs International Inc. | Control system for water amusement devices |
US7115071B1 (en) * | 2002-08-20 | 2006-10-03 | Sunbeck Deborah T | “Figure-eight” track, apparatus and method for sensory-motor exercise |
US6857373B2 (en) * | 2002-10-01 | 2005-02-22 | Stanley J. Checketts | Variably curved track-mounted amusement ride |
US20040089190A1 (en) * | 2002-11-08 | 2004-05-13 | Krishnan Ramu | Transportation system with linear switched reluctance actuator for propulsion and levitation |
US7229359B2 (en) | 2003-10-24 | 2007-06-12 | Henry, Schooley & Associates, L.L.C. | Continuous water ride |
US7597630B2 (en) | 2004-11-24 | 2009-10-06 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Water amusement park conveyors |
DE102004062315A1 (en) * | 2004-12-20 | 2006-06-29 | Mack Ride Gmbh & Co Kg | Water ride |
US20060219124A1 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2006-10-05 | Jordan Jeffrey T | Buoyant marine rail system |
US20070051036A1 (en) | 2005-04-20 | 2007-03-08 | Henry Jeffery W | Tree with elevated structure |
US7727077B2 (en) | 2005-08-03 | 2010-06-01 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Water amusement park water channel flow system |
US7775895B2 (en) | 2005-08-03 | 2010-08-17 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Water amusement park water channel and adjustable flow controller |
US7815514B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2010-10-19 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Water amusement park conveyor barriers |
US7762899B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2010-07-27 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Water amusement park conveyor support elements |
US20070049386A1 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2007-03-01 | Henry Jeffery W | Adjusting participant flow rate in water amusement parks |
US8282497B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2012-10-09 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Modular water amusement park conveyors |
US7758435B2 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2010-07-20 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Amusement water rides involving interactive user environments |
US7811177B2 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2010-10-12 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Water amusement system and method including a self-contained floating marine park |
US8210954B2 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2012-07-03 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Amusement water rides involving exercise circuits |
WO2007035524A2 (en) | 2005-09-15 | 2007-03-29 | Water Ride Concepts Inc. | Amusement water rides involving games of chance |
US8893623B2 (en) * | 2005-10-24 | 2014-11-25 | Jonathan I. Gordon | Multi-track multi-vehicle roller coaster |
US7610861B1 (en) * | 2005-11-07 | 2009-11-03 | Colclasure William J | Magnetic and inertial propulsion system |
EP2335792B1 (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2014-04-23 | HM Attractions, Inc. | Linear motor driven amusement ride and method of controlling |
US7762900B2 (en) | 2006-03-14 | 2010-07-27 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Method and system of positionable covers for water amusement parks |
US7831526B1 (en) | 2006-08-25 | 2010-11-09 | Fair Isaac Corporation | Article and method for finding a compact representation to visualize complex decision trees |
US7506602B2 (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2009-03-24 | Universal City Studios Lllp | Guest positioning assembly |
US7707656B2 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2010-05-04 | Beausang Susan M | Head scarf and method of making it |
US8312389B2 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2012-11-13 | Fair Isaac Corporation | Visualization of decision logic |
US8266090B2 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2012-09-11 | Fair Isaac Corporation | Color-coded visual comparison of decision logic |
US8200609B2 (en) * | 2007-08-31 | 2012-06-12 | Fair Isaac Corporation | Construction of decision logic with graphs |
KR101024487B1 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2011-03-23 | 이주영 | Transporting apparatus for moving on road with buoyancy |
US8083599B2 (en) * | 2008-07-08 | 2011-12-27 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Rotating rides with interactive water features |
US8730241B2 (en) | 2008-09-08 | 2014-05-20 | Fair Isaac Corporation | Techniques for drawing curved edges in graphs |
US8280836B2 (en) | 2008-09-08 | 2012-10-02 | Fair Isaac Corporation | Converting unordered graphs to oblivious read once ordered graph representation |
US8237716B2 (en) * | 2008-09-08 | 2012-08-07 | Fair Isaac Corporation | Algorithm for drawing directed acyclic graphs |
US9289337B2 (en) * | 2008-09-16 | 2016-03-22 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Wheelchair ramp for a ride vehicle |
US8426792B2 (en) * | 2008-10-27 | 2013-04-23 | Seektech, Inc. | Solar reflector apparatus with independently controlled bail-arms |
US8079916B2 (en) | 2008-12-18 | 2011-12-20 | Water Ride Concepts, Inc. | Themed amusement river ride system |
CN101612989A (en) * | 2009-07-29 | 2009-12-30 | 李联明 | Water-borne permanent magnet driving ship device |
US8132513B2 (en) * | 2009-09-11 | 2012-03-13 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Amusement park ride with a vehicle drive that decouples upon loss of power |
US8091483B1 (en) * | 2011-03-31 | 2012-01-10 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Amusement park ride with underwater-controlled boats |
CA2840255C (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2018-03-20 | Hm Attractions Inc. | Motion control system and method for an amusement ride |
US8375864B1 (en) * | 2011-07-29 | 2013-02-19 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Floating omnimover ride |
US8801327B2 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2014-08-12 | Halo Maritime Defense Systems, Inc. | Marine ropeway |
US8920075B2 (en) | 2011-09-01 | 2014-12-30 | Halo Maritime Defense Systems, Inc. | Marine barrier and gate |
ITPG20110021A1 (en) * | 2011-09-08 | 2013-03-09 | Aeroconsult Int Srl | FLUVIAL METRO IN A GUIDED VESSEL |
FR2993227B1 (en) * | 2012-07-10 | 2015-10-30 | Pomagalski Sa | CABLE TRANSPORTATION INSTALLATION |
DE102013222910A1 (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2015-05-13 | Mack Rides Gmbh & Co Kg | Amusement ride with moving track section |
CN107074249B (en) * | 2014-09-04 | 2019-05-31 | 国家放射性废物管理办事处 | Railway carrier and cable car device |
US9597603B1 (en) * | 2014-12-03 | 2017-03-21 | Skyturtle Technologies Ltd | Linear induction motor use with waterslide raft on non riding surfaces |
EP3274062B1 (en) * | 2015-03-24 | 2019-05-15 | Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. | Amusement ride comprising a station with a movable floor element |
CN106139596A (en) * | 2015-04-02 | 2016-11-23 | 江苏金刚文化科技集团股份有限公司 | The walking mechanism of roller-coaster |
US10099868B1 (en) * | 2017-04-20 | 2018-10-16 | Otto Kierulff Da Costa | Set of water pipes with capsules for heavy cargo and irrigation transportation system |
US10683019B2 (en) * | 2017-07-26 | 2020-06-16 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Eddy current vehicle drive |
US10145659B1 (en) | 2017-08-25 | 2018-12-04 | Halo Maritime Defense Systems, Inc. | Rapidly deployable single net capture marine barrier system |
CN108479079B (en) * | 2018-04-28 | 2021-02-26 | 芜湖懒人智能科技有限公司 | Vehicle-mounted vehicle body path control equipment for sightseeing changing tunnel |
CN108479081B (en) * | 2018-04-28 | 2021-02-26 | 芜湖懒人智能科技有限公司 | Vehicular sightseeing changes amusement equipment for tunnel |
CA3110591A1 (en) * | 2018-09-10 | 2020-03-19 | Manuel Munoz Saiz | Ultralight two-track train that does not derail |
US11130068B2 (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2021-09-28 | Universal City Studios Llc | Water amusement ride motion governor |
CN109649621B (en) * | 2019-01-22 | 2023-12-26 | 南京星海未来科技发展有限公司 | Aquatic suspension track traffic system |
DE202019103340U1 (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2019-07-04 | Josef Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG Freitzeiteinrichtungen | Device for transporting at least one passenger |
DE102019130956A1 (en) * | 2019-11-15 | 2021-05-20 | Mack Rides Gmbh & Co. Kg | Rides, in particular water rides, and methods for operating such an amusement ride |
WO2021257860A1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2021-12-23 | Halo Maritime Defense Systems, Inc. | Compliant single net marine barrier |
CN111921205B (en) * | 2020-07-26 | 2022-03-08 | 北京实宝来游乐设备有限公司 | Modular assembly wheel set |
US20220134244A1 (en) * | 2020-10-29 | 2022-05-05 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Guided boat with external discrete yaw control |
Family Cites Families (50)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US536441A (en) | 1895-03-26 | Inclined railway and water-tobogganing apparatus | ||
US536357A (en) * | 1895-03-26 | The korris peters co | ||
US1379939A (en) * | 1921-05-31 | roberts | ||
US357790A (en) | 1887-02-15 | Haery hermans schaefer | ||
US540715A (en) * | 1895-06-11 | Coasting apparatus | ||
US849970A (en) | 1904-08-27 | 1907-04-09 | Paul Boyton | Amusement device. |
US1358305A (en) * | 1919-05-21 | 1920-11-09 | Charles L Feltman | Amusement device |
US1397939A (en) * | 1921-07-11 | 1921-11-22 | Unger Morris | Amusement device |
DE398913C (en) | 1922-05-20 | 1924-07-18 | Josef Prex | Water amusement facility |
US1448306A (en) * | 1922-09-02 | 1923-03-13 | Erastus A Lezert | Amusement device |
US2111944A (en) * | 1936-12-07 | 1938-03-22 | William R Schneider | Toy railroad |
CH192742A (en) * | 1937-02-08 | 1937-08-31 | Althaus Hilda | Mountain elevator. |
US3003430A (en) * | 1956-07-16 | 1961-10-10 | Walt Disney Prod | Boat guiding apparatus |
US2983508A (en) * | 1957-06-04 | 1961-05-09 | Thomas B Modine | Spray producing scoop for water-borne objects |
US2931134A (en) * | 1958-03-03 | 1960-04-05 | Robert O Nevitt | Toy boat |
US3404635A (en) * | 1965-04-16 | 1968-10-08 | Walt Disney Prod | Boat amusement ride |
FR1574831A (en) * | 1968-05-06 | 1969-07-18 | ||
US3690265A (en) | 1969-09-03 | 1972-09-12 | Hiroshi Horibata | Aquatic sled and shooting apparatus thereof |
US3697071A (en) * | 1969-11-10 | 1972-10-10 | John E Anderson | Fluid actuated track system with constant flow valve |
US3802697A (en) * | 1971-10-14 | 1974-04-09 | Mehaute B Le | Wave generator for simulated surfriding |
US3834316A (en) * | 1972-03-09 | 1974-09-10 | Jung A Lokomotivfab Gmbh | Two rail suspension railway with a linear motor |
FR2192959B1 (en) * | 1972-07-21 | 1977-08-05 | Lamberet Paul | |
DE2250372C3 (en) * | 1972-10-13 | 1975-12-11 | Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen | Magnetic system for levitating a vehicle moving along a roadway |
US3838657A (en) * | 1972-12-13 | 1974-10-01 | H Fleming | Offshore moorings |
US3830161A (en) * | 1973-07-06 | 1974-08-20 | Arrow Dev Co | Flume boat ride with a double downchute |
US3853067A (en) | 1974-02-25 | 1974-12-10 | Arrow Dev Co | Boat amusement ride with a spillway |
US3930450A (en) | 1974-06-03 | 1976-01-06 | Sid & Marty Krofft Productions, Inc. | Boat ride for amusement park |
US4149469A (en) | 1977-10-03 | 1979-04-17 | Six Flags, Inc. | Log braking and stabilizing system for log flume ride |
US4198043A (en) * | 1978-06-06 | 1980-04-15 | Plexa Incorporated | Water slide with modular, sectional flume construction |
DE2921629C2 (en) | 1979-05-28 | 1984-11-08 | Mannesmann AG, 4000 Düsseldorf | Channel for a water slide system for popular amusement |
US4299171A (en) | 1979-12-26 | 1981-11-10 | Arrow Huss Inc. | Demountable flume amusement ride |
US4392434A (en) | 1981-02-10 | 1983-07-12 | Mannesmann Demag Ag | Turbulent waterway |
US4823705A (en) * | 1984-07-26 | 1989-04-25 | Tomiichi Fukuda | Golf cart system with embedded rail having inclined surfaces |
US4895079A (en) * | 1986-03-19 | 1990-01-23 | Beatty Robert A | Vehicle hauling process and apparatus |
US4725398A (en) * | 1986-12-08 | 1988-02-16 | Nuclear Energy Services, Inc. | Cable reeving system |
DE3706493A1 (en) * | 1987-02-27 | 1988-09-08 | Fraunhofer Ges Forschung | STORAGE SYSTEM |
US4805896A (en) * | 1987-10-23 | 1989-02-21 | Moody James C | Low rise water ride |
US5421782A (en) | 1990-08-15 | 1995-06-06 | Light Wave, Inc. | Action river water attraction |
US4963116A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1990-10-16 | Huber John J | Race water track toy |
US5011134A (en) | 1990-03-26 | 1991-04-30 | Frederick Langford | Waterslide with uphill run and flotation device therefor |
US5230662A (en) * | 1990-03-26 | 1993-07-27 | Frederick Langford | Waterslide with uphill run and flotation device therefor |
US5299964A (en) | 1991-05-20 | 1994-04-05 | O. D. Hopkins Associates, Inc. | Amusement raft ride |
US5215016A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1993-06-01 | Koyo Engineering Co., Ltd. | Rail type underwater travel vehicle |
US5234285A (en) * | 1992-02-26 | 1993-08-10 | Cameron Walter N | Marine railway system |
US5794533A (en) * | 1992-05-18 | 1998-08-18 | The Walt Disney Company | Speed control apparatus for waterway traveling vehicle |
US5613443A (en) * | 1992-09-02 | 1997-03-25 | The Walt Disney Company | Amusement ride for traveling down a water chute with reduced splash |
US5421792A (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1995-06-06 | Fujikiko Kabushiki Kaisha | Shift lever apparatus |
US5651736A (en) * | 1996-01-03 | 1997-07-29 | Myers; Jeff D. | Racer toy utilizing water-driven boats |
US5860364A (en) * | 1996-06-11 | 1999-01-19 | Mckoy; Errol W. | Amusement boat ride featuring linear induction motor drive integrated with guide channel structure |
US6237499B1 (en) * | 1996-06-11 | 2001-05-29 | Mckoy Errol W. | Watercraft amusement ride |
-
1999
- 1999-03-30 US US09/281,740 patent/US6237499B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-02-15 US US09/784,595 patent/US6354223B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-03-07 US US10/093,067 patent/US6629501B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-10-06 US US10/679,912 patent/US6860209B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-12-13 US US11/010,536 patent/US6971317B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1541439A1 (en) * | 2002-09-17 | 2005-06-15 | Senyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Transportation system |
EP1541439A4 (en) * | 2002-09-17 | 2005-12-21 | Senyo Kogyo Co Ltd | Transportation system |
US7162959B2 (en) | 2002-09-17 | 2007-01-16 | Senyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Transportation system |
CN100411926C (en) * | 2002-09-17 | 2008-08-20 | 泉阳兴业株式会社 | Transportation system |
US11389719B2 (en) * | 2017-11-10 | 2022-07-19 | Whitewater West Industries Ltd. | Water ride attraction incorporating interactive game play |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6860209B2 (en) | 2005-03-01 |
US20020129731A1 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
US6237499B1 (en) | 2001-05-29 |
US20050098057A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
US6971317B2 (en) | 2005-12-06 |
US20040065223A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
US6629501B2 (en) | 2003-10-07 |
US6354223B2 (en) | 2002-03-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6237499B1 (en) | Watercraft amusement ride | |
US5860364A (en) | Amusement boat ride featuring linear induction motor drive integrated with guide channel structure | |
US5732635A (en) | Amusement power-cable-propelled and channel-guided boat ride structure | |
US9061214B2 (en) | Linear motor driven amusement ride and method | |
JPH0479673B2 (en) | ||
US4063517A (en) | Rapid transit system | |
US7437998B2 (en) | Water-ride facility | |
JP7449381B2 (en) | Amusement rides, particularly water amusement rides, and methods of operating such rides | |
US9358472B2 (en) | Motion control system and method for an amusement ride | |
KR20170130453A (en) | Transverse rail switching device | |
CN109138535A (en) | Bilateral manually makes unrestrained system | |
US852184A (en) | Pleasure-railway. | |
CN214913306U (en) | Sled slide | |
JPS632066Y2 (en) | ||
WO1984003477A1 (en) | Amusement ride loading terminal | |
JPH11129982A (en) | Escape device by free fall descent of lifeboat | |
NZ548749A (en) | Recreational apparatus |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |