Vehicle transfer during operation of an omnimover ride
US7784405B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63G7/00
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.