Magnetic pacer for controlling speeds in amusement park rides
US8117968B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63G7/00
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.