David L Spence

US Patent:

5403238, Apr 4, 1995

Filed:

Aug 19, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/109170

Inventors:

Anthony W. Baxter - Anaheim Hills CA
David G. Fink - Glendale CA
William G. Redmann - Moorpark CA
Jon H. Snoddy - Pasadena CA
David Spence - Saugus CA
Scott F. Watson - Glendale CA
William L. Wolf - North Hollywood CA

Assignee:

The Walt Disney Company - Burbank CA

International Classification:

A63G 2500

US Classification:

472 43

Abstract:

An amusement park attraction having a dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in the amusement park attraction or other environment. The ride vehicle includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including Ycomputer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path in the amusement park attraction. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

US Patent:

5583844, Dec 10, 1996

Filed:

Jun 19, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/109370

Inventors:

William L. Wolf - North Hollywood CA
William G. Redmann - Moorpark CA
Jon H. Snoddy - Pasadena CA
David Spence - Saugus CA
Scott F. Watson - Glendale CA

Assignee:

The Walt Disney Company - Burbank CA

International Classification:

A63G 2500
A63G 3102

US Classification:

364423098

Abstract:

This disclosure relates to a ride vehicle for use in an amusement attraction. The ride vehicle mounts a passenger supporting structure upon a motion base, so that the passenger supporting structure may be articulated about one or more axes as the vehicle moves. Thus, this "simulator ride" carries passengers through three-dimensional scenery and articulates the passenger supporting structure in synchronism with motions of the ride vehicle, the motions of moving show sets, which are external to the vehicle, sound, projection and other effects. The ride vehicle is programmably-controlled by a redundant, two computer control system aboard each vehicle, which controls motions of the ride vehicle in synchronism with actions of the motion base and other special effects in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of ride programs. The external body of the vehicle and the plurality of ride programs, which are created using a special programming console and an offline editor, may thus be quickly adapted and reprogrammed to provide an infinite variability in ride experience, for nearly any desired environment. Thus, a plurality of ride vehicles may be governed by a computerized central controller that utilizes radio frequency communication to orchestrate the progress of each vehicle and report digitally transmitted status and fault conditions to a human operator of the attraction.

US Patent:

5623878, Apr 29, 1997

Filed:

Nov 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/559569

Inventors:

Anthony W. Baxter - Anaheim Hills CA
David G. Fink - Glendale CA
William G. Redmann - Moorpark CA
Jon H. Snoddy - Pasadena CA
David Spence - Saugus CA
Scott F. Watson - Glendale CA

Assignee:

The Walt Disney Company - Burbank CA

International Classification:

A63G 2500

US Classification:

104 85

Abstract:

A dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in an amusement park attraction or other environment includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including computer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

US Patent:

D2685973, Apr 12, 1983

Filed:

Jul 24, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/171844

Inventors:

David Spence - Granada Hills CA

Assignee:

Berol Corporation - Danbury CT

International Classification:

D1906

US Classification:

D19 39