William F Whitcomb

US Patent:

7691002, Apr 6, 2010

Filed:

Nov 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/948296

Inventors:

Joseph F. Casey - Orlando FL, US
Michael R. Kiddoo - Orlando FL, US
Steven C. Blum - Orlando FL, US
William F. Whitcomb - Saugus CA, US
Scott R. Trowbridge - Windermere FL, US

Assignee:

Universal City Studios LLLP - Universal City CA

International Classification:

A63J 5/00
A63J 23/00

US Classification:

472 59, 472 55

Abstract:

A ride vehicle includes a tactile or physical contact system. The ride vehicle moves along a path or track. The path or track can be outdoors or partially or entirely indoors, i. e. , in a dark ride. The system provides a touch effect by causing a physical or solid touch element to make physical contact with a part of a rider's body. Alternatively, the system can operate by projecting or spraying a gas, such as air, a vapor, such as water vapor or steam, or even a liquid, such as water, toward or onto part of a rider's body or the rider's clothing. The system is advantageously substantially self-contained aboard the vehicle, but may receive power or working fluid from off-board sources, either at discrete locations, or continuously along the ride path.

US Patent:

20060065151, Mar 30, 2006

Filed:

Sep 28, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/953173

Inventors:

Joseph Casey - Orlando FL, US
Cindy Emerick - Camden OH, US
Reginald Lovelace - Orlando FL, US
Frank Weigand - La Canada CA, US
William Whitcomb - Saugus CA, US
Jim Seay - Baltimore MD, US
Glen Hartung - Mission Vieto CA, US

International Classification:

A63G 1/00
A63G 7/00

US Classification:

104053000

Abstract:

An amusement ride vehicle includes a first vehicle section, a second vehicle section, and an articulation joint connecting, and providing rotational movement between, the first and second vehicle sections. The articulation joint comprises a first shaft for bearing loads during normal operation of the joint, and a second shaft within the first shaft for bearing loads when the first shaft is inoperable. A test element, such as a lever, is attached to the second shaft. The second shaft is rotatable via the test element during normal operation of the joint. When the first shaft is inoperable, the second shaft handles loads acting on the articulation joint, and is not rotatable via the test element, thus indicating a failure of the first shaft.

US Patent:

20060135271, Jun 22, 2006

Filed:

Jul 15, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/182478

Inventors:

Joseph Casey - Orlando FL, US
Michael Kiddoo - Orlando FL, US
Steven Blum - Orlando FL, US
William Whitcomb - Saugus CA, US
Scott Trowbridge - Windermere FL, US

International Classification:

A63G 31/16

US Classification:

472059000

Abstract:

A ride vehicle includes a tactile or physical contact system. The ride vehicle moves along a path or track. The path or track can be outdoors or partially or entirely indoors, i.e., in a dark ride. The system provides a touch effect by causing a physical or solid touch element to make physical contact with a part of a rider's body. Alternatively, the system can operate by projecting or spraying a gas, such as air, a vapor, such as water vapor or steam, or even a liquid, such as water, toward or onto part of a rider's body or the rider's clothing. The system is advantageously substantially self-contained aboard the vehicle, but may receive power or working fluid from off-board sources, either at discrete locations, or continuously along the ride path.

US Patent:

44346476, Mar 6, 1984

Filed:

Jul 27, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/287238

Inventors:

William T. Whitcomb - Glendale CA
John V. Butler - Newhall CA

Assignee:

Lockheed Corporation - Burbank CA

International Classification:

G01N 1502

US Classification:

73 1R

Abstract:

The invention is a dynamic spot calibration system (60) and process for calibrating, both for sizing and counting, an automatic particle counter (APC) (42). The APC includes a sensor (38) which uses a light source that focuses through a sensing window (48) onto a sensor element. The system (60) includes a probe (62) which carries a spot (64) of known size. A receiver (66) grips one end of the probe (62) and is attached to an electromagnetic driver (70) which, when activated and driven by an oscillator (72)-amplifier (74) arrangement, interposes the spot (64) into, and out of, the fluid passage defined by the sensing window (48). The probe is precisely positioned in relation to the window (48) by an adjustable mounting system including a pedestal (76), a vertically adjustable arm (78), and a graduated helical rack (84).

US Patent:

58845631, Mar 23, 1999

Filed:

Jun 7, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/663027

Inventors:

Benjamin Sheldon - Universal City CA
Leo Kohler - Heerlen, NL
Rene Ploum - Heerlen, NL
David Danon - Universal City CA
Neil Engel - Universal City CA
Gene Leasure - Universal City CA
Tim Sepielli - Universal City CA
Michael Taylor - Universal City CA
William Whitcomb - Universal City CA
Chris Peters - Viodrop, NL
Ben Van Elk - Viodrop, NL
John Leisner - Universal City CA

Assignee:

Universal City Studios, Inc. - Universal City CA

International Classification:

B60P 100

US Classification:

104 53

Abstract:

A ride attraction includes a vehicle having a seat mover for use by physically disabled passengers. A swing arm is pivotally attached to a jack post in the boat, with an extension arm attached to the swing arm. The physically disabled passenger is moved to a loading position on a seat supported by a dolly. The extension arm of the seat mover engages the seat. The seat is locked onto the extension arm and unlocked from the dolly. The jack post lifts the seat high enough to clear the side of the vehicle. The seat is swung into position in the vehicle and lowered on the jack post, and then locked into position in the vehicle. Accordingly, the physically disabled are provided access to theme park ride attractions.