Edward S Newquist

US Patent:

62544896, Jul 3, 2001

Filed:

Mar 24, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/275640

Inventors:

Nicholas H. Drobnis - Universal City CA
Craig R. Hanna - Universal City CA
Philip D. Hettema - Los Angeles CA
James H. Hightower - Orlando FL
Cecil D. Magpuri - Orlando FL
Edward S. Newquist - Glendale CA

Assignee:

Universal City Studios, Inc. - Universal City CA

International Classification:

A63D 508

US Classification:

472 65

Abstract:

An amusement attraction is housed within a building. The building contains several different settings. Each setting contains a variety of scenic elements. One setting acts as a pre-show and includes an audio-visual presentation. A second setting is designed to resemble a tornado-damaged building. A third setting contains various scenic elements designed to resemble an outdoor scene. In the third setting, a special effects show takes place that includes a man-made tornado. Other special effects are used to simulate the effect of the tornado on the scenic elements in the outdoor scene. Guests can safely view the man-made tornado from a guest viewing area.

US Patent:

62201719, Apr 24, 2001

Filed:

Apr 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/287542

Inventors:

Philip D. Hettema - Los Angeles CA
Cecil D. Magpuri - Orlando FL
Aidan J. Bradley - Thousand Oaks CA
Kevin T. Parent - Santa Barbara CA
Edward S. Newquist - Universal City CA

Assignee:

Universal City Studios - Universal City CA

International Classification:

A63G 2110

US Classification:

104 53

Abstract:

A roller coaster includes a plurality of ride vehicles that ride along a track. Each vehicle provides seating for at least one passenger. The track is elevated off the ground and includes a variety of hills, curves, loops, rolls, drops, inversions and the like. The vehicles are totally enclosed and preferably designed to represent a space capsule. Sight line controls and a yaw mechanism are used at the load platform to prevent passengers from seeing the other ride vehicles. In addition, the track at the load platform is angled upwards to allow for easy access to the ride vehicles. Portals in the cabin are designed to control sight lines to focus the passengers' attention on show elements that are placed along the track. An on-board audio system enhances the realism of the ride experience. Adjustable restraint systems are provided in each vehicle to keep the passengers in their seats and inside the vehicle during the ride.

US Patent:

58335447, Nov 10, 1998

Filed:

Apr 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/845779

Inventors:

Harry C. Corbin - Orlando FL
Jim Crossley - New Windsor NY
Nicholas H. Drobnis - Universal City CA
Fred Gallo - Poundridge NY
James M. Lehner - New Windsor NY
Harry E. Largman - Orlando FL
John Leisner - Universal City CA
Frank Masi - Los Angeles CA
Edward S. Newquist - Glendale CA

Assignee:

Universal Studios, Inc. - Universal City CA

International Classification:

A63J 102

US Classification:

472 79

Abstract:

A film to live-action theater includes a screen facing an audience seating area. The screen has exit and entrance openings and movable panels to open and close off the openings. A screen elevator lifts the screen from a lowered position, wherein the entrance and exit openings are concealed behind a stage, to an up position, to allow an actor and/or a prop to move through the openings. The audience views a film presentation projected onto the lowered screen. At a predetermined time, the screen is quickly raised and a live actor and/or a prop move through the screen to a front stage area, on a track. The opening of the door panels is preferably partially concealed through special effects such as fog or lighting. As the film presentation is preferably made with three dimensional film technology, the audience perceives a film-to-live transition.