Patent Description:
Various forms of amusement rides have been used for many years in amusement or theme parks. These include traditional rides such as roller coaster and/or track rides. Many rides may include one or more track loops that ride vehicles may move along. Particularly, an amusement ride may include adjacent or side-by-side track loops (e.g., an attraction loop and an auxiliary or maintenance loop) in which it may be desirable to transfer ride vehicles between tracks of the adjacent loops. It is now recognized that traditional systems and methods for transferring ride vehicles between adjacent tracks may orient the vehicles incorrectly and/or may utilize inefficient labor intensive methods.

European Patent Publication No. <CIT> discloses a linear drive transport system that includes a plurality of fixed tracks and a junction track disposed on a conveyor configured to align the junction track with each of the plurality of fixed tracks. The plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track include electromagnetic coils or permanent magnets arranged in series along the respective plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track. The linear drive transport system includes a plurality of movers for moving along the fixed tracks and for transitioning between each of the fixed tracks and the junction track when aligned, where the movers include the other of the electromagnetic coils or permanent magnets.

International Patent Publication No. <CIT> discloses an apparatus for transferring a carriage assembly between rails. The apparatus includes first and second rails, a carriage for longitudinal motion along the first and second rails, and a turntable that is mounted for vertical, lateral and rotational motion relative to the first rail. The turntable is mounted adjacent to the first and second rails such that it can be moved between close longitudinal alignment with the first rail and close longitudinal alignment with the second rail.

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the claimed subject matter are summarized below.

In accordance with one embodiment, a system includes a dual-track loop including a first track loop and a second track loop, a single-track loop spaced apart from the dual-track loop, and a cross-track extending between the dual-track loop and the single-track loop. The system also includes a platform disposed on the cross-track. The platform is configured to translate between a position aligned with the first track loop and the second track loop of the dual-track loop and a position aligned with a first portion and a second portion of the single-track loop. The system further includes a turntable coupled to the platform and configured to rotate a first ride vehicle positioned on the turntable and to change an orientation of the first ride vehicle relative to a second ride vehicle on a fixed portion of the platform.

The platform may include a stationary portion and a rotational portion. The system may also includes a track segment coupled to the rotational portion, which may be configured to rotate relative to the stationary portion to cause the track segment to rotate. The system may further include a motor coupled to the rotational portion and may be configured to rotate the rotational portion. The cross-track may be coupled to the platform such that the stationary portion and the rotational portion of the platform are configured to translate along the cross-track.

In another embodiment, a method for a ride system includes receiving on a first track segment of a platform of the ride system a first ride vehicle from a first track loop of the ride system, receiving on a second track segment of the platform a second ride vehicle from a second track loop of the ride system, and translating the platform to move the first ride vehicle away from the first track to align the first track segment with a first portion of a third track loop of the ride system and to move the second ride vehicle away from the second track loop to align the second track segment with a second portion of the third track loop. The method also includes rotating, via a turntable coupled to the platform, the second ride vehicle relative to the first ride vehicle on a fixed portion of the platform, dispatching the first ride vehicle from the platform to the third track loop, and dispatching the second ride vehicle from the platform to the third track loop.

The present disclosure provides a system and method to transfer one or more ride vehicles between adjacent tracks (e.g., track loops). For example, in certain types of amusement rides, during operation of the ride, passengers may travel along one or more attraction track loops in a ride vehicle. The attraction track loops may be arranged as substantially concentric and, in certain embodiments may include an arrangement with at least a portion of the attraction track loops being parallel. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to transfer the vehicles to an adjacent (e.g., a nearby or spaced apart by a distance) auxiliary loop for various reasons such as maintenance, amusement ride reconfigurations, etc. However, transferring the ride vehicles between the attraction track loops and the auxiliary loop may be challenging. Particularly, a simple translation of a ride vehicle between the tracks may not orient the ride vehicle correctly.

Accordingly, provided herein is a track switch assembly that may be used in conjunction with the disclosed system and method and that facilitates vehicle translation and reorientation between adjacent track loops, e.g., between an attraction track loop and a maintenance track loop. In certain embodiments, the track switch assembly permits vehicles from different loops of a multi-loop attraction to be simultaneously moved onto a single maintenance loop such that they are both oriented the same direction (e.g., both clockwise or both counterclockwise). In contrast to techniques in which a translation onto a maintenance loop to circumferentially opposed points on the loop would yield two vehicles that where oriented in opposing directions, the track switch assembly permits rotation of at least one of the vehicles to achieve the correct or desired orientation of both vehicles. In addition, in certain embodiments, the track switch assembly also includes one or more additional track segments that close the attraction loop or loops to permit subsequent vehicles to move along the attraction loop. In this manner, moving vehicles onto an adjacent auxiliary loop provides minimal disruption to the attraction. While the present discussion focuses on track loops, present embodiments may include tracks without loops as well.

In one implementation, a ride attraction may include two substantially concentric attraction track loops (e.g., an internal attraction loop and an external attraction loop) and a single auxiliary loop with at least a portion of the auxiliary loop disposed adjacent to portions of the external attraction loop. The two attraction loops may flow clockwise and the auxiliary loop may flow counter-clockwise. In this manner, the portions of the two attraction loops that are disposed adjacent to the auxiliary loop may flow in the same linear direction as a first portion of the auxiliary track to which the two attraction loops are adjacently disposed. Further, it should be noted that the auxiliary loop may be configured such that a second portion of the auxiliary loop (the second portion being disposed on a substantially opposite side of the auxiliary track relative to the first portion of the auxiliary track) is disposed adjacent the first portion of the auxiliary track on a side of the first portion of the auxiliary loop that is opposite of the two attraction loops. Indeed, considering the counter-clockwise flow of the auxiliary loop, the second portion of the auxiliary loop may flow in a direction opposite of the portions of the two attraction loops and first portion of the auxiliary loop. An embodiment of such a configuration is illustrated in <FIG>.

Therefore, given the different directions of flow, particularly with the portions of the attraction loop and the first portion of the auxiliary loop flowing in a first direction and the second portion of the auxiliary loop flowing in a second (opposite) direction, it may be difficult to transfer two vehicles between the attraction loops and the auxiliary loop. Indeed, ride vehicles may be oriented in the first direction on the attraction loops and cannot simply be translated to the adjacent first and second portions of the auxiliary loop in a single translation or switch operation. For example, a ride vehicle which is being transferred from the external attraction loop may also require a rotation to the correct orientation when transferred to the second portion of the auxiliary loop. Present embodiments utilize efficient techniques to rotate the ride vehicle to a suitable orientation.

In certain embodiments, amusement rides are provided that include a translational platform with a rotational portion that may transfer one or more ride vehicles between adjacent track loops. The translational platform may move along a transfer track that is disposed perpendicular to the track loops between which the one or more vehicles are transferred. The translational platform may utilize one or more motors and detection systems to efficiently transfer the ride vehicles and rotate one of the ride vehicles as necessary in order to transfer and orient the ride vehicles on the adjacent track.

With the foregoing in mind, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a ride system <NUM> that may transfer and orient ride vehicles <NUM> between tracks as disclosed herein. The ride system <NUM> may include one or more attraction loops <NUM> (e.g., a dual-track loop) and an auxiliary loop <NUM> (e.g., a single-track loop). Particularly, in the current embodiment, the attraction loops <NUM> include an internal loop <NUM> and an external loop <NUM> with ride vehicles <NUM> moving in the clockwise direction <NUM> along one or more tracks <NUM>. Further, the auxiliary loop <NUM> may be a single loop with ride vehicles <NUM> moving along the track <NUM> in the counter-clockwise direction <NUM>. To this end, a track switch assembly <NUM> may transfer the ride vehicles <NUM> between the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>.

The track switch assembly <NUM> includes a platform <NUM> that may be a substantially rigid or resilient object with one or more segments of track <NUM> disposed thereon. Particularly, the platform <NUM> may include a first track segment <NUM>, a second track segment <NUM>, a third track segment <NUM>, and a fourth track segment <NUM>. However, it should be understood that the trach switch assembly <NUM> and the platform <NUM> may be implemented with more or fewer track segments, depending on the arrangement and number of loops. Further, each of the track segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may represent rail pairs, monorails, or other track types.

In operation, the platform <NUM> may move or translate between portions of the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>. For example, as depicted in <FIG>, the platform <NUM> is located in a primary position <NUM> such that the third track segment <NUM> is located at or aligned with a first portion <NUM> of the track <NUM> of the internal loop <NUM> and the fourth track segment <NUM> is located at or aligned with a second portion <NUM> of the track <NUM> of the external loop <NUM>. However, as depicted in <FIG>, the platform <NUM> may move along a platform track <NUM> (e.g., cross-track, rail) or conveyer of the track switch assembly <NUM> to a secondary position <NUM> to cause all of the track segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform to be translated along to the platform track <NUM>. As a result, in the secondary position <NUM>, the first track segment <NUM> is located at the first portion <NUM> of the internal loop <NUM> and the second track segment <NUM> is located at the second portion <NUM> of the external loop. While the depicted embodiment shows the secondary position <NUM> as aligning the platform <NUM> of the track switch assembly <NUM> such that all of the track segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned with corresponding tracks <NUM> of the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>, it should be understood that the platform <NUM> may also assume one or more intermediate positions between the primary position <NUM> and the secondary position <NUM>. The intermediate positions of the platform <NUM> may be characterized by at least one track segment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> being aligned with the track <NUM> of the attraction loops <NUM> or the auxiliary loop <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the platform track <NUM> may include two or more separate tracks along which the platform <NUM> may move. Moreover, while the platform <NUM> is in the secondary position <NUM>, the third track segment <NUM> may be located in a third portion <NUM> of the auxiliary loop <NUM> and the fourth track segment <NUM> may be located in a fourth portion <NUM> of the auxiliary loop <NUM>. Therefore, the distance between the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially the same as the distance between the third and fourth portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Similarly, the distance between the first and second track segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM> may be substantially the same as the distance between the third and fourth track segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, the second and third portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be likewise spaced to facilitate intermediate alignments.

Particularly, the loops <NUM>, <NUM> and the track segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced and positioned as described above to further enable the transfer of ride vehicles <NUM> between the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>. For example, the ride vehicles <NUM> may move along attraction loops <NUM> and stop within the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the attraction loops <NUM> such that the ride vehicles <NUM> are disposed on the third and fourth track segments <NUM>, <NUM> while the platform <NUM> is in the primary position <NUM>. The platform may then shift (e.g., translate) to the secondary position <NUM> such that the third and fourth track segments <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed along, aligned, or collinear with, the third and fourth portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the auxiliary loop <NUM>, respectively. Further, while in the secondary position <NUM>, the first and second track segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM> may be disposed along, aligned, or collinear with, the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the attraction loops <NUM> such that gaps do not prevent the ride vehicles <NUM> from continuing to move along the internal and external loops <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, while in the secondary position <NUM>, the third and fourth track segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed along the third and fourth portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the auxiliary loop <NUM>, respectively. Once the platform <NUM> is in the secondary position <NUM>, the ride vehicles <NUM> that moved onto the platform <NUM> from the attraction loops <NUM> while the platform <NUM> was in the primary position <NUM> may move onto the auxiliary loop <NUM>.

However, as mentioned above, due to the flow of the ride vehicles <NUM> on the attraction and auxiliary loops <NUM>, <NUM>, the ride vehicles <NUM> on the first portion <NUM>, the second portion <NUM>, and the third portion <NUM> may move in a first direction <NUM> while ride vehicles <NUM> on the fourth portion <NUM> move in a second direction <NUM>. Therefore, the fourth track segment <NUM> of the platform <NUM> may be coupled to and/or disposed on a top surface <NUM> of a turntable <NUM> (e.g., rotational plate, circular plate, rotational portion, etc.) which may rotate, thereby rotating the fourth track segment <NUM>, and by extension, also rotating the ride vehicle <NUM> disposed on the fourth track segment <NUM>. As a result, any ride vehicle <NUM> positioned on the track segment <NUM> may be rotated such that the ride vehicle <NUM> is facing the correct direction (e.g., the first direction <NUM> for the second portion <NUM> of the external loop <NUM> and the second direction <NUM> for the fourth portion <NUM> of the auxiliary loop <NUM>). Accordingly, the platform <NUM> may include one or more fixed track segments (e.g., track segments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) that are fixed in position relative to the platform but that translate together with the platform <NUM>. The platform may also include one or more rotating track segments (e.g., track segment <NUM>) that rotate with respect to the platform <NUM> as well as with respect to any fixed track segments and that also translate together with the platform <NUM>. The rotation and translation may occur sequentially or simultaneously.

For example, the platform <NUM>, and more specifically, the fourth track segment <NUM>, may receive one of the ride vehicles <NUM> while disposed at the second portion <NUM> of the external loop <NUM> (e.g., while the platform <NUM> is in the primary position <NUM>) and may then transfer the ride vehicle <NUM> to the fourth portion <NUM> of the auxiliary loop <NUM> in the secondary position <NUM>. However, before the ride vehicle <NUM> moves off of the fourth track segment <NUM> and onto the auxiliary loop <NUM>, the turntable <NUM> may rotate the ride vehicle <NUM> such that the ride vehicle <NUM> is facing the second direction <NUM> and is aligned with the track <NUM> of the auxiliary loop <NUM> in the fourth portion <NUM>. The degree of rotation may be defined by the position of the receiving track <NUM> and the desired orientation of the ride vehicle <NUM>. Rotation of the track segment <NUM> may cause a rotation from a generally parallel position with respect to the fixed track segments (e.g., track segments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) and the rotation may terminate at the desired alignment and orientation, which may also be parallel but <NUM> degrees rotated with respect to the fixed track segments.

Further, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the ride vehicles <NUM> may flow in the counter-clockwise direction <NUM> on the attraction loops <NUM> and in the clockwise direction <NUM> on the auxiliary loop <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the ride vehicles <NUM> may flow in the clockwise direction <NUM> on both the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM> or in the counter-clockwise direction <NUM> on both the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>. Regardless, the track switch assembly <NUM> may transfer ride vehicles <NUM> between the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, in replace of or in addition to the turntable <NUM> rotating the fourth track segment <NUM>, a second turntable may be coupled to and rotate the third track segment <NUM>. Particularly, rotation of the third track segment <NUM> via the second turntable may be similar to rotation of the fourth track segment <NUM> via the turntable <NUM> as described herein. Indeed, rotation of the third track segment <NUM> and/or the fourth track segment <NUM> may be based at least in part on a direction of travel of the ride vehicle <NUM> on the auxiliary loop <NUM> relative to a direction of travel of the ride vehicle <NUM> on the attraction loops <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the turntable <NUM> may rotate <NUM> degrees, or more or less than <NUM> degrees depending on the orientation of the external loop <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM> at the second and fourth portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. For example, the track <NUM> at the second portion <NUM> of the external loop <NUM> may be disposed at one angle and the track <NUM> at the fourth portion <NUM> of the auxiliary loop <NUM> may be disposed at a different angle. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the second portion <NUM> and the fourth portion <NUM> may not be parallel and the turntable <NUM> may rotate more or less than <NUM> degrees in order to transfer the ride vehicle <NUM> between the second portion <NUM> and the fourth portion <NUM>. Regardless of the amount of rotation required by the turntable <NUM>, the rotation of the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or the turntable <NUM> may occur while the platform <NUM> is in the primary position <NUM>, while transitioning from the primary position <NUM> to the secondary position45, while in the secondary position <NUM>, or any combination thereof.

<FIG> is an overhead view of the platform <NUM> disposed on the platform track <NUM> within the ride system <NUM>. As discussed above, the platform <NUM> may include the first, second, third, and fourth track segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The fourth track segment <NUM> may be disposed on the turntable <NUM>, which is configured to rotate, thereby rotating the fourth track segment <NUM>. A first distance <NUM> between the first track segment <NUM> and the second track segment <NUM> may be substantially equal to a second distance <NUM> between the third track segment <NUM> and the fourth track segment <NUM>. However, the first and second distances <NUM>, <NUM> may be less than a third distance <NUM> between the second track segment <NUM> and the third track segment <NUM>. The difference between the first and second distances <NUM>, <NUM> as compared to the third distance <NUM> may be attributed to an enlarged distance between the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the enlarged distance between the loops <NUM>, <NUM> may exist to accommodate a divider (e.g., wall, boundary, etc.) between the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM> such that users of the ride system <NUM> may not have a visual perspective of the auxiliary loop <NUM> while moving in a ride vehicle <NUM> along a majority of either of the attraction loops <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the platform <NUM> may include a spacer <NUM> linking the first and second track segments <NUM>, <NUM> to the third and fourth track segments <NUM>, <NUM>.

Although the platform <NUM> is depicted with a single turntable <NUM>, it should be understood that additional turntables <NUM> may be present on the platform <NUM> to facilitate rotation of one or more additional track segments. Further, in embodiments with additional turntables <NUM>, it should be understood that each may be independently controlled.

The ride system <NUM> may also include two or more vehicle detection systems <NUM> and two or more platform detection systems <NUM> coupled to the platform <NUM>. The detection systems <NUM>, <NUM> may communicate directly with a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be any device employing a processor <NUM> (which may represent one or more processors), such as an application-specific processor. The controller <NUM> may also include a memory device <NUM> for storing instructions executable by the processor <NUM> to perform methods and control actions described herein relating to the platform <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include one or more processing devices, and the memory device <NUM> may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by the processor <NUM> or by any general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.

In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the ride system <NUM> includes two vehicle detection systems <NUM> disposed adjacent to opposing lengths <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. Specifically, the vehicle detection system <NUM> may be disposed across or coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>. Indeed, in the current embodiment, the vehicle detection systems <NUM> may be physically separate from the platform <NUM>, and the platform <NUM> may move relative to the vehicle detection systems <NUM> as the platform <NUM> transitions between the primary position <NUM> and the secondary position <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle detection systems <NUM> may be coupled to the platform <NUM> via an extension (e.g., support, rod, etc.) coupling components (e.g., sensors) of the vehicle detection system <NUM> to the platform <NUM>.

In some embodiments, there may be more than two vehicle detection systems <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, there may be eight vehicle detection systems <NUM>. Specifically, in embodiments where the vehicle detection systems <NUM> are coupled to the platform <NUM> as described above, there may be a vehicle detection system <NUM> coupled to the opposite lengths <NUM> of the platform and on opposite sides of each of the first track segment <NUM>, the second track segment <NUM>, the third track segment <NUM>, and the fourth track segment <NUM>. In embodiments where the vehicle detection systems <NUM> are separate from the platform <NUM> and the platform <NUM> moves relative to the vehicle detection systems <NUM>, each vehicle detection system <NUM> may be disposed generally adjacent and parallel to the opposing lengths <NUM> of the platform and on both sides of each of the first portion <NUM>, the second portion <NUM>, the third portion <NUM>, and the fourth portion <NUM> of the attraction loops <NUM> and the auxiliary loop <NUM>.

Each vehicle detection system <NUM> may detect ride vehicles <NUM> entering and/or exiting the platform <NUM>. To this end, each vehicle detection system <NUM> may include a sensor emitter <NUM> and a sensor receiver <NUM>. In one implementation, the sensor emitter <NUM> may emit a beam (e.g., laser or a light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) that may be received by the sensor receiver <NUM>. If a ride vehicle <NUM> passes between the sensor emitter <NUM> and sensor receiver <NUM>, the ride vehicle <NUM> may break the beam such that the sensor receiver <NUM> at least momentarily does not receive (e.g., sense) the beam emitting from the sensor emitter <NUM>. If the sensor receiver <NUM> does not receive the beam at least momentarily, the vehicle detection system <NUM> may send a signal to the controller <NUM> indicating that one of the ride vehicles <NUM> has crossed the corresponding vehicle detection system <NUM>, and more specifically, has crossed the path of the beam from the sensor emitter <NUM> to the sensor receiver <NUM> of the corresponding vehicle detection system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vehicle detection system <NUM> may also send a time signal to the controller indicating the length of time that the sensor receiver <NUM> does not receive the beam. The controller <NUM> may utilize the time signal to determine a speed of the ride vehicle <NUM> as it passed through the path of the beam.

The controller <NUM> may also receive information from the platform detection system <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the platform detection system <NUM> may be disposed on an edge of the length of travel of the platform <NUM> as the platform <NUM> travels between the primary position <NUM> and the secondary position <NUM>. For example, the platform detection system <NUM> may include a first platform sensor <NUM> that may detect when the platform <NUM> is nearing or at the primary position <NUM>. Similarly, the platform detection system <NUM> may also include a second platform sensor <NUM> that may detect when the platform <NUM> is nearing or at the secondary position <NUM>. The first and second platform sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be proximity sensors including but not limited to capacitive sensors, capacitive displacement sensors, Doppler Effect sensors, eddy-current sensors, inductive sensors, magnetic sensors, optical sensors, radar sensors, sonar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, Hall Effect sensors, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second platform sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, may be physical switches that the platform <NUM> may actuate (e.g., switch, trigger, etc.) through physical contact. In some embodiments, the first and second platform sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may physically prevent the platform <NUM> from moving beyond primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second platform sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may include a physical stop or bumper to stop motion of the platform <NUM>. Regardless, the first and second platform sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be located such that the first platform sensor <NUM> may sense, or be actuated, when the platform <NUM> is in the primary position <NUM> and the second platform sensor <NUM> may sense, or be actuated, when the platform <NUM> is in the secondary position <NUM>. When the platform detection system <NUM> detects the presence of the platform <NUM> (e.g., in either the primary or secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM>) the platform detection system <NUM> may send a position signal to the controller <NUM> indicative of the location of the platform <NUM>.

As discussed in further detail below with respect to <FIG>, the platform <NUM> may be at least partially powered by one or more motors to translate between the primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM> and to rotate the turntable <NUM>. Additionally, or in the alternative, the platform <NUM> may include translational holds <NUM> and rotational holds 98that operators may utilize to at least partially power (e.g., motivate) the platform <NUM> to travel between the primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM> and to rotate the turntable <NUM>. The holds <NUM>, <NUM> may be any suitable structure or object to which the operator may couple a tool (e.g., rod, hook, etc.). In some embodiments, the holds <NUM>, <NUM> may be small rigid loops, such as eyelets, extending above the platform <NUM>. Operators may translate the platform <NUM> between the primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM> by coupling to the translational holds <NUM> with a tool and pulling and/or pushing the platform <NUM> between the primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM>. Similarly, the operator may rotate the platform <NUM> by coupling to the rotational holds <NUM> with a tool and pulling and/or pushing the turntable <NUM> in a substantially tangential direction relative to the center of the turntable <NUM>.

<FIG> are perspective views of a turntable portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> which includes the turntable <NUM>. Specifically, <FIG> depicts an underside view of the turntable portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> while <FIG> depicts a topside view of the turntable portion <NUM> with the turntable <NUM> omitted in the interest of better illustrating certain features of the platform <NUM>. Overall, the turntable portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> may include several features to enable the functionality of the platform <NUM> as described herein. For example, the turntable portion <NUM> may include two or more translational casters <NUM> (e.g., wheels), two or more rotational casters <NUM> (e.g., wheels), a damping assembly <NUM>, one or more locking pin assemblies <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, a busbar <NUM>, a gearbox <NUM>, or any combination thereof. It should be noted that a similar but essentially opposite arrangement is used in embodiments with the ride vehicles <NUM> that may hand down from overhead tracks <NUM>.

The translational casters <NUM> may be coupled to the platform <NUM> and move along the floor of the ride system <NUM> when the platform <NUM> translates between the primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the translational casters <NUM> may move along a stationary platform raised above the floor of the ride system <NUM>. Specifically, the translational casters <NUM> may support at least a portion of the weight of the platform <NUM> and balance the platform <NUM> while the platform <NUM> moves along the platform track <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, the platform <NUM> may include any suitable number of translational casters <NUM>. The rotational casters <NUM> may specifically be coupled to the turntable portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM>, but unlike the translational casters <NUM>, the rotational casters <NUM> may interface with an underside of the turntable <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the weight of the turntable <NUM> and/or the ride vehicle <NUM> may be supported by the rotational casters <NUM>. In this manner, when the turntable <NUM> rotates (e.g., to rotate the ride vehicle <NUM>), the rotational casters <NUM> may roll along the underside of the turntable <NUM>. Indeed, the rotational casters <NUM> may be oriented such that the rotational casters <NUM> roll along the underside of the turntable <NUM> in a tangential direction relative to the center of the turntable <NUM>. In some embodiments the rotational casters <NUM> may be coupled to arms <NUM> (e.g., rigid beams) extending outwardly from the turntable portion <NUM> below the center of the turntable <NUM>.

The turntable portion <NUM> may also include a damping assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the damping assembly <NUM> may include one or more dampers <NUM> and a bumper <NUM>. The position of the dampers <NUM> may determine the amount of rotation permitted by the turntable <NUM>. In the current embodiment, the platform <NUM> includes two dampers <NUM> disposed at opposite ends of the turntable portion <NUM> and the bumper <NUM> is coupled to an underside of the turntable <NUM>. In this manner, the turntable <NUM> is limited to rotate between <NUM> degrees. For example, at zero degrees of rotation, the bumper <NUM> may be contacting one of the dampers <NUM>. The turntable <NUM> may then rotate <NUM> degrees before the bumper <NUM> contacts the other damper <NUM>, thereby preventing further rotation of the turntable <NUM>. The dampers <NUM> and the bumper <NUM> may be made from a variety of durable materials including rubbers, plastics, and/or metals. In some embodiments, the dampers <NUM> may be positioned such that the turntable <NUM> is permitted to rotate more or less than <NUM> degrees.

The locking pin assemblies <NUM> may work with the damping assembly <NUM> to aid in determining an end rotational position of the turntable <NUM>. For example, when the bumper <NUM> is contacting one of the dampers <NUM>, one or more locking pin assemblies <NUM> may engage, thereby preventing the turntable <NUM> from rotating out of a desired position. In the current embodiment, the locking pin assembly <NUM> includes a locking pin <NUM> and two locking pin receptacles <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> may be coupled to the turntable portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM>, and the locking pin receptacles <NUM> may be coupled to the turntable <NUM> at opposite ends of the turntable <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> degrees apart relative to the center of the turntable <NUM>). In this manner, when the turntable <NUM> is in a first position (e.g., zero degrees), one of the locking pin receptacles <NUM> may be positioned above the locking pin <NUM>. To prevent rotation out of the first position, the locking pin <NUM> may be actuated (e.g., hydraulically actuated) to extend into the locking pin receptacle <NUM>, thereby locking the turntable in the first position. Indeed, for the turntable <NUM> to rotate out of the first position, the locking pin <NUM> may first be withdrawn from the locking pin receptacle <NUM>. The turntable <NUM> may then rotate (e.g., rotate <NUM> degrees) to a second position such that a different locking pin receptacle <NUM> is positioned over the locking pin <NUM>. Once again, to prevent the turntable <NUM> from then rotating out of the second position, the locking pin <NUM> may be actuated to extend into the locking pin receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the locking pin receptacles <NUM> may be located to lock the turntable <NUM> in positions located more or less than <NUM> degrees apart.

Also as mentioned above, the turntable portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> may include the motor <NUM>, the gearbox <NUM>, and the busbar <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may supply rotational power to the gearbox <NUM>. The gearbox <NUM> may then convert the rotational power supplied from the motor <NUM> to a suitable rotational speed which is supplied to the turntable <NUM> through a connection <NUM>. The connection <NUM> may be a splined connection configured to be received by the turntable <NUM>. In this manner, the rotational power from the motor <NUM> may be supplied to the turntable <NUM> to rotate the turntable <NUM>. In some embodiments, the motor <NUM> also supplies power to translate the platform <NUM> between the primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, the platform <NUM> may include a second motor <NUM> (<FIG>) that is dedicated to translating the platform <NUM> between the primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM>. In such embodiments, the second motor <NUM> may be mounted to a floor of the ride system <NUM> and the platform <NUM> may move relative to the second motor <NUM>. Further, in some embodiments, the busbar <NUM> may receive power from a power source (e.g., a generator, electrical power grid, etc.) in order to supply the power to the motor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the motor <NUM> may receive power directly from the power source (e.g., through a wire). In some embodiments, the busbar <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM> and communicate various parameters (e.g., position) of the platform <NUM> to the controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, the platform <NUM> may include one or more rotational sensors <NUM> (e.g., encoders, magnetic sensors, Hall-effect sensors, etc.) which may measure a degree of rotation of the turntable <NUM>. Particularly, in some embodiments, the motor <NUM> may include the rotational sensor <NUM>. Overall, the one or more rotational sensors <NUM> may measure an amount of rotation of the turntable <NUM> and send data indicative of the measured amount of rotation to the controller <NUM>, which may then determine the amount of rotation of the turntable <NUM> based on the data.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a non-rotational portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> that may include the first, second, or third track segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Similar to the turntable portion <NUM>, the non-rotational portion <NUM> may include translational casters <NUM> (e.g., wheels) that may support the weight of the non-rotational portion <NUM> and any ride vehicle <NUM> that may be disposed on the non-rotational portion <NUM>. The translational casters <NUM> may also help to balance the platform <NUM> as it translates between the primary and secondary positions <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the turntable and non-rotational portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM> may be coupled to each other by connector plates <NUM>. For example, the connector plates <NUM> of a portion (e.g., turntable and/or non-rotational portions <NUM>, <NUM>) of the platform <NUM> may be coupled to the connector plates <NUM> of an adjacent portion of the platform <NUM>. In some embodiments, connector plates <NUM> of adjacent portions of the platform <NUM> may be bolted to each other. In this manner, the connector plates <NUM> may easily be decoupled for various reasons (e.g., maintenance). However, additionally, or in the alternative, the connector plates <NUM> of adjacent portions of the platform <NUM> may be welded to each other.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the ride system <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled to the platform <NUM>, the vehicle detection systems <NUM>, and the platform detection systems <NUM>. Indeed, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM>, the platform <NUM>, the vehicle detection systems <NUM>, and the platform detection systems <NUM> may communicate through a wireless network (e.g., wireless local area networks [WLAN], wireless wide area networks [WWAN], near field communication [NFC]) and/or through a wired network (e.g., local area networks [LAN], wide area networks [WAN]).

As discussed above, the controller <NUM> may receive various signals from the vehicle detection systems <NUM> and/or the platform detection system <NUM> related to positions of the ride vehicles <NUM> and the platform <NUM>. Also as discussed above, the controller <NUM> may process and analyze these signals to determine the positions of the ride vehicles <NUM> and the platform <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may communicate the positions of the ride vehicles <NUM> and the platform <NUM> to an operator via an operator interface <NUM>, which may include a display <NUM>. In some embodiments, an operator may send one or more signals to the controller <NUM> via the operator interface <NUM> to operate the platform <NUM> as discussed herein, for example, to translate and/or or rotate portions of the platform <NUM>.

For example, in one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may receive a signal, or data, that one or more ride vehicles <NUM> approaching the track switch assembly <NUM> are scheduled for maintenance or have an error or other maintenance flag associated with the vehicles <NUM>. As the ride vehicle or ride vehicles <NUM> approach the track switch assembly <NUM>, the ride vehicles <NUM> receive a brake signal to slow down to be moved into position on the track switch assembly <NUM>. If the platform <NUM> is not in position to receive the ride vehicles <NUM>, the track switch assembly <NUM> also receives a signal to move the turntable <NUM> to the appropriate track <NUM> of the attraction loops <NUM>. Based on signals that the ride vehicles <NUM> are in position (e.g., from the vehicle detection system <NUM>), the track switch assembly <NUM> is activated to move the platform <NUM> and the turntable <NUM> to move the ride vehicles <NUM> onto the auxiliary loop <NUM>. In another example, when the ride is in operation and the ride vehicles <NUM> traversing the attraction loops <NUM> have no maintenance signal, the platform <NUM> is in a position such that its track segments close or complete the attraction loops <NUM> and permit ride vehicles <NUM> that do not require maintenance to cross over the platform <NUM> while the platform <NUM> is stationary.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
An amusement park ride system (<NUM>), comprising:
a dual-track loop (<NUM>) comprising a first track loop (<NUM>) and a second track loop (<NUM>);
a single-track loop (<NUM>) spaced apart from the dual-track loop (<NUM>),
wherein each of the first track loop (<NUM>), the second track loop (<NUM>) and the single-track loop (<NUM>) comprise a respective track (<NUM>) for ride vehicles (<NUM>) to move along,
wherein the first track loop (<NUM>) and the second track loop (<NUM>) flow in a same direction, wherein said same direction is one of clockwise and counter-clockwise,
the ride system (<NUM>) further comprising:
a cross-track (<NUM>) extending between the dual-track loop (<NUM>) and the single-track loop (<NUM>);
a platform (<NUM>) disposed on the cross-track (<NUM>), the platform (<NUM>) configured to translate between a position aligned with the first track loop (<NUM>) and the second track loop (<NUM>) of the dual-track loop (<NUM>) and a position aligned with a first portion (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) of the single-track loop (<NUM>),
wherein a portion of the first track loop (<NUM>) adjacent the cross-track (<NUM>), a portion of the second track loop (<NUM>) adjacent the cross-track (<NUM>), and the first portion (<NUM>) of the single-track loop (<NUM>) flow in a first linear direction (<NUM>),
wherein the second portion (<NUM>) of the single-track loop (<NUM>) flows in a second linear direction (<NUM>) substantially opposite the first linear direction (<NUM>),
the ride system (<NUM>) further comprising:
a turntable (<NUM>) coupled to the platform (<NUM>) and configured to rotate a first ride vehicle (<NUM>) positioned on the turntable (<NUM>) and to change an orientation of the first ride vehicle (<NUM>) relative to a second ride vehicle (<NUM>) on a fixed portion of the platform (<NUM>).