Patent Description:
Amusement parks contain a variety of rides and other features that provide unique experiences to each park guest. In some cases, ride cars, handles, interactive components, or other features that guests contact may accumulate bacteria or other undesirable substances. Accordingly, amusement parks may include processes for removing such substances from surfaces that guests frequently contact. It is now recognized that existing cleaning processes are time consuming, and thus, may increase wait times for guests to experience the ride or attraction. Additionally, it is also recognized that some existing cleaning processes may be performed only during off hours of the amusement park. <CIT> describes a method for operating an amusement ride that includes at least one vehicle which moves along a route and accommodates at least one passenger who can use their own head-mounted display or virtual reality headset along with their mobile terminal.

The invention provides, an amusement park ride sanitization system according to claim <NUM>.

Amusement parks feature a wide variety of entertainment, such as amusement park rides, performance shows, and games. The different types of entertainment may include features that enhance a guest's experience at the amusement park. In some instances, amusement park rides, games, interactive equipment, and/or other features include surfaces (e.g., handles, knobs, seats, buttons, lap bars, seat belts) that guests frequently contact or touch. Such surfaces may accumulate bacteria and/or other undesirable substances as guests contact the surface and/or as the surfaces come into contact with air, water, mist, and/or spilled solids or liquids in an environment of the ride or feature. As such, amusement parks may have protocol in place for periodic sanitization of the surfaces to remove the bacteria or other undesirable substances. For example, amusement parks may utilize sanitization spray (e.g., soap or anti-bacterial liquid) to wipe down the surfaces which may be exposed to bacteria and other undesirable substances during off-hours of the amusement park (e.g., when the amusement park is closed). Further, amusement parks may otherwise shut down a specific attraction for cleaning the surfaces, thereby increasing wait times for guests of the amusement park.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an enhanced sanitization system for a ride of an amusement park that utilizes ultraviolet light to periodically remove bacteria and other undesirable substances from surfaces frequently contacted by guests. For example, the sanitization system may be disposed along a ride path between an unloading point for guests of the ride to exit a ride vehicle and a loading point for new guests to enter the ride vehicle. The sanitization system may be positioned along the ride path where guests are not in the ride vehicle (or waiting for access) based on normal operation. Thus, the sanitization system may be positioned such that guests do not block the ultraviolet light from reaching targeted surfaces. Additionally, the guests entering and exiting the ride vehicle may not be exposed to the ultraviolet light that ultimately sanitizes one or more surfaces of the ride vehicle. In some embodiments, ultraviolet light sources are disposed on actuated arms or movable members to position the ultraviolet light sources proximate to the surface to be cleaned. In other embodiments, the ultraviolet light sources are positioned within the ride vehicle and subsequently activated when the ride vehicle is positioned between the loading and unloading areas (e.g., traveling from a position past the unloading area to the loading area), such that guests do not block the ultraviolet light from reaching the targeted surfaces. While embodiments discussed below are generally directed to emitting ultraviolet light, it should be understood that the features that are described and illustrated as emitting the ultraviolet light may also be configured to emit sanitizing mists or sprays, such as a soap and water mixture or another cleaning solution, in addition to, or in lieu of, the ultraviolet light.

In any case, the sanitization system is configured to kill bacteria and at least partially remove other undesirable substances from surfaces of the ride vehicle that guests often contact. As such, the frequency and efficiency of sanitization of the amusement park ride increases, which may enhance the experience of guests visiting the amusement park.

Turning to the figures, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a sanitization system <NUM> for cleaning amusement park equipment, such as a ride vehicle <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the sanitization system <NUM> may include a sanitization station <NUM> positioned along a ride path <NUM> upon which the ride vehicle <NUM> travels. As discussed above, the sanitization station <NUM> may include an ultraviolet light source <NUM> configured to emit ultraviolet light <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM> to kill bacteria and other undesirable substances from surfaces (e.g., seats, hand rails, interactive components, handles, knobs, buttons) of the ride vehicle <NUM> that the guests frequently contact. The ultraviolet light <NUM> contacts the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> and removes the bacteria and other undesirable substances (e.g., viruses) that may be present on the surfaces. In some embodiments, the sanitization station <NUM> is disposed between a guest unloading region and a guest loading region of the ride path <NUM>, such that guests of the amusement park ride do not cover (e.g., block) any portion of the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. In other embodiments, the sanitization station <NUM> may be disposed along a portion of the ride path <NUM> where guests are situated in the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., between the loading region and the unloading region with respect to a direction of travel of the ride vehicle <NUM>). As noted above, in some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> may also be a source of a sanitizing mist or spray. For instance, the sanitization station <NUM> may include one or more nozzles <NUM> configured to direct a cleaning solution, such as a mixture of soap and water or water, toward the ride vehicle <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the ride vehicle <NUM> is configured to move along the ride path <NUM> and enter the sanitization station <NUM> to undergo a cleaning process periodically throughout operation of an amusement park ride that utilizes the ride vehicle <NUM>. Accordingly, sanitization of the ride vehicle <NUM> is systematically performed during operating hours of the amusement park ride (e.g., when guests are riding the amusement park ride on other ride vehicles). In some cases, a speed of the ride vehicle <NUM> is slowed or reduced to substantially zero, such that the ride vehicle <NUM> is exposed to the ultraviolet light source <NUM> for a sufficient time to perform cleaning of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> may be stopped and/or otherwise reduced to ensure that the ride vehicle <NUM> is exposed to the ultraviolet light source <NUM> for a duration, such as between <NUM> second and <NUM> minute, between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds, or between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds, for example. In other embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> may move with the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> may be attached to a moveable feature (e.g., a mechanical arm, a conveyor belt) that moves along with the ride vehicle <NUM> for a desired distance or time.

In any case, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> emits the ultraviolet light <NUM>, which disinfects the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light <NUM> may include a predetermined wavelength suitable for killing common bacteria and/or other undesirable substances present on the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light may be between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers, thereby emitting far ultraviolet ("FUV") light to clean the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. In other embodiments, the ultraviolet light <NUM> may include any suitable wavelength (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers).

Additionally or alternatively, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include an on-board sanitization component <NUM> that also emits the ultraviolet light <NUM> at a predetermined position along the ride path <NUM>. For example, the sanitization component <NUM> may be configured to be activated at a specific location where guests of the amusement park ride are no longer positioned in the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., between an unloading region of the ride path <NUM> and a loading region of the ride path <NUM>). Accordingly, guests of the amusement park ride do not block or cover any of the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> to be cleaned by the sanitization component <NUM>. In other embodiments, the sanitization component <NUM> may be activated along a portion of the ride path <NUM> where guests are situated in the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., between the loading region and the unloading region with respect to a direction of travel of the ride vehicle <NUM>). As discussed in detail herein with reference to <FIG>, the sanitization component <NUM> may include a movable member that expands from and retracts into a compartment of the ride vehicle <NUM> to position the ultraviolet light source <NUM> proximate to the surfaces for cleaning. The movable member may be configured to rotate and/or otherwise adjust a position of the ultraviolet light source <NUM> to expose all surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> commonly contacted by guests to the ultraviolet light <NUM>. In other embodiments, the sanitization component <NUM> may include the ultraviolet light source <NUM> that is fixedly mounted to the ride vehicle <NUM>, such that the ultraviolet light source <NUM> does not move with respect to the ride vehicle <NUM>. The ultraviolet light source <NUM> may be positioned in the ride vehicle <NUM> to direct ultraviolet light toward surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> frequently contacted by guests.

Further, the sanitization station <NUM> may include a dryer or heater <NUM> that may be utilized to remove liquid droplets from the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> that accumulate cleaning solution <NUM> dispensed from the nozzle <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the sanitization station <NUM> may include a plurality of the nozzles <NUM>, where each of the nozzles <NUM> is configured to direct the cleaning solution <NUM> toward the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For instance, a first nozzle <NUM> may direct a mixture of soap and water toward the ride vehicle <NUM>. Additionally, a second nozzle <NUM>, positioned past the first nozzle <NUM> with respect to a direction of travel of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>, may direct water toward the ride vehicle <NUM> to remove the mixture of soap and water that accumulates on the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, a rate at which the cleaning solution <NUM> is directed toward the ride vehicle <NUM> from the nozzles <NUM> may differ as the ride vehicle <NUM> travels through the sanitization station <NUM>. For example, the first nozzle <NUM> may direct the cleaning solution <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM> at a higher flow rate than the second nozzle <NUM>, the first nozzle <NUM> may direct the cleaning solution <NUM> toward the ride vehicle at a lower flow rate than the second nozzle <NUM>, or the flow rate of the cleaning solution <NUM> may be substantially the same from the first nozzle <NUM> and the second nozzle <NUM>.

In any case, the dryer or heater <NUM> may be utilized to direct air, or warm air, toward the ride vehicle <NUM> to remove any remaining liquid particles from the soap and water mixture and/or the water, such that the ride vehicle <NUM> exits the sanitization station <NUM> substantially dry. The cleaning solution <NUM> directed from one or more of the nozzles <NUM> may be utilized in addition to, or in lieu of, the ultraviolet light <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is activated to emit the ultraviolet light <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM>, while the cleaning solution <NUM> is not directed toward the ride vehicle <NUM>. In other embodiments, the cleaning solution <NUM> is sprayed or otherwise released from the nozzle <NUM>, while the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is deactivated. In still further embodiments, both the ultraviolet light <NUM> and the cleaning solution <NUM> are directed toward the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

As discussed above, the sanitization system <NUM> is disposed along a portion of the ride path <NUM> where guests are no longer positioned within the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some cases, the sanitization system <NUM> is positioned within a viewpoint of the guests (e.g., guests waiting to experience the amusement park ride at the loading region) but the actual sanitization process may be at least substantially blocked from viewing by the guests, which may eliminate incongruity with a theme of the related ride. For example, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the sanitization system <NUM> having an access door <NUM> for blocking the ultraviolet light <NUM> from the guests. The access door <NUM> is configured to open (e.g., via an actuator) to enable the ride vehicle <NUM> to move within a housing <NUM> of the sanitization system <NUM>. Upon entry into the housing <NUM>, the access door <NUM> is closed (e.g., via the actuator) and the ride vehicle <NUM> is covered by (e.g., enclosed within) the housing <NUM>. As such, transmissions of the ultraviolet light <NUM> are substantially blocked from exiting the housing <NUM>. This may facilitate direction of the ultraviolet light <NUM> to more areas of the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, the interior of the access door <NUM> may be mirrored (along with other aspects of the interior of the housing <NUM>) to redirect the ultraviolet light <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a speed of movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> is reduced and/or stopped to provide the ride vehicle <NUM> with sufficient exposure to the ultraviolet light <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the speed of movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> is based on a length <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the speed of movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> is reduced when the length <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is relatively short. In some embodiments, the speed of movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> is completely stopped for a period of time in order for the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> to obtain sufficient exposure to the ultraviolet light <NUM>. In such embodiments, the length <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be substantially similar to a length <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> may be sized to accommodate a single ride vehicle <NUM>). In other embodiments, the speed of movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> is maintained or increased when the length <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is relatively long. Additionally or alternatively, the housing <NUM> may be sized to receive multiple ride vehicles <NUM>. Further, in some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> may move along with the ride vehicle <NUM> within the housing <NUM> or otherwise along the ride path <NUM>.

In any case, a second access door <NUM> is disposed on an end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> opposite an end <NUM> having the access door <NUM>. As such, the second access door <NUM> is opened to enable the ride vehicle <NUM> to exit the housing <NUM> after exposure to the ultraviolet light <NUM> and continue along the ride path <NUM> (e.g., toward the loading region). The ride vehicle <NUM> is thus able to simultaneously and/or periodically travel along the ride path <NUM> and to receive cleaning as the amusement park ride continuously operates. In some embodiments, the access door <NUM> and the second access door <NUM> open and close at substantially the same time based on instructions from a controller. In other embodiments, opening and closing the access door <NUM> and the second access door <NUM> may be offset (e.g., the access door <NUM> is opened and closed to receive the ride vehicle <NUM>, the second access door <NUM> is subsequently opened and closed to enable the ride vehicle <NUM> to exit, and so forth), as instructed by a controller. In any case, the timing of the actuation of the access doors <NUM> and <NUM> may be dependent on a predetermined exposure time for the ride vehicle <NUM> or a predetermined length of travel for the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, both doors <NUM> and <NUM> are kept closed by a controller while a sanitization process is active and then opened by the controller when the sanitization process is complete. As with the first access door <NUM>, the second access door <NUM> may have a reflecting interior to facilitate redirection of the ultraviolet light <NUM> back toward the ride vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the sanitization system <NUM> where the access door <NUM> is in an open position <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes one or more ultraviolet light sources <NUM> disposed on interior walls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> transmit the ultraviolet light <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM> when the ride vehicle is disposed in the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> are positioned within the housing <NUM> at varying angles, distances, and locations with respect to the interior walls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Further, the positions of the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may be dependent on a configuration (e.g., size, shape, components) of the ride vehicle <NUM>. That is, positioning of the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> correlate or correspond to the shape of the ride vehicle <NUM> in certain embodiments. For example, the positions of the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may be different for a ride vehicle in the shape of a cart as compared to a ride vehicle shaped as a car. In any case, the ultraviolet light <NUM> is configured to reach surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> that guests frequently contact (e.g., seats, handles, knobs, buttons) to remove and/or kill bacteria and other undesirable substances from the surfaces.

As discussed above, the sanitization station <NUM> may include one or more of the nozzles <NUM> that direct cleaning solution, such as a mixture of soap and water or water, toward surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. Additionally, the sanitization station <NUM> may include the dryer or heater <NUM> that is configured to remove residual cleaning solution from the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> before, or as, the ride vehicle <NUM> exits the sanitization station <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the nozzles <NUM> may receive cleaning solution from a storage tank <NUM>. The cleaning solution <NUM> may be directed from the storage tank <NUM> to the nozzles <NUM> via a pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of the nozzles <NUM> receives the cleaning solution <NUM> from the storage tank <NUM> via the pump <NUM>. In other embodiments, each nozzle <NUM> may include a corresponding storage tank and pump.

Further, the cleaning solution <NUM> may also collect on a surface <NUM> of the sanitization station <NUM>. Accordingly, the surface <NUM> of the sanitization station <NUM> may include a drain <NUM> that receives any of the cleaning solution <NUM> accumulated on the surface <NUM> and directs the cleaning solution <NUM> away from the sanitization station. In some embodiments, the drain <NUM> may direct the cleaning solution <NUM> to a waste tank <NUM>. The waste tank <NUM> may be positioned with respect to the drain <NUM>, such that the cleaning solution <NUM> flows from the drain <NUM> to the waste tank <NUM> via gravity. In other embodiments, the drain <NUM> directs the cleaning solution <NUM> back toward the storage tank <NUM>, such that the cleaning solution <NUM> may be recycled and utilized multiple times within the sanitization station <NUM>. A pump <NUM> may direct the cleaning solution <NUM> from the drain <NUM> back to the storage tank <NUM>. Further, a filter <NUM> may be disposed between the drain <NUM> and the storage tank <NUM> to remove particles and/or undesired substances from the cleaning solution <NUM> before reaching the storage tank <NUM>.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may include one or more movable members <NUM> that are configured to adjust a position of the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> with respect to the interior walls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may have two movable members <NUM>. Each movable member <NUM> includes a corresponding ultraviolet light source <NUM> (e.g., adjustable ultraviolet light sources). Additionally or alternatively, the movable members <NUM> may include one of the nozzles <NUM> to direct the cleaning solution <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the movable members <NUM> include telescopic arms <NUM> configured to expand and retract, toward and away from, the ride vehicle <NUM>. Similarly, the movable members <NUM> may include a first joint <NUM> that enables a first telescopic arm <NUM> to rotate about a first axis <NUM> with respect to the interior walls <NUM> of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the movable members <NUM> may include a second joint <NUM> coupling the first telescopic arm <NUM> to a second telescopic arm <NUM>, thereby enabling rotation of the second telescopic arm <NUM> to rotate about a second axis <NUM> with respect to the first telescopic arm <NUM> and/or the interior walls <NUM>. The movable members <NUM> may articulate, rotate, expand, contract, ratchet, flex, spin, or perform other movements in accordance with present embodiments to facilitate emission of the ultraviolet light <NUM> on the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the sanitization system <NUM> includes a control system <NUM> coupled to a sensor <NUM>. Additionally, the control system <NUM> is coupled to the one or more movable members <NUM> having corresponding ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and one or more fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM>. Further, in some embodiments, the control system <NUM> is coupled to the access door <NUM> and/or the second access door <NUM>. As such, the control system <NUM> receives feedback from the sensor <NUM> indicative of a position of the ride vehicle <NUM>. When the ride vehicle <NUM> is positioned a predetermined distance from the sanitization station <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM>), the control system <NUM> opens the access door <NUM> and/or activates the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the one or more fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be configured to actuate the access door <NUM> to the open position <NUM> when the ride vehicle <NUM> is proximate to the housing <NUM> (e.g., within <NUM> yards, within <NUM> yards, within <NUM> yards of the end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>).

In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may provide feedback to the control system <NUM> indicative of the ride vehicle <NUM> being fully positioned within the housing <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may then actuate the access door <NUM> to close the access door <NUM> before activating the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM>. As such, the ride vehicle <NUM> is enclosed within the housing <NUM> (e.g., the access doors <NUM> and <NUM> are each closed) before ultraviolet light <NUM> is emitted from the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM>. As such, guests that are close to the ride path <NUM> are blocked from observing the ultraviolet light <NUM> because the ultraviolet light <NUM> is blocked from exiting the housing <NUM> (e.g., via the access doors <NUM> and <NUM>). When the control system <NUM> determines that the ride vehicle is enclosed in the housing <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may then activate the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the one or more fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM> when the access door <NUM> reaches the closed position. The control system <NUM> may further open the second access door <NUM> after the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the one or more fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM> are deactivated after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., a predetermined exposure time). Further still, the control system <NUM> may actuate the second access door <NUM> to a closed position upon detecting that the ride vehicle <NUM> is completely outside of the housing <NUM> (e.g., a predetermined distance from the end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>).

In some cases, the movable members <NUM> are adjusted to expose multiple surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> that are frequently contacted by guests to the ultraviolet light <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> may include a processor <NUM> that executes instructions (a preprogrammed routine) stored in memory <NUM>. In some embodiments, the memory <NUM> includes instructions for a predetermined sequence of movements for the movable members <NUM>, where the sequence is based on a configuration (e.g., size, shape) of the ride vehicle <NUM> and positions of the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> most frequently contacted by the guests (e.g., handles, hand rails, knobs, buttons, seats). In one embodiment, a geometry of the ride vehicle <NUM> may be mapped (e.g., via a camera) and used to guide the movable members <NUM>. This may occur as a part of the sanitization process and may accommodate vehicles of different shapes. However, mapping may occur a single time for a set of similarly shaped ride vehicles <NUM>. In other embodiments, the sequence is configured to adjust the position of the movable members <NUM> to expose substantially all surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> that guests may contact. In any case, the ultraviolet light <NUM> is transmitted toward the ride vehicle <NUM> to remove bacteria and other undesirable substances from the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> in between a loading region of the ride path <NUM> and an unloading region of the ride path <NUM>.

While the embodiments of the sanitization system <NUM> discussed with respect to <FIG> include the access doors <NUM> and <NUM> to enclose the housing <NUM> of the sanitization station <NUM>, other embodiments may not include the access doors <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates a schematic of an embodiment of the sanitization station <NUM> positioned in a portion of the ride path <NUM> that is blocked from a viewpoint of guests. For example, the ride path <NUM> includes an unloading region <NUM> for guests to exit the ride vehicle <NUM> and experience other attractions at the amusement park. Additionally, the ride path <NUM> includes a loading region <NUM> for guests to enter the ride vehicle <NUM> and experience the amusement park ride associated with the ride vehicle <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, a barrier <NUM> (e.g., a wall, a tunnel, a room, a compartment) is disposed between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM> of the ride path <NUM>. The barrier <NUM> is configured to enable the guests to experience the amusement park ride without viewing the sanitization station <NUM>, which may break the continuity of a themed experience.

In some embodiments, the sanitization station <NUM> of <FIG> does not include the access doors <NUM> and <NUM> because the barrier <NUM> blocks the ultraviolet light <NUM> from reaching the guests. The ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may be continuously running, thereby increasing exposure of the ride vehicle <NUM> to the ultraviolet light <NUM> as the ride vehicle <NUM> moves along the ride path <NUM>. In other words, the ride vehicle <NUM> may be exposed to the ultraviolet light <NUM> immediately upon entering the housing <NUM> without waiting for the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM> to be activated upon closure of the access doors <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

Further, the housing <NUM> of the sanitization station <NUM> of <FIG> may not completely enclose the ride vehicle <NUM>. For instance, the housing <NUM> may include a plurality of beams and/or other structural support members that are spaced apart from one another, such that the ride vehicle <NUM> is not completely enclosed or surrounded by walls. However, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may be mounted to the beams and/or other structural support members of the housing <NUM> in a similar manner to the interior walls <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the ride vehicle <NUM> that includes ultraviolet light sources <NUM> that may be disposed in compartments <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> during a duration of the ride and actuated toward one or more surfaces <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM> of the ride path <NUM>. For instance, a control system <NUM> positioned on the ride vehicle <NUM> (and/or the control system <NUM> via wireless communication) may actuate movable members <NUM> that may be disposed in the compartments <NUM> and configured to direct the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> toward the one or more surfaces <NUM> of the ride vehicle, including areas otherwise difficult to access with light (e.g., areas surrounding a floorboard of the ride vehicle <NUM>). The movable members <NUM> may be actuated once a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> is detected between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM> via the sensor <NUM>, for example.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the movable members <NUM> include telescopic rods <NUM> that are configured to extend outwardly from the compartments <NUM> and retract inward toward the compartments <NUM>. In other embodiments, the movable members <NUM> may include other suitable collapsible, rotating, extendable, flexible, articulating, ratcheting, or otherwise moving arms or members that are configured to direct the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> toward the surfaces <NUM> when the ride vehicle <NUM> is positioned between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM> and to return the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> into the compartments <NUM> when the ride vehicle <NUM> reaches the loading region <NUM> (e.g., and when the ride vehicle <NUM> is between the loading region <NUM> and the unloading region <NUM>).

In other embodiments, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may not be disposed in the compartments <NUM>. As such, guests may view the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> during the duration of the ride. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may be disguised as features on the ride vehicle <NUM> that are related to a particular theme of the ride. As a non-limiting example, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may be disguised as buttons or mirrors positioned in the ride vehicle <NUM>. In such embodiments, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> remain inactive until a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> is determined to be between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM> of the ride path <NUM>. As such, the guests do not block the surfaces <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> from exposure to the ultraviolet light <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a compartment <NUM> that may be disposed in the ride vehicle <NUM>. As used herein, the compartment <NUM> may include a cutout within a wall <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> that includes a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may be utilized by the guest to open a door of the ride vehicle <NUM> and/or as a support feature for guests to clasp as the ride vehicle <NUM> moves along the ride path <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the compartment <NUM> may include an ultraviolet light source <NUM> on one or more surfaces <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the surfaces <NUM> may include one or more of the nozzles <NUM> configured to direct the cleaning solution <NUM> toward the handle <NUM>.

The ultraviolet light <NUM> emitted from the ultraviolet light source <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> (e.g., water, soap, a mixture of water and soap, a foam, or another suitable cleaning substance) from the nozzles <NUM> may be utilized to sanitize the handle <NUM> and/or the one or more surfaces <NUM> of the compartment <NUM>. The handle <NUM> and/or the one or more surfaces <NUM> of the compartment <NUM> may be frequently contacted by guests of the amusement park ride, which may lead to a transfer of germs, bacteria or undesirable substances that may be removed by the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> and/or the nozzles <NUM> may be substantially flush with the surfaces <NUM> of the compartment <NUM>, such that the ultraviolet light source <NUM> and/or the nozzles <NUM> are at least partially blocked from a viewpoint of the guests. In other embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> and/or the nozzles <NUM> are recessed with respect to the surfaces <NUM>. In any case, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> and/or the nozzles <NUM> may be substantially fixed with respect to the compartment <NUM> and configured to direct the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> toward the handle <NUM> and/or the surfaces <NUM> of the compartment <NUM>. The ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> may be directed toward the handle <NUM> and/or the surfaces <NUM> when the ride vehicle <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM> from the unloading region to the loading region (e.g., with respect to a direction of travel of the ride vehicle <NUM>). In other embodiments, the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> are directed toward the handle <NUM> and/or the surfaces <NUM> when guests are positioned within the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., between the loading region and the unloading region with respect to a direction of travel of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>). Accordingly, the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> may be associated with a theme of the amusement park ride, such that guests within the ride vehicle <NUM> may observe or otherwise experience the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> and associate the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> with an experience of the amusement park ride.

In still further embodiments, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> may be positioned on a movable member <NUM> secured to a transportable base <NUM> that is configured to move along the ride path <NUM> and alongside the ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the movable member <NUM> secured to the transportable base <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> includes a first telescoping arm <NUM> coupled to a second telescoping arm <NUM> via a joint <NUM>. The first telescoping arm <NUM> is configured to adjust a height of the ultraviolet light source <NUM> with respect to a surface <NUM> of the ride path <NUM>. Further, the second telescoping arm <NUM> is configured to adjust a position of the ultraviolet light source <NUM> with respect to surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the joint <NUM> enables rotation of the second telescoping arm <NUM> about an axis <NUM> with respect to the first telescoping arm <NUM>, such that the second telescoping arm <NUM> may further adjust the position of the ultraviolet light source <NUM> with respect to surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the transportable base <NUM> is configured to move along a track <NUM> positioned adjacent to the ride path <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM>. Accordingly, the transportable base <NUM> enables the movable member <NUM>, and thus, the ultraviolet light source <NUM> to move alongside the ride vehicle <NUM>. The track <NUM> may include various components that drive movement of the transportable base <NUM>, such as belts, magnets, rollers, or other suitable components. In other embodiments, the transportable base <NUM> includes a motor <NUM> that drives movement of the transportable base <NUM> along the track <NUM>.

The transportable base <NUM> may be configured to move along the track <NUM> with the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, a sensor <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor or other suitable position sensor) is utilized to detect a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor <NUM> is included on the transportable base <NUM>. In other embodiments, the sensor <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the ride path <NUM> and/or in another suitable position to detect the ride vehicle <NUM>. In any case, movement of the transportable base <NUM> along the track <NUM> may be initiated or otherwise adjusted based on the feedback from the sensor <NUM> indicative of the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>. For instance, in some embodiments, the transportable base <NUM> is substantially stationary until the sensor <NUM> detects that the ride vehicle <NUM> has reached a predetermined position along the ride path <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to a control system <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> and/or the motor <NUM>. As such, feedback from the sensor <NUM> is utilized to direct movement of the transportable base <NUM> along the track <NUM>. Further still, the sensor <NUM> may continuously monitor the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> as the transportable base <NUM> moves along the track <NUM>. Accordingly, the control system <NUM> may be configured to substantially match a speed of the transportable base <NUM> with a speed of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., within <NUM>% of, within <NUM>% of, or within <NUM>% of the speed of the ride vehicle <NUM>).

Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may be configured to adjust a speed of the transportable base <NUM> and/or a distance that the transportable base <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM> (e.g., via the track <NUM>) based on a desired amount of cleaning for a given ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include relatively large amounts of undesirable substances (e.g., detected by a camera, a sensor, or an operator) to be removed by the ultraviolet light source <NUM> (or the cleaning solution <NUM>). The speed and/or travel distance of the transportable base <NUM> may then be adjusted (e.g., via the control system <NUM> and/or an operator), such that the ride vehicle <NUM> is exposed to the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> for a suitable amount of time to remove the undesirable substances. The adjustment may be automatic (e.g., preprogrammed), or may be operator controlled.

In some embodiments, the track <NUM> may be positioned between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM> with respect to a direction of movement of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>. As such, guests are not positioned in the ride vehicle <NUM> and do not block ultraviolet light from reaching surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> when the ultraviolet light source <NUM> is activated to direct ultraviolet light toward surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. Further, the track <NUM> may be substantially circular, such that the transportable base <NUM> moves back toward the unloading region <NUM> upon reaching the loading region <NUM> of the ride path <NUM>. Therefore, the track <NUM> forms a circuit that enables the transportable base <NUM> to expose surfaces of subsequent ride vehicles <NUM> that reach the unloading region <NUM> of the ride path <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the sanitization station <NUM> that may include a movable structure <NUM> that is configured to move with the ride vehicle <NUM> along at least a portion of the ride path <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the movable structure <NUM> includes a first post <NUM>, a second post <NUM>, and a cross post <NUM>, where the cross post <NUM> couples the first post <NUM> to the second post <NUM>. Each of the first post <NUM>, the second post <NUM>, and the cross post <NUM> may include a plurality of ultraviolet light sources <NUM> configured to transmit the ultraviolet light <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the first post <NUM>, the second post <NUM>, and/or the cross post <NUM> may include one or more of the nozzles <NUM> configured to direct the cleaning solution <NUM> (e.g., water, a mixture of soap and water, a cleansing foam, wax, or another suitable substance) toward the ride vehicle <NUM>.

In any case, the movable structure <NUM> may be configured to move along a pair of tracks <NUM>, where a first track <NUM> of the pair of tracks <NUM> is disposed on a first side <NUM> of the ride path <NUM> and a second track <NUM> of the pair of tracks <NUM> is disposed on a second side <NUM> of the ride path <NUM>. As such, the first post <NUM> and the second post <NUM> may include various components that drive movement of the first post <NUM> and the second post <NUM> along the pair of tracks <NUM>, such as belts, magnets, rollers, wheels, or other suitable components.

In certain embodiments, the first post <NUM> and/or the second post <NUM> may be configured to rotate about a first axis <NUM> and a second axis <NUM>, respectively. As such, the movable structure <NUM> may increase an amount of surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> that receive exposure to the ultraviolet light <NUM>. In other words, as the first post <NUM> and/or the second post <NUM> rotate about the first axis <NUM> and/or the second axis <NUM>, respectively, an angle at which the ultraviolet light <NUM> is directed toward the ride vehicle <NUM> is adjusted, thereby exposing additional surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> to the ultraviolet light <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the first post <NUM>, the second post <NUM>, and/or the cross post <NUM> may include bars <NUM> that are configured to move away from the first post <NUM> and the second post <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM>. Accordingly, a position of the plurality of ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may be adjusted, such that the plurality of ultraviolet light sources <NUM> is positioned closer to the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>. Further still, the bars <NUM> may also be configured to rotate about the first axis <NUM> and/or the second axis <NUM> to adjust an angle at which the ultraviolet light <NUM> is directed toward the ride vehicle <NUM>, thereby increasing an amount of surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> exposed to the ultraviolet light <NUM>.

Additionally, the movable structure <NUM> may be configured to move along the pair of tracks <NUM> with the ride vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, a sensor <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor or other suitable position sensor) is utilized to detect a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor <NUM> is included on movable structure <NUM>. In other embodiments, the sensor <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the ride path <NUM> and/or in another suitable position to detect the ride vehicle <NUM>. In any case, movement of the movable structure <NUM> along the pair of tracks <NUM> may be initiated or otherwise adjusted based on the feedback from the sensor <NUM> indicative of the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>. For instance, in some embodiments, the movable structure <NUM> is substantially stationary until the sensor <NUM> detects that the ride vehicle <NUM> has reached a predetermined position along the ride path <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to a control system <NUM> of the movable structure <NUM>. As such, feedback from the sensor <NUM> is utilized to direct movement of the movable structure <NUM> along the pair of tracks <NUM>. Further still, the sensor <NUM> may continuously monitor the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> as the movable structure <NUM> moves along the pair of tracks <NUM>. Accordingly, the control system <NUM> may be configured to substantially match a speed of the movable structure <NUM> with a speed of the ride vehicle <NUM> (e.g., within <NUM>% of, within <NUM>% of, or within <NUM>% of the speed of the ride vehicle <NUM>).

Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may be configured to adjust a speed of the movable structure <NUM> and/or a distance that the movable structure <NUM> travels along the ride path <NUM> (e.g., via the pair of tracks <NUM>) based on a desired amount of cleaning for a given ride vehicle <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the ride vehicle <NUM> may include relatively large amounts of undesirable substances (e.g., detected by a camera, a sensor, or an operator) to be removed by the plurality of ultraviolet light sources <NUM> (or the nozzles <NUM>). The speed and/or travel distance of the movable structure <NUM> may then be adjusted (e.g., via the control system <NUM> and/or an operator), such that the ride vehicle <NUM> is exposed to the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> for a suitable amount of time to remove the undesirable substances. The adjustment may be automatic (e.g., preprogrammed), or may be operator controlled.

<FIG> is an elevation view of the ride vehicle <NUM> and the movable structure <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, each of the first post <NUM>, the second post <NUM>, and the cross post <NUM> include a corresponding bar <NUM>. The bars <NUM> may be coupled to the first post <NUM>, the second post <NUM>, and/or the cross post <NUM> via a telescoping mount <NUM>. The telescoping mount <NUM> may enable movement of the bars <NUM> toward and away from the first post <NUM>, the second post <NUM>, and the cross post <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the telescoping mounts <NUM> may enable rotation of the bars <NUM> about the first axis <NUM>, the second axis <NUM>, and/or a third axis <NUM>. As such, the movable structure <NUM> enables the ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or the cleaning solution <NUM> to be directed toward surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> at multiple angles and/or multiple distances from the surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the movable structure <NUM> is configured to move along the ride path <NUM> with the ride vehicle <NUM> between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM> with respect to a direction of travel of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM>. In other embodiments, the movable structure <NUM> may move along the ride path <NUM> at another suitable location. The sanitization station <NUM> may include multiple movable structures <NUM> disposed along the ride path <NUM> that enable cleaning of multiple ride vehicles <NUM> simultaneously. Further, each of the multiple movable structures <NUM> may be configured to travel along a predetermined portion of the ride path <NUM> and direct ultraviolet light <NUM> and/or cleaning solution <NUM> toward the ride vehicle <NUM> currently within the predetermined portion. In other embodiments, each of the multiple movable structures <NUM> may be configured to move along a circular circuit similar to the track <NUM> discussed above with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a process <NUM> for operating the sanitization system <NUM>. For example, at block <NUM>, the control system <NUM> may receive feedback from the sensor <NUM> (or another suitable sensor) indicative of a position of the ride vehicle <NUM> along the ride path <NUM> and/or a sensor (e.g., camera) providing information related to whether something within the vehicles is blocking exposure (e.g., an article left in a ride vehicle). In some embodiments, the control system <NUM> may be configured to receive feedback from a plurality of sensors that are disposed at various locations along the ride path <NUM>, such that the control system <NUM> detects the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> as the ride vehicle moves along the entire ride path <NUM>. In other embodiments, the control system <NUM> may detect the position of the ride vehicle <NUM> when the ride vehicle <NUM> is within a predetermined distance from the sanitization station <NUM>, when the ride vehicle <NUM> is between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM>, or both. In some embodiments, a sensor may also detect whether something in the ride vehicle <NUM> would block the ultraviolet light <NUM> from reaching certain surfaces (e.g., trash left in the vehicle) and this may be utilized by the control system <NUM> to control the sanitation system <NUM>.

Further, at block <NUM>, the control system <NUM> is configured to activate the ultraviolet light sources <NUM>, the fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM>, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM>, and/or the plurality of ultraviolet light sources <NUM> to transmit the ultraviolet light <NUM> toward surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM> when the control system <NUM> detects that the ride vehicle <NUM> is at least between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM>. Further, the control system <NUM> may delay activation of the ultraviolet light sources <NUM>, the fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM>, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM>, and/or the plurality of ultraviolet light sources <NUM> until the control system <NUM> receives feedback indicative of the ride vehicle <NUM> being positioned within the predetermined distance from the sanitization station <NUM>, other location information, and/or whether something has been identified within the ride vehicle <NUM>.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the control system <NUM> may be configured to actuate the access door <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the sanitization station <NUM> upon detecting that the ride vehicle <NUM> is within a predetermined distance from the housing <NUM>. For example, the predetermined distance for actuating the access door <NUM> may be greater than the predetermined distance for actuating the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the fixed ultraviolet light sources <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may also be configured to adjust a position of the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or the plurality of ultraviolet light sources <NUM> with respect to the surface of the ride vehicle <NUM> using the movable members <NUM> mounted within the housing <NUM> of the sanitization station <NUM> and/or the bars <NUM> mounted to the movable structure <NUM> of the sanitization station <NUM>. For example, the movable members <NUM> may be mounted to the interior walls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, such that the movable members <NUM> adjust the position of the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> with respect to the interior walls <NUM>. As such, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may transmit the ultraviolet light <NUM> toward one or more surfaces of the ride vehicle <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, the control system <NUM> may be configured to activate the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> and/or <NUM> positioned on board the ride vehicle <NUM> As discussed above, the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may be disposed within compartments <NUM> and/or <NUM> of the ride vehicle <NUM> when the ride vehicle <NUM> is positioned between the loading region <NUM> and the unloading region <NUM>. Once the control system <NUM> determines that the ride vehicle <NUM> is between the unloading region <NUM> and the loading region <NUM> (e.g., a portion of the ride path <NUM> where guests are not present on the ride vehicle <NUM>), the control system <NUM> actuates the movable members <NUM> to eject the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> from the compartments <NUM>, such that the ultraviolet light sources <NUM> may transmit the ultraviolet light <NUM> toward the surfaces of the ride vehicle.

Claim 1:
An amusement park ride sanitization system (<NUM>) comprising:
a ride path (<NUM>) for an amusement ride vehicle (<NUM>); and
a sanitization station (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) disposed along the ride path (<NUM>) configured to receive the amusement ride vehicle (<NUM>) along the ride path (<NUM>); and
a sanitization device disposed within the housing (<NUM>) and configured to sanitize the amusement ride vehicle (<NUM>).