An apparatus for controlling a puppet to obtain a desired position or expression, with a mounting plate having a plurality of rod apertures. A plurality of ball braces are secured to the mounting plate, each having a pair of ball apertures. A plurality of balls and rods are provided. Each ball is positioned between one of the ball apertures and rod apertures. Each rod extending through one of the balls and through one of the ball apertures and one of the rod apertures. Each rod contacting an action point on a puppet for manipulating the puppet through rotating and twisting of the ball, and longitudinal movement of the rod. The ball braces may be locked and unlocked, such that when locked, the associated ball and rod are held in position to maintain a facial expression at the action point.

In an embodiment, an animated figure display system includes an animated figure having a body and a first tracker coupled to the body. The animated figure display system includes a projection surface having a second tracker coupled to the projection surface. The projection surface moves between a first position and a second position and the projection surface is at least partially concealed behind the animated figure in the first position. The animated figure display system includes a tracking camera that detects the first tracker and the second tracker and generates location data. A controller receives the location data and generates a control signal based on the location data. A projector receives the control signal indicative of image content from the controller and projects the image content onto the body of the animated figure and the external surface of the projection surface.

Aspects of the present disclosure are related to a flexible shell structure. The flexible shell structure includes a plurality of rigid support strips that collectively define a three-dimensional shape of at least one part of a character form. The flexible shell structure further includes at least one coupling member configured to couple two or more rigid support strips of the plurality of rigid support strips. The at least one coupling member enables the flexible shell structure to flex when a first force is applied to the flexible shell structure in a first direction, and enables the flexible shell structure to resist flexing when a second force is applied to the flexible shell structure in a second direction.

A show-ride attraction includes a moving pathway configured to transport a guest toward a barrier, and a gate positioned across the moving pathway upstream of the barrier relative to a direction of travel of the moving pathway, wherein the gate is configured to transition between a first position and a second position in response to the guest engaging with the gate. The ride-show attraction further includes one or more sensors configured to detect transitioning of the gate from the first position to the second position, and a controller configured to control the moving pathway in response to an indication from the one or more sensors that the gate is transitioning and/or has transitioned to the second position.

A show-ride system includes a first moveable component configured to couple with and support a show structure; a second moveable component configured to couple with and support the show structure; and a manipulator of the first moveable component, wherein the manipulator transfers the show structure from the first movable component to the second moveable component. The show-ride system also includes detection circuitry to determine an initial position of the first moveable component and an initial position of the second moveable component. The show-ride system also includes a positional controller configured to determine adjustments to the initial position of the first moveable component and/or the initial position of the second moveable component and provide instructions regarding the adjustments to the first moveable component and/or the second moveable component for a transfer of the show structure while the first moveable component, the second moveable component, or both are in motion.

A show-ride system includes a first moveable component configured to couple with and support a show structure; a second moveable component configured to couple with and support the show structure; and a manipulator of the first moveable component, wherein the manipulator transfers the show structure from the first movable component to the second moveable component. The show-ride system also includes detection circuitry to determine an initial position of the first moveable component and an initial position of the second moveable component. The show-ride system also includes a positional controller configured to determine adjustments to the initial position of the first moveable component and/or the initial position of the second moveable component and provide instructions regarding the adjustments to the first moveable component and/or the second moveable component for a transfer of the show structure while the first moveable component, the second moveable component, or both are in motion.

A rotating joint assembly such as an interface device in a master device or remote manipulator for a puppeteering device or other mechanical system operating in response to operator input and requiring more than 360 degrees of rotation. The rotating joint assembly includes a hard stop assembly that limits the rotation of its rotating component(s) to a predefined maximum amount of rotation such as to less than two full revolutions, e.g., some rotation amount between 360 and 720 degrees. The hard stop assembly includes a Geneva drive body or driven wheel with a hard stop body rigidly coupled with the Geneva drive body to rotate it between a disengaged position (during the first revolution) and one of two engaged positions by rotation of an inner ring (at some point during the second revolution in either direction).

A rotating joint assembly such as an interface device in a master device or remote manipulator for a puppeteering device or other mechanical system operating in response to operator input and requiring more than 360 degrees of rotation. The rotating joint assembly includes a hard stop assembly that limits the rotation of its rotating component(s) to a predefined maximum amount of rotation such as to less than two full revolutions, e.g., some rotation amount between 360 and 720 degrees. The hard stop assembly includes a Geneva drive body or driven wheel with a hard stop body rigidly coupled with the Geneva drive body to rotate it between a disengaged position (during the first revolution) and one of two engaged positions by rotation of an inner ring (at some point during the second revolution in either direction).

A push toy having a puppet mounted on a first member. Pivotally cross-connected at one end of the first member is a second member having wheels and pivotally cross-connected at the other end of the first member is a third member used for steering. Cables connecting the third member to the second member extend along each side of the first member. The cables extend through the puppet and the feet of the puppet are connected to the second member. As a user pushes the push toy and steers the wheels turn as the puppet moves in a manner such that the puppet appears to be steering the push toy.

An animated figure system includes an animated figure comprising a flexible skin layer, an actuating system coupled to a connection location of the flexible skin layer, and an automation controller. The automation controller is configured to access a digital model of the animated figure, in which the digital model comprises a vertex associated with the connection location, determine a first positioning of the vertex within the digital model, and control the actuating system to set a second positioning of the connection location based on the first positioning of the vertex.