Overview
- The United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Universal City Studios the patent, which was reported by multiple outlets after appearing in the official patent record on Wednesday.
- The document describes ride vehicles with their own fluid-propulsion assemblies that extend into a hidden second trough to engage a 'second fluid' and produce forward or directional thrust.
- Patent drawings show multi-zone operation, independently controlled vehicles and a station layout with gates in the trough used to slow or stop boats for precise vehicle sequencing.
- The filing says the fluid-propulsion approach could reduce hazards tied to under-vehicle mechanical drives and offers remote, staff, or onboard control options for speed and direction.
- The patent secures a technical idea rather than an announced attraction, so any links to parks, franchises, or construction remain speculative while the industry watches for engineering, site planning, and creative decisions that would follow.