Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for transmitting light from the light source to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having colored reflective strips for reflecting light for subsequent transmission by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing surface is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing surface. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for creating a wave or water vortex effect, a bridge or platform is positioned within a semi-cylinder having a downward facing curved inside surface. Nozzles shoot water onto the curved surface, creating a water layer which follows the curved surface up and around the semi-cylinder. The water layer remains against the curved surface via centrifugal force. A spiral flow path is created by declining the semi-cylinder.

Abstract: The appearance of fire and flames is simulated using lighting, air pipes, fans, and fog manifolds. Water and air is sprayed into a display area to form a wall of mist which reflects light and light patterns. Air from the air pipes blows the wall of mist upwards. Fans generate a curtain of turbulent, upwardly flowing air that holds up the wall of mist, and makes it appear to flicker. Thematic lighting is projected onto the flickering wall of mist, to color the mist and simulate the flames.

Abstract: A device for producing a simulated snowfall is disclosed. The device comprises a display tank filled with water and a plurality of small pellets. A pump positioned on the upper side of the display tank creates water currents which flow around the perimeter of the display tank. The water is propelled out of the pump into an outflow tube extending down a first side of the display tank to a receiving trough positioned along the bottom side of the display tank. The pellets descend through the water to the receiving trough and are then carried horizontally across the receiving trough by a water current to a deflector plate which diverts the pellets and water current in an upward direction along the second side of the display tank. As the pellets reach the upper side of the display tank, they spread out uniformly and gradually descend through the water, creating a simulated snowfall with a natural appearance.

Abstract: A system and method for generating tornadoes and other vortex phenomen in an open air, free space enviroment is disclosed. The system includes a flat surface or deck suspended above the ground, a circular hole in the center of the deck, a means for creating an updraft through the hole in the deck and fans or other air moving means for creating a swirling air flow. Preferably, the fans for swirling the air are angled approximately 45 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the updraft flow through the center hole. For swirling the air at higher elevations, as well as at ground level, a multi level fan arrangement having the layers of fans spaced relative to the deck is used. Alternatively, a single level of fans are used in conjunction with louvers or vanes for deflecting the blown air into a fan shape. In another embodiment of the present invention, tangential flow is established by using a multiplicity of tubes for returning air flow from a plenum above an updraft fan.

Abstract: A circulating water system is contained in a portable box. The water system includes a tray which carries the water from an overflow chamber and breaks up the water flow before dropping it onto a reservoir surface. Water dropping onto the reservoir surface creates sounds which are carried primarily through openings provided in the box. The sounds are transmitted to the immediate surroundings and are analogous to sounds emanating from naturally occurring water streams. Various trays are described which provide different sound intensities and tones.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and viewing rainbows comprising a base portion, a body portion wherein the body portion is attached to the base, has a front side, a rear side and is generally vertically oriented with respect to the base portion. The apparatus further includes a fluid channel supported by the body portion. The fluid channel has a fluid inlet fluidly connected to a fluid source and a fluid outlet for producing a spray mist above the apparatus. The apparatus further comprises an element for optimally aligning the apparatus relative to the sun. The apparatus is optimally aligned when the front side of the body portion is substantially directly facing the sun. The user of the apparatus is able to view a rainbow created as a result of the sunlight being refracted by the spray mist emanating from the fluid outlet when the user is facing the front side of the body portion and the sun is at the user's back.

Abstract: The "Mood-Place" fireplace is any smoke-free fireplace that contains an audio cassette player/recorder, an audio compact-disc (CD) player/recorder, a video cassette player/recorder, audio speakers and grills , an overhead television projection system, a refillable pump spray time-released mechanism (to release the scent of "burning wood"), and pre-recorded fireplace sound effects audio cassettes and/or audio compact-disc's (CD's) with or without "background music".

Abstract: A snowfall simulator which houses and dispenses artificial snow from a box like housing (20) using agitation. The box or dispenser has small openings (32) uniformly placed on the bottom horizontal plane. Mounted directly over the desired area, shaved polystyrene, used for snow, is placed inside the housing. A small motor (14) attached on the outside of the housing is connected by gear (16) and shaft (18) to a light-weight reticulated agitation plate (24) resting on the inside bottom horizontal plane of housing. The motor creates a gentle horizontal agitation under the artificial snow causing it to slowly work itself out of the dispenser through the bottom openings. By this arrangement, a long-lasting, gentle, realistic snowfall effect is created uniformly over an imitation village, Christmas tree, or display. Once the dispenser is empty, the snow can be collected off the bottom and placed back into the dispenser for further enjoyment.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a deep U-shaped vortex, with the vortex being of sufficient height to include a relatively large air well in its center. The apparatus may be used as an amusement park ride, wherein it comprises an observation platform, a large vessel partially filled with liquid, and an impeller to rotate the liquid within the vessel and thereby create a vortex of liquid within the vessel. When the vortex is created, an air well develops in the center of the vessel, with the air well being of sufficient size to allow the entry of the observation platform therein, with the observation platform being surrounded below and at its sides by the rotating liquid, but without coming into contact with the rotating liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for generating special effects showers of sparks for use in theme park shows and rides. A flint rod is biased with fluid pressure against a cutting wheel of this system. When a clutch is actuated for a brief predetermined time period, a constant high speed motor is operatively connected to the cutting wheel, rapidly rotating it. The rotating wheel cuts, ignites and discharges small portions of the flint rod biased thereagainst away therefrom in a stream of sparks. An air stream directs the stream of sparks out as a special effects shower of sparks. One embodiment of this system propels the spark stream out through a venturi nozzle. By changing the gas stream fluid pressure and/or the clutch connect time and/or the flint rod biasing pressure and/or the clutch connect/disconnect interval timing, the size and characteristics of the shower of sparks can be accurately controlled and altered as desired.

Abstract: An assembly for producing an artificial snowfall in a Christmas tree display arrangement is stored as a pack having a base 10 with a carrying handle 16 and a lid 18 adapted to fit over the base 10. Within the latter is an air blower unit comprising an electric motor and fan located below a cover 44, moving air from externally to a fan outlet 40 and thereafter into an air transporting tube assembly provided with a venturi, through an aperture 64 in the cover 44. A Christmas tree can locate through a central aperture 62 in the cover 44 onto a stand within the base 10. Artificial snow in the form of plastics beads is available on the cover 44 and can be moved through the venturi to the top of the tree, from where the beads fall by gravity through the tree to be collected by the cover 44 and its petal sections 52.

Abstract: A winter scene space study uses a space separated from the surroundings by transparent walls. The space is provided with refrigerator equipment as well as with equipment for producing water vapor and water jets or running water in the space. Temperature of the space is controlled or set in a manner that water vapor crystallizes into snow crystals and/or frost or water jets or running water at least freeze. By arranging the temperature to fluctuate on either side of 0.degree. C., the ice, frost and/or snow crystals can be alternately melted and re-formed. By adjusting temperature and the amount of water vapor properly, it is possible to create snowfall in the space.

Abstract: An amusement park attraction having a dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in the amusement park attraction or other environment. The ride vehicle includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including Ycomputer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path in the amusement park attraction. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

Abstract: A method of producing a breathable fog comprises (a) passing air through a dryer unit to remove moisture; (b) cooling the dried air to a temperature below 0.degree. C.; and (c) inducing water vapor into the dried and cooled air to produce breathable fog.

Abstract: A raining umbrella is provided as an outdoor play toy for children. Water from a hose flows up through the umbrella handle and sprays out through holes in the spokes which support the umbrella canopy to create "rain" beneath the umbrella.

Abstract: An underwater explosion effect simulator includes a submerged shooter for shooting props and dye-colored water through the water surface. A compressed air source is linked to the shooter to drive the charge of water from the shooter during the explosion sequence. Prop pieces are ejected from the shooter through the water surface and trajectories over a submerged collector substantially surrounding the shooter. The collector is displaceable through an underwater winching system from a collect position wherein the props settle onto the collector to a funnel position wherein the props fall under gravity into the shooter. The shooter extends from a loading position below the collector to a shooting position close to the water surface.