Abstract: An immersive gaming facility has a plurality of game rooms, each with a respective interactive gaming space with electronically controlled interactive game elements, a respective entrance through which participants are admissible from a waiting area with a respective sign-in station operable to control admission of participants in a groupwise fashion. After admission, an executed game session involves controlled operation of the interactive game elements and monitoring of participant interaction therewith to identify participant completion or failure of tasks in said game session; and terminate execution of said game session upon expiry of a time limit or multiple detected failures exceeding a predetermined limit. The waiting areas are accessible independently of one another off a shared common area, allowing participation among the game rooms in any participant-selected order. The gaming spaces are darkened environments illuminated only by the interactive game elements and game status displays.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to flaming wallets, and methods of making the same, with such flaming wallets typically being used for magic tricks, illusions, jokes, and/or general fun. In certain example embodiments, a flame mechanism may be substantially completely concealed by “fake money.” The flame mechanism of certain example embodiments may include an igniter that produces a spark for causing flammable material applied to flame retardant material to combust, with the flame retardant material being inserted into respective recesses of one or more flame retardant material holders located between the inner surface of the flaming wallet and the rear surface of the fake money. In certain example embodiments, a magnet mechanism may facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or the extinguishing of the flames produced by the flaming wallet. Advantageously, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments does not necessarily require hidden compartments or areas, or sleight of hand.

Abstract: An apparatus for entertaining multiple guests includes a device that selectively generates a flame and a barrier interposed between each guest and the flame. The barrier is configured to remain transparent throughout multiple repetitions of use of the device for generating a flame. A method of entertaining guests is also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for entertaining multiple guests includes a device that selectively generates a flame and a barrier interposed between each guest and the flame. The barrier is configured to remain transparent throughout multiple repetitions of use of the device for generating a flame. A method of entertaining guests is also presented.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to flaming wallets, and methods of making the same, with such flaming wallets typically being used for magic tricks, illusions, jokes, and/or general fun. In certain example embodiments, a flame mechanism may be substantially completely concealed by “fake money.” The flame mechanism of certain example embodiments may include an igniter that produces a spark for causing flammable material applied to flame retardant material to combust, with the flame retardant material being inserted into respective recesses of one or more flame retardant material holders located between the inner surface of the flaming wallet and the rear surface of the fake money. In certain example embodiments, a magnet mechanism may facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or the extinguishing of the flames produced by the flaming wallet. Advantageously, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments does not necessarily require hidden compartments or areas, or sleight of hand.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to flaming wallets, and methods of making the same, with such flaming wallets typically being used for magic tricks, illusions, jokes, and/or general fun. In certain example embodiments, a flame mechanism may be substantially completely concealed by “fake money.” The flame mechanism of certain example embodiments may include an igniter that produces a spark for causing flammable material applied to flame retardant material to combust, with the flame retardant material being inserted into respective recesses of one or more flame retardant material holders located between the inner surface of the flaming wallet and the rear surface of the fake money. In certain example embodiments, a magnet mechanism may facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or the extinguishing of the flames produced by the flaming wallet. Advantageously, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments does not necessarily require hidden compartments or areas, or sleight of hand.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to flaming wallets, and methods of making the same, with such flaming wallets typically being used for magic tricks, illusions, jokes, and/or general fun. In certain example embodiments, a flame mechanism may be substantially completely concealed by “fake money.” The flame mechanism of certain example embodiments may include an igniter that produces a spark for causing flammable material applied to flame retardant material to combust, with the flame retardant material being inserted into respective recesses of one or more flame retardant material holders located between the inner surface of the flaming wallet and the rear surface of the fake money. In certain example embodiments, a magnet mechanism may facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or the extinguishing of the flames produced by the flaming wallet. Advantageously, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments does not necessarily require hidden compartments or areas, or sleight of hand.

Abstract: An apparatus for entertaining multiple guests includes a device that selectively generates a flame and a barrier interposed between each guest and the flame. The barrier is configured to remain transparent throughout multiple repetitions of use of the device for generating a flame. A method of entertaining guests is also presented.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for producing a fire special effect that is suitable for applications in which the viewers of the simulated flame are able inspect the device from relatively close range and/or from a number of perspectives. For example, the device can be used as a torchiere or wall sconce.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special effect using a steam curtain. In one embodiment, the device comprises a steam console for producing a curtain of steam/fog, an air modulator for providing a varying current of air that modulates the curtain of steam produced by the console, and a lighting assembly that produces a flood of colored light that is projected onto the modulated curtain of steam produced by the console and air modulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating sparks over a selected area to be used for theatrical effects. Metal wire having a diameter in the range of 0.020-0.125 inches is provided by two, independent supply sources. Each wire supply source is coupled to a wire guide which imposes synchronous, linear movement to each wire source at a selected rate. Each wire source is coupled to a tip assembly which places the terminus of each wire source adjacent one another. The positive and negative electrodes of a direct current power source are electrically connected to a respective terminus of each of the pair of wire sources, the output of the direct current power source is amplified to voltage sufficient to atomize the wire when the power source is short circuited. The atomization of the wire results in the production of heated, metallic particles simulating generated sparks. A source of compressed air is disposed adjacent the point of atomization.

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: A modular, interactive gaming system which may be reconfigured to play a variety of participatory games. The system includes a plurality of interconnectable modules which may be combined to define passageways and gaming rooms in a variety of living game board configurations. Sensors and sensory signal generators are disposed in the passageways and gaming rooms which are in communication via a cable network with a control computer which directs the play of the game in accord with a program resident therein. The combination of modular units and a programmable computer permits great flexibility in game design and play.

Abstract: An amusement system for use by one or more participants includes weapons which may be carried, aimed and triggered by the participants to fire objects, such as paint balls, or electromagnetic energy, such as laser light. The participants wear sensors which generate signals upon participant being "hit" by an emission. The system includes a structure having a series of elongated passageways. Each passageway is divided by a central wall into a pair of trackways which lead from common entrance area at one end to a gaming area at the opposite end. Viewing areas in which the activities of the participants in the gaming area may be observed are disposed adjacent to the gaming area. Sensors are disposed along the passageways and in the gaming areas to detect the positions and activities of the participants to provide the signals to a central computer.

Abstract: A torch for juggling comprising a hollow, elongated body with a wick at one end surrounded by a wire reinforcement, a spark-generating mechanism carried within the body, and a pushbutton located on the end opposite the wick to operate the spark-generating mechanism, thereby igniting any fuel held by the wick. The spark-generating mechanism is preferably a piezo-electric spark generator with an electrode that passes through the hollow interior of the body and emerges on the outside and just below the wick so that the electrode and the wire reinforcement are close enough for a spark to jump the gap and ignite the fuel. The torch can be lighted simply by pushing the pushbutton just before the start of the juggling or during juggling.