Abstract: A fixed support includes an elevated foot platform and one or more handles allowing a live person to stand on the elevated foot platform, and a background member configured to receive a portion of the fixed support and support a cutout image of a person substantially orthogonal to the live person standing on the foot platform. A picture of the live person standing on the foot platform along with the background creates the illusion in the photograph that the cutout image of the person is levitating the live person standing on the foot platform.

Abstract: A system for electrostatically levitating an object with a body adapted for receiving a static charge. The system includes an array of at least three electrostatic generators, with each of the electrostatic generators including an exposed element that becomes statically charged during operation of the array. The system also includes a controller operating to generate control signals to the array to independently operate each of the electrostatic generators to provide the static charge at first, second, and third voltages. When positioned in a flight space above the array, the object is levitated above the array of the electrostatic generators by an electrostatic lifting force(s). Each of the electrostatic generators is a high voltage Van de Graaff generator. The first, second, and third voltages are in the range of 0 to 300,000 volts and are varied over time to direct the levitated object along a flight path by the controller.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a mystical card flying illusion or ‘trick’ is provided. In accordance with the innovation, an invisible (or near invisible) levitation means (e.g., string, thread, etc.) can be used to create the illusion of a levitating and/or spinning playing card. The levitation means can be pre-attached or fixedly attached to an ear piece that is configured to fit over and behind a user's ear. Further, an illumination system can be provided in connection with the levitation illusion system. Moreover, spinning aides can be provided to assist a user in rotating or spinning a levitation item (e.g., card).

Abstract: A system and method of performing a mystical card flying illusion or ‘trick’ is provided. In accordance with the innovation, an invisible (or near invisible) levitation means (e.g., string, thread, etc.) can be used to create the illusion of a levitating and/or spinning playing card. The levitation means can be pre-attached or fixedly attached to an ear piece that is configured to fit over and behind a user's ear. Further, an illumination system can be provided in connection with the levitation illusion system. Moreover, spinning aides can be provided to assist a user in rotating or spinning a levitation item (e.g., card).

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a mystical card flying illusion or ‘trick’ is provided. In accordance with the innovation, an invisible (or near invisible) levitation means (e.g., string, thread, etc.) can be used to create the illusion of a levitating and/or spinning playing card. The levitation means can be pre-attached or fixedly attached to an ear piece that is configured to fit over and behind a user's ear. Further, an illumination system can be provided in connection with the levitation illusion system. Moreover, spinning aides can be provided to assist a user in rotating or spinning a levitation item (e.g., card).

Abstract: Described is a levitating disk for performing illusions of levitation. The disk includes a disk-shaped housing, with a circuit board, microprocessor, and batteries encased within the housing. A series of LEDs are connected with the housing and are activated via a centrifugal force switch. The circuit board and batteries are positioned within the housing such that they distribute the weight evenly from a central axis toward the periphery of the housing. A micro-thread is included for attaching with the disk. Thus, in operation, a user can hang the disk with the micro-thread and spin the disk about the central axis to cause the lights to illuminate and cause the disk to appear as if it is levitating.

Abstract: A vertical wind tunnel flight simulator comprises a flight chamber wherein a flier may experience a freefall simulation. Airflow to support the flier is induced by fans connected above the flight chamber through a duct. A staging area having openings to the flight chamber is adjacent to the flight chamber. One or two return air ducts are used to return air from the fans outlet to the fans inlet. Opposed louvers are included on at least one duct segment thereby regulating the temperature via forcing ambient air into the simulator. The use of many duct segments having diverging walls adds commercial value to the system by lowering the height. Mounting components on the roof and behind walls creates a spectacular pedestrian viewing scene of people in flight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method by which a transparent object can be manufactured, in which transparent object an inclusion is arranged. A spherical object can be a substantially two-dimensional or three-dimensional object. The method includes the following steps, to be performed in suitable sequence, of: a) providing two complementary halves of the object such that at least one of two contact surfaces of the respective halves to be directed toward each other has a central recess which also forms a boundary of a cavity for accommodating at least a part of the inclusion; b) arranging at least said part of the inclusion in said recess; and c) mutually adhering the two halves, for instance by means of the parts of the two contact surfaces extending around the central recess, in order to form the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facility for playing which comprises a plurality of balloons (4) retained in a space defined by a partition member (2), and at least one air supply device (7) for causing air to flow within the space, wherein the partition member (2) is constituted by an air permeable member and/or an air impermeable member, wherein the air supply device (7) is provided adjacent the bottom of the space inside and/or outside the space. The air permeable member constitutes at least a portion of the partition member (2) located adjacent the air supply device (7) provided outside the space as opposed thereto. The air impermeable member constitutes a portion of the partition member (2) located in a spaced and opposed relation to the air supply device (7), or provided downstream of the air supply device (7).

Abstract: A levitation-entertainment device has a micro fiber (1) with an object end attached to a select small levitation object (2, 6, 7) placed removably on a levitation base (5) and a base end attached detachably to a base structure (14) that is situated for manipulation of the micro fiber by a manipulation individual from a manipulation space (4) that is intermediate the object end and the base end of the micro fiber. The base structure can include an ear, another body part, an article of clothing or other item proximate the manipulation individual. Vision enhancement (8, 9, 10, 12) can be positioned on an outside of or in an inside of the levitation object.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the production of a levitational wind comprising a flight chamber defining a levitation area, a blower unit including a plurality of blowers connected in parallel so as to provide their combined flow to the air inlet of the flight chamber, each of the blowers being disposed outside of the levitation area, with the blower unit having an axis essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the flight chamber, and an air coupler interposed between the air inlet of the flight chamber and the blower unit, the air coupler including a substantially 90° bend between the blower unit and the air inlet of the flight chamber, and wherein each of the plurality of blowers includes a delivery element for removable connection to the air coupler.

Abstract: A space game floater apparatus is disclosed, which can be utilized by any person for obtaining simulation experiment similar to space floating or enjoying various space games without need of any preliminary training.A dome-like floating space shell defines an inner artificial floating space, in which is sealed air supplied as pressurized gas under 2 to 3 atm. from a gas pressure control unit. A floater provided in the artificial floating space has a buoyancy vessel part and a support part in which a floating person rides. The floating person enters the artificial floating space through a gate unit and rides in the support part of the floater for steering the floater for floating operation thereof in the artificial floating space.

Abstract: A magician's prop comprise a flat body having an elongate body portion extending along a central axis rearward from a head and elongate lateral portions extending laterally and forward from locations on respective opposite sides of the body portion behind the head to free end portions protruding a small distance in front of the head. A ballast weight and a magnetic element of less weight are concealed in respective free end portions, with respective centers of gravity thereof spaced in front of the head. The resultant weight distribution of the body is such that, when extending horizontally, the surreptitious addition and removal of a hidden magnetic balance weight to the magnetic element by a magician's sleight of hand sets the object into and out of balance extending horizontally from a single pylon positioned under the head, the improbable horizontal balance providing an illusion that a portion of the body remote from the head is suspended.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in performing levitation type illusions in which the performer appears to be raised and moved about in apparent defiance of gravity. The performer is safely supported within a novel harness assembly which, in turn, is supported by a pair of wire arrays made up of a plurality of fine wires which are substantially invisible to the audience. Each of the support wires is spring loaded so as to evenly distribute the weight of the performer among the support wires which make up the arrays. The harness assembly is connected to the wire arrays in a manner that permits several degrees of movement by the performer during lifting and movement relative to the stage so that the movements by the performer appear smooth, natural and graceful.

Abstract: A propeller is mounted within a shroud to produce an upwardly moving air flow to levitate human beings. The user wears an air inflatable suit and a harness. A couch is disposed just outside the shroud to support the user in prone position. A jib crane is positioned near the couch and shroud and carries a self-winding reel to which a strap is attached at one end, the other end of the strap carrying a hook which is attached to the harness at the back of the user. The jib crane lifts the user off the support through the strap and translates the same above the shroud within the air flow being suspended by the strap in prone position. When the user is levitated by the air flow, the reel automatically reels in the strap.

Abstract: A decorative glass body for viewing objects that are disposed on the base surface of the decorative glass body but seem to be floating inside the glass.