Abstract: The invention is directed to special effect device that is used to produce a simulated flame that has the shape and, if desired, the color characteristics of an actual flame. The device is particularly adapted to applications in which individuals may be in close proximity to the device. In this regard, the device produces little noise that would indicate to such an individual that the simulated being produced by the device is not a real flame. In one embodiment, the device includes a sintered nozzle that receives a stream of steam and outputs a steam cloud, a steam accelerator for applying a linear stream of air to steam cloud output by the sintered nozzle, and a lighting system to project desired colors onto the linear steam cloud.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for use in producing a simulated flame/fire effect using steam or theatrical smoke. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an first chamber for receiving steam or theatrical smoke, an annular second chamber that surrounds the first chamber and defines an annular closed-loop slot through which a closed-loop sheet of steam or theatrical smoke exits, a passageway for conveying smoke from the first chamber to the annular second chamber, a lighting structure for projecting light onto the steam or theatrical smoke exiting the annular slot, and an air modulator for modulating the position of the steam or theatrical smoke exiting the slot.

Abstract: The invention is directed to special effect device that is used to produce a simulated flame that has the shape and, if desired, the color characteristics of the flame produced by a jet afterburner. In one embodiment, the device includes a steam system for providing a stream of steam, a steam accelerator for applying a high-speed and highly linear stream of air to steam provided by the steam system to produce at steam cloud with a highly linear shape similar to the shape of the flame produced by a jet afterburner, and a lighting system to project desired colors onto the linear steam cloud.

Abstract: The invention is directed to special effect device that is used to produce a simulated flame that has the shape and, if desired, the color characteristics of an actual flame. The device is particularly adapted to applications in which individuals may be in close proximity to the device. In this regard, the device produces little noise that would indicate to such an individual that the simulated being produced by the device is not a real flame. In one embodiment, the device includes a sintered nozzle that receives a stream of steam and outputs a steam cloud, a steam accelerator for applying a linear stream of air to steam cloud output by the sintered nozzle, and a lighting system to project desired colors onto the linear steam cloud.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for producing a water maze from walls of falling water that can be reconfigured to change the maze. In one embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of a plurality of spray bars that are each capable of producing a separate wall of falling water droplets and a plurality of water valves that are each associated with only one spray bar. The water valves can be used to define at least two different paths between the entrance and exit of the maze. The apparatus is also capable of being used to create interesting visual effects by projecting light/images on to multiple screens created by walls of falling water droplets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special facilitates a more compact device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a steam curtain generator for directing received steam to an outlet slot that directs the steam into the ambient atmosphere such that the steam is flowing in a substantially a first direction to produce a curtain of steam, fan that is oriented so as to produce a flow of air in a direction that is substantially parallel to the flow of a steam curtain, a deflector for redirecting the flow of air produced by the fan towards the steam curtain, an adjustable agitator for causing turbulent flow in the stream of air directed towards a steam curtain, and an LED light for producing light that is projected onto a steam curtain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special facilitates a more compact device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a steam curtain generator for directing received steam to an outlet slot that directs the steam into the ambient atmosphere such that the steam is flowing in a substantially a first direction to produce a curtain of steam, fan that is oriented so as to produce a flow of air in a direction that is substantially parallel to the flow of a steam curtain, a deflector for redirecting the flow of air produced by the fan towards the steam curtain, an adjustable agitator for causing turbulent flow in the stream of air directed towards a steam curtain, and an LED light for producing light that is projected onto a steam curtain.

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: A method and apparatus are provided for pneumatically controlling the operation of a water cannon such that the need for electrically power in the immediate vicinity of the water cannon is substantially avoided.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed a projection system that produces a visual special effect. In one embodiment, the system includes a projector, a translucent projection substrate, a flow disturbance structure associated with one side of the substrate, and a water system for distributing water over the side of the substrate with which the flow disturbance structure is associated.

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

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: The present invention provides a blacklight or ultraviolet light special effect fixture for use in emulating a shimmering or water ripple type of pattern. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a drum, a motor for rotating the drum and a frame for positioning the drum between a blacklight source and a uv treated projection surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nozzle assembly for producing varying water patterns. In one embodiment, a variable first flow of water is constrained to flow in a linear direction. A variable second flow of water is applied to the first flow of water to impart a twist to the first flow of water. The resulting flow of water has a height component that is largely determined by the first flow of water and a lateral component that is largely determined by the second flow of water. For example, if there is only a first flow and no second flow, the resulting water effect is a narrow column of water. If there is no first flow and a second flow, the resulting water effect is a cone with a small vertical dimension. If there are both first and second flows, a cone is produced with a vertical dimension that is largely determined by the first flow and a lateral dimension that is largely determined by the second flow.

Abstract: A liquid projectile apparatus is provided that is particularly apt for use in water displays in which liquid projectiles of a selectable size and shape are provided along variable trajectories at timed intervals or on demand. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a liquid source, a housing assembly within which a mechanical discharge assembly is positioned, and a discharge positioning assembly. The discharge positioning assembly is provided for selectively positioning the housing assembly in various discharge positions to produce liquid projectiles with desired trajectories (e.g., discharge angles and directions). The liquid source supplies a discrete volume of liquid, with which a liquid projectile is formed, to the housing assembly. The mechanical discharge assembly is then operable to project the discrete volume of liquid from the housing assembly along a selected trajectory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blacklight or ultraviolet light special effect fixture for use in emulating a shimmering or water ripple type of pattern. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a drum, a motor for rotating the drum and a frame for positioning the drum between a blacklight source and a uv treated projection surface.