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 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 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 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 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 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 invention is directed to a slide with at least a portion of the slide being covered so as to define a tunnel in which a user of the slide is likely to having difficulty seeing where the slide is taking them and a lighting effect that uses invisible light (e.g., ultraviolet light, black light, or infrared light) and an element that, in response to invisible light, produces visible light in the tunnel that is capable of being seen by a user that is passing through the tunnel. Also provided is a method for retrofitting an existing amusement slide that has a tunnel without such a lighting effect or that has a tunnel with inadequate or undesirable lighting effect.

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.