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.

Abstract: A method of combining projected images with a three dimensional set. In the present invention, a three dimensional set of any desired scale is provided. A second set is then built for use by live actors and other desired images to be incorporated into the three dimensional scene. Props are disposed on the second set and corresponds to the three dimensional scenes. These second set props are blacked out so that when photographed they are rendered invisible. A beam splitter is provided in front of the three dimensional set and a monitor is positioned to reflect a video image from the second set on to the beam splitter. The actors and props on the second set are then positioned to achieve the desired scale. For example, the projected image of the actor may be life size, smaller than life size or larger than life size. The actor is then filmed in real time interacting with the blacked out second set props and the image is recorded.