Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to simulate the appearance of frozen beverages, such as fruit drink slushes or frozen coffees. The composition includes a carrier fluid which comprises water, a thickening agent, and a colorant; and simulated ice crystals stably and uniformly dispersed in the carrier fluid. The simulated ice crystals are comprised of particles, preferably polymeric particles having a size between about 200 and about 400 microns. The thickening agent preferably comprises a slurry of propylene glycol alginate dispersed in propylene glycol. The colorant is selected based on the “flavor” being simulated, for example, yellow for lemonade, caramel color for coffee or cola. The polymeric particles preferably comprise a polymer such as high density polyethylene.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to simulate the appearance of frozen beverages, such as fruit drink slushes or frozen coffees. The composition includes a carrier fluid which comprises water, a thickening agent, and a colorant; and simulated ice crystals stably and uniformly dispersed in the carrier fluid. The simulated ice crystals are comprised of particles, preferably polymeric particles having a size between about 200 and about 400 microns. The thickening agent preferably comprises a slurry of propylene glycol alginate dispersed in propylene glycol. The colorant is selected based on the “flavor” being simulated, for example, yellow for lemonade, caramel color for coffee or cola. The polymeric particles preferably comprise a polymer such as high density polyethylene.

Abstract: A device for forming a changeable sign from either gas bubbles rising within a body of liquid or from drops of liquid moving through the air. When using gas bubbles rising within a body of liquid, the gas bubbles are released sequentially such that a message of the sign is represented as a matrix of bubbles. When using drops of liquid moving through the air, the drops are released sequentially and controllably such that the message of the sign is represented as a matrix of drops of liquid. In one version, air bubbles are released near the bottom of a tank from controllable valves. The valves can be arranged in a single line or in a vertical matrix. As an alternative, a template having a message formed as a dot matrix is applied against a matrix of orifices from which gas escapes, to form the message. In another version, water drops are released from a row of controllable valves on a ballistic trajectory, e.g., a free-fall.