Abstract: A magnetic holder for painting and displaying toy vehicles. An upright T-shaped member fits in a receiving cup affixed to a horizontal plate. The top of the T-shaped member has at least one outwardly facing magnet that latches a corresponding magnet in a toy vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism geometrically constituted with twelve axes can be manipulated for spherical coordinate kinematics. Concerning the major improvement of the invention, one of the two geometric tetrahedron frames which were ever specified by our two pre-inventions (U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,714 B2/US20120083347A1 and US20150082934A1) is decoupled and reconstructed as two separated terminal frames which are constituted by two individual geometric arcs. The other one of the two geometric tetrahedron frames without changing its original geometric definition is inherited in the invention and renamed as a base frame. Comparing to the original single geometric tetrahedron, the mechanism newly developed by two individual geometric arcs is suffering fewer constraints and gaining more work space. If a terminal saddle is equipped onto a terminal frame, the newly developed mechanism can be increased extra payload capability.

Abstract: A multi-sensory module array system for enhancing the experience of members of the audience at entertainment events through the stimulation of a plurality of the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell independent of their location or proximity to a live or recorded performance at one or more venues. In one aspect, the multi-sensory module array system includes a first zone having a first set of multi-sensory entertainment module spaced apart from each other and defining a first diamond configuration, wherein the modules are configured to emit one or more sensory outputs within the first zone. The system can further include a second zone having a second set of multi-sensory entertainment modules spaced apart from each other and defining a second diamond configuration and further configured to emit the sensory outputs within the second zone. Here, at least one of the modules can be shared between the first set and second set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel type of attraction, where visitors can try out as participants of TV game shows. The attraction consists of a number of different sections, each of the said sections recreating the players' stage of a TV game show. Visitors of the attraction have an opportunity of visiting one after another the said sections and trying out at different game shows recreated there.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a special effect apparatus for virtually creating various disastrous situations in scenes of movies shown at 4D theaters, and more particularly, to a special effect apparatus which can maximize vividness and reality in scenes of movies by providing visual effects similar to actual scenes when the scenes of movies shows various disasters, fire, a volcano erupting, war, sparks, a flash of light, bomb terrorism, and the likes. The special effect apparatus includes: a smoke generator for generating smoke; and a porous plate which has a plurality of holes through which smoke passes, and which has a predetermined pattern formed by a plurality of the holes, wherein the smoke generated from the smoke generator is emitted through the porous plate, such that a smoke effect can be provided by creating smoke into a form that is suitable for a specific scene in a movie.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for enhancing the multisensory experience of the members of the audience at entertainment venues are disclosed. The inventions disclosed herein permit an audience member to receive sensory stimulation of the senses of sound, sight, smell, touch, or taste through multisensory entertainment modules positioned on a structure so that each audience member is within a maximum optimal distance from one or more multisensory entertainment modules. An object of the inventions is to provide each attendee at an entertainment event with a multisensory experience of similar quality to that of every other attendee.

Abstract: This embodiment provides for a portable, easily-assembled, modular background set that can be used in television studios, theatre stages, and tradeshow booths, to name a few, and for displays in other settings, such as retail stores, physician's offices, and the like, that is, wherever information needs to be displayed. According to this embodiment, an apparatus and method for providing said background set or display comprises a plurality of base structures; a plurality of outer and inner collapsible corrugated plasticboard sleeves; a plurality of supporting frames; a hanger system; an elastic cord stabilizing system; and a collapsible backdrop system. These components are assembled from a very compact, collapsed, disassembled state in a quick and easy manner, with no special tools, to create a professional set or display that can be used in a plurality of different venues.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a flexible creation animated by magnets or electromagnets brought near the flexible creation. Iron particles blended with a flexible material of the flexible creation may interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets, causing the object or portions of the object to move toward or away from the controlling magnets, thereby animating the object.

Abstract: An optical effect bubble generating system includes an optical effect viewing device including one or more desired holographic images. The optical effect viewing device can be eyeglasses having lenses containing the holographic images. The lenses can be interchangeable to provide different holographic images. The system includes a bubble generating device that can be manually- or automatically-operated. The system operates to provide the optical effect of imposing the desired holographic image onto one or more bubbles when the bubbles are generated in a naturally- or artificially-lit environment, and the one or more bubbles viewed by a user through the optical effect viewing device.

Abstract: The system provides a tristable environment that effects reorientation of horizontal and vertical surfaces at a human scale. The system allows the engagement and disengagement of the effect via movement of the observer without loss of the intensity of the effect. The system also provides a combined vection/motion induced blindness environment at human scale with interactivity available to non-trained participants.

Abstract: This new invented mechanism is geometrically defined by two concentric tetrahedrons. Four motors are mounted onto the four vertexes of an outer tetrahedron frame. Four outer arc-links which are driven by these motors are pivotally connected with another four inner arc-links which are pivoted by four vertexes of an inner tetrahedron frame. This mechanism not only extends the range in pitch, roll and yaw three rotational DoF for enlarging the limits of Stewart 6-axis motion platform but also increases two translational DoF for improving the shortage of gimbals type multi-ring mechanism. This mechanism can simulate high maneuvering motion (ex. Barrel roll or fast spin) as high-speed vehicles (ex. fighter or roller coaster) can to stimulate passengers with virtual-but-real and shocked-but-exciting sensation. This mechanism will be chosen as a motion platform or a space orientating mechanism for a theme park game machine or a military fighter trainer.

Abstract: A method for operating a driven output device provided in an articulated head, mobile prop, or other object worn by a performer. The method includes providing a wearable control system, the control system including a driver for the output device, a control module, a wireless receiver, and memory. The method includes storing a set of show control commands for the output device in the memory, and receiving a show control signal with the wireless receiver from a wayside controller. The method includes operating the control module to process the show control signal, to retrieve the show control commands, and to signal the driver to drive the output device based on the commands. The commands are selected based on a character identifier stored in memory associated with the output device such as in a character head junction box, and this memory stores tuning or configuration data for the output device.

Abstract: A dynamic simulator includes a carrying platform, a movable platform, a load carrying seat, a first actuator pivotally coupled to carrying platform, and a second actuator pivotally coupled to movable platform, and an included angle is formed between the first actuator and the carrying platform, and an included angle is formed between the second actuator and the load carrying seat, and an included angle is formed between the second actuator and the first actuator, so as to simplify the dynamic simulator.

Abstract: A fluid display includes a fluid source, a gas source, and a light source. The fluid source coherently emits fluid along a first trajectory. The gas source emits gas along a second trajectory that intersects the first trajectory. The light source is directed toward the intersection of the first trajectory and the second trajectory. The second trajectory may intersect the first trajectory at an oblique angle. The fluid source and/or the gas source may emit intermittently. The fluid source may emit a laminar jet or spherical fluid globules. The gas source may intermittently emit a gas vortex. The gas may be a flammable gas. The fluid may be water and the gas may be air. The fluid display may provide a “water sparkler” effect.

Abstract: A method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

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: One embodiment may take the form of a flexible creation animated by magnets or electromagnets brought near the flexible creation. Iron particles blended with a flexible material of the flexible creation may interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets, causing the object or portions of the object to move toward or away from the controlling magnets, thereby animating the object.

Abstract: An interactive graphic is disclosed. The interactive graphic is includes a background graphic capable of being attached to a surface and movable pieces that cling to and glide on the background graphic.

Abstract: A traveling toy system is provided, in which it becomes possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted to a video display device. In the traveling toy system, a video camera, a video camera controller which is adjustably controls at least a frame rate of the video camera, a signal transmission device which transmits a video signal outputted from the video camera to a video display device, and electric storage means for power supply are mounted on the traveling toy which travels on a traveling lane using a potential energy. The traveling toy system further includes a traveling toy carrier device which carries the traveling toy from a position where the potential energy is low to a position where the potential energy is high. The video camera controller changes the frame rate so that when a traveling speed of the traveling toy is higher than a given speed, the frame rate may be increased from the frame rate at the time that the traveling speed is lower than the given speed.

Abstract: The system provides a tristable environment that effects reorientation of horizontal and vertical surfaces at a human scale. The system allows the engagement and disengagement of the effect via movement of the observer without loss of the intensity of the effect. The system also provides a combined vection/motion induced blindness environment at human scale with interactivity available to non-trained participants.

Abstract: This new invented mechanism is geometrically defined by two concentric tetrahedrons. Four motors are mounted onto the four vertexes of an outer tetrahedron frame. Four outer arc-links which are driven by these motors are pivotally connected with another four inner arc-links which are pivoted by four vertexes of an inner tetrahedron frame. This mechanism not only extends the range in pitch, roll and yaw three rotational DoF for enlarging the limits of Stewart 6-axis motion platform but also increases two translational DoF for improving the shortage of gimbals type multi-ring mechanism. This mechanism can simulate high maneuvering motion (ex. Barrel roll or fast spin) as high-speed vehicles (ex. fighter or roller coaster) can to stimulate passengers with virtual-but-real and shocked-but-exciting sensation. This mechanism will be chosen as a motion platform or a space orientating mechanism for a theme park game machine or a military fighter trainer.

Abstract: This embodiment provides for a portable, easily-assembled, modular background set that can be used in television studios, theatre stages, and tradeshow booths, to name a few, and for displays in other settings, such as retail stores, physician's offices, and the like, that is, wherever information needs to be displayed. According to this embodiment, an apparatus and method for providing said background set or display comprises a plurality of base structures; a plurality of outer and inner collapsible corrugated plasticboard sleeves; a plurality of supporting frames; a hanger system; an elastic cord stabilizing system; and a collapsible backdrop system. These components are assembled from a very compact, collapsed, disassembled state in a quick and easy manner, with no special tools, to create a professional set or display that can be used in a plurality of different venues.

Abstract: An optical illusion “magic” apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a first spherical element situated within a second spherical element, each of said spherical elements having a circumference, the circumference of said first spherical element being from about 1% to about 99% smaller than the diameter of said second spherical element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for performing a stadium card stunt. By utilizing a digital notice method and audience participating real time card stunts can be performed.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

Abstract: An image projecting device for producing a physiological illusion in a viewing guest, the device having a housing with a transparent projection surface, a strobe light supported by the housing and configured to illuminate the transparent projection surface, an image located on the transparent projection surface, and a controller configured to activate and set duration of the strobe light at a predetermined time to produce a physiological illusion of the image in the viewing guest.

Abstract: A combination article storage container and novelty item includes a housing having a first predetermined size and first predetermined shape and being manufactured from a first predetermined material. A predetermined article is contained within such housing. A mechanism releasably attaches such predetermined article within such housing at a predetermined location therein. An outwardly facing transparent front panel manufactured from a second predetermined material is attached to such housing at a predetermined location thereon. A mechanism provides access to remove and replace such predetermined article. A tool member is operably connected to such housing at a predetermined location on an outside of such housing for giving the appearance that in order to obtain such predetermined article such tool must be used to break the transparent front panel.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing an immersive experience for a participant is provided. The arrangement includes an atmosphere component, wherein the atmosphere component includes one or more enhancements designed to create an alternate reality for the participant. The arrangement also includes a personal accoutrements component, wherein the person accoutrements component includes at least an arrangement for enabling the participant to become a persona that is an integrated member of the alternate reality. The arrangement further includes an activity component, wherein the activity component includes a plurality of events that support a unified entertainment theme that further enhances the participant's experience in the alternate reality.

Abstract: A machine or apparatus that enables a magician, illusionist, mentalist, performer, or psychic entertainer, to “magically” bend coins for entertainment, a secret coin bending device or tool that looks like an ordinary writing or marking pen, made of stainless steel or titanium, a slot that receives a variety of coin sizes, and a pivoting joint, or hinge to create the bend in the coin.

Abstract: A folding display apparatus includes: first and second forms; and at least one flexible connector strip interconnecting the first and second forms and carrying indicia thereon in a preselected pattern. The apparatus is moveable between a first position in which the first and second forms collectively define a face bearing a first image composed from the indicia; and a second position in which the first and second forms collectively define a second face bearing a second image composed from the indicia.

Abstract: The system provides a tristable environment that effects reorientation of horizontal and vertical surfaces at a human scale. The system allows the engagement and disengagement of the effect via movement of the observer without loss of the intensity of the effect. The system also provides a combined vection/motion induced blindness environment at human scale with interactivity available to non-trained participants.

Abstract: A pair of opposed inflatable bladders form a false floor, ceiling or wall having a seam through which an object support is propelled, deforming the inflatable bladders around the support, thereby giving the appearance that an object mounted on the support above the bladders is self-propelled above the false floor, ceiling or wall.

Abstract: A device for walking or running in place, especially for virtual spaces in which two transport elements crossing each other at a right angle are provided, which together form a walkable central surface, on which a user walks forward, whereas, under him, the transport elements move at the same speed. It is essential that the transport elements consist of rows of square plates or tiles, which can be moved in rows in the X and Y directions, where at all times a row of tiles is removed by a transfer device and then shifted by 90° or 180°.

Abstract: A method of photographing a simulated activity includes a stable photographic platform that enables an individual to safely mount an item of equipment or a safety surface adjacent the item of equipment so that a photograph may be taken. The item of equipment may be positioned in concealing relation to a structure that supports the item of equipment or the safety surface. The posing individual or the clothing of the posing individual may also conceal the support structure. Alternatively, the support structure and the safety surface may be unconcealed but disguised as a natural element of a photographed scene, such as a rail in a skateboard park. The result is a photograph of an activity where the individual and the equipment appear to be precariously positioned or even suspended in the air with no apparent support. No part of the equipment or individual is cropped from the photograph.

Abstract: An improved novelty item is disclosed. The novelty item has a container that receives a solid piece of carbon dioxide when the solid carbon dioxide contacts water vapor in the container a fog is created. As the solid carbon dioxide sublimates, the water vapor is emitted from the container as a visible fog. The container may be in the shape of any number of designs for which the visible fog streaming from the container creates a pleasing illusion.

Abstract: The juggling torch has a torch body (1) with a wick (3) for fuel that is absorbed by the wick (3) and a fuel container (7) that is connected to the wick (3) via one or many channels (15).

Abstract: An image generating apparatus that can produce an image representing an unsteady object without involving an increased load of computing operations is provided. The image generating apparatus includes a control portion (11). The control portion (11) generates display image data to be displayed on a screen based on information on at least one three-dimensional object disposed in a three-dimensional space and information on a viewpoint position. Of the display image data, image area identification data identifying an image area corresponding to the three-dimensional object is stored in memory. Image defocusing processing is applied at least locally to the display image based on the image area identification data.

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: A light display system for projecting digitally generated light beams onto a stage display, comprising a housing rotatable about at least one axis, a deformable mirror device (DMD) having a surface comprising an array of deformable mirror cells, the DMD being mounted in the housing, a light source mounted in the housing for directing a light beam in an optical path that impinges upon the surface of the DMD, and digital control signals to the DMD for digitally activating selected deformable mirror cells of the DMD to reflect digitally selected light beams onto the stage display having the optical effect of a continuous moving image or images. The housing is rotatable about a second axis transverse to the first axis. Coloring devices can be mounted in the housing.

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: When waved by a user, a magic wand transmits a binary spell code having a value referencing an object behavior to a receiver included within another object. The receiver decodes the code to produce control signals as inputs to components within the object controlling its behavior so that the object exhibits the behavior referenced by the transmitted code value. The wand also produces a sensory feedback pattern including light, sound and/or vibration) to the user to indicate that the code has been transmitted. The sensory feedback pattern is a function of the value of the transmitted code.

Abstract: A bulletin board includes a generally planar polyfoam layer having a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface includes a recessed surface portion formed therein having an integrally disposed generally planar stiffening member held in place by the polyfoam. The planar stiffening member is preferably a cardboard piece and the polyfoam penetrates a portion of the corrugation from peripheral edges thereof inward. A method of forming the bulletin board is provided.

Abstract: A film to live-action theater includes a screen facing an audience seating area. The screen has exit and entrance openings and movable panels to open and close off the openings. A screen elevator lifts the screen from a lowered position, wherein the entrance and exit openings are concealed behind a stage, to an up position, to allow an actor and/or a prop to move through the openings. The audience views a film presentation projected onto the lowered screen. At a predetermined time, the screen is quickly raised and a live actor and/or a prop move through the screen to a front stage area, on a track. The opening of the door panels is preferably partially concealed through special effects such as fog or lighting. As the film presentation is preferably made with three dimensional film technology, the audience perceives a film-to-live transition.

Abstract: A novelty device and method of using it, include at least three lamp sockets, and at least three lamps, which are each capable of producing at least three different colored lights, such as red, green and orange light. The lamps are housed in opaque translucent enclosures or housings, to prevent their colors from being known until they are illuminated by a set of at least three corresponding manually operable switches. When the switches are actuated, the lamps each emit a different colored light to provide the appearance that each lamp is of a different color. A control device in the form of a microprocessor secretly enables the user to cause the lamps to emit the desired color even after the lamps are removed from the sockets, mixed, and then re-inserted.

Abstract: An interactive control unit for determining inquiries to each of participants by images on the basis of inputted personal information of each of the participants, determining a next inquiry to each of the participants on the basis of a response of each of the participants inputted from an input unit and repeating inquiry/response relating to the attraction by an interactive method is provided for a host computer. A sensor for detecting whether or not a portable device placed in a receiving portion is touched is provided for the input unit so that input of a response from each participant is performed by touching/releasing the hand from the portable device.

Abstract: A fire sound simulator includes a random sequencer which produces random signals. The sequencer is connected to a sound synthesizer which transforms the sequencer's signals into random sounds. The synthesizer is in turn connected to a speaker which receives the sounds from the synthesizer for outputting the sounds. The simulator alternatively includes a recording stored on a ROM chip. The simulator may be activated by a light sensitive switch.

Abstract: A maze including a plurality of posts, a plurality of stretching members for inserting into longitudinal slots on the posts to reinforce the structural strength of the posts, a plurality of coupling members end matched between either two posts, and a plurality of partition members for connection horizontally between either two posts to define a network of intricate passages.

Abstract: An improved device and method of a) separating the cellular components of whole blood from plasma or serum, b) separating the low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction and the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) fraction from the plasma or serum, then c) assaying the plasma or serum for cholesterol present in the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction are disclosed. The device includes a separation area that separates the cellular components of whole blood from the serum or plasma and separates the LDL and VLDL fractions from the serum or plasma, and a test area that assays the serum or plasma for the concentration of the HDL cholesterol. The method includes introducing a whole blood sample to a test device including a separation area comprising a first zone that separates the cellular components of the whole blood from the plasma or serum; and a second zone that separates the LDL and the VLDL fractions from the plasma or serum.

Abstract: A magic set comprises a valise containing a set of props, cue sheets and a series of illustrated sheets pivotally bound together. The case can be opened to support the sheets as an elevated, horizontally extending stack to form a stage. Successively uppermost illustrated sheets of scenery can be turned over by a magician to hang vertically from the front of the stage interacting with the illustrated sheet next uppermost to provide different scenes of a continuous magic show. Indicia marked on the illustrated sheets interact and interfit with props in the performance of tricks.

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.