System and method for dry steam special effects

Abstract

A special effect system 50 may include a steam generator 52, a reheater 60, and a steam separator 61 configured to generate dry steam. The steam generator 52 is coupled to a presentation element 54 that includes one or more compartments 58. Steam from the steam generator 52 passes through the reheater 60 and the steam separator 61 before entering the one or more compartments 58 in order to remove condensate and to remediate cooling of steam within the system 50 between the steam generator 52 and the performance element 54.

Description

Background Art

[0001] This paragraph is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to various aspects of the present technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0002] Throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues, special effects can be used to help immerse visitors in the experience of rides or attractions. Immersive environments can include three-dimensional (3D) props and scenery pieces, robotic or mechanical elements, electrical or chemical elements, and / or display surfaces that present media. For example, an immersive environment can be provided via show components that operate to produce visual effects that diffuse into the environment. However, generating diffuse special effects can be cumbersome and involves specialized equipment and materials and associated maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Certain embodiments comparable in scope to the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather, these embodiments are intended merely to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0004] In an embodiment, a dry steam effect system may include a performance element and a support structure coupled to the performance element, wherein the support structure is coupled to the performance element via an actuatable mechanism such that actuation of the actuatable mechanism relative to the support structure causes actuation of the performance element. The dry steam effect system may also include a steam generator coupled to the support structure and configured to generate steam. The dry steam effect system may further include a reheater coupled to and in the same circuit as a steam line and configured to reheat steam received from the steam generator. Additionally, the dry steam effect system may also include a steam separator coupled to and in the same circuit as the steam line and configured to receive reheated steam from the reheater, wherein the steam separator is configured to separate condensate from the steam to generate dry steam, and wherein the performance element is coupled to the steam line such that the dry steam is delivered to a compartment of the performance element via the steam line.

[0005] In an embodiment, a dry steam effect method for generating dry steam may include instructing a steam generator to generate steam in response to an actuation signal, delivering the steam to a reheater and a steam separator via a pipeline, instructing the reheater and the steam separator to heat the steam and separate condensate from the steam to generate dry steam, allowing the dry steam to fill one or more compartments of a performance element, actuating movement of the performance element via an actuatable mechanism, and allowing the dry steam to escape through one or more outlets of the performance element.

[0006] In an embodiment, an attraction system may include a show element including a compartment configured to release dry steam, a vehicle configured to move along a path proximate to the show element, and a controller communicatively coupled to the show element and the vehicle. The controller may determine a position of the vehicle and instruct one or more compressed air supplies and / or one or more blowers to apply positive pressure to release the dry steam from the compartment based on the position of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a dry steam special effects system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a dry steam special effects system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a dry steam effect generated by a dry steam special effects system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for operating a dry steam special effects system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system including a dry steam special effects system according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a brief description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be recognized that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but is still a routine task of design, construction, and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from this disclosure.

[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0015] The present disclosure is directed to providing dry steam special effects for an amusement park or theme park. An amusement park may include various scenic environments, such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), theatrical performances, scene designs, performers, and / or decorative elements to provide entertainment to visitors. Special effects can be used to fill or supplement features, such as providing visitors with a more immersive and / or unique experience. For example, special effects can be presented to mimic real-world elements in order to present a more realistic or immersive atmosphere to visitors. The scenic environment may include performance elements, such as props, animated characters, background elements, scene or theater elements, ride vehicle accessories or elements, queue features, etc. In certain embodiments, the performance elements may be configured as performance motion devices, which include one or more moving parts that are actuated to enhance the narrative elements of the attraction, or operate as independent props. The performance elements may include special effects systems, such as audio, video, optical, tactile, and / or diffuse effects.

[0016] Provided herein are dry steam effects for show elements. In embodiments, a show element may feature a diffuse dry steam effect, in which dry steam is discharged from the show element into the attraction environment. Delivering dry steam from the show element with reduced steam condensation can be challenging. It may be desirable to keep the relatively high-temperature steam-generating equipment separate from temperature-sensitive parts of the show element, such as controllers (e.g., control circuitry) for the moving parts, and from the overall attraction environment. However, steam cools and condenses as it travels through fluid lines or hoses. Therefore, the greater the distance between the steam generator and the location where the dry steam is discharged, the greater the potential loss of steam to condensate, which reduces the effectiveness of the effect. As provided herein, steam generators for generating steam for show motion equipment can be used to mitigate these challenges. In embodiments of the present disclosure, this steam can be delivered through fluid lines and / or cable management service loops that can bend and flex as the show motion equipment dynamically moves. The fluid lines can be connected to a reheater element to reheat any condensation generated as the steam cools during transport. The reheated steam can then be passed through a steam separator to further remove any condensate that may have been produced and to ensure dry steam at the transfer point. Any residual condensate collected by the steam separator can be emptied into a drain or pumped back into the steam generator in a closed-loop system for reuse. The reheater and steam separator can be located proximate to the dry steam transfer point (e.g., proximate to the compartment into which the dry steam is delivered and including the dry steam outlet), reducing this heat loss before the dry steam is transferred.

[0017] Thus, the steam generator can generate dry steam at a location separate from the visitor-facing portion of the attraction. While the steam generator can be configured for dry steam generation, partial cooling of the dry steam during transport results in the presence of water in the steam. Therefore, reheating and steam separation at a point close to the dry steam transfer location restores the appropriate composition of the dry steam for transfer.

[0018] Taking the foregoing into consideration, Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a special effects system 50 for generating a dry steam effect 51. For example, the special effects system 50 may include a steam generator 52 coupled to a performance element 54. The steam generator 52 may be located on a support structure 66. A pipe 56 may couple the steam generator 52 to the performance element 54. The pipe 56 may be configured to provide sufficient slack so that the coupled performance action device actuatable mechanism 64 can move relative to the steam generator 52 while carrying a portion of the pipe 56. In other words, the pipe 56 is coupled to the performance action device actuatable mechanism 64 in a manner that allows the pipe to bend and / or flex to accommodate movement while remaining coupled to the steam generator 52. By separating the steam generator 52 from the performance element 54, size and material constraints on components within the special effects system 50 may be reduced or eliminated. For example, the performance element 54 may be of any suitable shape, size, or material to function as a reservoir for dry steam and a central point for releasing dry steam, rather than as a point for generating dry steam.

[0019] In an embodiment, the steam generator 52 operates to generate steam when active. The steam generator 52 can be a dry steam generator that generates dry steam. As discussed herein, even if the steam generator 52 generates dry steam, delivering dry steam toward the performance element 54 through the conduit 56 that includes additional slack to allow for movement of the performance action device actuatable mechanism 64 can result in heat loss and condensate formation that are mitigated via reheating and separation as disclosed herein. The steam generator 52 can be coupled to one or more blowers (e.g., fans) and / or one or more compressed air supply sources to generate positive pressure and push steam toward the performance element 54. The power of the one or more blowers can depend on the arrangement of the performance action device actuatable mechanism 64, the length and arrangement of the conduit 56, and the drop relative to the steam generator 52. In some cases, the system 50 can be arranged as a closed loop system in which steam generated at the steam generator 52 is delivered through the conduit 56 and returned via the condensate conduit 59 (see Figure 2 ).

[0020] The line 56 (and / or the condensate line 59) can be made of a flexible steam hose made of, for example, a polymer (e.g., a plastic (e.g., rubber)), a metal, glass, a carbon reinforced material, a glass reinforced material, or other suitable material). In some embodiments, the line 56 can be heated and / or insulated to minimize the amount of condensate generated as the dry steam travels through the line 56. As the dry steam travels through the line 56, the dry steam, along with any condensate that may form between the steam generator 52 and the reheater 60, can be reheated by the reheater 60.

[0021] To adjust for potential heat loss (i.e., condensate formation) between the steam generator 52 and the reheater 60, the length of the line 56 may be varied depending on the performance action equipment used, the amount of dry steam generated, or other environmental factors that affect heat loss between the steam generator 52 and the reheater 60. As the dry steam continues to travel through the line 56 and after the steam passes through the reheater 60, any remaining condensate may be separated via a steam separator 61. In some embodiments, the reheater 60 and the steam separator 61 may be coupled to a performance action equipment actuatable mechanism 64 and thus move with the performance element 54 and relative to the steam generator 52. Furthermore, although Figure 1 and Figure 2 While the reheater 60 and steam separator 61 are depicted as separate components, in another embodiment, the reheater 60 and steam separator 61 may be combined into a single component. Additionally or alternatively, depending on the expected amount of condensate, more than one reheater 60 and / or steam separator 61 may be present. For example, if the performance motion equipment is operating in a cold environment or a longer line 56 is required between the steam generator 52 and the performance element 54, additional reheaters 60 and steam separators 61 may be required. In an embodiment, the reheater 60 and steam separator 61 are positioned relatively closer to the performance element 54 than the steam generator 52, so that the benefits of reheating and separation are achieved at a location close to the dry steam effect 51. The system may include a drain 62 for discharging separated condensate. The drain 62 is shown adjacent to the steam separator 61.

[0022] Line 56 is inline with reheater 60 and steam separator 61 to allow steam to be transferred from line 56 to and from reheater 60 and steam separator 61. For example, line 56 is fluidly coupled to reheater 60 and steam separator 61. In the illustrated example, first portion 56a of line 56 is coupled to inlet 63 of reheater 60 to transfer steam to the heating chamber of reheater 60 to allow for reheating. The heated steam then exits via outlet 65 of reheater 60 to second portion 56b of line 56 to be transferred via separator inlet 67 to the interior of the separator to separate any condensate present after reheating. The separated dry steam exits steam separator 61 via separator outlet 68, which is coupled to third portion 56c of line 56. Third portion 56c of line 56 is directly or indirectly coupled to performance element 54.

[0023] The performance element 54 may include one or more compartments 58 for receiving and / or storing dry steam for the dry steam effect 51. The one or more compartments 58 may be made of an airtight material (e.g., a material that the dry steam cannot penetrate) to hold the dry steam and may include one or more outlets 82 for the dry steam to escape therefrom and produce the dry steam effect 51. In the example shown, the one or more outlets 82 may include openings of different shapes and sizes. In addition, the outlet openings may be covered by an open woven material (e.g., a scrim, a mesh, a perforated material) that includes multiple openings for releasing dry steam from the compartments 58. By controlling the number of outlets in the one or more outlets 82 within the one or more compartments 58, the shape and size of the one or more outlets 82 and the visual appearance of the dry steam effect 51 may be controlled (e.g., adjusted).

[0024] In an embodiment, dry steam may be conveyed through tubing 56 to subsequently release the dry steam through one or more outlets 82. Alternatively, the dry steam may travel through tubing 56 to be temporarily retained within one or more compartments 58 of the show element 54 prior to triggering a dry steam effect. To trigger the dry steam effect, positive pressure may be applied to one or more compartments 58 to force the dry steam outward through one or more outlets 82 such that the dry steam effect is visible to provide visitors within the amusement park with a unique and / or realistic visualization of the dry steam effect.

[0025] For illustration purposes, the performance element 54 may be a humanoid figure, such as Figure 1 . The one or more compartments 58 may form a body (e.g., a torso) of a humanoid figure, and the one or more outlets 82 may be located on the torso. However, it should be understood that other arrangements and configurations of the performance elements 54 are contemplated (e.g., animals, vehicles, buildings, manhole cover steam effects).

[0026] Figure 2 A closed loop arrangement of the system 50 is shown. In the arrangement shown, the reheated and separated dry steam may be routed to one or more outlets 82 to produce the special dry steam effect 51, while the extracted condensate may be conveyed through the condensate line 59 back to the steam generator 52, as shown. Figure 2 . The closed-loop arrangement maintains heat within the system 50 while transferring the extracted condensate away from the mechanical components of the system 50 to prevent moisture accumulation in the environment. Therefore, depending on the distance between the steam generator 52 and the steam separator 61, the system 50 may include a pump or blower to transport the separated condensate via the condensate line 59. In an alternative arrangement, the condensate line may include a drain located away from the performance element 54.

[0027] As about Figure 1As discussed, the line 56 is coupled to the steam generator 52 and the performance element 54 to allow portions of the line 56 to move with the actuatable mechanism 64. Similarly, the condensate line 59 may also be coupled to the steam generator 52 and the performance element 54 with sufficient slack to allow actuation of the actuatable mechanism 64 through its full range of motion without strain on the line 56 and / or the condensate line 59. Portions of the line 56 and the condensate line 59 may extend within a channel 73 formed within the actuatable mechanism 64. In embodiments, the channel 73 may be insulated to retain heat within the line 56.

[0028] The performance element 54 can be coupled to a performance motion device actuatable mechanism 64, which is attached to a support structure 66. The performance motion device actuatable mechanism 64 can be configured to support and coordinate the movement of the performance element 54. For example, the performance motion device actuatable mechanism 64 can include a movable portion 70 (e.g., a robotic arm, a movable member) coupled to the performance element 54 and configured to move the performance element 54. Furthermore, the performance motion device actuatable mechanism 64 can also include a static portion 72 that is fixed to the support structure 66 and allows for movement of the movable portion 70. In other words, the movable portion 70 moves relative to the static portion 72. The performance element 54 can be actuated by the performance motion device actuatable mechanism 64 via the movable portion 70. Consequently, the lines 56 (including the lines 56 and the condensate line 59) also move relative to the static portion 72 of the performance motion device actuatable mechanism 64. In this way, show motion device actuatable mechanism 64 can produce visual effects perceived by guests, such as show elements 54 appearing to fly, float, levitate, fall, walk, etc. In some cases or at certain times, show elements 54 can be static and show motion device actuatable mechanism 64 can provide additional support to show elements 54. In another example, show motion device actuatable mechanism 64 can be supported by transmission lines (e.g., one or more cables) that can extend along show motion device actuatable mechanism 64 (e.g., within or beside it) and supply power and / or data to show elements 54. As an example, power supplied via the transmission lines can enable display elements 54 to be animated to depict reactions or interact with other display elements of the attraction system. In this way, the operation and animation of show elements 54 can enhance the experience perceived by guests.

[0029] Figure 3 An example of a dry steam effect being emitted from a performance element 54 is shown. In the example shown, one or more compartments 58 may form a head of a humanoid figure, and one or more outlets 82 may be located on or around the ears, such as Figure 3To create a realistic and / or immersive environment, show element 54 may also include one or more accessories. Alternatively, show element 54 may represent an animal, a virtual character, or an object. For example, accessories may include a hat and cape worn by show element 54. Furthermore, attachments and / or accessories of show element 54 may be used to conceal one or more elements of special effects system 50 (e.g., tubing 56, show motion device actuatable mechanism 64, steam generator 52) from the visitor's view. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts show element 54 as a humanoid figure, in other embodiments, show element 54 may represent an animal, a virtual character, or an object.

[0030] Taking the foregoing into account, Figure 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of an example method 100 for operating the special effects system 50. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 Method 100 is discussed with reference to the features in

[0045] . Method 100 may begin with an empty compartment state of show element 54. Method 100 may be performed according to instructions stored on one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media and / or may be executed by a processor (e.g., a processor of a controller described herein (e.g., attraction controller 188, see

[0046] ). Figure 5 ) or another suitable controller. The blocks of method 100 may be executed in any suitable order. In addition, some blocks of method 100 may be omitted and / or other blocks may be added to method 100.

[0031] At block 102, a controller (e.g., a control system) may receive an activation signal. For example, the controller may receive an instruction (e.g., user input, automatic signal) to trigger the dry steam effect 51. In another example, the controller may receive a signal instructing the triggering of the dry steam effect 51 based on receiving a sensor signal or a timing signal indicative of a visitor's proximity to the system 50. In response to receiving the activation signal, the controller may instruct one or more vacuum blowers to draw dry steam from the steam generator 52 via the conduit 56 to the one or more compartments 58 (e.g., Figure 1 The body compartments depicted in Figure 3). As described herein, the steam generator 52 can be external to the performance element 54 to reduce or eliminate the complexity of the performance element 54 and / or the one or more compartments 58. The steam generator 52 can be coupled to the one or more compartments 58 via a cable service management loop, which can include a line 56 and / or a condensate line 59, which can be formed from flexible tubing or hoses made of any suitable material, including heated hoses or other hot hose materials. In one example, the steam generator 52 and / or the line 56 can include a high-pressure water line for withstanding heat or being pressurized for producing the dry steam effect 51.

[0032] A controller (e.g., a control system) may instruct the steam generator 52 to continuously produce steam, and the initiation of the dry steam effect 51 may include opening a valve positioned at or near one or more outlets 82 or along the conduit 56 to allow the dry steam to escape to produce the dry steam effect 51. In some cases, steam may travel through the conduit 56 to fill the one or more compartments 58 by expansion or by a low level positive pressure set to promote collection of dry steam within the one or more compartments 58, but not high enough to blow the dry steam out through the one or more outlets 82.

[0033] During the initial charging phase of the dry steam effect 51, it may be beneficial to generate a low level of negative pressure within the one or more compartments 58 via the one or more vacuum blowers to prevent the release of dry steam prior to triggering the visible phase of the dry steam effect 51. Thus, the charging phase of the dry steam effect 51 may include actuation at a level of negative pressure to prevent any dry steam within the one or more compartments 58 from escaping through the one or more outlets 82.

[0034] At block 104, the controller may instruct one or more fluid flow devices of the steam generator 52 to apply a positive pressure to push the dry steam out of the one or more compartments 58. The steam generator 52 may include one or more air sources that may generate air to create a positive pressure to force the dry steam out of the compartments 58. In this way, a dry steam effect 51 may be generated. For example, the controller may instruct one or more compressed air supply sources to generate a positive pressure applied to the one or more compartments 58. The positive pressure may push the dry steam out of the one or more outlets 82 of the one or more compartments 58, thereby creating the dry steam effect 51. In an embodiment, the positive pressure used to push the dry steam through the one or more outlets 82 is higher than the pressure used to fill the one or more compartments 58.

[0035] At box 106, the controller may receive a stop signal. For example, the controller may receive an instruction (e.g., user input, automatic signal) indicating that the special effects system 50 is to be reset. The controller may instruct the steam generator 52 to enter an idle state in response to receiving the stop signal. In other cases, the controller may instruct the performance action device to actuate the mechanism 64 to return the performance element 54 to a default position. At box 108, the controller may also instruct the fluid flow device of one or more steam generators 52 to generate negative pressure to remove dry steam from one or more compartments 58.

[0036] In an embodiment, the controller may set, adjust, and / or change one or more parameters of the dry steam effect to control the visual appearance of the dry steam effect 51, the timing of the dry steam effect 51, the duration of the dry steam effect 51, and the like. For example, the controller may instruct one or more valves located near one or more outlets 82 to open or close, which may result in positive or negative pressure being applied to one or more compartments 58. In another example, before, during, or after the dry steam effect 51, the controller may instruct the steam generator 52 or the performance action device actuator 64 to be in an active state or an idle state. In an embodiment, the controller may instruct the steam generator 52 to remain in an active state to generate dry steam, negative pressure, or positive pressure. In addition, the controller may instruct the performance action device actuator 64 to actuate the performance element 54 to create a realistic and immersive environment for the visitor. In this way, the controller can create a visually realistic dry steam effect 51 and a realistic and / or immersive environment for the visitor.

[0037] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an attraction system 180 for an amusement park utilizing a special effects system 50. For example, the attraction system 180 may include a roller coaster, a motion simulator, a water ride, a walk-through attraction (e.g., a maze), etc. The attraction system 180 may also include special effects 182 that may be operable to enhance the visitor experience provided by the attraction system 180. For example, the special effects 182 may include lighting effects, movable objects (e.g., robots), smoke effects, audio effects, etc. The special effects 182 may also include a dry steam effect 51 generated by the special effects system 50. For example, the dry steam effect 51 may be used in conjunction with other special effects 182 to create a realistic and / or immersive environment for visitors.

[0038] The attraction system 50 may also include a ride 184, which may have a vehicle 186. The ride 184 may include, for example, a roller coaster, a water ride, a motion simulator, a dark ride, or the like. To this end, in embodiments, the vehicle 186 may move (e.g., translate, rotate, pivot) around a motion base and / or along a track of the attraction system 180. In additional or alternative embodiments, the vehicle 186 may remain stationary within the attraction system 180. One or more guests may be located within the vehicle 186. The ride 184 may provide entertainment to the guests via the movement of the vehicle 186, such as by providing the guests with a certain sensation of movement. Additionally or alternatively, special effects 182 may provide entertainment to the guest(s) located within the vehicle 186, such as by providing realistic visual and / or audio effects.

[0039] In an embodiment, the special effects 182 may include a combination of electrical, visual, olfactory, smoke, audio, and dry steam effects. For example, the special effects 182 may include a dry steam effect 51 generated by the special effects system 50 under the control of a controller (e.g., a control system). The special effects system 50 may include a steam generator 52 configured to generate dry steam and propel the dry steam through one or more fluid lines connected to the lines 56 of the one or more compartments 58 to produce the visual appearance of the dry steam effect 51. In addition, the special effects 182 may include sound effects, lighting effects, water effects, movement, visual effects, olfactory effects, and the like that can be used in conjunction with the dry steam effect. The special effects 182 may include certain display devices that utilize visual effects to complement the dry steam effect. As described herein, the special effects 182 may also include certain smells or audio to complement the dry steam effect.

[0040] The attraction system 180 may also include an attraction controller 188 (e.g., an attraction control system) coupled to the steam generator 52 and the ride 184. The attraction controller 188 may include a memory 190 and a processor 192 (e.g., a processing circuit). The memory 190 may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)), and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM)), an optical drive, a hard drive, a solid-state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions for operating the attraction system 180. The processor 192 may be configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor 192 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof.

[0041] Furthermore, attraction controller 188 may direct the generation of additional special effects before, during, or after the dry steam effect 51. For example, attraction controller 188 may direct the movement of vehicle 186 within attraction system 180 and / or various outputs provided by steam generator 52. In embodiments, attraction controller 188 may set, adjust, and / or change one or more parameters of the dry steam effect to control the appearance of the visual dry steam effect 51 provided. As an example, attraction controller 188 may direct the dry steam effect to cause show element 54 to appear to move or travel in a certain manner relative to vehicle 186. For example, attraction controller 188 may direct the show element 54 to move toward vehicle 186 and release dry steam during its movement before reaching vehicle 186. In another embodiment, attraction controller 188 may direct the show element 54 to move adjacent to vehicle 186. In embodiments, the dry steam effect 51 is actuated based on the position of vehicle 186 within a certain distance from the show element. For example, a vehicle position signal is provided to system 50.

[0042] The special effects system 50 can be added to new and existing special effects. Furthermore, the special effects system 50 described herein can be installed in both new and existing show elements 54 (e.g., objects). Installation of the special effects system 50 includes incorporating a compartment into a figure or object and coupling it to a steam generator device and / or an attraction controller 188. For example, the special effects system 50 can be applied to an animated figure or other non-anthropomorphic shape or object having a cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the object can be coupled to an attraction controller 188 to allow the object to move relative to other special effects in the system.

[0043] Although only certain features of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0044] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of actual nature, which significantly improve the art, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for (performing) (the function) ..." or "step for (performing) (the function) ...", it is intended that such elements should be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A dry steam special effect system, comprising: performance elements; a support structure coupled to the performance element; a steam generator configured to generate steam and coupled to the support structure; a steam line configured to receive the steam from the steam generator; a reheater coupled to and in-line with the steam line and configured to reheat the steam received from the steam generator; as well as a steam separator coupled to and in-line with the steam line and configured to receive reheat steam from the reheater, wherein the steam separator is configured to separate condensate from the steam to generate dry steam, and wherein the performance element is coupled to the steam line such that the dry steam is delivered to a compartment of the performance element via the steam line.

2. The special effects system according to claim 1, wherein: the support structure being coupled to the performance element via an actuatable mechanism, such that actuation of the actuatable mechanism relative to the support structure causes actuation of the performance element; and The compartment includes one or more outlets configured to release the dry steam to produce a dry steam effect.

3. The special effects system of claim 2, wherein the outlet comprises a covering comprising a perforated material.

4. The special effects system of claim 1, wherein the reheater and the steam separator are coupled to the actuatable mechanism and are configured to move with the actuatable mechanism.

5. The special effects system of claim 1, wherein the reheater and the steam separator are combined in a single unit.

6. The special effects system of claim 1, wherein the reheater is positioned upstream of the steam separator such that the reheater is located between the steam generator and the steam separator.

7. The special effects system of claim 1, comprising one or more positive pressure sources coupled to the steam generator.

8. The special effects system of claim 1, comprising one or more pumps configured to deliver the condensate to a drain via a condensate line.

9. The special effects system of claim 8, wherein the discharge device is located adjacent the steam separator.

10. The special effects system of claim 1, comprising a condensate line coupled to the steam generator and the steam separator.

11. The special effects system of claim 1 , wherein the steam generator is configured to continuously generate steam.

12. A special effect method for producing a dry steam effect, the method comprising: instructing the steam generator to generate steam in response to an activation signal; conveying the steam via piping to a reheater and a steam separator; instructing the reheater and the steam separator to heat the steam and separate condensate from the steam to generate dry steam; allowing the dry steam to fill one or more compartments of a performance element; as well as The dry steam is allowed to escape through one or more outlets of the performance element.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the steam generator is located on a support structure.

14. A method according to claim 13, comprising actuating movement of the performance element via an actuatable mechanism, wherein the support structure comprises the actuatable mechanism.

15. The method of claim 12, comprising conveying separated condensate from the steam separator back to the steam generator via a condensate line.

16. The method of claim 12, comprising actuating movement of the performance element via an actuatable mechanism, wherein the dry steam escapes via the one or more outlets when the performance element moves.

17. The method of claim 12, comprising instructing the steam generator to continuously generate steam in response to the activation signal.

18. A scenic spot system comprising: a performance element comprising a compartment configured to store and release dry steam, wherein the compartment comprises one or more outlets; a vehicle configured to move along a path proximate to the performance element; as well as a controller communicatively coupled to the show element and the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to: determining a position of the vehicle; as well as A steam generator is instructed to be actuated based on the position of the vehicle to deliver dry steam via a conduit into the compartment.

19. The attraction system of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to direct actuation of an actuatable mechanism to move the show element and the portion of the tubing coupled to the actuatable mechanism, and wherein the dry steam is released when the actuatable mechanism is actuated.

20. The attraction system of claim 19, including a reheater and steam separator in-line with the piping and located between the steam generator and the show element.

Images