Steam effect nozzle for entertainment facilities

Abstract

The vapor effect nozzle includes a housing section configured to receive a fluid having a mixture of vapor and liquid condensate and a baffle disposed within the housing section. The baffle is configured to separate vapor of the fluid from liquid condensate of the fluid and to allow the vapor to travel from a first end wall of the housing section to a second end wall of the housing section and to bias the liquid condensate of the fluid toward a sloped lower side of the housing section, the sloped lower side sloping downwardly from the second end wall toward the first end wall. The vapor effect nozzle also includes a nozzle outlet adjacent the second end wall of the housing section, the nozzle outlet configured to output the vapor to an external environment.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 191,539, filed May 21, 2021, and entitled "STEAM EFFECT NOZZLE FOR ENTERTAINMENT VENUE," the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to better understand the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Entertainment venues, such as theme parks, amusement parks, theaters, cinemas, stadiums, concert halls, and the like, have been created to provide a variety of immersive experiences to visitors. These entertainment venues may include show attractions (e.g., movies, plays, rides, games) that provide immersive experiences to visitors. For example, conventional show attractions may include systems configured to generate and output steam (e.g., onto a stage or show platform) as an effect of the conventional show attraction. However, it is now recognized that conventional systems used in show attractions may output undesirably large amounts of liquid condensate instead of or in addition to the steam output, which reduces the desired effect and / or increases the amount of time, maintenance, and / or cost required to remove the liquid condensate from various surfaces (e.g., of the stage or show platform). Additionally, certain conventional systems used in show attractions may include chemicals other than water to generate a steam fluid (e.g., synthetic steam) that leaves undesirable chemical residues on various surfaces (e.g., of the stage or show platform), which increases the amount of time, maintenance, and / or cost required to remove the chemical residues from various surfaces. Accordingly, it is now recognized that improved steam generating and output components for show attractions are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments falling within the scope of the initially claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the vapor effect nozzle includes a housing section configured to receive a fluid having a mixture of vapor and liquid condensate and a baffle disposed within the housing section. The baffle is configured to separate vapor of the fluid from liquid condensate of the fluid and to allow the vapor to travel from a first end wall of the housing section to a second end wall of the housing section and to bias the liquid condensate of the fluid toward a sloped lower side of the housing section, the sloped lower side sloping downwardly from the second end wall toward the first end wall. The vapor effect nozzle also includes a nozzle outlet adjacent the second end wall of the housing section, the nozzle outlet configured to output the vapor to an external environment.

[0006] In one embodiment, the steam effect nozzle includes an inlet section configured to receive a fluid, a housing section fluidly coupled to the inlet section at a first end wall of the housing section, and a baffle disposed within the housing section and configured to separate steam of the fluid from liquid condensate of the fluid. The steam effect nozzle also includes a steam outlet section coupled to the housing section at a second end wall of the housing section opposite the first end wall of the housing section. The steam outlet section includes a nozzle outlet formed therein, the nozzle outlet configured to output the steam to an external environment. The steam effect nozzle also includes a condensate outlet section extending from the housing section between the first end wall of the housing section and the second end wall of the housing section. The condensate outlet section is configured to exhaust liquid condensate from the housing section.

[0007] In one embodiment, the steam output system includes a steam generating and transport assembly having a steam effect valve and configured to generate a fluid having a mixture of steam and liquid condensate. The steam output system also includes a steam effect nozzle coupled to the steam generating and transport assembly downstream from the steam effect valve with respect to the flow of the fluid. The steam effect nozzle includes a baffle configured to separate a vapor of the fluid from a liquid condensate of the fluid such that the liquid condensate is discharged from the steam effect nozzle and the vapor is output from the steam effect nozzle towards an external environment. The steam output system also includes a controller having a processor and a memory, the memory having instructions stored therein that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to block the flow of fluid towards the steam effect nozzle such that a pressure of the fluid increases and to allow a flow of fluid to the steam effect nozzle such that a pressure of the fluid displaces the fluid through the steam effect nozzle.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a steam generating system having a steam effect nozzle for use in a show attraction, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the steam effect nozzle of FIG. 1 having a housing section that forms an asymmetric frusto-cone, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vapor effect nozzle of FIG. 1 having a housing section forming a trapezoidal prism, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the steam effect nozzle of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the steam effect nozzle of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the steam effect nozzle of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation will be described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system and business related constraints. It will be further appreciated that such a development effort may be complex and time consuming, but will be a routine exercise of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0016] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0017] The present disclosure relates generally to entertainment venue show attractions, and more particularly to steam effect nozzles configured to output steam for show attractions. For example, the present disclosure is directed to a steam effect nozzle that separates condensate of a fluid from a vapor of the fluid, drains the condensate, and outputs the vapor to a show attraction space (e.g., above a stage or show platform).

[0018] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the steam effect nozzle can include an inlet section configured to receive a fluid (e.g., having liquid condensate and steam) and a housing section coupled to the inlet section and configured to receive the fluid from the inlet section. The inlet section can be coupled, for example, to a pipe of a steam generating and transporting assembly. The steam effect nozzle also includes one or more baffles disposed in the housing section and configured to regulate the separation of liquid condensate of the fluid from the steam of the fluid by slowing the flow of the fluid through the steam effect nozzle, so that the liquid condensate falls from the fluid and is fed by gravity (e.g., toward the condensate outlet section) rather than being pushed through the steam effect nozzle with the steam (e.g., toward the steam outlet section). For example, the baffles can be positioned to allow the steam to pass over the top of the baffles relative to the gravity vector and to force the liquid condensate to fall downward toward a sloped lower side of the housing section that gravity feeds the liquid condensate toward the condensate outlet section.

[0019] The condensate outlet section of the steam effect nozzle can be coupled to the housing section and configured to expel liquid condensate therefrom. Additionally, the steam outlet section can be coupled to the housing section and configured to output steam to a show attraction space, such as above a stage or show platform of the show attraction. That is, the show attraction space can be an environment external to the steam effect nozzle and viewable by a patron of the show attraction. The output of steam from the steam effect nozzle can be controlled to coincide with various elements of the show attraction. For example, the output of steam from the steam effect nozzle can be controlled via a steam effect valve triggered by a controller to cause steam to be emitted at specific moments during the show attraction, such as from the mouth of a dragon appearing at a particular interval or moment of the show attraction. That is, steam can simulate smoke emitted from the mouth of a dragon and other show effects (e.g., lighting effects) can be used to simulate flames emitted from the mouth of a dragon. Reducing or eliminating the emission of liquid along with the steam can protect other devices, such as lighting, from damage or maintenance issues associated with liquid being ejected around the steam effect nozzle.

[0020] The housing section of the steam effect nozzle may include a shape that facilitates drainage of the liquid condensate through the condensate outlet section. For example, when the steam effect nozzle is in an installed and / or operational condition, the housing section may include a sloped underside that slopes downwardly toward the drain outlet section and gravity feeds the liquid condensate toward the drain outlet section. The term "underside" of the sloped underside is intended to refer to the position (relative to gravity) and / or orientation of the sloped underside when the steam effect nozzle is in an installed and / or operational condition.

[0021] Additionally, the baffles disposed in the housing section can be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to facilitate separation of liquid condensate of the fluid from the vapor of the fluid and guide the liquid condensate toward the sloped lower side. For example, a first baffle can be disposed toward an upper region of the housing section (e.g., against the sloped lower side) such that the fluid flow in the upper region is separated into liquid condensate and vapor, and a second baffle can be disposed toward a lower region of the housing section (e.g., against the sloped lower side) such that the fluid flow in the lower region is separated into liquid condensate and vapor. Because the liquid condensate of the fluid can include a higher density than the vapor of the fluid, the first and second baffles can block the liquid condensate from flowing toward and through the vapor outlet section and guide the liquid condensate toward the sloped lower side. The relatively low density vapor of the fluid can move around and pass through the first and second baffles toward the vapor outlet section. The steam effect valve can be controlled to increase the pressure of the fluid before it enters the steam effect nozzle, and the increased pressure is used to convey the fluid through the steam effect nozzle towards a steam outlet section of the steam effect nozzle.

[0022] Additionally, at least one baffle may be coupled to the sloped lower surface (e.g., adjacent the steam outlet section of the steam effect nozzle) and may include a passageway, such as a slot, therethrough. The baffle may be disposed, for example, adjacent an end wall of the housing section of the steam effect nozzle, which end wall may be coupled to the steam outlet section of the steam effect nozzle. The passageway through the baffle may allow any liquid condensate collected between the baffle and the end wall of the housing section to move from a first side of the baffle facing the end wall and the steam outlet section, through the passageway to a second side of the baffle facing the condensate outlet section, and along the sloped lower surface toward and into the condensate outlet section.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the steam effect nozzle can be configured to output steam formed solely by heated water (e.g., when water is heated via a boiler). Thus, the steam output by the steam effect nozzle does not leave undesirable chemical residues on various surfaces (e.g., of a stage or show platform) receiving the steam output, thereby reducing the amount of time, maintenance, and / or cost compared to conventional embodiments utilizing chemicals other than water. Additionally, the above-described configuration of the steam effect nozzle, described in detail below with reference to the drawings, can reduce or eliminate the amount of liquid condensate (e.g., liquid water) output by the steam effect nozzle, compared to conventional embodiments, thereby reducing the amount of time, maintenance, and / or cost required to remove the liquid condensate (e.g., liquid water) from various surfaces receiving the steam output. These and other features are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Continuing to refer to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a steam output system 10 having a steam effect nozzle 12 coupled to a steam generation and transport assembly 14. The steam output system 10 can be used in a show attraction to generate steam output in coordination with the show attraction to provide a desired effect to patrons of the show attraction. The steam generation and transport assembly 14 of the steam output system 10 can include a boiler 16, a first steam separator 18, a second steam separator 20, a steam trap 22, a cooling box 24, and a steam effect valve 25. The steam generation and transport assembly 14 also includes a pipe 26 disposed between the above-mentioned components as shown in FIG. 1. The boiler 16 can be configured to heat a liquid (e.g., water) to generate steam or a two-phase fluid having steam and liquid condensate.

[0025] The fluid output by the boiler 16 may be transported through a series of steam separators 18, 20. As the fluid travels through the piping 26, pressure loss of the fluid may cause a portion of the fluid's vapor to condense to produce liquid condensate. The steam separators 18, 20 may be utilized to separate the vapor and liquid condensate, passing the vapor toward the steam effect valve 25 and the steam effect nozzle 12, and discharging the liquid condensate toward the steam trap 22. The steam trap 22 is configured to discharging the liquid condensate toward the cooling box 24. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling box 24 may return the liquid condensate to the boiler 16 for heating, as discussed above. It should be noted that while the illustrated embodiment includes a first steam separator 18 and a second steam separator 20, fewer or more steam separators may be used depending on the distance between the boiler 16 and the steam effect valve 25 or the steam effect nozzle 12. Indeed, the boiler 16 may be located a sufficient distance from the steam effect nozzles 12 and the show space 30 receiving the steam effect from the steam effect nozzles 12 (e.g., above a stage or show platform) such that heat associated with the boiler 16 does not substantially affect the environment within the show space 30. In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary heaters (e.g., electric heating coils or heat exchangers) may be positioned along the pathway (e.g., pipe 26) to maintain or increase the temperature of the fluid and limit the creation or separation of liquid.

[0026] The steam effect valve 25 of the steam generating and transporting assembly 14 can be configured to selectively block the flow of fluid through the piping 26 and toward the steam effect nozzle 12, and selectively allow the flow of fluid toward the steam effect nozzle 12. When the steam effect valve 25 selectively blocks the flow of fluid toward the steam effect nozzle 12, the pressure of the fluid can increase. When the steam effect valve 25 selectively allows the flow of fluid to the steam effect nozzle 12, the pressure of the fluid can increase and the fluid can be biased through the steam effect nozzle 12 and toward the show space 30. The steam effect valve 25 can be controlled via the actuator 32 to open or close the flow path through the pipe 26 toward the steam effect nozzle 12, as described above. The controller 32 can include a processor 34 and a memory 36 that stores instructions therein that, when executed by the processor 34, direct the controller 32 to open and close the flow path through the piping 26 adjacent to the steam effect nozzle 12 at regular intervals. For example, a schedule may be stored in memory 36 of controller 32, and controller 32 may be configured to direct various components (e.g., steam effect valve 25, lighting effects) to operate in response to various time periods or intervals within the schedule.

[0027] The controller 32 can selectively open the steam effect valves 25 to generate a flow of fluid to the steam effect nozzles 12, which output steam into the show space 30 (e.g., above a stage or show platform) to generate steam effects coordinated (e.g., by the controller 32) with elements of the show attraction. In one embodiment, the steam effect can be output from the steam effect nozzles 12 located in the mouth of a dragon to give the impression of the dragon exhaling smoke at certain coordinated intervals of the show attraction. Additionally, lighting or other effects can be controlled by the controller 32. For example, the controller 32 can control the lighting 33 to simulate fire emanating from the dragon's mouth, and the controller 32 can control the steam effect valves 25 to simulate smoke emanating from the dragon's mouth via the steam effect nozzles 12. In some embodiments, the controller 32 can instruct the steam effect valves 25 and the lighting 33 to simultaneously cause the simulation of fire and smoke in response to a schedule stored in the memory 36 of the controller 32. Additionally, the controller 32 may direct the steam effect valve 25 at a first time period or instant, and direct the light 33 at a second time period or instant, different from the first time period or instant, also in response to a schedule stored in the memory 36 of the controller 32. For example, the controller 32 may direct the light 33 to simulate a fire at a first instant. The controller 32 may then direct the steam effect valve 25 to open at a second instant, different from the first instant, such that fluid is passed to the steam effect nozzle 12 and smoke is simulated via the steam output of the steam effect nozzle 12. Other effects and components are possible, including auditory components such as speakers.

[0028] As will be appreciated in light of Figures 2-6 below, the steam effect nozzle 12 may include certain features that allow for the liquid condensate to be discharged from the steam effect nozzle 12 such that the steam can be output by the steam effect nozzle 12 to the show space 30 substantially without entrained liquid, and the steam effect nozzle 12 may be configured to output "drier steam" than would be possible in the absence of the steam effect nozzle 12. By removing the liquid condensate and outputting a drier steam, the desired effect may be improved and / or the time, maintenance, and / or costs associated with cleaning the liquid condensate from surfaces defining the show space 30 may be reduced or negated between iterations of a show attraction utilizing the steam output system 10.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the steam effect nozzle 12 of Figure 1 having a housing section 40 that forms an asymmetric frusto-conical shape. The steam effect nozzle 12 also includes an inlet section 42 coupled to a first end wall 44 of the housing section 40, a steam outlet section 46 coupled to a second end wall 48 of the housing section 40, and a condensate outlet section 50 coupled to the housing section 40. In embodiments, the steam effect nozzle 12 may not include the inlet section 42, the steam outlet section 46, and the condensate outlet section 50, and instead may simply include inlet / outlet openings disposed directly in the housing section 40.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet section 42 can be configured to couple to and receive fluid from the pipe 26 of the steam generating and transporting assembly 14 of FIG. 1 (e.g., downstream of the steam effect valve 25 illustrated in FIG. 1). The housing section 40 can guide and facilitate transport of the outlet portion of the fluid from the inlet section 42 toward the steam outlet section 46, which is configured to output the fluid vapor to the show space 30 (e.g., above the stage or show platform) through a nozzle outlet 47 of the steam effect nozzle 12 (e.g., formed in the steam outlet section 46). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the steam effect nozzle 12 may not include the steam outlet section 46, and the nozzle outlet 47 can be formed directly in the second end wall 48 of the housing section 40. As described in more detail below, the housing section 40, and components internal to the housing section 40, can be configured to separate the fluid vapor received by the inlet section 42 from the liquid condensate of the fluid received by the inlet section 42 and direct the liquid condensate toward the condensate outlet section 50.

[0031] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the housing section 40 includes a shape resembling an asymmetric truncated cone. For example, the illustrated steam effect nozzle 12 is oriented (e.g., in an installed or operational state) such that a portion 52 of the housing section 40 that extends (along a general flow direction) above an axis 54 (e.g., relative to a gravity vector 62) through a center 53 of the steam outlet section 46 resembles half of a cylinder. Additionally, the steam effect nozzle 12 is oriented such that an additional portion 59 of the housing section 40 that extends below the axis 54 (e.g., relative to a gravity vector 62) resembles half of a truncated cone. The portion 52 and the additional portion 59 together form the asymmetric truncated cone described above. Stated differently, in the portion 52 of the housing section 40 above the axis 54, the first radius 55 at the first end wall is substantially equal to the second radius 56 at the second end wall 48, while in the additional portion 59 of the housing section below the axis 54, the third radius 57 at the first end wall 44 is greater than the fourth radius 58 at the second end wall 48. The difference between the third radius 57 and the fourth radius 58 may be made possible by a sloped lower surface 60 of the additional portion 59 of the housing section 40, which slopes downward from the second end wall 48 towards the first end wall 44 (e.g. towards the condensate outlet section 50). In other words, the second end wall 48 and the sloped lower surface 60 may form an obtuse angle 61 therebetween. The sloped lower surface 60 may be referred to as a "lower" surface in relation to its position relative to a gravity vector 62 when the steam effect nozzle 12 is in an installed (or operational) state. In contrast, the illustrated embodiment includes an upper surface 63 that extends generally parallel to the axis 54 .

[0032] The orientation of the vapor effect nozzle 12 relative to the gravity vector 62, in addition to components internal to the housing section 40, which will be described in more detail with reference to subsequent figures, can cause liquid condensate of the fluid received by the housing section 40 (e.g., via the inlet section 42) to fall toward the sloped underside 60 of the housing section 40. For example, the flow of relatively dense liquid condensate through the housing section 40 may be impeded by components internal to the housing section 40 such that gravity causes the liquid condensate to fall toward the sloped underside 60. Further, the sloped underside 60 can direct the liquid condensate (e.g., by gravity) toward the condensate outlet section 50 of the vapor effect nozzle 12. The vapor of the fluid received by the housing section 40 (e.g., via the inlet section 42), which is less dense than the liquid condensate, can be displaced by pressure exerted or enabled by the vapor effect valve 25 illustrated in FIG. 1. This pressure allows the vapor, which is less dense than the liquid condensate, to move around (e.g., over) the internal components within the housing section 40 toward and through a nozzle outlet 47 formed in the vapor outlet section 46 of the vapor effect nozzle 12 into the show space 30 (e.g., above a stage or show platform). By utilizing a substantially straight wall or surface (e.g., via a cylindrical shape) for the upper portion 52, the vapor in the fluid (which typically rises relative to the liquid droplets) has a more direct path to the vapor outlet section 46, which can avoid or limit undesirable condensation from being output by the vapor outlet section 46 via the nozzle outlet 47.

[0033] It should be noted that the housing section 40 can include shapes other than the asymmetric truncated cone described above, such as a symmetric truncated cone, an oblique cylinder, or a rectangular parallelepiped shape (e.g., a rectangular prism). For example, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the steam effect nozzle 12 of FIG. 1 having a housing section 40 that forms a trapezoidal prism. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing section 40 includes a first end wall 44 that forms a rectangular shape and a second end wall 48 that forms another rectangular shape. The rectangular shape of the second end wall 48 is smaller than the rectangular shape of the first end wall 44. The steam effect nozzle 12 includes an axis 54 that extends through a center 53 of the steam outlet section 46. A portion 52 of the housing section 40 above the axis 54 can resemble half of a rectangular prism, while an additional portion 59 of the housing section 40 below the axis 54 can resemble half of a truncated trapezoidal prism or a triangular prism. The portion 52 and the additional portion 59 together form a trapezoidal prism. The additional portion 59 is at least partially defined by a sloped lower surface 60 that forms an obtuse angle 61 with the second end wall 48 of the steam effect nozzle 12. In contrast, the upper surface 63 can extend parallel to the axis 54 through the center 53 of the steam outlet section 46. Similar to the embodiment of the steam effect nozzle 12 illustrated in FIG. 2, the embodiment of the steam effect nozzle 12 illustrated in FIG. 3 can include components within the housing section 40 that cause liquid condensate of the fluid received by the inlet section 42 and passed to the housing section 40 to flow downward (e.g., relative to the gravity vector 62) toward the sloped lower surface 60. The sloped lower surface 60 can direct the liquid condensate toward and to the condensate outlet section 50.

[0034] As discussed above, the components within the housing section 40 of the steam effect nozzle 12 can block the flow of relatively dense liquid condensate toward the steam outlet section 46 and allow the liquid condensate to fall toward the sloped lower side 60. Figures 4-6, which are described in detail below, illustrate various embodiments of the above-mentioned components within the housing section 40 of the steam effect nozzle 12.

[0035] For example, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the steam effect nozzle 12 of Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the steam effect nozzle 12 includes an interior volume 80 defined by an inlet section 42, a housing section 40, a steam outlet section 46, and a condensate outlet section 50. The interior volume may receive a fluid from a pipe 26 (e.g., of the steam generating and transport assembly 14 of Figure 1). The fluid may include steam and liquid condensate. As discussed above, the housing section 40 of the steam effect nozzle 12 may include interior features configured to separate the liquid condensate from the steam. For example, as illustrated, the steam effect nozzle 12 includes a first baffle 90, a second baffle 92, and a third baffle 94 disposed within the housing section 40.

[0036] Each of the baffles 90, 92, 94 is configured to block the flow of liquid condensate toward the vapor outlet section 46 of the vapor effect nozzle 12. For example, liquid condensate of a fluid received by the vapor effect nozzle 12 may include a higher density than the vapor of the fluid received by the vapor effect nozzle 12. As the relatively dense liquid condensate approaches the baffles 90, 92, 94, the baffles 90, 92, 94 may block the flow of the relatively dense liquid condensate, allowing the relatively dense liquid condensate to fall toward the sloped lower surface 60 of the housing section 40 of the vapor effect nozzle 12 while the vapor easily passes through. The term "underside" of the sloped lower surface 60 is intended to refer to the position and / or orientation of the sloped lower surface 60 when the vapor effect nozzle 12 is in an installed and / or operational state. That is, when the vapor effect nozzle 12 is in an installed and / or operational state, the sloped lower surface 60 may reside below the baffles 90, 92, 94 with respect to the gravity vector 62. Thus, when the baffles 90 , 92 , 94 block the flow of liquid condensate toward the vapor outlet section 46 , gravity acts on the liquid condensate, allowing it to fall toward and onto the sloped lower surface 60 .

[0037] Additionally, the sloped lower surface 60 slopes downwardly from the second end wall 48 (e.g., adjacent the steam outlet section 46) toward the condensate outlet section 50 proximate the first end wall 44 (e.g., adjacent the inlet section 42). In effect, the sloped lower surface 60 forms an obtuse angle 61 with the second end wall 48. Because of these features, the steam effect nozzle 12 promotes the capture of liquid condensate and then its flow toward and to the condensate outlet section 50, which discharges the liquid condensate from the steam effect nozzle 12.

[0038] The fluid vapor received by the vapor effect nozzle 12 includes a relatively low density compared to the liquid condensate described above. Thus, the fluid vapor can easily move around (e.g., above) the baffles 90, 92, 94 toward and through the nozzle outlet 47 formed in the vapor outlet section 46. As described above, the vapor effect valve 25 illustrated in FIG. 1 can bias the movement of the fluid through the vapor effect nozzle 12 toward the vapor outlet section 46. For example, the vapor effect valve 25 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be actuated to selectively block fluid from entering the vapor effect nozzle 12, which increases the fluid pressure upstream of the vapor effect valve 25 illustrated in FIG. 1. When the vapor effect valve 25 illustrated in FIG. 1 is actuated to selectively allow fluid to enter the vapor effect nozzle 12, the fluid pressure described above can bias the fluid through the vapor effect nozzle 12 toward the vapor outlet section 46. As the fluid passes through the vapor effect nozzle 12, the baffles 90, 92, 94, as described above, bias the liquid condensate toward the sloped underside 60, which gravity routes the liquid condensate to the condensate outlet section 50. In this manner, a flow direction 91 of the steam through the vapor effect nozzle 12 may oppose a flow direction 93 of the liquid condensate along the sloped underside 60. Thus, the vapor outlet section 46 generally receives the vapor of the fluid received by the vapor effect nozzle 12, and the condensate outlet section 50 generally receives the liquid condensate of the fluid received by the vapor effect nozzle 12.

[0039] The third baffle 94 in the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the sloped lower side 60 of the housing section 40 and separated from the second end wall 48 of the housing section 40 by a space 96. As illustrated, the third baffle 94 may include a passageway 98 (e.g., one or more slots or openings) adjacent the sloped lower side 60. Thus, liquid condensate that collects in the space 96 between the third baffle 94 and the second end wall 48 of the housing section 40 may drain through the passageway 98 toward the condensate outlet section 50. That is, the passageway 98 may allow liquid condensate to flow from a first side 100 of the third baffle 94 that faces the second end wall 48 of the housing section 40 of the steam effect nozzle 12, through the third baffle 94, and to a second side 102 of the third baffle 94 that faces the first end wall 44 of the housing section 40 of the steam effect nozzle 12.

[0040] The first baffle 90 and the second baffle 92 can be positioned to separate liquid condensate from the fluid vapor received by the vapor effect nozzle 12 in various regions within the interior volume 80. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 , the first baffle 90 is positioned a first distance 104 from the upper side 105 of the housing section 40 and the second baffle 92 is positioned a second distance 106 from the upper side 105 of the housing section 40, the first distance 104 being greater than the second distance 106. Thus, the fluid flow, including liquid condensate, that flows more readily across the first baffle 90 can still be engaged and captured by interacting with the second baffle 92.

[0041] Other baffle configurations are possible. For example, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the steam effect nozzle 12 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 5, the third baffle 94 does not include the passageway 98 included in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the third baffle 94 is sized such that any liquid condensate collected in the space 96 between the third baffle 94 and the second end wall 48 of the housing section 40 does not spill into the space 30 through the nozzle outlet 47 formed in the steam outlet section 46. For example, the top 110 of the third baffle 94 in the illustrated embodiment is below the bottom 112 of the steam outlet section 46 relative to the gravity vector 62. Thus, the liquid condensate collected in the space 96 spills over the top 110 of the third baffle 94 and onto the sloped underside 60 adjacent the second side 102 of the third baffle 94 that faces the first end wall 44 of the housing section 40, allowing the sloped underside 60 to guide the liquid condensate toward the condensate outlet section 50.

[0042] Still other baffle configurations are possible. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the steam effect nozzle 12 of Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, all three baffles 90, 92, 94 are coupled to the sloped underside 60. As previously described, the baffle 94 closest to the second end wall 48 of the housing section 40 includes a passage 98 therethrough. Additionally, baffle 92 includes a passage 120 therein, and baffle 90 includes a passage 122 therein. Thus, liquid condensate may travel along the sloped underside 60 through the passages 98, 120, or 122 toward and to the condensate outlet section 50.

[0043] It should be noted that in each embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, the steam outlet section 46 of the steam effect nozzle 12 is offset from the inlet section 42 of the steam effect nozzle 12 relative to the gravity vector 62. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the steam outlet section 46 is positioned higher than the inlet section 42 relative to the gravity vector 62. As previously explained, the fluid vapor received by the inlet section 42 tends to rise or pass through the upper portion of the steam effect nozzle 12 (e.g., above the baffles 90, 92, 94). By elevating the steam outlet section 46 (e.g., positioning the steam outlet section 46 higher than the inlet section 42 relative to the gravity vector 62), the fluid vapor can be directed toward and through the steam outlet section 46. In contrast, liquid condensate of the fluid can be directed away from the steam outlet section 46 (e.g., toward the underside of the steam effect nozzle 12, on the sloped underside 60).

[0044] The steam output system and corresponding steam effect nozzle described above may reduce or negate the amount of liquid condensate (e.g., liquid water) output by the steam effect nozzle as compared to conventional embodiments, thereby reducing the amount of time, maintenance, and / or cost required to remove the liquid condensate (e.g., liquid water) from various surfaces receiving the steam output. Additionally, the steam output may be drier than conventional show attraction embodiments, thereby enhancing the desired effect of the steam output. Still further, the steam output may be comprised of cleaner water than conventional embodiments utilizing other chemicals that leave chemical residues on surfaces receiving the fluid output, thereby reducing the amount of time, maintenance, and / or cost required to remove the chemical residues from the surfaces.

[0045] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes which fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0046] The approaches presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Moreover, when any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for "performing" a "function"" or "steps for "performing" a "function," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10 Steam Output System 12 Steam Effect Nozzle 14 Steam generation and transport assembly 16. Boiler 18 First steam separator 20 Second steam separator 22 Steam trap 24 Cooling Box 26 Pipe 30 Show Space 32 Actuator 34 processors 36 Memory

Claims

1. A steam effect nozzle, comprising: a housing section configured to receive a fluid having a mixture of steam and liquid condensate; a plurality of baffles disposed within the housing section, the baffles separating the steam of the fluid from the liquid condensate of the fluid and enabling the steam to move laterally with respect to the gravitational vector from a first end wall of the housing section to a second end wall of the housing section, and configured to deflect the liquid condensate toward an inclined lower portion of the housing section, the inclined lower portion being inclined downward with respect to the gravitational vector from the second end wall toward the first end wall; a gap between an upper portion of the housing section and upper surfaces of the plurality of baffles, the upper portion of the housing section facing the inclined lower portion of the housing section and being located above the inclined lower portion with respect to the gravitational vector; a nozzle outlet adjacent to the second end wall of the housing section, the nozzle outlet being configured to output the steam to an external environment; A steam effect nozzle comprising the above.

2. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising a condensate outlet section coupled to the housing section, the condensate outlet section being configured to receive the liquid condensate from the inclined lower portion and discharge the liquid condensate from the housing section.

3. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising a steam outlet section coupled to and having the nozzle outlet formed therein at the second end wall, the steam outlet section being configured to receive the steam from the housing section and output the steam to the external environment through the nozzle outlet.

4. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising an inlet section coupled to the first end wall of the housing section, the inlet section being configured to receive the fluid and pass the fluid into the housing section.

5. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 1, wherein a baffle of the plurality of baffles is coupled to the inclined lower portion.

6. Among the plurality of baffles, the baffle includes a passage that penetrates adjacent to the inclined lower portion, and the passage allows the liquid condensate to flow from a first side portion of the baffle among the plurality of baffles facing the second end wall through the passage to a second side portion of the baffle among the plurality of baffles facing the first end wall. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 5, which is configured as such.

7. A steam outlet section coupled to and having a nozzle outlet formed therein at the second end wall, the steam outlet section being configured to receive the steam from the housing section and output the steam to the external environment through the nozzle outlet, and an upper portion of the baffle being disposed lower than a bottom portion of the steam outlet section with respect to the gravity vector. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 5.

8. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the housing section includes an asymmetric truncated conical shape or a trapezoidal prism shape.

9. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the inclined lower portion forms an obtuse angle with the second end wall.

10. A steam effect nozzle, An inlet section configured to receive a fluid having a mixture of steam and liquid condensate, A housing section fluidly coupled to the inlet section at a first end wall of the housing section, A plurality of baffles disposed within the housing section for separating the steam of the fluid from the liquid condensate of the fluid and configured such that the steam moves laterally with respect to the gravity vector from the first end wall of the housing section to a second end wall of the housing section facing the first end wall of the housing section, A steam outlet section coupled to or integrated with the housing section at the second end wall of the housing section, the steam outlet section including a nozzle outlet formed therein, the nozzle outlet being configured to output the steam to the external environment, a baffle among the plurality of baffles being positioned adjacent to the steam outlet section, and an upper surface of the baffle among the plurality of baffles being positioned below a bottom surface of the nozzle outlet with respect to the gravity vector. A steam outlet section. A condensate outlet section extending from the housing section adjacent to the first end wall of the housing section and configured to discharge the liquid condensate from the housing section. A steam effect nozzle comprising the same. **Claim 11** The steam effect nozzle according to claim 10, wherein the housing section comprises an inclined lower portion forming an obtuse angle with the second end wall, and the inclined lower portion is inclined downward from the second end wall toward the condensate outlet section so that the inclined lower portion is configured to gravity-feed the condensate toward the condensate outlet section. **Claim 12** The steam effect nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the baffle among the plurality of baffles is coupled to the inclined lower portion. **Claim 13** The steam effect nozzle according to claim 12, wherein the baffle among the plurality of baffles is disposed closer to the steam outlet section than the condensate outlet section. **Claim 14** The steam effect nozzle according to claim 12, comprising a fluid passage formed in the baffle among the plurality of baffles adjacent to the inclined lower portion, the fluid passage being configured to allow the liquid condensate to flow from a first baffle side portion of the baffle among the plurality of baffles facing the second end wall through the fluid passage to a second baffle side portion of the baffle among the plurality of baffles facing the first end wall. **Claim 15** The steam effect nozzle according to claim 11, wherein an upper surface of the baffle among the plurality of baffles extends perpendicular to the gravity vector. **Claim 16** The steam effect nozzle according to claim 11, wherein a bottom surface of the nozzle outlet extends perpendicular to the gravity vector. **Claim 17** A steam effect nozzle, A housing section defining an internal volume, the housing section including a first end wall, a second end wall, an upper portion extending from the first end wall to the second end wall, and an inclined lower portion extending from the second end wall toward the first end wall. An inlet section integrated with the first end wall and configured to introduce a fluid having a mixture of steam and liquid condensate into the internal volume. A first baffle coupled to the housing section and disposed within the internal volume such that a first upper surface of the first baffle is at a first distance extending parallel to the gravitational vector from the upper portion, the first baffle; A second baffle coupled to the housing section and disposed within the internal volume such that a second upper surface of the second baffle is at a second distance extending parallel to the gravitational vector from the upper portion, and the first baffle and the second baffle are configured to separate the vapor of the fluid from the liquid condensate of the fluid, the second baffle; A condensate outlet section disposed between the first end wall and the inclined lower portion and configured to receive the liquid condensate from the inclined lower portion, the condensate outlet section; A vapor outlet section including a nozzle outlet integrated with the second end wall and configured to output the vapor from the internal volume, the second baffle being positioned adjacent to the vapor outlet section and an upper surface of the second baffle being positioned below a bottom surface of the nozzle outlet with respect to the gravitational vector, the vapor outlet section; A steam effect nozzle comprising.

18. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 17, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

19. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 17, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.

20. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 17, further comprising a third baffle coupled to the housing section and disposed within the internal volume such that a third upper surface of the third baffle is at a third distance extending parallel to the gravitational vector from the upper portion.

21. The steam effect nozzle according to claim 17, wherein an upper surface of the second baffle, or a bottom surface of the nozzle outlet, or both extend perpendicular to the gravitational vector.

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