IP Library Granted Patent US 8,523,692
Granted Patent B2
US 8,523,692 · App. 12/938,042 · Granted Sep 3, 2013

Flame barrier, apparatus and method for entertaining guests

Inventors: Ross Osterman (Winter Park, FL); Steven C. Blum (Orlando, FL); Justin Michael Schwartz (Orlando, FL)
Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,523,692
App. No.
12/938,042
Granted
Sep 3, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

An apparatus for entertaining multiple guests includes a device that selectively generates a flame and a barrier interposed between each guest and the flame. The barrier is configured to remain transparent throughout multiple repetitions of use of the device for generating a flame. A method of entertaining guests is also presented.

Claims (23)

1. A barrier configured to remain transparent after multiple blasts of a flame from a device for generating a flame wherein the flame is blasted proximal to the barrier, the barrier comprising:

a transparent sheet comprising glass, plastic, or a combination thereof;

an electrode configured to conduct an electrical charge to a surface of the transparent sheet;

a coating located on a surface of the transparent sheet, the coating comprising a liquid resin that functions to provide a thermal barrier.

2. The barrier of claim 1 , wherein the transparent sheet comprises at least one of polycarbonate and borosilicate.

3. The barrier of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is stationary.

4. The barrier and a squeegee, a fluid curtain, or a liquid flow configured to pass over the surface of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is disposed within 3 feet of a location to which at least one guest is directed.

5. The barrier of claim 1 , further configured to be transparent to wavelengths in the visual spectrum.

6. The barrier of claim 1 , further configured to be partially or completely transparent to wavelengths in the IR spectrum.

7. The barrier of claim 1 , comprising an apparatus configured to mechanically vibrate the barrier.

8. The barrier of claim 1 , wherein the liquid resin comprises a suspended conductive material.

9. A barrier configured to remain transparent after multiple blasts of a flame from a device for generating a flame wherein the flame is blasted proximal to the barrier, the barrier comprising:

a transparent sheet comprising glass, plastic, or a combination thereof;

a coating of liquid resin located on a surface of the transparent sheet, wherein the liquid resin comprises a suspended conductive material; and;

an electrode communicatively coupled to the surface, wherein the electrode is configured to conduct an electrical charge to the surface to prevent soot from building up from the multiple blasts of the flame on the transparent sheet.

10. The barrier of claim 9 , wherein the electrical charge is approximately equal to a natural charge of the soot.

11. The barrier of claim 9 , wherein the suspended conductive material comprises at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), or gold (Au).

12. The barrier of claim 9 , comprising a blower configured to provide a fluid output over the surface.

13. The barrier of claim 12 , wherein the fluid output comprises a flow of water, air, or a combination thereof.

14. The barrier of claim 9 , comprising an apparatus configured to mechanically vibrate the barrier.

15. A method for maintaining transparency of a barrier after multiple blasts of a flame from a device for generating a flame wherein the flame is blasted proximal to the barrier, comprising:

conducting an electrical charge to a surface of a transparent sheet of the barrier with an electrode such that the electrical charge repel soot, wherein the transparent sheet includes glass, plastic, or a combination thereof; and

providing a thermal barrier to the transparent sheet with a liquid resin disposed on the surface of the transparent sheet, wherein the liquid resin comprises suspended conductive material.

Assignments (1)
MERGER Recorded Feb 25, 2011
From: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLLP
To: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
Reel/Frame 025866/0068 →
Continuity (2)
Division 11612789 · Dec 19, 2006
Related Publication 20110045302A1 · Feb 24, 2011