Method and apparatus for creating a spectacular display
First Claim
1. The method of creating a spectacular display comprising the steps of forming an elongated stream comprising a body of liquid medium having a first index of refraction into a medium which is ambient atmosphere having a second index of refraction lower than the first index of refraction to provide a substantially smooth continuous outer boundary surface enclosing the stream and contacting the ambient atmosphere, introducing light of a certain intensity directly into the body of liquid forming the stream closely adjacent the formation of the stream at its emergence into ambient atmosphere and in the direction of liquid flow in the stream in such a manner that light striking the outer boundary surface at an angle of incidence greater than or equal to the critical angle for the media is initially guided downstream within the liquid at substantially the same intensity by the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light in the stream, and creating a spectacular display by controlling the exit of light from the stream.
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Abstract
A stream of liquid is formed having a substantially smooth outer boundary surface contacting ambient atmosphere, and light is introduced into the steam closely adjacent the formation of the stream and in the direction of flow of the stream to be guided downstream by total internal reflection of light in the stream. Exit of light from the stream may be controlled by modifying the outer boundary surface of the stream or by introducing matter into the stream. The light is varied automatically in accordance with the temperature of the liquid in the stream to provide a visual perception of the temperature of the liquid.
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Citations
36 Claims
- 1. The method of creating a spectacular display comprising the steps of forming an elongated stream comprising a body of liquid medium having a first index of refraction into a medium which is ambient atmosphere having a second index of refraction lower than the first index of refraction to provide a substantially smooth continuous outer boundary surface enclosing the stream and contacting the ambient atmosphere, introducing light of a certain intensity directly into the body of liquid forming the stream closely adjacent the formation of the stream at its emergence into ambient atmosphere and in the direction of liquid flow in the stream in such a manner that light striking the outer boundary surface at an angle of incidence greater than or equal to the critical angle for the media is initially guided downstream within the liquid at substantially the same intensity by the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light in the stream, and creating a spectacular display by controlling the exit of light from the stream.
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18. Apparatus for creating a spectacular display comprising means for forming an elongated stream comprising a body of liquid medium having a first index of refraction into a medium which is ambient atmosphere having a second index of refraction lower than the first index of refraction to provide a substantially smooth continuous outer boundary surface enclosing the stream and contacting the ambient atmosphere, means for introducing light of a certain intensity directly into the body of liquid forming the stream closely adjacent the formation of the stream at its emergence into ambient atmosphere and in the direction of liquid flow in the stream in such a manner than light striking the outer boundary surface at an angle of incidence greater than or equal to the critical angle for the media is initially guided downstream within the liquid at substantially the same intensity by the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light in the stream, and means for creating a spectacular display by controlling the exit of light from the stream.
- 19. The method of creating a spectacular display comprising the steps of forming a solid elongate stream of substantially non-turbulent liquid medium having a first index of refraction into a medium which is ambient atmosphere having a second index of refraction lower than the first index of refraction to provide a substantially smooth outer boundary surface of the stream contacting the ambient atmosphere, introducing light into the liquid forming the stream closely adjacent the formation of the stream at its emergence into ambient atmosphere and in the direction of flow of the stream so that light which enters the stream to strike the outer boundary surface at an angle of incidence greater than or equal to the critical angle for the media is guided downstream within the stream by the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light in the stream, creating a spectacular display by controlling the exit of light from the stream, and varying the light in accordance with the temperature of the liquid in the stream to provide a visual perception of the temperature of the liquid.
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36. Apparatus for creating a spectacular display comprising means for forming a solid elongate stream of substantially non-turbulent liquid medium having a first index of refraction into a medium which is ambient atmosphere having a second index of refraction lower than the first index of refraction to provide a substantially smooth outer boundary surface of the stream contacting the ambient atmosphere, means for introducing light into the liquid forming the stream closely adjacent the formation of the stream at its emergence into ambient atmosphere and in the direction of flow of the stream so that light which enters the stream to strike the outer boundary surface at an angle of incidence greater than or equal to the critical angle for the media is guided downstream within the stream by the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light in the stream, means for creating a spectacular display by controlling the exit of light from the stream, and means for varying the light in accordance with the temperature of the liquid in the stream to provide a visual perception of the temperature of the liquid.
Specification