US20070281259A1

US20070281259A1 - System and Method for Directional Control of Flame Effects

Info

Publication number: US20070281259A1
Application number: US11/459,759
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell Carlton Clark
Original assignee: Sigma Services Inc
Current assignee: Sigma Services Inc
Priority date: 2006-06-01
Filing date: 2006-07-25
Publication date: 2007-12-06

Abstract

A system and method for directional control of generating flame effects. The system includes a flame effect generator having a nozzle and an igniter configured to ignite a flammable substance ejected from the nozzle to generate a flame effect. The system also includes an adjustable mounting system supporting at least a portion of the flame effect generator to directionally control a trajectory of the flame effect.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/421,603 filed Jun. 1, 2006, and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING FLAME EFFECTS.”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for controlling the directional output of flame effects and, more specifically, to a system and method for dynamically controlling the direction of flame effects.
Effects systems are commonly used in a variety of entertainment environments. For example, some effects systems are individually designed for the filming of feature films and television programs while other systems are found in stage shows and at amusement parks that seek to repeatedly generate a realistic recreation of specific events.
One common effect utilized in both types of effects systems is a flame effect that is typically generated by ejecting and igniting a volatile and combustible liquid or gas along a desired path. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,920, which is commonly assigned to Sigma Services, Inc., discloses a system that pressurizes propane into a liquid state and, using a regulator, permits a portion of the propane to escape through a nozzle where it encounters a pilot flame and is ignited to generate a mushroom-shaped flame. In this regard, the resulting flame yields the appearance of an explosion and is often used in action scene simulations commonly found at amusement parks and various stage shows.
However, while these systems provide a highly accurate simulation of explosive flames, additional features are desired in some settings that are difficult and/or costly to achieve with these systems. For example, the nozzle and pilot flame are typically arranged in a burner unit that is designed to be incorporated into a larger structural design, such as a stage or simulated environment, using stationary mounting systems. In this regard, the flame effect is generated from a static point, which, when used to simulate large explosions or fires, can yield a somewhat unrealistic simulation.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system and method for dynamically controlling a flame effect to better simulate explosions and fires and to provide improved design flexibility.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a system and method for moving and controlling the directional output of a flame effect system. The present invention includes a motorized yoke that can be remotely controlled to move the position of the output of a flame effect system over a dynamic range.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for generating flame effects is disclosed that includes a flame effect generator having a nozzle and an igniter. The flame effect generator is configured to ignite a flammable substance ejected from the nozzle to generate a flame effect. The system also includes an adjustable mounting system supporting at least a portion of the flame effect generator to directionally control a trajectory of the flame effect.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling generation of flame effects is disclosed that includes delivering a fuel to one or more nozzles configured to direct the fuel toward an igniter and sparking the igniter to ignite the fuel and generate a flame effect. The method also includes adjusting a position of at least the nozzle to control a trajectory of the flame effect over time.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a system for generating flame effects is disclosed that includes a burner configured to ignite a flammable substance passed thereby to generate a flame effect. The system also includes an adjustable mounting system supporting at least a portion of the burner to adjust a trajectory of the flame effect over time.
Various other features of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is hereby made to the following drawings in which like reference numerals correspond to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pumping system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a burner system in accordance with the present invention that is designed to receive a material for combustion from the pumping system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the pumping and/or burner systems of FIGS. 1 and 2 supported on an adjustable mounting system designed to dynamically control a trajectory of a flame effect generated by the systems of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a pumping system 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The pumping system 10 includes a high pressure pump 12 that draws a high flash point liquid 13 from a reservoir 14 through a filter 15. As used herein, “high flash point liquid” refers to a material that is a liquid under atmospheric pressure and room temperatures and becomes flammable when it is subjected to “high temperatures”, such as temperatures greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A check valve 16 is included to selectively isolate the pump 12 and the reservoir 14 from the remainder of the pumping system 10. In this regard, a bypass hose 18 is included that may be opened via a ball valve 20. Downstream from the check valve 16 is a normally closed two-way solenoid valve 22 followed by a manifold 24 through which a high-pressure switch 26 and a gauge 28 are connected. Further downstream, a plurality of ball valves 30, 32, 34 are arranged to isolate individual sections of the pumping system 10. In particular, the valve 30 may be utilized to isolate the previously-described section of the pumping system 10 that includes the pump 12 from an accumulator loop 36 and a burner head supply line 38. Additionally or alternatively, the valves 32, 34 may be utilized to selectively isolate the previously-described section of the pumping system 10 including the motor 12 from one of the accumulator loop 36 or the burner head supply line 38.
The accumulator loop 36 includes an accumulator 40, preferably in the form of a bladder accumulator, that may be isolated from a remainder of the accumulator loop 36 via the valve 34. Downstream of the accumulator 40 and the valve 34 are a normally open two-way relief solenoid valve 42 and a gauge 44 designed to relieve pressure in the accumulator loop 36 as the high flash point liquid 13 collected in the accumulator 40 is delivered back to the reservoir 14. Additionally, all pressure in the burner head supply line 38 will be relieved upon removing power to the relief valve 42.
Referring now to the burner head supply line 38, a regulator 46 is included having, for example, a 4,000 pound per square inch (psi) maximum pressure inlet and a pressure gauge 48 designed to indicate the pressure at the regulator 46. Downstream of the regulator 46 is a low pressure switch 50. As will be described in detail below, a control panel 52 is included to control the pumping system 50.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a burner system 54 is shown that is also controlled by the control panel 52 and designed to receive the high flash point liquid 13 pumped from the pumping system 10 of FIG. 1. The burner system 54 includes a plurality of burner heads 56, 58, 60. It should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of the burner system 54, only three burner heads 56, 58, 60 are shown. However, it is contemplated that a large array of burner heads, for example, ten or more, may be included in the burner system 54.
An additional accumulator 61 may be included that along with the high flash point liquid 13 delivered via the burner head supply line 38, delivers the high flash point liquid 13 through a filter 62 and a ball valve 64 associated with each burner head 56, 58, 60. A normally closed solenoid valve 66 is arranged as a last barrier to the high flash point liquid 13 before passing beside a housing 68 of the burner heads 56, 58, 60. Along side each burner head housing 68, a nozzle 70 is arranged within an expelling port 72 so as to align an orifice 74 of nozzle 70 with an igniter 76 that is also disposed with the expelling port 72. The igniter 76 includes a pair of electrodes 78 arranged in a configuration commonly found in spark plug systems, such as utilized in automobiles and the like. Also, an optical sensor 80 and relay 82 that form an ignition verification sensor 83 are at least partially arranged within each burner head housing 68. Accordingly, as will be described, the ignition verification sensor 83 communicates an ignition confirmation signal back to the control panel 52 before the control panel 52 opens the valve 66.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, in operation, the pumping system 10 and the burner system 54 are controlled via the control panel 52. It should be noted that the control panel 52 may include multiple interfaces for independently controlling and operating the components of the pumping system 10 and the burner system 54. Also, the control panel 52 may be specifically designed to control the pumping system 10 and the burner system 54 alone or may be part of a larger effects system to control lights, sounds, and the like.
In either case, when initiated via the control panel 52, the pump 12 draws the high flash point liquid 13 from the reservoir 14 through the filter 15. According to one embodiment, the high flash point liquid 13 is designed to remain in the liquid state under normal atmospheric pressures and at normal operating temperatures. Hence, the high flash point liquid 13 is drawn from reservoir 14 and is pumped under pressure toward the check valve 16. It is contemplated that the check valve 16 may be designed to operate under pressures between 0 psi and 3,000 psi as the pumping system 10 is designed to pump the high flash point liquid 13 under pressures of, for example, approximately 500 psi, but up to pressures in excess of 11,500 psi. Should the bypass valve 20 be tripped, the high flash point liquid 13 drawn by the pump 12 will be permitted to flow past the bypass valve 20 through the bypass hose 18 and back into the reservoir 14.
Under normal operating conditions, the high flash point liquid 13 will pass through the check valve 16 toward the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 22. In this regard, the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 22 may be controlled via the control panel 52 to halt the flow of the high flash point liquid 13 from the reservoir 14. Accordingly, as will be described, the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 22 serves as one of numerous isolation valves for both the pumping system 10 and the burner system 54.
Under normal operating conditions, the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 22 will permit the high flash point liquid 13 to continue to the manifold 24. Associated with the manifold 24 are the high pressure switch 26 and the gauge 28, which is designed to indicate the pressure sensed by the high pressure switch 26. The high pressure switch 26, according to one embodiment, is designed to have a normal operating range of approximately 180 psi to 3000 psi. Accordingly, the gauge 28, according to one embodiment, has an operating range of 0 psi to 3,000 psi with 50 psi increments indicated thereon. Therefore, should operating conditions reach an excess of 2000 psi, via the gauge 28, the high pressure switch 26 will indicate an excessive operating pressure and the high pressure switch 26 will provide a signal to the control panel 52 that, in turn, provides an alarm to the user by way of, for example, an audible or light-based alarm signal. Substantially simultaneously therewith, the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 22 will be automatically closed and the normally open two-way solenoid relief valve 42 will open in order to remedy the excessive operating pressure via the accumulator loop 36 back to the reservoir 14.
Generally, excessive operating pressures will not occur, and the high flash point liquid 13 will pass through the manifold 24 and the ball valve 30 where it will be stored in the accumulator 40. The accumulator 40, for example, a ten gallon bladder accumulator, is designed to receive excess high flash point liquid 13 that, as will be described, may not be consumed during the generation of effects flames. This excess high flash point liquid 13 can then be utilized in subsequent firings.
The ball valve 34 shall always be opened during operation, whereby the high flash point liquid 13 can pass through the normally open two-way solenoid relief valve 4:2 into the accumulator relief loop 36 back to the reservoir 14 when necessary. For example, it may be desirable to allow the high flash point liquid 13 to pass through the normally open two-way solenoid relief valve 42 into the accumulator relief loop 36 back to the reservoir 14 when an over pressurization is indicated by the high pressure switch 26 or in the case of an emergency shut-off situation, as indicated at control panel 52. By reading the gauge 44, the operator can determine when all pressure has been removed from the system.
However, under normal flame effects generating operation, the ball valve 34 will remain open and the normally open two-way solenoid relief valve 42 will remain energized, which closes off the accumulator relief loop 36 in favor of the ball valve 32. Accordingly, the high flash point liquid 13 will flow along the burner head supply line 38B and through the regulator 46. According to one embodiment, the regulator 46 has an operating range of approximately 0 psi to 2,000 psi with a maximum inlet psi of 4,000. After passing the regulator 46, the high flash point liquid 13 is monitored by the low pressure switch 50. According to one embodiment, the low pressure switch 50 has an operating range of approximately 30 psi to 600 psi. Accordingly, should the pressure along the the burner supply line 38 drop below a desirable pressure, as determined by the low pressure switch 50, the control panel 52 will remove the power supplied to all of the burner heads 56, 58, 60 until the low pressure condition can be remedied.
Under normal operating conditions, the high flash point liquid 13 will continue to flow along the burner supply path 38 and into the burner system 54 of FIG. 2 where it will be additionally accumulated within the accumulator 61. According to one embodiment, the accumulator 61 is a five gallon bladder accumulator designed to collect additional high flash point liquid 13 in order to maintain a higher volume of the high flash point liquid 13. The high flash point liquid 13 pumped by the pumping system 10 into the accumulators 40, 61 is passed through a filter 62 on its way to each burner head 56, 58, 60. As previously described, following each filter 62 is a ball valve 64 that allows each burner head 56, 58, 60 to be independently isolated by manually actuating the ball valve 64. However, if manual actuation is not desired or in order to operate the burner system according to a preset or predefined sequence of firings, the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 66 is controlled by the control panel 52 to permit or prohibit the flow of high flash point liquid 13 pumped toward the expelling port 72.
It is contemplated that the control panel 52 may be located remotely from the other components of the system. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the control panel may be part of a DMX control console, or the like. The ability to pump the high flash point liquid 13 under sustainable conditions for significant periods of time while being independently supplied to various burner heads 56, 58, 60 within the burner system 54 allows for numerous, for example, hundreds, of independently initiated and coordinated flames or explosions to be expelled through the expelling ports 72.
According to one embodiment, the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 66 is designed to have an operating pressure of approximately 1,100 psi such that the high flash point liquid 13 enters the nozzle 70 under substantial pressure. In this regard, the high flash point liquid 13 is forced through the orifice 74 at such a rate and pressure that it is either atomized or vaporized. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the high flash point liquid 13, when either atomized or vaporized, enters a volatile state such that it will be ignitable when exposed to a spark generated by the igniter 76.
In this regard, according to one embodiment, the high flash point liquid 13 is a material commercially available as Isopar. Isopar is a registered trademark owned by Exxon Mobile Corporation of Texas. Specifically, the high flash point liquid 13 may be any of the Isopar types, for example, Isopar type G. By utilizing Isopar, the high flash point liquid 13 may be forced through a nozzle 70 at pressures of approximately 500 psi and still be sufficiently atomized or vaporized so as to enter a volatile state to be, preferably, completely consumed by the explosion resulting from exposure to a spark formed between the electrodes 78 of the burner 76.
In order to achieve substantially complete consumption of the high flash point liquid 13 under pressures as low as 500 psi, it is contemplated that the orifice 74 may be sized from approximately 1/16 of an inch to 1/32 of an inch. In this regard, it is contemplated that since, as will be described, each burner head 56, 58, 60 can be independently supplied with the high flash point liquid 13, varying orifice sizes may be utilized across the burner system 54 to generate various flame or explosion sizes and heights, for example, from between a few feet to tens of feet. To provide further flexibility, it is contemplated that the nozzle 70 may be an interchangeable nozzle, such that varying orifices may be presented throughout the burner system 54.
To also improve combustion, the burner 76 is separated from the nozzle 70 by a propagation distance 79 selected to allow the high flash point liquid 13 to be sufficiently dispersed before being exposed to the electrodes 78 of the burner 76. That is, if the propagation distance 79 is too short, a portion of the high flash point liquid 13 will not have been sufficiently atomized or vaporized when reaching the electrodes 78 of the burner 76 and will not be ignited. On the other hand, if the propagation distance 79 is too long, the high flash point liquid 13 will have spread too far apart and a quantity of the atomized or vaporized high flash point liquid 13 will pass too far away from the burner 76 to be ignited by the electrodes 78. In accordance with one embodiment, a propagation distance 79 of approximately 6 inches is selected.
As a further check against undesired operating conditions, prior to the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 66 allowing the high flash point liquid 13 to enter an associated burner head 56, 58, 60, the igniter 76 is caused to generate a spark that can be detected by the optical sensor 80 to verify that, when atomized or vaporized, the high flash point liquid 13 is expelled through the orifice 74 of the nozzle 70, it will be properly ignited. That is, the optical sensor 80 is arranged to monitor the gap between the electrodes 78 of the burner 76, and upon sensing an ultra violet light increase within the expelling ports 72 indicative of an ignition spark, sends a signal to the relay 82. The relay 82, in turn, sends an ignition confirmation signal to the control panel 52. As such, the burner system 54 is controlled via the control panel 52 to preclude the high flash point liquid 13 from even entering a burner head 56, 58, 60 when the igniter 76 has not been energized or has failed to produce a spark.
Accordingly, the burner system 54 is highly modular such that a supply of high flash point liquid 13 to any of the burner heads 56, 58, 60 can be independently controlled, maintained, and operated, according to preset safety protocol, predesigned display patterns, and/or manually actuated firing sequences. In this regard, it is contemplated that the control panel 52 may control the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 66 according to a DMX-512 protocol. In particular, a remotely located DMX control console including the control panel 52 controls the normally closed two-way solenoid valve 66 to open using a DMX-512 protocol signal only after the optical sensor 80 and the relay 82 have provided a positive indication or confirmation that a spark has been generated between the electrodes 78 of the burner 76.
It is contemplated that the pumping system 10 and the burner system 54 may be incorporated into a permanent or semi-permanent installation, such as a stage for live acting or an amusement ride. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the pumping system 10 and the burner system 54 may be arranged in a mobile installation to be readily transported. In this regard, the pumping system 10 and the burner system 54 may be utilized in touring arrangements, such as touring stage shows.
To provide additional flexibility in design and operation, it is contemplated that the above-described system may be accompanied by a directional control system. Referring now to FIG. 3, components of the pumping system 10 and, in particular, the burner system 54 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be supported on an adjustable mounting system 90 designed to dynamically control a trajectory of a flame effect. For example, a housing 91 may be supported by the mounting system 90 that includes one or more burner heads and associated components, such as the valves, nozzles, and igniters, described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. The adjustable mounting system 90 may have a variety of configurations designed to control the trajectory of flame effects generated by the above-described system or other flame effects systems. For example, one adjustable mounting system that includes a variety of the features that will be described below is the ARC Video System available from Spotlight srl of Milan, Italy.
The adjustable mounting system 90 includes a yoke 92 configured to rotate about a first rotational axis 94. The adjustable mounting system 90 also includes a mounting plate 96 supported by the yoke 92 that, as shown, is designed to support the housing 91 mounted thereon, and configured to rotate about a second rotational axis 98. As illustrated, the first rotational axis 94 and second rotational axis 98 are perpendicular to one another such that rotation of the yoke 92 about the first rotational axis 94 provides a panning movement and rotation of the mounting plate 96 about the second rotational axis 98 provides a tilt movement.
In accordance with one embodiment, the yoke 92 is configured to rotate approximately 360 degrees about the first rotational axis 94 and the mounting plate 96 is configured to rotate approximately 180 degrees about the second rotational axis 98. To facilitate this motion, it is contemplated that the burner head supply line 38 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be designed to be external to the body of the yoke 92 by extending up into the yoke 92 along the first axis of rotation 94. In this regard, to allow full motion of the yoke 92 about 360 degrees of rotation, the burner head supply line (not shown) may include swivel joints that permit the yoke 92 to freely rotate about the first axis 94 without damaging the supply line. Similarly, to allow the mounting plate 96 to rotate freely, the burner head supply line 38 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be designed to extend from the body of the yoke 92 onto the mounting plate 96 along the second rotational axis 98 by way of additional swivel joints.
As described above, the housing 91, as well as the nozzle 70 and electrodes 78 extending from the housing 91, are supported by the mounting plate 96 to create a flame effect trajectory 99 extending therefrom. By rotating the yoke 92 about the first rotational axis 94 and the mounting plate 96 about the second rotational axis 98, the flame effect trajectory 99 is likewise adjusted through both panning and tilt movements. By combining the panning and tilt movements, a high degree of motion is possible. In particular, the flame effect trajectory 99 can be controlled to move through two degrees of freedom to create a wide variety of movements and patterns.
To coordinate these movements, in accordance with one embodiment, the yoke 92 is supported by a controller 100 that is configured to automatically control rotation of the yoke 92 and the mounting plate 96. The controller 100 is configured to communicate and receive functional commands from remote control systems or other control devices. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the controller 100 is configured to receive commands through a DMX-512 digital signal that is received through a DMX connector port 102 and, if necessary, retransmitted via a DMX connector relay port 104. Accordingly, the controller 100 can receive commands from a remote controller, such as the control panel 52 described above, through the DMX connector port 102 and can relay commands to additional adjustable mounting systems 90 via the DMX connector relay port 104. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a variety of other network protocols may be used to communicate functional control commands. In any case, the controller 100 can be configured to control the adjustable mounting system 90 to automatically adjust the trajectory 99 of the flame effect according to a predetermined sequence or can be manually controlled from a remote location. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the controller 100 may be separate from or integrated with the above-described control panel 52.
As shown, the adjustable mounting system 90 may be mounted to extend up from a floor 105 or other horizontal surface. In this arrangement, a base plate 106 is included to fix the adjustable mounting system 90 to the floor 105. However, it is contemplated that the adjustable mounting system 90 may be configured to hang from a truss or pipe or may be mounted to extend horizontally from a vertically extending pole or other fixture.
Therefore, a system and method for generating flame effects is created utilizing a pumping system and burning system having a plurality of valve points configured to feed a material that is combustible when atomized or vaporized to an array of independently controllable burners. In accordance with one embodiment, the material is Isopar G, which can be sufficiently atomized or vaporized to substantially prevent fallout (i.e., liquid not completely consumed by the combustion of the high flash point fluid 13) by passing it through an orifice of approximately 1/16 of an inch at pressures as low as 500 psi.
A controller is provided that controls the elements of the pumping system and burner system according to preset safety protocol. A control console is provided that has been programmed with predetermined firing patterns, and/or manually actuated firing patterns. To this end, a sensor system is arranged to confirm proper ignition of an igniter in each burner prior to the controller allowing any atomized or vaporized material to be ejected from the system. As such, a sustainable pattern of firings mapped to a desired sequence is achievable under conditions compliant with various safety standards such as National Fire Protection Act 160. To further control operation of the system, a variety of additional valves and switches may be included. In this regard, the system may automatically isolate portions of the flow path upon detection of low or high pressure conditions.
Additionally, a system and method for directional control of a flame effects system is provided. The burner systems and, optionally, the pumping systems of a flame effect system are mounted on a motorized mount that allows the flame generated by the system to be panned approximately 360 degrees and tilted approximately 180 degrees. In particular, the motorized yoke system provides two degrees of freedom, including pan and tilt.
Thus, the system produces flame effects that can be moved about two axes. The system can be controlled using a remote control unit and that enable multiple systems to operate in a coordinated manner to generate an entire “dancing flame” show. The control system allows the position and firing direction to be controlled and/or pre-programmed very precisely. Accordingly, a variety of patterns and movements can be achieved. Programmable position limits can be set that prevent the system from moving the flame in an undesirable location. The limits can be used to control the movement of the flame regardless of user position inputs from the remote control system.
The above-described system and method will greatly increase the usability and creativity of flame effects. For example, the system and method can be used to generate flame effects that move through patterns or “sweeps” during the firing cycle. Previously, a user could only turn the flame effect on and off. Now, a user has the freedom of movement in addition to whether or not the flame is firing during the movement.
The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it should be appreciated that many equivalents, alternatives, variations, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to a particular described embodiment.

Claims

1. A system for generating flame effects comprising:

a flame effect generator having a nozzle and an igniter configured to ignite a flammable substance ejected from the nozzle to generate a flame effect; and

an adjustable mounting system supporting at least a portion of the flame effect generator to directionally control a trajectory of the flame effect.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a control system configured to control the adjustable mounting system to automatically adjust the trajectory of the flame effect.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the control system is programmed to control the adjustable mounting system according to a predetermined sequence to adjust the trajectory of the flame effect.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the adjustable mounting system includes at least one yoke configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and mounting plate supported by the yoke and configured to rotate about a second rotational axis.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the yoke is configured to rotate approximately 360 degrees about the first rotational axis and the mounting plate is configured to rotate approximately 180 degrees about the second rotational axis.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein the rotation of the yoke about the first rotational axis pans the trajectory of the flame effect with respect to a static position and rotation of the mounting plate about the second rotational axis tilts the trajectory of the flame effect with respect to the static position.

7. The system of claim 4 wherein the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis are perpendicular.

8. The system of claim 4 wherein the nozzle and the igniter are supported by the mounting plate.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the adjustable mounting system provides two degrees of freedom through which to directionally control the trajectory of the flame effect.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

an array of burner heads, each having an igniter configured to generate an ignition spark;

a reservoir containing a high flash point liquid;

a pump configured to draw the high flash point liquid from the reservoir and pump it under high pressure to the array of burner heads;

a solenoid valve arranged at each burner in the array of burner heads to control a flow of the high flash point liquid through each burner head;

a nozzle arranged at each burner head to convert the high flash point liquid to a combustible form;

a sensor arranged at each burner head to generate an ignition confirmation signal upon detecting the ignition spark at the igniter;

a controller programmed to independently control each valve to control the flow of the high flash point liquid to the burner based on the ignition confirmation signal to generate a flame effect;

a plurality of yokes configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and respective mounting plates supported by the yokes and configured to rotate about a second rotational axis; and

wherein each of the burner heads in the array of burner heads is supported by respective mounting plates and yokes configured to directionally control a trajectory of the flame effect

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the controller is further configured to only allow the flow of the high flash point liquid to the burner when an ignition confirmation signal has been received from the sensor monitoring the burner.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the controller is further configured to control movement of the plurality of yokes and support plates about the first and second rotational axes to adjust the trajectory of the flame effect.

13. The system of claim 10 further comprising a flame safeguard control module configured to prohibit the flow of the high flash point liquid to the burner unless the ignition confirmation signal is received from the sensor monitoring the burner.

14. A method for controlling generation of flame effects comprising:

delivering a fuel to at least one nozzle configured to direct the fuel toward an igniter;

sparking the igniter to ignite the fuel and generate a flame effect; and

adjusting a position of at least the nozzle to control a trajectory of the flame effect over time.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the fuel includes a high flash point liquid and wherein the method further comprises:

monitoring the igniter to confirm sparking of the igniter before expelling the high flash point liquid from the nozzle; and

controlling valves associated with the nozzle to only open after sparking of the igniter has been confirmed.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising controlling the valves to generate the flame effect in compliance with a National Fire Protection Act (NFPA) 160 standard.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising at least one of panning and tilting a position of the nozzle with respect to a static position to control the trajectory of the flame effect over time.

18. A system for generating flame effects comprising:

a burner configured to ignite a flammable substance passed thereby to generate a flame effect; and

an adjustable mounting system supporting at least a portion of the burner to adjust a trajectory of the flame effect over time.

19. The system of claim 18 further comprising a control system configured to control the adjustable mounting system to automatically adjust the trajectory of the flame effect according to a predetermined sequence.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein the adjustable mounting system includes at least one yoke configured to rotate approximately 360 degrees about a first rotational axis and a mounting plate supported by the yoke and configured to rotate approximately 180 degrees about a second rotational axis, and wherein the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis are perpendicular to pan the trajectory of the flame effect upon rotation about the first rotational axis and tilt the trajectory of the flame effect upon rotation about the second rotational axis.