Abstract: A flame simulating assembly including one or more light sources for producing light, a screen to which the light from the light source(s) is directed, to provide a number of images of flames thereon viewable via a front surface of the screen, and a rotatable flicker element. The flicker element includes an elongate rod defined by an axis thereof about which the rod is rotatable. The rod is positioned at a preselected elevation above a base of the flame simulating assembly. The flicker element also includes a number of paddle elements located on the rod, for intermittently reflecting the light from the light sources from the paddle elements to the screen respectively as the flicker element rotates about the axis, to provide the images of flames on the screen. The light sources are located substantially at the preselected elevation and proximal to the flicker element.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly including a light source, a screen having a translucent region which subjects light from the light source transmitted therethrough to diffusion and a transparent region, and a flicker element for intermittently reflecting the light from the light source toward the screen, to provide images of flames in a predetermined portion thereof. The screen includes a fringe region positioned between the translucent region and the transparent region. The fringe region includes a number of diffusing areas for diffusing the light from the light source and a number of transparent areas positioned between the diffusing areas, to at least partially provide images of flames in the diffusing areas.

Abstract: A heater assembly to be located at a substantially vertical wall for heating air. The heater assembly includes one or more heating elements, and one or more heat transfer elements mounted on the heating element for transferring heat to a column of the air moving substantially upwardly past the heat transfer elements. The column includes an inner portion positioned proximal to the wall and an outer portion positioned distal to the wall. Each heat transfer element is formed to transfer substantially more heat to the outer portion of the column of the air than to the inner portion thereof, to cause the outer portion to rise faster than the inner portion, for at least partially entraining the inner portion with the outer portion, so that at least a part of the inner portion forms a laminar boundary layer flowing along the wall.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly including light source(s), a screen to which light from the light source(s) is directed, to provide images of flickering flames thereon, and a rotatable flicker element for reflecting the light from the light sources toward the screen. The flicker element includes a number of paddle elements located in respective predetermined locations on the rod. Each paddle element includes one or more body portions with reflective surfaces thereon. The reflective surface includes a central region and a perimeter region at least partially located around the central region, the perimeter region at least partially defining a perimeter plane. The central region is substantially non-planar and the perimeter region is at least partially planar. The perimeter region includes a middle part and side parts, partially separated by channels.