Abstract: A conference table includes a technology trough assembly integrated into its worksurface. The technology trough includes one or more utility modules for providing customized utility connections to meet the users' requirements. The technology trough also includes sliding access panels that are flush with the worksurface of the table and that are adapted to slide along a horizontal plane between a closed and an open position over the utility modules such that do not interfere or obstruct visual or verbal communications between users.

Abstract: A conference table or other article of furniture includes one or more technology port assemblies integrated into its worksurface. The technology port assembly provides for one or more utility connections to be provided in the worksurface such that the utility connections are easily accessible to a group of users. The utility connections can be customized to meet the users' requirements. The technology port assembly includes a sliding access panel adapted to move between a closed position in which the utility connections are concealed to an open position in which the utility connections are exposed and accessible to the users. In the closed position, the sliding panel is substantially flush with an upper surface of the worksurface. In the open position, the sliding panel does not substantially protrude above an upper surface of the worksurface so as to not interfere or obstruct verbal or visual contact between the users.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system and method for transferring heat from exhaust air from a fireplace to air to be delivered to a living space is described. Heated exhaust air is passed through a heat exchanger before exhaustion from the structure. The heat exchanger couples the exhaust duct and the intake duct and transfers otherwise unused heat from the waste products to the outside air to increase the overall efficiency of the heated product source.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly for a chair includes a mounting member connected to the chair. The mounting member has an upper base. A first horizontal slide element is slidably mounted to the upper base and is adjustably slidable in a first direction with respect to the upper base. The first slide element is restrained after adjustment with respect to the upper base by frictional engagement between the upper base and the first slide element. A second horizontal slide element for slidably mounting to the first slide element is slidable in an arcuate path crossing the first direction. The second slide element is restrained after adjustment with respect to the first slide element by frictional engagement between the second slide element and the first slide element.

Abstract: A method of forming articles made of an inorganic fiber material using compression molding. In one respect, a method of forming an article, wherein the method includes providing a molding composition comprising inorganic fiber and an inorganic binder, and compression molding the molding composition into the article. In another respect, the method including providing a molding composition comprising inorganic fibers and a binder, and compression molding the molding composition into the article, wherein at least 75% by weight of the molded article is inorganic material. In some embodiments the cured binder is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 600° F. without significant degradation or deterioration due to heat. Articles made by the use of such methods and a molding composition for use in compression molding an article are also included.

Abstract: A desk assembly and method of manufacturing the desk assembly. The desk assembly includes a frame supporting a top assembly. The frame includes two or more leg portions telescopically coupled to one another such that the top assembly is height adjustable. The top assembly is formed from a plastic molded base bonded to a high pressure laminate sheet to form a seamless panel. The seamless panel is straighted from a deformed state during the manufacturing process to a flat surface by adhering the panel to a substrate with adhesive and pressure. The top assembly may include an angled portion set off by a flowing arc to increase user comfort. The desk assembly may include a chair assembly integrally formed with the frame and one or more semi-transparent modesty panels.

Abstract: A heating appliance includes an outer enclosure including a transparent front panel, a combustion chamber enclosure, and a variable speed blower. The combustion chamber enclosure is positioned within the outer enclosure and defines a combustion chamber wherein radiant heat is generated. The combustion chamber enclosure also includes a transparent front panel. The blower is configured to generate an adjustable airflow between the outer enclosure front panel and the combustion chamber enclosure front panel and to exhaust the airflow to a remote location. The airflow absorbs at least some of the radiant heat and varying a speed of the blower controls an amount of radiant heat transferred from the combustion chamber to a living space in which the heating appliance is exposed.

Abstract: A fireplace including a backlighting system. The backlighting system can be positioned in a back portion of the bottom panel of the fireplace. The backlighting system includes at least one light source to shine light upon the components of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be positioned to shine light on a back panel of the fireplace. The light source of the backlighting system can be modulated depending on a state of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be turned on or off depending on whether the flame of the fireplace is on or off.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method of simulating a flame. The apparatus and method provides a top down projection of a simulated flame. The simulated flame may include a multilayered flame effect and may be viewed from both the front and the rear so as to provide a realistic uninterrupted flame with varying color. One embodiment may include a light source, a gobo with a flame pattern formed therein, a rotating disc that spins on a motor, and a lens. The light is formed into a flame pattern by the gobo transmitted through the disc such that the refraction and intensity of the light transmitting therethrough is constantly altered as the disc rotates. The lens focuses the flame pattern. In one embodiment the present invention may include a generally see-through viewing screen onto which the flame pattern is projected.

Abstract: A fireplace including a backlighting system. The backlighting system can be positioned in a back portion of the bottom panel of the fireplace. The backlighting system includes at least one light source to shine light upon the components of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be positioned to shine light on a back panel of the fireplace. The light source of the backlighting system can be modulated depending on a state of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be turned on or off depending on whether the flame of the fireplace is on or off.

Abstract: A paneling system for use as a wing and/or return panel for dividing large open office areas into smaller work stations. The paneling system includes a frame having top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces. Attachment assemblies are used for removably attaching one or more paneling system to one or more of a spine wall, post, wing panel, return panel, and work surfaces.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present invention, a tablet arm for a nesting chair including a first rigid support member affixed to a nesting chair, a second rigid support member swivelably coupled to the first rigid support member, a tablet rotatably and slidably coupled to the second rigid support member by a collar, a first stop coupled with the second rigid support member and configured to abut one end of the collar in the tablet's forward operable position, and a second stop coupled with the second rigid support member and configured to abut another end of the collar in the tablet's rearward operable position. According to some embodiments, a plurality of nesting chairs having swiveling rotatable tablets movable from an operable position to a nested position, the tablets positioned over seatbacks of the chairs in the nested position and configured to slide horizontally in the operable position.

Abstract: A lenticular fireplace and methods for simulating a fire within a fireplace. In one respect, a fire is simulated with a lenticular screen. The lenticular screen includes a lenticular lens layer and an image layer, wherein the image layer comprises one or more images of a fire. A device is coupled to the lenticular screen that moves the lenticular screen to alter a viewed image of the fire. In another respect, the lenticular screen is disposed within a fireplace enclosure. In another respect, a fireplace includes a convertible heated glass apparatus. The apparatus is used in a front wall of an enclosure.