Imitation Candle Patents (Class 362/810)
  • Patent number: 11793343
    Abstract: An improved artificial tree of the present invention is directed to a decorative artificial tree assembly which may be dimensioned and configured to fit on any supporting surface including, but not limited to, an interior floor, outside grounds, etc. The artificial tree may be disposed in an assembled or collapsed state. As such, the artificial tree may include a plurality tree segments and a cap member, vertically interconnected or stacked upon each other via a plurality of connectors. The artificial tree may be constructed from lightweight materials with decorative items attached to its outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SOUTH FLORIDA LIGHTING TEAM, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin Santa, Kurt Stange
  • Patent number: 11699925
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an artificial tree. The artificial tree includes a trunk including one or more trunk sections. The one or more trunk sections include a first trunk section including a first transmitter connected to a power source and configured to convert an input power received from the power source into an electromagnetic field, and a first receiver arranged proximate the first transmitter and configured to receive the electromagnetic field generated by the first transmitter and generate a first output current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Belgravia Wood Limited
    Inventor: Eric Szweda
  • Patent number: 9039233
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic candle with an electronic light source. The electronic candle has a candle body with an interior cavity. A removable battery module supplies power to the electronic candle and is removable from the interior cavity of the candle body. The electronic candle can have a base cap module for closing the interior cavity of the candle body and a speaker for generating sound. The speaker can be positioned between the battery module and the base cap module, and directed to project sound downward. Apertures in the battery module and/or the base cap module allow sound from the speaker to pass through the aperture or apertures into the interior cavity of the candle body. Accordingly, the candle body can resonate and/or amplify sound generated by the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Winvic Sales Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Fournier, Carlos Carpintero, John Bacher, Kim McCavit
  • Patent number: 8998461
    Abstract: An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Winvic Sales Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Gutstein, Monita Liu
  • Patent number: 8960975
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light-transmitting candle structure, which includes a main body, which has a power section for supplying electrical power; a light-emitting unit, which includes two light-emitting element that are mounted on the main body and spaced from each other in a vertical direction and are electrically connected with the power section; a patterned film, which is circumferentially arranged outside and surrounds the light-emitting unit and is coupled to the main body, the patterned film having a surface on which patterns are formed; and a cover, which is a hollow light-transmitting casing having an end forming an opening, the cover having a wall on which a pattern layer is formed, the pattern layer comprising patterns, the cover being set to enclose outside the patterned film and coupled to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8926137
    Abstract: An electronic lighting device may comprise an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to be exposed above the top of the enclosure. Light from the light-emitting element intersects with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light projects onto the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. A method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen Liown Electronics Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiaofeng Li
  • Patent number: 8915628
    Abstract: A decorative candle with inner pattern includes: a candle main body with inner pattern, and a light-emitting device. The candle main body is made of light-transmittable plastic material, has at least an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is smooth, and the inner surface has a plurality of predefined patterns. The candle main body and the patterns are monolithically formed by blowing. The light-emitting device is disposed inside the candle main body, has at least a light source and an electrical box for providing power to the light source. As such, in the decorative candle with pattern of the present invention, the patterns on the inner surface and the candle main body are monolithically manufactured by blowing, and thus the problems associated with the conventional two-process manufacturing are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8894261
    Abstract: A LED candle lamp by controlling the coil to generate a magnetic attractive force to attract the magnet set, the translucent flame-shaped blade is vibrated when the emitted light of the LED lamp is guided by the light guide tube toward the blame-shaped blade body of the translucent flame-shaped blade, causing flame lighting effects. Subject to the arrangement that two magnets of a magnet set are bonded together by an adhesive with the same magnet poles thereof abutted against each other, magnetic field lines can be compressed into a dish, enhancing the effects of magnetic attraction and oscillation of a translucent flame-shaped blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Tse Min Chen
  • Patent number: 8840281
    Abstract: A flameless candle includes a shell that has a sidewall and a hollow interior region. The sidewall can be made of a waxen material. The sidewall has a thickness and opacity. The shell also has a hollow interior region within the sidewall. A lamp (for example, LED) may be housed within the hollow interior region. The flameless candle also includes an insert. The insert can be made of a waxen material that may have different properties from the material of the sidewall. The insert is positioned in a top area of the hollow interior region. The insert includes a shading wall that has a thickness and opacity. The thickness of the sidewall may be different than the thickness of the shading wall. As another option, the opacity of the sidewall may be different from the opacity of the shading wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Winvic Sales Inc.
    Inventor: Mathieu Chartrand
  • Patent number: 8789986
    Abstract: An electronic lighting device may comprise an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to be exposed above the top of the enclosure. Light from the light-emitting element intersects with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light projects onto the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. A method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Xiaofeng Li
  • Patent number: 8777445
    Abstract: A candle cover is disclosed which includes a tubular sheath of light-filtering material with a top end, a bottom end, and an opening at each end. A hem surrounds each opening. The tubular sheath is place over a candle body such that light transmitted through the candle body from the candle light source is filtered by the tubular sheath of light-filtering material to create a decorative pattern. The light-filtering material can filter light in many different ways, including by modifying the percent of light transmitted through the material, by modifying the percent of light reflected by the material, by modifying the color of light reflected or transmitted by the material, or by light refraction or light diffraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Jennifer Leigh Gourdie, Terri Lee Augustyn
  • Patent number: 8777465
    Abstract: Various embodiments of electric lights are described, particularly those capable of being inserted and powered by a light socket. The electric lights can include a base that can electrically couple with a light socket and a housing coupled to the base. A flame element can at least partially extend from the housing and be illuminated via a light source that is configured to emit light on to an outer surface of the flame element. To ensure proper orientation of the flame element with respect to a viewer, the housing can rotate with respect to the base, such that a front surface of the flame element can be reoriented as needed while the base is electrically coupled to the light socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Candella LLC
    Inventors: Doulgas Patton, Jeff Thompson
  • Patent number: 8764260
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-guiding cover and an illumination device having the same. The light-guiding cover, for guiding light beams emitted by at least one light-emitting diode (LED), has a light-guiding portion and a light output portion. The light-guiding portion has a light input surface for transmitting light beams thereto and a connecting surface. The light output portion formed on one end of the light-guiding portion has an optical surface adjoining the connecting surface. The light-guiding cover is substantially symmetrical and defines a central axis. The light beams received by the light-guiding portion are guided by the light input surface for light reflection from one side to another side of the optical surface across the central axis to exit from the light-output portion. Thus, the illumination device having the light-guiding cover can illuminate in an omni-directional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Wei Liang
  • Patent number: 8733986
    Abstract: An electronic candle (10) which simulates a flickering flame is provided. The candle (10) includes a hollow shell (12), a light-emitting element (18) such as an LED and a cap member (20) having the contour of a burning flame covering the light-emitting element (18). An electromagnet is provided to swing the light-emitting element (18). The electromagnet is mounted on a bracket (26) and receives an alternating current. A holding member (40) has a dead weight (52) at one end and the light-emitting element (18) at the other end. A permanent magnet (54) is attached to the bottom of the dead weight (52) such that when an alternating current is applied to the electromagnet it creates a magnetic field for acting on the permanent magnet (54) causing the holding member (40) to swing along an axial direction of the bracket (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Wm. B. Coleman Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Hau, Shane Vail, Frank House
  • Patent number: 8727569
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Patent number: 8721118
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8696166
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating flickering flame effects. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8662698
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a flameless candle circuit includes an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) having a first power terminal, a second power terminal, and an output. The circuit also includes a light-emitting diode (“LED”) and a single-pole switch. The LED is configured to receive a signal from the output of the ASIC. The single-pole switch is configured to selectively provide the battery voltage to at least one of the first power terminal and the second power terminal. Additionally, the single-pole switch is configured to remove the battery voltage from both of the first power terminal and the second power terminal to turn the ASIC off. The ASIC is configured to drive the LED in a first mode when the battery voltage is provided to the first power terminal. The ASIC is also configured to drive the LED in a second mode when the battery voltage is provided to the second power terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Winvic Sales Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Sagna, Frederic Boucher
  • Patent number: 8646946
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Patent number: 8628208
    Abstract: A flickering candle is provided, mainly including: a candle main body, a base and a pattern unit. The candle main body is a hollow light-transmittable shell, with an outer surface, an inner surface, a top and a bottom, both connecting the outer surface and the inner surface. The base is fixedly engaged to the bottom of the candle main body, and disposed with at least a light-emitting element. The pattern unit includes a light-transmittable first patter plate, overlappingly disposed on the inner surface of the candle main body. The first pattern plate has a predefined pattern and a light-guiding part contacting the light-emitting element. As such, the light-emitting element at the base can disperse the light source through the light-guiding part onto the first pattern plate so that the predefined pattern becomes more spectacular to enhance the esthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8602632
    Abstract: A replaceable electronic candle wick can be easily removed from a setting and accurately mimics a candle flame. The replaceable electronic candle wick comprises a wick assembly that is detachably coupled to a candle base. The wick assembly comprises a base lighting element electrically coupled to an integrated circuit board in the candle base. The wick assembly further comprises a shrink tubing. The candle base further comprises an air pressure sensor electrically coupled to the integrated circuit board. In this manner a user can detach the wick assembly from the candle base to replace the base lighting element and the air pressure sensor can affect a light that effects of the base lighting element via the integrated circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Ngatik Poon
  • Patent number: 8550660
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8534869
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8511869
    Abstract: The decorative window candle top includes a bracket and a plurality of interchangeable decorations that when attached places the interchangeable decoration in front of and adjacent to the electric light bulb of a window candle light. The interchangeable decorations personalize the appearance of the window candle light, and come in a variety of styles. The bracket is positioned between the candlestick and the light bulb and includes a pair of mounting pins. The mounting pins are used to enable attachment of one of the interchangeable decorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Fountain
  • Patent number: 8494351
    Abstract: A fragrance generator provides a scent dispenser for mounting on a light emitter of a decorative light, such as those used at holidays. A silicone rubber scented sleeve is placed over and around a cylindrical light emitter. Upon energizing the decorative light, the heat generated by the light emitter warms the scented sleeve and thereby enhances the rate of scent emission from the scented sleeve. An optional scent reservoir formed at one end of the scented sleeve enables the retention of additional amounts of liquid fragrance oil(s). Placement of the light emitter within and extending it throughout the sleeve, and into the fragrance reservoir, results in a further enhancement in amount and duration of scent emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Cheryl A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8454190
    Abstract: A large plurality of artificial, battery-operated, electronic candles are arranged to be simultaneously recharged upon placement on a series of interconnected charging trays that include a transformer primary winding at defined locations thereon. The primary windings are driven by an AC signal whose duty cycle is controlled by a pulse width modulator IC to induce a voltage across secondary windings contained within the candle housing. This induced signal is rectified to produce the battery charging current and the delivery of the charging current to the rechargeable batteries is controlled by a microprocessor IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Candle, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Hau, Tim Cowley, Shane Vail
  • Patent number: 8371740
    Abstract: One embodiment of a continuous fragrance and illumination device having replaceable fragrance refill trays each comprising a curved back member that drop into vented fragrance refill chambers arranged around an air-moving member and surrounded by an illumination chamber formed by the external surfaces of a lens, an air-moving member housing, and the interior surface of a translucent shell that is closely adjacent to those surfaces and supported by a protective bottom cap, or separated by a greater distance. In addition, a translucent vanishing-edge lid is supported that provides a non-visible vent for exiting air following an air flow direction upward through the device. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Marcus Pestl, Sonia Hellen
  • Patent number: 8342712
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8337057
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a flameless candle is claimed, depicted, and described. The candle has a candle shell, which includes a sidewall (such as a waxen sidewall) surrounding a hollow region. There is an opening through the bottom of the candle shell leading into the hollow region. This flameless candle also has an electronics insert. The insert has a housing. At least one thread (for example, an exterior thread or male thread) is arranged on a lateral portion of the housing. This thread (or threads as used herein) can be rotated in response to a torque force on the electronics insert. The rotation causes the electronics insert to be drawn through the opening and into the hollow region, thereby substantially securing the electronics insert to the candle shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nii Northern International Inc.
    Inventors: Mathieu Chartrand, Bernard Fournier
  • Patent number: 8210708
    Abstract: A large plurality of artificial, battery-operated, electronic candles are arranged to be simultaneously recharged upon placement on a series of interconnected charging trays that include a transformer primary winding at defined locations thereon. The primary windings are driven by an AC signal whose duty cycle is controlled by a pulse width modulator IC to induce a voltage across secondary windings contained within the candle housing. This induced signal is rectified to produce the battery charging current and the delivery of the charging current to the rechargeable batteries is controlled by a microprocessor IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Smart Candle, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Hau, Tim Cowley, Shane Vail
  • Patent number: 8132936
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8070319
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Patent number: 7850327
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises receiving a time-varying power waveform. The power waveform may be periodic and/or phase-controlled. Compressed within a power range associated with the time-varying power waveform, a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal is produced, which is supplied to a light source in order to produce a lighting effect emulating lighting from a candle flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Enchanted Lighting Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Campbell, Mike Boone, Mark Medley, Karel Slovacek
  • Patent number: 7837355
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 7828462
    Abstract: A decorative, imitation candle effectively simulates a lighted wick in a darkened environment by location of a light source at the tip of an imitation wick. The light source is provided by an LED located at the tip of the wick for direct viewing in order to obtain maximum brightness and high contrast to an observer in a darkened environment. The light source and its support structure are incorporated into the imitation wick so that they do not detract from the imitation candle's realism when the imitation candle is viewed from the side or from above under higher ambient lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Bradford B. Jensen, Roger D. Bentley, Kim I. McCavit
  • Patent number: 7789542
    Abstract: A column alternatively supports one of a plurality of arrays of different pluralities candles in different configurations. A plurality of donation or payment mechanisms are mounted on the column for alternative modes of receiving diverse monetary transactions elements, such as cash, credit card and debit card, with resultant automated actuation of the at least one of the electronic candles upon receipt of one of the monetary transaction elements. The column includes jimmy-proof, pilfer-proof and tamper-proof features for securing cash collected in an authorized accessibly collection box. A replaceable paperboard collection box is removably disposed in the secured column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Gabor Lederer
  • Patent number: 7784959
    Abstract: A whirlpool type aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device includes a stand accommodating therein a motor for driving rotation of a magnetic piece and an aqua lamp that defines a chamber mounted to an open end of the stand. The aqua lamp receives therein a magnetically-driven moving piece located on a bottom thereof and corresponding to the magnetic piece and a light generation assembly is set under the aqua lamp. An illuminator for generating twinkling lighting is arranged at an opening of the chamber. Thus, the motor, once set in operation, rotates the magnetically-driven moving piece, which in turn causes a liquid flow inside the aqua lamp in a whirlpool and dazzling/shining manner; meanwhile, the illuminator on the chamber provides a function of simulating a twinkling candle flaming. The whirlpool type aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device shows dual interests of visual effects in light twinkling and entertainment of observing liquid flowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7736605
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a duration of burn of a stick of incense includes a base and a ferric rod extending away from and over the base. A hole is provided in the base for placement of a bottom end of the incense. A cylindrical portion is adapted to fit over and slide along a longitudinal length of the incense. A magnet is attached to the cylindrical portion and is adapted to secure the cylindrical portion, where desired, along a longitudinal length of the rod. Accordingly, the incense is supported in two locations and is disposed under and generally parallel to the rod. The incense is able to burn until the area of combustion reaches the cylindrical portion, at which time it is extinguished. Two alternate embodiments are described that allow use of modified forms of the cylindrical portion with prior art types of incense burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph Gregory Gomez
  • Patent number: 7686471
    Abstract: An apparatus for simulating flames using fabric flame sheets or elements. The apparatus includes a fan or blower for producing a volume of air flow and two or more flame elements positioned in the fan air flow. First and second light sources, such as high powered light emitting diodes (LEDs), are provided to produce light beams having two differing colors such as an amber beam and an orange/red beam. The light beams are directed so as to mix or cross on or near the flame elements when the flame elements extend outward from their mounting location into the fan air flow. Each of the LEDs has a brightness level that can be tuned or adjusted by a controller, which may be manual or may be automated to modify the brightness level of at least one of the LEDs and typically both LEDs during the operation of the flame simulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Reichow
  • Patent number: 7670035
    Abstract: A fragrance releasing electronic candle comprises a housing constructed in the form of a cylinder and including a circuit board and a battery case, both of which are assembled therein, the battery case including a power switch arranged thereon and a bottom lid covered to the opening thereof, characterized in that the housing includes a receiving compartment formed on the top end thereof for receiving a fragrance piece, and includes a fan secured in the lower side thereof for the connection with the circuit board, the housing also includes an upper cover covered thereon and having a plurality of bores arranged thereon and having a central hole formed at the center thereof for inserting at least one LED lamp therein, such that the at least one LED may be electrically conducted with the circuit board, and a lamp shield in the shape of a flame may be adhesively affixed in the central hole of the upper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Tsai
  • Patent number: 7651230
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing an optical effect includes a screen comprising at least one electroluminescent material and associated electrodes for exciting the electroluminescent material to emit light. The electrodes are locally excitable so that the regions of the electroluminescent material generally in the shape of flames may be excited. In an alternative form, or additionally, the screen comprises a material of variable opacity such as a liquid crystal polymer or a suspended particle device gain, electrodes are locally excitable to locally change the opacity of the screen. The screen is locally illuminated to provide the impression of flames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Basic Holdings
    Inventor: Noel O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7520635
    Abstract: A light element includes a decorative, patterned translucent outer shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The device also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment A white light source is provided in the shell as a source of illumination along with the LEDs The device can be used as a white light source, for displaying a colored light show, for displaying colored light is schemes and for volatile active emission. The device may include an acoustic transducer for producing light and sound shows. The device may also include a light sensor, a motion detector and/or a microphone or acoustic receiver thereby enabling the light and sound show to be dependent upon ambient light intensity, motion detection and/or ambient noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Wolf, Scott D. Walter, Scott W. Demarest
  • Patent number: 7387411
    Abstract: An electronic candle comprises a candle housing including a plurality of insertions secured in the interior thereof, a bulb protective cap fixed on the top surface of the candle housing, a circuit board engageably fitted into the interior of the candle housing and including a LED arranged on the top surface thereof, a power switch, an electrically conductive ring and an electrically conductive compression spring all in turn secured on the bottom surface thereof, and by way of a chamber surrounded by the ring and the insertions, a cell may be received therein, a bottom lip covered at the bottom of the candle housing, thereby assembling related components easily and lowering production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Hsinn Inn Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Tsai
  • Patent number: 7377667
    Abstract: A light device (10, 30) is described which comprises a first portion (12) configured so as to partially define a housing, the first portion (12) being arranged so as to at least partially pass light therethrough and the first portion (12) including first electrical contacts (46, 48) and a first locking device (50), a light emitting element (15) disposed in the first portion (12) and being electrically connected to the first electrical contacts (46, 48) and a second portion including a battery compartment (56), second electrical contacts (52, 54) arranged so as to be in electrical connection with batteries disposed in the battery compartment during use, and a second locking device (62, 64) engageable with the first locking device (50) so as to releasibly fix the second portion (13) to the first portion (12) during use and thereby close the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Simon Nicholas Richmond
  • Publication number: 20080117634
    Abstract: A portable electronic light providing a light resembling a candle that can be turned off by blowing on the light or by generating other predetermined sounds. The electronic light comprises a sound sensor, one or more light emitting diodes, or LEDs, a light cover, a housing, and a circuit board. The circuit board includes an amplifier/demodulator circuit, a counter/oscillator circuit, a driver circuit, and a switching circuit. The sensor detects a low frequency created by blowing on the candle type light or other signal, in order to control the power circuit and turn off the light. The counter/oscillator circuit and the switching circuit cause the LEDs to turn on and off, simulating the flickering of a candle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: SAP PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Sau Man Wong
  • Patent number: 7360935
    Abstract: A decorative, imitation candle includes a simulated wick which generates the appearance of an open flame in a darkened environment. A light pipe is located at the expected location of the wick. The exposed end of the light pipe has a tip which produces a point like a light source with a glare effect to darkness accommodated eyes when the device is illuminated. The glare is interpreted as an open flame without the need for a flame shaped terminating structure which is visible when the imitation candle is unlit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Winvic Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford B. Jensen, Roger D. Bentley, Kim I. McCavit
  • Patent number: 7360918
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved high-efficiency solar-charging electric window candle comprising a base adapted to sit securely upon a window sill. The base includes a footer formed with a battery compartment accessible through a bottom hatch, and a riser protruding upwardly from the footer with upwardly inclined side surfaces. The riser also has a compartment for enclosing a circuit board, and a vertically-oriented collar. A rechargeable battery is mounted in the footer of said base, and a hollow cylindrical candle body is inserted in the collar of the base riser, and a bulb assembly comprising a white LED is mounted atop the candle body. A circuit board is enclosed in the riser and includes two circuits: a current pump for supplying a pulsed current, and a photosensing circuit for sensing ambient light levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventors: Vince Trombetta, Kevin Trump
  • Patent number: 7350720
    Abstract: An active material cartridge comprises a frame and an active material refill. The active material refill comprises at least one reservoir having an active material therein and a protrusion extending from a first end thereof. The active material refill is disposed on and attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jaworski, Steven B. Mineau, David J. Schram, Scott W. Demarest, Dean Holzberger, Jeffrey J. Wolf, Mark Niederberger, Thomas Froehlich
  • Patent number: 7329023
    Abstract: A low-power illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting for securely mounting to a building surface in a residence or building. A light bulb socket is electrically connected to an external power source through a hollow housing which holds the socket and the electrical wiring providing the power. The housing may include decorative aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Virginia Metal Spinners, Inc
    Inventor: Christopher R. Mast
  • Publication number: 20070297185
    Abstract: An electronic candleholder includes a cup, a set of electronic installation containing a functional circuit, and a candleholder, in which decoration items may be placed. The functional circuit is activated in two phases, wherein a toggle switch in the form of an expansion press lever is disposed to activate phase one conduction when the cup is filled with a certain amount of candle; and a photosensitive switch or a slide switch is disposed to activate phase two conduction. The functional circuit is cut off once the candle is consumed to a certain extent. Light produced by a light emitting device is allowed to transmit through the interior of the candleholder to create unique effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Shung-Lun Yu