Simulated Fireplace Patents (Class 40/428)
  • Patent number: 6757487
    Abstract: An electric fireplace designed to simulate a combustible fuel-burning fireplace. The electric fireplace includes a housing. A simulated firebox is positioned within the fireplace housing. The firebox contains a log and ember set having one or more artificial logs positioned above an artificial bed of embers. The fireplace also includes a mechanism for illuminating the underside of at least a portion of the artificial logs and the artificial bed of embers to create the illusion that the artificial logs and artificial bed of embers are burning. The fireplace further includes a flame simulation assembly for generating the appearance of simulated flames emanating from the artificial logs. The flame simulation assembly includes a light source, a light randomizer, a light filter screen, and a light diffuser screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: CFM Corporation
    Inventors: Colm A. Martin, Donald R. Jamieson, Andy Luu, David Diep, Lam Van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6718665
    Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames transmitted in a fluctuating light. The flame simulating assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a light source, a screen disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for diffusing and transmitting light, and a flicker element for creating the fluctuating light, the flicker element being positioned in a path of light from the light source. The simulated fuel bed defines a profile viewable by an observer. In addition, the screen includes a curved portion which is curved in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction to correspond to the profile of the simulated fuel bed. Also, the curved portion of the screen is positioned adjacent to the simulated fuel bed. The fluctuating light transmitted through the screen is attenuated and a three-dimensional image of flames appears to curve around the profile of the simulated fuel bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, Kelly Stinson
  • Publication number: 20040060213
    Abstract: A flame simulating apparatus to simulate flames emanating from a wood or fossil fuel burning fire. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a light reflecting element, and a fire simulation screen. The light reflecting element produces a moving and generally random pattern of reflected light when light is cast upon it by the light source. The fire simulation screen has the image of a fire thereon and is positioned so that reflected light from the light reflecting element is cast upon its rear surface. The fire simulation screen includes at least one portion that is at least partially translucent such that light cast upon the partially translucent portion by the light reflecting element is diffused and at least partially passes through the translucent portion to present a moving flame image when viewed from a position in front of the fire simulation screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Napoleon Systems and Developments Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schroeter, Cliff Lilley, Jeremy Kurtin
  • Publication number: 20040060554
    Abstract: A portable outdoor fireplace is provided. The portable outdoor fireplace has a housing that supports a gas burner, typically for heat, and a separate ornamental flame. The outdoor fireplace also has a moveable hood. A gas shut-off valve is manipulated based on the position of the hood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Erich J. Schlosser, Adrian A. Bruno
  • Patent number: 6691440
    Abstract: Device for artificially simulating a fire, in particular for use in the hearth of an open fireplace, having a housing in which, in order to simulate a fire, an artificial fuel bed into which moving, in particular strip-shaped, tongue-shaped or tab-shaped flame simulation elements whose image is reflected into the field of vision, and at least one light source for illuminating the fuel bed and/or the flame simulation elements are arranged, the flame simulation elements being arranged on at least one moving, motor-driven carrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Glen Dimplex Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Petz, Martin Betz, Günter Lunscher
  • Patent number: 6615519
    Abstract: A flame simulating assembly is provided having a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen having a partially reflective front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for reflecting an image of the simulated fuel bed and for transmitting light from the light source through the partially reflective front surface so that an image of flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface. The flame simulating assembly also includes a static reflector disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed and having an inner surface disposed opposite an outer surface. The inner surface is disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed and has a static reflective surface thereon. The static reflective surface is positioned for reflecting light from the light source onto the simulated fuel bed to simulate burning embers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventor: Kristoffer Hess
  • Publication number: 20030126775
    Abstract: The simulated log fireplace apparatus having a housing (14) forming a fire box having a back wall (22), bottom wall (18), top wall (16), two side walls (23a,b) and an open front side (11) containing at least one artificial log (32) and simulated flame sheets (33) therein. A blower (50) directs air on to the simulated flame sheets to simulate the movement of real flames. A colored light source (39) provides the color of real flames. The light source and blower are adjustable from a control panel (21) under a louver panel (47) in a top front of the apparatus. The artificial log may include a translucent base log (32) on an ember bed (26) with a white light source (31) beneath the translucent log. A window log (29) having an aperture (26) simulate a burning core of a real log. A transparent partition (45) that has a partially opaque area (55) just above the simulated flame sheets helps to further simulate appearance and depth of a real fireplace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Arthur A. Corry, Nigel A. Corry
  • Publication number: 20030110671
    Abstract: A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) is provided having a simulated fuel bed (12, 112), a light source (14, 414), and a reflector (18, 518). The reflector (18, 518) is disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and has a reflective surface (22, 522). The reflective surface (22, 522) is positioned for reflecting light from the light source (14, 414) onto the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) to simulate burning embers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Kristoffer Hess
  • Patent number: 6564485
    Abstract: A fire simulating assembly is provided having a light source, a vertical screen having a diffusing surface and a partially reflective surface, and a rear mirror having a reflective flame pattern. The assembly also includes a rotatable flicker element for reflecting light transmitted by the light source onto the rear mirror so that the light irregularly varies in intensity, so that a simulated flame effect results from the reflection of the light from the rear mirror onto the diffusing screen. The assembly also has a simulated fuel bed, positioned so that the simulated flames appear to arise from the simulated fuel bed. The flicker element also alternately obscures, partially obscures, and permits light transmitted by the light source to pass to a front reflector so that the light irregularly varies in intensity. The front reflector reflects the light onto the front of the simulated fuel bed so that the simulated fuel bed appears to include glowing embers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventor: Kristoffer Hess
  • Patent number: 6554443
    Abstract: A pumpkin lighting fixture, comprising a pumpkin-shaped housing, and a lighting mechanism that is installed inside the hollow of the housing: The lighting mechanism is composed of a lamp carrier, a fan and a battery box, which are jointly assembled in a round depression of a base. On the lamp carrier is a plurality of LED lamps, and a woven fabric that is cut in the shape of a flame, so that each LED projects light on the woven fabric. The fan has an air outlet that is aligned with the woven fabric, so air is blown onto the woven fabric to make it bellow. Such a lighting mechanism presents realistic and beautiful burning-flame effects, enabling safety in application of this pumpkin lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: T.W. Piin Hung Commodities Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng Ping Fan
  • Publication number: 20030072565
    Abstract: An electric fire assembly with a flame effect arrangement. The arrangement includes a bulb located in a hollow cylindrical member of opaque material with a plurality of flame shape cutouts. Light passes through the cutouts onto the rear surface of a screen to provide a flame effect as the member rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Ravnbo-West, Lee Cresswell, Michael John Green, Mitchell Lee Cadd, Roy Berrisford, Kevin Regan
  • Publication number: 20030049024
    Abstract: The invention provides an electric fireplace flame simulator having a light source mounted within a rotatable hollow cylinder, the cylinder having flanged perforations that disperse heat from the light source and through which is projected a simulacrum of flames upon the cylinder being rotated about the light source. A light diffuser panel and other patterned and transparent screens are used to enhance the flame illusion. The simulator does away with the problems of an actual fire such as containment of the fire, smoke disposal, and fuel replenishment, while providing provides heat and an excellent illusion of a flame for a fireplace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Globaltec Distributors Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao Liang Chen
  • Publication number: 20030046837
    Abstract: The invention provides a flame simulating assembly having a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen. The light source is operable to produce an image of flames appearing to be emitted from the simulated fuel bed. The screen has a front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for transmitting the image of flames through the front surface. A pattern is included in the screen for simulating the appearance of firebrick to a viewer of the image of flames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Kristoffer Hess
  • Publication number: 20030041491
    Abstract: A flame simulation apparatus for use in electric fireplaces is disclosed. The flame simulation apparatus is disposed within a fireplace enclosure to simulate a natural fire. The flame simulation apparatus includes a flame element and a device to alter the position of the flame element relative to a fixed position. Methods for simulating a natural fire are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Devin Eugene Mix
  • Publication number: 20020174579
    Abstract: An artificial log burning fireplace assembly which produces a visual effect indistinguishable from a real log burning flame in a fireplace. The assembly includes one or more artificial logs lying horizontal along the front of the fireplace. A rod lies horizontally behind the artificial logs. A plurality of elongated pieces of colored fabric are spaced apart and one short end of each piece of colored fabric is attached to the rod. A pair of electrically powered blowers are positioned behind the artificial logs and each blower is mounted near one end of the rod. The blowers are angled one to the other to create in the region surrounding the pieces of colored fabric a turbulent air flow in the region surrounding the pieces of colored fabric thereby creating a visual effect that is indistinguishable from a real log burning flame in a fireplace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Arthur A. Corry, Nigel Corry, Wayne R. Newsome
  • Publication number: 20020170215
    Abstract: A lenticular fireplace and methods for simulating a fire within a fireplace are disclosed. 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. The front wall includes an electrically conductive panel coupled to a phase change material. Electrical terminals are operatively connected to the electrically conductive panel for applying a voltage across the electrically conductive panel to heat the front wall and convert the phase change material from an opaque solid to a less opaque liquid to allow viewing through the front wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Devin Eugene Mix, David Charles Lyons
  • Publication number: 20020166554
    Abstract: A simulated electric glowing embers system disposed within a fireplace is provided. One embodiment discloses, a fireplace comprising an enclosure defining a chamber, a support structure disposed within the chamber, a plurality of translucent artificial embers disposed upon a top surface of the support structure, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the support structure to illuminate the translucent artificial embers. Another embodiment discloses, an apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace comprising an ember support bed, a plurality of translucent artificial embers individually arrangeable upon a top surface of the ember support bed, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the ember support bed to illuminate the loose translucent artificial embers. A method for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Donald Berg
  • Publication number: 20020152655
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a support member, a flame strip coupled to the support member, and an air source aimed at the flame strip. It is emphasized tat this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: David Allen Merrill, Edward Philip Lapointe
  • Patent number: 6461011
    Abstract: A device for simulating a flame comprises: a housing 12; an elongate flame-shaped piece of collapsible material 14; a lamp 16 for illuminating the piece of material 14; a fan 18 for circulating air in the housing along a predetermined cyclic path in the housing; and an inner housing 20 for mounting a first end portion 22 of the piece of material 14 in said housing such that, in use, the piece of material 14 is supported by said circulating air along the path and a second end portion 24 of the piece of material is free to move in the circulating air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Alan Harrison
  • Publication number: 20020139021
    Abstract: A simulated fuel bed is provided for use in an electric fireplace. The simulated fuel bed has a first portion that is composed of a non-plastic material and formed to simulate a fuel source in a fireplace and a second portion that is composed of a plastic material and formed to simulate an ember bed for the fuel source. The second portion is formed to receive the first portion to resemble in combination a fuel source in an ember bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, Ignazio Gallo, Sean David Spencer
  • Patent number: 6438760
    Abstract: A novelty hat apparatus having a spit for simulating the roasting of objects, a headpiece for supporting the apparatus on the head of a wearer, and a first and second spit frame member attached to the headpiece and extending upward therefrom, the first and second spit frame members each having apertures defined therein for receiving the ends of the spit. The headpiece has at least one simulated fire member attached to the headpiece and extending upward therefrom toward the spit. The apparatus may include a motor with a drive shaft extending therefrom and engaging a toothed wheel on the spit for turning the spit by operation of the motor. Additionally, a strap may be attached to the headpiece for retaining the apparatus on the head of the wearer. The spit may also have a spit crank fixed to an end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Tony Wakefield, Jeremiah Wakefield
  • Publication number: 20020095832
    Abstract: The invention provides a flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames transmitted in a fluctuating light. The flame simulating assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a light source, a screen disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for diffusing and transmitting light, and a flicker element for creating the fluctuating light, the flicker element being positioned in a path of light from the light source. The simulated fuel bed defines a profile viewable by an observer. In addition, the screen includes a curved portion which is curved in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction to correspond to the profile of the simulated fuel bed. Also, the curved portion of the screen is positioned adjacent to the simulated fuel bed. The fluctuating light transmitted through the screen is attenuated and a three-dimensional image of flames appears to curve around the profile of the simulated fuel bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, Kelly Stinson
  • Patent number: 6393207
    Abstract: In preferred aspects, the present invention comprises an electric fireplace designed to simulate a combustible fuel-burning fireplace. The electric fireplace comprises a housing having a top, a bottom, a back, and two sides. A simulated firebox having a top, a bottom, a back, and two sides is positioned within the fireplace housing. The firebox contains a log and ember set having one or more artificial logs positioned above an artificial bed of embers. The fireplace also comprises a mechanism for illuminating the underside of at least a portion of the artificial logs and a portion of the artificial bed of embers so as to create the illusion that the artificial logs and the artificial bed of embers are burning. The fireplace further comprises a flame simulation assembly for generating the appearance of simulated flames emanating from the artificial logs. The flame simulation assembly comprises a light source, a light randomizer, a light filter screen, and a light diffuser screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: CFM Majestic Inc.
    Inventors: Colm A. Martin, Donald R. Jamieson, Andy Luu, David Diep, Lam Van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6385881
    Abstract: A device is provided for enhancing the realistic appearance of flames produced by a simulated fireplace (gas or electric) by providing additional ambient lighting effects in response to sensed light intensity within the fireplace. The device includes a photosensor, a control circuit, and display lighting. The photosensor senses the level of light intensity produced by a simulated flame source and changes its resistive value accordingly. The control circuit has circuit parameters which uses the resistive value of the photosensor to determine whether to apply operational power to the display lighting. The display lighting consists of at least one lamp positioned above the simulated fuel bed. When simulated fireplace is operational, the display lighting of the device produces a “flickering” effect that is synchronized with the changes in light intensity occurring within the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventor: Kristoffer Hess
  • Patent number: 6363636
    Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. In one aspect, the flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for reflecting light to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having reflective strips for reflecting light from the light source for subsequent reflection by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing member is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing member. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image. An alternate screen is provided having a non-planar diffusing member which causes the image of moving flames to appear to emanate from behind the reflected image the fuel bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, David Miller MacPherson, Ignazio Gallo, Sean David Spencer
  • Publication number: 20020023376
    Abstract: A flame simulating assembly is provided having a simulated fulel bed, a light source, and a screen having a partially reflective front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for reflecting an image of the simulated fuel bed and for transmitting light from the light source through the partially reflective front surface so that an image of flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface. The flame simulating assembly also includes a static reflector disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed and having an inner surface disposed opposite an outer surface. The inner surface is disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed and has a static reflective surface thereon. The static reflective surface is positioned for reflecting light from the light source onto the simulated fuel bed to simulate burning embers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Kristoffer Hess
  • Patent number: 6350498
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simulated fireplace formed, at least partially, from a compressible material, and to a method of forming a simulated fireplace from a compressible material that has a surface that simulates surfaces found in real fireplaces. In particular, this invention forms a simulated fireplace using a compressible material, such as wood, wood composites, or plastics. A pattern is pressed into a surface of the compressible material forming a sculptured surface. The surface is also coated. In one embodiment of the invention the surface is coated with a solvent based coating, for example, a sealer, a primer, and a finish that can include color and/or gloss. In another embodiment of the invention the surface is coated with a powder coating, such as a low temperature epoxy. In yet a further alternative the surface is coated with a polymer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, Martyn R. Champ
  • Patent number: 6312137
    Abstract: The invention relates to a improvement of the structure of the ornament lamp, it mainly comprises a ornament lamp stand, a upward open shape lamp cover body is disposed on the ornament lamp stand, wherein a supporting rack is disposed in the lamp cover body, and a ventilation fan is disposed on the supporting rack in sequence, a hollow rack body is also installed on the ventilation fan, besides, a flange is located at the edge of the bottom of the rack to be screwed on the ventilation fan and the rack by a bolt, the center of the bottom of said rack is a fixing plane to fix a bulb stand, the bulb stand is utilized to fix a bulb thereon, a net frame is disposed to cover over the bulb and is fixed on said rack with bolts, then a proper dimension of hollow-out net face is disposed at the center of the frame to let light penetrate and air flow, in addition, multiple fixing devices is installed at the circumference of the frame to fix a arbitrary shape cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Hua Lung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6302555
    Abstract: Apparatus for simulating flames, comprising a source of light, a reflector, a screen, and a flame effect member located between the reflector and the screen. The flame effect member preferably comprises a sheet of flexible fabric, provided with a plurality of slits, such that air from a fan causes the sheet to billow, alternately opening and closing the slits. Light transmitted from the source towards the flame effect member passes through the openings and falls onto the screen as an area of high intensity light, which as the sheet billows, appears to move upwardly, simulating the appearance of a flickering flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Burley Appliances Limited
    Inventor: Gary Bristow
  • Patent number: 6269567
    Abstract: A simulated fireplace assembly is provided having a simulated fuel bed and a screen for transmitting an image of a flame. The simulated fuel bed is located adjacent to the screen. The screen has a first region that is sufficiently reflective to reflect the fuel bed and a second region that is sufficiently non-reflective to avoid reflection of ambient subject matter that is not associated with the fireplace assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: David Miller MacPherson, Kristoffer Hess, Ignazio Gallo, Sean David Spencer
  • Patent number: 6155837
    Abstract: A device for simulation of fire for use during fire drills and similar exercises, includes one or more chambers, each of which is connected to one or more air tubes made of a flexible, preferably substantially gas-tight fabric, where the air tubes may be supplied with air through the chamber to which they are connected, and where movers are provided on the device to cause the air tubes to swing from side to side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Kjell Korneliussen
  • Patent number: 6053165
    Abstract: A low cost prefabricated fireplace is provided with an open-ended fireplace box which requires no outer sheet metal shroud or housing as employed in the prior art sheet metal fireplaces. The novel fireplace box has at least five walls which consist substantially of insulating reinforced ceramic fiber (RCF) material and a binder. A modular burner system is removably mounted on the bottom wall of the fireplace box and a floor panel is mounted on the modular burner system forming an air chamber below the floor panel in the fireplace box. A decorative surround trim is attached to the open end of the fireplace box which serves to support fixed or operable glass doors. A log set which may include a log burner is mounted above the floor panel which supports a decorative log set. Apertures are made in the top sides or of the fireplace box to accommodate an air supply and/or an exhaust stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Lee Butler, David Charles Lyons, Ronald John Shimek, Robb Edward Bennett
  • Patent number: 6050011
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for producing an illusory effect. The assembly comprises a substantially transparent front wall having a rear surface and a front surface. A reflective surface is spaced from and faces the rear surface of the front wall. A plurality of first dots are disposed on the front wall in a sufficiently constant density over a given area to produce a substantially constant tinted appearance to the front wall when observed through the front surface. A plurality of second dots are disposed on the first dots and face the reflective surface, the second dots being smaller than the first dots. An image is defined by the second dots wherein the image is substantially invisible to an observer looking through the front surface other than as a reflected image in the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, David Miller MacPherson, Ignazio Gallo, Sean David Spencer
  • Patent number: 6047489
    Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for transmitting light from the light source to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having colored reflective strips for reflecting light for subsequent transmission by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing surface is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing surface. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, David Miller MacPherson, Ignazio Gallo, Sean David Spencer
  • Patent number: 5887369
    Abstract: A decorative wall display assembly comprises a frame (14) that has the appearance of a conventional window frame, in combination with a glazing sheet (16), and a conventional mirror (18) mounted toward the rear of the frame, and a space (19) between the glazing sheet (16) and the mirror (18). The overall effect is that the assembly gives the illusory appearance of being a window, and accordingly gives the room in which it is used the appearance of being larger than it actually is, while being flush mounted on the wall as would be a picture or other conventional decorative display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Raymond Daniel Danielczak
  • Patent number: 5826357
    Abstract: The "Mood-Place" fireplace is any smoke-free fireplace that contains an audio cassette player/recorder, an audio compact-disc (CD) player/recorder, a video cassette player/recorder, audio speakers and grills , an overhead television projection system, a refillable pump spray time-released mechanism (to release the scent of "burning wood"), and pre-recorded fireplace sound effects audio cassettes and/or audio compact-disc's (CD's) with or without "background music".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Duaine Hechler
  • Patent number: 5774040
    Abstract: A new Fire Sound Simulator for simulating the hissing, popping and crackling sound of a fire includes a white noise generator for generating a white noise signal representative of a hissing sound, a ROM-based sound generator for generating a popping signal representative of a popping sound, a ROM-based sound generator for generating a crackling signal representative of a crackling sound, a microcontroller operably coupled to the ROM-based sound generator for generating the popping signal and the ROM-based sound generator for generating the crackling signal, the microcontroller generating a first start signal for activating the ROM-based sound generator for generating the popping signal and a second start signal for activating the ROM-based sound generator for generating the crackling signal, a mixer for mixing the white noise signal, the popping signal and the crackling signal, and for generating an amplifier input signal, the mixer being operably coupled to the microcontroller, an audio amplifier for amplify
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Dominic H. Lastoria
  • Patent number: 5642580
    Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for transmitting light from the light source to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having colored reflective strips for reflecting light for subsequent transmission by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing surface is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing surface. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, David Miller MacPherson, Ignazio Gallo
  • Patent number: 5635898
    Abstract: A fire sound simulator includes a random sequencer which produces random signals. The sequencer is connected to a sound synthesizer which transforms the sequencer's signals into random sounds. The synthesizer is in turn connected to a speaker which receives the sounds from the synthesizer for outputting the sounds. The simulator alternatively includes a recording stored on a ROM chip. The simulator may be activated by a light sensitive switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: American General Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon S. Walters, James Blackford
  • Patent number: 5099591
    Abstract: A fireplace-mountable sonic generator produces random noise pulses of varying amplitude imitative of the crackling of a fire, and is particularly suited to emplacement within fireplaces which simulate a log fire by passing burning illuminating gas over a refractory imitation log. The sounds are produced by a reed repeatedly flexed away from a striker plate and then released to impact against that plate, producing a characteristic crackling sound. A series of such deflections and releases at apparently random times is provided by a motor-driven rotating drum having series of surface-mounted, radially-extending irregularly spaced projections. The end of the reed is disposed to be engaged by the drum projections as they move past. Variations in sound intensity from one sound burst to the next may be achieved by varying the lengths of the projections, or by varying their overlap distance as measured from the center of the reed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: Scott F. Eiklor, Steve F. Eiklor
  • Patent number: 4965707
    Abstract: Simulated flame effect means, such as suspended ribbons moved by a forced stream of air from a fan, receive light from a source which is then reflected onto a diffusing screen. The screen, which is both transparent and partly reflective, is situated in front of means for simulating combusting fuel. The light reflected by the flame effect means, which gives the appearance of flames, thereby appears to emanate between the simulated fuel and its image reflected in the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Basic Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian J. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 4890828
    Abstract: A plurality of ornaments are supported on a base within which a wind-up music box mechanism is housed for imparting rotational movement to a first ornament in driving engagement with a wind-up shaft of the mechanism, and alternating vertical movements to second and third ornaments supported on tappet rods engaged by a pair of offset eccentric cam members mounted on a drive shaft driven by the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 4296154
    Abstract: A simulated-brick facing material, and a process for its manufacture; the facing material being applied to imitation fireplaces; the process including a wooden panel being furrowed on one side with parallel rows of grooves in two right angle directions so as to form a plurality of brick-shaped faces, the panel then being slitted fully through along the longitudinal grooves so as to form strips which are then glued in offset positions on an imitation fireplace and thereafter are painted so to simulate brick material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventor: Robert B. Ibberson
  • Patent number: 4272908
    Abstract: A miniature fireplace for a doll house, the fireplace producing a flickering light, by including at least one miniature electric lamp hidden behind logs placed on a grate fitted into the fireplace, the lamp being in an electrical circuit with a flasher unit, a switch and a dry cell battery hidden behind the fireplace facade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Inventors: Henry Bassetti, George Spector