With Simulation Feature Patents (Class 431/125)
  • Patent number: 7074035
    Abstract: A gas burner includes a monolithic burner panel coupled to a bottom burner member for use as a bottom panel of a combustion chamber enclosure. The burner panel includes at least one aperture for providing a gas/air mixture to a top surface of the burner panel for combustion. The burner panel includes at least one elevated area. The burner panel is a composite material formed from a compression molding process. The burner panel includes elevations that can be shaped into log structures to provide a realistic fire within a fireplace unit, stove, or insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Ted Victor Schroeder, Gary Lee Butler, Steven G. Smith
  • Patent number: 6968838
    Abstract: A fireplace afterburner is presented including a shell having a first open shell end for receiving fireplace emissions and a second open shell end for expelling fireplace emissions, a flue inside said shell having a first flue end which can be closed, and a second flue end which is open, wherein when the first flue end is closed fireplace emissions flow around said flue, and wherein when said first flue end is open fireplace emission flow through said flue, a heating element connected to said shell and encircling said flue, wherein said heating element heats emissions that pass in proximity to the element, and a catalyst bed connected to said shell and encircling said flue. A method for reducing products of incomplete combustion in fireplace emissions is presented including receiving fireplace emissions into a shell, heating said fireplace emissions to at least 900° F. (482° C.), reacting said fireplace emissions with a catalyst substrate, and releasing the results of said reaction from said shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Paul E. Tiegs
  • Patent number: 6926517
    Abstract: Apparatus for simulating a campfire includes a fire pan, a diffuser element in the pan interior and a gas injector extending into the interior. The gas injector has an outlet that introduces vaporized fuel so that the diffuser element disperses the vaporized fuel about the pan interior. Non-flammable particulate material may be provided at a depth sufficient to cover the outlet. A lid may be secured to the pan, for example, by the diffuser element. The fire pan may have a lower chamber portion and an upper pan portion with the outlet terminating in the lower chamber portion. The diffuser element may be centrally located in the pan. The method provides such a fire pan and directs the flow of gas toward the diffuser so that the gas is diffused upwardly to be ignited on the surface of the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel W. Van Vleet
  • Patent number: 6923641
    Abstract: A tree shaped candle holder having at least one twisted tree wire that has a root end and a branch end. At least one bead is wrappingly connected to the tree wire adjacent to the branch end. At least one votive cup is wrappingly connected to the tree wire. A base is connected to the tree wire root end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Aaron Tabor
  • Patent number: 6875012
    Abstract: A gas burner includes a monolithic burner panel coupled to a bottom burner member for use as a bottom panel of a combustion chamber enclosure. The burner panel includes at least one aperture for providing a gas/air mixture to a top surface of the burner panel for combustion. The burner panel includes at least one elevated area. The burner panel is a composite material formed from a compression molding process. The burner panel includes elevations that can be shaped into log structures to provide a realistic fire within a fireplace unit, stove, or insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Ted Victor Schroeder, Gary Lee Butler, Steven G. Smith
  • Patent number: 6869278
    Abstract: A fireplace for viewing outside of a house or other structure that includes a combustion chamber defined by a combustion chamber enclosure with a front opening and a front panel at least partially enclosing the front opening. The front panel is partially surrounded by an air intake/gas exhaust system. The air intake/gas exhaust system is defined by bottom intake, a top exhaust and at least one of side intake/exhaust opening. A gas burner is situated on the floor of the combustion chamber enclosure. Fresh air enters through a bottom intake opening in the bottom intake and the lower portion of the intake/exhaust opening. After the combustion exhaust gases are expelled through a top exhaust opening in the top exhaust and the upper portion of the intake/exhaust openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Michael Streit
  • Publication number: 20040265760
    Abstract: A candle topper fits onto containerized candles, such as scented candles within a cylindrical apothecary jar, not only serving to enhance efficient combustion and add a decorative finish thereto, but also directing exhaust gases as a convective motive force to spin a fan. Thereby, hanging ornaments enhance the entertaining value of the candle topper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Soy Basics, LLC
    Inventors: James Richard Swearingen, Tom Clark
  • Publication number: 20040255931
    Abstract: A glowing ember fireplace article which comprises an artificial fireplace article body within the combustion chamber of a fireplace system. The artificial fireplace body defines a cavity. Embedded within the artificial fireplace article body is a translucent artificial ember and a light source. When in the use the light source shines light towards the translucent artificial ember thereby illuminating the translucent artificial ember creating the visual impression of an ember glowing in a natural wood fire. In another example embodiment glass beads are coupled with the translucent artificial ember wherein light travels from the light source through the glass beads onto the translucent artificial ember. The artificial fireplace article body can be configured to be an artificial log, an ember bed, or any other element typically found in a wood fireplace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bachinski, Robert S. Waddell
  • Patent number: 6805115
    Abstract: A synthetic ember comprising refractory ceramic wool coated with about 0.10 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % of an oxidation catalyst of Pt, Pd, Rh, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof for use in small pieces as embers in a gas-fired log set or fireplace. The refractory ceramic wool preferably has a surface area of from 20 to 200 square meters per gram and a density of 0.01 to 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter and the catalytic embers are less than one inch square. The synthetic embers increase heat recoverable at a given BTU from a flame, with reduced nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and CO emissions and improved aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Catalyst Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Larry E. Campbell, Tracy D. Staller, Douglas Campbell
  • Patent number: 6799727
    Abstract: Flame-effect heating apparatus comprises a housing with walls defining an air duct extending therethrough. Simulated fuel is supported by the housing, externally of the duct, and at least one flame-effect generator is disposed in the duct. A light source is provided in the housing to illuminate both the simulated fuel and the flame-effect generator. A mirror is supported by the housing so that light reflected by the flame-effect generator is incident thereon. A wall of the housing which defines the air duct, is formed as a viewing screen on which light reflected by the mirror falls, the viewing screen being positioned higher than the simulated fuel. An electric fan causes air to flow through the air duct, so causing operation of the flame-effect generator, and a heat exchanger disposed in the duct warms air passing thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Smith's Environmental Products Limited
    Inventors: Gary Stanton Webster, Jeremy James Stanley
  • Patent number: 6796302
    Abstract: A mixture fitting for use in a combustible gas system, for example, a fireplace. The mixture fitting may include a first portion configured to be coupled to a combustible gas source and a second portion configured to be coupled to a burner assembly. The first and second portions together form a gas passage. The mixture fitting also includes an air orifice extending from an exposed surface of the mixture fitting to the gas passage. The air orifice is configured to allow primary air to travel through the air orifice and into the gas passage to facilitate mixing of air with the combustible gas. Alternatively, the air orifice may be angled, and multiple air orifices may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Lee Butler, Thomas J. Bachinski, Robb Edward Bennett
  • Publication number: 20040173204
    Abstract: A gas fireplace article comprising a molded portion and a particulate. The particulate providing an effect different from the molded portion. An insert to fit within a recess of a gas fireplace article. The insert including a particulate. Methods and compositions for forming gas fireplace articles that include a particulate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Alfred Early, David Charles Lyons, Thomas Clark Patitz, Glen James Showalter
  • Publication number: 20040173202
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Thomas J. Bachinski, Robert Samuel Waddell, Richard Berg, Scott Stephen Jeutter, Kurt Matthew Schwie
  • Publication number: 20040170938
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a gas burner capable of bringing artificial “fuel” disposed thereon to incandescence, known as a “living-flames” gas burner, for use in a single-heating appliance, comprising a multi-panel element made of rigid gel-cast molded ceramic fibers or of bio-soluble ceramic fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Teague
  • Patent number: 6769426
    Abstract: A fireplace for concurrent use inside and outside of a structure includes a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber, an inside opening, and an outside opening, wherein the combustion chamber is viewable from the inside of the structure through the inside opening and from the outside of the structure through the outside opening. The fireplace also includes a combustion air plenum system coupled to the combustion chamber enclosure to supply fresh air from the outside to the combustion chamber and an exhaust opening defined by the combustion chamber enclosure for exhausting exhaust air from the combustion chamber to the outside of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Jane Catherine Fier, David Charles Lyons, Robb Edward Bennett
  • Publication number: 20040115578
    Abstract: A damper control device suitable for use in a fireplace comprises a flue, wherein products of combustion from the fireplace enter the flue, a damper positioned in a damper pipe which is connected to the flue, with the damper movable between open and closed positions, a motor having a shaft connected to the damper, and a control circuit which initiates combustion and which receives a damper signal which indicates whether the damper is in the open or closed position. In response to a request for heat, the control circuit initiates combustion after receiving the damper signal indicating that the damper is in the open position. The damper control device can also have a mounting ring extending generally perpendicularly form the damper pipe for connecting the damper pipe to the flue. For air-cooled flues, an adapter can be added to allow passage of air along the flue. A status module may be provided for operational or troubleshooting purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Cory A. Weiss
  • Patent number: 6746235
    Abstract: A liquid fuel burning device includes a first fuel reservoir adapted for holding a supply of fuel, a wick system adapted to cooperate with the first reservoir to draw fuel therefrom for combustion, a second fuel reservoir and a fuel feed tube communicating between the first fuel reservoir and the second fuel reservoir. The first reservoir can be closed to form a substantially air tight seal such that as fuel is consumed from the first reservoir, a partial vacuum is created within the first reservoir which automatically draws further fuel through the feed tube from the second fuel reservoir, thereby maintaining a constant fuel supply in the first reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: Urszula Aszenbrenner, Paul Aszenbrenner
  • Patent number: 6736132
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
    Inventors: Erich J. Schlosser, Adrian A. Bruno
  • Publication number: 20040081930
    Abstract: A proximity warning system for a fireplace including a monitor module and an alarm module. The monitor module is configured to sense when an object, such as a person, enters a defined zone proximate to the fireplace. The monitor module may use a variety of techniques to sense when an object enters the defined zone. For example, the monitor module may use capacitance or pulse infrared light to detect when an object enters the defined zone. The alarm module is coupled to the monitor module to generate an alarm when the monitor module senses that the object has entered the defined zone. The alarm may be audible or visual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bachinski, David J. Oja
  • Publication number: 20040067462
    Abstract: A gas burner is provided that simulates wood burning fire and the glowing ember effect of real wood or coal burning. The burner has a burner pan which is covered by a refractory material and a ceramic material. Burner ports are formed through the refractory and ceramic materials. Methods for forming such a burner are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Hardial S. Gore, Depinder Paul
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040058288
    Abstract: A gas burner includes a monolithic burner panel coupled to a bottom burner member for use as a bottom panel of a combustion chamber enclosure. The burner panel includes at least one aperture for providing a gas/air mixture to a top surface of the burner panel for combustion. The burner panel includes at least one elevated area. The burner panel is a composite material formed from a compression molding process. The burner panel includes elevations that can be shaped into log structures to provide a realistic fire within a fireplace unit, stove, or insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Hon Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Ted Victor Schroeder, Gary Lee Butler, Steven G. Smith
  • Patent number: 6680014
    Abstract: A method for making a candle out of jelly wax includes the following steps: disposing a wick and ornaments in a container; pouring heated liquid jelly wax into the container to form a first layer, and waiting 1 to 2 hours for the liquid wax to become solid; pouring heated liquid jelly wax into the container to form a second layer with air bubbles, and waiting 30 to 40 minutes for same to change to a semi-coagulate state before beginning next step; pouring liquid jelly wax heated to between 100° C. and 150° C. into the container to form a third layer. The jelly wax of the third layer will partially mix with the second layer in semi-coagulated state to form several layers of jelly wax with colors slightly changing one to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Chun-Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 6669468
    Abstract: A candle has a core of solid fuel that can be burned by a flame on a wick in the fuel. A flame resistant and heat resistant polyethersulfone (“PES”) barrier is around the core, the PES barrier being at least partly transparent for passing light from the flame. A clear, rigid, outer shell of shell material around the PES barrier allows light from the flame to pull to an outer surface of the shell. An opaque pattern is on the PES barrier for projecting an image of the pattern with light from the flame and a translucent wrap at the outer surface of the shell receives the projected image of the pattern. Alternatively, decorative items are in the shell which are visible through the transparent material of the shell and are protected from the heat of the flame by the PES barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley D. Pesu
  • Patent number: 6659764
    Abstract: A palm actuation lighter includes two elongated actuation arms having two opposed outer side gripping surfaces respectively wherein a piezoelectric unit is positioned between the side gripping surfaces. The actuation arms are arranged to compress the piezoelectric unit by a compression force applied on the side gripping surfaces so as to ignite the palm actuation lighter. Therefore, the actuation arms function as a physical barrier to prevent a hand of a child from compressing the piezoelectric unit while an adult is able to compress the actuation arms by using at least two fingers and a thumb of the adult on the side gripping surfaces respectively so as to ignite the palm actuation lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Zreative Products Inc.
    Inventor: Wen Xu
  • Patent number: 6648628
    Abstract: The invention is a device for muffling the sound of escaping gas from a dispensing pipe for natural gas or any similar gaseous fuel, where the dispensing pipe has one or more first orifices. The device is an insert that may be placed into the dispensing pipe. The insert has second orifices through which the natural gas or any similar gaseous fuel escapes, and the second orifices are smaller than the first orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Scott F. Eiklor
  • Publication number: 20030198908
    Abstract: An atmospheric burner unit for use in an unvented gas log heater has a base and a gas distribution valve supported by the base. The valve has an inlet opening and a number of outlet openings. A plurality of burner elements are mounted by the base. Each of the burner elements has an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. The inlet port of each burner element is in proximate spaced relationship with an outlet opening of the gas distribution valve thereby defining open spaces through which gas may flow from the distribution valve to the burner elements thus obviating the use of tubes or other conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Gunther Berthold, Sandro Lvgli, Givseppe Fogliani
  • Patent number: 6609514
    Abstract: A portable fire pit includes an elevated platform, a fire pit, at least one container of fuel, and at least one support device. The at least one support device is attached to the elevated platform. The fire pit is retained within the elevated platform. The fuel is placed in the fire pit. At least one decorative item may be placed in the fire pit, around the fuel. The fuel is ignited. A fire pit stand includes a pedestal, a fire pit, at least one container of fuel and a cover. The fire pit is retained in a top of the pedestal. The fuel is placed in the fire pit. The cover is suspended over the pedestal with any appropriate method. The fuel is ignited to display a large flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Annette L. Bertolas
  • Publication number: 20030154972
    Abstract: The invention is a device for muffling the sound of escaping gas from a dispensing pipe for natural gas or any similar gaseous fuel, where the dispensing pipe has one or more first orifices. The device is an insert that may be placed into the dispensing pipe. The insert has second orifices through which the natural gas or any similar gaseous fuel escapes, and the second orifices are smaller than the first orifices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Scott F. Eiklor
  • Patent number: 6601579
    Abstract: A fireplace for concurrent use inside and outside of a structure includes a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber, an inside opening, and an outside opening, wherein the combustion chamber is viewable from the inside of the structure through the inside opening and from the outside of the structure through the outside opening. The fireplace also includes a combustion air plenum system coupled to the combustion chamber enclosure to supply fresh air from the outside to the combustion chamber and an exhaust opening defined by the combustion chamber enclosure for exhausting exhaust air from the combustion chamber to the outside of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Jane Catherine Fier, David Charles Lyons, Robb Edward Bennett
  • Patent number: 6602068
    Abstract: A burner assembly that overcomes problems experienced in the prior art. One embodiment provides a burner assembly for burning a fuel gas from a gas source. The assembly has a burner body with a contoured upper surface and a burner pan with a gas inlet aperture therein. The burner body is connected to the burner pan. The burner body and burner pan are spaced apart to form a gas distribution chamber therebetween. The burner body has a plurality of gas apertures extending between the distribution chamber to an upper surface of the burner body. The gas apertures are positioned to allow the fuel gas to flow to selected areas on the burner body's upper surface for combustion to create a desired flame at selected locations relative to the upper surface. In one embodiment is a contoured upper surface with a plurality of peaks and valleys forming simulated coal or ember members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Travis Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Atemboski, Leslie E. King, Kurt W. F. Rumens
  • Patent number: 6578570
    Abstract: A method of combustion of a gaseous fuel in a heating appliance (1; 22) provided with at least one burner (15; 29; 34, 35, 36; 38), comprising mixing said gaseous fuel with a preestablished quantity of air to obtain an air-fuel mixture, supplying said mixture to the body of said at least one burner (15; 29; 34, 35, 36; 38), which is provided with a diffuser (19) on which openings (18) are made through which said mixture passes, causing the combustion of said mixture in order to generate flames (20; 32; 33; 34; 37; 42), the method further comprises irradiating heat towards said flames (20; 32; 33; 34; 37; 42) and a region directly surrounding said flames (20; 32; 33; 34; 37; 42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Worgas Bruciatori S.r.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Fogliani, Gunther Berthold
  • Publication number: 20030106549
    Abstract: A burner assembly that overcomes problems experienced in the prior art. One embodiment provides a burner assembly for burning a fuel gas from a gas source. The assembly has a burner body with a contoured upper surface and a burner pan with a gas inlet aperture therein. The burner body is connected to the burner pan. The burner body and burner pan are spaced apart to form a gas distribution chamber therebetween. The burner body has a plurality of gas apertures extending between the distribution chamber to an upper surface of the burner body. The gas apertures are positioned to allow the fuel gas to flow to selected areas on the burner body's upper surface for combustion to create a desired flame at selected locations relative to the upper surface. In one embodiment is a contoured upper surface with a plurality of peaks and valleys forming simulated coal or ember members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Alan R. Atemboski, Leslie E. King, Kurt W.F. Rumens
  • Patent number: 6537058
    Abstract: A gas appliance such as a gas burner or gas fire, has means to vary the factors producing flames in the appliance in a substantially random or pseudo-random manner. This means can take several forms, including a ‘liquid-bubbling’ device (FIG. 1), fan devices (FIGS. 2 and 3), flapper or governor valve devices (FIGS. 4, 5 or 9), feed back devices (FIG. 6) and other electrically controlled or motorised devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Evans, Philip Horrobin
  • Publication number: 20030049575
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Ted Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20030039933
    Abstract: Method of forming artificial logs made of an inorganic fiber material using compression molding are described. One method includes providing a molding composition comprising inorganic fiber and an inorganic binder, compression molding the molding composition into an artificial log, and providing a passageway that is defined by the artificial log and at least one burner aperture that is also defined by the artificial log to pass combustible gas to an outer surface of the artificial log. Artificial log elements and burner structures made by the use of such methods and a molding composition for use in compression molding are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Gary Lee Butler, Ted Victor Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6516793
    Abstract: There is provided a low carbon monoxide gas log assembly having a main gas burner and a neat gas burner. The main gas burner includes a plurality of exit ports. A batting containing rock wool is located above the exit ports and is not in contact with the exit ports. The batting is tilted at an angle greater than 0° but less than 90° with respect to the main gas burner. Heat from combustion at the exit ports causes portions of the batting to glow so that glowing embers are simulated while maintaining low carbon monoxide levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Appalachian Stove & Fabrications, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Rice
  • Patent number: 6511314
    Abstract: A decorative candle and oil lamp assembly includes a decorative candle including a reduced cross portion, a variety of decorative features, and a circular recess in its top. The oil lamp assembly includes a top, bottom, and body portion. The top portion includes a filler neck with a narrow portion and a flared portion. A flammable liquid, such as lamp oil, is introduced into the oil lamp assembly via the flared portion of the filler neck. Also included in the oil lamp assembly is a wick assembly. The wick assembly includes a glass tube consisting of a straight body portion and a flared portion. Mounted inside the wick assembly is a woven fiberglass wick consisting of a flared upper and a flared lower portion, and a body portion. After the oil lamp assembly is full of lamp oil or other flammable liquid, the wick assembly is placed inside the filler neck, with the bottom flared portion of the fiberglass wick in contact with the flammable liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Susan L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030008253
    Abstract: A ceramic hearth burner comprising a cast ceramic main body arranged to be situated within a fire place. The main body has a first chamber and a second chamber. A combustion air regulator is arranged to regulate the amount of air into the first chamber and an outlet is arranged for controlling the flow of fuel into the second chamber. An ignition plate encloses the second chamber which has a plurality of holes for releasing the fuel therein into an ignition area. At least one portal is arranged to channel the combustion air from the first chamber into the ignition area. The regulator is actuated by differential pressure in the ignition area and in the outside air, the pressure in the ignition area being varied by the amount of fuel being ignited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce W. Unruh, Nicholas Andrew Barber
  • Patent number: 6474330
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means for generating hydrogen gas which is particularly useful in domestic applications, particularly, a hydrogen-fueled gas fireplace. The hydrogen generating means comprises a filter-press electrolyzer that generates hydrogen from an electrolyte solution and has a relatively small size, e.g., about 600 mm2, and is thus convenient for domestic use. Suitable domestic applications include cooking stoves and the like as well as gas fireplaces. A hydrogen-fueled fireplace comprises a housing containing a firebox, an electrolyzer, which comprises a series of electrolytic cells, and a power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: John S. Fleming, Arthur Morris Lister
  • Publication number: 20020146655
    Abstract: A gas burner includes a monolithic burner panel coupled to a bottom burner member for use as a bottom panel of a combustion chamber enclosure. The burner panel includes at least one aperture for providing a gas/air mixture to a top surface of the burner panel for combustion. The burner panel includes at least one elevated area. The burner panel is a composite material formed from a compression molding process. The burner panel includes elevations that can be shaped into log structures to provide a realistic fire within a fireplace unit, stove, or insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Ted Victor Schroeder, Gary Lee Butler, Steven G. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020132198
    Abstract: A burner having an elongate, generally tubular sheet metal body having an inlet end, a closed distal end and a tubular segment extending between the ends. The inlet end is formed to define a gas orifice holder which is adapted to mount a gas orifice element. The inlet end is further formed to define at least one primary air opening arranged to admit primary air from a source of primary air. A bluff body is located downstream from the gas orifice element and is positioned such that gas emitted by the orifice impinges on the bluff body. Rows of flame ports are defined in the tubular segment and are arranged to create a desired predetermined flame pattern. When used as a fireplace burner the flame ports may be slot-like in construction and include tabs which determine the effective size of the ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Beckett Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Donnell, Terrance C. Slaby, Frank T. Szucs, Jim Bedrord, Wayne Hollingshead
  • Patent number: 6447906
    Abstract: The present invention provides molded fireplace articles comprising a plurality of non-white inorganic fibers that are substantially uniformly coated with a colored metal oxide. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing molded fireplace articles comprising: providing a plurality of non-white inorganic fibers; mixing the fibers with a binder and a liquid to form a slurry; pouring the slurry into a mold having a desired shape; and forming the slurry into a shaped article. A method of preparing non-white inorganic fibers is also provided, the method comprising the steps of: providing a colorant solution formed by dispersing or dissolving a metal compound into a carrier liquid, providing an inorganic fiber, applying the colorant solution to the inorganic fiber to form a colorant coated fiber, and heating the colorant coated fiber to a temperature sufficient to decompose the metal compound to a non-white metal oxide that is substantially uniformly coated on said fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Unifrax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Andrejcak, Bruce K. Zoitos
  • Patent number: 6443726
    Abstract: A burner assembly that overcomes problems experienced in the prior art. One embodiment provides a burner assembly for burning a fuel gas from a gas source. The assembly has a burner body with a contoured upper surface and a burner pan with a gas inlet aperture therein. The burner body is connected to the burner pan. The burner body and burner pan are spaced apart to form a gas distribution chamber therebetween. The burner body has a plurality of gas apertures extending between the distribution chamber to an upper surface of the burner body. The gas apertures are positioned to allow the fuel gas to flow to selected areas on the burner body's upper surface for combustion to create a desired flame at selected locations relative to the upper surface. In one embodiment is a contoured upper surface with a plurality of peaks and valleys forming simulated coal or ember members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Travis Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Atemboski, Leslie E. King, Kurt W. F. Rumens
  • Patent number: 6425390
    Abstract: A heating appliance including a firebox having an inlet and an outlet, the firebox inlet and outlet in communication with a space containing ambient air and within which the appliance is located. A gas burner is disposed within the firebox and provides a flame, the flame supported by ambient air entering the firebox through the firebox inlet, the flame producing products of combustion which exit the firebox throught the firebox outlet. A catalyst element is in communication with the firebox outlet, and at least a portion of the products of combustion which exit the firebox through the firebox outlet are directed through the catalyst element. At least some of the products of combustion directed through the catalyst element are catalyzed, the catalyzed products of combustion being directed into the space in which the appliance is located. A plenum is in thermal communication with the firebox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: The Majestic Products Company
    Inventors: Larry E. Campbell, Sydney R. Barkhouse, Heinz H. Rieger
  • Patent number: 6413079
    Abstract: Gas fireplaces are provided with commercially available gas valves that are similar to gas valves in furnaces and boilers. Such gas valves may be controlled manually, by thermostat or by solenoid valves which turn the fireplace burner ON and OFF and HIGH and LOW using a closed loop radio frequency transceiver system. The present invention provides an improved voice or sound actuated gas valve for fireplace burners. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a microphone is coupled to a voice actuated electronic control module which converts analog sound signals to digital control signals. The sound may be music or other non-voice sounds employed to modulate the flames from the fireplace burner. Preferably the sounds are voice commands that are predetermined and preferably comprise a recognition command followed by an actuation command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Charles Lyons, Gary Lee Butler
  • Patent number: 6409500
    Abstract: A process and product for producing an attractive soot-free fire from a specially formed gas pipe embedded in a bed of broken, specially-formulated, tempered glass pieces is provided. The broken glass pieces are preferably formed from a specifically-formulated, tempered glass which, after formation, is broken and then sifted and washed so as to remove any slivers or debris. The gas pipe is preferably formed with two rows of equally spaced openings offset with respect to each other and spaced approximately 90° apart to burn gas in a cleaner and hotter manner. A number of gas pipes may be used and formed in any desired configuration to add to the attractiveness of the soot-free fire produced thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Mark T. Georgantas
  • Patent number: 6390808
    Abstract: A gas burner log set for a fireplace has a pair of spaced apart ceramic fiber logs with a gas burner therebetween. The rear face of the front log has a substantially flat planar surface angled upwardly toward the front surface of the rear log to form therewith an elongated triangular flame channel having an apex at the top. The burner is spaced from the rear surface of the front log by a small selected distance and the burner has ports which emit gas and create a flame in the flame channel. The front surface of the rear log has an upper portion which overlays the ports of the burner. The log set provides a flame which closely simulates visually the burning of logs and provides a clean burning flame with a minimum amount of carbon monoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Temco Fireplace Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Cakebread
  • Patent number: 6371753
    Abstract: A gas burner that produces a yellow flame for use in a fireplace assembly, including front and rear non-combustible logs and a cross-over log supported atop the front and rear logs. The burner includes an elongate, generally tubular sheet metal body having an inlet end, a closed distal end and a tubular segment extending between the ends. The inlet end is formed to define a gas orifice holder which is adapted to mount a gas orifice element and to define at least one primary air opening arranged to admit combustion air into the tubular burner segment. A bluff body is located downstream from the gas orifice element and is positioned such that gas emitted by the orifice impinges on the bluff body. Rows of slot-like flame ports are defined in the tubular segment and are arranged to create a desired predetermined flame pattern and include tabs which determine the effective size of the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Beckett Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Donnell, Terrance C. Slaby, Frank T. Szucs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6354288
    Abstract: A portable fireplace having an inner housing defined by an inner housing wall and forming a flame pit, an outer housing having an outer housing wall, the outer housing and the inner housing being interconnected to one another, the outer housing being in surrounding relationship to the inner housing, at least the majority of the walls of the inner and outer housings being spaced from one another to provide an insulation space and a support disposed in the flame pit for supporting a flame presentation substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy W. McDonald