Abstract: A burner pad for use in a gas burner in a gas fireplace includes a plurality of noncombustible fibers held together by fillers and binders to form a noncombustible body having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The body has a porosity that allows gas to pass therethrough in a substantially random manner. The body is also dimensionally stable. The burner pad may be used to form a gas burner having a burner pan having an open top with the porous burner pad enclosing the burner pan by covering said open top of said burner pan to define a gas distribution chamber between said pad and said burner pan. Gas is supplied to the gas distribution chamber and allowed to randomly seep through the pad where it may be ignited to form a low-profile, rolling flame that simulates the appearance of glowing embers in a wood-fueled fire.

Abstract: A gas-fueled heating appliance having a system for reducing the amount of undesirable combustion products released to the site in which the appliance is installed. The appliance includes a firebox partially surrounded by a heat exchanger. Ambient air is drawn into the heat exchanger below the firebox and a portion of the ambient air enters the firebox to assist in combustion, and the remaining portion travels through the heat exchanger to be heated by convection before being combined with combustion gases exiting through the top of the firebox. The heat exchanger creates a low pressure area relative to the firebox which induces a draft from the firebox into the heat exchanger and ultimately to the ambient environment through an exit provided above the firebox. A carbon monoxide catalyst element is provided in the exit passageway from the firebox to the heat exchanger to oxidize carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and filter away airborne particulates which would otherwise be released to the ambient air.

Abstract: A log-burner apparatus is for simulating a burning log or piece of wood wherein at least a portion of the burner aperture of the burner is not defined by and does not extend through the artificial log material. As such, any adverse effect of the artificial log material on the efficiency of the burner is reduced. Additionally, the burner apparatus provides for durability of the burner while still providing a realistic simulation of flame coming from a log. In one embodiment, a gas burner apparatus including a gas burner structure with an outer surface including a portion with at least one burner aperture therein. The apparatus further includes an artificial log having an outer surface, and the artificial log is disposed at least partially around the gas burner structure. At least a portion of the outer surface of the burner structure including the burner aperture is exposed adjacent the outer surface of the artificial log. In another aspect, a method of making a gas burner apparatus.

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.

Abstract: An artificial campfire device is disclosed and is fueled by a pressurized fuel source. The device includes a base receptacle which defines an open top, the base receptacle being adapted for placement on a ground surface. A burner member is positioned within the receptacle and is adapted to provide a flame of variable height. A fuel control mechanism is adapted for coupling a pressurized fuel source with the burner member for controlling the flow of fuel to the burner member and the size of flame emitted by the burner member. Finally, a plurality of artificial refractory log members are adapted for assembly in crisscross fashion to form a log cluster in the base receptacle.

Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and particularly compact heating apparatus fuelled by a flammable fluid such as gas in which a visible flame is provided. The appearance of the visible flame and the fireplace setting within the heating apparatus is enhanced by the provision of a reflective means positioned behind the fuel assembly to reflect an image of the assembly and/or the flame towards a viewing port in the front of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater apparatus provides an exhausting of the emissions of the primary combustion directly into the room in which the heater is housed to return much of the otherwise exhausted heat into the room. The exhaust is put through a secondary combustion chamber including or comprising a catalytic converter before being exhausted into the room.

Abstract: A freestanding fireplace hearth includes an artificial log set, a snuffer and a fuel tray beneath the snuffer and log set. When refilling is necessary, a drawer containing the fuel tray is pulled out for access, the tray descending away from the snuffer as it is pulled laterally outward. After filling, the drawer is pushed in and the fuel tray moves laterally under, and then upwardly into operative position with respect to, the snuffer. The snuffer can be opened to allow vaporized fuel to ascend into the log set. When lit, an attractive dancing flame is displayed. When the snuffer is closed, fuel vapor flow through the log set closes and the fire is extinguished. Details of tray, drawer, snuffer and hearth construction are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved gas operated fireplace module is provided having a ceramic support base with a plurality of irregularly-shaped and spaced protruberants on the upper surface of the base. Ceramic fuel logs are disposed on the upper surface of the ceramic support base and are preferably fixedly connected thereon. A gas burner, which is preferably elongated, is disposed in close proximity to the ceramic support base so that flames emitted therefrom play onto the upper surface of the ceramic support base to interact with the various protruberants and the underside surfaces of the fuel logs. The module may further include a plurality of artificial coals disposed integrally with the ceramic support base and the underside of one or more of the fire logs. The base preferably also includes a plurality of irregularly-shaped secondary combustion openings to provide additional combustion airflow and to randomly redirect flames for a more naturally appearing flame picture.

Abstract: A gas fireplace is provided having a plenum formed around at least a portion of the fireplace firebox. Room air enters the plenum and is heated by the firebox prior to venting back into the room. Two openings are provided from the outside of the fireplace housing to the plenum. The first opening allows heated air to exit the plenum, while the second opening allows cool outside air to enter the plenum. a mechanism is provided to control the amount of heated air exiting the first opening and the amount of cool air entering the second opening. By controlling the inflow and outflow through the first and second openings, respectively, the amount of the fireplace by-products generated into the room where the fireplace is located such as carbon-monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, heat and moisture are reduced.

Abstract: Candle holder for a plurality of candles arranged separately from each other. Each candle comprises a cup-shaped container with a wick and wax. The candles (10, 11, 12) are arranged substantially vertically one underneath the other at such a distance that the respectively lower candle thermally influences the candle arranged above it such that its wax is melted. Said candle holder consists of a slide-in system, that can be set up to the desired distance.

Abstract: A gas-fired portable campfire includes a base container, a gas burner tube mounted into the base container, and non-flammable low-density particulate insulating filler mountable into the base container so as to cover the gas burner. The gas burner tube has an inlet aperture for mounting to a gas supply and a spaced apart array of outlet apertures arranged so as to be radially spaced generally around a center of the container. The outlet apertures are radially inwardly inclined so as to direct gas jets from the outlet apertures upwardly and inwardly toward the center so as to form a generally conically shaped flame pattern when the gas jets are ignited.

Abstract: A gas fireplace is provided having a plenum formed around at least a portion of the fireplace firebox. Room air enters the plenum and is heated by the firebox prior to venting back into the room. Two openings are provided from the outside of the fireplace housing to the plenum. The first opening allows heated air to exit the plenum, while the second opening allows cool outside air to enter the plenum. a mechanism is provided to control the amount of heated air exiting the first opening and the amount of cool air entering the second opening. By controlling the inflow and outflow through the first and second openings, respectively, the amount of the fireplace by-products generated into the room where the fireplace is located such as carbon-monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, heat and moisture are reduced.

Abstract: A fully disposable oil candle comprises a disposable blow-molded exterior resin shell made to resemble a conventional beeswax candle and an inner disposable fuel cell. By configuring the fuel cell to include a separating structure to fit within a radial groove inside the opening of the shell, the cell and the exterior shell can be permanently joined, forming a candle that closely resembles an ordinary beeswax candle. Moreover, the separating structure of the fuel cell acts to provide distance between the fuel cell and the exterior shell, partially insulating the exterior shell from the heat of the fuel cell. By maintaining an insulating distance between the fuel cell and the exterior shell, the exterior shell can be made less robust. The result is a candle that is less expensive to manufacture and ship and more convenient for consumers to use. In addition, the separating structure can act as a safety feature by making it more difficult for individuals to remove the fuel cell from the candle once assembled.

Abstract: A gas-fueled heating appliance having a system for reducing the amount of undesirable combustion products released to the site in which the appliance is installed. The appliance includes a firebox partially surrounded by a heat exchanger. Ambient air is drawn into the heat exchanger below the firebox and a portion of the ambient air enters the firebox to assist in combustion, and the remaining portion travels through the heat exchanger to be heated by convection before being combined with combustion gases exiting through the top of the firebox. The heat exchanger creates a low pressure area relative to the firebox which induces a draft from the firebox into the heat exchanger and ultimately to the ambient environment through an exit provided above the firebox. A carbon monoxide catalyst element is provided in the exit passageway from the firebox to the heat exchanger to oxidize carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and filter away airborne particulates which would otherwise be released to the ambient air.

Abstract: The invention comprises a portable open flame fireplace. The invention has a planar base with a plurality of gas orifices. The base is of any desired shape. The gas is directed through channels in the base to the orifices, where it emerges and ignites. In an alternate embodiment, the base is enclosed with a watertight windscreen above the base. The windscreen may also contain water, which allows the illusion of flames emerging from a free water surface. The invention further comprises a detachable portable fuel source, such as a propane gas bottle. The invention also has a removable cover for storage and transport.

Abstract: A burner system is provided which creates standing waves in the gas/air flow within the burner so as to vary the pressure distribution along the length of the burner and thus the heights of the flames produced along the length of the burner. By changing the standing waves, the pressure distributions within the burner are changed, thereby causing the burner to produce changing flame patterns that simulate realistic wood burning flame patterns. In another embodiment, two orthogonal or sinusoidal gas/air flows offset by a phase angle are generated within the burner creating a beat frequency. By varying the phase angle offset, the rate of occurrence of the beats defining the beat frequency are varied resulting in the variation of the pressure distribution within the burner. Consequently, the flame patterns generated by the burner are varied simulating the appearance of realistic wood burning flame patterns.

Abstract: A simulated fuel bed for an electric or gas fireplace including an ember bed and a combustible fuel. At least one reflector is mounted to at least one of the ember bed and the combustible fuel in a position to simulate a hot ember by reflecting light transmitted from a light source.

Abstract: The present invention entails a gas log set including a generally triangular shaped pan having front and rear portions and a pair of sides that extend generally rearwardly and inwardly from the front portion. Each side of the triangular shaped pan includes a cantilevered log support structure projecting outwardly therefrom for receiving and holding artificial logs. In addition, other artificial logs provided with the set are supported such that they extend into the pan itself.

Abstract: A combination portable gas barbecue and portable simulation fireplace includes a cooking vessel having imitation fireplace logs and a gas burner mounted on a lift-out log grate. A window is mounted in the front of the cooking vessel to allow direct viewing of the imitation logs and flames and of the underside of the food being cooked. Air inlet and outlets cause convection currents to flow away from the viewing window and out side vents formed by gaps between an oversized hood and the cooking vessel. An air convection system is set up by providing an air inlet below the window and outlet air gaps between the hood and the cooking vessel. A deflector is provided over the viewing window to prevent grease drippings from soiling the window or falling into the air inlet.

Abstract: An artificial log is provided for use in a gas fireplace combustion chamber. A portion of the log outer surface has a charred appearance. When the fireplace is turned on and the log is heated, the log rotates to bring the charred surface in view from an open end of the fireplace combustion chamber so as to provide the appearance of a real wood log being burned. When the fireplace is turned off, the log rotates back to a position hiding the charred surface from view so as to have the appearance of a brand new log.

Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and particularly compact heating apparatus fuelled by a flammable fluid such as gas in which a visible flame is provided. The appearance of the visible flame and the fireplace setting within the heating apparatus is enhanced by the provisions of a reflective means positioned behind the fuel assembly to reflect an image of the assembly and/or the flame towards a viewing port in the front of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater apparatus provides an exhausting of the emissions of the primary combustion directly into the room in which the heater is housed to return much of the otherwise exhausted heat into the room. The exhaust is put through a secondary combustion chamber including or comprising a catalytic converter before being exhausted into the room.

Abstract: An improved fireplace assembly is described having a folded sheet metal burner manifold divided into three regions, being an upper burner, a lower burner and an intermediate communicating riser. This single manifold chamber is provided with two separate gas inlets, each of which may deliver a different primary air to fuel mix suitable for use with an array of burner ports and an associated set of simulated logs to create different sizes and shapes of flames, or flame patterns. The flame patterns generate hot exhaust gases which heat portions of the simulated logs to glow. The burner ports used in the assembly to generate suitably attractive flame displays may include large or non-circular apertures or slots having local reinforcement to resist deformation of those apertures.

Abstract: A portable cigarette lighter in the form of a statute of a human figure holding a torch high at the end of one outstretched hand and holding an object in the other hand, such as the statute of liberty adorning New York harbor, includes a hollow housing in the form of a human which houses a fluid storage cylinder and an associated valve that controls release of fluid from the cylinder to a fluid outlet rod that extends from the cylinder to the torch and transports fluid to the torch via the rod. A spring loaded rocker arm whose upward rotating is limited by the housing and which can be depressed downward to activate the lighter includes the hand holding an object and extends into the housing where it fastens to a pivot around which it rotates. Pushing the hand holding the object causes the rocker arm to rotate downward into an actuating cam that depresses a piston linked that opens the fluid discharge valve.

Abstract: An artificial gas log set which simulates in a very realistic fashion a log fire in a fireplace. The artificial log set comprises a log, a burner tube having ports for creating a yellow flame that is in close proximity to the log and a second set of ports for creating a blue flame which is positioned between the yellow flame and the log. The blue flame impinges on the log and acts as a separator or curtain that prevents impingement by the yellow flame on the log. This prevents the creation of unwanted and dangerous levels of emissions such as oxides of carbon and nitrogen. An alternative embodiment replaces the blue flame and its ports with duct work and exhaust gases. The exhaust gases act as a separator between the log and the yellow flame. The result is a realistic looking, simulated wood burning fireplace which may be safely used in an unvented environment.

Abstract: A combined log set and gas burner system comprises a plurality of reinforced ceramic fiber burner elements formed in the shape of artificial logs and or glowing embers or a non-porous bed of coals. The burner elements are formed with a gas passageway in the interior of the element and a plurality of gas jets are made which connect the surface of the burner elements to the gas passageway in the burner elements. A source gaseous fluid is connected to the passageways to complete the combination burner system which eliminates the need for a separate burner apart from the log system.

Abstract: A gas burner for a fireplace includes a rectangular, unitary pan which is fabricated from a generally rectangular single sheet metal panel. Prior to forming the panel into the pan, an inlet tube hole and gas ports are machined into the panel. Assembled to the unitary pan is a gas inlet tube with an air adjustment sleeve assembled thereto. An optional baffle may be used and the purpose of the baffle is to reduce the back firing of gas. The fabrication steps for converting the flat sheet metal panel into the unitary pan involve forming first and second long edges with specific bend geometries and then folding the panel so as to bring those formed edges into alignment with each other. Those formed edges are then crimped together. Once this is completed, each shorter side edge is then folded to itself and crimped so that on three sides of the unitary pan there are crimped seams which are leak-free and along the fourth side there is a fold.

Abstract: An artificial campfire device is disclosed. The device is fueled by a pressurized fuel source and is adapted for permanent mounting to a fixed ground member. The device includes a base receptacle having a peripheral edge defining an open top and an interior bottom surface. The base receptacle is mountable to the fixed ground member. A burner member is mounted to and positioned above the interior bottom surface and is adapted to provide a flame of variable height. A fuel control mechanism is adapted for coupling a pressurized fuel source exterior to the receptacle base with the burner member to control the flow of fuel to the burner member and the size of flame emitted thereby. Finally, a plurality of artificial refractory log members are secured to each other in crisscross fashion to form a log cluster, and the log cluster is permanently secured to the base receptacle bottom surface.

Abstract: A gas burner for a fireplace. The burner comprises a burner housing having a grid of openings that are formed from heat resistant material. The housing has a first burner assembly and a second burner assembly arranged therein in a side-by-side relationship, each burner assembly having a chamber with a perforated gas distribution plate. The gas distribution plate is located adjacent the grid. Each of the burner assemblies has a gas mixing area with an inlet for primary air and combustible gas, and air flow controllers e.g. primary air shutters, for controlling the ratio of primary air to gas in the first burner assembly lower than the ratio in the second burner assembly.

Abstract: A fireplace candle grate comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely disposed cradle members having a planer candle support surface on the end of one or more cradle members, a hollow sleeve surmounted on the candle support surface, the sleeve slideably receiving an end of said cradle members. Additionally, a lug may depending from the candle support surface, the lug having a mating aperture. A multifaceted mounting surface on an end of the sleeve is slideably received in the mating aperture wherein the incline of the candle support surface may be adjusted.

Abstract: A portable gas burner which is usable in remote areas without electricity is provided for use as a fire place burner, or as a camp fire burner or as a stove burner or as a grill burner. The novel gas burner comprises a base unit onto which is mounted a hollow ceramic fiber top which is connected to the base unit so as to form a gas manifold therebetween for receiving a mixture of gas and air. A manually operable gas valve means in said base unit is connected to a gas supply. The valve when opened allows a mixture of gas and air to flow through a gas line into the gas manifold until such time as a temperature thermocouple sensing element is heated sufficiently to hold manually operable gas valve open.

Abstract: An improved fireplace assembly is described having a sheet metal burner and an associated set of simulated logs to create different sizes and shapes of flames, or flame patterns. The flame patterns generate hot exhaust gases which heat portions of the simulated logs to glow. The glowing appearance of these portions is enhanced by the use of filaments, whether in strands or in mat form. The filaments are attached to, embedded in, or wound about the visible face of the simulated solid fuel element. When heated sufficiently the filaments glow. The burner ports used in the assembly to generate suitably attractive flame displays may include large or non circular apertures or slots having local reinforcement to resist deformation of those apertures.

Abstract: The combination lighter and fishing lure includes a body having a feature useful for attracting a fish, a reservoir for holding a fuel, an igniter to ignite the fuel and produce a flame, an outlet at which the flame is produced, means provided on the body for attaching a fishing line, and means provided on the body for attaching a fish hook. The igniter may include a forwardly projecting valve actuator that when used as a fishing lure serves as a spoon or blade to help the lure move through the water and produce the desired lure motion. The invention provides a multipurpose device useful both as a lighter and a fishing lure and an article attractive as a novelty item.

Abstract: A gas-fired artificial logs and coals-burner assembly is provided for fireplace use in cooperation with decorative gas logs, and artificial coals and embers decorative items by placement forward of the gas logs in the fireplace arrangement, a secondary elongated coals- and embers-burner tube apparatus. The assembly provides gas-fired artificial logs, coals- and embers-burner apparatus for fireplaces wherein gas flow through primary burner tube is the source of gas flow to a secondary coals- and embers-burner tube positioned forward and below the primary burner tube with multiple discharge ports in the secondary tube directed away from the front of the fireplace, thus enhancing the natural burn in cooperation of the fireplace draft as well as the aesthetic beauty of the imitation burning logs, coals and embers.

Abstract: A burner assembly for use in a gas burning fireplace for producing flame patterns simulating flame patterns produced by real burning wood, and a method for producing such flame patterns. A preferably cylindrical bluff body is placed into the gas flow path from a supply line dividing the flow into a first and a second flow and generating Karman vortices within each flow. The vortices between the two flows are staggered. Each flow enters into a burner and exits through the burner ports where it is ignited to produce a flame pattern. The vortices create a rotating turbulence within each flow such that each flow has relatively steady flow portions alternating with turbulent rotating portions. This variance in the flow results in flames that have varying intensity, as well as color, and produces flame patterns simulating those produced by real burning wood.

Abstract: This invention provides a flammable fluid fuelled heater providing a direct opening into the primary combustion chamber to provide an unobstructed view of the fire. Any circulating means such as a fan may be provided adjacent the opening so as to provide an air curtain across the opening. This may limit the flow of air through the opening to reduce overall throughput as well as reducing spillage out the opening.In addition, the artificial log assembly in the fire may be arranged so that at least some of the logs meet collective surfaces at right angles so as to provide a visual continuity into the reflective surface and thereby provide a larger visual appearance to the fire.

Abstract: A candle holder specially shaped so as to resemble a TV set. The body portion of the candle holder is preferably made of glass and is relatively opaque except for a screen simulative portion recessed into a front wall thereof which is relatively translucent. The candle holder also may include means for simulating a "rabbit ears" antenna in the form of bent wire mounted in a rear wall and extending upwardly therefrom. A lit candle may be placed on the floor of the candle holder through an upper opening formed by the front wall, rear wall and side walls.

Abstract: A novel wood/gas burning fireplace is provided with an open box shaped outer housing. A combustion chamber is mounted inside said housing having a plurality panels that are juxtaposed the panels of the outer housing so as to provide an open wall at the bottom, back and top of the fireplace which serve as a heat exchanger. An insulating panel is mounted in the top wall of the heat exchanger dividing the top wall into two separate passageways. The air passageway below the insulating panel comprises a part of a heat exchanger for heating room air of the space being heated. The air passageway above the insulating panel forms a plenum chamber with apertures in the outer housing panel(s) for conducting room air into the plenum chamber. A stack opening aperture in the top panel of the outer housing conducts cooling air into a coaxial exhaust stack for cooling the top panel as well as the exhaust stack pipe.

Abstract: A burner for a gas fireplace has a burner tube with a plurality of gas ports that provide flames for combustion when the burner is operating. A plate is positioned above the burner tube and has apertures that align with the ports of the tube such that flame passes through the apertures and causes the plate to heat along the aperture preferably to a red heat. The burner tube is spaced from but close to the plate to provide for secondary combustion air to pass between the burner and the plate and out through the apertures. The apertures are elongated slots formed in a serpentine fashion so that, when the plate is glowing with a red heat and used in connection with artificial logs there is realistic appearance of real wood burning and there is efficient combustion.

Abstract: A replica flame (10) for a candle (12) having a wick (14) in a candlestick (16) comprising a simulated three-dimensional flame body (18). A structure (20) is for connecting the simulated three-dimensional flame body (18) to a top end (22) of the candle (12) at the wick (14). It will produce a uniquely realistic appearance for the candle (12) which seems lighted, but is not lighted, thereby making a safe product that will enhance realism to the candle (12).

Abstract: A gas burner for gas fireplaces has a housing defining a shallow chamber with an extended top and surface which covers most of the grate area of a gas fireplace and supports non-combustible logs and embers. The chamber has an opening receiving gas or a mixture of gas and primary air, which is discharged through areas of perforations formed in a top wall of the chamber, these areas including both relatively broader and relatively narrower and elongated areas irregularly distributed and oriented over the top wall to provide flames between the logs and to render the embers incandescent, with the areas connected or adjacent to promote the spread of flame between them during ignition. The top wall may be formed by laminating two metal sheets, one perforated and the other formed with slots and holes defining the perforated areas.

Abstract: A gas-fired log burner for simulating natural burning of firewood wherein a gas burner component having a decorative burner face surface engages within a recess formed in an exterior surface of a decorative log component. The recess within the decorative log component receives the gas burner component such that the decorative burner face surface is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the decorative log component.

Abstract: A vent free gas fireplace comprises a housing and a firebox within the housing spaced-apart from the housing walls to provide top, bottom, rear and side plenums. The side plenums are divided into upper and lower side plenums. Room air enters the lower side plenum and passes into the rear plenum, the combustion chamber and the upper side plenum. Exhaust gases pass from the combustion chamber through a catalytic converter and into the top plenum. The hot exhaust gases are combined with room air from the rear plenum and pass into the upper side plenums, combining with additional room air, and then out into the room.

Abstract: A portable artificial campfire device is disclosed. The device includes a receptacle having upper and lower portions, an open top defined by a peripheral edge of the upper portion, and an interior bottom surface. A burner is positioned above the interior bottom surface and is adapted to provide a flame of variable height. A pressurized fuel source is positioned exterior to the receptacle, and a control member couples the fuel source with the burner for controlling the flow of fuel to the burner and the size of flame emitted by the burner. A plurality of artificial refractory log members are secured to each other in crisscross fashion to form a log cluster. A structure is provided for supporting the log cluster within the receptacle. Finally, a mechanism is provided for selectively adjusting the vertical position of the log cluster in the receptacle to vary the vertical position of the log cluster relative to the plane the open top.

Abstract: A novel control system for altering a fixed pattern of gas flames in a fireplace having artificial logs comprises a log set having a burner system and the burner system having a gas valve control which is coupled to source of gas or air to be regulated. The control system has a valve which controls the air or gas being supplied to the burner and a control sensor is coupled to the control system for activating the time sequence of the cycle of the control system so as to raise or lower the gas flames being regulated and to disturb the pattern of gas flames to produce the effect of dancing flames.

Abstract: A novelty candle includes an exterior meltable body made of wax which has a first predetermined configuration, such as a human hand, and in interior body formed of a generally non-meltable material, such as a stone-like material, is embedded within the hand. The interior body, in the form of skeletal components of a human hand is smaller than but otherwise substantially corresponds to the shape of the hand. One or more wicks are used to gradually burn and/or melt away the outer wax shell or layer to gradually expose the skeletal components. A surface coloration coating may be used on the wax shell to simulate the skin of a hand, and the wax may be given a color, such as red, to simulate blood when the outer shell melts and drips on the portion of the hand that remains. A candle is also described in the form of a coffin made of wax which gradually exposes a skeleton when the wicks of the candle are lit and the coffin melts away.

Abstract: An electrical noise generation circuit for use in conjunction with an electro-acoustic transducer to simulate the sound of burning wood. A small loudspeaker enclosure accommodates a battery driven circuit in which a wideband electrical noise signal is produced by current flow through a zener diode. The noise signal is amplified by a frequency selective amplifier designed to have a high gain at a selected frequency in the audio frequency range, and rectified to produce unipolar signals which have randomly variable amplitudes and occur at random intervals. The unipolar signals are amplified by an amplifier having an adjustable input threshold bias. By adjustment of the bias level, output signals from the amplifier, and sounds produced by the loudspeaker, may be varied from intermittent individual pulses to rapid "bursts" of pulses. Operation of the circuit in proximity to an artificial log fire produces a surprisingly realistic audible simulation of wood burning sounds.

Abstract: An artificial ember bed (5) for use within a fireplace (7) is disclosed. The fireplace will include a burner (12, 13) positioned below an elevated log grate (19), on which at least a pair of spaced artificial logs (20, 21) will be positioned. Situated in the space defined by, and between the logs will be an ember bed support grate (24), having an elevated surface on which a plurality of non-combustible artificial embers (25) will be disposed such that in use they will glow to create the visual appearance of glowing embers within the fire. The ember bed support grate may be constructed with a Z-shaped or a C-shaped geometry, or may include a pair of bifurcated legs (33, 34), or a pair of spaced legs (36, 37) for supporting the ember bed support grate on the log grate within the fireplace. In addition, the ember bed support grate can be fashioned as a planar grate, supported either on the logs, or received within notches (39) defined within opposed faces of the logs when situated atop the log grate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for combustion of a gaseous fuel in a fireplace in which a plurality of periodic vortices are created in the airflow pattern of the combustion air prior to its mixing with the gaseous fuel, thereby producing a more natural looking, flickering flame.

Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and particularly compact heating apparatus fuelled by a flammable fluid such as gas in which a visible flame is provided. The appearance of the visible flame and the fireplace setting within the heating apparatus is enhanced by the provision of a reflective means positioned behind the fuel assembly to reflect an image of the assembly and/or the flame towards a viewing port in the front of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater apparatus provides an exhausting of the emissions of the primary combustion directly into the room in which the heater is housed to return much of the otherwise exhausted heat into the room. The exhaust is put through a secondary combustion chamber including or comprising a catalytic converter before being exhausted into the room.