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

Abstract: A back for a chair includes fabric panel with a flexible carrier attached to the panel around its periphery. The carrier is configured to be secured along a bottom edge to a bottom portion of a chair back frame member. The carrier is also secured to two vertical frame supports at its two upper corners. Preferably, the upper carrier and frame connections are ball and socket joints. A lumbar support is provided that is easily height adjustable, by providing tension to the back frame and requires no screws or adjustment knobs in its adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heating systems for umbrella-shaped structures. The heating system may include a shroud or umbrella-shaped structure defining an inner volume, and a plurality of electrical infrared heating elements positioned generally downward facing in the inner volume of the shroud. The shroud may include radially extending support structures to which the heating elements are mounted.

Abstract: A gas valve switch structure of a gas stove includes a top base, an aluminum plate, a sealing washer, two rubber washers two fixing pieces, a female base, and a protective plate. The protective plate Is used for sealing the rubber washer and the fixing piece in the oblong hole of the female base. Then, the top base is screwed on the female bases with the aluminum plate and the sealing washer being clamped between the top base and the female base. The air storing chambers of the female base are closed while the rubber washer and the fixing piece are sealed in the oblong hole of the female base by provision of the aluminum plate and the sealing washer, and the gas valve switch structure of the gas stove achieves a gas triple safety switch by provision of the two electromtagnetic valves and the control bolt.

Abstract: A temperature warning system for a fireplace includes, for example, an arrangement to sense a temperature of at least one area of the fireplace and a signaling device controlled by the arrangement to provide a signal responsive to the temperature of the area. The arrangement may include an electrical circuit including a thermistor positioned outside the viewing area to measure the temperature of an area of the fireplace. The signaling device may include visual or audible signaling devices for signaling to a user when an area of the fireplace is above a threshold temperature.

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

Abstract: A 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.

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

Abstract: A fireplace generally including a display driven by a controller. The display may be configured to show images associated with a fireplace. The images may be in two dimensions or three dimensions. The display may be driven by the controller, and a user interface may be provided to configure the fireplace. The display may also be driven by other peripheral components as well. The display may optionally be a flat-panel display. The display may be placed against a wall of a structure and surrounded by a decorative facade, or may be placed in an enclosure of a wall. Various optional components, such as a simulated electric glowing ember system and a retractable grate and artificial log set, may also be included.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a combustible gas flame above a surface of a liquid. The apparatus may include a manifold including a manifold space that is completely or partially positioned within the liquid and a combustible gas source. Combustible gas from the gas source may be delivered to the manifold space and delivered into the liquid or a space above the liquid. The combustible gas may then be ignited to create a combustible gas flame. The combustible gas may also be mixed with air or liquid prior to delivery to the manifold space. In addition, a pump may be included to pump a supply of liquid out a liquid outlet to create a desired effect. Alternatively, the apparatus may be disposed on a float on the surface of the liquid.

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

Abstract: The stylish task chair includes a base with casters, a mounting plate, a seat frame, a back frame, a pair of springs and a seat and backrest. The frames are formed of steel wire of seven-sixteenth inch diameter. The chair is formed by welding the springs to the seat frame and the mounting plate and by welding the back frame to the mounting plate, the back frame being contiguous with the springs. A seat panel is fastened to the seat frame and a backrest panel is mounted to the back frame. Two horizontally disposed steel wires are welded to the back frame and support armrests. The spring allows the rearward portion of the seat to pivot and the cantilevered back frame allows the backrest to flex, these pivoting and flexing movements being independent of each other. The steel wire offers comfort and an airy open look. Seat and backrest cushions may be connected to the panels.

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.

Abstract: A tile bracket support system that has a tile side support bracket or clip and a tile bottom support bracket or clip attached to the tile without the use of screws or adhesives. The tile side support bracket or clip has tile side edge embedding members and vertical frame member engaging members. The tile bottom support bracket has tile bottom edge embedding members and horizontal frame member engaging members thereby holding the tile affixed to the horizontal and vertical frame members without the use of screws or adhesives.