Abstract: A modular assembly for fireplace insert cabinets comprises at least two modules. Each module has a generally planar top and a support bottom. At least one of the modules is adapted for supporting a fireplace insert, and the other module includes a cavity having an opening and containing an article support.

Abstract: A gas fireplace insert for inserting into existing solid fuel fireplaces is made into modules that are separable for installation and can be later assembled together. A housing module which includes a combustion chamber supports a separable module comprising a duct for fresh air intake. The duct includes a connection collar for an air intake pipe leading to the interior of the duct. The duct also has a pass through collar for carrying exhaust gases from the fireplace. The collars can be attached to an exhaust pipe and air intake pipe respective, which extend through the existing chimney. The duct module is separated from the housing module for installation so that the pipe connections are easier to make with the lighter, smaller module.

Abstract: A mineral fiber mat is formed from a slurry of a known fiber material and a binder in a vacuum mold. The mold includes a porous screen through which a vacuum is drawn to remove water from the slurry while leaving the mat on top of the screen. A cover is pressed down on the mat under the vacuum. The fiber mat or layer is formed to include a simulated surface, such as tree bark, or a brick wall. To form a hollow log the uncured layer is placed over a core to provide a partial enclosure around the core that is of a sufficient size to permit a gas burner to be placed in the enclosure and hidden from view. Panels that are to be used flat are cured while held flat.

Abstract: A gas fireplace unit has a combustion chamber in which a gas burner is provided as a heat source, and the gas fireplace unit has a heat exchanger on an upper wall of the combustion chamber. A first set of ports pass through the upper wall into the combustion chamber at a position wherein they are offset from the axis of an exhaust pipe that opens to the heat exchanger. A second set comprising a port or ports is provided aligned with the exhaust pipe, and a damper is mounted to be controllable to cover or uncover the second set from the exterior of the gas fireplace unit. The damper will permit hot gases from the burner to either be directly exhausted out the second set to the exhaust pipe, or when the damper is closed cause hot gasses to be exhausted only through the first set of ports, which provides a greater heat exchange path.

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 process for making a mineral fiber artificial log that can be used in vented and unvented gas fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and free-standing gas fire room heater to simulate the appearance of a real burning log. The process utilizes a screen mold formed from a pattern that can be made to give the desired exterior configuration and size for the formed log. The screen mold is placed in an outer porous jacket and then in a vacuum chamber. A slurry of the formulation containing mineral wool fibers, a suitable high temperature binder, and water is drawn into the mold while contained in the vacuum chamber, so liquid is drawn through the mold and mineral fibers are trapped in the mold. The log is formed to the size and shape of the mold. Once molded, the log is removed from the mold, dried in an oven, treated with a suitable rigidizing exterior coating, and again oven dried. The log is painted suitably, dried again, and packaged for sale.

Abstract: An unvented patio fireplace comprises a fireplace housing that has a front panel configured like an in room fireplace, and which fireplace housing is mounted onto a pedestal and base support for movement along a surface. The base support includes wheels and casters as desired for providing mobility. The base also supports a self contained fuel supply for supplying gas to a burner in the fireplace housing. Burner controls include an oxygen depletion sensor so that the unit can be unvented, and tilt sensors that will sense when the fireplace is tilted a selected amount to shut off the gas supply.