Abstract: A barbecue grill for cooking an object. The barbecue grill includes a first resistive element subassembly energizable for generating heat to cook the object, and a second resistive element subassembly energizable for generating heat to cook the object.

Abstract: A barbecue grill for barbecuing an object. The barbecue grill includes a number of elongate ribs for supporting the object. The ribs are spaced apart from each other by at least a first predetermined distance to permit liquid from the object to pass between the ribs. The barbecue grill also includes one or more resistive element subassemblies for generating heat to barbecue the object. The resistive element subassembly is positioned at a second predetermined distance below the object.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames and simulating one or more actual fuel elements in a fire. The flame simulating assembly includes one or more light sources, a screen adapted for transmission of the image of flames therethrough, and a simulated fuel bed. The simulated fuel bed includes a simulated ember bed and one or more simulated fuel elements positioned on an upper surface of the simulated ember bed. Each simulated fuel element includes a base surface with a light-transmitting portion and an exposed surface which is at least partially viewable. The base surface is positioned proximal to the upper surface of the simulated ember bed. The exposed surface includes one or more uncovered portions through which light from the light source is transmittable.

Abstract: A heating apparatus including a housing defining a volume of air therein having an inlet and an outlet aperture. The heating apparatus also includes a heat generator having an elongate tubular metal sheath extending between an inner end and an outer end, a resistive wire within the sheath, and a substantially nonconducting material for electrically isolating the sheath relative to the resistive wire. The heat generator includes a terminal portion at the inner end and a heating portion extending between the terminal portion and the outer end of the sheath. The terminal portion is adapted for connection to a source of electrical power. Also, the heating portion of the heat generator is positioned in the housing to heat the volume of air. The heating apparatus also includes one or more insulators for electrically isolating the sheath relative to the housing.

Abstract: An electric heating device including a fan for moving a volume of air at a rate substantially corresponding to a speed of rotation of the fan, and a fan motor for rotating the fan over a range of speeds. The device also has a heat generator with one or more PTC elements for generating heat, and for transferring the heat to the moving volume of air. In addition, the device has a control subassembly adapted for proportionate control of the fan motor based on a variable required heat output so that the rate of movement of the moving volume of air varies in proportion to changes in the required heat output.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly adapted for storing objects and for affecting a temperature of the objects. The flame simulating assembly includes a flame image subassembly for providing one or more images of flames. The flame image subassembly includes one or more light sources and a screen positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted for transmission of the image of flames therethrough. The flame simulating assembly also includes a body with a chamber therein accessible via one or more apertures in the body, the objects being receivable in the chamber. Also, the flame simulating assembly includes one or more temperature-affecting elements for affecting the temperature of the objects positioned in the chamber, and a cover portion positionable on the body to cover the aperture.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing one or more images of flames. The flame simulating assembly includes one or more light sources for producing the image of flames and a screen with a front surface and positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted for transmission of the images of flames through the screen. The assembly also includes one or more simulated interior fireplace walls positioned behind the screen, a first simulated fuel bed positioned in front of the screen and a second simulated fuel bed positioned behind the screen and at least partially viewable through the screen. The screen is adapted to permit observation of at least part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.

Abstract: An assembly including a substantially transparent front panel and a partially translucent screen with a partially reflective front surface positioned to face a rear side of the front panel and spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance. A first image is defined on the rear side for reflection by the front surface to provide a virtual image thereof. A back wall is positioned behind the screen and displays a second image on an exposed surface thereof facing the rear surface of the screen. The exposed surface is spaced apart from the front surface of the screen by the predetermined distance. The virtual image is located substantially in the plane of the exposed surface so that the virtual image appears to be positioned behind the screen.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen with a front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for transmitting light from the light source through the front surface so that the image of flames is transmitted through the front surface. Also, the flame simulating assembly includes a dynamic reflector disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed and including a plurality of reflective surfaces and an axis about which the reflective surfaces rotate. The dynamic reflector is positioned in a path of light from the light source to the simulated fuel bed, for reflecting light from the light source to the simulated fuel bed.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a light source for producing the image of flames, a screen, and a simulated interior fireplace wall positioned behind the screen. The screen has a front surface and is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted to transmit the image of flames through the front surface. The front surface of the screen includes an observation region, which is adapted to permit observation of part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing one or more images of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a light source, a first screen, and a second screen. Each of the first and second screens is positioned in a path of light from the light source. Also, each of the first and second screens is adapted to receive light from the light source to form one or more images of flames transmittable through the screens respectively.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly having a housing including a top panel, two or more side panels supporting the top panel, a back panel connecting the side panels, and one or more front panels positioned substantially opposite to the back panel. Also, the assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a screen positioned behind the simulated fuel bed, and a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames on the screen, and the screen, the housing and the simulated fuel bed define an internal chamber. The assembly also has a fan positioned to provide an air flow through the chamber from one or more intake apertures to one or more exit apertures, through which said air exits the chamber, and one or more filters for filtering at least a portion of said air in the air flow. The internal chamber is substantially airtight, except for the intake and exit apertures.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly including a simulated fuel bed, a screen having a front surface disposed proximal to the simulated fuel bed and a back surface positioned opposite to the front surface, and a flame picture projector for projecting motion pictures of flames onto the back surface, for display thereof at the front surface. The front surface of the screen is partially reflective, for providing a reflected image of the simulated fuel bed appearing to be disposed at least partially behind the motion pictures of flames displayed at the front surface.

Abstract: A simulated fuel bed for simulating a combustible fuel in a fire. The simulated fuel bed includes a plurality of simulated combustible fuel elements, including one or more light-producing simulated combustible fuel elements. A body of the light-producing simulated combustible fuel element has one or more cavities therein, and one or more light sources positioned to direct light therefrom inside the cavity. The body includes an exterior surface and one or more light-transmitting parts extending between the cavity and the exterior surface. The light-transmitting part is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The light from the light source is transmittable through the light-transmitting part to the exterior surface for simulating glowing embers of the combustible fuel.

Abstract: The invention provides a flame simulating assembly having a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen. The light source is operable to produce an image of flames appearing to be emitted from the simulated fuel bed. The screen has a front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for transmitting the image of flames through the front surface. A pattern is included in the screen for simulating the appearance of firebrick to a viewer of the image of flames.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen with a front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for transmitting light from the light source through the front surface so that the image of flames is transmitted through the front surface. Also, the flame simulating assembly includes a dynamic reflector disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed and including a plurality of reflective surfaces and an axis about which the reflective surfaces rotate. The dynamic reflector is positioned in a path of light from the light source to the simulated fuel bed, for reflecting light from the light source to the simulated fuel bed.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing one or more images of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a light source, a first screen, and a second screen. Each of the first and second screens is positioned in a path of light from the light source. Also, each of the first and second screens is adapted to receive light from the light source to form one or more images of flames transmittable through the screens respectively.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing a three-dimensional image of flames formed by fluctuating light. The flame simulating assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for diffusing and transmitting light. The screen includes a conoid concavity positioned adjacent to the simulated fuel bed. The flame simulating assembly also includes a flicker element for creating the fluctuating light, the flicker element being positioned in a path of light between the light source and the screen. The fluctuating light is transmitted through the screen and attenuated to form the three-dimensional image of flames.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a light source for producing the image of flames, a screen, and a simulated interior fireplace wall positioned behind the screen. The screen has a front surface and is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted to transmit the image of flames through the front surface. The front surface of the screen includes an observation region, which is adapted to permit observation of part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames transmitted in a fluctuating light. The flame simulating assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a light source, a screen disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for diffusing and transmitting light, and a flicker element for creating the fluctuating light, the flicker element being positioned in a path of light from the light source. The simulated fuel bed defines a profile viewable by an observer. In addition, the screen includes a curved portion which is curved in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction to correspond to the profile of the simulated fuel bed. Also, the curved portion of the screen is positioned adjacent to the simulated fuel bed. The fluctuating light transmitted through the screen is attenuated and a three-dimensional image of flames appears to curve around the profile of the simulated fuel bed.