Abstract: A flame simulating assembly is provided having a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen having a partially reflective front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for reflecting an image of the simulated fuel bed and for transmitting light from the light source through the partially reflective front surface so that an image of flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface. The flame simulating assembly also includes a static reflector disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed and having an inner surface disposed opposite an outer surface. The inner surface is disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed and has a static reflective surface thereon. The static reflective surface is positioned for reflecting light from the light source onto the simulated fuel bed to simulate burning embers.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) is provided having a simulated fuel bed (12, 112), a light source (14, 414), and a reflector (18, 518). The reflector (18, 518) is disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and has a reflective surface (22, 522). The reflective surface (22, 522) is positioned for reflecting light from the light source (14, 414) onto the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) to simulate burning embers.

Abstract: A fire simulating assembly is provided having a light source, a vertical screen having a diffusing surface and a partially reflective surface, and a rear mirror having a reflective flame pattern. The assembly also includes a rotatable flicker element for reflecting light transmitted by the light source onto the rear mirror so that the light irregularly varies in intensity, so that a simulated flame effect results from the reflection of the light from the rear mirror onto the diffusing screen. The assembly also has a simulated fuel bed, positioned so that the simulated flames appear to arise from the simulated fuel bed. The flicker element also alternately obscures, partially obscures, and permits light transmitted by the light source to pass to a front reflector so that the light irregularly varies in intensity. The front reflector reflects the light onto the front of the simulated fuel bed so that the simulated fuel bed appears to include glowing embers.

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 simulated fuel bed is provided for use in an electric fireplace. The simulated fuel bed has a first portion that is composed of a non-plastic material and formed to simulate a fuel source in a fireplace and a second portion that is composed of a plastic material and formed to simulate an ember bed for the fuel source. The second portion is formed to receive the first portion to resemble in combination a fuel source in an ember bed.

Abstract: The invention provides 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.

Abstract: A device is provided for enhancing the realistic appearance of flames produced by a simulated fireplace (gas or electric) by providing additional ambient lighting effects in response to sensed light intensity within the fireplace. The device includes a photosensor, a control circuit, and display lighting. The photosensor senses the level of light intensity produced by a simulated flame source and changes its resistive value accordingly. The control circuit has circuit parameters which uses the resistive value of the photosensor to determine whether to apply operational power to the display lighting. The display lighting consists of at least one lamp positioned above the simulated fuel bed. When simulated fireplace is operational, the display lighting of the device produces a “flickering” effect that is synchronized with the changes in light intensity occurring within the fireplace.

Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. In one aspect, the flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for reflecting light to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having reflective strips for reflecting light from the light source for subsequent reflection by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing member is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing member. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image. An alternate screen is provided having a non-planar diffusing member which causes the image of moving flames to appear to emanate from behind the reflected image the fuel bed.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly is provided having a simulated fulel bed, a light source, and a screen having a partially reflective front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for reflecting an image of the simulated fuel bed and for transmitting light from the light source through the partially reflective front surface so that an image of flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface. The flame simulating assembly also includes a static reflector disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed and having an inner surface disposed opposite an outer surface. The inner surface is disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed and has a static reflective surface thereon. The static reflective surface is positioned for reflecting light from the light source onto the simulated fuel bed to simulate burning embers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simulated fireplace formed, at least partially, from a compressible material, and to a method of forming a simulated fireplace from a compressible material that has a surface that simulates surfaces found in real fireplaces. In particular, this invention forms a simulated fireplace using a compressible material, such as wood, wood composites, or plastics. A pattern is pressed into a surface of the compressible material forming a sculptured surface. The surface is also coated. In one embodiment of the invention the surface is coated with a solvent based coating, for example, a sealer, a primer, and a finish that can include color and/or gloss. In another embodiment of the invention the surface is coated with a powder coating, such as a low temperature epoxy. In yet a further alternative the surface is coated with a polymer film.

Abstract: A simulated fireplace assembly is provided having a simulated fuel bed and a screen for transmitting an image of a flame. The simulated fuel bed is located adjacent to the screen. The screen has a first region that is sufficiently reflective to reflect the fuel bed and a second region that is sufficiently non-reflective to avoid reflection of ambient subject matter that is not associated with the fireplace assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an visual effect of increased depth is provided. The apparatus provides a reflection of an image applied to a substantially transparent panel to create the effect of increased distance between the panel and the reflective surface. The apparatus may be advantageously employed in terrariums, vivariums, aquariums, merchandise displays, timepieces, instrument panels, display boards and the like.

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: An assembly is provided for producing an illusory effect. The assembly comprises a substantially transparent front wall having a rear surface and a front surface. A reflective surface is spaced from and faces the rear surface of the front wall. A plurality of first dots are disposed on the front wall in a sufficiently constant density over a given area to produce a substantially constant tinted appearance to the front wall when observed through the front surface. A plurality of second dots are disposed on the first dots and face the reflective surface, the second dots being smaller than the first dots. An image is defined by the second dots wherein the image is substantially invisible to an observer looking through the front surface other than as a reflected image in the reflective surface.

Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for transmitting light from the light source to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having colored reflective strips for reflecting light for subsequent transmission by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing surface is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing surface. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image.

Abstract: An electric fireplace is provided having an improved flame simulating apparatus. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a flame effect element for transmitting light from the light source to produce a flame effect, and a flicker element having colored reflective strips for reflecting light for subsequent transmission by the flame effect element. A screen having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing surface is positioned with the flame effect element extending proximate to the diffusing surface. A fuel bed is positioned immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface of the screen to produce an image of the fuel bed on the screen with the image of moving flames appearing to emanate between the fuel bed and its reflected image.

Abstract: Lawn mower height-adjust systems include three embodiments. Two permit the user to adjust the position of the deck relative to each wheel individually. The third permits the user to adjust the positions of all four wheels simultaneously, aided by a counterbalance system. A modification of the third embodiment is available to automatically bypass the height-adjust mechanism in the event an abnormally high load is placed on the deck. One of the two individual systems permits an operator to adjust the position of a respective wheel simply by removing a single nut and washer from an axle bolt. The second individual height-adjust system permits the operator to adjust the height of an individual wheel by using one hand, and without having to disassemble the mechanism. The system which adjusts all four wheels simultaneously links front and rear axle subassemblies with a connecting rod, and indexes all four wheels simultaneously through a release handle which is recessed in a cavity formed in the lawn mower deck.

Abstract: An improved releasable handle assembly for power driven lawn and garden devices is disclosed. The improved handle assembly includes a "handle to pivot pin" connection for releasably attaching the handle assembly to pivot pins. Coactive with the "handle to pivot pin" connection is an improved "handle to deck" latching system. The deck includes a pair of offset tower assemblies defining inclined forward and rearward handle positions. A latching mechanism is mounted to said handle assembly for telescopic movement thereon through a limited range of motion for releasably engaging said handle tower assemblies. An operator must disengage the latch mechanism from the handle tower to permit selective pivotal movement of the handle assembly to the opposite inclined position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially configured opening in the mower housing to actuate and close the interlock switch. With the interlock switch closed, energization of the motor is controlled by a separate handle-mounted ON/OFF switch in a conventional manner. In addition, a modular assembly technique is disclosed which facilitates ease of manufacturing while assuring proper alignment between the various components of the interlock system.