Abstract: The present technology provides an electric fireplace insert and methods for simulating the light and sound effects of real burning fuel. Modular components are described.

Abstract: A combined furniture and heating device having a concealable electric fireplace insert installed within a fireplace compartment of a furniture apparatus is provided. The electric fireplace insert has a front surface from which simulated flames are viewable when an opening of the fireplace compartment is uncovered so that the furniture apparatus is configured in its open configuration. The furniture apparatus includes a concealing panel removably installable over the opening configure the device in a concealed configuration so that the electric fireplace insert and its simulated flames viewable at its front surface are at least partially concealed. Power to a heating apparatus of the electric fireplace insert is turned on and off by a disabling device as the concealing panel is alternated between the open and concealed configurations. The disabling device can include a switch or a thermistor.

Abstract: Provided is an electric fireplace system for simulating the light and sound effects of real burning fuel. The system includes modular components that are configured to be packaged, shipped, stored and assembled in a deconstructed state. The electric fireplace system comprising a modular fireplace insert comprising an insert housing that defines a cavity. A simulated fuel source for simulating a fire display, the simulated fuel source includes a first housing that is configured to be positioned in the insert housing. A heater assembly for generating warm air, the heater assembly including a second housing that is configured to be positioned in the insert housing at a positioned spaced from and above the simulated fuel source within the cavity of the insert housing.

Abstract: A combined furniture and heating device having a concealable electric fireplace insert installed within a fireplace compartment of a furniture apparatus is provided. The electric fireplace insert has a front surface from which simulated flames are viewable when an opening of the fireplace compartment is uncovered so that the furniture apparatus is configured in its open configuration. The furniture apparatus includes a concealing panel removably installable over the opening configure the device in a concealed configuration so that the electric fireplace insert and its simulated flames viewable at its front surface are at least partially concealed. Power to a heating apparatus of the electric fireplace insert is turned on and off by a disabling device as the concealing panel is alternated between the open and concealed configurations. The disabling device can include a switch or a thermistor.

Abstract: A combined furniture and heating device having a concealable electric fireplace insert installed within a fireplace compartment of a furniture apparatus is provided. The electric fireplace insert has a front surface from which simulated flames are viewable when an opening of the fireplace compartment is uncovered so that the furniture apparatus is configured in its open configuration. The furniture apparatus includes a concealing panel removably installable over the opening configure the device in a concealed configuration so that the electric fireplace insert and its simulated flames viewable at its front surface are at least partially concealed. Power to a heating apparatus of the electric fireplace insert is turned on and off by a disabling device as the concealing panel is alternated between the open and concealed configurations. The disabling device can include a switch or a thermistor.

Abstract: A combined furniture and heating device having a concealable electric fireplace insert installed within a fireplace compartment of a furniture apparatus is provided. The electric fireplace insert has a front surface from which simulated flames are viewable when an opening of the fireplace compartment is uncovered so that the furniture apparatus is configured in its open configuration. The furniture apparatus includes a concealing panel removably installable over the opening configure the device in a concealed configuration so that the electric fireplace insert and its simulated flames viewable at its front surface are at least partially concealed. Power to a heating apparatus of the electric fireplace insert is turned on and off by a disabling device as the concealing panel is alternated between the open and concealed configurations. The disabling device can include a switch or a thermistor.

Abstract: A function indicator system for displaying the control settings related to functions and features of an electric fireplace. The function indicator system can feature a function indicator module, a controller communicatively connected to the function indicator module, and a power source electrically connected to the function indicator module. The function indicator module can contain a plurality of light sources that emit paths of light, which can pass through control status indicia to create a visual display on an exterior surface of a projection screen of the electric fireplace. The visual display is visible to a viewer so as to alert the viewer as to the particular status of a control setting of the electric fireplace such as, for example, the temperature of heat produced, the brightness of simulated flames, or the length of time that the user desires for the electric fireplace to operate prior to automatic shutdown.

Abstract: A function indicator system and methods for indicating the control settings related to functions and features of an electric fireplace are described. The function indicator system can feature a function indicator module, a controller communicatively connected to the function indicator module, and a connected power source. The function indicator module can contain a plurality of light sources that emit paths of light, which can pass through control status indicia to create a visual display on an exterior surface of a projection screen of the electric fireplace. The visual display is visible to a viewer so as to alert the viewer as to the particular status of a control setting of the electric fireplace such as, for example, the temperature of heat produced, the brightness of simulated flames, or the power setting of a heater of the electric fireplace.

Abstract: A lighting system and methods for producing multi-color light effects are described. The multi-color light effects can feature at least two colors of light projected inside a firebox of an electric fireplace. The lighting system includes a projection surface, a reflective spindle, a first light-emitting device, and at least a second light-emitting device. The first light-emitting device projects light of a first color onto the reflective spindle. Light from the first light-emitting device striking the reflective spindle is reflected onto the projection surface, which can be a projection screen installed in the firebox of the electric fireplace. The second light-emitting device projects light of a second color directly onto the projection surface. The first color light and second color light can be projected onto adjacent, overlapping light projection areas of the projection screen so as to produce a realistic multi-color simulated flame effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring infrared heating elements are described. The system can include a plurality of electric infrared heating elements connected to a power source and installed in a heating device and an electronic monitoring system connected to the power source and communicatively connected to each infrared heating element. The electronic monitoring system can feature a computer and an alert system for creating an alert to notify a user when one of the infrared heating elements has ceased functioning. Each infrared heating element can be labeled so that each alert generated by the alert system can be matched with the label that corresponds to the non-functioning infrared heating element about which the alert has been generated.

Abstract: A lighting system and methods for producing multi-color light effects are described. The multi-color light effects can feature at least two colors of light projected inside a firebox of an electric fireplace. The lighting system includes a projection surface, a reflective spindle, a first light-emitting device, and at least a second light-emitting device. The first light-emitting device projects light of a first color onto the reflective spindle. Light from the first light-emitting device striking the reflective spindle is reflected onto the projection surface, which can be a projection screen installed in the firebox of the electric fireplace. The second light-emitting device projects light of a second color directly onto the projection surface. The first color light and second color light can be projected onto adjacent, overlapping light projection areas of the projection screen so as to produce a realistic multi-color simulated flame effect.