Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and particularly compact heating apparatus fuelled by a flammable fluid such as gas in which a visible flame is provided. The appearance of the visible flame and the fireplace setting within the heating apparatus is enhanced by the provision of a reflective means positioned behind the fuel assembly to reflect an image of the assembly and/or the flame towards a viewing port in the front of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater apparatus provides an exhausting of the emissions of the primary combustion directly into the room in which the heater is housed to return much of the otherwise exhausted heat into the room. The exhaust is put through a secondary combustion chamber including or comprising a catalytic converter before being exhausted into the room.

Abstract: An operable, knockdown flueless fireplace for installation in rooms and buildings not originally intended to accommodate a fireplace. The fireplace has a thin walled, cast metal facade comprising a front face, two sides, a mantel, and a hearth. Each component of the facade has flanges bearing holes formed therein for enabling bolted assembly of the fireplace. At least one of these components of the facade is ornamented to include sculpted features in bas relief of Victorian or antique appearance. The fireplace also has a firebox open to the front of the fireplace and closed at the top, a horizontal grate for supporting artificial logs, a front grate, and a bottom grate. Apparatus for burning gelled alcohol fuel is housed in the firebox within a dedicated holder having a lid for extinguishing combustion.

Abstract: A fuel fired burner 1 is for use in a solid fuel effect fire such as a coal effect fire 40. The burner 1 has ports 3 for supporting a decorative effect flame. Each port 3 is connected to an electrically driven arrangement 2. When the burner is in use the arrangement 2 operates so as to vary automatically and continually the aeration of the fuel/air mixture which exits from the burner ports 3. The resulting flames supported by the burner ports are thus of continually changing visual appearance and provide a realistic decorative live flame effect.

Abstract: A gas burning direct vent fireplace having an outer casing within which a firebox is mounted. The sides of the firebox are secured to the sides of the casing so that the bottom of the firebox is spaced above the floor of the casing without the need for supporting legs for the fireplace. An access door having a glass plate is fastened to the firebox at the front and a front panel is removably carried by the casing in front of and spaced from the glass plate access door, the front panel having an opening permitting viewing of the interior of the firebox through the glass plate. The mounting of the front panel permits a variety of selective front panels having varying aesthetics to be used with a fireplace.

Abstract: An integrated combined heating and cooling unit comprises a known high efficiency gas fireplace unit stacked on top of a known high efficiency window type air conditioning unit. Novel vent adapters are connected to the rear of the units for connecting them to a source of outside combustion and cooling air to effect high efficiency operations. Novel controls comprise a fireplace relay and an air conditioning relay mounted inside of each of the units. The relays control the on-off operation of the respective units and are actuated by a thermostatic control preferably located remote from the combined units.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control for a gas fire, the control comprising a support member in which an elongate aperture (1) is formed, and a slide member (5), part (7) of which slide member (5) projects through and is manually movable along said elongate aperture (1). Said slide member (5) is connected via a linkage (9,35) to a gas burner control lever (11) whereby movement of said part (7) along said elongate aperture (1) causes said slide member (5) to move said gas burner control lever (11) between two end regions of available movement, to control a valve (13) and the feed therethrough of gas from a gas inlet (19) to at least one burner. One microswitch (23) is operable by the control lever (11) to activate an igniter (25) towards one end region of the available movement of the control lever, and another microswitch (31) is operable by the control lever (11) to activate and interrupter (17,29) which can close off the supply of gas.

Abstract: The burner comprises a cylindrical body defining an oil vaporizing chamber, an inlet on the body for oil, and inlet on the body for air and a bed of imitation fuel such as ceramic briquettes. The bed of imitation fuel receives vapor from the chamber for combustion around the imitation solid fuel. Heat generated by such combustion is arranged to vaporize oil in the chamber received rom the oil inlet.

Abstract: A draft hood is provided for mating alignment with a fireplace assembly. The mating alignment is facilitated by the location of alignment hardware fixed to the rear surface of the fireplace and to the inside of the draft hood. In use the hardware permits alignment of the draft hood in a fireplace enclosure without the need to see the fitting, without the need for a long run-in slide, and without the need vertically to pivot the draft hood on installation or to pull the flue termination forward of the firebox flue before attachment. For this purpose an updraft detection warning spill tube may also function as one of the alignment fittings since it is, due to its function, located near or at the junction of the draft hood and fireplace.

Abstract: A burner for a gas fireplace wherein a plurality of apertures are provided along the length of an enclosure and gas inlets are provided for introducing gas into both ends of the enclosure. Movable members are disposed over air inlet holes at each end for selectively restricting the inlet of combustion air into the enclosure thereby allowing control over the longitudinal position of maximum flame from the burner.

Abstract: An improved burner assembly is disclosed for a gas fireplace system including a set of gas logs supported on a grate. The burner assembly includes a generally horizontal burner pan positionable beneath the grate. A burner is affixed to and extends upwardly from the burner pan. The burner comprises a generally rectangular elongate tube having a height substantially greater than a depth, to define an interior gas chamber, an inlet to the chamber for connection to a gas supply, and an outlet from the chamber, the outlet comprising an elongate narrow slot at the bottom of the burner proximate the burner pan.

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.

Abstract: A gas burner assembly is provided which can be used in an unvented gas-fired fireplace and which closely approximates the look of a wood-fired fireplace. The gas burner assembly has a gas distribution chamber with a horizontal base, a vertical backwall, a top wall, a pair of opposing vertical side walls and a front wall. The front wall is a continuous surface having a vertical forward section and a substantially concave rear section. A small number of ports are disposed within the front wall to generate a small, evenly-distributed flame pattern across the front wall. A flame deflector plate located forward of the front wall to direct flame from the lower portion of the front wall upwardly. A large number of ports are disposed within the top wall to generate a large vertical flame pattern at the top wall.

Abstract: A direct vent fireplace has a mounting assembly for aiding in the installation of a vent cap assembly through which fresh air is drawn for combustion and exhaust gas products are expelled from the fireplace. The assembly includes a wall mounting box having a plate which may be secured to a pair of spaced apart framing studs of an interior wall adjacent to which the fireplace is to be installed. The wall box includes two members which are telescopically connected together so that the length from the plate to rear surface of the box may be adjustably selected to be equal to the thickness of an exterior wall through which the air enters and the flue gases exhaust. The vent cap assembly includes a plate which is secured to the rear end of the box after the box has been installed. Adjustable length flue gas and air tubes are received through the box and connect the event cap assembly to the fireplace.

Abstract: A novel fireplace element is made by a novel process wherein the fireplace element is first molded from a mixture of refractory and ceramic fibers and removed from the mold in a green state. While the fireplace element can be treated in the green state, it is preferred that the fireplace element is cured to provide a rigid fireplace element of the type used in artificial fireplace log sets. The element if not already processed is provided with a surface of loosened fibers so that the loose fibers will reach an incandescent glow set state and give the appearance of the total element being incandescent well before the surface and/or body of the fireplace element can reach an incandescent temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and particularly compact heating apparatus fuelled by a flammable fluid such as gas in which a visible flame is provided. The appearance of the visible flame and the fireplace setting within the heating apparatus is enhanced by the provision of a reflective means positioned behind the fuel assembly to reflect an image of the assembly and/or the flame towards a viewing portion in the front of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater apparatus provides an exhausting of the emissions of the primary combustion directly into the room in which the heater is housed to return much of the otherwise exhausted heat into the room. The exhaust is put through a secondary combustion chamber including or comprising a catalytic converter before being exhausted into the room.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an induced draft fireplace including a plurality of outer walls defining an outer housing. The outer walls include at least one outer side wall and an outer top wall. A plurality of inner walls define a combustion chamber. The inner walls include at least one inner side wall and an inner top wall having an outlet opening. A room air circulation channel is defined by and disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing. The room air circulation channel has an inlet and an outlet. A heat exchanger is disposed in the room air circulation channel, and includes an inlet connected to and in fluid communication with the outlet opening, and an outlet. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of walls defining at least two flow paths extending in different directions, the at least two flow paths defining a total change in flow direction within the heat exchanger of at least 180.degree.. A fan having an inlet is connected to and in fluid communication with the heat exchanger outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to the operation of unvented gas fired appliances and enhances the safety of effectively controlling the flow of gases to an unvented gas heater, such as gas fired fireplace logs, while enabling a thermostat to control the temperature of the heated area by combining a thermocouple for safety and a thermopile for operation of the thermostat.

Abstract: A gas fireplace has a set of artificial logs. The logs rest on top of a burner. The burner is formed from top and bottom metal sheets. The sheets are sealed together around a channel matched generally to the prospective position of the logs. A gas orifice feeds gas into the channel, while gas ports in the top sheet release the gas. The gas ports are positioned to match the final position of the logs. The channel is formed by creating a depression in the bottom sheet using a press with a general purpose stamping die moving in the pattern of the channel, or a single hit special purpose die, or a rolling die moving in the pattern of the channel, or by the bottom sheet being moved across a stationary rolling or beading die in the pattern of the channel. Secondary air holes feed air through the burner adjacent to the channel and the gas ports.

Abstract: A direct vent gas fireplace is provided with a heat shield forming a combustion air expansion and distribution chamber covering a substantial portion of the upper surface of the firebox enclosure and having a circular combustion air inlet opening in its upper surface and being in communication with the lower portion of the firebox, and the products of combustion from the firebox are directed out of the fireplace through a pipe extending through the upper enclosure surface and out through the combustion air inlet opening in the heat shield with the axis of the pipe being offset from the center of the inlet opening so that when a combustion air inlet duct is sleeved over the pipe and connected to the inlet opening a portion of the combustion air path between the pipe and duct which feeds into the combustion air expansion and distribution chamber is substantially widened to provide space for the combustion air to expand outwardly rather than backing up the combustion air duct.

Abstract: There is provided an improved artificial log assembly having a primary burner and a neat gas burner and having a first log which is preferably split into two members. The primary burner is located in front of the first log to heat the first log to its glow temperature. The major portion of the neat gas burner is located behind the first log producing a flicker flame. A portion of the neat gas burner extends to the front of the first log. A pilot is adjacent to the extended portion of the neat gas burner and the primary burner for simultaneously igniting both burners. Preferably the extended portion of the neat gas burner is received in a gap formed by the split between the two members.

Abstract: A fuel-fired fireplace insert has a compact combination heat exchanger/draft hood structure extending interiorly along its top side and opening outwardly through an upwardly extending flue gas outlet and a dilution air inlet disposed on a top front side portion of the insert. During insert operation, hot combustion gas generated within its fire box portion flows upwardly into the interior of the heat exchanger/draft hood structure, is cooled by room air entering the dilution air inlet, and is discharged through the flue gas outlet. At the same time, room air enters the insert through an opening on a lower front side thereof, is heated by being passed externally along the fire box and the combination heat exchanger/draft hood structure, and is then discharged from the insert back into the room through openings adjacent the dilution air opening.

Abstract: A gas burning imitation log assembly (18) including an imitation log (20) carried by a supply conduit (24) is disclosed. Supply conduit (24) receives gas from a gas source (26). The gas contained in supply conduit (24) escapes through aligned slots (34) passing through supply conduit (24) and log (20). In one embodiment of the invention, supply conduit (24) includes an outer sleeve (48) and an inner sleeve (46) which define a gas region (32). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, supply conduit (24) is not used. Gas is conveyed into log (20) which contains a diffusing layer (52) that overlays slots (34) to uniformly diffuse the gas through log (20).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a low power infrared receiver system capable of battery operation for controling and operating a module, such as a gas fireplace valve. The system includes in one form a universal remote type infrared transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal and an infrared receiver. The receiver includes an infrared detector for receiving an infrared signal from the remote infrared transmitter, a microprocessor connected to the infrared receiver to receive and process a signal to determine if the received signal corresponds to a predetermined signal, and a power switch connected to the microprocessor and the module so that when the microprocessor determines that the processed received signal corresponds to a predetermined signal the power switch is activated thereby operating or controlling functions of a gas fireplace or other appliance via the associated module.

Abstract: A gas burner for use in gas fireplaces provides a yellow flickering flame such as that seen in a real wood fire while maintaining a low level of carbon monoxide production. The gas burner is simple in design and compact in size and may be used in either direct vent or gravity vent gas fireplaces. An air baffle plate may be affixed to the rear of the gas burner to maintain the critical balance between primary and secondary combustion air when using liquid propane gas.

Abstract: A gas operated fireplace assembly is comprised of a plurality of modular components, including a casing, firebox, burner module and combustion air-intake module. The casing has an open front and is positionable in an enclosure adjacent a room with the open front facing the room. The firebox is insertable into the casing through the open front thereof and is removably mounted within the casing such that the firebox is removable therefrom without having to remove the casing from the enclosure. The casing can be installed separate from the other modules (e.g., during the "rough-in" phase of construction) and the other modules installed at a later time. Both the casing and firebox have respective top panels which are sloped at approximately 25.degree. to accommodate both a vertical and a horizontal flue configuration while maintaining the front-to-back depth of the fireplace assembly within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A novel dual direct vented fireplace includes a combustion chamber having two permanent exhaust outlets including a horizontal exhaust outlet and a vertical exhaust outlet. A fireplace enclosure surrounds at least the top, bottom and back of said combustion chamber forming three hollow plenum walls around the combustion chamber. A fresh air duct in the top and back plenum walls connects to a combustion air passageway under the gas burner system. Two permanent air inlets in said fresh air duct include a horizontal air inlet and a vertical air inlet. A coaxial pipe is provided for connection to at least one of said exhaust outlets and one of said air inlets. The other of said exhaust outlets and air inlets is covered with a closure whereby the dual direct-vented fireplace is assembled at the factory or in the field as either a horizontal or a vertical direct vented fireplace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a gas-fired flame which simulates a wood-burning flame. The apparatus includes an elongated slot which is port loaded to produce a buoyancy controlled flame which flickers and closely resembles a wood-burning flame.

Abstract: Various fireplace grates having a minimum of widely spaced legs and posts. One or more mediate posts are positioned inside the grate and on the V-shaped sloping post members which can be resting on the fireplace floor or be elevated with legs. The mediate posts can be straight, inclined or bent. Removable mediate posts are clamped on any sloping post member or parallel reinforcing side members. Gas burners and a reflector can be integrated with the grate. Ash packing utensils are provided.

Abstract: A gas-fired fireplace comprises an enclosure having a forwardly facing glass panel. The panel is pivotably secured to the enclosure along a lower edge of the panel. The upper edge of the panel is normally spring biased against the enclosure by a latch mechanism. By this arrangement an explosion within the fireplace combustion chamber will cause the panel to pivotably open and relieve the pressure within the chamber. The panel can also be readily removed without tools if it is necessary to gain access to the inside of the fireplace.

Abstract: A flat pan gas burner for a gas log fireplace system comprises a U-shaped pan formed in a sheet of metal. The U-shaped pan is provided with attachment flanges and a gas pipe attachment aperture through which is attached a gas pipe adapter. A burner plate is further provided with a plurality of gas flame apertures in a predetermined pattern for creating a desired flame pattern below the gas log system. If desired, there is further provided a layer of porous ceramic material on the burner plate which is impregnated with metallic salts and which produces a desired lengthening and coloring of the gas flames of the gas burner. A rocking or sliding support of the flat pan gas burner imparts movements and/or different length to the colored flames.

Abstract: A simulated wood burning sound system, including an electronic circuit that provides the "crackle" sound of a combustible wood fire. The system includes a programmed electronic sound chip that stores a recorded memory of wood burning sound. A volume control potentiometer adjusts the audio volume of the sound being transmitted through a speaker and is adjustable to simulate a range of sound effects from a quite fire to a roaring fire. A temperature sensitive sensor for detecting heat or a light sensitive sensor controls automatic startup and shutdown. In addition, a power switch has a permanent "on" position for testing the unit and for applications, such as a simulated fire, where a sensor is not applicable. A plastic housing protects the circuitry and provides a mounting base.

Abstract: An unvented gas log set for an unvented fireplace. The unvented gas log set includes a log supporting frame, simulated logs operatively connected to the frame, a flame-producing burner in spaced relationship with the logs, and a pilot for the burner. The unvented gas log set utilizes a single, common fuel pressure regulator to regulate fuel from a source pressure to a reduced operating pressure for both the pilot and the burner. The unvented gas log set may also utilize a burner holder attachable to the log supporting frame for mechanically holding the burner against the log supporting frame to maintain the spaced relationship of the burner with the logs during operation.

Abstract: A gas-fired, simulated log fireplace insert incorporating an automatic flue damper for controlling the operational state of a chimney vent (open/closed) in response to gas combustion, an externally mounted carbon monoxide detector for terminating or inhibiting gas combustion in response to an unsafe level of detected carbon monoxide and a temperature actuated switch, disposed within the firebox area of the fireplace proximate the flue, for terminating gas combustion in response to excessive fireplace temperatures caused by a malfunctioning damper.

Abstract: A gas burner for use with artificial logs in a gas log heater includes a thin metal top member having substantially flat upper and front burner surfaces, and a metal base member affixed to the top member. The top member and the base member define a burner cavity which may have a generally L-shaped cross section. The upper burner surface has top gas ports, and the front burner surface has front gas ports in gas communication with the burner cavity. The base member has an inlet port that is located with respect the gas ports so as to limit pressure differentials between the gas ports. A mixing tube supplies a mixture of air and gas from a gas source to the inlet port of the burner cavity.

Abstract: A sealed-combustion chamber fireplace includes a combustion air to fuel adjustment device comprising an primary air-fuel mixing body having a fuel source inlet at one end and at least one combustion air inlet port disposed through a wall portion of the body. The air-fuel mixture body may be configured in the form of an air-fuel venturi, burner tube and the like to effect mixing together of the air and fuel to form a combustible air-fuel mixture. An air inlet port cover is movably disposed adjacent the air-fuel mixing body and forms an adjustable air combustion aperture by placement of the cover adjacent the air inlet port. Movement of the cover about the body effects opening or closing of the aperture, thereby effecting adjustment of the primary air to fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture combusted in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly of the type used as a room air heater comprises a second pane of glass in front of and spaced from the glass pane forming the front of the combustion chamber. The two panes form an air passageway for delivering intake air from an upper vent to the bottom of the combustion chamber. The intake air cools the panes of glass such that a relatively inexpensive glass material can be used and such that the front of the fireplace assembly is relatively cool to the touch.

Abstract: A gas-fired, simulated log fireplace insert incorporating an automatic flue damper for controlling the operational state of a chimney vent (open/closed) in response to gas combustion, an externally mounted carbon monoxide detector for terminating or inhibiting gas combustion in response to an unsafe level of detected carbon monoxide and a temperature actuated switch, disposed within the firebox area of the fireplace proximate the flue, for terminating gas combustion in response to excessive fireplace temperatures caused by a malfunctioning damper.

Abstract: A gas fireplace assembly for connection to a venting system comprises an outer shell for installation in the interior space of a building with the venting system extending into the outer shell. A fireplace unit is insertable within the shell that includes a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber includes a removable platform supporting a burner unit to be secured within the combustion chamber. The existing venting system is connected to the combustion chamber. The foregoing arrangement permits easy conversion of the fireplace assembly to different styles of decorative burner units or from a decorative gas burner to an efficient heating fireplace system and vice versa in a simple and economical manner.

Abstract: A fireplace insert for a fireplace cavity formed in a building with a fresh air inlet and a combustion gas outlet. The insert includes an enclosure dimensioned to be insertable within the fireplace cavity to define a combustion chamber for generating heat. A manifold is provided for distributing fresh air from the fresh air inlet to the combustion chamber. The manifold means is positionable at a predetermined location within the fireplace cavity according to the position of the fresh air inlet. A duct communicates the combustion chamber with the combustion gas outlet.

Abstract: A heating device for burning gaseous fuels comprises an inner shell (3) of U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section which defines a combustion chamber (9) which is bordered by a covering plate (5) and a floor plate (4), can be closed by a door arrangement (6). Gas burner assembly (13) is arranged on a burner base plate (12) and secured to the inner shell (3). Outer shell (2) of U-shaped or C-shaped cross section, on the floor plate. The outer shell (2) is arranged from the inner shell (3) at a distance forming an intermediate space (28). End edges of outer shell (2) and the inner shell (3) are welded together. Openings (27) are arranged in the inner shell between the combustion chamber (9)and the intermediate space (28) which forms a flue gas passage between the openings (27) and the flue outlet (44) region of the covering leading (44) to a smoke pipe connection piece (45). Sheet elements adjacent the outer shell form a convection channel with the outer shell.

Abstract: A low profile gas burner fireplace is provided for mounting under a low table top or counter. The fireplace system comprises a decorative insulated table top mounted on the top wall of a low profile fireplace. The fireplace is provided with a hot exhaust gas system that connects below the burner system and passes through the bottom wall of the fireplace structure to conduct hot gasses through the bottom wall and outside of the room area in which the fireplace is located by means of an induced draft fan so that no pipes or exhaust system are visible in the room in which the fireplace is located.

Abstract: A gas fueled direct vent fireplace having a firebox within which flue gases are generated includes a glass face access door for closing the front of the fireplace and facing the interior of a room within which the fireplace is located. Flue gases exit remote from the front. A first seal is positioned about the periphery of the open front of the fireplace at locations accessible to flue gases for abutting the glass. A second seal is positioned about the periphery of the glass outwardly of the first seal so that only flue gases which leak past the first seal may contact the second seal. The first seal is formed from fiberglass which has high temperature characteristics. The second seal is formed from a silicone elastomeric material. With this arrangement leakage of hot gases into the adjoining room is substantially eliminated and the life of the elastomeric seal may be extended indefinitely relative to that of the prior art.

Abstract: An enclosed gas fireplace which efficiently transfers heat from a combustion chamber to surrounding air chambers and to air flow conduits which pass through a flue gas offtake. The fireplace has an outer shell that remains relatively cool, so that the fireplace can be installed in a framed sheetrock or wood enclosure without the need for utilizing the special masonry work or masonry chimney normally required for a fireplace. In addition, the invention provides a special burner arrangement to enhance the aesthetic quality of the fire and which provides a clean-burning gas flame to meet modern emission standards.

Abstract: A novel horizontal-vertical (H-V) direct vented gas heating unit comprises a box-shaped heating unit having seven walls which surround a combustion chamber. One of the seven walls comprises a diagonal wall connected between the back vertical wall and the top wall. An exhaust stack extends through the diagonal wall and is surrounded at its exit by a coaxial fresh air inlet adapter which connects to a fresh air passageway which extends down the back wall. An inner heat exchanger comprise passageways which extend along six of the seven walls outside the combustion chamber. The fresh air passageway on the back wall extends through the heat exchanger passageway in the back wall and enters a plenum having two exits, one of which is positioned opposite the upper level and the other opposite the lower level of a dual level burner.

Abstract: A gas-burning heater or fireplace insert including a plurality of tiered artificial logs with gas burners disposed strategically between the tiers. The burners at each tier are selected to provide a particular flame pattern, with one or more of the flame patterns being developed in combination with one or more of the logs to promote the generation of localized heat that enhances the visual appearance of the flames of the pattern and increases the heat radiated outwardly of the insert and into the ambient environment. In a preferred embodiment, the insert is capable of operating in a non-vented environment. A method for operating a gas-burning heater or fireplace insert is disclosed as are various unique aspects of the invention including subassemblies of the insert.

Abstract: A control unit remotely operates several different functions of a gas fireplace. The functions include ignition of a fire, control of flame height, blower control, and damper control. An RF or IR transmitter has several different switches corresponding to desired operations to be performed. Each switch or combination of switches sends different coded signals to a receiver in the control unit. The control unit operates a gas valve and an ignitor to start the fire in response to a start signal. The gas valve is further controlled to vary the height of the flame or extinguish the flame in response to corresponding signals. The blower, damper and other functions can be controlled in response to other signals.

Abstract: Method and means for enhancing the visible length and color of high efficiency gas flames in an artificial gas log fireplace/gas burner system is characterized by selecting from a plurality of metallic salt compounds, compounds having a low melting point and the ability to exhibit light in the visible spectrum when the metallic salt compounds absorb energy from a gas flame. The metallic salt compounds are placed in a high temperature area of the burner system adjacent the gas flames so that at the melting point of the metallic salt an ionized vapor is generated which is directed into the path of the combustion air being supplied to the gas burner. The energy level of the ionized metallic salt compounds are elevated and when subsequently cooled, they emit light in the visible spectrum which combines with the gas flames and colors the invisible flame spectrum so that the invisible gas flames become visible and appear longer and exhibit natural colors.

Abstract: A gas log burner assembly produces a glowing effect by providing a cover wall over the heretofore open top of a usual burner pan. A gas supply pipe is buried within a non-combustible porous medium, such as sand, within a gas distribution chamber formed by the walls of the burner pan. The cover wall has a series of gas outlet holes arranged across the plate including an elongated slot at an upper rear edge thereof. An artificial log is mounted on the top and rear of the burner pan and extends along the elongated slot and has a rough textured concave front surface. The slot and holes in the top cover wall and the concave surface of the log control and direct the flow of gas from the supply pipe into a combustion area formed in front of the log to provide controlled combustion of the gas within and adjacent to the concave front surface of the log to provide a glowing effect to the rough textured surface thereof.

Abstract: A free-standing fireplace for outdoor use is disclosed. The fireplace contains a base in which a fire is made. Adjustably mounted onto the base unit are a number of side panels. The side panels are adjustably mounted onto the base to allow air to flow into the fireplace between the bottom of the side panels and the top of the base unit. At least one of the side panels is transparent to provide a pleasing view of the fire contained in the fireplace. Above the side panels is a hood, and mounted to the hood is a smoke stack.

Abstract: A gas fireplace burner comprises a support frame, a baffle internally of the support frame, a gas inlet to the burner through the support frame beneath the baffle, a top plate above the baffle and a gas distributor between the top plate and the baffle. The top plate has a substantially solid central region and front and back edge regions provided with a plurality of gas escape openings along the edge regions. The gas escape openings at the back edge region include major and minor openings. The gas distributor extends to all of the openings and the baffle which is shorter than the top plate is positioned directly beneath the major openings with some of the minor openings being located outwardly of the baffle.