Abstract: An explosion dampener fits with a pressure relief opening in a gas fireplace. The explosion dampener comprises a fireplace mounting bracket, a lever arm pivotally secured to the mounting bracket and an opening sealing member which is secured by a floating connection to the lever arm. The floating connection between the sealing member and the lever arm promotes a sealing fit of the sealing member over the pressure relief opening in the gas fireplace.

Abstract: This gas burner system provides an asymmetrical flame pattern together with the presence of glowing embers around and beneath non-combustible logs, closely resembling the overall appearance of a natural wood fire in a fireplace. The burner system has a plurality of gas burner pipes arranged in a fan-out pattern on a log mounting plate to provide gas throughout the logs arranged over the plate. Air supply openings are formed at selected areas in the mounting plate to permit fresh air to pass only therethrough from below the mounting plate to the fire. Air deflectors are located adjacent to the openings and lava rock and/or mineral fiber pieces are placed below the logs over the gas burner pipes to disperse the combustible gas throughout the log arrangement. The provision of openings and deflectors create air currents flowing over the surfaces of the logs to prevent the flames from imposing on the log surfaces for reducing the formation of carbon deposits and carbon monoxide gas.

Abstract: A gas and solid fuel burning chamber is provided with a control system for the safe and efficient operation of a gas burner. The simple control system uses multiple thermocouples in series to permit the safe operation of the gas burner in a vented device without the need for a draft hood. A combination of gas and solid fuel is demonstrated where gas can be used to start the solid or as an independent source of heat. The control system comprises generally of thermocouples for measuring the flame temperature, the combusted gas temperature and the overall chamber internal temperature and producing signals to regulate the flow of fuel to the gas burner in response thereto.

Abstract: A simulated solid fuel effect gas fire comprising two elongate simulated solid fuel elements in the form of logs, with a partially aerated gas burner arranged in front of and below each log with respect to the front of the fire. Thus, in use, the flames from the burners engage a lower front portion of the logs, the flames then passing around the front of the logs. By this arrangement the lower front regions of the logs are heated to glow as radiants and the flames subsequently lick around the front of the logs as yellow flames, in accord with the visual effect of a real fire, complete combustion having been attained in the ambient atmosphere in front of the logs to thus form the yellow flames. By the provision of nodules by virtue of a bark pattern on the upper front portion of the logs, the flames heat the nodules to red heat and enhance both the radiant heat derived from the fire and the visual effect of the fire.

Abstract: A gas burning fireplace having a burner for producing a flame. A rod in the vicinity of the burner. A gap between the burner and the rod and wherein a flame is produced in the gap. An apparatus for monitoring the presence of a flame including a battery for applying a DC voltage between the rod and the burner. An electric circuit means for sensing a DC current between the rod and the burner.

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 burner pan comprises a large top plate conforming to the entire burner area for providing convenient support for the logs and wide flexibility in the configuration and location of the gas flame ports. The burner pan comprises a plurality of gas ports disposed along the outer periphery of the top plate, a burner plenum subjacently disposed along the outer periphery of the top plate for delivering gas to the gas ports, and a dead air space in the center of the burner pan. The burner plenum is formed between a shallow gas-tight outer housing shell which defines the outer peripheral walls of the burner plenum and a smaller inner shell adapted to fit within the outer shell which defines the inner peripheral walls of the burner plenum and circumscribes a substantially sealed central dead air space which is essentially free from the burner gas.

Abstract: Particulate emissions from a wood fire in a fireplace having a baffle for preventing the direct flow of fluid into the flue from the wood fire are reduced by locating a hydrocarbon gas pilot source in proximity to the baffle. Ignited gas from the pilot combines particulate emissions from the wood fire while they are in the fireplace and before they reach the flue. Air from outside of the fireplace is supplied into proximity with ignited pilot gas so the outside air and the ignited pilot gas mix. A flame sensor for the pilot controls the flow of gas to the pilot source and ignition of the pilot source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct vent gas fireplace adapted for attachment to a concentric flue pipe assembly having an exhaust pipe and fresh air pipe. A top wall, rear wall, bottom wall and side walls define a combustion chamber. A gas burner is disposed in the combustion chamber. A slanted flue attachment wall is attached to and extends between the top wall and rear wall. The slanted flue attachment wall is disposed at obtuse angles relative to the top wall and rear wall. A first pipe member is orthogonally attached to the flue attachment wall and is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber for conveying combustion products from the combustion chamber. A second pipe member having a diameter larger than the first pipe member is disposed concentrically around the first pipe member. The first and second pipe members define an annular space therebetween forming an air intake duct.

Abstract: An inexpensive and easily maintained gas burner assembly achieves the manufacturing and maintenance advantages of the conventional sand pan burner design in addition to the heat output and fuel efficiency of more complex burner designs. The invention comprises a tray having a bottom wall and sidewalls defining an interior and an open top. A cover channel having a midsection segment and at least two downwardly depending flanges is adapted to fit in the interior of the tray to form a mixing chamber between the cover channel and the tray. The downwardly depending flanges are spaced away from the sidewalls of the tray to form gaps suitable for filling with a noncombustible granular substance, such as sand or crushed pumice stone. The cover channel additionally comprises at least one projection extending above the top segment and defining at least one burner port. The projection is preferably a longitudinal ridge defining a plurality of burner ports.

Abstract: A blower assembly includes a first tubular duct in pneumatic communication with a second tubular duct arranged in a generally oblique orientation relative to one another. A thermostatic switch effects actuation of a plurality of blower fans mounted at an entrance opening at a lower distal end of the first tubular duct to direct heat through the first and second tubular ducts. V-shaped spring plates mounted within side walls of the first tubular duct receive the respective first and second legs of a base assembly mounting the logs to be heated. An optional moisturizing and deodorizing dispenser assembly is mounted to the second tubular duct structure for dispersion throughout a room environment.

Abstract: A direct ventilation gas fireplace having co-linear air intake pipe and gas outlet pipe. The pipes are separated from each other so that the fluid flowing in one pipe does not come in contact with the other pipe. The gas outlet pipe may comprise a safety release valve that allows any excess pressure, in case of explosion, to exit through a lateral spring-actuated door into an enclosure closed around the combustion chamber. This safety release valve allows to build fireplaces having pipes longer than the usual length allowed for respecting specific safety tests in case of gas explosion.

Abstract: A fireplace comprises a firebox which has a flue and front, bottom, top, rear and side panels. An outer casing is spaced from and surrounds the firebox. A combustion air plenum is positioned at a point above the bottom of the firebox and is connected to a conduit that communicates with a source external to the room in which the fireplace is situated for supplying combustion air to the fireplace. The firebox has a combustion air entry port in at least one of side panels of the firebox near the bottom of the firebox for supplying combustion air to the interior of the firebox. The combustion air port communicates with the combustion air plenum through a first passage. The flue passes upwardly through the firebox and is adapted to be connected to a second conduit that is in communication with a source external to the room which the fireplace is situated for exhausting the combustion gasses from the fireplace.

Abstract: A fireplace comprises a firebox having a top panel, bottom panel, rear panel and a flue. An outer casing is spaced from and surrounds the firebox. A combustion air feed passage for supplying combustion air to the firebox is provided. A heat exchanger, which is located downstream from the flue for receiving the combustion gases and for transmitting the heat from the combustion gases to air to be heated, is also provided. The fireplace includes a passage for conveying the combustion gases from the flue to a conduit in communication with a source external to the room in which the fireplace is situated for exhausting the combustion gases from the fireplace and a switch for selectively coupling the heat exchanger in series with the passage. The switch is operable between a first position which the flue gases pass through the heat exchanger before being vented to the outside and a second position which the flue gases pass through the passage, bypassing the heat exchanger, and are then vented to the outside.

Abstract: A fireplace insert for a fireplace cavity that includes a venting passage comprising an enclosure dimensioned to be insertable within the fireplace cavity and fill substantially the entire cavity to define a combustion chamber. A passage and an aperture are provided for communicating the combustion chamber with the venting passage. There is a connection system for quickly and efficiently connecting the enclosure to the venting passage while the enclosure is within the fireplace cavity. The ability to connect the insert to the existing venting passage while in place permits the full fireplace cavity to be used. Previous inserts of this type were substantially smaller since there had to be room to manoeuvre and attach the vent by physically reaching into the fireplace cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite artificial log for use in gas-fired artificial log fireplace assemblies or stoves, and more particularly, to a composite artificial log which has a ceramic concrete section molded to resemble a real log and having a relatively high thermal conductivity, which radiates a substantial amount of heat to the surroundings when heated, and one or more ceramic fiber sections having a relatively low thermal conductivity, which glow visibly when heated above about 1470.degree. F.

Abstract: A burner tray (10) for a domestic gas fire has a gas inlet (12), and a ceramic fibre blanket (18) lining its bottom surface (11), the blanket distributing gas over substantially the whole area of the tray while reducing heat loss to the tray and increasing the heat output of the fire.

Abstract: A direct vent gas fireplace has a firebox surrounded by an enclosure. The enclosure has an inclined surface between the top, rear and sides. The surface is inclined at approximately 45 degrees and has an exhaust opening. The firebox has an inclined surface parallel to the inclined panel and has an aperture in each side of the firebox. A duct connects each of the apertures to the exhaust opening. A heat exchanger lies between the inclined surfaces in line with the duct. The surface has a gap in it which connects through an air combustion conduit to the bottom of the firebox. The conduit may be pre-formed. An angle adaptor has an inner cap over the exhaust opening and an outer cap over the inner cap and the gap. The adaptor may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Alternatively, an inclined plate may be placed over the inclined surface with a hole concentric with the opening and of greater area. A first wall of a double walled vent duct may enclose the opening, while the second wall encloses the hole.

Abstract: A fireplace gas burner unit is provided which allows for excellent aeration and distribution of the combustion gas without excessive gas flow noise. The burner includes a typical open-topped container box with triangular sides. A perforated burner pipe is disposed horizontally within the container box, with the perforations angled slightly towards the front of the box. A deflector plate is attached across the top of the burner pipe and is slanted forward and downwardly to form a narrow slit near the front of the container box. The narrow slit has a long central section and opposing periphery sections. The central section has a greater opening height than the periphery sections.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly is disclosed which provides a simplistic assembly technique that enables construction of numerous different fireplace models with a minimum of unique parts. These can be constructed into a desired form without the use of a frame. The internal components of the fireplace are secured to each other in such a manner that a frame is unnecessary. These components are also constructed such that many of them are interchangeable to enable fabrication of various types of fireplaces, such as see-through, cove, island and bay type fireplaces. A pair of combustion dome assemblies, each of which includes an upwardly extending nozzle, creates a significant upward suction within the combustion chamber. This provides superior air flow and combustion together with greater safety.

Abstract: A heat producing gas log apparatus includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet for circulating air through the log apparatus. A gas burner has a plurality of openings for emitting combustible gas to produce a flame. At least one air supply channel has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening is disposed at the front and bottom of the heat producing gas log apparatus and receives air, and the outlet opening is in fluid communication with the blower inlet. At least one heat exchanger tube is disposed above at least a portion of the gas burner and has an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is in fluid communication with the blower outlet, and the outlet end is disposed generally coplanar with the inlet opening of the at least one air supply channel at the front and bottom of the apparatus.

Abstract: A standard prefabricated direct vented fireplace is designed for mass production on an assembly line where it is fitted with a plurality of different side walls or doors and optional heat exchangers for effecting different thermal efficiencies. The fireplace is factory adjusted for optimum burner efficiency under standard installation conditions. An induced draft fan/blower is installed in the path of the exhaust gasses and is provided with an in field adjustable variable speed control to overcome exceptionally high draft loss or long intake or exhaust passageways and to again optimize the burner efficiency after field installation.

Abstract: An insertable gas conversion unit for insertion into existing wood burning fireplaces comprises an insertable gas fireplace conversion unit having a fire box combustion chamber and a gas burner mounted therein. The combustion chamber is covered with a decorative glass door. The conversion unit comprises a first coupling unit which is connected to the chimney of the exhaust outlet of the existing fireplace and further comprises a second coupling unit which is connected to the exhaust gas outlet of said fire box of said conversion unit. Said first and second coupling units telescopically fit one into the other during the assembly and insertion of the gas fireplace unit in the existing wood burning fireplace so as to provide a gas fireplace conversion of a wood burning fireplace without requiring any custom fitting or parts.

Abstract: A toxic gas exhaust suppression-type combustion system burns a hydrocarbon-based fuel and comprises, an incomplete combustion section for causing incomplete combustion by supplying the fuel and a small amount of air, a solid component removing section, connected to said incomplete combustion section, for collecting and removing a solid component, such as soot, within an unburned gas generated by said incomplete combustion section, and a complete combustion section for perfectly burning a remaining unburned gas by supplying a sufficient amount of air, the remaining unburned gas being obtained by removing the solid component from the unburned gas generated by said incomplete combustion section by flowing the unburned gas through said solid component removing section.

Abstract: An unvented gas-fired heater assembly including a base having a gas burner mounted thereon in a combustion area. Gas logs are disposed in the combustion area for heating by the gas burner. A duct assembly is provided which directs heated air from the heater assembly, and the duct assembly is height adjustable to change the height at which air is discharged from the unit. All of the components of the heater are assembled as a unit so that the unit is easily insertable and mountable in an enclosure sure as a fireplace.

Abstract: A fireplace gas burning assembly for producing a clean burning yellow flame in a chamber is disclosed. The assembly includes at least one means for introducing a substantially vertical flow of a flammable fluid into the chamber. The assembly also includes at least one means for introducing a substantially vertical stream of secondary air into the chamber. The means for introducing a substantially vertical stream of secondary air into the chamber is positioned such that the stream of air and flow of flammable fluid intersect such that when ignition occurs a yellow clean burning flame will be produced.

Abstract: A gas log fireplace includes a firebox which defines a combustion chamber, a gas burner located within the firebox, an artificial log set, a log support member positioned on the gas burner, a heat exchanger connected to an exhaust gas outlet of the firebox and a convection chamber which surrounds the firebox and the heat exchanger for heating of room air. The gas burner is fabricated of a refractory fiber material. A combustible gas and primary air are mixed in a Venturi inlet tube of the gas burner. Highly aerated gas flows through front ports and top ports in the gas burner. Secondary air is directed to the front ports and the top ports to obtain highly efficient combustion and high heat output. The artificial log set, the support member and the gas burner define a partially enclosed cavity which is maintained at a high temperature during operation by reradiation from the artificial logs, the support member and the gas burner.

Abstract: A gas fireplace burner assembly which produces a yellow flame and simulates the appearance and pattern of the yellow flames produced by a natural wood log fire includes a log grate for supporting a plurality of artificial logs. The log grate is formed with a stepped configuration and has a back wall and opposite side walls, each of which has an opening formed through its thickness to allow secondary air to pass therethrough and into an interior space defined by the walls of the log grate. The log grate also includes a slotted grate front member. At least a front and rear artificial log is supported on the log grate. A burner tube is also supported by the log grate and has front and rear portions which are disposed in parallel. A front flame deflector is interposed between and spaced apart from the grate front member and the front portion of the burner tube and defines first and second channels for secondary air to flow through.

Abstract: A zero clearance fireplace of the type adapted to be installed against an outside wall of an interior space or room to be heated is provided with six walls which comprise four substantially vertical walls, a top wall and a bottom wall at least two of said vertical walls having airtight glass side walls connected to the frame structure of the fireplace. The bottom wall, the vertical side wall and the top wall are provided with plenum structures which are inner connected to form a heat exchanger. The rear wall is provided with a vertical inner plenum in which outside fresh air is introduced and conducted into a bottom inner plenum below the combustion chamber of the fireplace to provide fresh outside air to the gas burner system in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-fired artificial log assembly for use in fireplaces or stoves, and more particularly to an improved gas-fired artificial log assembly which visually simulates, in a realistic fashion, a fire in a fireplace or stove stacked with generally horizontally disposed artifical logs, and which at the same time supplies substantial space heat to the surrounding room environment.

Abstract: An unvented fireplace heater assembly for directing heated air into an enclosure such as a room. The fireplace heater includes a combustion chamber mounted in spaced relation in enclosing panels. A plenum chamber is disposed in the panels adjacent to the unvented combustion chamber, and insulation may be selectively provided between the panels and the plenum chamber.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for enhancing the aesthetics of a gas fireplace. The assembly includes an elongated burner tube which is laterally disposed within the combustion chamber of the fireplace and which includes discharge ports which are inwardly oriented with respect to the combustion chamber. A tray adjoins the front side of the burner tube and may support lava rocks or the like for hiding the burner tube from view. A gap is defined between the floor of the combustion chamber and the bottom surface of the tray so that secondary air can travel from the front end of the combustion chamber towards the burner tube. A support adjoins the rear side of the burner tube and includes an inclined surface facing the burner tube. An emberizing material such as mineral wool is supported by the inclined surfaces. Ignition of the burner tube causes flames to be directed rearwardly and to impinge upon the emberizing material, causing it to glow.

Abstract: The invention is a gas-fired burner for a fireplace, including an upper burner comprised of an upper tubular gas pipe and a lower burner comprised of a lower tubular gas pipe. The upper and lower tubular gas pipes meet at a junction, where gas to the lower tubular gas pipe is fed through the upper tubular gas pipe. Each of the tubular gas pipes has downwardly-facing, in-line orifices along their lengths. The improvement comprises a metallic strip having a width approximately equal to the inner diameter of the lower tubular gas pipe. This metallic strip is secured at its lateral ends to the interior of the lower pipe, and extends from a point adjacent the junction to a point beyond approximately the first twenty-five to thirty-three percent (25-33%) of the in-line orifices in the lower tubular gas pipe.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a fireplace starting apparatus is provided which includes a control valve for controlling the flow of flammable gas to a fireplace burner, with said control valve being adapted for permanent installation in a structure external of and adjacent to a fireplace. Said apparatus includes a conduit connectable at one end to a fireplace burner within the fireplace and at the other end to the control valve. In one embodiment, the device may be provided with a remotely operable ignition/reignition device including an igniter mountable adjacent the burner within the fire box, an actuator located adjacent to the control valve and means operably connecting the actuator to the igniter. A sensor adjacent to the igniter may detect the absence of a flame and cause the igniter to light the gas flame upon startup and also during operation of the gas flame is extinguished while the gas is still flowing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite artificial log for use in gas-fired artificial log fireplace assemblies or stoves, and more particularly, to a composite artificial log which has a ceramic concrete upper section molded to resemble a real log and having a relatively high thermal conductivity, which radiates a substantial amount of heat to the surroundings when heated, and a ceramic fiber lower section having a relatively low thermal conductivity, which glows visibly when heated above about 1470.degree. F.

Abstract: A log or coal effect fire in which imitation logs 20-26 are mounted on a frame 10 and are distributed to leave an opening 28. A drawer 30 is slidable forwardly and contains a reservoir 32 for gel fuel. Positioned above the reservoir is an aperture plate 34 having at least one aperture 36 therein and associated with this is a snuffer plate 58 which can be moved forwardly by operation of a control knob 56 progressively to close the aperture 36.

Abstract: An efficient low carbon monoxide burner system for decorative gas logs is further provided with one or more pipe branches which provide glowing embers in front of and/or on the bottom of decorative gas logs placed over the gas log burner system. The pipe branch which provides the glowing embers is provided with decorative ember flame holes which are arranged directly juxtaposed expanded fire resistant material which is heated so as to form a glow material for producing glowing decorative ember flames in front of or at the bottom of the decorative logs in a manner which produces low carbon monoxide. The pipe branch for providing decorative flames between logs is provided with nozzles for directing the flames away from the logs.

Abstract: Method and gas burner assembly for producing among the arrangement of non-combustible logs, and essentially yellow flame pattern with substantially low levels of carbon monoxide production. In general, method hereof employs a gas burner assembly having one or more burner each having a plurality of gas jets. The burner assembly is disposed between the combustion chamber of fireplace enclosure which contains a predetermined volume of combustion chamber air which is continuously provided from outside of the combustion chamber. Non-combustible fireplace logs are arranged above the gas burner assembly so as to provide one or more flow paths between the burner and adjacent logs, for allowing free flow of combustion chamber air through the flow paths and about the burners. Flow of gas is provided through the burners so that the gas flows out of the gas jets and mixes with the combustion chamber air about the jets of the burner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-fired artificial log stove assembly, and more particularly to a gas stove assembly which visually simulates, in a realistic fashion, a traditional fire in a gas-fired stove stacked with horizontally disposed artificial logs, and which at the same time supplies substantial space heat to the surrounding room environment by heating room air circulated through a heat exchange mechanism.

Abstract: A dual burner fireplace comprising a grate to carry log means at forward and rearward locations; and front and rear elongated burners carried by the grate; the front burner having gas porting to produce flames rising to relatively lower levels at or proximate the forward locations; and the rear burner having combustible gas porting to produce flames rising to relatively higher levels at or proximate the rearward location.

Abstract: A fireplace gas burner apparatus incorporates a provision for remotely controlled ignition. Auxiliary manual control of electrical circuitry that produces ignition is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a fireplace starting apparatus is provided which includes a control valve for controlling the flow of flammable gas to a fireplace burner, with said control valve being adapted for permanent installation in a structure external of and adjacent to a fireplace. Said apparatus includes a conduit connectable at one end to a fireplace burner within the fireplace and at the other end to the control valve. In one embodiment, the device may be provided with a remotely operable ignition/reignition device including an igniter mountable adjacent the burner within the fire box, an actuator located adjacent to the control valve and means operably connecting the actuator to the igniter. A sensor adjacent to the igniter may detect the absence of a flame and cause the igniter to light the gas flame upon startup and also during operation of the gas flame is extinguished while the gas is still flowing.

Abstract: A gas log set for a fireplace has sets of gas jets arrayed to provide a pleasing distribution of flames around and between several cast-concrete simulated logs. A glowing-ember effect is created beneath a front log and between the logs by strips of rock wool which radiate when heated. Both the simulated logs and the rock wool are doped with metallic salts which convert the complete-combustion blue coloration of a gas flame to a yellow-orange color which closely simulates the appearance of a natural wood fire.

Abstract: Gas log apparatus utilizes a burner in which a gas/air mixture is distributed to burner ports by a flat horizontal plenum chamber supported by a grate. The ports are rectangular, and formed in lateral ridges in the plenum chamber beneath and to either side of a laterally extending artificial log supported above the plenum chamber. The log is the middle of three logs arranged one behind the other and successively stepped upwardly, the middle and rear logs being supported by cantilevered extensions from the rear of the grate. The ports have varying width and spacing, which together with their sharply angled configuration, contributes to a lifelike appearance of the flames without causing excessive carbon monoxide emission.

Abstract: A gas fire space heater which can be an insert for an existing fireplace or a free standing unit is described. The device consists of a gas burner with radiants disposed within a housing. The products of combustion are collected in a first plenum, directed through a concertina heat exchanger into a second plenum, and from the second plenum up a flue. Air to be heated is collected by a blower and circulated countercurrently to the products of combustion through the heat exchanger, around the housing, and into the space to be heated. Air to be heated is supplied to the blower from an outside vent, and an inside vent. The outside vent is controlled by a one-way suction damper and the inside vent is controlled by a manual damper. The two vents form a T at the fan inlet and control of the manual damper then controls the amount outside and inside air supplied to the blower.

Abstract: An ultrasonic remote controlled switching device having very low power consumption is shown. The device is capable of switching high power and/or generating a power pulse for operating associated electrical control devices. The switching device responses to ultrasonic wave generated by a remote hand-held transmitter unit to change its state from ON to OFF or vice versa and simultaneously generates the desirable power pulse. The remote switching device is suitable for use in remotely controlling the operation of a natural gas fireplace.

Abstract: A hot fireplace includes an elongated main gas burner associated with a grate for supporting logs, there being a control operatively connected with the burner to control flow of combustible gas to the burner, the control located near the fireplace. In this environment there is a heat shield located proximate the control to intercept infra-red radiation toward said control, the shield having perforations sized for intercepting such radiation, and for passing convection air therethrough. Typically, the perforations have cross dimensions less than the wavelength of infra-red radiation.

Abstract: A portable igniter for igniting logs on a fireplace grate to a flame burning state. The igniter is comprised of a tubular burner having fuel emitting ports adapted to be supported for placement beneath a grate on which the burner is connected via a separable coupling and flexible hose to a gas regulating valve mounted on a cylinder tank charged with propane gas. The burner portion of the apparatus is adapted to remain in place within the fireplace beneath the grate until a self-sustaining blaze is produced. The connector hose, regulator valve and a propane cylinder are normally detached after ignition of a log is completed and are thereafter stored conveniently in and about the household for future use.

Abstract: Gas burner for a liquid petroleum gas artificial log or coal fire comprises a first tube having holes at spaced intervals along its length and a second tube housed within the tube, and means by which a combustible mixture of gas and air can be introduced into the second tube at a first end thereof. The second tube is open at its end remote from its first end and suitably spaced from an end wall closing the tube so that the combustible mixture travels along the second tube leaving its remote end and back along the first tube which it leaves through the holes. The tube extends lengthwise in a tray in which heat-resistant material e.g. mineral fibres dissipate gas so that flames rise between logs supported on a frame in the tray.

Abstract: A unit to produce simulated burning and heat includes a lower enclosure that may be conveniently placed on a hearth of a fireplace, for example. Within this enclosure is a light source and a reflection wheel located over a reflective plate. The reflection wheel comprises a series of reflective strips which are positioned along a length of the wheel and radially spaced thereabout. Above the wheel in a top panel of the enclosure is an opening covered by an amber-red colored lens piece. The unit further includes a grate carried by the enclosure and positioned to a rear of the enclosure top panel opening. On the grate is a fuel cell for cans of gel alcohol. In front of the fuel cell is a set of decorative logs which hide the fuel cell from view. During use alcohol in the cans may be ignited to produce heat. Since the products of combustion from burning alcohol are nontoxic, the fireplace may be vented or nonvented. Additionally, a geared motor connected to the reflection wheel and the light source are energized.