Abstract: An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric fireplace flame curtain with fixed simulated charcoal bed comprises a transparent plate, a imaging mechanism and a charcoal bed being disposed on the transparent plate, and a number of fixed light-holding charcoals with plurality of transparent surfaces being disposed on the charcoal bed. The charcoal bed is fixed directly on the transparent plate with imaging mechanism, so the image of charcoal flame after optimization appears on the image screen, which has the best visual effect. The essential effect of the present invention is to solve the monotone flame and poor visual effect of the exiting electric fireplace. Meanwhile, the problems such as constant charcoal flame brightness, lack of reality are solved as well. The present invention could simulate a plurality of independent charcoal burning spots, with various styles. The light-spots of the flame are sparkling intermittently with bright and shade, and the flame is of light-holding effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for producing an optical effect, and in particular to an apparatus for producing an optical effect resembling flames and smoke. More especially, the invention relates to flame effect electric fires, such as for domestic use, which may or may not include means for space heating and which include and optical effect to resemble burning solid fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric fireplace flame curtain with flexible simulated charcoal bed, the flame curtain is a structure of vessel, comprises a front wall and a rear wall with transparent structure, an imaging mechanism disposed on the front wall of the vessel, a number of movable light-holding charcoals with a plurality of transparent surfaces disposed in the vessel. The essential effect of the present invention is to solve the monotone flame, dull appearance and poor visual effect of the exiting electric fireplace. Meanwhile, the problems such as constant charcoal flame brightness, lack of reality, bad simulative effect are solved as well. The present invention could simulate a plurality of independent charcoal burning spots, with various styles. The light-spots of the flame are sparkling intermittently with bright and shade, and the flame is of light-holding effect. The visual effect and the authenticity are both perfect.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to simulated flame effect fires which include an apertured bed, such as a simulated fuel bed, a vapor generating means such as an ultrasonic transducer and means for providing a rising current of air to carry the vapor through the apertured bed. Light sources are provided below the fuel bed to provide localized illumination.

Abstract: An electric multiplayer frame fireplace with an internal charcoal bed and an external charcoal bed comprises a housing, an imaging light source arranged on the lower side of the housing, a light processing device and simulated charcoal beds arranged above the imaging light source and an imaging screen, the imaging screen is arranged close to the simulated charcoal beds, a front simulated charcoal bed is arranged on the front side of the lower end of the imaging screen, and a rear simulated charcoal bed higher than the front simulated charcoal bed is arranged on the rear side of the lower end of the imaging screen. In addition, the electric fireplace can simulate the sound of charcoal combustion.

Abstract: A simulator for providing a user with a simulated burning log display providing moving patterns of light which simulate a flickering flame image. The flame image is generated by rotating a shaft with a helically wound light array such that the lights reflect off a mirror with flame shaped reflecting areas onto a partially transparent screen to give the impression to a viewer of flickering flames appearing on a front side of the screen and behind a non-burning pile of logs. The logs have flame colored light transmissive regions which are illuminated by an array of ember LED's under the control of circuitry which generates apparently randomly varying illumination levels, to thereby create a glowing ember effect.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flame simulating assembly for an electric fireplace and an electric fireplace therewith. The flame simulating assembly comprises a light source, a reflection panel, a light shelter with light openings for light penetration, and a simulating fuel-bed located within the cavity of the housing of the flame simulating assembly. The light shelter can be in form of a tube and mounted on a synchronously rotating mechanism which is in turn mounted on a bracket within the housing. The reflection panel has a reflection area in form of a flame. The light shelter forms an acute angel the reflection panel, or the axis of the light shelter is substantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane. The light shelter is below the reflection panel and fitted with it. The imaging screen is positioned above the reflection panel. The light source is positioned within the light shelter, or the light source is positioned outside the light shelter but below the light shelter.

Abstract: An electric fire is described which includes a flame simulation arrangement configured to simulate the effect of burning flames. The fire includes a lighting arrangement provided behind and parallel to the flame simulation arrangement and configured to backlight the simulated flames.

Abstract: An electric fire is described. The fire provides one or more three dimensional flame effects to simulate the effects of a burning fire. A fuel bed for use in an electric fire is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric fireplace flame curtain with fixed simulated charcoal bed comprises a transparent plate, a imaging mechanism and a charcoal bed being disposed on the transparent plate, and a number of fixed light-holding charcoals with plurality of transparent surfaces being disposed on the charcoal bed. The charcoal bed is fixed directly on the transparent plate with imaging mechanism, so the image of charcoal flame after optimization appears on the image screen, which has the best visual effect. The essential effect of the present invention is to solve the monotone flame and poor visual effect of the exiting electric fireplace. Meanwhile, the problems such as constant charcoal flame brightness, lack of reality are solved as well. The present invention could simulate a plurality of independent charcoal burning spots, with various styles. The light-spots of the flame are sparkling intermittently with bright and shade, and the flame is of light-holding effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a An electric fireplace with a flame curtain comprises a housing, a light source, a flame curtain with integral structure being disposed on the electric fireplace and in front of an electric fireplace flame generator, an imaging mechanism and a charcoal bed being disposed on the flame curtain, and a number of light-holding charcoal with a plurality of transparent surfaces being disposed on the charcoal bed. The essential effect of the present invention is to solve the problems of constant charcoal flame brightness, the lacking of reality and the bad charcoal flame simulation effect in conventional electric fireplaces. Meanwhile, the problems of constant charcoal flame shape, dull appearance and poor visual effect in conventional electric fireplace are solved as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric fireplace flame curtain with flexible simulated charcoal bed, the flame curtain is a structure of vessel, comprises a front wall and a rear wall with transparent structure, an imaging mechanism disposed on the front wall of the vessel, a number of movable light-holding charcoals with a plurality of transparent surfaces disposed in the vessel. The essential effect of the present invention is to solve the monotone flame, dull appearance and poor visual effect of the exiting electric fireplace. Meanwhile, the problems such as constant charcoal flame brightness, lack of reality, bad simulative effect are solved as well. The present invention could simulate a plurality of independent charcoal burning spots, with various styles. The light-spots of the flame are sparkling intermittently with bright and shade, and the flame is of light-holding effect. The visual effect and the authenticity are both perfect.

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

Abstract: An electric fire is described. By providing the fire in plastic and forming it from a kit of individual housings that inter-engage with one another to form the completed fire the time required for assembly of the fire is reduced greatly. Also described is a spacer arrangement for a fire, for use in circumstances where the fire is too small for the opening which it is to be located in. Also described is a reflector screen formed using a hot foil stamping technique. Finally, a moulded fuel bed is described which can be used to simulate pebble or glass effects.

Abstract: A fireplace including a backlighting system. The backlighting system can be positioned in a back portion of the bottom panel of the fireplace. The backlighting system includes at least one light source to shine light upon the components of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be positioned to shine light on a back panel of the fireplace. The light source of the backlighting system can be modulated depending on a state of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be turned on or off depending on whether the flame of the fireplace is on or off.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an optical effect includes a screen comprising at least one electroluminescent material and associated electrodes for exciting the electroluminescent material to emit light. The electrodes are locally excitable so that the regions of the electroluminescent material generally in the shape of flames may be excited. In an alternative form, or additionally, the screen comprises a material of variable opacity such as a liquid crystal polymer or a suspended particle device, gain, electrodes are locally excitable to locally change the opacity of the screen. The screen is locally illuminated to provide the impression of flames.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating flames using fabric flame sheets or elements. The apparatus includes a fan or blower for producing a volume of air flow and two or more flame elements positioned in the fan air flow. First and second light sources, such as high powered light emitting diodes (LEDs), are provided to produce light beams having two differing colors such as an amber beam and an orange/red beam. The light beams are directed so as to mix or cross on or near the flame elements when the flame elements extend outward from their mounting location into the fan air flow. Each of the LEDs has a brightness level that can be tuned or adjusted by a controller, which may be manual or may be automated to modify the brightness level of at least one of the LEDs and typically both LEDs during the operation of the flame simulator.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating flames includes a light source, a viewing screen capable of diffusing and transmitting light, a rear reflector disposed behind the viewing screen, and a light producer for producing moving beams of light. The light source is disposed below the reflector and behind the viewing screen. The light producer is disposed in front of the light source and below the screen and light from the light source is reflected by the light producer onto the reflector and is reflected by the reflector onto the screen to produce a perceptible image viewable on the screen.

Abstract: A faux wood burning heating apparatus is provided which includes a chamber having an opening for providing viewing access to the chamber, an opening for emitting a first curtain of mist in the chamber, a log in the chamber, and a light source for projecting a colored light on the curtain. The heating apparatus may be provided as an insert for incorporating in an opening. Moreover a system may be provided for creating the faux wood burning heating apparatus. A method for emulating a wood burning heating apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A novel holographic electric simulated flame generating device, characterized in that it comprises a light-diffusing plate and an electric circuit board disposed behind the light-diffusing plate; a group of LED electronic scanning light source array which irradiates directly upon the light-diffusing plate is disposed on the electric circuit board; each LED light on the LED electronic scanning light source array is controlled by a controller. The present invention attains simulated flaming effects by a specially processed light-diffusing plate and programming control method. It has the advantages of being noiseless, low-voltage, low power consumption and low manufacturing costs. The present invention is relatively simple in structure and therefore may be made lighter and thinner and then applied to a simulated flame apparatus as a flame generating device. As a result, the practical applications of the present invention are more diverse and human-oriented.

Abstract: A flame simulating apparatus (100) includes a transparent electronic display device (116) for displaying images of flickering flames. The electronic display (116) may be positioned in front of at least a portion of a simulated fuel bed (124) or other fireplace objects, so that the simulated fuel bed (124) or other fireplace object is visible through the display device (116). A backlight (118) may be spaced apart from the display device (116) to accommodate a portion of the simulated fuel bed (124) between the display device (116) and the backlight (118) to generate depth perception. To facilitate viewing of side margins of the display device (116), side reflectors (150) may be provided or the backlight (118) may be made wider than the display device (116).

Abstract: An apparatus for flame simulation in an electrical fireplace which improves the realism of leaping and flickering flames, comprising a fixed light source, simulated charcoal, and a flame display screen which is arranged above the fixed light source. The simulated charcoal is located in front of the flame display screen. A twisted-style light reflector is located behind the flame display screen and is driven by a motor mounted inside the wall of the electrical fireplace. By rotating the twisted-style light reflector, light emitted from the fixed light source is reflected onto the flame display screen so the simulated dynamic leaping and flickering flames can be seen. The fixed light source also illuminates the simulated charcoal to produce an effect of burning charcoals. A heater produces warm air that is expelled from the fireplace.

Abstract: An electric fireplace insert and methods for simulating the light and sound effects of real burning fuel utilize one or more of a light emitting diode (LED) down lighting system, an LED flame light system, and an LED ember bed light system which work together to make the electric fireplace insert more closely resemble the appearance and sounds of a traditional fuel-burning fireplace. By simultaneously and independently changing the brightness of several groups of LEDs of the LED down lighting system, a shadow motion effect of ambient light similar to that seen in a traditional fuel-burning fireplace can be simulated. By simultaneously and independently changing the brightness of several groups of LEDs of the LED ember bed lighting system, a rolling motion, or side-to-side, effect of light inside the ember bed can be simulated.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel flame includes a frame within which is mounted a screen. An enclosure is mounted below the screen having a frosted glass refractor panel forming a top wall of the enclosure. A cylindrical container is rotatably mounted within the enclosure. A motor rotates the container on a support. The container is partially filled with a red or brown coloured liquid. Lamps or LED's within the enclosure are operable to shine light through the coloured liquid in the container and through the refractor panel onto the screen. Movement of the coloured liquid, which may be enhanced by internal projections in the container, causes flickering of the light projected onto the screen to give a flame effect simulating a solid fuel fire.

Abstract: The invention describes a simulated flame fire comprising a housing configured to support an active display screen. The display screen is responsive to an electrical signal to provide a flame effect display which may be viewed by a viewer to the front of the fire. The fire includes a first artificial fuel bed and a second artificial fuel bed. By positioning the display screen between the first and second artificial fuel beds the displayed flames appear to emanate from the centre of the fuel bed.

Abstract: A fireplace installation is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a fireplace installation includes a fireplace installation accessory having a recess and a fireplace unit positioned in the recess. The fireplace installation also includes a sound system positioned within the fireplace installation. The sound system includes an amplifier, one or more speakers, and a connector for connecting to a music player.

Abstract: A simulated fireplace comprising a flat screen display panel mounted within a frame is described. The panel is configured to display at least one image sequence of a fire, the image sequence being stored on a memory device and the fireplace being characterised in that it further includes a single glass sheet mountable to the front of the frame and having a footprint greater than that of the panel. Desirably, the panel is provided device may be a flash memory card, which is receivable in a receiving slot on a side panel of the frame.

Abstract: A three-dimensional panel used in an electric fireplace to simulate a firebox of a wood burning fireplace and an electric fireplace incorporating the same. The electric fireplace includes housing having a light source positioned so as to transmit light through the panel. The panel is vacuum-molded to have a pattern formed therein and thereon. The pattern represents elements found in a wood burning fireplace such as firebricks, stoneworks, logs, a logset, a grate and embers or any other elements typically found in a wood-burning fireplace's firebox. The pattern is formed by a combination of molding these elements into the materials from which the panel is made and applying coloring agents to the panel either during the molding process or after the panel has been formed. The panel may be positioned between an artificial logset and the light source if the logset is not molded into the panel.

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

Abstract: A contrivance (30) simulates smoke and flames emanating from an intense burning simulated log stack fire (13). The visual effect is provided by unrestricted fluctuating light reflected off spaced apart sunburst formation bunches (41) of colored rotating metallic strips(9) of different length that transmit uneven flashes of colored light and shadow through a bronze tinted tempered glass diffusing screen(16)(39) simulating images of smoke and flames when viewed from the front, simultaneously the simulated log stack bed (13) adjacent the lower area of the screen(17)(40) is illuminated providing a glowing surface and a intense flickering flame effect is transmitted and viewed through the plurality of openings(14) in between the individual protruding angle backward log configuration of the log stack bed(13) creating the overall images of smoke and flames emanating from out of a real log stack burning fire with intense burning core simulating a natural roaring log fire.

Abstract: A fireplace including a backlighting system. The backlighting system can be positioned in a back portion of the bottom panel of the fireplace. The backlighting system includes at least one light source to shine light upon the components of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be positioned to shine light on a back panel of the fireplace. The light source of the backlighting system can be modulated depending on a state of the fireplace. For example, the light source can be turned on or off depending on whether the flame of the fireplace is on or off.

Abstract: An electric fireplace having a fire simulating assembly is provided. The fire simulating assembly includes a semitransparent light filter screen, a mirror glass wall and a dynamic light source. The dynamic light source includes fixed light source and a photic cover composed with many rotating centrifugal blades. There are many photic apertures in flame shape. The centrifugal blades rotate around a center of the light source. There are clearances between the centrifugal blades causing light to reflect through the centrifugal blades. The electric fireplace achieves a natural effect of vivid, rising and leaping simulated flame.

Abstract: A lenticular fireplace and methods for simulating a fire within a fireplace. In one respect, a fire is simulated with a lenticular screen. The lenticular screen includes a lenticular lens layer and an image layer, wherein the image layer comprises one or more images of a fire. A device is coupled to the lenticular screen that moves the lenticular screen to alter a viewed image of the fire. In another respect, the lenticular screen is disposed within a fireplace enclosure. In another respect, a fireplace includes a convertible heated glass apparatus. The apparatus is used in a front wall of an enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating light sheets useful in flame simulators or other lighting displays. The apparatus includes first and second light strips, which may include light emitting diodes of differing colors. Each of the light strips is mounted on support members that are mounted in the apparatus to rotate such that the orientations of the light strip outputs can be adjusted. The support members are mounted on end plates that can be rotated such that the light strips can be moved to be into a single plane or into differing planes, and the support members may be rotated to set the orientation of the light strips. Positioned over each light strip is an elongate projection lens such as a cylindrical rod. The light generated by the light strips is focused by the projection lenses into a sheet of light by converging and combining the light from the light strips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flame imitation device for a wall-mounted heater. The flame imitation device comprises a light source, a combustion bed including imitated firewood and embers, and a vertical translucent screen located closely adjacent to the back edge of the combustion bed. The light source is located under the combustion bed. A glittering member is rotatably provided behind the translucent screen. The main body of the glittering member comprises a polyhedron with a polygonal cross section. A reflector is provided on the polyhedron. The glittering member is connected to a rotational driver. Light irradiated from the light source partially transmits upward onto the combustion bed for imitating firewood and embers. Light irradiated from the light source partially transmitted rearward to the glittering member positioned at the back portion of the heater, and reflects the light to the translucent screen.

Abstract: A simulator for providing a user with a simulated burning log display having a generated flickering flame image. The flame image is generated by rotating a shaft with a helically wound light array such that the lights reflect off of a flame shaped mirror onto a partially transparent screen so as to give the impression to a viewer of flickering flames appearing on a front side of the screen and behind a non burning pile of logs.

Abstract: An artificial fireplace for simulating flaming logs has a housing containing a solid state light source, a rotating flame simulation assembly, a viewing screen, and a simulated fuel source. The solid state light source preferably comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs) affixed to a printed circuit board. The light produced by the LEDs reflects off of the rotating flame simulation assembly and an image of a flame is transmitted onto the viewing screen. This design creates a realistic, randomly-flickering flame image above the simulated fuel source. Optional features include a dimmer assembly to adjust the intensity of the image and a second light source to simulate smoldering embers within the simulated fuel source. This design eliminates the problems associated with using a light bulb for a light source by instead using LEDs with a longer life span which emit less undesirable heat and consume less electricity.

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

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

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

Abstract: The simulated log fireplace apparatus housing forming a fire box having back, bottom, top wall, two side walls, and an open front containing at least one artificial log and simulated flame sheet. A blower directs air on to the flame sheet to simulate real flame movement. A colored light source provides color of real flames. The light source and blower are adjustable from a control panel under a top louver panel. The artificial log may include a translucent base log and ember bed with a light source beneath the translucent log. A window log having an aperture simulate a burning core. A transparent partition has a partially opaque area just above the simulated flame sheet provides the full depth of real fireplace. The apparatus may include electric blower heater, a crackle box, decorative simulated brick panels placed on back and side walls, metal screen, glass doors, vents and louvers.

Abstract: A device is described which includes a vertical body, the vertical body having contained therein a wick and a source of a vaporizable material. The vertical body further includes at an open end a silky material with irregular shapes to simulate the profiles of a flame such as a candle flame. Within the vertical body is a means for supplying an air current such that, when operating, the air current passes upward causing the silky material to flutter and simulate a flame, while also entraining vaporizable material which is present in the wick.

Abstract: A flame simulating apparatus to simulate flames emanating from a wood or fossil fuel burning fire. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a light reflecting element, and a fire simulation screen. The light reflecting element produces a moving and generally random pattern of reflected light when light is cast upon it by the light source. The fire simulation screen has the image of a fire thereon and is positioned so that reflected light from the light reflecting element is cast upon its rear surface. The fire simulation screen includes at least one portion that is at least partially translucent such that light cast upon the partially translucent portion by the light reflecting element is diffused and at least partially passes through the translucent portion to present a moving flame image when viewed from a position in front of the fire simulation screen.

Abstract: An electric fire assembly with a flame effect arrangement. The arrangement includes a bulb located in a hollow cylindrical member of opaque material with a plurality of flame shape cutouts. Light passes through the cutouts onto the rear surface of a screen to provide a flame effect as the member rotates.

Abstract: A flame simulating apparatus to simulate flames emanating from a wood or fossil fuel burning fire. The flame simulating apparatus includes a light source, a light reflecting element, and a fire simulation screen. The light reflecting element produces a moving and generally random pattern of reflected light when light is cast upon it by the light source. The fire simulation screen has the image of a fire thereon and is positioned so that reflected light from the light reflecting element is cast upon its rear surface. The fire simulation screen includes at least one portion that is at least partially translucent such that light cast upon the partially translucent portion by the light reflecting element is diffused and at least partially passes through the translucent portion to present a moving flame image when viewed from a position in front of the fire simulation screen.

Abstract: A fireplace generally including a display driven by a controller. The display may be configured to show images associated with a fireplace. The images may be in two dimensions or three dimensions. The display may be driven by the controller, and a user interface may be provided to configure the fireplace. The display may also be driven by other peripheral components as well. The display may optionally be a flat-panel display. The display may be placed against a wall of a structure and surrounded by a decorative facade, or may be placed in an enclosure of a wall. Various optional components, such as a simulated electric glowing ember system and a retractable grate and artificial log set, may also be included.

Abstract: A lenticular fireplace and methods for simulating a fire within a fireplace are disclosed. In one respect, a fire is simulated with a lenticular screen. The lenticular screen includes a lenticular lens layer and an image layer, wherein the image layer comprises one or more images of a fire. A device is coupled to the lenticular screen that moves the lenticular screen to alter a viewed image of the fire. In another respect, the lenticular screen is disposed within a fireplace enclosure. In another respect, a fireplace includes a convertible heated glass apparatus. The apparatus is used in a front wall of an enclosure. The front wall includes an electrically conductive panel coupled to a phase change material. Electrical terminals are operatively connected to the electrically conductive panel for applying a voltage across the electrically conductive panel to heat the front wall and convert the phase change material from an opaque solid to a less opaque liquid to allow viewing through the front wall.

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

Abstract: In order to avoid the necessity of a conventional electric starter motor a hydrostatic starting system for the engine of a motor vehicle is proposed for the engine whose output shaft is connected with a hydromechanical power transmission, composed of a mechanical part and at least two hydrostatic machines. The starter system comprises its own hydraulic accumulator which as regards its filling capacity and power output is designed for starting the engine at least once and a controller which responds to certain halt and operational states of the vehicle. The charging of the hydraulic accumulator takes place during braking of the vehicle via the hydrostatic machines of the power transmission or, if there is insufficient brake power, of an auxiliary device.