Flame simulator for use in an electric heater
AssigneeGlobaltec Fireplaces, Inc.
InventorHoward Haugom
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus is provided for projecting light to simulate flames on a screen for use in an electric fireplace with an imitation flame display. The apparatus comprises a hollow cylinder enclosing an interior region, the cylinder being rotatable about an axis of the cylinder and having a sidewall with an exterior surface and a non-reflective interior surface with apertures through the sidewall. A light source in the interior region is operated to cause light to be transmitted through the apertures onto the screen to simulate moving flames when the cylinder is rotated. This arrangement provides an improved imitation flame display on the screen. When incorporated into an electric fireplace, the apparatus provides a pleasing illusion of active, dancing flames adjacent an artificial log set.
Claims24
Apparatus for projecting light to simulate flames on a screen, the apparatus comprising:
- a hollow cylinder enclosing an interior region, the cylinder being rotatable about an axis of the cylinder and having a sidewall with an exterior surface and a non-reflective interior surface with apertures through the sidewall;
- and
- a light source in the interior region operable to cause light to be transmitted through the apertures onto the screen to simulate moving flames when the cylinder is rotated.
An electric fireplace with imitation flames comprising:
- an enclosure;
- an electric heater unit within the enclosure;
- a simulated fuel source within the enclosure, and
- a flame simulation apparatus for generating the appearance of flames, the flame simulation apparatus comprising:
- a light diffusing panel adjacent the simulated fuel source;
- a flame effect mask positioned adjacent the light diffusing panel;
- a hollow cylinder adjacent the flame effect mask enclosing an interior region, the cylinder being rotatable about an axis of the cylinder and having a sidewall with an exterior surface and a non-reflective interior surface with apertures through the sidewall;
- and
- a light source in the interior region operable to cause light to be transmitted through the apertures of the cylinder sidewall, past the flame effect mask for projection onto the light diffusing panel for display as simulated moving flames when the cylinder is rotated.
Apparatus for projecting light to simulate flames on a screen, the apparatus comprising:
- a hollow cylinder forming an interior space about an axis, the cylinder having apertures and having an exterior surface and a light absorbing interior surface,
- means for rotating the cylinder about said axis, and
- a light source in the interior space operable to cause light to be emitted through said apertures onto said screen to simulate moving flames when said cylinder is rotated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.