US 2010/0304318 A1Published application

Fire and water display with integrated safety features

OwnerWilliam H. Muff, Timothy C. Muffinventors

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

A system for providing a combined water and fire display is provided. More specifically, a decorative display comprises a dynamic water and fire display device where fuel/air, water, and fire are integrated. The decorative display provides for unique aesthetic qualities and an appearance wherein flames are positioned at or near the surface of a volume of water. In various embodiments, the decorative display further comprises various safety features including the ability to detect and self-regulate conditions such as the existence and/or absence of a pilot flame, an adequate amount of water, and the temperature of various portions of the system. The decorative display further contemplates the ability to operate without one or more disclosed features, such as when only a water display or only a fire display is desired.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A combined water and fire display system comprising:

a reservoir containing a volume of water;
at least one water source associated with said reservoir;
at least one power source associated with said system;
at least one source of flammable gas associated with said system;
and
a unit for emitting flammable gas disposed at least partially beneath said volume of water, said unit comprising:
(a) a first gas line for directing flammable gas from said at least one source of flammable gas to one or more locations beneath the surface of a volume of water, wherein a portion of said first gas line extends above a predetermined maximum allowable water level so as to prevent the unwanted entrance of water into at least a portion of said first gas line;
(b) at least one water level sensor, wherein said water level sensor is operable to control one or more control valves operable to selectively terminate a flow of said flammable gas upon detection of an absence of a pilot light flame and operable to selectively transmit water from said water source to said reservoir upon the detection of an absence of a predetermined quantity of water;
(c) a recirculation drain;
(d) an overflow drain;
(e) a pilot light positioned above said volume of water for igniting said flammable gas;
(f) a second gas line for directing flammable gas from said at least one source of flammable gas to said pilot light;
(g) a thermocouple for determining if said pilot light is lit, said thermocouple operable to communicate with one or more control valves to selectively terminate a flow of said flammable gas from said source of flammable gas upon detection of an absence of pilot light flame;
and
wherein said recirculation drain is in selective communication with at least one pump connected to a plurality of selectively operable channels that return water to said reservoir.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 12/788,230Filed 26 May 2010
Priority: 27 May 2009
Published: 2 Dec 2010
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

F23N 5/102
Using thermocouples: using electronic means
B05B 17/08
Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups: fountains
F23D 14/20
Burners for combustion of a gas, e.g. of a gas stored under pressure as a liquid: non-premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with…
F23D 14/56
Nozzles: for spreading the flame over an area, e.g. for desurfacing of solid material, for surface hardening or for heating workpieces