Apparatus and method for simulation of combustion effects in a fireplace

Abstract

The present invention produces a combustion simulation of flames, burning logs and embers in a fuel-burning fireplace or like device. One or more light source(s), such as LEDs, are used to transmit light to and through one or more of an artificial log set and an ember bed. A microprocessor-based controller is used to vary one or more of light intensity and color of the LEDs to simulate a naturally varying glow effect of the ember bed and the log set.

1 . A flame simulation assembly, comprising: 
 a housing including a firebox;    an ember bed positioned within said firebox;    a light source comprising LEDs, wherein said light source emits light to illuminate at least a portion of said ember bed;    a controller for controlling said light source, wherein said controller functions to vary one or more of light intensity and light color of the light generated by said light source.    
   
   
       2 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said controller functions to control said light source to simulate natural variations in the light intensity of said light source in a non-random pattern.  
   
   
       3 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a simulated log set.  
   
   
       4 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 3  further comprising a second set of LEDs associated with said log set and in communication with said controller.  
   
   
       5 . A flame simulation assembly comprising: 
 a housing;    a firebox positioned within said housing;    an artificial log set positioned within said firebox;    a light source comprising LEDs, wherein said light source emits light to illuminate at least a portion of said log set;    a controller for controlling said light source, wherein said controller functions to vary one or more of light intensity and light color of the light generated by said light source.    
   
   
       6 . A flame simulation assembly comprising: 
 a housing;    a firebox positioned within said housing;    an ember bed positioned within said firebox;    an artificial log set positioned over said ember bed;    a first light source comprising LEDs, wherein said first light source emits light to illuminate at least a portion of said ember bed;    a second light source comprising LEDs, wherein said second light source emits light to illuminate at least a portion of said log set;    a controller for controlling said first light source and said second light source, wherein said controller functions to vary one or more of light intensity and light color of the light generated by said first light source and said second light source.    
   
   
       7 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 a third light source,    a random flame simulation generator that generates simulated flames in combination with said third light source;    a flame cutout panel that screens light from said random flame simulation generator; and    a display screen positioned in a rear portion of said firebox, said display screen displaying the screened light from said flame cutout panel.    
   
   
       8 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising one or more speaker connected to said controller, wherein said one or more speaker and controller function to generate sounds to simulate combustion.  
   
   
       9 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 8 , further comprising an aroma producing mechanism for producing aroma to simulate combustion of wood.  
   
   
       10 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 6 , further including a remote control for generating control signals, a receiver for receiving said control signals, wherein said control signals are for instructing said controller to change operation of said flame simulation assembly.  
   
   
       11 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 6 , further including a sound sensor in communication with said controller, said sound sensor for sensing sound levels.  
   
   
       12 . The flame simulation assembly of  claim 6 , further including a light sensor in communication with said controller, said light sensor for sensing light levels.  
   
   
       13 . A flame simulation assembly comprising: 
 a housing;    a firebox positioned within said housing;    an ember bed positioned within said firebox;    an artificial log set positioned over said ember bed;    a first light source comprising LEDs, wherein said first light source emits light to illuminate at least a portion of said ember bed;    a second light source comprising LEDs, wherein said second light source emits light to illuminate at least a portion of said log set;    a flame cutout panel that screens light from said random flame simulation generator and a display screen positioned in a rear portion of said firebox,    a third light source comprising LEDs, wherein said display screen displays the screened light from said flame cutout panel; and    a controller for controlling said first light source and said second light source, wherein said controller functions to vary one or more of light intensity and light color of the light generated by said first light source, said second light source and said third light source.