The present invention relates to a method of simulating flames/smoke using a flames/smoke simulating device or system.

An electric fireplace (10) includes a fireplace housing (12) and an electrical insert (40). The fireplace housing (12) includes a base panel (30) having a base opening (230A), a back panel (32), and at least one side panel (34). The electrical insert (40) is sized and shaped to fit and be supported and retained within the base opening (230A). Additionally, the electrical insert (40) can include a heater (26), and a controller (28) including a processor that is configured to control operation of the electric fireplace (10). Further, each of the base panel (30), the back panel (32) and the at least one side panel (34) can be manufactured and installed independently of one another. The fireplace housing (12) can further include a front frame (236) that is manufactured and installed independently of each of the base panel (30), the back panel (32) and the at least one side panel (34). Still further, at least one of the back panel (32) and the at least one side panel (34) can be foldable.

This invention relates to a cooking apparatus comprising a container having a bottom wall, side wall, and an upper wall enclosing a first inner chamber of the container, where the bottom wall and side wall of the container are thermally insulating, and the upper wall is thermally insulating except for at least one planar and substantially horizontally oriented cooking zone which is thermally conductive, a first phase-change material located inside and substantially filling the first inner chamber of the container, an electric resistance heating element located in the first phase-change material and electrically connected to a source of electric energy, and a releasable lid made of a thermally insulating material adapted to cover and thermally insulate each of the at least one cooking zone.

This invention relates to a cooking apparatus comprising a container having a bottom wall, side wall, and an upper wall enclosing a first inner chamber of the container, where the bottom wall and side wall of the container are thermally insulating, and the upper wall is thermally insulating except for at least one planar and substantially horizontally oriented cooking zone which is thermally conductive, a first phase-change material located inside and substantially filling the first inner chamber of the container, an electric resistance heating element located in the first phase-change material and electrically connected to a source of electric energy, and a releasable lid made of a thermally insulating material adapted to cover and thermally insulate each of the at least one cooking zone.

A steam-based faux fireplace comprising a boiler configured to receive a fluid and generate steam, and a manifold configured to receive the steam from the boiler and emit the steam to generate a steam plume at an output. The manifold has a conduit configured to route the fluid about the manifold to heat the fluid before being routed to the boiler. The manifold is already heated due to the emitted steam. This configuration pre-heats the fluid before being presented to the boiler, allowing a smaller low power boiler to be used because the manifold acts as a fluid pre-heater. A very realistic faux flame with a significant length is generated from the low power boiler. In addition, the manifold includes a deflector configured to receive the impinging steam from the output, causing the steam to lose some energy and billow about the deflector and then illuminated to create a realistically looking flame.

A pot protecting ring accessory for use with an electric pressure cooker when the lid is open and being used for activities like adding ingredients, sauting, searing, serving, boiling, stirring, or other heating. The protective ring is desirably heat resistant and may be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material or may be a silicone ring with more flexibility. The protective ring shields the cooker's upper rim and particularly the drain channel and space between the inner cooking pot and the outer housing. Protecting the heat element and pressure sealing area from debris and boil overs extends the life and safe use of the pressure cooker. The ring doubles as a heat guard between the user's hand and the hot cooker body and the ring may be grabbed or pressed to create friction with the inner pot brim, inhibiting its spinning during cooking operations like stirring and serving.

A cooking appliance includes a knob assembly to emit light to improve an aesthetic feel and user convenience. The cooking appliance includes a main body having at least one heating source, a panel disposed in the main body and provided with a through hole, and a knob assembly coupled to the panel. The knob assembly includes a knob, at least one light source configured to emit light, a first light guide passing through the through hole and arranged to guide the light emitted from the light source, and a second light guide configured to guide the light guided by the first light guide to an outside of the knob.

A lighting system for an electric fireplace, and a fireplace assembly including such system, may include a plurality of logs arranged in different orientations and in different rows. Some of the logs may include a substantially planar surface facing forwards. A front projector may project a lighting effect onto the logs, including the substantially planar surfaces, and a rear projector may project a lighting effect onto a non-transparent screen positioned behind the plurality of logs. The lighting system desirably provides a realistic three-dimensional flame effect in conjunction with a log set having a natural, split-log appearance. Other features may be included to enhance the lighting system, including internal lights in the logs and in an ember bed, as well as coloration of the logs to enhance the lighting effects and the natural appearance of the logs.

An electric fire apparatus (110) having an improved simulated flame effect comprising: an outer casing (112) having an at least in part light-transmissible ember bed base (116) therein; a projection screen (124) positioned in front of the ember bed base (116); a rotating spindle (136) positioned below the ember bed base (116); a light source (138) arranged to direct light towards the rotating spindle (136); and a mirror assembly which defines a reflection chamber adjacent to the rotating spindle (136), the mirror assembly having at least a forward-facing reflective surface (134) for directing light scattered from the rotating spindle (136) through the ember bed base (116) onto the projection screen (124). An electric heating system is also provided.

A flame simulating assembly is provided with a reflected flickering light that includes only one light source. Light from the light source passes though a rotating flicker element onto one or more reflectors, or mirrors, that reflect light up onto a simulated fuel bed and the some of the light is reflected off of the flicker elements towards a flame screen to create a simulated flame. The clipping flicker elements creates a fluttering light effect due to the flicker elements intermittently dipping into the light path. This fluctuating light is reflected onto the logs and ember bed in front and creates a dancing effect, which simulates glowing embers.