CA2262867A1 - Fireplace with electric element - Google Patents

Abstract

A fireplace has a simulated wood fire display that includes simulated firelogs.
The display includes an electric heating element for operable to give ember or log simulating material a glowing appearance. The glowing caused by the electric element can be used alone or in conjunction with a gas burner that produces a flame display.
The glowing can be caused to vary over time to yield a changing fireplace appearance.

Description

FIREPLACE WITH ELECTRIC ELEMENT
This invention relates generally to fireplaces that have an electric element.
In particular it relates to fireplaces having a simulated log display and an electric heating element for causing a portion of the display to appear to glow.
Background Art Gas fireplaces generally include a casing for containing the fire, a firebox mounted within the casing in a manner which permits air from inside a dwelling to circulate thereabout and be warmed, a gas burner for connection to a gas supply, and an arrangement of simulated solid fuel material located relative to the burner in a manner intended to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In a typical, front opening fireplace, the casing and firebox are provided with an opening and a window respectively, by which means persons may view the fire. "Mufti-open"
fireplaces having two, three, four, or more viewing windows are also known. For example, a see-through fireplace has at least two parallel windows on opposite sides of the firebox.
A peninsula fireplace has windows on three sides of a four sided firebox. In some instances the simulated solid fuel is arranged to have the appearance of a coal fire, or bed of coals. In North America simulated wood log fires predominate. Gas fireplaces are also available as fireboxes, or merely as burner displays, for insertion into an existing fireplace enclosure.
The nature of simulated fire displays is such that it may be advantageous to locate the simulated logs in a generally rearwardly ascending display such that more of the fire is visible. Most commonly the simulated logs are arranged in a tier-like fashion. However the logs or coals may be arranged, it is generally desirable to produce a corresponding flame display that interacts with the logs in a manner which gives the appearance of the log set burning. The careful matching of burners to simulated log or simulated coal arrangements to produce aesthetically pleasing results is a science of much subtlety.

In terms of interaction between the flames and the simulated logs, it is known to direct gas jets against simulated log or ember materials to simulate the appearance of glowing coals, and that cooler flames have a more yellow appearance similar to the appearance of a natural wood fire. However, it is also known that directing flames to impinge upon relatively cool, high thermal mass ceramic or concrete logs may lead to incomplete combustion, sooting, and unacceptable pollutant emissions. One technique used to produce simulated glowing embers is to place a gas manifold in or beneath a bed of emberizing material, such as low density rock wool. Another technique is to direct flames at soft ceramic material, whose surface then glows. In either case, a stable flame pattern may yield a constantly glowing body rather than a flickering effect.
The production of a glowing portion of a log, or an ember strip, or a bed of simulated glowing coals, often involves the careful placement of ember simulating materials relative to flames emanating from a burner. In some instances the glowing material is loosely deposited on the burner itself, or in a tray about the burner. The glow produced may also vary on the installation of a log set on delivery, a relatively small change in the spacing between logs, or their relative angles of placement, may result in an unexpected hot or cool spot. It is advantageous to control the relative dimensions of adjacent glowing and non-glowing elements to reduce the likelihood of such unexpected results.
The appearance of the fire can be enhanced by having either glowing embers on the firebox floor, or by having portions of the log glow without the appearance of flames, to simulate glowing coals or embers. In some instances it may be difficult to obtain the desired effect with a gas burner. The embers may be on the firebox floor, such that it may be difficult either to locate a burner below them or to provide a desired airflow to achieve relatively clean combustion. Alternatively, the embers may be near the window in a position where only poor airflow is available. Further still, the desired glowing may be in a location where a flame heat source would be too visible in terms of the desired aesthetic effect. At other times, users may desire a modest, glowing appearance, yet may not wish to turn on the gas burner, either because they desire a low glow, or because they wish a glowing display without the full heat output of a gas burner. In all of these instances it would be desirable to have a heat source that can be heated to produce a glowing effect, without the need to use a gas burner.

Alternatively, it may be desirable to have a heat source that glows, with the glow being visible in some way, whether reflected or partially transmitted through an adjacent ember simulating medium such that the ember simulating medium appears to glow like a bed of glowing embers.
Additionally, inasmuch as a wood fire tends to change its appearance over time, it would be advantageous to be able to cause different portions of the display to glow at different times.
Summay of the Invention In one aspect of the invention there is a simulated fire display apparatus that comprises an electric heating element for connection in an electric circuit.
There is simulated fire display material for placement in a position adjacent to the electric 1 S heating element. The electric heating element is heatable to give the simulated fire display material a glowing appearance when in that position adjacent to the electric heating element.
In another aspect of the invention there is a simulated fire display apparatus.
The simulated fire display apparatus has an electric heating element for connection in an electric circuit. The display also has simulated fire display material for placement in a position to be heated by the electric heating element. The simulated fire display material is heatable to incandescence by the electric heating element when in that position.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is another electric heating element for connection in an electric circuit, and simulated fire display material for placement in a position to be heated by the other electric heating element. The heating elements are separately controllable.
In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is an electrical control for installation in the same electrical circuit as the electrical heating element, the control being operable in at least two positions. The electrical heating element is operable in two states, each state corresponding to one position of the control.

In still another further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is an electric control mountable in the same circuit as the electrical heating element. The control is operable in low, medium and high settings. The electric heating element is operable in low, medium and high heating states corresponding to the low medium and high settings of the control.
In yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is an electric control mountable in the same circuit as the electrical heating element, the control being continuously variable to permit continuously variable adjustment of the operation of the electrical heating element.
In still another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is a control mountable in the same circuit as the electrical heating element, the control having a fixed schedule for varying the operation of the electrical heating element as a function of time.
In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is a controller mountable in the same circuit as the electrical heating element. The controller has a schedule for varying the operation of the electrical heating element as a function of time.
The controller has at least one input interface, and is responsive to at least one input at the interface to vary the schedule.
In an alternative additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is a controller mountable in the same circuit as the electrical heating element.
The controller has a random input function to vary the operation of the electric heating element unpredictably as a function of time.
In yet another feature of that aspect of the invention. The controller has a programmable microprocessor for varying the operation of the electric heating element as a function of time. In still yet another feature of that aspect of the invention, the programmable microprocessor has a user programmable interface. In still yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the programmable microprocessor has a random number generator to permit operation of the electric heating element to vary unpredictably over time.

In a further feature of that aspect of the invention, the display has more than one electric heating element, simulated ember materials locatable for heating by respective ones of the elements to a glowing condition, and a microprocessor connected to control operation of the heating elements to cause the glow emitted from the display apparatus $ to vary over time.
In yet a further feature of that aspect of the invention, there is at least one simulated solid fuel element and a gas burner placed to produce flames adjacent to at least one of the at least one simulated solid fuel elements. In still a further feature of that aspect of the invention, the electric heating element and the gas burner are separately controllable.
In still yet a further feature of that aspect of the invention, the apparatus is locatable in a firebox having a floor and a viewing opening through which the simulated 1$ fire display apparatus can be seen. The simulated fire display material is simulated ember material for placement upon the floor to at least partially conceal the electric heating element, and the electric heating element is electrically insulated from the floor.
In another feature of that aspect of the invention the apparatus is locatable in a firebox having a floor and a viewing window. The electric heating element is located closer to the window than the solid fuel element. In yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the electric heater element is electrically insulated from the firebox floor, and the simulated ember material is heaped on the firebox floor generally forward of, and below, the simulated solid fuel element.
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In still another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a set of the solid fuel elements arranged to simulated a wood fire supported above the level of the firebox floor. The electric heater element is electrically insulated from the firebox floor, and the simulated fire display material is simulated ember material arrayed on the firebox floor to conceal the electric heater element.
In yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the electric heating element has a mounting for accommodating thermal expansion thereof. In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the mounting is a sliding mount. In yet a further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the electric heating element is bent.
In another aspect of the invention, there is a simulated flrelog for a simulated fire display. The firelog has a body formed to simulate, on a least one face thereof, the appearance of a piece of firewood. The body has an accommodation for an electric heating element. The firelog has an electric heating element located in the accommodation and has terminals for connection in an electric circuit. The simulated fire display material is located in a position adjacent to the electric heating element.
The simulated fire display material and the face are visible together. The electric heating element is operable to give the fire display material a glowing appearance.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the body includes a soft ceramic portion heatable by the electric element to a glowing state. In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the body has a shield for at least partially concealing the electric element from view. In yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is another accommodation, another electric heater element mounted therein, and simulated fire display material to be given a glowing appearance by the other element.
In another aspect of the invention, there is a fireplace display. The fireplace display has a set of simulated firelogs, simulated ember materials arrayed adjacent to the firelogs and an electric heater element mounted to give at least one of (a) at least a portion of one of the firelogs, and (b) at least some of the simulated ember materials, a glowing appearance.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the electric element is concealed from view by at least one of (a) at least a portion of one of the firelogs, and (b) at least some of the simulated ember materials.
In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, one of the simulated firelogs has a body formed to simulate, on a least one exposed portion thereof, the appearance of a piece of firewood. The body has an accommodation for an electric heating element. The electric heating element is located in the accommodation and has terminals for connection in an electric circuit. The simulated fire display material is located in a position to be given a glowing appearance by the electric heating element.
The simulated fire display material and the exposed portion are visible together.
In another further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is a burner for producing a flame pattern adjacent to at least one of the simulated firelogs. In yet another additional feature a simulated firelog has a portion placed to be heated to a glowing state by the burner.
In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the electric heater element is mounted to heat the simulated ember materials to a glowing state, and the simulated ember materials are located to conceal the electric heater element.
In yet another feature of that aspect of the invention, the simulated ember materials are placed to lie in the foreground of the simulated firelog having the portion placed to be heated to a glowing state by the burner.
In another aspect of the invention, there is a method of simulating the appearance of a fire. The method includes arranging a simulated fireplace display in a position to be viewed, the display including at least one portion to be given a glowing appearance, providing an electric heating element adjacent to the at least one portion, and operating the electric heating element to heat at least one of the portions to a glowing condition.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, in which the display has a burner for producing a flame array, and solid fuel simulating elements for interaction with the flame array, the method includes the step of operating the burner to produce the flame array while operating the electric heating element.
In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, there is the step of operating the electric heating element to heat at least one of the portions to a glowing condition and the step of operating the burner to heat another portion of the simulated fireplace display to a glowing condition.
In yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention in which the simulated fireplace display includes ember simulating elements, the step of arranging g includes placing a quantity of the ember simulating elements in the foreground of the display, and placing the electric heating element amongst the ember simulating elements.
In still yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention in which the display includes ember simulating elements and simulated firelogs, the step of arranging includes placing at least one of the simulated firelogs in the background of the display relative to the ember simulating materials, and the step of operating the burner includes producing flames in front of at least a portion of the one at least one, background, firelog, whereby the ember simulating materials and flames of the burner are both visible.
In still another additional feature of that aspect of the invention in which the display includes ember simulating elements, the step of arranging includes placing the ember simulating elements in a position to appear to at least partially underlie the solid fuel elements.
In yet a further additional feature of that aspect of the invention in which the display includes ember simulating elements and simulated fireplace gratework, the step of arranging includes placing the solid fuel elements in a position to appear to be resting on the gratework, and placing the ember simulating materials in a position to appear to at least partially underlie the gratework.
In still yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the step of operating the electric heating element includes varying the operation of the electric heating element over time. In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the step of operating includes varying the operation over time according to a fixed schedule. In an alternative additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the step of operating includes varying the operation over time according to a schedule input by a user.
In another alternative additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the step of operating includes varying the operation over time according to an automated schedule having a random input function. In a further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the step of operating the burner includes varying the flame array over time, and the step of operating the electric heating element includes varying the operation of the electric heating element over time.

In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the step of providing includes providing more than one electric heating element. The step of arranging includes arranging at least one of the portions in a position adjacent to each of the electric heating elements and the step of operating includes operating the electric heating elements to give the at least one portion a glowing appearance.
In yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, in which at least one of the portions to be given a glowing appearance includes ember simulating materials, the display includes at least one simulated firelog, and at least one of the portions to be given a glowing appearance is a portion of the simulated firelog, the step of operating includes heating one electric element to give the ember simulating materials a glowing appearance, and heating another electric element to give the portion of the simulated firelog a glowing appearance.
In still yet another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the step of providing includes providing a plurality of electric heating elements. The steps of operating the burner and of operating the electric heating elements include varying the operation of the burner and the electric elements over time to produce a time varying appearance of the fire.
Brief Descril?tion of the Drawings Figure 1 shows an example of a general arrangement, exploded view of a peninsula fireplace assembly suitable for incorporating an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a firebox floor panel of the fireplace assembly of Figure 1 with pan burners and electric heating elements as mounted thereon.
Figure 3 shows the floor panel of Figure 2 with burners removed and a pair of electric heating elements in exploded view.
Figure 4 shows a detail of the floor panel of Figure 3, as assembled.
Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a burner tray mountable in the floor panel of Figure 2.
Figure 6a shows an isometric view of the heating element of Figure 2.

Figure 6b shows a top view of the heating element of Figure 2.
Figure 6c shows a side view of the heating element of Figure 2.
Figure 6d shows an end view of the heating element of Figure 2.
Figure 6e shows an isometric view of an alternative heating element to that of 5 Figure 2 having end portions bent through a 90 degree corner.
Figure 6f shows an isometric view of an alternative heating element to that of Figure 2 having a U-shape.
Figure 7 shows a partial wiring diagram for the fireplace of Figure 1.
Figure 8 shows a front view of a log set mounted on an alternative pan burner 10 to the pan burners of Figure 2, with an electric heating element, shown in partial scrap view, embedded in simulated ember material.
Figure 9 shows a cross section of the alternative example of a fireplace of Figure 8.
Figure l0a shows an example of a fireplace having a single viewing window, in partially exploded view.
Figure lOb shows the fireplace of Figure l0a with window and front trim panels removed and an electric heating element in exploded view.
Figure 11 shows an example of a corner-installation fireplace similar to the fireplace of Figure 1.
Figure 12a shows a front view of an example of a simulated solid fuel element having electric heating elements embedded therein.
Figure 12b shows a cross section of the simulated fuel element of Figure 12a.
Figure 13 shows a schematic for automatic control of the fireplace of Figure 8.
Figure 14a shows a front view of an example of a simulated solid fuel element having electric heating elements cast therein.
Figure 14b shows a cross section of the simulated fuel element of Figure 14a.
Figure 15 shows a front view of an example of a simulated solid fuel element having electric heating elements mounted to the face thereof.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features of the invention.
Referring to Figure 1, a gas fireplace assembly is shown generally as 20. It has a firebox, 22, having a pair of end walls 24 and 26, a pair of front and rear walls 28 and 30, a floor 32, and an upper panel 34. The front, rear, and near end walls 24, 28 and 30 of firebox 22 are closed in by viewing panels, in the nature of windows 36 and 38 and 40 respectively. The far end wall, 26 is closed in by a panel in the nature of a metal sheet 42 having a stamped simulated brickwork pattern. Metal sheet 42 forms the inner wall of an air plenum 44. An end sheet in the form of a vertical channel section 46 encloses the end of fireplace 20, generally, and provides the balance of the periphery of air plenum 44.
Firebox 22 is mounted within a four cornered casing 52, having corner elements in the nature of the formed left and right corners of channel section 46, noted above, and front left and right hand near end corner pillars 54 and 56. Casing 52 has a bottom panel 58 and a top panel 60. Vertical stand-offs in the nature of mounting feet 62 and 64 stand upright from bottom panel 58, and support firebox floor 32 within the rectangular space defined by the corners of channel section 46 and pillars 54 and 56. The space between firebox floor 32 and bottom panel 58 defining a sub-floor plenum 70 that is closed in on front, rear and near end sides by vented trim panels 72, 74 and 76 respectively.
Similarly, upper panel 34 of firebox 22 is mounted within channel section 46 and pillars 54 and 56 with spacing from top panel 60 of casing 52 to define an upper plenum 78. The front, rear and near faces of plenum 78 are contained within louvered, or vented trim panels 80, 82, and 84 respectively.
A coaxial direct vent mounting 86 is shown mounted to top panel 60 of casing 52.
Mounting 86 mates with conventional co-axial ducting (not shown), whether rigid or flexible, that has external ambient intake and exhaust. Cool intake air enters the annular space between the outer ductwall and the inner duct wall. It is carried into a collector box (not visible) inside plenum 44, and downward in a set of parallel intake pipes (not visible) and under floor 32 where it flows in the space between floor 32 and a subfloor 220, (described below) before reaching the inside of firebox 22. Exhaust from firebox 22 flows through a flue 88 mounted in upper panel 34. Flue 88 extends to form the inner coaxial duct portion of co-axial fitting 86.
Plenums 70, 44 and 78 are connected such that room air that enters through the trim work of lower plenum 70 can flow upwardly in plenum 44, and can exit through the louvered or vented trimwork of upper plenum 78. A blower, or fan 90 as indicated in Figure 7, is mounted at the base of plenum 44 to enhance this flow, thereby tending to improve heat transfer to the room from fireplace assembly 20.
Firebox 22 contains a burner assembly 100, and a display assembly 102 that is mounted to co-operate with burner assembly 100 to produce a simulated solid fuel fireplace appearance. In the preferred embodiment display assembly 102 is in the nature of an array of soft ceramic, molded, simulated wood fire logs, but could be another type of display, such as a simulated coal fire display. Burner assembly 100 includes front and rear pan burners 104 and 106, and a gas control module 108 that is, in use, connected by gas piping to a source of gas fuel (not shown). In the preferred embodiment the fireplace is suited for burning natural gas, but in alternate embodiments it could use propane or some other suitable fuel.
In use gas is supplied to burners 104 and 106, which produce flame patterns corresponding to the shape and arrangement of the simulated firelogs to be situated upon them. In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, pan burners 104 and 106 are single venturi, flat pan burners, each having a flame port array 110 and 112 whence gas jets may emanate in a pattern to yield an aesthetically pleasing display when juxtaposed with the adjacent simulated solid fuel elements in the nature of simulated firelogs.
Display assembly 102 has a set of simulated solid fuel elements in the nature of soft ceramic moulded simulation logs 114, 116, 118, 120, 122 and 124. These logs are keyed to sit on burners 104 and 106 and to interact with the flame display.
Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4, in the preferred embodiment floor panel 32 is a sheet metal part having a stamped, simulated rectangular brickwork pattern.
A
rectangular opening 130 is defined generally centrally in floor panel 32, and a peripheral fitting in the nature of a flanged rectangular frame 132 is mounted thereabout. Frame 132 has a pair of long sides 134 and 136 running generally parallel to the planes defined by front and rear viewing windows 36 and 38, and a pair of short sides 138 and 140 running generally parallel to end walls 26 and 28 respectively. Each of these long and short sides has a flange bent to lie against, and for mounting to, floor 32 with screws (rivets, other fasteners, or a suitable bonding agent could be used).
Long sides 134 and 136 have upturned portions, or legs, 142 and 144, which stand substantially perpendicular to floor 32. Short sides 138 and 140 have notched upturned legs 148 and 150, the notches 152 and 154 being formed to give a positive locating index in the nature of an accommodation, or a seat for front and rear flat pan burners 104 and 106. Secondary intake air enters the firebox in the gap between burners 104 and 106.
Gratework, in the nature of a decorative, simulated grating element 160, with feet 162 and 164 is mounted to stand upon floor 32 before burner 104, partially hiding or disguising it. A similar simulated grating element is placed between burner 106 and window 38. Although the relatively plain grating element, 130, is preferred, other simulated grating elements can be used, such as that shown in Figure 8 that has upturned tines 166 to simulate the ends of cross rungs such as support wooden logs in a fireplace. Other styles of grating or grillwork can be used. In simulated fireplaces of this nature the gratework, whether including gratings, grilles, andirons or similar items, need not actually support the firelog display. Rather, the gratework tends to give the appearance of supporting the logs in the manner of a real wood (or possibly coal) fire, whether it does or not.
Floor panel 32 need not be a stamped sheet metal part, but could be a moulded part, such as can be made from metal, or ceramic, whether low density ceramic or high density ceramic. A ceramic part could include one or more ceramic elements intended to operate at pyrolytic temperatures. Upturned legs 148 and 150 of short sides 138 and 140 of frame 102 can be cut not only to support flat pan burners 84 and 86 of the preferred embodiment, but also, with suitable changes in fireplace and display dimensions, to support flat pan burners in a tiered arrangement, that is, at different heights in an ascending, or step wise manner, or to support stepped pan burners, or to support a tube burner or burners of single or multiple burner runs. Further still, the sides of frame 132 can be cut and formed to support elements of a log display directly.
Electric heating elements 170 and 172, in the nature of glowing ember rods, are shown in Figure 4. The mounting of these elements is typified in Figure 2, in which element 170 is shown standing upwardly of floor 32, extending generally parallel to, and forwardly of, burner 104 and decorative grating element 160. In this position simulated solid fuel ember materials in the nature of simulated ash, charcoal or clinkers, indicated generally as 174, can be placed, piled, heaped, or arrayed on or about heating elements 170 (or 172, as the case may be) both to conceal or camouflage element 170, and to be given a glowing appearance by it in use. Only a sample of ember materials 174 is shown in Figure 2 for the purpose of conceptual illustration. In use ember materials 174 tend to conceal all, or nearly all, of element 170.
Some small parts of element 170 can remain visible though the small, interstitial gaps between 1 S ember materials 174 In the preferred embodiment, simulated ember materials 174 are soft ceramic lumps having the shape of pieces of gravel or relatively large pebbles.
These lumps, or portions of them, are suitable for heating to incandescence (that is, to a glowing condition) when placed against electric heating elements 170 and 172. When several such lumps are placed about electric heating element 170, or 172, the element heats those portions of the lumps contacting the element to a glowing temperature.
Part of the glow from element 170 is diffusely reflected off the surfaces of adjacent lumps, and is filtered through the spaces between the lumps to yield the appearance of a glowing bed of embers. Ember materials 174 can be made of soft ceramic as preferred, or alternatively, of glass wool, rock wool, or other suitable material for heating to a glowing temperature.
In an alternative embodiment, ember materials 174 can be loose vermiculite heaped on or about elements 170 and 172. It has been noted that vermiculite particles tend not to glow to the same extent as the soft ceramic lumps, but rather tend to lie loosely such that the reddish glow of the electric heating rods (elements 170 and 172, for example) is filtered up through the vermiculite to give the appearance of a glowing bed of coals or embers. That is, the simulated ember materials can be heated to a temperature at which they glow, or they can act as a filtering, transmitting, or reflecting medium for interacting with the thermal radiation in the visible spectrum 1$
(that is, the glow) emanating from the heating elements themselves, without necessarily glowing themselves, or both. In either case, heating element 170 gives the display the appearance of glowing solid fuel elements, or glowing portions of a solid fuel element in the nature of a bed of embers, of charcoal, or the like.
In the preferred embodiment of Figure 3, heating elements 170 and 172 are of identical design. Referring to the more detailed drawings of Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d, heating element 170 (or 172) has a relatively long, substantially straight central portion 180 having a length corresponding generally to the length of flat pan burner 104 (or 106). At either end of straight portion 180 there is an arcuate, or bulbous portion 182 having an exaggerated arc that has a first, upwardly bending portion 184, of about 60 degrees of arc, and then a reverse bend, downwardly bending portion 186, of about 150 degrees of arc. Extending vertically downwardly from the distal end of bulbous portion 182 is a termination prong 188, having at its farthest end a spade terminal, 190. A sleeve 192 is formed about the midst of prong 188, and a fitting, in the nature of a mounting plate 194 is located to mount to sleeve 192. Mounting plate 194 has a location pick-up hole 196.
Floor 32 has a pair of rectangular slots 200 provided to accommodate the prongs 188 at one end of each heating element 170 and a pair of through clearance holes 201 to accommodate the prongs at their other respective ends. Adjacent to slots 200 are a pair of holes 202 and 204. A slide fitting 206 is mounted to holes 202 and 204 to capture an edge of mounting plate 194. The bulbous ends of heating element 170, and the accommodation of slots 200 permit some tolerance of thermal expansion along the length of heating element 170.
The bulbous shape is preferred because it facilitates placement of portion 180 closer to floor 32, without touching, than would otherwise be the case with a single 90 degree bend commencing at floor level, as shown in the alternative embodiment of Figure 6e. This smaller clearance distance tends to permit a reduction in the amount of ember material required to screen or conceal element 170. An optional insulated stand-off leg 208 is shown at mid span of straight portion 180, and is provided to maintain a spacing between portion 180 and floor 32. Alternative shapes and sizes of stand-off can be used, including bi-pod stand-offs, angle brackets, and insulated disc spacers. A stand-off is not necessary where the length of the span is relatively short, such that adequate support is provided at ends. In Figure 6e, an alternate heating element 210 is shown having 90 degree rounded corners 212 in place of the bulbous corners described above.
In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the heating elements, the simulated ember materials, and associated electrical connection and stand-off hardware can be provided as a kit for retro-fit installation in existing direct vent, B-vent or fireplace insert units. In the preferred embodiment heating element 170 is a nominally 19" (48 cm) long, 425 W heating element made by Glengarry Industries of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. In an alternative embodiment, a nominally 24" (60 cm) long 575 W
heating element has been used, also manufactured by Glengarry Industries.
Although heating elements 170 and 172 are preferred, it is not necessary that either heating element be formed in a straight line, or that they be the same in size and shape. They could, for example, have a generally U-shaped profile, like the horseshoe shaped element 214 shown in isometric view in Figure 6f, or an arbitrarily shaped meandering profile, such as, for example, for following the contours of one or more simulated logs, or for following a ridge of simulated ash and embers. The profile need not be planar, but could extend out-of plane (that is, in three dimensions), subject to the ability to mask, camouflage, or hide, the heating element from view with either simulated embers, simulated logs, grillwork, supports, or other structure within firebox 22. Thermal expansion of the heating element is a consideration in choosing the shape and size of the element, and the means for masking it from view. An alternate style of stand-off clip is illustrated as 212 in Figure 6f.
Burner assembly 100 also has a burner tray, or subfloor 220 having a pair of upwardly formed flanges 222 and 224 that are fastened to the supporting structure of fireplace 20. A web 228 extends between, and perpendicular to, flanges 222 and 224. Gas control module 108 is mounted to the underside of a mounting plate 232 that locates generally centrally in the well-like area between flanges 222 and 224, and web 228. An electronically operated pilot assembly controlled by gas control module 108 is indicated as 234. A pair of gas fittings 236 and 238 are located to deliver gas to the inlet nozzles (not shown) of flat pan burners 104 and 106 when those burners are in place.
Heating element lead wires 240, 242, 244 and 246 with sockets for mating with spade terminals 190 are fed through a grommetted aperture 250, and are arrayed to connect with the respective ends of heating elements 170 and 172. A wiring diagram is shown in Figure 7, and shows the relationship of a manually operated switch 252 and other fireplace circuitry, such as a connector 254 for connection to a source of line power, and for heat exchange fan 90. In the preferred embodiment shown, a single switch is operable to turn on both heating elements 170, 172.
Although a single manually operated switch is preferred, in alternative embodiments it is possible to use individual switches for each element. In this way, if people are seated only to one side of the fireplace, only one element need be turned on.
Users may also prefer a lower heat output, or lower electrical consumption in some instances. Further still, although only two heating elements are used, to present the appearance of glowing embers along the long sides of display assembly 102, additional elements can be used, such as along the near end of display assembly 102 to present, for example, a bed of glowing coals extending generally parallel to window 40. It is not necessary that more than one electric element be used. For example, in some circumstances, such as for fires having a single viewing window, a single heating element may be satisfactory. Further, subject to allowance for thermal expansion and contraction of the heating elements, a single heating element could be shaped to extend for heating embers on more than one side of the fire display.
In the preferred embodiment, the simulated ember materials include a loose stainless steel wool skein, or strands, or tufts, that have been placed next to heating element 170 or 172. Preferably, the stainless steel wool is formed into a thin, inverted U-shape akin to a channel, to sit over heating element 170. Other simulated ember materials, namely soft ceramic lumps, or alternatively, vermiculite particles, are then placed in contact with, upon, or cradled by, the stainless steel wool. The loose stainless steel wool has a tendency to entangle the ember materials, and to discourage the soft ceramic lumps, or, alternatively, the vermiculite particles, from migrating away from heating element 170 or 172. In this way the stainless steel wool acts as a fouling or entanglement medium, or as a retaining medium for discouraging the migration of the other ember simulating elements that might otherwise occur more rapidly as a result of repeated thermal expansion and contraction of heating element 170 or 172.

In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the simulated embers can be retained by bonding or mechanical means in a permanent position to form a ridge or berm on either side of the heating elements to discourage or prevent loose ember simulating materials heaped on top of the heating elements from migrating away from the heating elements S repeated use. Alternatively, the electric element can be located within a permanent, loosely packed berm of simulated ember material. In a fizrther alternative embodiment, floor 32 can be provided with ember retaining brackets, or can be formed with ripples or contours, to discourage or prevent heaped embers from moving away from the heating elements after repeated thermal cycling.
The present invention is not only applicable to peninsula fireplaces, but also to single window fireplaces, such as gas fireplace 280 shown in Figures l0a and lOb, and to other forms of multiple viewing window fireplaces such as see through fireplaces having two windows on opposite side of the fire, and two opaque end panels, and to corner fireplaces, such as indicated as 290 in Figure 11 (whether left or right handed) having viewing windows on two adjacent sides such as may meet at a common corner; or all around fireplaces in which all sides permit viewing of the fire. Such all around fires can be produced in four sided configurations as well as six or eight-sided shapes.
The invention can be employed with direct-vent fireplaces, or with conventional draft fireplaces that draw in ambient room air and exhaust combustion products to the exterior environment. It may be employed with enclosed flame displays in a sealed direct vent unit, a B-vent unit, retro-fit gas burning fireplace inserts, and open display gas fireplaces in which the flame is not enclosed behind viewing panels, but is open, or visible through a steel mesh grill or spark curtain.
An alternative gas fireplace display assembly 300 includes a set of simulated solid fuel elements 310, in the nature of a set of simulated wood firelogs, shown in Figure 8.
Set 310 includes a lower front log 312, a lower rear log 314, an upper central log 316, front near and far end cross logs 318 and 320, and top cross logs 322 and 324.
These simulated logs are positioned atop stepped pan burners 330 and 332 in positions to interact with the flame pattern produced by those burners. That interaction includes impingement of flames on visible face portions of logs 312, 314, and 316.
These logs, being made of soft ceramic material, will tend to glow when heated in this manner.
Further, the flame port arrays of burners 330 and 332 are such that generally larger flames are formed in the gaps 334 and 336 between the respective lower and center logs. In alternative embodiments, such as those in which higher density ceramic logs, such as for example concrete logs, are used, it may be desired to avoid flame impingement, yet still maintain the visual interaction of flames flickering in front of log elements.
S
Gas fireplace assembly 300 is shown in cross section in Figure 9. Burners 330 and 332 sit upon support structure in the nature of a burner tray 340, for location upon firebox floor 342. Each burner 330 or 332 includes an outward lower burner manifold 344 in the form of a ported flat pan burner section for providing flames to the simulated log elements nearer to the respective window and an upper, inward burner manifold 346 stepped upwardly and inwardly from lower burner manifold 344, for providing flames to the more inwardly located simulated display elements. Burners 330 and 332 are supported by left and right hand angle brackets 350 and 352 affixed to tray 340.
Burner 330 has a body in the form of a sheet metal shell. It has inlets 354 and 356, through which burner can receive combustible gases from a conventional gas control and gas train (not shown). Burner 330 has an array of gas ports that permit the egress of combustible gas therefrom in the form of a gas jets such that, when lit, the jets produce a flame pattern in the neighborhood of the simulated fire display of log set 310. Pilot 358, suitably concealed in the midst of the simulated fire display, log set 310, and only partially visible in Figure 9, provides the initial ignition source. Arrays of flame carry-over ports (not visible) carry the flame between upper and lower portions of burners 330 and 332.
Lower front log 312 has an upper, predominantly dark brown bark simulating region 360, a cream or beige region 362 to simulate a split wood surface, a blackened region 364 to simulate a charred surface, and cut end regions 366 and 368 on either end to give the appearance of sawn firewood. Each of regions 360, 362, 364, 366, and 368 has a texture and color pattern appropriate to its role. Other features of log 312 include pickup points for alignment on burner 330, and locating pads for logs 318 and 320. These features, locating points on burners 330 and 332, grilles, andirons and other common fireplace features are known. A simulated grating 372 is provided having upturned tines 166. The base of tines 166 and standoffs 376, or equivalent, sit under log 312 to give an air space 378 above burner 330. Lower rear log 314 and central log 316 each have corresponding bark simulating, split wood simulating, blackened, and sawn regions.

It is intended that only portions of logs 312, 314 and 316 lying within their respective blackened regions be subjected to sufficient heating to cause glowing. Each blackened region 364 has protruding pads 380 which, when glowing, provide an appearance not unlike that of glowing charcoal. As can be seen in the front view of log 5 set 310 provided in Figure 8, blackened region 364 has a larger visible area than blackened region 382 of central log 316. Region 382 is at least partially hidden from view behind log 312. The visual attractiveness of the fire is thought to be enhanced by encouraging relatively large flames to rise in gaps 334 and 336 to give the appearance of an ample blaze, and by enhancing the orange and red glow given off' by the relatively larger and 10 more prominent blackened region 364 of log 312 (or 314, as the case may be). This enhancement can include altering the air-fuel mix and using a different pattern of apertures, in the upper portion of burners 330 and 332 as compared to their lower portions.
1 S Loose heapings of simulated charcoal embers are indicated generally as 386 and 388, and serve not only to create a suitable fire-like appearance, but also to conceal supporting angle brackets 350 and 352. These heapings are located generally below grating 372, and between grating 372 and either of windows 390 and 392.
Simulated embers 386 and 388 are made of soft ceramic material. In alternative embodiments 20 they can also be made of spun glass, rock wool, vermiculite or other similar materials as noted above. Heating elements 394 and 396 extend through heapings 386 and 388, and are connected to sockets as described above and interact with the simulated ember materials to produce a glowing appearance, as described above.
Different arrangements of fireplace elements are possible. In some instances, particularly those in which no simulated gratework is employed, the fireplace will tend to appear as a wood fire resting on a bed of embers. That is, the simulated ember materials will tend to appear to underlie at least a portion of the solid fuel simulating elements, (that is, as illustrated as firelogs). When the simulated solid fuel elements are raised above the firebox floor, and gratework is shown, the simulated ember materials may tend to be placed to appear to underlie the gratework, as if having fallen between the bars. Alternatively, whether in a single viewing window display or in a multi-viewing window display, simulated ember materials can be placed to lie generally in front of, and at a lower height than, the simulated firelogs, or gratework, such that the simulated ember materials lie in the foreground of the display, as seen by the viewer, and the firelogs are seen (relative to the simulated ember materials) in the background.
For example, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 and 8, the viewer can be presented with a glowing bed of embers in the foreground of the display, and a flame array set against a background of logs. The simulated ember materials can be of the type suitable for heating to provide the desired glowing ember appearance, while at the same time serving to assist in the concealment of one or more of such items as the gas burner, gas control, electric heating element, and support bracket structure.
In the embodiment of Figures 12a and 12b a simulated solid fuel element, in the nature of a simulated flrelog is indicated as 400. For convenience of description it is shown having a generally similar appearance to that of firelog 312 described above.
This appearance is arbitrarily chosen, and a different appearance could be chosen without departing from the principles of the invention. Firelog 400 differs from firelog 312 in that firelog 400 has two pockets, 402 and 404 and heating elements 406 and 408 mounted, or embedded in pockets 402 and 404 respectively. Pockets 402 and 404 are generally similar, so that a description of cross-section '12b-12b' of pocket 402 serves to describe the nature of pocket 404 as well.
Pocket 402 has a lip 410 that at least partially hides heating element 406 so that it is not directly visible by a person viewing log 400 from the direction indicated by arrow ' A' . Lip 410 need not be very thick in cross section to perform this function, and can have an irregularly profiled edge to approximate a burnt portion of a log. A
camouflage, or shielding element, such as a baffle , in the nature of simulated grillwork, could also be used for this purpose.
Relatively loose ember materials 412 of appropriate colour and shape, are mounted within pocket 402 to appear to form a portion 414 of an exposed face 416 of log 400. Ember materials 412, like the glowing ember materials described above, are made of materials suitable for heating to an incandescent state, or can be arranged, typically with interstitial gaps, relative to a glowing source to give a glowing appearance. In use, the glowing effect of ember materials 412 is to meld with the general appearance of face 416 of firelog 400. Ember materials 412 can be held in place by gravity, can be bonded in place, or can be mechanically retained by other means, such as an interference fit. Connector sockets 418, 420, 422 and 424 protrude from a hidden side, in the example illustrated, the bottom, of firelog 400 to permit heating elements 406 and 408 to be connected to mating connectors, in the nature of mating sockets, of an electrical circuit or circuits.
S
A fireplace display assembly can have more than one log, like firelog 400, that is equipped with one or more electrical heating elements. A fireplace display can have a combination of heating elements, such as element 170, for heating loose embers heaped on floor 32, and firelogs, such as firelog 400 having embedded electrical heating elements. In a further elaboration of the principles of the invention, the heating elements can be operated at different settings, whether high, low or medium, or on a continuously variable range, to produce a dull red glow, a brighter orange glow, a nearly white appearance, or, in the case of a continuously variable element, some other intermediate effect.

Further, each heating element, whether a firebox floor ember heating element like element 170 or 172, or a firelog heating element like element 406 or 408 can be connected to be separately operable to cause a portion of the firelog to appear to glow, either on a manual control, on a set timed schedule, or on a micro-processor controlled random schedule to permit greater unpredictable variability of the glowing appearance.
Figure 13 shows a schematic illustration of a control system 430 for a multi-element fireplace, such as fireplace assembly 300. A Microprocessor 432 receives inputs from a user operable control panel, 434, a timer 436, a non-volatile memory 2S 438, a device having a random output, such as a random number generator 440, and a self test fault input source 442. Microprocessor 430 controls outputs to four burner gas flow control valves 444, 446, 448, and 450, and to four electric heater element controls, such as potentiometers 452, 454, 456 and 458. The number of burner and electric heating elements could be larger or smaller, four each are chosen for the purposes of illustration.
In operation, the user can choose to set a manual override 460 to 'manual' , in which case the user can operate fireplace 300 in an 'On-Off' manner.
Alternatively, if placed in a microprocessor controlled operation mode, a self test fault from source 442 can also turn the system off, and extinguish the fire. Self test can include sensing to monitor for electrical or logic faults, or can test for over-temperature, excess accumulation of fuel in the firebox, excess carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, or for insufficient draft.
If in microprocessor control mode, a user can use a user programmable interface, in the nature of a keypad of control panel 434, to key in an operating profile in the nature of a time versus heating element or burner element schedule.
Alternatively, the user can select automatic operation using a permanent operating schedule placed in non-volatile memory 438, typically a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), and the fire will operate according to a preset program to vary the appearance of the fire over time by varying the output signals sent to valves 444, 446, 448 and 450 or to potentiometers 452, 454, 456, or 458. An operator may be given the choice of one preset schedule to be chosen from among several. In a further alternative, the user can select an automated schedule having a random input function, as from random number generator 440, to permit microprocessor 300 to generate an operating schedule. In this way rather than repeating a known schedule over and over, as in the case of a fixed memory, the appearance of the display can vary each time it is used in a pattern not previously seen.
In a further alternate variation shown in Figures 14a, and 14b, a simulated firelog 500, is drawn for convenience as having the same general form as log 400. In Figure 14a, the face of firelog 500 is shown in a partial, or scab section to reveal internal features. In the scab section, firelog 500 is shown having a heating array 502 made of heating wires 504 of smaller diameter than heating elements 406 and 408.
Array 502 can be arbitrarily formed in a desired contour to follow features of face 506 of log 500. That is, the wires of array 502 run generally side-by-side and are to be electrically connected in parallel. When log 500 is cast, array 502 is captured in the casting as an insert, at a relatively shallow depth behind front face 506, of the order of one, two or a very few millimetres. It may be advantageous to cast array 502 within a higher density, more thermally conductive ceramic pallet 508 than the soft ceramic used for the majority of the body of log 500, given the high insulative quality of soft ceramic material generally. The ceramic chosen for pallet 508 should be suitable for heating to a glowing temperature, a possible material being a plaque burner ceramic material. Array 502 has connectors 510 and 512 similar to connectors 418 and noted above. In other alternative embodiments it would be possible to have more than one such heating array like array 502, formed to some other portion of log 500, such that separate portions of the log can be caused to glow either together or on different, varying schedules over time. It is not necessary that the individual heating wires have round cross-section, a ribbon or generally rectangular section may also be possible.
In another alternative embodiment as shown in Figure 15, a firelog 550 is again represented in the same general form as firelog 400 previously described.
However, firelog 550 has a glowing faceplate portion 552, formed with a surface resembling a charred log surface, made of a heatable carbide of other material, such as silicon carbide, that can be heated to a glowing condition when provided with electric current.
Faceplate portion 552 can be formed of a large number of discrete silicon carbide elements, each formed to approximate the appearance of charcoal pieces 554 on the face of a log, and each having a relatively thin cross-section. Faceplate portion 552 seats within a cast log body 556 such as can be made of soft ceramic or other suitable log simulating material.
Various embodiments of the invention have now been described in detail. Since changes in and or additions to the above-described best mode may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is not to be limited to those details, but only by the appended claims.

Claims (49)

1. A simulated fire display apparatus comprising:
an electric heating element for connection in an electric circuit; and simulated fire display material for placement in a position adjacent to said electric heating element;
said electric heating element being heatable to give said simulated fire display material a glowing appearance when in said position.

2. The simulated fire display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising another electric heating element for connection in an electric circuit, simulated fire display material for placement in a position adjacent to said other electric heating element, said one and another heating elements being separately controllable.

3. The simulated fire display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrical control for installation in the same electrical circuit as said electrical heating element, said control being operable in at least two positions, and said electrical heating element being operable in two states, each corresponding to one position of said control.

4. The simulated fire display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electric control mountable in the same circuit as said electrical heating element, said control being operable in low, medium and high settings, and said electric heating element being operable in low medium and high heating states corresponding to said low medium and high settings of said control.

5. The simulated fire display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electric control mountable in the same circuit as said electrical heating element, said control being continuously variable to permit continuously variable adjustment of the operation of said electrical heating element.

6. The simulated fire display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control mountable in the same circuit as said electrical heating element, said control having a fixed schedule for varying the operation of said electrical heating element as a function of time.

7. The simulated fire display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller mountable in the same circuit as said electrical heating element, said controller having a schedule for varying the operation of said electrical heating element as a function of time, said controller having at least one input interface, said controller being responsive to at least one input at said interface to vary said schedule.

8. The simulated fire display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller mountable in the same circuit as said electrical heating element, said controller having a random input function to vary the operation of said electric heating element unpredictably as a function of time.

9. The simulated fire display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller mountable in the same circuit as said electrical heating element, said controller having a programmable microprocessor for varying the operation of said electric heating element as a function of time.

10. The simulated fire display of claim 9 wherein said programmable microprocessor has a user programable interface.

11. The simulated fire display of claim 9 wherein said programmable microprocessor has a random number generator to permit operation of said electric heating element to vary unpredictably over time.

12. The simulated fire display of claim 9 wherein said display has more than one electric heating element, simulated ember materials locatable adjacent to respective ones of said elements, and said microprocessor is connected to control operation of said heating elements to cause the glowing appearance of said display apparatus to vary over time.

13. The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one simulated solid fuel element and a gas burner placed to produce flames adjacent to at least one of said at least one solid fuel elements.

14. The display apparatus of claim 13 wherein said electric heating element and said gas burner are separately controllable.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, said apparatus being locatable in a firebox, the firebox having a floor and a viewing opening through which the simulated fire display apparatus can be seen, wherein said simulated fire display material is simulated ember material for placement upon the floor to at least partially conceal said electric heating element.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, said apparatus being locatable in a firebox having a floor and a viewing window, wherein said electric heating element is located closer to the window than said solid fuel element.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said simulated fire display material is simulated ember material, and said simulated ember material is positioned generally forward of, and below, said solid fuel element.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said apparatus includes a set of said solid fuel elements arranged to simulate a wood fire supported above the level of said firebox floor, and said simulated fire display material is simulated ember material arrayed on the firebox floor to conceal said electric heater element.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electric heating element has a mounting for accommodating thermal expansion thereof.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said mounting is a sliding mount.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electric heating element is bent.

22. A simulated firelog for a simulated fire display, comprising a body formed to simulate, on a least one face thereof, the appearance of a piece of firewood, said body having an accommodation for an electric heating element; an electric heating element located in said accommodation and having terminals for connection in an electric circuit; simulated fire display material located in a position adjacent to said electric heating element, said simulated fire display material and said face being visible together, and said electric heating element being operable to give said simulated fire display material a glowing appearance.

23. The simulated firelog of claim 22 wherein said simulated fire display material includes a soft ceramic portion heatable by said electric element to a glowing state.

24. The simulated firelog of claim 22 wherein said body has a shield for at least partially concealing said electric element from view.

25. The simulated firelog of claim 22, further comprising another accommodation, another electric heater element mounted therein, and simulated fire display material to be given a glowing appearance by said other element.

26. A fireplace display comprising a set of simulated firelogs, simulated ember materials arrayed adjacent to said firelogs and an electric heater element mounted to give at least one of (a) at least a portion of one of said firelogs and (b) at least some of said simulated ember materials, the appearance of glowing.

27. The fireplace display of claim 26 wherein said electric element is at least partially concealed from view by at least one of (a) at least a portion of one of said firelogs and (b) at least some of said simulated ember materials.

28. The fireplace display of claim 26 wherein one of said simulated firelogs has a body formed to simulate, on a least one exposed portion thereof, the appearance of a piece of firewood, said body having an accommodation for an electric heating element;
said electric heating element being located in said accommodation and having terminals for connection in an electric circuit; simulated fire display material located in a position

29 adjacent to said electric heating element, said simulated fire display material and said exposed portion being visible together.
29. The fireplace display of claim 28, further comprising a burner for producing a flame pattern adjacent to at least one of said simulated firelogs.

30. The fireplace display of claim 29, further comprising a simulated firelog having a portion thereof placed to be heated to a glowing state by said burner.

31. The fireplace display of claim 26 wherein said electric heater element is mounted to heat at least a portion of said simulated ember materials to a glowing state, and said simulated ember materials are located to conceal said electric heater element.

32. The fireplace assembly of claim 31, further comprising a burner for producing a flame pattern adjacent to at least one of said simulated firelogs.

33. The fireplace display of claim 31, further comprising a simulated firelog having a portion thereof placed to be heated to a glowing state by said burner.

34. The fireplace display of claim 33 wherein said simulated ember materials are placed to lie in the foreground of the simulated firelog that has the portion placed to be heated to a glowing state by said burner.

35. A method of simulating the appearance of a fire, comprising the steps of:
arranging a simulated fireplace display in a position to be viewed, the display including at least one portion for simulating a glowing firelog appearance;
locating an electric heating element adjacent to the portion for simulating the glowing firelog appearance; and operating the electric heating element to give the one portion a glowing firelog appearance.

36. The method of claim 35, the display including a burner for producing a flame array, and simulated solid fuel elements for interaction with the flame array, wherein said method includes the step of operating the burner to produce the flame array while operating the electric heating element.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising, while operating the electric heating element, the step of operating the burner to heat another portion of the simulated fireplace display to a glowing condition.

38. The method of claim 36, the simulated fireplace display including ember simulating elements, wherein the step of arranging includes placing a quantity of the ember simulating elements in the foreground of the display, and placing the electric heating element amongst the ember simulating elements.

39. The method of claim 36, the display including ember simulating elements and simulated firelogs, wherein the step of arranging includes placing at least one of the simulated firelogs in the background of the display relative to the ember simulating materials, and the step of operating the burner includes producing flames in front of at least a portion of the one at least one, background, firelog, whereby the glowing appearance of the embers and the flames produced by the burner are both visible.

40. The method of claim 36, the display including ember simulating elements, wherein the step of arranging includes placing the ember simulating elements in a position to appear to at least partially underlie the solid fuel elements.

41. The method of claim 36, the display including ember simulating elements and simulated fireplace gratework, wherein the step of arranging includes placing the solid fuel elements in a position to appear to be resting on the gratework, and placing the ember simulating materials in a position to appear to at least partially underlie the gratework.

42. The method of claim 35 wherein the step of operating the electric heating element includes varying the operation of the electric heating element over time.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein the step of operating includes varying the operation over time according to a fixed schedule.

44. The method of claim 42 wherein the step of operating includes varying the operation over time according to a schedule input by a user.

45. The method of claim 42 wherein the step of operating includes varying the operation over time according to an automated schedule having a random input function.

46. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of operating the burner includes varying the flame array over time, and the step of operating the electric heating element includes varying the operation of the electric heating element over time.

47. The method of claim 35 wherein the step of locating includes providing more than one electric heating element, the step of arranging includes arranging at least one of the portions of the display in a position to be heated by at least one of the electric heating elements, and the step of operating includes operating the electric heating elements to heat those portions to a glowing condition.

48. The method of claim 47, at least one of the portions to be heated to a glowing condition including ember simulating materials, the display including at least one simulated firelog, and at least one of the portions to be heated being a portion of the simulated firelog, the step of operating including heating the ember simulating materials to a glowing condition, and heating a portion of the simulated firelog to a glowing condition.

49. The method of claim 36, the step of locating including providing a plurality of electric heating elements, the steps of operating the burner and of operating the electric heating elements including varying the operation of the burner and the electric elements over time to produce a time varying appearance of the fire.