Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ROTATING
A FIRE, A FLAME, A SMOKE PLUME, OR FOR CIRCULATING HEAT
Background of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for rotating a fire, flame, a plume of smoke
or
for circulating heat.
Light, especially candlelight, and/or smoke-producing devices are known.
With such known devices, a heat source and a means for generating a flame
and/or a
plume of smoke is arranged in a chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet.
The gas
inlet opening and the heat source are arranged at a bottom of the chamber and
the gas
outlet opening is arranged in an upper region of the chamber, so that, an
ascending gas
flow (draft) is produced in the chamber.
With such known devices, a flame or a plume can be moved, but apart from an
irregular motion caused by the gas flow turbulence generated by a flame or
smoke
plume, or the draft of air in a room or in an exterior environment, there are
no regular
movements, and especially no functionality which rotates a flame or a plume of
smoke.
The goal of the invention is to solve the problem of providing a device for
light and/or smoke generation which imparts rotation to a flame or a plume of
smoke,
or which circulated heat to promote efficient heat convection, using the
simplest
possible means.
Summary of the Invention
This problem is solved in the above-described device, by providing a gas inlet
opening formed as a channel or a nozzle, wherein the gas inlet channel or gas
inlet
nozzle is designed so that gas flows through them into the chamber in the
lower
volume thereof, rotating about the heat source and then following a spiral
path toward
the gas outlet opening. Alternatively or in addition to the inventive
solution, at least
two, and preferably three or more gas inlet openings can be provided in the
above-
described device which are each configured to allow an inflowing gas to flow
through
them into the chamber into the lower chamber volume in a rotating flow around
the
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heat source and to follow the same or analogous courses as gas entering from
other
such inlets. Both inventive solutions enable the rotating of a flame or a
plume of
smoke by passive means.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the inventive device, the gas
inlet openings are each designed to direct inflowing gas through them into the
chamber in a gas inflow direction, the direction vector of which has one
component
parallel to a tangent to an imaginary circle which corresponds with the
directional
sense of rotation, which extends inside the chamber in a plane level with the
heat
source and which rotates about this in a circle around the chamber's center,
and
wherein the at least two gas inlet openings are preferably arranged at evenly
spaced
locations in the chamber wall along the imaginary circle surrounding the heat
source.
It is believed that the optimal sense of rotation of the gas in the chamber is
dependent
on whether the device is to be used in the northern or southern hemisphere of
the
planet. Due to the jets of gas flowing into the chamber in the same rotational
sense,
each of which avoiding the heat source, a rotational movement of the gas
inside the
chamber is generated around the heat source. When the heat source is a flame,
this
rotational movement of the gas in the chamber moves around the flame to the
flame,
so that the flame is also rotated therewith. A typical plume of smoke rising
above the
heat source follows a helical, winding, upward path around a vertical axis to
the upper
gas outlet.
Preferably, the chamber is formed by a chamber housing, wherein the lower
part of the chamber is formed as an enlarged portion and wherein the upper
area of the
chamber acts as a chimney to the enlarged portion. The enlarged portion
accommodates the heat source and, if necessary, the smoke source, while the
chimney-section produces, along with the directed gas inlet openings in the
base of
the chamber, an ascent path of the gases in the chamber induced by the draft
created
by the heat source.
The gas inlet openings can be formed as gas inflow oriented channel sections
or can be formed as nozzles. Thus the air current of an inlet gas through a
gas inlet
opening is forced along a flow direction following the direct line of
communication,
whether straight or curved, between the location of the respective gas inlet
opening
and the enlarged area of the chamber in which the heat source is located.
Alternatively
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or additionally, concerning the gas inlet openings, the means of orientation
of gas
inflow may be located on the inside of the chamber wall. In a specific
embodiment,
these channel sections are formed as a straight channel extending from the
outside to
the inside wall of the chamber through the chamber wall, as a hole or bore
through the
chamber wall. Instead of a bore, the channels can be formed as any desired
form, for
example, rectangular cross sections. The channels or nozzles can be straight
or
curved. If they are curved, they are curved to begin to move the air passing
therethrough in a circular motion about the heat source before actual entry of
the
directed gas into the chamber. The alignment of the channel sections is
preferably
such that the axis of the channel and the tangent of the wall in the area of
the channel
form an acute angle. This angle should lie in the range between approximately
5 to
45 . In this way, deceleration of the inlet gas by "wall friction" with the
chamber
inner walls can be minimized, and secondly, a sufficiently large torque can be
exerted
on the gas in the chamber, so that a sufficiently strong rotational movement
of the
chamber gases can be attained around the heat source.
Preferably, the chamber wall should have a base or enlarged portion of the
chamber housing with a circular cross section in plan view. However, an
elliptical, or
regular polygonal cross section in plan view may also be suitable where the
derogations from a circular form are not enough to disturb the rotation of air
flow in
the chamber. Also, the chamber wall of the chimney-section of the chamber
housing
should have a corresponding circular, or, possibly elliptical, or regular
polygonal
cross section in plan view along a horizontal plane at any height of the
chimney-
section. This chamber geometry in the lower and upper chamber area,
particularly the
circular cross section, minimally disturbs the rotational movement of the
rising gases
in the chamber. Particular preference is therefore an embodiment in which the
base or
enlarged section of the chamber and the chimney sections are cylindrical, or
rotationally molded about a common vertical axis of symmetry.
Particularly advantageous is when the chamber has at least three gas inlet
openings. The distribution of total inlet gas on three or more gas inlet
openings better
ensures that at none of these openings is the inlet gas flow rate too high,
thus avoiding
unwanted turbulence. The laminar inflow of the gases thus generated by the gas
inlet
openings and the consequent laminar flow of the gas inside the chamber
contribute to
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the stable, defined rotating flow of the gas in the chamber. Turbulent, non-
stationary
swirling of the gas will be so avoided, leading to a uniform rotational
movement of a
flame at the bottom of the chamber such that the rotating flame resembles a
small
banner or flag deflected from the horizontal axis, rotating on its vertical
pole. When
extinguished, a relatively un-smeared, i.e., well-defined plume of smoke is
created
which helically rises, visible at least in the bottom portion of the chamber.
Preferably, the gas inlet openings are distributed evenly and arranged at
locations in the chamber wall which correspond to different, equally-spaced
apart
locations along the circumference of the imaginary circle surrounding the heat
source.
This spacing ensures a uniform, even circularly symmetrical flow of gases
around the
central vertical axis of the chamber, which promotes, through the already
mentioned
laminar inflow through the openings, a uniform, virtually steady flow of gas
in the
chamber.
Preferably, the chimney-section of the chamber housing is tapered inwardly
from the bottom to the top, i.e., the horizontal cross section of the chimney
of the
chamber housing decreases with increasing height in the chamber. It is
particularly
advantageous when the chamber tapers inwardly in the fireplace area from
bottom to
top in a conical or hyperbolic manner. These features also inhibit turbulence
in the
ascending gas flow by better ensuring a smooth, uninhibited exit of gases
which
optimize the updraft. Note that a chimney portion having a slight bottle neck
may be
used but is not ideal because the escaping hot air will be hindered at the
bottle neck,
and so, it is more likely that unwanted turbulence will result.
The heat source can be formed by any means for generating a flame, such as in
particular through a candle flame, an oil lamp flame, a gas flame or the like.
In
particular, alcohol as a liquid fuel can be used for the flame. Alternatively,
the heat
source can be formed by a resistive heating element which is particularly
useful when
the invention is used as a heater for a home. The inventive apparatus can be
both a
source of light or heat as well as include a smoke source, wherein the means
for
generating a plume of smoke and the smoke source can be a stick of incense, an
incense cone, incense pyramid or incense hut, or the like. Such an embodiment
should
be used together with a centered flame, in order to generate enough draw to
circulate
air in the chamber.
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There is utility in at least parts of the chamber wall being made of a
transparent or translucent material, which preferably consists of the chimney-
section
of the chamber housing made of a heat resistant glass. The base or enlarged
portion of
the chamber housing may be made of metal, ceramic, polymer, stone, brick,
concrete,
or the like. Preferably, the chamber housing is formed of multiple components,
with
the base or enlarged portion of the chamber housing comprising a first
portion,
particularly of metal or a ceramic, and a second portion, the existing chimney-
portion
of the chamber housing, consisting of glass, preferably heat resistant boron
silicate
glass (e.g., borosilicate float glass 3.3, or BG33). When used with a candle
heat
source, it is particularly advantageous when the chimney-part is sealingly
seated on
the base portion, in a removable manner. Thus, in this manner, the intake of
"unwanted air" from undefined or unknown points of the apparatus can be
avoided.
In the multi-part version, the channels can be formed by slits in the upper
wall edge of
the base portion whose upper surfaces are sealed by a horizontal flange which
extends
from the edge of the chimney section, or are sealed by a separate portion.
Such slots
can e.g. are formed by sawing or milling and then closed in its otherwise open
upper
part to create a channel capable of directing gas inflow. Where the invention
is used
as a fireplace and chimney, such slots can be formed using bricklaying methods
by
bricks or by pouring concrete in an appropriate concrete mold.
The base or enlarged portion can have a form, in particular, a depression or
recess, which receives the heat source. The depression can, for example, serve
for
receiving a candle in the form of a tea light candle. The depth of the recess
is selected
such that the candle flame is located at the level of the top surface of base
portion, in
order to ensure that the flame is visible during use. Preferably, the gas
inlet openings
are arranged in the chamber wall at the same level as the source of heat
inside the
chamber. This ensures that, at approximately the height of the heat source,
the
horizontal components of flow velocity are large, compared to the rising
component
of the flow, i.e. the vertical component of flow velocity. The flame is then
induced to
turn like a rotating flag around its flagpole, around its wick. Due to the
constriction
toward the gas outlet opening in the upper chamber area, the chimney-gases
rise more
rapidly in the upper region during their upward climb toward the gas outlet
opening.
During which time laminar flow conditions exist in the bottom of the chamber,
turbulence can occur at the top of the chamber near the outlet opening.
Turbulence is
CA 02685770 2009-11-12
not completely eliminated. In the case of a rising plume of smoke, this means
that just
before their exit from the apparatus, the plume becomes intermingled, i.e.
smeared.
Nevertheless, over a considerable height of the chimney, the smoke plume can
appear
as an upwardly moving, winding lamellar thread.
To further enhance the inventive system, a vaporizable fragrance may be
placed in the chamber. The heat provided by the heat source promotes the
evaporation
of scent. Furthermore, the fragrance is quickly delivered by the chimney to
the
environment. The aforementioned turbulent swirling near the gas outlet opening
contributes to the rapid and uniform distribution of fragrance molecules in
the
environment.
To provide special lighting effects, e.g. projection of the light generated by
the
rotating flame to the walls of a room, reflective surfaces can be fitted to
sections of
the chamber inner wall. Alternatively, longitudinal sections comprising say 90
or 120
degrees of the circumference of the chimney portion, can be fitted with a
reflective
surface or treated so as to have reflective properties such as are mirrored
surfaces on
mirrors. In another embodiment, a lamp shade with decorative cutout patterns
can be
placed around the device. When the flame moves, such patterns are projected on
the
walls of the room. Of course, the chimney portion can be made of different
colored
glass or a mix of different colors which will provide a further unique visual
effect
when light from the flame is projected on the wall.
Usefully, the heat source and the source of smoke are co-located or very close
to each other, or the smoke enters through a gas inlet (which, because of
temperature
differences and smoke condensation, must be carefully arranged). This helps
pass the
smoke immediately into a defined laminar flow so that a plume of smoke can be
visible as it travels to the upper gas outlet.
Preferably, the heat source and/or the smoke source are located at the center
of
the lower area of the chamber. As already mentioned, where the rotating
portion of
the gas flow is relatively large compared with the rising proportion, there
may even be
the possibility of arranging multiple heat sources and/or smoke sources, all
of which
should, however, preferably be in the middle near the base of the chamber.
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In a specific embodiment of the inventive system, the chamber can be height
adjustable, so that the height difference between the position of at least one
gas inlet
opening and the position of the gas outlet opening can be varied. This allows
the
updraft of the gas flow in the chamber, as well as the volume of gas in the
chamber, to
be adjustable.
In another specific embodiment, the entire device is constructed in one piece
or all the parts forming the device are rigidly connected. Such one-piece
device is
preferably made of glass or a heat resistant, transparent polymer such as
"PEEK". To
produce such a device, one preferably uses a casting or injection molding
process.
This allows for the production, together with the gas inlet openings, to be
formed in a
single step. In such an embodiment, the candle or other heat source enters
through an
opening in the bottom of the single piece unit, to an appropriate position
where the
flame is approximately at the level of the gas inlet openings. In this case,
it is
advisable to place the candle on a ceramic or metal, or otherwise fire
resistant saucer
in order to protect the surface on which the candle is placed from heat or wax
staining.
One can also provide further adjustability of the device by allowing the
direction and/or the cross section of the inlet port forming the channels or
nozzle to be
adjustable. When using jets or channels which taper inwardly toward the outlet
end on
the chamber, the swirling turbulent gas flowing in the chamber can be taken
into
account to optimize the resulting air circulation.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
Further advantages, characteristics and applications of the invention emerge
from the following, non-limiting description of an embodiment of the
invention,
wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a side view of the inventive system.
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG 1 along a vertical plane
through the axis A-A of FIG 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG 1 taken along the
horizontal
axis BB of FIG 2, a horizontal cutting plane.
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FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the
respective components represented in an exploded condition along the axis A-A
of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 5A is a perspective, partial breakaway view of an alternate embodiment
of the invention using a liquid or gas fuel and having a depression for
containing
fragrant oil.
FIG. 5B is a perspective, partial breakaway view of an alternate embodiment
of the invention having an internal compartment for burning incense.
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of the
invention, made in a single piece.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of the invention,
used to distribute smoke and fragrance from incense.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the
invention, used as a fireplace for a home.
FIG. 8B is a close up view of a portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A.
FIG. 9 is a top, sectional view of a fifth alternate embodiment in which the
invention includes gas inlets whose direction is adjustable.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to
scale. For
example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be
exaggerated
relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various
embodiments of
the present invention. Furthermore, the terms 'first', 'second', and the like
herein, if
any, are used inter alia for distinguishing between similar elements and not
necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. Moreover, the
terms
'front', 'back', 'top', 'bottom', 'over', 'under', and the like in the
Description and/or
in the Claims, if any, are generally employed for descriptive purposes and not
necessarily for comprehensively describing exclusive relative position.
Skilled
artisans will therefore understand that any of the preceding terms so used may
be
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interchanged under appropriate circumstances such that various embodiments of
the
invention described herein, for example, are capable of operation in other
configurations and/or orientations than those explicitly illustrated or
otherwise
described.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment(s):
The following descriptions are of exemplary embodiments of the invention
and the inventor's conception of the best mode and are not intended to limit
the scope,
applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the
following
description is intended to provide convenient illustrations for implementing
various
embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, changes may be made in
the
function and/or arrangement of any of the elements described in the disclosed
exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of the device 10 of the invention is shown.
The chamber 16 is defined by a bottom portion 12 and an upper section 14. The
lower
section 12 of the chamber 16 is formed by a base portion 20, while the upper
section
14 of the chamber 16 is formed as a chimney-section 22. In the lower base
section 20,
there are three gas inlet openings 24, 26, 30 (see FIG. 3) defining channels
40 that
pass from the exterior to the interior of the base portion 20, into a recess
20' formed
therein, one of which is shown in FIG. 1 (where gas inlet opening 24 is
visible). The
chamber 16 is preferably rotationally symmetric about the axis A-A. The gas
outlet
opening 32 is formed at the upper end of the upper chimney section 22.
Referring to FIG. 2, a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown
taken along a vertical cutting plane passing through the axis A-A of FIG. 1.
All the
elements of FIG. 2 which correspond with the elements of FIG. 1 bear the same
reference numerals as in FIG. 1. The same is true with all figures. In this
section, the
view formed by the chamber portions 20 and 22 is shown. The base section 20
surrounds the lower portion 12 of the chamber 16. In this lower area inside
the recess
20' of the base section 20, a candle 36 is disposed. The candle 36 is in the
form of a
tea light candle, having standard dimensions known in the art, and including
an
aluminum or tin outer shell into which wax is poured. The depth of the lower
region
12 of the chamber 16 corresponds to the height of the wax body 36b of a new
tea
light. In this embodiment, the wick 36a of a new tea light candle is located
approximately at the same height as the three-gas inlet openings 24, 26, 30 in
the base
portion 20. These three gas inlet openings 24, 26, 30 define a plane B-B which
extends perpendicular to the axis A-A. In FIG. 2, only the gas inlet openings
26 to 30
are at least partially visible. The chamber inner wall in the lower section 12
of the
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chamber 16 bears the reference numeral 20a. The chamber inner wall in the
upper part
14 of chamber 16 bears the reference numeral 22a.
Dashed lines 31 bound, in exemplary fashion, an area 33 where the chimney
22 may preferably be mirrored. The effect of such mirroring is that one can
better see
multiple reflections 35 of the rotating flame 28 on the mirrored surface 33 --
(visible
even without a mirrored surface 33 in FIG. 7).
FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 along the cutting
plane B-B of FIG. 2. The three gas inlet openings 24, 26, 30 are each formed
as a
channel 40. The wick 36a of the tealight is located in the center M of an
imaginary
circle K, which, for example, can be randomly concentric with the outer edge
of the
round tea light 36. Between the imaginary circle K and the inner wall 20a of
the
chamber wall 20 is a radial distance which corresponds roughly to a radius of
an air
inlet of a channel 40. Further, the radius of the chamber inner wall 20a is
larger than
the radius of the wax body 36b of tealight 36. The longitudinal axis D of the
channel
section 40 of each gas inlet opening 24, 26, 30 continues along a tangent T to
the
imaginary circle K, and is essentially parallel to this imaginary circle, and,
at the same
time, the longitudinal axis of the channels D of each gas inlet opening 24,
26, 30
forms a sharp angle between 5 and 45 with a tangent plane of T' to the
chamber
inner wall 20a, when the angle measured is the angle which opens to the
outside
(away from the center) of the device 10.
Optionally, in order to better center the tea light candle 36, a magnet 38 is
disposed in the center, on the floor of surface 42. A typical tealight candle
36
includes a small, centered ferromagnetic panel (usually of steel) to which the
wick
36a is attached and is located at the bottom of the tea light, thereby
providing a
centered ferromagnetic object that the magnet can be attracted to, thereby
helping
center the tealight.
FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, the
components of which are represented in perspective, exploded view, along the
axis A-
A of FIG. 1. The base section 20 and section of the chimney 22 are designed as
separable parts. The lower edge 22c of the chimney section 22 fits into a
complementary recess or shoulder 20c of the base section 20. If one places the
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chimney section 22 on the base section 20 into the shoulder 20a, one obtains,
between
the bottom edge 22c and the shoulder 20c, a sufficiently airtight connection
to prevent
the intrusion of too much unwanted air into the chamber 16. On the base
section 20,
the gas inlet openings 24, 26 extend through the wall of the base section 20
from the
outside 20b to the inside 20a. The tealight 36 can be inserted into the socket
or recess
20' of section 20, which is slightly larger than the wax body 36b of the
tealight 36,
thus facilitating insertion and removal of the tealight 36. Advantagously, the
outer tin
shell of the tealight 36 prevents wax from melting and becoming stuck in the
recess,
allowing for easy removal of an expended tealight and its replacement with a
new
tealight.
In order to place the device shown in FIGs. 1-4 in operation in a space of
ambient temperature, one need only place a tealight 36 in the base recess 20'
and light
the wick 36a of the tealight 36. Then one places the chimney section 22 on the
base-
section 20, so that the lower edge 22c of the chimney section 22 and the
shoulder 20c
of the base abut against one another thereby sealing base portion 20 against
chimney
22. Where a one piece embodiment 60 (shown in FIG. 6) is used, there is no
need to
place the lower edge 22c of the chimney section 22 on the shoulder 20c. Where
a
fireplace embodiment 90 (shown in FIG. 8A) is used, the chimney section 22' is
fixed
and need not be positioned, although the closures 92, 92' and 102 must be
properly
positioned for proper operation. By means of the flame 28 (e.g., shown in FIG.
7) of
the tealight 36, the air in the chamber 16 is heated and expands. This creates
a draft in
the chamber 16, whereby air from the vicinity of the gas inlet openings 24,
26, 30 is
sucked into and along the channels 40 into the chamber 16. The entering air
enters
through the channels 40, in particular, along the channel axis T into the
chamber 16
and then around the center M of the chamber 14 along the wall 20a. The
incoming air
creates, on the one hand, a rotational movement of the air in the lower
section 12 of
the chamber 16 around the wick 36a or flame 28. Note that the channels 40 are
not
directed directly toward the wick 36a. The flame 28 heats and activates the
air which
ultimately flows out from the chamber 16 via the gas outlet opening 32. Due to
the
interaction of the incoming air which enters obliquely through the gas inlet
openings
24, 26, 30 and its being heated, the flame 28 moves at the wick 36a.
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With closed holes 24, 26, 30, and no chimney section 22, the flame extends,
assuming no wind, along the vertical axis A-A (see FIG. 1). With open holes
24, 26,
30, and the chimney section 22 attached, the flame 28 will nevertheless be
deflected
from the vertical axis A-A and be rotated around this axis.
The rotation of the flame 28 is relatively slow. Depending on the size of the
gas inlet openings 24, 26, 30, the height of the structure and size of the gas
outlet
opening 32, the time required for a full rotation of the flame may be about
0.2 s to
about 1 s. With a length of each channel 40 being about 1 cm, a diameter of
about 4
mm for a circular channel cross section (for a bored hole), a height of the
chimney
section 22 being about 15 cm, a diameter of the circular opening 32 being
about 1.5
cm, and an ambient temperature (i.e., air inlet temperature) of about 25 C,
the flame
rotation of a tealight of the inventive system is about 1 s per revolution.
The rotation of the flame 28 takes place smoothly, but probably not at a
completely constant flame rotation speed. Rather, it has been observed that,
particularly, if the wick 36a is not in the center, the rotational motion can
slow down
once per every flame revolution, and even stop. This irregularity in or
ceasing of the
rotation is due to a flame source, the wick 36a, or the heat source being
eccentric to
the axis A-A, or, in part, due to a curvature of a centrally disposed wick
itself. Note
that the regular rotation of the flame 28 can be used with mirror surfaces 33
and/or an
iris pattern on the chimney section 22 to create a "moving" illumination of a
room.
Which moves with a period identical with the speed of rotation of the flame
28.
The hyperbolic (shown) or conical (not shown) upwardly tapered chimney
section 22 is preferably composed of a material transparent to visible light,
preferably
flame and heat resistant glass. The glass may be of different colors or even a
mix of
colors, to provide a different aesthetic effect.
As already mentioned, by the geometry of the device (basically the size and
number of gas inlet openings 24, 26, 30, the height or the chamber volume of
the
device, the size of the gas outlet opening 32, the shape of the chimney
section 22 and
the size of the flame 28), the manner, especially the speed, of the flame's
turning, can
be influenced.
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Astonishing is the fact that, in the inventive system, the flame 28 is both
driving element and the driven element. This is because the flame 28 produces
the
necessary energy for the movement of air which induces its own movement (i.e.,
the
movement of the flame-forming luminous particles in the rising air). By means
of the
inventive system, the flame is driven into continuous rotation.
There are several means for generating both a flame 28 and/or a plume of
smoke in the chamber 16, and the device can benefit form different placements
of the
means for producing a flame and/or a plume of smoke in the chamber along an
eccentrically arranged common vertical axis of symmetry A-A. Because of the
circulating gas flow in the chamber 16, this results in many interesting smoke
or flame
patterns.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment 50 of the invention
using a liquid or gas fuel and having a depression 52, in this case, an
annular
depression centered on the wick 36a, capable of containing a fragrant oil.
Instead of
the candle flame 28 (which is a flame whose lower and upper portions do not
move
downwardly as the fuel is consumed, as in the case with a typical wax candle),
a
flame fueled by a liquid or gas has the advantage of being vertically
stationary,
thereby providing for consistent circular movement of the flame over the
entire time
that the flame is lit. Note as well that a buoyant candle (not shown) may be
used
which floats in a liquid such as water, which is provided in the cavity 20' in
which the
candle is placed. Alternatively, magnets (not shown) having sides which face
each
other, such sides having the same polarization, can be used to create a
magnetic
levitation of the candle, helping to keep the flame at the same level during
the burning
of the candle. A small compression spring (not shown) can help maintain the
level of
the flame of the candle, because as the candle burns, although the flame burns
downwardly, the candle becomes lighter and so the spring helps move the candle
upward as the flame burns downward, an effect which helps cancel out the
tendency
for the flame 28 to descend as the wax burns. A selection of the correct
spring
constant for the weight of the candle therefore, is all that is needed to help
maintain
the flame level. In FIG. 5B, another variant 50' is shown having an internal
compartment 52' for receiving incense 78, whose smoke 79 rises and mixes with
the
swirling gases in the chamber 16, when the device is placed in operation.
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FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a second alternate embodiment 60 of the
invention, made in a single piece, preferably by glass injection molding. An
advantage of this embodiment 60 is its simplicity in that it is composed
essentially of
a single chimney portion 62 in which holes 64 (corresponding to holes 24, 26
and 30)
are formed. The lower portion 66 is open and so the device can be placed over
a
burning candle 68. In addition, using this embodiment, one can adjust the
central
position of the candle very easily, to ensure that the flame remains at the
center of the
chamber 16', simply by displacing the device, until the desired flame motion
is
obtained.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment 70 of the
invention, used to distribute smoke and/or fragrance from a plurality of
satallitic
incense burners 72. These incense burners 72 include a base portion 74 and a
transparent cover portion 76 allowing an air inlet opening 77. The base
portion 74
receives and contains the burning incense 78. The cover portion 76 directs the
smoke
and/or aroma of the incense through tube portions 80 which enter into the gas
inlet
openings 24, 26 and 30, thereby feeding the smoke or aroma into the chamber 22
where it is mixed by the revolving gases and then disbursed in the air through
the gas
outlet opening 32. Note that the height of the base portion 20 is increased in
this
embodiment to allow the tube portions 80 to enter at the level of the flame 28
(i.e., to
allow for the height of the incense burners 72). Further, where additional
oxygen is
needed in such an arrangement, additional gas inlet opening/channels 81 can be
provided.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a fourth alternate embodiment 90 of the
invention, used as a fireplace of a home. In this embodiment 90, the most
substantial
differences with the embodiment for use as a fireplace 90 and the candle
holder 10 is
that (1) a transparent, sealable door 92, 92' preferably having a handle 94,
allows for
convenient opening for inserting wood for burning or for providing access for
cleaning, and for closing the door, which seals the chamber 16' and (2) that
the upper
gas outlet 32' is connected to a stove pipe or other chimney for evacuation of
hot
gases, and (3) that a substantial portion of the chimney 22 is formed of a
conductive,
heat-radiating material such a copper, bronze, steel, iron or aluminum. For
aesthetic
reasons, a transparent portion 96 of the chimney 22' is provided, allowing for
users to
CA 02685770 2009-11-12
view the moving flames inside the fireplace 90. Further differences include
the fact
that it is advantageous to include vertical ribs 98 (shown in close up in FIG:
8B) and,
perhaps fans 100 which blow ambient air over the exterior portions of the
chimney
22' toward the floor, thereby heating the air and recirculating such warmed
air in the
room while better protecting the user from the danger of touch of the heated
chimney
22'. Further, dampers 102 may be provided in each gas inlet 24', 26' and 30',
for
adjusting the amount of air flow into the chamber 16'. To optimize heating, a
computer controlled system may control the position of the dampers 102, the
speed of
the fans 130, and even the angle of entry of the gas inlet ducts 24', 26' and
30' (for
example, using an arrangement shown in FIG. 9). Optionally, fans can be
included in
the ducts 24', 26' and 30' or in the stove pipe section 32' to be able to
further control
the convection of heat from the warm gases to the chimney 22' and then into
the
room. It can also be envisioned that the chimney 22' itself could include
tubes
carrying a fluid to which the heat is transferred and then pumped and
distributed
throughout the house, be it to water (i.e., thereby using the system as a
water heater)
or air (i.e., using the system to heat rooms in the house through ducts which
transport
the hot air directly to each room to be heated). Still further, a mechanism
(not shown)
can be provided which uses four bar linkages to raise fingers (preferably at
least three)
through slits in the floor of the fireplace, to lift and move the embers and
burning
wood to the center of the fireplace via a remote lever (not shown), in order
to optimize
the heating effect of the system of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a top, sectional view of a fifth alternate embodiment 120 in which
the invention includes gas inlets 24', 26', and 30'whose direction is
adjustable via a
housing 122 in which they are formed that pivots on an axis 124. In this
embodiment,
the angle a can be varied by, for example, moving the housing 122 via the
handle
126. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the angle and position, as well as
speed of
fans 130 can be computer controlled, in order to optimize the heat convection
and
transfer in the system. Note that seals sealing between the housing 122 and
the base
portion 20" or around the door 92' which seal against unwanted air drafts are
not
shown, the design of which believed to be well within the capabilities of
someone of
ordinary skill in the art.
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In an advantage, the invention provides a source of light and heat, or a
visual
stimulus which is desirable and unique.
In another advantage, the invention provides a "light spiel" which requires no
batteries or other energy inputs other than the burning fuel of the heat
source, which
typically is a simple candle.
In another advantage, the fireplace embodiment of the invention provides a
way to improve convective heat transfer to the chimney portion of the
invention,
thereby extracting more heat from the invention than prior art devices.
In another advantage, despite the almost direct contact of the glass portion
22
with the flame, the glass does not smudge up. Therefore, the flame itself
provides the
cleaning function of the chimney section.
It should be noted that the Coriolis force effects the rotation of swirling
gases
in the chamber 16. However, the effect of this force is believed to be
negligible,
thereby allowing the invention to be designed either with a rightward or a
left-handed
rotation, with or against the coriolis acceleration forces. However, movement
with
the coriolis force would be preferred.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with
reference
to specific exemplary embodiments; however, it will be appreciated that
various
modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention as set forth in the claims below. The specification and
figures are to
be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all
such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present
invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims
appended
hereto and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples
described above.
For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed
in
any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims.
Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims
may be
assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations
to
produce substantially the same result as the present invention and are
accordingly not
limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.
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Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described
above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage,
solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit,
advantage
or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as
critical,
required or essential features or components of any or all the claims.
As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any variation thereof,
are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method,
article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not
include
only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly
listed
or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other
combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures,
arrangements,
applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the
practice of
the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be
varied or
otherwise particularly adapted by those skilled in the art to specific
environments,
manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating
requirements
without departing from the general principles of the same.
The patents and articles mentioned above are hereby incorporated by reference
herein, unless otherwise noted, to the extent that the same are not
inconsistent with
this disclosure.
Other characteristics and modes of execution of the invention are described in
the appended claims.
Further, the invention should be considered as comprising all possible
combinations of every feature described in the instant specification, appended
claims,
and/or drawing figures which may be considered new, inventive and industrially
applicable.
Multiple variations and modifications are possible in the embodiments of the
invention described here. Although certain illustrative embodiments of the
invention
have been shown and described here, a wide range of modifications, changes,
and
substitutions is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. While the above
description
contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the
scope of
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the invention, but rather as exemplifications of one or another preferred
embodiment
thereof. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be
employed
without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that
the foregoing description be construed broadly and understood as being given
by way
of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being
limited
only by the claims which ultimately issue in this application.
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