Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RESONATOR GENERATING A SIMULATED FLAME
BACKGROUND
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001]
This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial no.
16/412,051
filed on May 14, 2019, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application serial
number 16/122,748, filed on September 5, 2018 and now issued as U.S. patent
no.
10,309,599 on June 4, 2019, which is a continuation in part of PCT patent
application no.
PCT/U52017/036862, having an international filing date of June 9, 2017 and
claiming the
benefit of U.S. patent application no. 15/179,706, filed on June 10, 2016 and
now issued as
U.S. patent no. 9,568,157 on February 14, 2017; U.S. patent application serial
no. 16/122,748
claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application no. 62/555,051,
filed on
September 7, 2017, and to U.S provisional patent application no. 62/554,419,
filed on
September 5, 2017, U.S. patent application serial number 15/179,706 claims the
benefit of
priority to U.S. Provisional application no. 62/173,809, filed on June 10,
2015; the entirety of
all applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Field of the Invention
[0002]
This disclosure is generally directed to the creation of an imitation flame
for use in
non-flammable candles as well as numerous other applications.
Background
[0003] Simulated flames in candles are desirable for use in enclosed spaces
where a real
flame is undesirable, impractical or not permitted. There are different ways
to generate
simulated flames, and some simulated flames are more realistic than others.
Creating a cost
effective and compact simulated flame is desirable for many applications in
both homes and
commercial environments.
Summary
[0004]
Some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an apparatus having a
transducer configured to transduce a liquid to form a simulated flame. The
apparatus may
utilize fluid mechanics, fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and hydrodynamics to
create, shape
and control the transduced liquid. In some embodiments, the transducer may be
an
oscillation and/or vibration device. In some embodiments, the transducer may
be a
piezoelectric transducer driven by a drive signal such that a liquid
transduces to a mist, vapor,
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or aerosol. The transducer may be submerged within the liquid reservoir. A
wick or a
dispenser may be another means of presenting the liquid to the transducer. The
apparatus
may utilize an airflow device to control, shape, vary, and/or move the vapor
mist to create a
vapor plume. Use of a nozzle/manifold a certain distance above the transducer
may shape the
mist as well. The apparatus may consist of multiple airflow channels, inlet
and outlet ports,
openings (angled and/or straight) to effectively transport air to control
movement and/or
shape plume characteristics (e.g. height, width, density, shape) to simulate
the look and effect
of a dancing flame. In embodiments, the air flow channels are located anywhere
on the
housing. In embodiments, the airflow channels are located anywhere in the
housing. In
embodiments, the airflow channels are at the top of the housing. The vapor
plume is
illuminated by a colored light source to generate a realistic simulated flame.
The colored
light source may be proximal to, located within and/or about the vapor plume.
[0005] In
embodiments, the airflow channels disperse portions of the mist, resulting in
the
appearance of a more realistic flame. In embodiments, the vapor plume is
illuminated by a
colored light source to generate a realistic simulated flame. The colored
light source may be
proximal to, located within, and/or about the vapor plume. In embodiments, the
colored light
source comprises any one or more colors in the visible spectrum (430-770 THz).
[0006] In
embodiments, the airflow channels are capable of moving air in a vortex around
the vapor plume, which causes the vapor plume to swirl. In embodiments, the
airflow
channels are directed to move air to the apex of the vapor plume, which
disseminates the mist
and results in shaping the vapor plume.
[0007] An
exemplary artificial flame apparatus utilizes a mist plume that is illuminated
by
a light source to imitate a flame. In an exemplary embodiment, the mist exits
a housing
around an artificial wick. The artificial wick may be shaped like a
conventional wick or have
a flame shape, such as a silhouette of a flame. The artificial wick may
comprise a light
source such as a light emitting diode, fiber optics or light tubes, for
example. An exemplary
artificial wick comprises a plurality of individual light sources or elements,
such as LEDs,
fiber optics or light tubes that are configured to imitate a wick of a candle
and/or a flame. A
plurality of fiber optics or light tubes may be spiraled about each other for
example and an
individual light source may emit a different color light from one of the other
light sources. In
addition, the light intensity or color may change to produce a more realistic
artificial flame
appearance.
[0008] In
embodiments, the artificial flame apparatus comprises one or more mist
outlets.
In embodiments, the one or more mist outlets are configured to channel and
shape the mist as
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the mist exits the flame apparatus through the one or more mist outlets. In
embodiments, the
mist is shaped into a plume as the mist passes through the one or more mist
outlets. In
embodiments, the one or more mist outlets are disposed above the liquid in the
artificial
flame apparatus. In embodiments, the one or more mist outlets comprise
openings on the
artificial flame apparatus. In embodiments, the one or more mist outlets
comprises a shaping
nozzle.
[0009] In
embodiments, the shaping nozzle comprises the shape of a cone. In
embodiments, the shaping nozzle comprises the shape of a rectangle. In
embodiments, the
shaping nozzle comprises the shape of a square. In embodiments, the shaping
nozzle
.. comprises the shape of a triangle. In embodiments, the shaping nozzle
comprises the shape
of a circle. In embodiments, the shaping nozzle comprises the shape of a
pentagon. In
embodiments, the shaping nozzle comprises the shape of a hexagon. In
embodiments, the
shaping nozzle comprises the shape of a heptagon. In embodiments, the shaping
nozzle
comprises the shape of a trapezoid. In embodiments, the shaping nozzle
comprises any shape
known in the art. In embodiments, the shaping nozzle is any of the shaping
nozzles described
herein.
[0010] In embodiments, the shaping nozzle further comprises a diameter. In
embodiments, the diameter comprises a line passing from one side of the
shaping nozzle
through the center of the shaping nozzle to the other side of the shaping
nozzle. In
embodiments, any of the shaping nozzles described herein comprises a diameter.
[0011] In
embodiments, a light source may also be configured in proximity to the mist
plume, such as around the base of the mist outlet and may project light onto
the exiting mist
and/or onto the artificial wick. The light emitted by the light source may be
a colored light
and may change color and/or intensity to produce a more realistic artificial
flame.
[0012] The mist of an exemplary artificial flame apparatus is produced by a
transducer,
such as an ultrasonic transducer having a transducer surface that produces
vibrations, such as
ultrasonic vibrations that create a mist when in contact with liquid. An
exemplary transducer
may be a piezoelectric transducer. The liquid from a liquid reservoir within
the housing may
be in contact with the transducer surface directly, via a porous wick or via
droplets that
impinge on the transducer surface. A portion of the transducer, such as the
transducer surface
may be in direct contact with the liquid within the liquid reservoir, whereby
the transducer
surface may be submerged in the liquid. In embodiments, the transducer is in
contact with
the liquid. A wick, such as a porous wick, may transport liquid from the
liquid reservoir to
the transducer surface through capillary forces. A pump or gravity feed
apparatus may
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present liquid from the liquid reservoir to the transducer surface and may
produce droplets
that fall onto the transducer surface, which may more effectively control the
variation in the
production of mist. In embodiments, the transducer is attached to the wick.
[0013] The
rate of mist exiting the housing may be varied to change the size, shape or
height of the mist plume to produce a more realistic looking artificial flame.
In
embodiments, the size, shape, or height of the must plume is shaped through
use of an air
moving device. In embodiments, the air moving mechanism is external to the
housing. In
embodiments, the air moving mechanism is within the housing. In embodiments,
the air
moving mechanism shapes the mist as the mist exits the housing. In
embodiments, the air
moving mechanism produces air flow at the apex of the vapor plume. In
embodiments, the air
produced at the apex is angled such that the vapor plume is shaped like a real
flame. In
embodiments, the air moving device comprises a fan.
[0014] In
embodiments, an oscillator device is utilized to change the rate of flow of
the
mist from the housing. An exemplary oscillator comprises an air moving device,
such as a
fan, that forces the mist from the housing or mist reservoir. In embodiments,
the air moving
device comprises any of the air moving devices described herein. The air
moving device may
change the airflow rate, or a valve may be configured to modulate the rate of
airflow and
thereby change the flow rate of mist exiting the housing. An air moving device
may produce
a flow of air that travels through an airflow conduit and then through inlet
ports into the mist
.. reservoir. An exemplary oscillator device is a sonic device that produces
sound waves and
associated sound or acoustic pressure that pushes the mist from the housing. A
sonic device
or a sound-wave generator may generate sound waves with a sound wave frequency
or
varying sound wave frequencies.
[0015] In
embodiments, the sound-wave generator is configured with a standing wave
tube. In embodiments, the standing wave tube comprises one or more mist
outlets. In
embodiments, the one or more mist outlets are configured to channel and shape
the mist as
the mist exits through the one or more mist outlets. In embodiments, the
standing wave tube
comprises one or more mist outlets, whereby the rate of mist exiting the one
or more mist
outlets may be expelled through the mist outlets as a function of the standing
wave frequency
and/or magnitude. An exemplary enclosure, such as a tube, standing wave tube,
or Ruben's
tube, may be configured proximal to the artificial wick and may have a
plurality of enclosure
openings to produce a plurality of individual mist plumes. In an exemplary
embodiment, a
standing wave tube is configured around a portion of the artificial wick and
may comprise a
toroid shaped enclosure that extends around the artificial wick proximal to
the one or more
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mist outlets. The toroid shaped enclosure may have a plurality of enclosure
openings around
the outer perimeter of the artificial wick. The sound-wave generator of a
standing wave tube
may produce sound waves having a beat or rhythm or may produce random sound
waves. A
standing wave tube may be utilized in an artificial flame apparatus having a
plurality of
individual artificial wicks and flames, such as an artificial fire table or
pit, log or fireplace
configuration, and the standing wave may have a rhythm or beat, whereby the
rate of flow of
mist from the one or more mist outlets changes as a function of the standing
wave, sound
waves, and/or resultant associated sound or acoustic pressure.
[0016] A
controller may control and vary the functions of the artificial flame
apparatus
including the power, frequency, waveform and/or rate of mist exiting the
housing through
one or more housing openings, and may control the transducer, the rate of
liquid delivery to
the transducer, the color or intensity of the light, the oscillator and the
like. A controller may
comprise a microprocessor and/or a control circuit. In an exemplary
embodiment, a
modulator produces a modulation signal that is used to change one or more of
the features of
the artificial flame apparatus, such as the intensity, color, rate of change
of intensity and/or
color of the light, and/or the rate of flow of mist from the housing. A
modulator may control
the transducer to produce mist and to control a variation of the rate of mist
produced. A
microprocessor may be configured to run a control program that includes a
modulation
program, thereby making the microprocessor a modulator.
[0017] Liquid within the liquid reservoir may comprise water and other
agents such as
aromatic agents to produce a mist having a scent. An aroma agent, such as a
liquid or solid
may be mixed directly with the liquid, such as water, in the liquid reservoir
or may be placed
in a pod whereby the aroma agent is slowly added to the liquid.
[0018] An
exemplary artificial flame apparatus may be a single flame having a single
.. artificial wick or may comprise a plurality of artificial wicks and flames.
An artificial flame
apparatus may be in the shape of a log or be configured in a fire table, fire
pit or be an insert
to a fire feature or fireplace.
[0019] An
exemplary artificial flame apparatus comprises aromatic oils in the liquid
within the housing. In embodiments the aromatic oils comprise essential oils.
In
embodiments the essential oils are extracted from the housing through a mist.
[0020] In
embodiments, a device to produce an artificial flame is provided, comprising a
liquid, a transducer submerged in the liquid, a shaping nozzle disposed above
the liquid and
configured to channel mist produced by the transducer, and a light source
disposed within the
shaping nozzle.
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[0021] In
embodiments, an artificial flame apparatus is provided, comprising a housing,
a
liquid reservoir within the housing that contains a liquid, a transducer
disposed within the
liquid, a controller comprising a drive signal in operable communication with
the transducer,
a shaping nozzle disposed above the liquid and configured to channel mist
produced by the
transducer within the liquid, and a light source in contact with the shaping
nozzle.
[0022] In
embodiments a method of producing an artificial flame is provided, comprising
the steps of contacting a liquid with a transducer to produce a mist, passing
the mist through a
shaping nozzle, and illuminating the mist with a LED light source.
[0023] In
embodiments, an artificial flame apparatus is provided, comprising a housing,
a
liquid reservoir within the housing that contains a liquid, aromatic oils
within the liquid, a
transducer disposed within the liquid, a controller comprising a drive signal
in operable
communication with the transducer, a shaping nozzle disposed above the liquid
and
configured to channel mist produced by the transducer within the liquid, and a
light source in
contact with the shaping nozzle.
[0024] In embodiments, a device to produce an artificial flame is provided,
comprising a
liquid, a transducer in contact with the liquid, one or more mist outlets
disposed above the
liquid and configured to channel mist produced by the transducer, and a light
source disposed
to the light the mist as the mist exits the one or more mist outlets.
[0025] In
embodiments, an artificial flame apparatus is provided, comprising a housing,
a
liquid reservoir within the housing that contains a liquid, a transducer
having a transducer
surface within the housing, wherein said liquid from the liquid reservoir
contacts the
transducer surface to produce a mist, a controller comprising a drive signal
in operable
communication with the transducer, one or more mist outlets disposed above the
liquid and
configured to channel mist produced by the transducer, and a light source to
illuminate said
.. mist as the mist exits the housing, wherein the illuminated mist appears as
an artificial flame.
[0026] In
embodiments, a method of producing an artificial flame is provided comprising
the steps of contacting a liquid with a transducer to produce a mist, passing
the mist through a
mist outlet, and illuminating the mist with a LED light source.
[0027] In
embodiments, an artificial flame apparatus is provided, comprising a housing,
a
liquid reservoir within the housing that contains a liquid, aromatic oils
within the liquid, a
transducer in contact with the liquid, a controller comprising a drive signal
in operable
communication with the transducer, one or more mist outlets disposed above the
liquid and
configured to channel mist produced by the transducer, and a light source to
illuminate said
mist as the mist exits the housing, wherein the illuminated mist appears as an
artificial flame.
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[0028] The summary is provided as a general introduction to some of the
disclosed
embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Additional example
embodiments including
variations and alternative configurations of the disclosed embodiments are
provided herein.
Brief Description of Several Views of the Drawings
[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of
embodiments described herein and are incorporated in and constitute a part of
this
specification, illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve
to explain the
principles of the embodiments described herein.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of this
disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment
shown in FIG.
1.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates alternative resonator designs having different
transducer opening
sizes.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates alternative resonator designs having multiple
transducer
openings.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates alternative nozzle designs.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a representative waveform diagram(s) depicting
a drive signal
from the control circuit to modulate the resonator.
[0036] FIGs. 7A-7C illustrate different simulated flames that are generated
by various
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0037] FIGs. 8-11 illustrate an apparatus and method of dispensing
droplets of a fluid on a
transducer to create a mist plume.
[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates an insert comprised of multiple embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates an imitation log for receiving the insert.
[0040] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of an insert;
[0041] FIGs. 15 and 16 show embodiments helical and tiered artificial
wicks, and include
intertwined or braided light sources, or fiber optic cables of varying colors,
or LED
lights/tubes.
[0042] FIG. 17 shows another embodiment including a liquid reservoir and
pump.
[0043] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary artificial flame apparatus comprising a
liquid
reservoir, a transducer to produce a mist, an oscillator to vary the rate of
flow of the mist
from the housing and a plurality of light sources configured to illuminate
said mist exiting the
housing.
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[0044]
FIG. 19 shows an exemplary oscillator comprising a standing wave tube 500,
also
referred to as a Ruben's tube that is configured in a circular form around the
artificial wick
11.
[0045]
FIG. 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of a candle, configured to generate a
simulated candle flame. Among others, it depicts controlling the functionality
of internal and
external airflow to further control and shape the mist, and to emulate the
look, shape,
lighting, and dancing effects of a flame.
[0046]
FIG. 21 illustrates an expanded cross-sectional view of the upper portion of
an
embodiment, which depicts lighting and the use of airflow to further control
and shape the
mist and vapor plume, among others.
[0047]
FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion of an exemplary
flame
candle, depicting lighting and the use of directed airflow to further control
and shape the mist
and vapor plume, among others.
[0048]
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the
several views of the Figures. The Figures represent an illustration of some of
the
embodiments described herein and are not to be construed as limiting the scope
of the
embodiments described herein in any manner. Further, the Figures are not
necessarily to
scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular
components.
Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in
the art to variously
employ the present embodiments.
Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiments
[0049] As
used herein the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes", "including,"
"has," or "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-
exclusive
inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of
elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include
other elements not
expressly listed or in inherent to such process, method, article, or
apparatus. Also, use of "a"
or "an" are employed to describe elements and components described herein.
This is done
merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the
embodiments
described herein. This description should be read to include one or at least
one and the
singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant
otherwise.
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[0050]
Certain exemplary embodiments are described herein and are illustrated in the
accompanying Figures. The embodiments described are only for purposes of
illustration and
should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of any of the embodiments
described herein.
Other embodiments, and certain modifications, combinations and improvements of
the
described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art and all such
alternate
embodiments, combinations, modifications, improvements are within the scope of
the
embodiments described herein.
[0051] The
following description of exemplary embodiments provides information that
enables a person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter set
forth in the appended
claims, but may omit certain details already well- known in the art. The
following detailed
description is, therefore, to be taken as illustrative and not limiting.
[0052] The
example embodiments may also be described herein with reference to spatial
relationships between various elements or to the spatial orientation of
various elements
depicted in the attached drawings. In general, such relationships or
orientation assume a
frame of reference. However, as should be recognized by those skilled in the
art, this frame
of reference is merely a descriptive expedient rather than a strict
prescription.
[0053] In
embodiments, a candle is provided made up of inorganic material. In
embodiments, the inorganic material is lead zirconate titanate (PZT).
Referring to FIGs. 1 and
2, an exemplary artificial flame apparatus 16 comprises a PZT nebulizer
forming a candle
shown at 10. In embodiments, the candle 10 is configured to generate a
simulated candle
flame by controllably and irregularly modulating liquid droplets at a varying
power and/or
frequency to create an aerosol or mist 12 about an artificial wick 11, and
then illuminating the
vapor mist 12 to produce a flame-like effect. In embodiments, a nozzle 14 is
utilized to
produce a variety of effects. In embodiments the nozzle is any substance
capable of allowing
air, mist, or smoke to pass through it. In embodiments, the nozzle is a
shaping nozzle in that
it is capable of shaping the air, mist, or smoke as they pass through the
shaping nozzle. In
embodiments, the liquid comprises water, ethanol, aromatic oils, or any
combination of the
foregoing. In embodiments, the aromatic oils comprise essential oils.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded perspective view of an
embodiment
of a candle 10. The candle 10 comprises a reservoir 20 configured to hold a
liquid, such as
water. A porous wick structure 22 is concentrically positioned in the
reservoir 20 and is
configured to wick the liquid from the reservoir 20 and present the liquid to
an oscillator such
as a transducer 106, an ultrasonic resonator 24 as shown. In embodiments, the
resonator 24
comprises a PZT piezoelectric ceramic ring resonator and steel membrane
assembly that is
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positioned a distance DI above a top surface 26 of the wick structure 22. In
embodiments,
the resonator is the active resonant component transducing the liquid into
aerosol 12 by
means of ultrasonic vibration.
[0055] In
embodiments, the resonator 24 is controlled by a control circuit 28 that
provides
a selectively controllable electrical modulated drive signal 30 to control
variations in the
shape and appearance of the generated aerosol 12. In embodiments, the
resonator is any
device that is capable of oscillating at certain frequencies. In embodiments,
the drive signal
is any electrical signal capable of controlling and modulating the control
circuit of the
resonator. The drive signal 30 may be pulsed, and generated at varying power
levels,
frequencies and wave shapes to variably control the transducing energy and
produce a flame
that moves. In embodiments, the movement of the flame mimics a dancing flame-
like effect.
In embodiments, the flame swirls or floats. In embodiments, the flame produces
selected
shapes such as those shown in FIG. 6.
[0056] In
embodiments, the mist directing/shaping nozzle 14, shown as a cone, is
configured to shape the aerosol vapor 12. In embodiments the directing/shaping
nozzle is a
funnel or a device that is shaped like a funnel. In embodiments, the
directing/shaping nozzle
is any device capable of shaping the aerosol vapor as it passes through the
nozzle. The
nozzle 14 may be positioned directly on the top surface of the wick structure
22 and above
the resonator 24. In embodiments, the nozzle 14 is spaced a distance 02 above
the resonator
24, and a distance DI + 02 above the wick structure 22 In embodiments, this
spacing is
achieved through the use of spacers.
[0057] In embodiments, the resonator 24 has at least one centrally located
transducer
opening 32 configured to allow the aerosol 12 to rise through the transducer
opening 32, and
helps shape the aerosol vapor 12 such that is swirls, floats, or produces
other selected shapes.
In embodiments, at least one light source 34, which may produce a colored
light or be a
colored light source, is configured to illuminate the aerosol 12 to create the
appearance of a
flame. In embodiments, the light source is a natural light source. In
embodiments, the light
source is an artificial light source. In embodiments, the light source is
derived from a
luminescent source. In embodiments, the light source is derived from an
incandescent
source.
[0058] In
embodiments, the light source is a semiconductor light source. In embodiments,
the semiconductor light source is a light emitting diode (LED) source. In
embodiments, the
LED source is integrated to a fiber optic light source. In embodiments, the
light source is
within any of the candles or apparatuses described herein.
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[0059] In
embodiments, the light source 34 is a light emitting diode (LED) source,
integrated fiber optic light source, and is internal to the candle 10 such as
shown in Fig. 15
and Fig. 16. Color filters 36 may be used as well. The light source 34 may
also comprise a
polymer optical filter that provides light to image the aerosol 12. The colors
may vary from
the blues, yellows, oranges, and red, thereby emulating the varying colors of
a flame, and
may be intermittent, flicker, travel, or change colors. In embodiments, the
color of the light
source comprises any one more colors on the visible spectrum (430-770 THz).
[0060] In
embodiments, the light source is configured to illuminate the mist. In
embodiments, the light source illuminates the mist from below. In embodiments,
the light
source illuminates the mist from above. In embodiments, the light source
illuminates the mist
from the side. In embodiments, the light source 34 may be configured to
illuminate the mist
from below, or the candle artificial wick 11 may provide the light source from
within the
mist, i.e. the candle artificial wick would be encapsulated within the mist.
The candle
artificial wick 11 may have different shapes. Examples of shapes of the
artificial wick
included, but are not limited to, helical shaped or tiered shaped. In
embodiments, the
artificial wick is intertwined or braided with fiber optic cables of varying
colors that may
travel along the cables, or LED lights/tubes. In embodiments, the varying
colors comprise
any one or more colors on the visible spectrum (430-770 THz).
[0061]
Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, exemplary transducers 106 may comprise a certain
.. shape, dimension, material type, impressions, perforations, notches, etc.
resulting in shaping
the liquid into mist/aerosol with flame-like characteristics. The transducer
may be comprised
of a metal plate, or a ceramic element/material of suitable composition,
electrode patterns,
such as solid, wrap-around, side-tab, insulation band, bull's-eye, tolerances
such as,
capacitance, d33 value, frequency, voltage, shape, size, surface finish,
shaping process and/or
post-processing, specific patterns or alternative electrode materials
including, but not limited
to, nickel or gold. The resonator 24 may have larger and/or shaped transducer
openings 32,
such as shown as resonator 40 and resonator 42 in FIG. 3, or have a plurality
of transducer
openings 32 as shown with resonators 44, 46 and 48 in FIG. 4. In embodiments,
the different
transducer opening(s) designs provide varying dielectric resonator responses
and resultant
aero vapor shapes to produce a different actual flame-like appearance. In
embodiments, the
resonator is any device that is capable of oscillation.
[0062]
Referring to FIG. 5, the nozzle 14, or manifold, may have other shapes/sizes,
such
as shorter cone nozzle 50, or taller cone nozzle 52, or be configured as a
spiral nozzle 54. In
embodiments, the nozzle can be any shape that is capable of shaping a
substance as it passes
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through the nozzle. In embodiments, the various nozzles 14 help shape the
aerosol, and also
control the height and variations in the height of the aerosol 12. In
embodiments, substances
other than aerosol pass through and are shaped by the nozzle. These substances
include, but
are not limited to, mist and water. The nozzle 14 can be created via fast 3-D
printing
techniques, enabling a variety of aerosol 12 shapes. In embodiments, a cone
shaped nozzle is
used to shape the exiting mist to resemble a flame.
[0063]
FIG. 6 shows an example drive signal 108 delivered to the transducer 106 to
create
and control variations in the mist plume 12. The drive signal 108 may be a
digital signal or
an analog signal. Variations in amplitude and frequency of the signal may
create variations
in the mist plume 12.
[0064]
Various illuminated aerosol vapors that can be created are shown in FIG. 7A,
FIG.
7B and FIG. 7C.
[0065]
Alternative embodiments of this disclosure are shown in FIGs. 8-17. These
embodiments create a realistic multiuse, multiplatform flame technology.
These
embodiments include fireplace units that are fully integrated and can be
incorporated into any
sized opening or manufacturer's firebox, along with any available log set on
the market. This
creates a realist looking, safe alternative to fire.
[0066] One
illustrative embodiment shown in FIGs. 8-11 comprises an imitation flame
generator 100 that includes realistic vapor flame technology (RVFT) utilizing
variable
evaporating droplet technology (VEDT). This generator 100 comprises a liquid
dispenser
102 configured to dispense liquid droplets 104 onto a piezoelectric transducer
106, as shown
in FIG. 8. The dispenser 102 can take many forms, and may include a fluid
reservoir, or may
receive fluid via a conduit feeding one or more openings. In embodiments, the
transducer
106 is driven by a modulated resonating drive signal 108 generated by a
modulator 110. The
modulator 110 may be comprised of a Class E inverter and/or a piezoelectric
transformer.
The dispenser 102 may be comprised of devices and/or effects such as capillary
effect, use of
solenoid valves, a cavitation process tubes, pumps, wicking effect, and/or the
implementation
of fluidic technology such as switches, amplifiers, oscillators, and the like,
that control the
specific droplet size being dispensed onto the transducer.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, the droplet 104 impinges upon transducer 106 to
disperse, like
a splash as shown at 112. The droplets 104 may be of different sizes and be
intermittently
disposed/placed on certain/key places on the transducer 106 by the dispenser.
The mist
changes shape and size as a function of the varying size/shape of the droplets
being dispensed
to the transducer.
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[0068] As
shown in FIG. 10, the modulated transducer 106 causes the dispersed droplet
112 to transduce and form a mist/aerosol 114 that rises from the transducer
106. The varying
energy of drive signal 108 delivered to the transducer 106 causes the mist 114
to transform
into a vapor plume 116, as shown in FIG. 11. In embodiments, varying energy of
the drive
signal 108, as shown in FIGs. 8 and 9, to the transducer 106 results in the
liquid being
atomized/nebulized at different mist/aerosol droplet sizes. The drive signal
which may be
generated by the modulator may produce a drive signal with irregular varying
frequencies,
irregular power, pulse width modulation ratios and the like. This variation in
mist/aerosol
droplet sizes results in varying heights, shapes/sizes of the plume 116. This
modulation of
energy to the transducer 106, varying liquid droplet sizes onto the transducer
106, and/or the
resultant varying mist/aerosol droplet sizes cause the vapor plume 116 to move
up and down,
emulating the dancing effect of a real flame. This is the resultant of the
vapor-resonator
interface.
[0069] In
one illustrative embodiment, the resonant frequency of the drive signal 108 of
the modulated transducer 106 is a driving signal of 28.52 kHz, at an operating
power about
Watts. In embodiments, the frequency of the drive signal is less than 28.52
kHz. In
embodiments, the frequency of the drive signal is greater than 28.52 kHz. In
embodiments,
the frequency is about 100 kHz. In embodiments, the diameter of the transducer
106 is
26mm (about 1 inch). In embodiments, the diameter of the transducer 106 is
less than 26mm.
20 In embodiments, the diameter of the transducer 106 is greater than 26mm.
In embodiments,
the flame effect is the generated irregular, ultrasonic wave that spreads
upwards from the
modulated transducer. In embodiments, aromatic oils such as essential oils can
be added to
the liquid and diffused for scented candles.
[0070] The
transducer 106 arrangements can be one of a number of types. In
embodiments, the transducer is an ultrasonic transducer. In embodiments, the
transducer is a
pressure transducer. In embodiments, the transducer is a temperature
transducer. In
embodiments, the transducer is a piezoelectric transducer. In embodiments, any
of the flame
generators described herein comprises any one or more of an ultrasonic
transducer, a pressure
transducer, a temperature transducer, and a piezoelectric transducer.
[0071] In embodiments, a piezoelectric transducer creates a high frequency
mechanical
oscillation just below the surface of a source of water, such that an
ultrasonic vibration turns
the liquid into mist. The dispensed fluid, such as water, may be dispersed as
onto the
modulated transducer 106 to take advantage of gravity. The droplets may be a
substantially
consistent size or inconsistent size. The water may be injected onto the
transducer 106 using
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an injector, and the water may be a standing liquid residing in a basin. The
fluid can be
transported, dropped, placed, pushed onto, through transducer 106 in many
fashions. The
implementation of capillary effect, use of solenoids, tubes, pumps, wicking
effect, and/or the
implementation of fluidic technology such as switches, amplifiers,
oscillators, and the like,
may be utilized to effectively transport liquid and/or create plume motion and
support
functions that may allow for the movement of specific sized droplets of liquid
onto the
transducer. The liquid may be added onto the transducer through any physical,
mechanical,
or electrical means. In embodiments, the liquid is injected, pumped, or
pressurized onto the
transducer 106. Liquid droplets may be created on the transducer through any
physical,
mechanical, or electrical means. In embodiments, a fluidic switch and/or a
solenoid valve
may be utilized to effectively create and move specific sized droplets of
liquid for movement
and release onto the transducer 106. Random plume sizes as droplets may be
created to result
in flame heights that mimic a real flame. In embodiments, a system of fluid
supply channels
through a solenoid valve, and/or a cavitation process, may provide random
plume sizes as
droplets are intermittently delivered onto the transducer to create various
flame heights to
mimic a real flame. Integrated circuitry may allow random frequency/power
modulation of
the transducer. Variable droplet size may be achieved through a fluidic valve
delivery system
or through a modulated pump system disseminating fluid onto the transducer in
several
fashions including, but not limited to, dropping via gravity, pushing or
pumping, capillary
effect, injecting and the like. The liquid may be brought into contact from
below, the side,
and/or the center onto the transducer.
[0072] One
embodiment comprises a fireplace insert 120 as shown in FIG. 12, where
several transducers 106 may be lined up in a varying tiered offset radius
pattern, with random
droplet sizes being dispensed onto the transducers 106 at different intervals,
creating a
realistic dancing vapor flame. The insert 120 may be positioned in a recess
122 of a carved
log 124 such as shown in FIG. 13. An artificial fire log or artificial flame
configured with a
log or log shaped housing may comprise a Ruben's tube having a transducer that
creates
sound waves that vary the shape, size and/or height of the flame from the
individual
enclosure openings, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 3 of provisional patent
application no.
62/554,419; incorporated by reference herein.
[0073]
FIG. 14 shows an insert 126 having linearly arranged transducers 106. The
dispensers 102 comprise nozzles fed by a conduit 130, which conduit 130 is fed
by a liquid
such as water from the fluid reservoir.
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[0074]
FIGs. 15 and 16 show embodiments of helical and tiered artificial wicks, and
include intertwined or braided light sources, or fiber optic cables of varying
colors, or LED
lights/tubes. Light sources 34 may be arranged in a tiered configuration with
a transducer
106 at each tier. The light sources 34 may be shaped to create an artificial
wick 11 that may
simulate the shape of a flame or a wick.
[0075]
FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a candle at 200, shown to include a body
202, liquid reservoir 204, pump motor 206, liquid delivery conduit 208,
resonator 210,
control circuit 212, electrical conductors 214 providing a modulated drive
signal, artificial
wick 216, and vapor plume 218. In embodiments, the pump 206 delivers liquid in
constant or
varying droplet sizes from reservoir 204 via vertically extending conduit 208
to proximate the
resonator 210. The resonator 210 modulates the presented liquid to create the
vapor plume
218, wherein varying the power and/or waveform of the modulated control signal
generated
by control circuit 212 causes the vapor plume 218 to shape. The pump motor 206
may
deliver liquid in varying droplet sizes causing the vapor plume 118 to shape.
One or more
light sources, such as LED fibers, can be disposed in or about the artificial
wick 216 to color
the vapor plume 218 and resemble a flame.
[0076] As
shown in FIG. 18, an exemplary artificial flame apparatus 16 comprises a
liquid
reservoir 20, transducers 106 (106') to produce a mist 114 that collects in
the mist reservoir
412. An oscillator 384 varies the rate of flow of the mist from the housing
202 such that the
vapor plume 218 of mist changes shape or height. The oscillator 384, which may
produce
waves, pressure gradients and/or vibrations, may cause the flow of the mist to
pulsate, swirl,
etc., producing a dancing flame effect to the resultant vapor plume. A light
source 34 may be
configured to illuminate the vapor plume 218 or vapor mist 12 exiting the
housing around the
artificial wick 11 and may also illuminate the artificial wick 11. The
artificial wick 11 may
comprise the light source 34 and may comprise a fiber optic 37 or light tube
38, for example.
As described herein, the fiber optic or light tube may be configured to look
like a wick or
flame and/or a plurality of light sources, such as fiber optics or light tubes
may be twisted
about each other, such as spiral wrapped, tiered, helical, braided etc. The
light emitted by the
light source may be a colored light and may change color and/or intensity to
produce a more
realistic artificial flame. A portion of the fiber optic or light tube may be
colored, and a
portion may be translucent or transparent to allow the light to emit
therefrom. The cover
nozzle 14 may be of various shapes to channel and shape the vaporized mist
generated from
the resonator 106 as it exits the housing 202. In embodiments, the cover
nozzle comprises
one or more apertures at one of its ends. In embodiments, the cover nozzle
comprises two
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apertures. In embodiments, the cover nozzle comprises three apertures. In
embodiments, the
cover nozzle comprises four apertures. In embodiments, the cover nozzle
comprises more
than four apertures.
[0077] A
light source, such as a ring of light 66, may be configured proximal to the
enclosure opening 504 or at the nozzle exit or at the mist outlet 607 and this
light source may
produce a colored light such as white, blue, red, orange, yellow, etc., to
reflect and illuminate
the mist and vapor plume 218, and/or an artificial wick 11. The light emitted
by the light
source may be a colored light and may change color and/or intensity to produce
a more
realistic artificial flame. One or more light sources, such as fiber optic
cables and/or
filaments, LED fiber(s), can be disposed in or about the artificial wick 11 to
color the vapor
plume 218 to resemble aflame. The artificial wick, or a portion thereof, may
also be colored
to resemble a burnt candle wick. The wick may be helical, tiered, shaped,
molded, and may
include intertwined or braided light sources such as fiber optic cables of
varying colors, or
LED lights/tubes.
[0078] An air moving device 388, such as a fan, may produce a flow of air,
as indicated
by the bold arrows that forces the mist 114 from the housing. Power to the fan
may be
modulated to control a flow of air to further shape and control the mist
plume. As shown, the
air moving device produces a flow of air that travels through flow conduits
389 and then
through inlets 408 into the mist reservoir 412 to force the mist 114 out of
the housing 202. A
splash guard 432 may be configured to prevent large droplets of liquid from
entering and/or
exiting the housing through the nozzle 14. The splash guard may prevent
condensation
droplets from dropping onto the transducer. The air moving device may be
controlled by a
controller 27 having a control circuit 28 and a modulator 110 that changes air
moving device
output, which may change the flow rate of the airflow and subsequently the
rate of mist
exiting the housing. A modulator may also regulate the transducers to vary the
rate of mist
production, as a function of a controller. A modulator may also control the
light emitted by
the light source by changing colors and/or intensity to produce a more
realistic artificial
flame. A shaping nozzle 512 may be configured to shape the mist as it exits
the housing to
form a flame shaped vapor plume 218.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 18, there are two representative transducers 106
and 106'. The
first transducer 106', is located outside the liquid reservoir 20 and comes in
contact with a
liquid 71 from the liquid reservoir via a porous wick structure 22 that draws
liquid from the
liquid reservoir via capillary forces to the transducer surface 26'. A second
representative
transducer 106 is located within the liquid reservoir 20. The transducer
surface 26 of the
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transducer 106, or mist producing surface, is in direct contact with the
liquid of the liquid
reservoir. An exemplary artificial flame apparatus 16 may comprise one
transducer or a
plurality of transducers. The one transducer or plurality of transducers may
comprise any of
the transducers described herein.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 18, a pod 370 is configured to retain an agent or
plurality of
agents, such as an aroma agent 371 that mixes with the liquid in the liquid
reservoir to
produce a mist having a fragrance or scent. In embodiments, the aroma agent
comprises one
or more aromatic oils. In embodiments, the one or more aromatic oils comprise
one or more
essential oils.
[0081] The vapor mist 12, or vapor plume 218 produced by the exemplary
artificial flame
apparatus 16 may be configured to oscillate or change shape, size or height to
mimic a real
flame that moves, dances, and changes shape. An oscillator 384 may create
sound waves,
vibrations, or pressure gradients that force the mist 114 from the housing 202
at a variable
rate, thereby creating a changing plume. In embodiments, the oscillator
produces an output
signal of varying frequencies. In embodiments, the frequency is at least 10
Hz. In
embodiments, the frequency is greater than 10 Hz, for example between 15 Hz
and 100 Hz,
or between 100 Hz and 100 GHz. An oscillator may produce sound waves, sound
pressure or
acoustical pressure, and may be configured with a standing wave tube 500, also
referred to as
a Ruben's tube. An oscillator may be used to create waveforms controlling
properties such as
.. amplitude, frequency, rise time, time interval, distortion and others. Mist
114 may enter an
inlet 502 to an enclosure 501 of the standing wave tube and a sound wave
generator 506 may
create sound waves/sound pressure that travel along the enclosure 501 forcing
the mist out of
enclosure openings 504 in the enclosure 501. The mist may be expelled from the
enclosure
openings as a function of the sound wave, or sound pressure, whereby it may
change at a
.. rhythm or beat of the sound wave. The controller 27 and/or modulator 110
may control the
sound generator 506 to produce a mist that moves to a particular beat or
rhythm due to the
controlled variation in the sound waves. This variation may be the product of
an acoustical
selection or creation, sound wave pattern creation, modulated sound wave
pattern or may be
random. The oscillator may be a surface acoustic device.
[0082] An exemplary artificial flame apparatus may comprise a power source
29, such as
a battery or rechargeable battery 19 or a wired power connection, such as a
plug adapted to be
plugged into an electrical outlet including a wall outlet or a Universal
Serial Bus (USB)
outlet/micro USB or similar manner. In embodiments, a rechargeable battery is
configured
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within the housing 202 of the artificial flame apparatus and is configured to
be recharged
through a USB connection.
[0083] As
shown in FIG. 19, an exemplary oscillator 384 is a standing wave tube 500,
also referred to as a Ruben's tube that may be configured in a circular form,
wherein the
enclosure 501, such as a tube, extends in an arc around the artificial wick
11. The mist may
enter the enclosure 501 through an inlet 502 and a sound generator, an
oscillator 506, may
produce sound waves and sound pressure that forces the mist 114 from the
enclosure opening
504. In embodiments, the enclosure extends around a portion of the artificial
wick and the
artificial wick comprises a light source 34. A shaping nozzle 512 may be
configured to shape
the mist as it exits the housing to form a flame shaped vapor plume 218.
[0084]
FIG. 20 is an embodiment of an artificial flame apparatus, configured to
generate a
simulated flame in which the mist/vapor is shaped into a simulated vapor plume
through the
use of airflow. The artificial flame apparatus comprises a liquid reservoir
20, transducer 106
to produce a mist 114 that collects in the mist reservoir 412 and moved by
airflow up through
cover nozzle 14, through an optional shaping nozzle 512 and through the
enclosure opening
504 and mist outlet 607. A light source 34 may be configured to illuminate the
vapor plume
218 exiting the housing around the artificial wick 11 and may also illuminate
the artificial
wick 11. The artificial wick 11 may comprise the light source 34 and may
comprise a fiber
optic 37 or light tube 38, for example. In embodiments, the fiber optic or
light tube is
configured to look like a wick or flame and/or a plurality of light sources,
such as fiber optics
or light tubes. In embodiments, the fiber optic or light tube is twisted about
each other, such
as spiral wrapped, tiered, helical, braided etc.
[0085] In embodiments, the light emitted by the light source is a colored
light and may
change color and/or intensity to produce a more realistic artificial flame. In
embodiments, a
portion of the fiber optic or light tube is colored. In embodiments, a portion
of the fiber optic
or light tube is translucent or transparent to allow the light to emit
therefrom. In
embodiments, the cover nozzle 14 is of various shapes to channel and shape the
vaporized
mist generated from the transducer 106 as it exits the housing 202. A light
source, such as a
ring of light 66, may be configured proximal to the enclosure opening 504 or
at the nozzle
exit or at the mist outlet 607 and this light source may produce a colored
light such as white,
blue, red, orange, yellow, etc., to reflect and illuminate the mist and vapor
plume 218, and/or
an artificial wick 11. The light emitted by the light source may be a colored
light and may
change color and/or intensity to produce a more realistic artificial flame.
One or more light
sources, such as fiber optic cables and/or filaments, and LED fiber(s), can be
disposed in or
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about the artificial wick 11 to color the vapor plume 218 to resemble a flame.
In
embodiments, the artificial wick, or a portion thereof, is colored to resemble
a burnt
candlewick. In embodiments, the wick is helical, tiered, shaped, molded, and
may include
intertwined or braided light sources such as fiber optic cables of varying
colors, or LED
lights/tubes.
[0086] An
alternative embodiment of a candlewick may be comprised of a two-
dimensional (2-D) and/or three-dimensional (3-D) light-reflective,
translucent, transparent,
nonlight-reflective and/or other material of various shapes (e.g. 2-D or 3-D
flame
profile/outline/silhouette) and/or sizes. The candlewick may be cut, stamped,
molded/3-D
printed, etc. The candle wick may be illuminated from within by one or more
colored light
sources, such as fiber optic cables and/or filaments, LED fiber(s), etc. The
candle wick may
be illuminated by reflective light onto the 2-D or 3-D material by one or more
colored light
sources, such as fiber optic cables and/or filaments, LED fiber(s), etc. The
mist plume may
surround, engulf, submerge, circumnavigate, encompass, etc. the candlewick
described in this
paragraph.
[0087] In embodiments, an air moving device 388 or plurality of air moving
devices may
produce a flow of air, as indicated by the bold arrows that forces the mist
114 from the
housing. In embodiments, the air moving device or plurality of air moving
devices is/are a
fan(s). In embodiments, the air moving device produces a flow of air that
travels through
flow conduit(s) 389 and then through inlet(s) 408 into the mist reservoir 412
to force the mist
114 out of the housing 202. A splashguard 432 may be configured to prevent
large droplets of
liquid from entering and/or exiting the housing through the nozzle 14. The
splashguard may
prevent condensation droplets from dropping onto the transducer. The
splashguard may help
direct the flow of air, and/or the flow of mist out of the mist reservoir. The
air moving device
may be controlled by a controller 27 having a control circuit 28. The control
circuit may
control the light emitted by the light source by changing colors and/or
intensity to produce a
more realistic artificial flame. A shaping nozzle 512 may be configured to
further shape the
mist as it exits the housing to form a flame shaped vapor plume 218.
Transducer 106 is
located within the liquid reservoir 20. The surface of the transducer, or mist-
producing
surface, is in direct contact with the liquid of the liquid reservoir. The
vapor plume 218
produced by the exemplary artificial flame apparatus may be configured to
oscillate or
change shape, size or height to mimic a real flame that moves, dances, and
changes shape.
[0088] An exemplary artificial flame apparatus may comprise a power source 29,
such as a
battery or rechargeable battery 19 or a wired power connection, such as a plug
adapted to be
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plugged into an electrical outlet including a wall outlet or a Universal
Serial Bus (USB)
outlet/micro USB or similar manner. In an exemplary embodiment, a rechargeable
battery is
configured within the housing 202 of the artificial flame apparatus and is
configured to be
recharged through a USB connection. The apparatus may comprise a capacitive
touch
controller 606 to emulate a real candle that has no visible buttons on the
candle body and/or
housing. An air moving device 388 or plurality of air moving devices, such as
a fan, can be
used to force airflow (as indicated by the bold arrows) through the structure
and through air
inlets 601. In embodiments, airflow through the inlets continues through flow
conduits,
ducts, tubes, channels, and/or pathways 603 forcing the air out of the housing
202 through air
outlet(s) 602. In embodiments, the air outlet(s) 602, which may comprise
angled and/or
shaped vents, directs the airflow to shape the mist 12 into a vapor plume 218.
Air may be
pulled through air inlet 600 or plurality of air inlets, which may result in a
Venturi effect,
creating increased airflow through flow conduits 603. Air outlet(s) 602 may be
positioned to
create airflow, such as a vortex, to perhaps swirl and/or to further shape and
control the mist
and vapor plume. Air moving out of the housing through an air outlet or
plurality of air
outlets, which may be positioned to optimize the desired outcome of emulating
a flame,
and/or smoke from a burning candle. The air from the air outlet(s) may
disperse and/or
remove unwanted mist, which may detract from the look of a realistic flame
plume. The
airflow from the air outlet(s) may be directed at optimum angles to dissipate
the resultant
dispersed mist to further assist in shaping the mist to emulate a realistic
flame plume and
flame smoke. Airflow from air outlets may also impact the mist plume to
oscillate the mist
plume to emulate a dancing flame. Mist may also be shaped within the nozzle,
and/or
proximal to the nozzle exit, and/or external to the housing, and/or atop the
housing/candle
body. The vapor mist, or vapor plume tailored by this exemplary artificial
flame apparatus
can emulate/mimic a realistic flame that may be configured to oscillate,
change shape, size,
height etc. to move and dance like a fire flame. There are various ways of
lighting the plume
described in this disclosure, utilizing different techniques to provide power
to the light
source(s). FIG. 20 provides one approach where the light source(s) is
connected to an
electrical contact 604 on the nozzle cover 14, and the controller is connected
to an electrical
mating contact 605 on the reservoir housing 20. When the nozzle cover is
mounted to the
reservoir housing, the electrical contacts 604 and 605 are mated to complete a
circuit
allowing an electrical current to flow, connecting the light source(s) to the
control unit.
[0089] FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of an expanded view cross section of
the upper
portion, which depicts use of airflow, and lighting to further control and
shape the mist.
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Airflow continues through flow conduits, ducts, tubes, channels, and/or
pathways 603 forcing
the air out of the housing 202 through air outlet(s) 602. The air outlets 602,
which may
comprise angled and/or shaped vents, directs the airflow to shape the mist 12
into a vapor
plume 218. The nozzle cover may comprise various shapes and/or sizes, and
constriction
.. points to control the flow of mist 114. In embodiments, the Venturi effect
is used to control
the flow of mist through the nozzle cover. In embodiments, the Venturi effect
is created via
the mist flowing through a narrow opening in the nozzle cover. In embodiments,
the
Bernoulli effect is used to control the flow of mist through the nozzle cover.
In
embodiments, the Bernoulli effect is created through modulating the speed of
the mist as it
passes through the nozzle cover. In embodiments, the Bernoulli effect is
created through
modulating the pressure in the nozzle cover as the mist passes through the
nozzle cover.
[0090] A light source 34 may be configured to illuminate the vapor plume 218
exiting the
housing around (proximal to) the artificial wick 11 and may also illuminate
the artificial wick
11. The artificial wick 11 may comprise the light source 34 and may comprise a
fiber optic 37
or light tube 38, for example.
[0091] The airflow conduit 603 may comprise various shapes and/or sizes, and
constriction
points to create high pressure and low pressure, incorporating the Venturi
effect and/or
Bernoulli effect. Air outlet(s) 602 may be positioned to create airflow, such
as a vortex,
directed to swirl the mist to further shape and control the mist 12 and vapor
plume to emulate
.. a flame. Air moving out of the housing through an air outlet or plurality
of air outlets, may
be directed to optimize the desired outcome of emulating a flame, and/or smoke
from a
burning candle.
[0092] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the upper part of a candle
embodiment similar
to FIG. 20, depicting lighting and the use of directed airflow to further
control and shape the
.. mist and vapor plume. Directed air is moving out of the housing 202 through
an air outlet or
plurality of air outlets 602, which may be implemented to control and/or shape
the vapor
plume to optimize the desired outcome of emulating a flame, and/or burning
candle smoke.
The air outlet(s) 602, which may comprise angled and/or shaped openings and/or
vents, direct
the airflow to shape the mist 12 into a vapor plume 218. The air from the air
outlet(s) may
.. disperse (knock down), dissipate, and/or remove unwanted mist 12 which may
not add to the
look of a realistic flame plume. The airflow from the air outlet(s) may be
directed to swirl,
and/or dissipate the resultant dispersed mist at optimal angles to assist in
further shaping the
mist to emulate a realistic flame plume and flame smoke. Airflow from air
outlets may also
blow onto the mist plume exiting the mist outlet 607 to oscillate the mist
plume to emulate a
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dancing flame. A light source 34 may be configured to illuminate the vapor
plume 218
exiting the housing around the artificial wick 11 and may also illuminate the
artificial wick
11. The artificial wick 11 may comprise the light source 34 and may comprise a
fiber optic 37
or light tube 38, for example.
[0093] The air moving device, or devices, may be located in an external
apparatus, such as
a cylindrical clear candle enclosure, lantern enclosure, etc., that may be
used to house and/or
envelop the candle apparatus to control airflow to the mist plume. Internal or
external control
of the mist/vapor may be utilized in all other applications, such as
fireplaces, fireboxes, etc.
through the use of externally mounted air moving device(s), such as fans,
and/or vacuums,
etc. to control and shape the mist and/or vapor plume(s).
[0094] In embodiments, an air moving device is disposed within the housing and
positioned to create a flow of air into air inlets through air conduits and
exiting air outlets. In
embodiments, the air outlets are located above the vapor plume. In
embodiments, the air
outlets are located below the vapor plume. In embodiments, the air outlets are
internal to the
housing. In embodiments, the air outlets are external to the housing. In
embodiments, the air
outlets are positioned atop, outside, within, or inside the housing. In
embodiments, the air
outlets function to further shape the mist into a flame and/or a plume flame.
In embodiments,
the air outlets function to create the effect of smoke. In embodiments, the
air from the air
outlet interacts with the mist from the housing or nozzle. In embodiments,
this interaction
results in dissemination, removal, and/or repositioning of the mist. In
embodiments, this
interaction results in shaping the mist to emulate a flame and/or smoke from a
burning flame.
In embodiments, the air from the air outlet interacts with the mist from the
housing or nozzle,
which oscillates the mist plume creating the effect of a dancing flame. In
embodiments, the
air moving devices are fans. In embodiments, the air moving devices are
oscillators. In
embodiments, the air moving devices are any type of fluidic technology. In
embodiments, air
movement results from any one more of moving, pushing, or pulling air within
the nozzle or
wick, or around the nozzle or wick. In embodiments, air is moved around the
wick through a
plurality of vents on top of the candle, through vents adjacent to the candle.
In embodiments,
air is moved around the candle, within the candle, or proximal to the candle.
In
embodiments, the movement of air incorporates the Venturi effect, Bernoulli
effect, and/or
fluidic technology.
[0095] Other uses of the apparatus as described herein, may include biological
applications, not necessarily related to simulation of a realistic flame,
pyrotechnics, fire pits,
torches, car exhaust tubes, education, magic acts, special effects,
military/law
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PCT/US2020/032757
enforcement/first responders training, etc. This flame technology can be
utilized in any
application requiring the simulation/replication of a realistic flame. The
appended claims set
forth novel and inventive aspects of the subject matter described above, but
the claims may
also encompass additional subject matter not specifically recited in detail.
For example,
certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if not
necessary to
distinguish the novel and inventive features from what is already known to a
person having
ordinary skill in the art. Features, elements, and aspects described herein
may also be
combined or replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or
similar purpose
without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein.
[0096] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications,
combinations and variations can be made without departing from the scope of
the
embodiments described herein. Specific embodiments, features and elements
described
herein may be modified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is
intended that
the embodiments described herein cover the modifications, combinations and
variations of
the embodiments described herein.
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