Burner-log element

Details Burner-log element Burner-log element

2000-01-13

2001-10-02

Clarke, Sara (Department: 3743)

Combustion

With simulation feature

C264S087000, C264S279000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06296474

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to artificial log elements. More particularly, the invention relates to artificial log elements which also serve as gas burners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fireplaces have been used for centuries as a means for providing heat, for cooking and for simply decorative purposes. In recent years, fireplaces using gaseous fuels, for example natural gas, manufactured gas, and propane, have become very popular due to their efficiency, ease of operation, and cleanliness. One potential drawback of such gas fires, however, is that they tend not to be as aesthetically pleasing as natural wood fires.
Artificial solid ceramic logs for use in gas fireplaces are generally known to help provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to such fireplaces and to simulate a wood-burning fireplace. Such artificial logs were typically placed over a conventional gas burner element to help hide the burner element from view and to simulate a natural wood fire. While such artificial logs have been somewhat effective in improving the aesthetics of gas fires, they have not been entirely effective in simulating a wood burning fire wherein flame comes directly from the burning logs.
In an attempt to remedy some of the deficiencies of known artificial logs, some artificial burning log assemblies have been produced. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,513 to Whitfield (the “'513 Patent”) discloses a gas burning imitation log assembly including an imitation log carried by a gas supply conduit. The assembly includes openings or slots that extend through both the gas supply conduit and the imitation log material. Gas is fed through the supply conduit and diffuses through the slots for combustion to create flames coming from the log. However, as disclosed by the '513 Patent, the artificial log material is cooler than the flame generated by the combustion gas, and thereby acts to cool the flame and hinder complete combustion of the gas. Partial combustion is undesirable for many reasons, for example, because it results in the production of noxious carbon monoxide and the buildup of soot on the log. To achieve complete combustion in the burner log disclosed by the —513 Patent, the thickness of the log and the shape and position of the slots must be selectively chosen. Additionally, artificial log materials, such as ceramic or refractory materials, are not as durable as traditional burner material when used as a burner surface.
Thus, there is still a need for additional innovations in burner-log elements to help improve burn efficiency and burner durability while still providing a realistic simulation of flame coming from a log.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A log-burner apparatus is provided for simulating a burning log or piece of wood wherein at least a portion of the burner aperture of the burner is not defined by and does not extend through the artificial log material. As such, any adverse effect of the artificial log material on the efficiency of the burner is reduced. Additionally, the burner apparatus provides for durability of the burner while still providing a realistic simulation of flame coming from a log.
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a gas burner apparatus including a gas burner structure with an outer surface including a portion with at least one burner aperture therein. The apparatus further includes an artificial log having an outer surface, and the artificial log is disposed at least partially around the gas burner structure. At least a portion of the outer surface of the burner structure including the burner aperture is exposed adjacent the outer surface of the artificial log.
In at least some embodiments, the first portion is a burner portion, and the burner structure includes a second portion adjacent the burner portion. Further, the artificial log has an inner surface and the inner surface of the log is disposed at least partially around the outer surface of the gas burner structure, wherein the second portion of the outer surface of the gas burner abuts the inner surface of the log.
Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of making a gas burner apparatus. The method includes the step of providing a burner structure including an outer surface. The outer surface includes a burner portion having at least one burner perture therein, and a second portion adjacent the burner portion. The method also includes the step of forming an artificial log at least partially around the burner structure such that the burner surface portion is exposed, and at least some of the second portion is in communication with the artificial log.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1483570 (1924-02-01), Brown
patent: 3377229 (1968-04-01), Bryan
patent: 4875464 (1989-10-01), Shimek et al.
patent: 4890601 (1990-01-01), Potter
patent: 5271888 (1993-12-01), Sinsley
patent: 5655513 (1997-08-01), Whitfeld
patent: 5800875 (1998-09-01), Hussong
patent: 5918592 (1999-07-01), Kazubski et al.
patent: 6048195 (2000-04-01), Shimek et al.

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