Fire And Water Display With Integrated Safety Features

• US 20150165467A1
• Filed: 02/25/2015
• Published: 06/18/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Timothy C. Muff, William L. Muff
• Original Assignee: Timothy C. Muff, William L. Muff
• Inventors: Muff, William L., Muff, Timothy C.
• Application Number:
  US14/631,511
• Publication Number:
  US 20150165467A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/08 Fountains drinking fountains E03B9/20; wash fountains E03C1/16
• CPC Class Codes: F23D 14/20 Non-premix gas burners, i.e. in which gaseous fuel is mixed with combustion air on arrival at the combustion zone F23D14/38 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F23D 14/56 for spreading the flame over an area, e.g. for desurfacing of solid material, for surface hardening, or for heating workpieces
• CPC Class Codes: F23D 2208/00 Control devices associated with burners
• CPC Class Codes: F23K 2900/05001 Control or safety devices in gaseous or liquid fuel supply lines
• CPC Class Codes: F23N 2231/00 Fail safe
• CPC Class Codes: F23N 2231/08 for pilot flame failures
• CPC Class Codes: F23N 5/102 using electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: F23N 5/242 using electronic means

Abstract

A system for providing a combined water and fire display is provided. More specifically, a decorative display comprises a dynamic water and fire display device where fuel/air, water, and fire are integrated. The decorative display provides for unique aesthetic qualities and an appearance wherein flames are positioned at or near the surface of a volume of water. In various embodiments, the decorative display further comprises various safety features including the ability to detect and self-regulate conditions such as the existence and/or absence of a pilot flame, an adequate amount of water, and the temperature of various portions of the system. The decorative display further contemplates the ability to operate without one or more disclosed features, such as when only a water display or only a fire display is desired.

Claims

1. A combined water and fire display system comprising:

a reservoir containing a volume of water;

at least one water source associated with said reservoir;

at least one power source associated with said system;

at least one source of flammable gas associated with said system; and

a unit for emitting flammable gas, the unit being at least partially submerged within said volume of water, said unit comprising;

(a) a first gas line for directing flammable gas from said at least one source of flammable gas to one or more locations beneath a surface of the volume of water;

(b) at least one water level sensor, wherein said water level sensor is operable to selectively transmit water from said water source to said reservoir upon the detection of an absence of a predetermined quantity of water;

(c) a recirculation drain;

(d) an overflow drain;

(e) a pilot light positioned above said volume of water for igniting said flammable gas; and

a toroidal member provided around said unit and said pilot light at a surface of said volume of water.

2. The combined water and fire display system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the annular member is provided below said surface and a portion of the annular member is provided above said surface.

3. The combined water and fire display system of claim 1, wherein a portion of said first gas line extends above a predetermined maximum allowable water level so as to prevent the unwanted entrance of water into at least a portion of said first gas line.

4. The combined water and fire display system of claim 1, wherein the annular member comprises a buoyant member.

5. The combined water and fire display system of claim 1, wherein the annular member is provided in a fixed position relative to said reservoir.

6. The combined water and fire display system of claim 1, wherein said at least one source of flammable gas comprises a quantity of propane.

7. The combined water and fire display system of claim 1, wherein said flammable gas supplied by said first gas line carries a gas having a lower density than water and a higher density than air, said flammable gas being allowed to rise through said volume of water and wherein said flammable gas is ignited by said gas ignition means substantially upon reaching a surface of said volume of water.