Acoustically Variable Burner System

Abstract

An acoustically variable burner system is provided, having a burner wherein the flow of gas thereto, and consequently the flame pattern resulting from the ignition of the gas, is variable by transmission of acoustic waves therethrough via an acoustically-based control system. The preferred burner design produces a realistic, wood-burning type flame pattern. An acoustic controller, such as an APPLE® iPod®, MP3 player, computer, etc., may be utilized to drive / control electroacoustic transducers positioned adjacent the burner, the sound waves of which are produced thereby varying the flow rate of gas to the burner gas ports, thereby varying the flame height in direct correspondence with the audio signal. Further, the flame color may be altered by introduction of flame color variant compositions exposed to the flame via a flame color variation device removably positioned adjacent the burner. The system is preferably controlled via a specialized computer program running on the acoustic controller, which enables choice of flame patterns, duration, audible audio to accompany the flame display, etc.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]An acoustically variable burner system is provided, having a burner wherein the flow of gas thereto is variable by production of acoustic waves therethrough via an acoustically-based control system. Specifically, an acoustic controller, such as an APPLE® iPod®, may be utilized to drive transducers, the sound waves of which vary the flow rate of gas to the burner, thereby varying the flame height, etc.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002]Historically, variation and control of gas flow to burners has been undertaken to control the amount of heat produced by the burner, as well as attempt to create a realistic (i.e., wood-burning) flame pattern. Conventionally, to achieve same, gas burners have comprised valve mechanisms for the control of gas flow thereto. Such valve mechanisms have varied in design tremendously, ranging from basic manual control to electromechanical control systems.[0003]In addition to mechanical and electromechanical valve systems for cont...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In another preferred embodiment based on the first embodiment above, the acoustically variable burner system also comprises one or more radio frequency (RF) filters in communication with one or more of the electroacoustic transducers, thereby enabling filtering of the acoustic waves entering the burner tube.

Problems solved by technology

However, although the '045 reference provides an alternate (i.e., acoustic) means of flame control, neither the gas burner system of the '045 reference, nor the prior art gas burners utilizing mechanical and electromechanical valve systems, provide a system capable of dynamically interactive flame control for entertainment purposes.

Further, the burner shape fails to produce a realistic flame pattern due to its linear shape.

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