US00726l455B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Schnuckle et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,261,455 B2
`Aug. 28, 2007
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING
`A FLICKERING FLAME EFFECT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Gary Schnuckle, Altadena, CA (US);
`Holger Irmler, Studio City, CA (US);
`Alfredo Ayala, West Covina, CA (US);
`Jamie Robertson, Wayland, MA (US);
`Bryan S. Tye, Canyon Country, CA
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Burbank, CA
`(US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U‘S.C. 154(1)) by 380 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/035,653
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 13, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2006/0034100 Al
`
`Feb. 16, 2006
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/915,794,
`filed on Aug. 10, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,159,994.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`F21 V 33/00
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`.................... .. 362/569; 362/810; 362/605;
`362/555; 362/161; 362/319
`(58) Field of Classification Search .............. .. 362/810,
`362/605, 555, 569, 161, 319, 362
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2,435,811 A
`2,976,450 A
`3,233,093 A
`3,384,774 A
`3,514,660 A
`
`2/1948 Waters
`3/1961 Benoleil et al.
`2/1966 Gerlat
`5/1968 English
`5/1970 Kopelman
`
`............. .. 431/253
`
`2/1972 Beckman
`3/1972 Lee
`5/1982 Abe
`
`3,639,749 A
`3,531,538 A
`4 328 534 A
`5
`5
`4,477,249 A * 10/1984 Ruzek et al.
`4’551’794 A
`11/1985 Sande“
`416171614 A
`10/1986 Lederer
`4,777,571 A
`10/1933 M0fgaI1
`4,866,580 A
`9/1989 Blackerby
`4,965,707 A
`10/1990 Butterfield
`
`5,097,180 A
`5,381,325 A
`
`6’257’755 B1
`6302555 B1
`6,312,137 B1
`6,454,425 B1
`
`3/1992 Ignon et 31.
`1/1995 Messana
`
`7/2001 Sevelle
`10/2001 Bn_St°W
`11/2001 Hs1eh
`9/2002 Lin
`
`Continued
`
`(
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`
`06052709
`
`2/1994
`
`Primary Examiner—Sandra O’Shea
`Assistant Examiner—Anabel Ton
`
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Marsh Fischmarm &
`Breyfogle LLP; Kent A. Lembke
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system for creating a flickering eflect comprising a
`simulated candle housing, a light communicating charmel on
`the housing, a source of ultraviolet light disposed in the
`channel, and a simulated flame having ultraviolet material
`thereon movable back and forth from its vertical axis
`
`mounted in the housing, the light focused on the simulated
`flame simulating a flickering flame.
`
`18 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:87)(cid:71)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:22)
`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

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`US 7,261,455 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`_
`6,461,011 131* 10/2002 Harnson .................... .. 362/96
`6’5“’219 B2
`1/2003 SeV‘°'“‘°'.
`D486,924 s
`2/2004 Skradsk1 et 211.
`6,688,752 B2
`2/2004 Moore
`6,712,493 B2*
`3/2004 Tell et al.
`
`................. .. 362/565
`
`2002/0080601 A1
`2003/0041491 A1
`2003/0053305 A1
`2004/0165374 A1
`
`6/2002 Meltzer
`3/2003 Mix
`3/2003 Lin
`8/2004 Robinson
`
`* cited by examiner
`
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 28, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`
`US 7,261,455 B2
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 28,2007
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`US 7,261,455 B2
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 28,2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 11
`
`US 7,261,455 B2
`
`(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:87)(cid:71)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:22)
`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 28,2007
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`Sheet 4 of 11
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`US 7,261,455 B2
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`/— 300
`
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 28,2007
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`Sheet 5 of 11
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`US 7,261,455 B2
`
`FIG. 8
`
`305
`
`FIG. 9
`
`(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:87)(cid:71)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:22)
`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 28,2007
`
`Sheet 6 of 11
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`US 7,261,455 B2
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 28,2007
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`Sheet 7 of 11
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`US 7,261,455 B2
`
`FIG. 12
`
`(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:87)(cid:71)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:22)
`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 28,2007
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`Sheet 8 of 11
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`US 7,261,455 B2
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 28,2007
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`Sheet 9 of 11
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 28, 2007
`
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
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`
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 28,2007
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`Sheet 11 of 11
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`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING
`A FLICKERING FLAME EFFECT
`
`2
`channel, wherein the rotation of the at least one channel
`about at least one axis of the mount creates an artificial
`
`US 7,261,455 B2
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of application
`Ser. No. 10/915,794 filed Aug. 10, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No.
`7,159,994.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`The present disclosure relates generally to the creation of
`artificial light effects for entertainment and novelty applica-
`tions.
`
`15
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART
`
`The generation of a flickering flame effect is important in
`entertainment applications, since it provides a mechanism
`for simulating the flicker of a candle without actually using
`a candle. This is important since it provides numerous safety
`benefits as well as an ability to keep the artificial flame
`“burning” in the presence of significant air pressure varia-
`tions.
`
`One type of device that generates an artificial flame is
`commonly known as a “wiggle wire ball.” Specifically, this
`device is a relatively large ball that has a flat filament,
`wherein the current ir1 the filament takes a random path
`which alters from time to time, thereby simulating a flick-
`ering flame effect.
`Another such device includes a series of orange and white
`LEDs that are cast in resin having a flame shaped surface. A
`current supplied to the LED’s in a particular sequence gives
`rise to a flickering flame eflect.
`Yet another device is commonly referred to as a “silk
`flame.” The silk flame includes a piece of silk that is blown
`upwards by a fan, causing it to undulate. A light projected on
`the silk piece is reflected ofl of the silk while it is moving,
`thereby creating a flickering flame effect. Another device for
`generating an artificial flickering flame effect is a lamp
`having a flicker circuit, wherein the flicker circuit is used to
`modulate the glowing light source within the bulb, thereby
`giving an appearance of a candle burning inside a lantern or
`a sconce.
`
`Another flickering flame device is a light bulb inside a
`flame shaped plastic object, which has wires incorporated
`into it. The wires interact with electromagnets causing the
`flame shaped object to tilt from side to side under control of
`an electronic circuit.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`The foregoing devices are either bulky, unsafe or do not
`provide a realistic flickering flame elfect. Thus, the system
`discussed below includes an apparatus and a method for
`synthesizing an artificial
`flame that provides a realistic
`flickering flame effect that is safe and easy to manufacture.
`In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/915,794, there is
`disclosed an artificial flickering eflect that simulates the
`flickering of a candle flame. In this aspect, the apparatus
`comprises: (i) at least one light communicating channel, (ii)
`a flame shaped surface in communication with a first end of
`the at least one light communicating charmel, (iii) a mount
`for rotatably securing the at least one channel, (iv) a fiber
`optic cable spaced from the at least one charmel for deliv-
`ering the light signal to a second end of the at least one
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`flickering flame on the flame shaped surface. Additionally,
`the at least one charmel may be designed to rotate about the
`orthogonal axes of the mount. The apparatus may further
`comprise a thin rod in communication with the flame shaped
`surface, wherein the rod is sensitive to air pressure varia-
`tions, thereby causing the flame shaped surface to rotate
`about the orthogonal axes of the mount.
`In still another aspect of the invention, in application Ser.
`No. 10/915,794 a flame portion simulating a candle flame is
`provided with an ultraviolet coating and, under illumination
`from an ultraviolet LED light source, oscillates back and
`forth at the top of a simulated candle.
`In another aspect of the system, disclosed in application
`Ser. No. 10/915,794, a method for generating diflused light
`is disclosed comprising: (i) receiving a light signal at a first
`end of an at least one fiber optic charmel, wherein the at least
`one charmel is rotatably secured on a mount and wherein the
`at least one fiber optic channel rotates about at least one axis
`of the mount, (ii) delivering the light signal to a diffuser
`surface which is in communication with a second end of the
`at least one channel, wherein the rotation of the at least one
`fiber optic charmel about an least one axis of the mount
`creates diffused light about the diffuser surface. Addition-
`ally, the method may further include the steps of rotatably
`securing the ring to a cylindrical enclosure surrounding the
`ring and providing a light signal from a light source, wherein
`the light source is a light-emitting diode (LED).
`In the instant application, ultraviolet LEDs are used to
`focus ultraviolet light and a simulated flame having ultra-
`violet material thereon which oscillates back and forth to
`
`simulate a flickering candle flame.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a candelabrum holding
`several artificial flame devices according to an embodiment
`of the disclosure, appearing as candles;
`FIG. 2 is a cut away perspective view of one of the
`artificial flame devices of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 4 is a view similar to the FIG. 3 illustrating the
`displacement of the flame shaped surface and associated
`components of the device of FIG. 2 during a flicker event;
`FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the device of FIG. 3
`
`taken along line 5 of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an artificial flame candle
`according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
`FIG. 8 is a view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7;
`FIGS. 9 and 10 are exploded views of a portion of the
`candle of FIG. 7 showing two modifications thereof;
`FIG. 11 is an elevational view, partly in section, of another
`embodiment of the candle of FIG. 7;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective cutaway view of another modi-
`fication of a flame device in accordance with the invention.
`
`FIG. 13 is an elevational view of another type of candle
`in accordance with the teachings of the invention;
`FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the candle of FIG. 13;
`FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the candle of FIG. 13;
`FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view ofthe candle of FIG. 13;
`FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the candle of FIG. 13
`taken 90° from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16;
`FIGS. 18 through 20 are detailed views of 3 different
`embodiments of the flame assembly alone of the candle of
`FIGS. 13 to 17;
`
`(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:87)(cid:71)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:22)
`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`US 7,261,455 B2
`
`3
`FIG. 21 is another embodiment of the cover alone of the
`candle of FIGS. 13 to 17;
`FIG. 22 is an elevational View of a candelabra incorpo-
`rating the candle of FIGS. 13 to 17; and
`FIG. 23 is a View similar to FIG. 16 illustrating an added
`feature of the invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
`
`Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure
`will now be described with reference to the drawings,
`it
`should be understood that such embodiments are by the way
`of example only a11d merely illustrative of but a small
`number of the many possible specific embodiments which
`can represent applications of the principles of the present
`disclosure. Various changes and modifications obvious to
`one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains
`are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation
`of the present disclosure as further defined in the appended
`claims.
`
`FIG. 1 is an exemplary depiction of a candelabrum 4
`holding several artificial flickering flame devices 6 mounted
`on a table 2. The devices 6 are shown as candle shaped and
`are positioned on individual supports 8 of the candelabrum
`4. Of course, the devices 6 may be other shapes, and need
`not resemble cylindrical candles per se, but could be any
`whimsical or geometric shape, just as candles can be found
`in myriad shapes, such as cartoon figures, pyramids, motor
`vehicle shapes, flowers, sculptures etc. Furthermore,
`the
`candelabra and table 2 are not necessary and any suitable
`support may be used. An artificial flame device 6 may also
`be fully or partially enclosed within a surrounding structure,
`such as in a globe or other container.
`FIG. 2 is a view of one of the artificial flicker flame device
`6 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the artificial flickering
`flame effect
`is created through air-pressure variations
`applied to the reflecting surfaces 13, 15 (see also FIG. 3) of
`element 12, which may be somewhat flame shaped, FIG. 2,
`and/or to the stem 10 attached to element 12 and extending
`generally upwardly therefrom. In other words, air moving
`against the components, such as airflow created by a fan, or
`air injected upwardly through the open bottom of the candle
`housing in any suitable manner, such as an air tube, which
`thus causes the components to move on a gimbal mecha-
`nism, as described below.
`The device in FIG. 2 may comprises a generally cylin-
`drical housing 32 open at both ends 31, 33, respectively (see
`also FIG. 3). A light conduit 30, such as a fiber optic cable,
`FIG. 2, is positioned near a light source 34, and is held in
`position in open end 31 by a support frame 28. Support
`frame 28 includes a central hub 27, through which conduit
`30 extends, and at least two outwardly oppositely extending
`arms 28 fixed to hub 27 and the inner wall of housing 32.
`A gimbal mechanism is mounted in the open end 33 of
`housing 32 having a ring-shaped member 20. Ring-shaped
`member 20 is supported within housing 32 by a pair of pins
`22, 23, respectively, each pin 22, 23 being fixedly secured to
`the outer periphery of member 20 and rotatably secured to
`the inner wall of housing 32. The pins 22 and 23 thus permit
`the member 20 of the gimbal mechanism to rotate about the
`longitudinal axes of the pins 22 and 23.
`The member 20 includes a pair of spaced grooves 24 and
`24' on its upper surface. A rod 18 is disposed in the grooves
`24, 24' and acts as a support for mutually communicating
`cables that are designed to carry a light signal, such as
`optical cables 14 and 16.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`
`The cables 14, 16 rotate about at least one axis (viz., the
`longitudinal horizontal axis passing along the length of the
`rod 18, as seen in The cables 14 and 16 (FIG. 2) may be
`coupled together by a connector 26 through which they
`extend (see also FIG. 2). Positioned in between the two
`cables 14 and 16 is a teardrop shaped element 12, simulating
`a flame. Element 12 may be made of plastic, rubber, or any
`other composite material, either substantially transparent or
`opaque material, and may be appropriately colored to
`heighten the perception of a flickering flame effect. Addi-
`tionally, a substantially long thin wire or stem 10 may be
`attached by any suitable means to the flame shaped element
`12 to create a wispy smoke effect.
`As seen in FIG. 3, a gap 35 separates the light carrying
`cable 30 from the light carrying cables (14, 16), the flame
`shaped element 12, the member 20 and pins 22, 23.
`The rotation of the gimbal mechanism 20, 22, 23 and the
`mutually connected light carrying cables (14, 16), along
`with the flame shaped element 12 and member 20 about rod
`18, causes the lower end of the mutually connected cables
`(14, 16) to be displaced from their stationary position of
`FIG. 3 to the positions illustrated in the dotted lines in FIG.
`4.
`
`FIG. 5 illustrates how element 12 is bonded to the stem 10
`
`which is in the form of a thin rod, by any suitable adhesive
`39.
`
`FIG. 6 illustrates the rotation of the structure comprising
`the gimbal mechanism (20, 22, 23), and the mutually con-
`nected light carrying cables (14, 16), and the flame shaped
`element 12 about an horizontal axis passing through pins 22
`and 23. This causes the lower end 37 of the connected cables
`
`(14, 16) to be displaced from the stationary position of FIG.
`3. As heretofore mentioned, the same effect occurs along the
`axis of rod 18 as discussed with respect to FIG. 4.
`Thus,
`in summary,
`there are at
`least
`two degrees of
`rotation in the artificial candle (viz., rotation of the flame
`shaped element 12 about rod 18, and rotation of the flame
`shaped element 12 about the pins 22, 23).
`The operation of the artificial candle 6 for creating a
`flicker flame effect is described as follows. A light signal,
`generated by a light source 30, propagates through the
`optical cable 30, and is emitted at one end 29 of the cable 30
`into the air gap 35, which may be about 80 thousandths of
`an inch wide. In a stationary condition (i.e., when there is
`substantially no displacement of the thin rod 10), the light
`arriving from cable 30 is delivered to at least one of the two
`mutually connected cables (14, 16). The light carried by at
`least one of the two cables (14, 16) is then delivered to at
`least one face 13 or 15 of the flame shaped element 12
`presenting the perception of a flame. In the condition where
`air-pressure variations induce motion of the structure com-
`prising (i) the gimbal mechanism (20, 22, 23),
`(ii) the
`mutually connected light carrying cables (14, 16), and (iii)
`the flame shaped element 12, movement of the lower end 37
`of the cables (14, 16) away from the stationary state will
`cause light to reflect or diffuse, completely or partially, on at
`least one of the faces of the flame shaped surface, thereby
`creating an artificial flickering flame effect.
`Specifically, FIG. 3 shows a stationary state situation
`where light arriving via the optical cable 30 is delivered to
`both of the mutually connected cables (14, 16) via the gap
`35. Subsequently, the light signal propagates through both of
`the mutually connected cables (14, 16) towards the flame
`shaped element 12 to be reflected or diffused about both
`faces 13 and of element 15, thereby giving the appearance
`of a flame.
`
`(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:87)(cid:71)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:22)
`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`US 7,261,455 B2
`
`5
`As shown in FIG. 4, when there is a substantial rotational
`movement by an angle
`about rod 18 (i.e.,
`the angle
`between the vertical and thin stem 10) 18, of the structure
`comprising: (i) the gimbal mechanism (20, 22, 23), (ii) the
`mutually connected light carrying cables (14, 16), and (iii)
`the flame shaped element 12,
`the lower portion of the
`mutually connected cables is displaced from its stationary
`position (FIG. 3) in a manner that light from the cable 30 is
`reflected olf face 13 of the flame shaped element 12. In the
`case where the rotational angle
`is large,
`the light is
`attenuated significantly (as it does not propagate through
`cable 14) and hence there is a lower reflection off of face 13.
`In another exemplary embodiment, an artificial candle
`300, as shown in FIG. 7, includes a control board 302 having
`suitable electronics (e.g., current pulsing circuits, memory
`module, micro-controller, portable power source, power
`converter, etc.), represented by microcontroller 408, a solid
`state device (e.g., an LED) 308 positioned on a mount 306,
`and a heat sink 304 for eflicient extraction of heat from the
`
`LED 308. At least one lens system (shown herein as two
`separate lenses, such as condenser lens 310 and ball lens 312
`in one exemplary aspect) is positioned on the mount 306 to
`allow optimal focusing of the LED light output. Electro-
`magnets 316 may be positioned on a base 314 for generating
`an electromagnetic field. A tube 318, which may be of a
`composite material of nylon and aluminum, provides a
`guiding means for the light arriving from the LED system.
`In one aspect, the combination of the control board 302, the
`heat sink 304, the solid state device 308 (including mount
`306 and lenses 310, 312), and the electromagnets 316 may
`be housed inside the tube 318.
`
`A gimbal structure 324, having a cylindrical housing 322,
`may be in contact with a spacer 320 for substantially
`separating the gimbal structure 324 from the tube 318, in
`order to allow optimal projection of the light output froin the
`LED system onto the flame shaped element 326 (similar to
`element 13 of FIG. 1). A rod 328 which may be solid or
`hollow, with a base 330, is in communication with the flame
`shaped element 326 and allows light to be conducted or
`delivered onto the reflecting surfaces of element 326. It is to
`be understood that housing 322 has a pair or outwardly
`extending pins 400, 401 (see FIG. 8) rotatably secured to
`both the inner wall 402 of cylindrical housing 322 and inner
`cylindrical member 403 having rod 328 extending there-
`through and reciprocal therein. Thus, rod 328, and element
`326, move about the elongated axes of pins 400, 401 and up
`and down within member 403.
`
`A thin member 10, FIG. 7, similar to member 10 of FIG.
`1, may be fixed to element 326 extending upwardly there-
`from.
`
`The operation of the artificial flame candle 300 is as
`follows. The desired movement pattern of the flame shaped
`surface 326 may be encoded and stored in the memory
`module 408 of the control board 302 in the form of digital
`data or control signals. The control board 302 may include
`a micro-controller (not shown), which excites the electro-
`magnets 316 based on the encoded digital data arriving from
`the memory module 408 on the control board 302. Specifi-
`cally, the electromagnets 316 are arranged on the base 314
`and are excited by the signal from the control board 302 to
`create a field with a certain polarity around the electromag-
`nets 316. In one aspect, the digital data may be programmed
`from an external computer (not shown). Furthermore, the
`control board 302 may be either battery operated (e.g., with
`a 5V battery) or it could be energized through an AC power
`supply.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`The magnetic base 330 will either move away or towards
`the electromagnets 316 depending on whether the electro-
`magnetic field is of the same polarity as the base 330 or not.
`The movement of the magnetic base 330 towards or away
`from the electromagnets 316 will induce a rotational motion
`of the gimbal structure 324 about the horizontal (or vertical)
`plane. Due to this rotational motion of the gimbal structure
`324,
`light arriving from the LED 308 will be reflected,
`completely or partially, off at least one of the faces of the
`flame shaped surface 326,
`thereby creating an artificial
`flicker flame effect.
`
`In another embodiment, a dichroic filter 404 (FIG. 9-like
`numerals referring to like parts of FIG. 7) may be positioned
`between the LED 308 and the condenser lens 310. The
`
`dichroic filter 404 alters the wavelength of the LED light
`output signal, rendering the light output to be of arbitrary
`color, thereby allowing the artificial flickering flame to be of
`any color. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 10, wherein like
`numerals refer to like parts of FIGS. 7 and 8, an array 405
`of LED’s having different operating wavelengths may be
`housed on the LED mount 306, and electronic switching (not
`shown) of the array 405 of the LED’s may permit arbitrary
`an color flickering flame effect.
`It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
`utilized and structural and functional changes may be made
`without departing from the respective scope of the disclo-
`sure. Possible modifications to the system include, but are
`not
`limited to,
`including the solid-state device 308,
`the
`condenser lens 310 and ball-lens 321 of FIG. 7 in the
`embodiment of FIG. 2. This is shown in the candle 406 of
`
`FIG. 11 wherein like numerals refer to like parts of FIGS. 2
`and 7. Although particular embodiments have been dis-
`closed, variations thereof may occur to an artisan and the
`scope of the disclosure should only be limited to the scope
`of the appended claims. The artificial candle 406 may have
`the control board 302 within a unitary structure inside of
`candle 406 or the control board 302 may be external to the
`artificial candle (not shown). The artificial candle 406 could
`also have a light bulb screw end 407 to secure the candle 406
`to a base (not shown).
`Although the flame device in FIG. 2 shows a pair of cables
`or light transmitting channels, a single light transmitting
`channel may be used. Thus, as seen in FIG. 12, wherein like
`numerals refer to like parts of the embodiment of FIG. 2, a
`single light transmitting or light carrying charmel 500 is
`shown in place of cables 14, 16. A teardrop shaped element
`502, identical to element 12 in FIG. 2, is secured in any
`suitable manner to the upper end of channel 500. Rod 18
`now passes through hole 503 in channel 500. The operation
`of channel 500 is otherwise identical to the movement of
`cables 14, 16.
`It can be seen that there is disclosed a flame shaped
`reflector or diffuser integrated with a light pipe (single or
`multi-charmel) which is articulated by a natural and chaotic
`external or internal force (such as wind, magnetism); above
`one or more collimated light sources (e.g. fiber optic, LED,
`incandescent). The reflector or diffuser is balanced with its
`center of gravity (or movement between the reflector/dif-
`fuser and the light source) on a gimbal mechanism allowing
`movement on a minimum of two axes. The reflector or
`
`dilfuser moves randomly simulating blowing in the wind.
`In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG.
`13, a single candle 600 is shown having an outer translucent
`base cover 601 (see FIG. 14), open at both ends and
`generally cylindrical, an inner candle base 602, and a flame
`assembly 603. Base 602 is preferably opaque and preferably
`
`(cid:54)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:93)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:87)(cid:71)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:22)
`Shenzhen Liown Elec. Co., Ltd. Exhibit 1003
`
`

`
`US 7,261,455 B2
`
`7
`of a dark material and open at bottom 604. Base 602 is also
`generally cylindrical and press fit into base cover 601.
`As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality, such as two, of
`elongated channels or grooves 605, 606 are formed along the
`outer external surface 607 of candle base 602. Both grooves
`605, 606 terminate at bottom before the terminal end of base
`602 to provide exits at open slots 608 for electrical wires
`(not shown) as will be discussed.
`The upper end or upper wall 609 ofbase 602 (see FIG. 15)
`has a generally T-shaped slot 610 therethrough. Wall 609 is
`of a thickness to accommodate two spaced angular holes
`611, 612 extending from the upper ends of each groove 605,
`606. That is, each groove 605, 606 has an enlarge