WO2025262199A1

WO2025262199A1 - A simulated flame effect apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2025262199A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/067223
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Prendergast; Johannes Christianus Franciscus DE VOLDER; Robert GIESEN; Ciaran Murphy; Michael Jach
Original assignee: Basic Holdings Unlimited Co
Current assignee: Basic Holdings Unlimited Co
Priority date: 2024-06-20
Filing date: 2025-06-18
Publication date: 2025-12-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-20
Also published as: GB202408894D0; GB2642056A

Abstract

A simulated flame effect apparatus for producing simulated flames is provided. The apparatus includes at least one mist generator and at least one flame engine. A removable caddy is provided which facilitates ease of installation and maintenance.

Description

Title

A simulated flame effect apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present application generally relates to a simulated flame effect generator, and more particularly to an apparatus capable of generating a realistic flame effect for various applications.

Background

EP2029941A2 relates to simulated flame effect fires which include an apertured bed, such as a simulated fuel bed, a vapour generating means such as an ultrasonic transducer and means for providing a rising current of air to carry the vapour through the apertured bed. Light sources are provided below the fuel bed to provide localised illumination.

Despite the fact that this approach has been well received and provides realistic flame effects through a combination of mist generation and lighting effect, there is always a need to provide enhancements.

Summary

The present application provides solutions for creating flame effects using mist and lighting effects, while also allowing for adjustable flow paths and individual control of lighting effects for individually created flame effects. Additionally in certain aspects, the application addresses the problem of easy maintenance and accessibility of flame effect apparatus by providing an apparatus that includes modular elements that are accessible from the front of the apparatus.

Accordingly there is provided a flame effect apparatus as detailed in claim 1. Advantageous features are detailed in the dependent claims. In one aspect there is provided a simulated flame effect apparatus comprising a housing with a flame bed, a mist generator, a liquid reservoir, a mist reservoir, and a plurality of individual flame engines, where each flame engine includes an air inducer, the air inducer configured to generate an upwardly directed airflow on which a mist may be conveyed, and a lighting module with at least one LED to illuminate the conveyed mist.

The air inducer may comprise a heating module with a heating element to heat air to as to create an upwardly directed airflow.

In another aspect there is provided a simulated flame effect apparatus comprising a housing with a flame bed, a mist generator, a liquid reservoir, a mist reservoir, and a plurality of individual flame engines with adjustable flow paths, the individual flame engines being mounted on a common surface shared with a chamber of the mist reservoir, the common surface featuring a plurality of apertures for locating the flame engines.

In yet another aspect there is provided a simulated flame effect apparatus comprising a housing with a flame bed, a mist generator with a caddy and ultrasonic transducer, a liquid reservoir, a mist reservoir, and a plurality of individual flame engines with individual fluid outlets, the flame engines being offset relative to one another and being distributed across the flame bed.

These and other aspects will be better understood with reference to the following drawings

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a section through the side of an apparatus in accordance with the present teaching.

Figure 2 is a perspective from the front of an apparatus in accordance with the present teaching showing multiple individual flame engines distributed across a flame bed. Figure 3 is an example of a mist generator that can be used within the context of the present teaching to provide for a generation of mist.

Figure 4A is a detailed view, similar to that of the section through the apparatus of Figure 1 , showing one aspect of an apparatus in accordance with the present teaching.

Figure 4B is a detailed view of an apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present teaching where the mist is conveyed from the mist generator to the individual flame engines through pipework,

Figure 4C is a detailed view of an apparatus in accordance with another aspect of the present teaching where the mist is conveyed from the mist generator to a single continuous chamber located below the flame bed, from which individual flame engines may be coupled.

Figure 5 shows constituent of a flame engine in accordance with an aspect of the present teaching

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a flame effect apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present teaching where a mist generator may be provided in modular form and accessed from the front of the housing.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are associated with various advantages and/or technical effects.

As shown in Figure 1 there is provided a simulated flame effect apparatus 100 for generating flame effects. The apparatus 100 comprises a housing 105 having a front portion 110 , side walls 115, and a rear portion 120. In addition, the apparatus comprises a flame bed 130 from which at least one flame effect is operatively visible. The flame bed 130 may be provided within an enclosed volume 131 that is defined by at least one partially transparent screen 132. A viewer to the front of the fire housing will be able to see the flame effects generated within the volume 131.

Within a roof portion 133 of the fire housing, a fan 134 may be provided. The fan is configured to create an updraft of air from within the volume 131. That air current passes through a volume 135 defined within the roof portion 133 before passing out through an outlet 136 provided to the front 110 of the housing. This air current may, in certain configurations be passed at least proximal to a heating element to create a heated air flow to the front 110 of the housing 105.

As will be evident from the detail of Figure 3, a mist generator 140 wherein a mist may be generated from a liquid is provided. The mist generator preferably comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer 310 (in this exemplary embodiment two are provided) for generating the mist from the liquid. The mist generator is in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir 150, which is provided elsewhere within the housing as is shown in Figure 4. A fluid pathway is provided between the two for providing liquid to the mist generator. The controlled ingress of liquid into the mist generator is via a valve 311. As can be seen in Figure 4B, that liquid may pass through one or more water filters 312 prior to ingress to the mist generator 140.

Per the arrangement of Figure 4, it will be appreciated that in one aspect of the present teaching there is provided a simulated flame effect apparatus comprising a housing having a front portion, side walls and a rear portion, the apparatus comprising:

A flame bed from which at least one flame effect is visible,

A mist generator wherein a mist may be generated from a liquid,

A liquid reservoir for providing liquid to the mist generator

A mist reservoir to which generated mist may pass;

And wherein the mist reservoir is provided below the flame bed, the mist generator is provided in the front portion of the housing and accessible from the front of the apparatus and the liquid reservoir is provided in the rear portion of the housing.

This also reaffirms that in one aspect of the present teaching there is provided a simulated flame effect apparatus comprising a housing having a front portion, side walls and a rear portion, the apparatus comprising:

A mist generator wherein a mist may be generated from a liquid,

A liquid reservoir for providing liquid to the mist generator; A flame engine in fluid communication with the mist generator, the flame engine having an outlet from which mist may exit, illumination of the exiting mist providing a simulated flame effect; and wherein the mist reservoir comprises: a caddy defining a volume within which at least one ultrasonic transducer is located a fan box located relative to the caddy and comprising at least one fan, the fan being configured to direct an induced air flow into the volume of the caddy; an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir to provide a supply of liquid to the volume; and wherein the mist generator is provided in the front portion of the housing and is accessible from the front of the apparatus, the caddy being removable from the housing.

As is also shown in Figure 4A, the mist generator 140 is in fluid communication with a mist reservoir 160 to which generated mist may pass. The mist reservoir 160 comprises at least one mist chamber 165 located below and substantially overlapping with the flame bed 130. In this first aspect a single mist chamber volume is provided. This can be varied however as shown in the example of Figure 4B where the mist reservoir 160 is provided in the form of pipework 167 which provides a direct path to one or more of the flame engines. In this example the pipework has multiple tapping points 166, each of which provide a pathway from the mist chamber to the flame engines 170. In this latter configuration the location of the flame engines 170 within the flame bed is constrained by the geometry of the pipework 167 whereas if the mist chamber is a single volume which extends substantially across the entirety of the flame bed, then that constraint is less evident, as shown in Figure 4C. In this example a volume 169 is defined between an upper surface 168 of the mist chamber 165 and the flame bed 130. A significant portion of the flame engines are located within this volume with, as will be described further below only a mist outlet and light path projecting above the flame bed surface 130. Each flame engine is associated with a tapped aperture through the surface 168 of the chamber such that access is provided directly to mist that may be provided within the mist chamber 165. The locations of these tapped apertures is not however as tightly predefined given that the mist chamber substantially overlaps with that of the flame bed. As is evident in Figure 2, 4B, and 4C, a plurality of individual flame engines 170 may be located in the flame bed 130 and from which individual flame effects may be generated.

Figure 5 shows in more detail components of a flame engine 170 in accordance with the present teaching. As is more evident from Figure 5, each of the individual flame engines 170 have a flow path 205 between a fluid inlet 210 (which per the schematic of Figure 4A is in fluid communication with the mist chamber 165 of the mist reservoir 160) and a fluid outlet 215 through which mist may travel. Figure 5 includes dashed lines to provide clarity as to the direction of flow of mist through the flame engine 170.

The provision of a mist reservoir 160 with a mist chamber 165 located below and substantially overlapping with the flame bed allows for a more efficient and controlled delivery of mist to the individual flame engines, enhancing the realism of the simulated flame effects.

The arrangement of multiple individual flame engines 170 within the flame bed enables the creation of a dynamic and multi-dimensional flame effect, as each engine can be operated independently or in coordination with others to simulate natural flame movement.

The flow path 205 between the fluid inlet 210 and the fluid outlet 215 in each flame engine 170 ensures a steady and directed flow of mist, contributing to the consistency and stability of the flame effect produced.

The disclosed simulated flame effect apparatus provides the advantage of generating realistic flame effects, with the individual flame engines in the apparatus offering the advantage of generating individual flame effects, allowing for customization and variation in the overall flame display.

Each flame engine 170 comprises means for generating an updraft of air, otherwise termed an air inducer 220, the air inducer being configured to generate an upwardly directed airflow on which a mist may be conveyed. The air inducer 220 in this exemplary aspect comprises a heating module with a heating element to heat air to as to create an upwardly directed airflow. In another aspect, a fan could be used. Irrespective of the mechanism for generating the updraft, having an active element that creates an updraft that carries the mist is advantageous in that it ensures the movement of the mist away from the outlet 215 of the flame engine 170, thereby enhancing the realism of the flame effects.

The flame engine 170 further comprises a lighting module 230 with at least one LED 231 which may be associated with a lens 232 to illuminate the conveyed mist. The lighting module includes a controller 235 with appropriate electronics to ensure a controlled usage of the at least one LED. The presence of LEDs and a controller in the apparatus ensures the advantage of controlling and illuminating the mist, creating visually appealing flame effects. A light shield of baffle 233 may be provided above the lens 232 such that a person located to the front of the fire housing does not have direct line of sight onto the LED 231 , which is directly rearwardly (relative to the front of the housing) onto the mist exiting the exit 215 to create an illumination of that mist and the illusion of flames.

As is evident in Figure 5, each of the individual flame engines 170 comprising a flame engine housing 250, the flame engine housing defining surfaces of the flow path 205. The inclusion of a flame engine housing that defines the surfaces of the flow path provides structural integrity to the individual flame engines, protecting the internal components from damage and prolonging the lifespan of the apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the configuration of the flame engine housing 250 facilitates the precise shaping of the flow path 205, which can be optimized for aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in a more effective and visually appealing flame effect. As can be seen from the dashed outlines of Figure 5 the mist travelling within the defined flow path enters upwardly before being directly rearwardly on the updraft created by the heating module 220.

The housing of each flame engine provides a modular unit that can be designed to facilitate easy access for maintenance and repair, reducing downtime and ensuring the apparatus remains operational for longer periods. Indeed, each of the individual flame engines can be removed and replaced without recourse to the operation of the other ones of the flame engines.

As was discussed above, the flame engines 170 include means for generating an updraft of air such as the exemplary heating module 220 including a heating element 225. The heating module defines an airflow path 226 between an inlet 227 and an outlet 228. In this aspect, the heating element 225 is at least partially located within the airflow path such that air may be heated prior to exiting the outlet, the outlet 228 being at least proximal to the fluid outlet 215 so as to provide an updraft on which mist exiting the fluid outlet will operatively be carried. The heating module may also include a finned heat sink 228 which operatively is heated by the heating element 225 and can distribute the heating that is generated by the heating element 225 along the length of the airflow path 226.

The integration of a heating element 225 within the airflow path allows for the air to be heated prior to exiting the outlet, which not only enhances the upward movement of the mist but does so in a compact arrangement.

The proximity of the outlet 228 to the fluid outlet 215 (in this embodiment co-located) ensures that the upwelling air (in this aspect arising from a heating of the air) provides an immediate updraft for the mist, which helps to lift and disperse the mist effectively, creating a more realistic and convincing flame effect.

In one aspect, and as shown in Figure 5, the heating element 225 is provided as a wire element disposed across the airflow path. The use of a wire element as the heating element disposed across the airflow path offers a rapid heating response, allowing the apparatus to quickly reach the desired temperature for optimal flame effect simulation. It will be appreciated that wire elements are typically durable and can withstand high temperatures, ensuring a long service life and consistent performance over time. In addition, the simplicity of the wire element design allows for ease of replacement and maintenance, minimizing the complexity and cost of upkeep for the apparatus. In another aspect the heating element is provided as a ceramic element located along at least one of the surfaces of the airflow path. Whilst not shown it will be appreciated that this surface could be an inner surface of the heatsink 228. A ceramic element as the heating element provides uniform heating along the surfaces of the airflow path, which can contribute to a more even distribution of heat and a more consistent simulated flame effect. Ceramic elements are known for their energy efficiency, as they can retain heat well and reduce the overall power consumption of the apparatus. The robustness of ceramic materials in high-temperature applications ensures that the heating element is less prone to wear and degradation, resulting in a reliable and safe operation over extended periods.

In another aspect a fan could be used to generate an updraft of air. It will be understood that as the present teaching provides a plurality of individual flame engines 170, that the volume of mist that needs to be conveyed by each flame engine is a fraction of the overall mist that is used in the totality of the flame effect that is visible from the flame bed. As such the size of the fan that is required to provide the necessary updraft is much smaller than previous flame effect apparatus where a single fan was used to create the updraft for the total volume of mist that was used in generation of flame effects. Although, should a single fan be used, the volume 169 could be used to distribute the airflow to individual flame engines 170.

Irrespective of the manner in which the updraft of air is generated on which the mist is conveyed, and as referenced above in order to effect an illumination of the exiting mist there is provided at least one LED 231 directed towards but above the fluid outlet 215 so as to effect an illumination of mist exiting the fluid outlet to create flame effects. The integration of at least one LED directed towards the combined fluid outlet 215 and updraft outlet 228 enhances the visual appeal of the mist by creating a flame-like effect, which in the context of simulated flame effect apparatus per the present teaching may also allow for selective colouring of the illuminated mist through the use of coloured LEDs.

In a preferred aspect, the provision of a dedicated controller 235 within each flame engine 170, and responsive to electrical signals to effect control of the illumination provided by the at least one LED provides precise control over the LED illumination, allowing for customization of lighting effects. Given that each flame engine comprises its own individual LED and controller it is possible to provide for individual flame effects at each flame engine. A master controller may also be provided so as to allow a synchronization of colouring or other illumination effects across the plurality of flame engines. It will be appreciated however that the lighting module of each flame engine is individually addressable such that lighting effects for a first flame engine can differ from lighting effects for a second flame engine. Individual addressability of the lighting modules for each flame engine allows for complex and dynamic lighting patterns, which can be used to create more realistic or creative flame effects that enhance the user experience.

The capability to produce different lighting effects for each flame engine enables the apparatus to simulate a variety of flame behaviors and characteristics, providing versatility for different applications.

As shown in Figure 5, the apparatus further comprises a flow path 205 of at least one of the plurality of flame engines 170 being an adjustable flow path such that the volume of mist that passes through the flow path can be varied. The adjustable flow path of the flame engines enables the user to control the volume of mist output, allowing for customization of the density and size of the flame effect to suit different scenarios or preferences. By varying the volume of mist that passes through the flow path, the apparatus can be adapted to create differently dimensioned flames from each of the individual flame engines. This variation may be provided by a moveable element 260 disposed in the flow path 205, adjustment of the moveable element effecting a change in dimensions of the flow path. The inclusion of a moveable element 260 within the flow path allows for mechanical adjustment of the flow path dimensions, providing a robust and reliable method for altering the mist output without the need for complex electronic controls. The ability to change the dimensions of the flow path via a moveable element can facilitate quick and easy modifications to the mist effect, typically at installation so as to accommodate user preferences or other operational characteristics.

As shown also in Figure 4G, in one aspect the fluid outlet 215 is regularly shaped slot that is aligned substantially parallel with a baffled output 416 of the lighting module 230. In this way the lighting of the exiting mist can be at least partially segmented such that mist exiting the flame engine is separated into individual segments. The segmentation allows for a more controlled and precise lighting of mist, enhancing the realism of the simulated flame effect by creating distinct segments of flame-like appearance. If a plurality of LEDs are provided within each flame engine and aligned parallel to the fluid outlet 215 then these individual LEDs could provide different illumination of different portions of the exiting mist. With a plurality of flame engines, each capable of providing plurality of individual lighting effects to the mist exiting the respective flame engine, the realism of the overall effect emanating from the flame bed is further enhanced.

Accordingly in an aspect of the present teaching there is provided a flame engine for generating simulated flame effects, the engine comprising: a housing defining a flow path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and through which a mist may travel; a heating module comprising a heating element, the heating module defining a heat airflow path between an inlet and an outlet, the heating element being at least partially located within the airflow path such that air may be heated prior to exiting the outlet, the outlet being at least proximal to the fluid outlet so as to provide an updraft on which mist exiting the fluid outlet will operatively be carried; a lighting module comprising at least one LED directed towards the fluid outlet so as to effect an illumination of mist exiting the fluid outlet to create flame effects; a controller responsive to electrical signals to effect control of the illumination provided by the at least one LED.

As is shown in Figure 2 and 4 the plurality of individual flame engines are ideally distributed across the flame bed, each flame engine providing an individual source of simulated flame effects. Distributing a plurality of individual flame engines across the flame bed allows for a scalable and customizable flame effect, enabling the apparatus to simulate fires of varying sizes and intensities. In this exemplary embodiment each of the flame engines 170 are provided at the same height within the flame bed. In other aspects the height of the flame engines may be staggered such that the simulated flames that originate from a first one of the flame engines may appear to be at a higher level than a simulated flame that originates from another of the flame engines. Whilst not shown in Figure 1, a fuel bed may be located on the flame bed and dimensioned so as to at least partially occlude portions of the flame engine housing 250- such that for example a viewer to the front of the apparatus 100 will see flames appearing to originate from different portions of a fuel bed. If the geometry of the fuel bed is made to replicate that of a traditional fuel bed — for example by using coals and/or logs- this may further enhance the optical effect that is achieved by the apparatus of the present teaching. It will be appreciated that use of a fuel bed in combination with a staggered height configuration of individual flame engines may further enhance the 3 dimensional effect of the simulated flame effect. This flexibility of originating individual flames from individual flame engines enhances the perceived realism of the effect generated.

In addition, the use of multiple flame engines provides redundancy, ensuring that if one engine fails, the overall simulated flame effect is maintained, thereby increasing the reliability of the apparatus. Individual flame engines can be activated or deactivated independently, offering dynamic control over the flame effect and the ability to create complex, lifelike patterns of flickering flames.

Further advantageously, by having individual flame engines it is possible to have individual ones of the plurality of individual flame engines having an orientation in the flame bed that is offset relative to others of the plurality of individual flame engines. The offset orientation of individual flame engines within the flame bed can create a more natural and random flame pattern, closely mimicking the irregularity of real flames. By offsetting the flame engines, the apparatus can project the mist and light in varying directions, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the simulated flame effect. The offset arrangement allows for better coverage of the flame bed, ensuring that there are no gaps in the simulated flame, which contributes to a continuous and seamless visual experience.

As was referenced above, in one aspect of the present teaching, the flame engines are located in the flame bed which substantially overlaps in area with a single mist reservoir 160. As was discussed with reference to Figure 4C, each of flame engines are individually located in one of a plurality of tapping apertures 166 provided in this surface with each aperture 166 providing a location point for individual ones of the plurality of individual flame engines. The presence of apertures 166 to locate individual flame engines ensures precise positioning within the flame bed 130, which contributes to a uniform and consistent simulated flame effect across the apparatus. In addition, the apertures 166 provide a secure mounting point for the flame engines. The use of apertures simplifies the installation and replacement process for individual flame engines 170, allowing for quick and easy maintenance or customization of the apparatus. It will be appreciated that the aperture effectively provides a socket for receipt of the flame engine housing 250. Whilst it may be configured that the location of the housing 250 within the socket is predefined, in other aspects there may be a provided degree of flexibility on the orientation of a received housing 250 within its respective socket. This provides the ability for the installer or user of the apparatus to vary the actual orientation of one the housings 250 to other of the housing 250. It will be understood that this can be an angular change in orientation or indeed can be used to vary the height of one housing relative to another housing.

On locating an individual one of the plurality of individual flame engines within its respective aperture, at least a portion of the individual flame engine being disposed within the mist chamber and a portion is disposed above the mist chamber. In this way the flame engine defines the flow path for mist exiting the mist chamber and this controlled and defined flow path ensures that the mist is effectively illuminated as it exits the chamber, creating a bright and vivid flame-like effect. With a portion of the flame engine disposed above the mist chamber, the apparatus can project light onto the mist at an optimal angle, enhancing the visual depth and realism of the simulated flames. The strategic positioning of the flame engine relative to the mist chamber allows for efficient use of mist resources, potentially reducing the amount of mist required for a convincing flame effect.

In another aspect the mist reservoir includes a plurality of chambers with individual ones of the chambers being used with individual ones of the flame engines. In such a configuration the reservoir effectively adopts a manifold configuration whereby individual chambers are provided between individual flame engines and the mist generator. In the exemplary arrangement of Figures 3, 4, and 6, the mist generator 140 is advantageously provided in a modular unit that is located to the front of the housing 105. As shown in Figure 3 and 6, the modular unit comprises a caddy 300 defining a volume 305 within which at least one ultrasonic transducer 310 is located. The housing 105 defines a receiving volume 600 for the caddy 300, and the caddy can be accessed via, for example a lid 605, and removed using a handle 620 from that volume.

A fan box 315 is located relative to the caddy 300 and comprises at least one fan impeller 320. The fan 320 is configured to direct an induced air flow into the volume 305 of the caddy 300. A valved inlet 311 in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 150 is arranged to provide a supply of liquid to the volume. The integration of an ultrasonic transducer 310 within a caddy that defines a specific volume 305 enhances the efficiency of mist generation by ensuring that the mist that is generated by action of the ultrasonic transducer within the liquid volume is provided within a controlled space, thereby optimizing the conversion of liquid to mist. The strategic placement of a fan box in relation to the caddy facilitates the effective distribution of the generated mist by directing a flow of air into the caddy's volume, which can aid in dispersing the mist more uniformly from the mist generator 140 to the mist reservoir 160. The inclusion of an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir allows for a continuous supply of liquid to the ultrasonic transducer, ensuring consistent mist generation and reducing the need for frequent manual refills, thereby improving the user experience and operational efficiency. This may be controlled through the use of valves 311 and level sensors.

Advantageously by having a mist generator provided in the front portion of the housing and being accessible from the front of the apparatus with the caddy being removable from the housing simplifies maintenance operations, as it allows users to easily access and service the mist generator without the need to move or disassemble other parts of the apparatus. The design of the caddy as a removable component from the housing enhances the apparatus's modularity, allowing for quick replacement or cleaning of the mist generator, which can lead to reduced downtime and increased longevity of the device. By enabling the mist generator to be accessed from the front, the apparatus can be placed against walls or in tight spaces without compromising the functionality or serviceability of the mist generator, thus offering greater flexibility in the placement and installation of the apparatus within various environments.

Claims

1. A simulated flame effect apparatus comprising a housing having a front portion, side walls and a rear portion, the apparatus comprising:

A mist generator wherein a mist may be generated from a liquid, A liquid reservoir for providing liquid to the mist generator;

At least one flame engine, the flame engine being in fluid communication with the mist generator, the flame engine having a flame engine outlet from which mist may exit, illumination of the exiting mist providing a simulated flame effect; and wherein the mist generator comprises: a caddy defining a volume within which at least one ultrasonic transducer is located a fan box located relative to the caddy and comprising at least one fan, the fan being configured to direct an induced air flow into the volume of the caddy; an inlet in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir to provide a supply of liquid to the volume; and wherein the mist generator is provided in the front portion of the housing and is accessible from the front of the apparatus, the caddy being removable from the housing.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flame engine comprises a housing the housing defining surfaces of an airflow path terminating at the flame engine outlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the flame engine comprises means for inducing an air flow, the airflow path being defined between a flame engine inlet and the flame engine outlet, the means for inducing an air flow being at least proximal to the flame engine outlet so as to provide an updraft on which mist exiting the flame engine outlet will operatively be carried.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means for inducing an air flow comprises a heating element, the heating element being at least partially located within the airflow path such that air may be heated prior to exiting the flame engine outlet.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the heating element is a wire element disposed across the airflow path.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the heating element is a ceramic element located along at least one of the surfaces of the airflow path.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the at least one flame engine further comprises a lighting module, the lighting module comprising at least one LED directed towards the flame engine outlet so as to effect an illumination of mist exiting the flame engine outlet to create flame effects.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 comprising a controller responsive to electrical signals to effect control of the illumination provided by the at least one LED.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8 comprising a plurality of flame engines, and wherein each of the plurality of the flame engines comprise a respective lighting module, and wherein the lighting module of each flame engine is individually addressable such that lighting effects for a first flame engine can differ from lighting effects for a second flame engine.

10. The apparatus of claim 2, or any claim dependent on claim 2, wherein the airflow path of the at least one flame engine is an adjustable airflow path such that the volume or flow rate of mist that passes through the airflow path can be varied.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the airflow path comprises a moveable element, adjustment of the moveable element effecting a change in dimensions of the airflow path.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim comprising a plurality of flame engines, each of the plurality of flame engines comprising a respective flame engine outlet and wherein the flame engine outlet of at least one of the plurality of flame engine fluid outlets is segmented such that mist exiting the flame engine is separated into individual segments.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim comprising a plurality of flame engines, and wherein the plurality of individual flame engines are distributed across a flame bed defined within the apparatus housing, each flame engine providing an individual source of simulated flame effects.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein individual ones of the plurality of individual flame engines have an angular orientation in the flame bed that is offset relative to others of the plurality of individual flame engines.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the angular orientation is adjustable.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein individual ones of the plurality of individual flame engines have a height relative to the flame bed that is offset relative to others of the plurality of individual flame engines.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a mist chamber disposed between the mist generator and the plurality of flame engines, each of the plurality of flame engines being in fluid communication with the chamber, the mist chamber being in fluid communication with the mist generator, and wherein the flame bed and the mist chamber share a common surface, the common surface comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture providing a location point for individual ones of the plurality of individual flame engines.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein on locating an individual one of the plurality of individual flame engines within its respective aperture, at least a portion of the individual flame engine is disposed within the mist chamber and a portion is disposed above the mist chamber.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 16 further comprising a plurality of mist chambers disposed between the mist generator and the plurality of flame engines, the mist chambers being in fluid communication with the mist generator, each of the plurality of flame engines being in fluid communication with a respective mist chamber such that individual ones of the plurality of mist chambers are associated with individual ones of the plurality of flame engines.