Artificial candle with flame simulator

A flameless candle includes: a candle body; a projection screen; a supporting portion; a moving portion; an LED; and a magnetic-field-inducing circuit. The projection screen extends upwardly from an upper surface of the candle body, has a flame shape, and has a fixed position with respect to the upper surface of the candle body. The moving portion is supported by the supporting portion and includes: a transparent lens oriented diagonally; an arm extending downwardly; and a magnet on the arm. The LED is oriented to project light upwardly and diagonally such that the projected light travels through the lens, through an aperture of the upper surface of the candle body, and onto an outer surface of the projection screen. The magnetic-field-inducing circuit includes a coil that successively attracts and repels the magnet.

BACKGROUND

Generally, this application relates to flameless candles and, in particular, to creating the illusion of a flickering flame on a projection screen.

Flameless candles may provide an illusion of a real (flamed) candle, but without the risk of fire damage. A real candle flame moves in physical space. In order to simulate such movement, some have used an element or part that projects above an upper surface of the candle moves in physical space. A light from underneath the upper surface is projected onto such a moving element, and as it moves around, an illusion of a flame is created.

This approach has several problems. For example, a moving element protruding outside of the candle body may tend to become damaged such as during shipping, by mishandling, or by unintentional events. Furthermore, while the moving, protruding element may provide an effective illusion from a farther distance (for example, to a viewer six feet or farther away from the candle), the illusion becomes less effective or ineffective at closer distances. This is because the movement of the protruding element becomes apparent to the viewer, thereby leading to an artificial appearance.

Another drawback is that a relatively large amount of energy may be required to move a bulky, protruding element. This may lead to relatively quicker drainage of batteries (if used). Yet another problem is the lack of a wick. A flame without a wick on a candle is incongruent to a viewer. But if a wick is added to the protruding element, the wick would also move around, which is unnatural.

Another problem with existing, moving part candles is that the protruding element is part of a pendulum, and that pendulum may be driven in an overly aggressive and/or predictable manner. For example, some existing candles apply a force (by magnetic means) at regular intervals to the pendulum and then remove the force. Natural, gravity-driven oscillation will then move the pendulum back in the opposite direction. This movement may not have sufficient randomness to make an effective illusion. Additionally, the oscillation period of the pendulum may be relatively faster than the “pushing” period (when the force is applied), thereby causing an irregular and overly aggressive effect.

Yet another problem with these types of existing candles is that the intensity of the light does not vary, and therefore there is no flickering effect emanating from inside the translucent body of the candle. This detracts from the illusion, because a viewer would expect a flickering effect both on the flame itself and from the translucent body of the candle.

Another problem with existing, moving part candles is that the moving part may make contact with other parts of the candle, thereby making a sound that is uncharacteristic of a conventional, flamed candle.

SUMMARY

According to certain inventive techniques, a flameless candle includes: a candle body, a projection screen, a supporting portion, a moving portion, a lens, and light-emitting diode; and a magnetic-field-inducing circuit. The candle body includes a base, an upper surface having an aperture, and a translucent sidewall extending between the base and the upper surface. The candle body forms a hollow interior region. The projection screen extends upwardly from the upper surface of the candle body. The projection screen has a flame shape and has a fixed position with respect to the upper surface of the candle body. The supporting portion is located within the hollow interior region of the candle body. The moving portion is also located within the hollow interior region and it is supported by the supporting portion. The moving portion includes: a transparent lens oriented diagonally; an arm extending downwardly; and a magnet on the arm. The light-emitting diode (LED) is also located within the hollow interior region. The LED is oriented to project light upwardly and diagonally such that the projected light travels from the LED, through the lens, through the aperture of the upper surface of the candle body, and onto an outer surface of the projection screen. The LED is also separated by a distance from the lens. The circuit includes a coil arranged to alternately generate a magnetic field having a first polarity and a magnetic field having a second polarity, such that the magnet in the moving portion is successively attracted to the coil and repelled by the coil.

The supporting portion may have a tapered edge on its top surface. The supporting portion may include a U-shape or a V-shape. The projected light emitted by the LED may vary in intensity over time, such that the projected light flickers. A power of the projected light may vary by no more than approximately 25% from the average power as measured in lumens, such that the maximum power is no more than approximately 125% of the average power and the minimum power is no less than approximately 75% of the average power. The moving portion may include an intermediate portion connected to the lens and the arm, and the intermediate portion may rest on the supporting portion. The lens (for example, a substantially round lens) may have three degrees of freedom when the intermediate portion rests on the supporting portion. The outer surface of the projection screen may include a convex, concave, irregular, or flat surface facing the projected light. The coil may be energized more than 50% of the time when the moving portion is in motion. The projection screen may include an appearance of a wick (for example, a hole in the projection screen that is shaped like a wick or a region that is colored to look like a wick). The lens may have a colored region (for example, blue) and an uncolored region.

The flameless candle may further include an module positioned primarily within the hollow interior region, wherein the module houses the supporting portion, the moving portion, and the LED. The module may also house the coil.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, certain techniques are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the drawings is one of many ornamental appearances that can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be further described, the techniques disclosed herein solve the aforementioned problems. For example, instead of having a moving, protruding element, a static element is used. The static element is solidly connected to the candle body and/or other structures that are anchored to or connected to the candle body. This creates a much more durable, damage-resistant arrangement. As another example, by having a static screen, the illusion of a candle is improved, because a user is not distracted by a relatively large protruding part moving around.

Instead of moving a protruding element, a moveable portion including a lens interposed between a light source and a projection screen. The moving portion is underneath the upper surface of the candle body, thereby protecting it from inadvertent damage. The moving portion may be lighter and smaller than a projection screen, thereby requiring less power to move it. Additionally, because of the geometry of the system, it may not be required to move the moving portion as much (as compared to required movement of the protruding, moving screen), also leading to a reduction in power consumption.

Because the projection screen is static, a depiction of a wick (for example, paint or a hole) can be added to the screen, thereby creating the illusion of a static wick.

Furthermore, to overcome the issues of overly aggressive and unnatural pendulum movement, the moving portion including the lens can be successively pushed and pulled (rather than pushed and let gravity take over). By pushing and pulling the moving portion, a more natural, even, and less aggressive movement may be achieved.

Other problems have been solved by varying the intensity of the light source to create a flickering illusion from inside the candle body, and by providing a bumper on the moving portion to reduce or eliminate any perceptible sound from the candle.

FIGS. 1-5illustrate different views of a flameless candle100, according to certain inventive techniques. The flameless candle100includes a candle body110and a projection screen120. The candle body110may have a base112, an upper surface116, and a sidewall114extending between the base and the upper surface116. The candle body110may form a hollow interior region. The candle100may resemble a pillar candle (as shown), a taper candle, a votive, a tea light, other decorative candles, or the like. The candle body110may be translucent or include translucent regions. The translucence may be chosen so as to give the flameless candle100the appearance of a conventional candle. Specifically, when light from a light source within the candle body110emanates through the sidewall it may appear diffuse and have the character of light from a conventional candle. The candle body110may be formed of wax or plastic or other suitable material. When the candle body110is not formed of wax, it may include a waxen surface (for example, dipped in wax) to give the feel and translucent quality of real wax.

The upper surface116may include a concave recess (when viewed from above) to give the candle body110the appearance that the candle100has been used and some wax has been consumed by flame. The upper recess116may include an aperture118. The aperture118may be located substantially along a primary axis in a vertical dimension of the candle body110. The aperture118may allow light to pass from within the hollow interior region of the candle body110onto the projection screen.

The upper surface116may have a variety of different shapes. For example, the upper surface116may be shaped like a bowl or a portion of a bowl. Or, the upper surface116may include a flat bottom surface. The upper region of the sidewall114may have a varying height around the top perimeter of the candle100. As depicted, the upper surface116may form a backdrop whereby the rim of the upper surface116is higher in the back of the candle body110than it is in the front.

The projection screen120may be adjacent to, proximate to, and/or extend upwardly from (or through) the aperture118in the upper surface116. The projection screen120may be offset with respect to or positioned off of a primary axis along a vertical dimension at which the aperture118is located. The position of the projection screen120may be fixed with respect to the upper surface116. Of course, an undue amount of force could cause the projection screen120to deflect or otherwise change position with respect to the upper surface116. However, an anticipated movement of the electronic candle100(for example, picking up or putting down the candle, rotating the candle, or turning the candle upside down) may not influence the position of the projection screen120with respect to the upper surface116. Alternatively, the projection screen120may move with respect to the upper surface116by mechanical (for example, springs, wind, etc.) or electro-magnetic means.

The projection screen120may have a flame shape as depicted. The projection screen120may have two outer surfaces (front and back, as depicted), or three or more outer surfaces. When viewed from the front, the front outer surface may be convex, concave, flat, or irregular (for example, a mix of convex, concave, and/or flat regions). The projection screen120may include a portion or region that imitates a wick. Such a portion or region may be a painted region, a recessed region, or an aperture (i.e., a hole through the projection screen120). The projection screen may be textured, smooth, opaque, and/or translucent. According to one technique, the translucency of the projection screen120is selected such that an illusion of a flame appears on both the front and rear outer surfaces.

The projection screen120may have different translucencies and/or textures on the front and back of the exterior surfaces of the projection screen120. Also, different regions on the same surfaces may have different translucencies, textures, and/or thicknesses.

The candle100may include various components in addition to the candle body110and the projection screen120, such as: a projection screen substructure122attached to the projection screen120; a moving portion130; a supporting portion140that supports the moving portion130; a light source150(for example, one or more LEDs); a module housing160, including a light source securing portion162; and an electromagnet and control circuitry170. The aforementioned components may be included in a module190. For example, the electromagnet and control circuitry170may be located within or outside of the module housing160. The assembled module190may be inserted through the underside of the candle body110and seated into the aperture118of the upper surface116. The candle100may also include a battery compartment180, batteries182(for example, two “C” batteries as depicted), and a battery door184. These components may be located, at least partially or substantially, within the hollow interior region of the candle body110.

The projection screen substructure122may be configured to be inserted into the aperture118of the upper surface116(for example, inserted from underneath the upper surface116). For example, the projection screen substructure112may have a stair-step profile with a lower tier having a larger radius than an upper tier. The substructure122may have a generally circular profile (for example, the tier(s) may be generally circular) when viewed from above, or it may have other shapes such as ovate, square, rectangular, etc. The lower tier of the substructure122may act as a stop to prevent over-insertion of the substructure122into the aperture118. The aperture118may have a stair-step profile complementary to that of the substructure122tiers, as shown inFIG. 3. This may facilitate accurate seating of the substructure122into the aperture118. Once properly seated, the upper surface of the upper tier may be flush with or slightly below the upper surface116. The substructure122may be secured to the candle body by friction fit, wax, mechanical means (for example, the substructure having anchoring portions that anchor into a waxen material on the candle body110), or other epoxy.

The projection screen substructure122may have an aperture such that light projected from below can be projected onto the projection screen120. As shown, the projection screen120is offset and positioned off of a primary axis along a vertical dimension at which the aperture118is located. Specifically, the projection screen120extends from an upper surface of an outer rim of the upper tier of the substructure122. When the substructure is seated in the aperture118, the light passing through the aperture of the substructure122also passes through the aperture118of the upper surface116. The substructure122may have one or more engaging portions that engage with portions that generally are below the substructure122. For example, as shown, the lower tier of the substructure122has two engaging portions (each having an aperture) that engages with complementary portions on the module housing160(for example, spring tabs as shown), such that the substructure122becomes a portion (for example, top portion) of the module190.

The supporting portion140may support the moving portion130, such that the moving portion can move in three dimensions. The supporting portion140may include a U-shape or V-shape region. The supporting portion140may nest in, be seated in, or connect to the module housing160. As shown, the module housing160includes two slots that receive opposite ends of the supporting portion140. The projection screen substructure122may secure the supporting portion140in the module housing160by forming a top to the receiving slots. The supporting portion140may be substantially rigid. It may include a tapered edge in all of or a portion of the top surface of the supporting portion160. The tapered edge may come to a relatively sharp point. The moving portion130may rest on the top-surface tapered edge of the supporting portion140. By having a tapered edge, freer movement of the moving portion130may be facilitated. For example, the tapered edge may allow for less friction and less interference with the moving portion130. The tapered edge may permit at least three degrees of freedom of the moving portion130. The region of the moving portion130that rests on the supporting portion140may also have a tapered edge (for example, tapered in the opposite direction, such that a wider region is higher than the narrower region that contacts the supporting portion).

The moving portion130may include a lens132and an arm134. The moving portion130may optionally include an intermediate region136(for example, including an annular shaped region with an aperture as depicted) between the lens132and the arm134(or the lens132and arm134may be directly connected). The moving portion130may also include a magnet138seated, positioned, or located on the arm134(for example, a lower region of the arm134). In this context, and as generally used herein, the word “on” is broadly understood to mean attached to, positioned on/in, located on/in, or the like. The moving portion may optionally include a bumper139.

The lens132may include a transparent material such as acrylic. The lens132may have two or more surfaces (for example, a top surface and bottom surface as illustrated). The surfaces may include concave regions, convex regions (as shown for both surfaces), flat regions, or have an irregular surface (for example, a combination of concave, convex, and/or flat regions). When viewed from the top or bottom, the lens may have a substantially round shape, or other shapes are possible, such as ovate, square, or the like. The surfaces may touch each other, or may be separated by a lateral region (as depicted). When the moving portion130is in a resting position, the lens132may have a diagonal orientation (for example, 25 to 55 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane). According to one technique, the angle is approximately 40 degrees. Even when the lens132is moved to a maximum or minimum amount, it may still have a diagonal orientation (for example, 12 to 68 degrees). According to one technique, when the resting angle is approximately 40 degrees, the minimal angle is approximately 27 degrees and the maximal angle is approximately 53 degrees.

The arm134may extend generally downwardly, and it may be sized and arranged to act as a counterbalance to the lens132to maintain the lens132at a desired orientation when the moving portion130is in a resting position. The arm134may have an enlarged or heavier region towards the bottom. The arm134may have an area that accepts the magnet138. For example, the arm134may have a recess on a bottom surface that is sized to receive the magnet138. The magnet may be glued and/or press fit to the arm134. The magnet138may include a material such as nickel or a nickel alloy.

The intermediate region136may abut the lens132and the arm134. The intermediate region136may define an angle between the lens132and the arm134, such as between 45 and 75 degrees (although this orientation may be achieved without the intermediate region136). According to one technique, the intermediate region136may define an angle of approximately 60 degrees between the lens132and the arm134. The intermediate region136may include a region that contacts the supporting portion140. Such a region may include an aperture (for example, generally annular in shape, as shown) that substantially encircles the supporting portion140. Such an arrangement may prevent the moving portion130from being constrained in movement by the supporting portion140(for example, prevents the moving portion from falling down or around or even coming out of the candle100. There is no requirement, however, that the intermediate region136or the moving portion130have such an aperture. Other shapes for engaging the supporting portion140may be possible, such as an arch, a notch having an inverted V-shape (for example, a notch having a wider cut-out angle than the angle of taper on the upper surface of the supporting portion140), or the like.

The bumper139may absorb impact of the moving portion if it comes in contact with other objects, such as the module housing160. The bumper139may include a compressible material, such as rubber or ethylene propylene rubber. The bumper139may prevent a sound from being made when the moving portion130comes into contact with other objects. The bumper139may be located in a lower region of the moving portion130, for example, on an enlarged region as shown in the figures. The bumper139may substantially or completely encompass such a region.

The light source150may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source150may be selected to emit a color that resembles a color of a conventional candle flame. The lens132may also be colored to enhance or adjust the color of the projected light from the light source150. For example, the lens132may include a colored region and an uncolored region (or it may be entirely colored or uncolored). In the example of a colored region, such a region may be blue in color (e.g., painted, printed, a sticker, colored epoxy, or the like). For example, areas on the rim of the lens132may be tinted or otherwise colored blue to cause the outer regions of the projected light to be bluish in color. When projected on the projection screen120, this may enhance the illusion of a conventional candle flame.

The light source150may be arranged to generate a light having varying intensity (for example, to cause a flickering effect). The perceivable intensity of the light source150may vary by no more than ±25% of the average power as measured in lumens. By perceivable intensity, it is understood that this is the intensity recognizable by the human eye. The actual instantaneous power delivered to a light source150may be much more than 25%, such as for example by using pulse-width modulation techniques in which the power to a light source150is switched ON and OFF very rapidly.

The light source150may have a lens separate from lens132. For example, the light source150may include a type of a conventional LED package that includes a lens where the light exits the package. The light source150may have an embedded circuit, such as one including a microprocessor and associated circuitry (e.g., an oscillator) that causes the flickering effect (or other effects, such as fade in/out, color changing, or the like). The light source150(independent of the lens132in the moving portion130) may be configured to generate a beam of light having an associated beam-width—for example, a beam-width between 37 and 67 degrees. According to one technique, the beam-width is approximately 52 degrees.

The light source150may be mounted in the module housing160. It may be secured, for example, with a light source securing portion162. The light source150may be mounted at an angle, such as 50 to 80 degrees as measured from the horizontal plane. According to one technique, the light source is mounted at a 65 degree angle with respect to the horizontal plane. Such an angle may be measured from the horizontal plane to a central axis of the emitted beam of light. Thus, the light source150may be positioned to project light upwardly and diagonally, such that the light travels from the light source150, through the lens132, through the aperture118of the upper surface116of the candle body110, and onto an outer surface of the projection screen120. When viewed straight down from the top of the candle100, the light source150and/or the lens132may not be visible through the aperture118(for example, these component(s) may not be located directly below the aperture. The light source150may be statically mounted as shown (i.e., the light source150does not move with respect to the candle body110), or it may move (for example, vibrate or oscillate) by mechanical or electromagnetic means. The light source150and/or its package may be separated by a distance from the lens132(i.e., not abutting the lens132).

A light pipe (for example, fiber optic or Lucite) may be used to provide flexibility in the positioning of the light source150. The light pipe may receive light emitted from the light source150and project the light at an appropriate location. A prism may also be used to receive light projected from the light source150to alter the angle at which light is projected onto the projection screen120. For example, a prism may bend light at a selected angle, such as 45 degrees.

The electromagnet172and control circuitry170may be positioned below the arm134of the moving portion130, spaced by a distance. The electromagnet172may be driven by the control circuitry170. The control circuitry170may also be electrically connected to the light source150and the user interface. The control circuitry170may be electrically connected or control and receive inputs from all electrical components in the candle100. The control circuitry170may include a microprocessor that executes instructions to drive the electromagnet172and/or control the light source150in the specific manners described herein (for example, cause the light source150to flicker). The control circuitry170may also include other analog or digital components to control the operation of the candle100, such as a state machine or oscillator to drive the electromagnet172and/or the light source150. The control circuitry170may receive power from batteries182.

The electromagnet172may include a wire coil. The coil may include wire or traces on a printed circuit board. The control circuitry170may alternately energize the electromagnet172positively (for example, a first polarity) and negatively (for example, a second polarity) such that it has alternating polarities over time. This may cause the electromagnet172to successively push (repel) and pull (attract) the magnet138over time, thereby causing the moving portion to move back and forth. The electromagnet172may be energized more than 50% of the time (either positively energized or negatively energized) when the moving portion130is in motion. The control circuitry170may include two or more modes (for example, the modes selectable through a user interface actuator like a switch or push-button) for driving the electromagnet172. One mode may energize the electromagnet172to a lesser degree (less aggressive) and another mode may energize the electromagnet172to a greater degree (more aggressive). For example, the amount of current supplied to the electromagnet172by the control circuitry170may be smaller in the less aggressive mode and greater in the more aggressive mode. The amount of current supplied to the electromagnet172may vary gradually over time. For example, the amount of current supplied to the electromagnet172may be a sine wave over time—alternating between negative and positive currents to generate positive and negative magnetic polarities in the electromagnet172.

A battery compartment180may house one or more batteries182(for example, two “C” batteries). A battery compartment door118may releasably engage with the base112to secure and allow access to the batteries182through one or more apertures in the base112. The battery compartment180may be located below and may physically support the module190or components thereof.

A user interface may be accessible at or through the base112. The user interface may include one or more actuators, such as switches, buttons, knobs, or other components. A user may interact with the interface to control the operation of the candle. The user interface may be electrically connected to the control circuitry170and/or the batteries. For example, an ON/OFF switch may disconnect power from reaching the control circuitry170, or the status of such a switch may be sensed by the control circuitry170to cause it to shut down or restart operations of the candle100. The user interface may include a timer control which is sensed by the control circuitry170to periodically shut down and restart (for example, 5 hours ON, and 19 hours OFF, or the like).

The user interface may include a control that adjusts the brightness or the flickering nature of the light source150. The user interface may include a control that causes the color of the light source150to change—either to a new color statically, or by roaming through different colors (or ceasing roaming). The user interface may also include a control that adjusts, stops, or starts the movement of the moving portion130(for example, by adjusting the operation of the electromagnet172whereby the strength or pattern of energization may be altered). Generally, all of the features disclosed herein that relate to the operation of the candle100may be selectively activated, deactivated, or adjusted by interaction with components or actuators in the user interface. For example, if the candle100has a speaker and generates sound, the sound can be turned ON/OFF or the volume can be adjusted via user interface components(s). As another example, if the candle100includes a fan, user interface component(s) can cause the fan to turn ON/OFF and/or change the speed or direction of the fan. In addition to a user interface, some or all of the functionality disclosed herein can be affected through one or more wireless control modalities—for example, infrared, Bluetooth, WiFi, etc. A suitable remote would be able to send and/or receive signals through antenna(s) to control operations of the candle100.

The candle100may operate in the following manner. A user may turn the candle100ON through a user interface positioned proximate the base112. Energy may then flow to the control circuitry170, which may then provide power to the electromagnet172and/or the light source150. Alternately, light source150may receive power independently from the control circuitry170. The light source150may be selectively energized such as to provide a flickering effect as discussed above.

The energized light source150may emit a light beam having a central axis at an upward angle towards the projection screen120. The angle may be 50 to 80 degrees as measured from the horizontal plane. According to one technique, the angle is 65 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. The light travels from the light source150, through the aperture118in the upper surface of the candle body110, and onto the projection screen120. The light beam may be refracted once or twice or even more times by the lens132. As depicted, the light is refracted a first time when the light strikes the bottom surface of the lens132and a second time when the light strikes the top surface of the lens132. The focal length of the altered light beam may vary as the moving portion130moves (thereby causing the distance and/or positioning between the light source150and the lens132to vary). This is depicted inFIGS. 6A and 6B. Both the position of altered light beam on the projection screen120and the focal length may be altered as the moving portion130moves. Specifically, when the moving portion130is in a first position, the altered light beam will project onto a first region of the external surface of the projection screen120. It will have a first focal length. When the moving portion130is in a second position, the altered light beam will project onto a second region of the external surface of the projection screen120, and the beam may have a second focal length different from the first focal length. First and second focal points defining the respective first and second focal lengths may be located beyond the projection screen120. In other words, the projection screen120may intersect the light beam(s) before the focal point(s). The first and second regions may overlap or may be completely different. The regions on the projection screen120may vary in a vertical and/or horizontal dimension. The size of the regions may vary.

The control circuitry170may drive the electromagnet172by turning it ON and OFF and/or by reversing its polarity. According to one technique, polarity is successively reversed to push and pull the magnet138in the moving portion130. The rate of pushing and pulling may be greater than the natural oscillation period of the moving portion130. For example, the natural oscillation period of the moving portion130may be approximately 500 ms while the rate of push or pull may be between approximately 1-4 s. Thus, the ratio of push or pull time to the natural oscillation period may be between 2:1 and 8:1. The superposition of these two frequencies may result in a modulating beat that induces a substantially erratic movement to the lens132. The duty cycle of the push/pull may be approximately 50% or may be set so the push or pull cycle is longer than the other one. The electromagnet172may be energized according to a predetermined or pseudorandom pattern and may be driven according to execution of a software program accordingly (for example, to cause pushing or pulling or to selectively energize and deenergize the electromagnet172).

The push/pull caused by the electromagnet172may be achieved by driving the electromagnet172with a wave, such as a sine wave, a square wave, a sawtooth wave, or the like. It may be possible to have more complicated driving waves, such as waves that are a combination of a plurality of frequency sine wave components. By generating and combining multiple sine waves, it may be possible to generate a more complex, natural effect with multiple “beats” due to the phase characteristics of the multiple sine waves.

In addition to moving the illuminated region about on the projection screen120, the light source150may also flicker as discussed. The degree of flickering, however, may be limited such that flickering is apparent through the translucent candle body110, but not on the projected light on the projection screen120. By limiting the apparent flickering power, this can be achieved. For example, by limiting the difference between maximum-to-average and minimum-to-average flickering by no more than approximately 25% as measured in lumens may achieve this effect. For the example of a relatively smaller candle (for example, 1.75″ diameter), intensity may vary between approximately 0.9-1.5 lumens. For the example of a relatively larger candle (for example, 4″ diameter), intensity may vary between approximately 2.6-4.4 lumens.

There may be more than one light source150(for example, ones with different colors, such as one that is blue and another that is yellow) and/or more than one moving lens132that operate in similar fashions. For example, there may be two light sources150and one lens132. Light projected from one of these light sources150may be altered by the lens132and the other one may project directly onto the projection screen120without passing through a lens132. As another example, both light sources150would project light through one lens132or through two respective lenses132. According to yet another example, two or more lenses132may be arranged in series such that one beam of light passes through all of the lenses132.

According to one technique, one light source150is positioned to project light onto a rear exterior surface of the projection screen120and another light source150is positioned to project light onto a front exterior surface of the projection screen120. The light sources150may have different colors. The rearward light source150may project a blue light (either by virtue of being a blue LED, or by tinted lenses, coverings, etc.). The rearward light source150may project a non-moving beam of light onto the projection screen120. The forward light source150, by contrast, may project a light that is altered by a moving lens132as discussed above.

In addition to or in lieu of the electromagnet172and magnet138arrangement, the moving portion130may be driven by other mechanical means, such as, for example, driven air (a fan), a vibrating transducer, a spring, and/or one or more electric motors. Like the magnetic push/pull arrangement of the electromagnet172and magnet138, motor(s) may physically push/pull the moving portion130. Or such a motor arrangement may only push or pull the moving portion130and rely on its natural oscillation to fall back and move about. One technique for accomplishing motor-driven movement of the moving portion130is to have a motor shaft with a projection that contacts the moving portion130. The shaft may rotate in one direction only, or may rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise. The projection would consequently push the moving portion130in only one direction when the shaft rotates in only one direction, or push the moving portion130in two directions when the shaft rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise.

According to another technique, several electromagnets (for example, at least three electromagnets) may be used to control the moving portion130. The stator windings may generate a varying alternate magnetic field (for example, in response to being driven by a sine wave or a complex frequency with multiple sine wave components) to influence the magnet to make the arm move in multiple directions. Multiple outputs of a microprocessor or other suitable circuitry, for example, may be used for multiple H-bridge drivers to induce a variable-frequency alternating current into each of the motors' stator winding. The amplitudes of the movement in multiple directions may vary asynchronously, resulting in the induction of a variable beat (created by the combination of multiple frequencies). Such a frequency may be a lower frequency than the self-oscillating frequency of the moving portion130. The lens132movements may be most of the time controlled by the servomotor driver and not by the self-oscillating period of the moving portion130. The form of the shaft's bearings may also vary to provide an erratic movement.

According to other techniques, the candle100may play music and/or may be scented. The candle100may have a night-light actuator that, when actuated, causes the candle100to go into a low power mode, thereby emitting less light from the light source150than in the regular mode.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the novel techniques disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the novel techniques without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the novel techniques not be limited to the particular techniques disclosed, but that they will include all techniques falling within the scope of the appended claims.