REMQTE CANDLE LIGHTING APPARATUS. SYSTEM AND

METHOD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to candle lighting. More specifically, the present invention relates to lighting candles from a remote location.

Background of the Invention Since their invention, candles have had many uses and functions. For instance, candles have been used for illumination, as decorative additions to a room, to emit a fragrance in aromatherapy, etc. Additionally, many faiths utilize candles as part of religious ceremonies, or regard the lighting of a candle as having religious significance. In some religions, worshippers light candles in their house of worship and place candles on an altar. People often light a candle as a votive offering and as an accompaniment to a prayer. When visiting the grave of a loved one or saintly individual, some have the custom of lighting a candle and placing it on or near the tombstone.

Although it may be possible for some people to visit local religious sites to light their candles, others travel distances up to across the world to visit cemeteries and other religious sites, and when feasible, to light a candle thereat. However, such excursions may not be possible for some people, for many reasons e.g. poor health, safety considerations, and the expense of such a trip. To make the experience of lighting candles available to all, there have been various methods proposed to provide people with the opportunity of lighting virtual candles, without requiring one to travel, even to one's local religious site.

US 2002/0013713 discloses a method for lighting a virtual candle over the internet for a user who wants to pray but has no time to visit a place where

votive candles are provided. The user visits a web site, selects a candle and inputs the desired dates for the candle to burn (e.g. beginning and ending dates). The site virtually selects the candle and lights and burns the candle for the predetermined set period of time.

KR 10046964 discloses a cyber-Buddhist sanctuary that is controllable via the internet using SMS (short messaging service). Food or a donation may be offered to the cyber-Buddha, and a religious service may be performed over the internet in the cyber-Buddhist sanctuary.

KR 20030084857 discloses a method for wishing hope and sending mail using the internet. In particular, the user may select a candle, a burning method, a burning time and a message of hope via cellular phone or computer. The candle is burned virtually online, and the hope is displayed.

Examples of other means for enabling one to use an electronic candle as part of a religious service, without experiencing the difficulties involved with supervision of a burning candle or traveling to a religious site are disclosed in the following publications: - JP 7100051 discloses an electronic Buddhist altar in which electronic images of a Buddhist statue, an altar, mortuary tablets, lanterns and flowers are displayed on the LCD screen of an electronic imaging device. Lighting is changed from morning to noon to night via a computer program.

- JP 2000245617 discloses a case or box having a miniature model of Buddha and an LED shaped as a candle for emitting a flickering light. The light is controlled by a CPU.

- JP 2005068085 discloses a casing comprising a light emitting part that imitates a flickering candle and a sensor for detecting insertion of a coin through a slot. When money is inserted, the light emitting part is turned

on, and a timer turns the light emitting part off after a prescribed time has elapsed.

- US 2006/0039137 discloses a system for commercializing electronic candles in a religious institution or memorial location. Electronic candles are situated at the religious institution or memorial location. The user selects the desired candle by touching the candle, and the candle is illuminated for the prescribed period following verification or validation of payment

Lighting an actual, real candle at the distant location would give a person a religious sensation and experience that cannot be achieved by merely lighting a virtual candle. To that end, JP 2004071526 discloses a device for igniting a real candle from a remote location. A telephone signal is received by a receiving telephone and converted to an electric signal. A control mechanism amplifies the signal and an ignition device is actuated to ignite the wick of a candle. The image of the burning candle may be captured by a camera and transmitted to the user. However, such a device is intended to allow a single user to light a single (or multiple joined) candles. Maintenance is required to clean up after the candle is used up and to replace the candle or candles for re-use. Additionally, the device is a standalone device that does not comprise any safety features in case of a technical problem with the ignition mechanism.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and system for lighting candles that allows multiple users to light real candles from remote locations.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and system for lighting candles that is compact and may be situated either indoors or outdoors.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and system for lighting candles that is safe to use.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and system for lighting candles that is inexpensive to produce and maintain.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and system for lighting candles that functions entirely automatically.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a heat sensitive USB device to connect to the user's personal computer or cellular phone for sending a signal, via a web server to a control station to light a candle at a remote location.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect the invention is an apparatus for lighting candles at a remote location. The apparatus comprises: a.) a fixed platform; b.) a moveable platform, which can be moved relative to said fixed platform; c.) a plurality of candles placed and symmetrically arranged on one of said fixed platform or said moveable platform; d.) ignition means fixedly mounted on the other of said fixed platform or said moveable platform; and e.) positioning means that move said moveable platform relative to said fixed platform in a way that brings said ignition means close to the wick of each candle in turn.

In some embodiments of the apparatus of the invention the plurality of candles is placed on the fixed platform and the ignition means are fixedly mounted on the moveable platform. In other embodiments the plurality of candles is placed on the moveable platform and the ignition means are fixedly mounted on the fixed platform.

In embodiments of the invention the positioning means comprises a motor connected to the movable platform either directly by means of the shaft of the motor or indirectly using an appropriate gear arrangement and control means. In embodiments of the invention the positioning means is adapted to rotate the movable platform around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the moveable platform. In embodiments of the invention the positioning means is adapted move the movable platform back and forth along a straight line.

More than one ignition means can be fixedly mounted on the moveable platform. The ignition means can be a gas igniter or an electrical igniter.

In a second aspect the invention is a system for lighting candles at a remote location. The system comprises: a.) an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; b.) a housing; and c.) additional components selected from the group comprising: i) lighting units; ii) fans; iii) one or more wide field of view cameras attached to the upper part of the housing; iv) one or more narrow field of view cameras mounted on the movable platform;

v) a heat sensor situated on the moveable platform in close proximity to the tip of the ignition means; vi)one or more heat sensors to confirm the presence of a flame at the wick of the candles; vii) one or more position sensors for accurately stopping movement of the movable platform when the tip of the ignition means is directly in front of a candle; viii) an automated candle replacement system; ix) a gas detector adapted to detect a gas leak in the ignition means; x) a smoke detector; and xi) a fire extinguisher.

In the system of the invention the control station comprises a programmable logic controller adapted to control the motor of the positioning means, the operation of the ignition means for initiating the candle lighting procedure, and all other components of the system in order to insure safe and reliable operation of the system.

In a third aspect the invention is a method for lighting candles at a remote location. The method comprises the steps of: a.) supplying at least one system according to the second aspect of the invention at a multitude of locations; and b.) supplying a central web server; wherein the central web server: i) receives payment and a request from a user to light a candle at a specific time and date at one of the locations at which one of the systems is located; ii) processes the user request; and iii) communicates with the system at the requested location via the local control station instructing the control station to activate

the components of the system in order to light a candle at the desired time.

In an embodiment of the method of the invention, after the request of the user has been processed, a portable heat sensitive USB device connected to his personal computer or cellular phone and heated by a candle lit by the user is used to initiate the process of lighting a candle at the remote location.

Brief Description of the Drawings

It is understood that the schematic representation of the present invention as shown in the accompanying figures is for illustrative purposes only, and the geometry, dimensions or precise location of any of the components relative to one another cannot be learned form the figures. Illustrative and non-limitative examples of preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figs. IA, IB and 1C illustrate in side views (Fig. IA and 1C) and a top view (Fig. IB) the essential components of one embodiment of the candle lighting apparatus of the present invention; - Figs. 2 and 3A-3C schematically show embodiments of the invention in which the moveable platform is moved in a straight line by the positioning means;

- Fig. 4 is a top view schematically showing an embodiment of the invention in which two ignition means are mounted on the moveable platform;

- Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 schematically show two embodiments of the ignition means of the apparatus of the invention;

- Fig. 7 schematically shows a system comprising a candle lighting apparatus of the invention; - Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the steps in the method of lighting a candle using the apparatus and system of the present invention; and

- Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B schematically show in top and side views respectively another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Lighting a candle at a holy site has religious significance according to many faiths. There are locations at which one might desire to light a candle; however, due to the distance to the location or for other reasons, it is often ^• not possible to reach the location to physically light a candle thereat. The present invention solves this problem by providing an apparatus and system for lighting candles, which allows the user to light a candle at a remote site without having to be physically present at the site.

The terms, "remote" or, "distant" site as used herein means that the person that wants to light a candle is not physically present at the site.

Although the term, "user" is utilized herein (in the singular), it is understood that multiple users may use the apparatus and system of the present invention in order to light one or more candles at the remote location.

One embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention comprises a fixed platform on which a plurality of candles are placed and symmetrically arranged; a moveable platform, which can be moved relative to said fixed platform; ignition means mounted on the moveable platform; and positioning means that move the moveable platform relative to the fixed platform in a way that brings the ignition means close to the wick of each candle in turn. The positioning means comprises a motor connected to the movable platform either directly by means of its shaft or indirectly using an appropriate gear arrangement and control means.

The essential components of this embodiment of the candle lighting apparatus of the present invention 100 is shown schematically viewed from the side in Fig. IA and Fig. 1C and viewed from the top in Fig. IB. Apparatus 100 comprises a fixed platform 110 supporting at least two candles 120 on its upper surface 112. Fixed platform 110 is rigidly affixed to the surface 102 upon which apparatus 100 rests, e.g. floor or table, by one or more supporting legs 104.

A movable platform 116 is located at the center of fixed platform 110. In this embodiment movable platform 116 has a circular shape. Movable platform 116 can be set into a recess in the upper surface 112 of fixed platform 110 or, as shown in Fig. IA, can be fitted into a hole 114 through fixed platform 110 or, as shown in Fig 1C, can be located above fixed platform 110 supported by shaft 142.

In this embodiment, movable platform 116 is made to rotate around axis 106 of shaft 142 by the positioning means comprising motor 140 and local control means 150. The output shaft of motor 140 is connected either directly or through a suitable gear train to shaft 142. Preferably motor 140 is an electric stepper motor which turns shaft 142 in predetermined precise steps, allowing accurate control of the movement of movable platform 116. Alternatively, rotation of shaft 142 may be performed by other means known in the art such as hydraulic, pneumatic or magnetic means. Motor 140 is activated by commands from the local control station 150. Control station 150 comprises appropriate hardware and software known in the art to receive commands transmitted by a user from a remote location, as described herein below, and then to activate the appropriate components of apparatus 100. Specifically, control station 150 comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) including a servomechanism for controlling motor 140. The PLC also controls the operation of the ignition means for initiating the actual candle lighting procedure. The connection between controller 150 and

the various components of apparatus 100 is through a wireless signal or a wired connection symbolically designated by double-headed arrow 180.

In accordance with the circular shape of movable platform 116, the candles are arranged equally spaced apart on a circle that is concentric with axis

106 and has a diameter slightly larger than that of the circular platform.

Ignition means 122 are firmly attached to movable platform 116. Because of the circular symmetry, ignition means 122 can be positioned in close enough proximity to the wick of each candle 120 in order to allow ignition of the candle. After igniting one candle, the ignition means can be moved to the neighboring one by activating motor 140 causing platform 116 to rotate.

In other embodiments of the invention, as shown schematically in Figs. 2 and 3A-3C, moveable platform 116 is moved in a straight line by the positioning means. In these embodiments candles 120 are arranged on fixed platform 110 in one or more rows parallel to the path along which movable platform 116 is moved.

In the embodiment shown in a top view in Fig. 2, moveable platform 116 is fixedly mounted on an endless belt 152 that is fitted over two pulley wheels

(153 in Fig. 9B) at both ends in the conventional manner. The output shaft of motor 140 is fixedly attached to the axle of one of the wheels. Activating the motor causes the wheel to rotate and the belt 152 and attached moveable platform 116 to move linearly. By controlling the starting and stopping times that the motor works, the ignition means 122 mounted on moveable platform 116 is moved in a stepwise fashion from candle to candle along the row.

In the embodiment shown in perspective, top, and end views respectively in Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, moving platform 116 is the tail 156 of a sliding dovetail that is moved forward and backwards in socket 158 created in the top of

fixed platform 110. In this embodiment the positioning means comprises a threaded rod 154 that is threaded through a threaded hole 180 in tail 156. Rod 154 is fixedly attached to the output shaft of motor 140. By controlling the starting and stopping times that the motor works, the ignition means 122 mounted on moveable platform 116 is moved in a stepwise fashion from candle to candle along the row. It is possible to use any form of mechanism known in the art, e.g. a pneumatic or hydraulic piston, to move the moveable platform back and forth in a straight line.

It is understood that in all of the embodiments described hereinabove, only a single row (or circle) of candles has been described. If the demand at a particular site justifies it, then the number of candles that are available for lighting can be increased by increasing the length/radius of the positioning means or by providing more than one positioning means and accompanying rows of candles. In embodiments in which the positioning means moves moveable platform linearly, two separately controlled ignition means 122 can be mounted on a single moveable platform 116 oriented such that each of them points towards a separate line of candles located on opposite sides of the platform. Fig. 4 is a top view that schematically shows this embodiment. At each step, the motor 140 is activated until the moveable platform is moved opposite a pair of candles. The ignition means can then either be activated separately to light one candle at a time or activated simultaneously in order to light both candles at once. After both candles have been lit, the motor is activated to move the ignition means to the next pair of candles.

The candles 120 can be of any type known in the art, comprising any suitable fuel, e.g. wax or oil, and a wick supplied in an appropriate holder if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, candles 120 are T-lights, which are cylindrical solid wax candles individually fitted into a metal cup. Preferably, all of the candles (120) utilized in the present invention have

essentially identical combustion times, such that the time it takes for the fuel to be consumed, i.e. until the flame is extinguished, is known and may be programmed into the control station (150) to be used as described herein below.

Many different forms of ignition means 122 can be used in order to accomplish the purpose of the invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, shown schematically in Fig. 5, ignition means 122 is a gas igniter comprising a lighter fluid reservoir 124 containing a suitable lighter fluid such as naphtha or butane, a conduit 126 through which the lighter fluid can flow from container 124 to a nozzle in the ignition head means 128. A valve 130 is situated along conduit 126 preferably in close proximity to reservoir 124 to selectively allow and prevent lighter fluid from flowing through conduit 126. In preferred embodiments valve 130 is an electrically activated valve and ignition head means 128 comprises an electric or mechanical means to generate a spark. When an order to light a candle is received by local control station 150, in the manner described herein below, the control system sends a signal via the control circuitry (not shown in the figures or described herein) to open valve 130, allowing gas to stream towards and through the nozzle in the ignition heads means 128, and another signal to the ignition head means 128 to create a spark that ignites the gas. The flame at the nozzle is opposite the wick of candle 120 and lights the candle. After a pre-set period of time or according to a signal from a sensor indicating that the candle is burning, local control unit 150 sends a signal to close valve 130, thereby extinguishing the flame at the ignition head means 128.

In another embodiment of the present invention, shown schematically in

Fig. 6, ignition means 122 is an electrical igniter comprising a high resistance electric coil 182. When an order to light a candle is received by local control station 150, in the manner described herein below, the control

system sends a signal via the control circuitry (not shown in the figures or described herein) to cause an electrical current to flow through coil 182. The current causes the temperature of coil 182 to rise until it is hot enough to ignite candle 120. After a pre-set period of time, or according to a signal from a sensor indicating that the candle is burning, local control unit 150 sends a signal to stop the current flow through coil 182. Conventional techniques known in the art, including those for preventing tangling of the wires carrying the electricity from the stationary platform to the moving one, are used to provide the electric circuit needed to cause the current to flow through coil 182.

Typically apparatus 100 of the invention, as described above, is not intended to be installed as is at a given location. Apparatus 100 is generally part of a complete system that comprises components that allows autonomous operation of the apparatus and the user to enjoy a wide variety of optional features that will enhance the experience of lighting the candle. The system contains all the components necessary to allow unattended operation of the system for extended periods of time. In normal operation a human operator needs to visit the site at which the system of the invention is installed only to perform routine maintenance and to replenish the supply of candles. In addition the system provides protection for the apparatus 100 from vandalism and environmental conditions such as rain or wind. The system preferably also comprises safety features to insure safe operation of apparatus 100.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a system 200 comprising a candle lighting apparatus 100 of the invention, that can be placed at a site and allow a user located at a remote location to light candles at the site. For means of illustration, system (200) will comprise an embodiment of apparatus 100 comprising a gas igniter as ignition means and a rotating platform as conveying means (as shown in Fig. 5). It is understood that other

embodiments of apparatus 100 can also be used mutatis mutandis. It should also be appreciated that the following description of system is intended to be general and to give the skilled person an indication of the features that can be included within the system. In particular it is contemplated that, on the one hand, a system installed at a particular site may not include all of the components described herein and, on the other hand, the system may comprise other components that are not described herein but can be added to allow more efficient performance or to enhance the experience of the user.

System (200) comprises a housing 160 for enclosing apparatus 100 and other components of the system to allow operation of apparatus 100 in a controlled environment. In particular the housing is designed to allow candle lighting at outdoor sites. All or part of housing 160, is made of a transparent material, e.g. rigid plastic or glass. At a minimum a portion of the sides of the housing wall at the height of the candles must be transparent to form a window allowing the lit candles to be seen. Housing 160 preferably, but not necessarily, encloses apparatus 100 on all sides, including the top and bottom. The lower portion of housing 160, i.e. the part below fixed platform 110, is preferably opaque to enhance the appearance of system 200. Optionally, advertisements or other forms of messages or other indicia may be displayed on the outer lower surface of housing 160.

Lighting units 164, e.g. units comprising fluorescent bulbs, are strategically situated at the upper corners of casing 160 to illuminate apparatus 100. A ventilation system comprising fans 162a and 162b is provided to circulate and refresh the air within casing 160. Fan 162a blows air from the surrounding environment into the casing to provide fresh air to allow proper combustion of the candles and ignition means and fan 162b is an exhaust fan, which draws the smoke, CO2, and other combustion products from the burning candles and gas of the ignition means outside of the casing.

System 200 may comprise audio and visual components for recording and displaying the burning candle 120 to the user, preferably in real time on an internet web site. For example, camera 168 is attached to the upper portion of casing 160 has a wide field of view, which allows observation of the entire apparatus 100 from above. Although only one upper camera 168 is shown in the figure, it is understood that more than one camera may be provided to transmit views of apparatus 100 from different angles. Narrow field of view lower camera 170 is located on rotating platform 116 and oriented 120 to focus on the burning candle 120 lit by a specific user. In a preferred embodiment of system 200, the number of lower cameras 170 is the same as that of candles 120 on apparatus 100. In this way the system will be able to provide an added dimension to each user's experience by allowing him to view his 'personal' candle from the time it is lit until it burns out.

Apparatus 100 of system 200 may comprise a heat sensor 132 situated on moveable platform 116 in close proximity to the tip of ignition means 122 to determine the presence of a flame at the tip of ignition head means 128 (or if sufficient heat is being produced in electric coil 182 in the case of an electric ignition means). Another heat sensor 134 may be present on moveable platform 116 to confirm the presence of a flame at the wick of candle 120, i.e. that the candle has been lit and is burning properly. In another embodiment, one sensor 134 is situated near each candle 120 on fixed platform 110. With this arrangement sensor 134 may be used to detect the candle's flame continually or intermittently over a predetermined period of time to ensure that the user's candle remains burning as long as planned. A position sensor 136 may be installed on stationary platform 110 in front of each candle 120 for accurately stopping movement of movable platform 116 when the tip of ignition means 122 is directly in front of candle 120.

Additional optional components of apparatus 100 in system 200 include a receptacle 144 situated behind each candle 120 for receiving the empty cup

after candle 120 has been extinguished. The cup may be manually removed and replaced with a new candle after each candle burns out; however system 200 is preferably totally automatic and therefore comprises an automated candle replacement system 146. To that end, a container comprising a supply of, for example, T-light candles, is situated on rotating platform 116. As shown schematically, system 146 comprises a conveyer belt or gravity fed ramp arrangement 147 that runs at an incline from the upper portion of the container to an opening 148 situated at the lower portion of the container. The supply of candles is arranged in a successive train-like manner along ramp arrangement 147. When control station 150 determines that a candle has burned out, as described herein below, a signal is sent to the ramp 147 and the conveyer belt (or gravity) advances a candle to opening 148. The candle drops through opening 148 into holder 149 and a mechanism (not shown) such as a rack and pinion gear arrangement pushes the new candle into the desired position on fixed platform 110 while simultaneously pushing the used cup into receptacle 144.

The candle replacement system can work according to time replacing each candle in turn after a predetermined minimum amount of time has passed. Preferably however the candle replacement system works together with one or more heat sensors 134 to determine whether a candle has burned to the end or not. Sensor 134 is continually or frequently activated following the initial lighting of the candle. As long as a flame is detected for a predetermined minimum time period, then it is determined that the candle has burned properly and it may be removed and replaced for lighting by a new user. If the flame is not detected for the predetermined minimum time, then it is concluded that a malfunction has occurred. In this case the partially burned candle may be replaced and relit at no cost to the original user. In either case, upon detecting the absence of heat, sensor 134 transmits a signal to control station 150 and control station 150 instructs the candle replacement system to remove and replace the particular candle,

when the motion of moveable platform 116 has carried the candle replacement system to the location of the burned out candle.

Additional safety features of system 200 may include a gas detector 172 for detecting a leakage in the reservoir 124 or conduit 126. If a leak is detected control station 150 immediately disconnects the flow of igniter fluid in igniter 122 and shuts down the entire system 200. A smoke detector 174 can be provided within casing 160 for detecting an unusual level of smoke. If excessive smoke is detected, control station 150 immediately shuts down system 200 and activates the fire extinguisher 176. Fire extinguisher 176) is preferably an FM-200® waterless fire suppression system.

Optionally, message boards can be situated near (e.g. below, behind, above or to the side of) candle 120 to allow the user to display a meaningful message such as the name of an ill person for whom one is praying, or the words of a prayer.

Preferably system 200 is connected to a mains power supply via wires and/or cables. Alternatively, the system may be portable or located at a site where there us no available electricity supply. In this case the system will comprise an internal battery pack (not shown).

Another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention is shown in top and side views respectively in Fig. 9A and 9B. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2. In this case however, ignition means 122 are attached to fixed platform and do not move. The moving platform is the belt 152 itself on which sockets are attached into which candles are placed. After each candle is lit, it is moved forward one position by activating the motor (not shown in the figures). The length of belt 152 and the rate of candle lighting are such that the candle burns out before it reaches the end of the belt (the left end of the figures). When it reaches the end, the cup of the

burned out candle falls into a receptacle (not shown). At the other end of the belt, each time an empty socket becomes available, a new candle is placed in it by automated candle replacement system 146.

System 200 is preferably part of a web-based system that allows users across the world to make use of it. A central web server is in communication with the internet and one or more cellular networks. For the purpose of SMS and MMS communication, the connection to the cellular network may utilize a cellular modem or may be direct via the cellular service provider. In general, a user accesses the central web server via a predetermined web site through any known interface, for example a home computer, a cellular phone, a PDA, or a telephone. The central web server receives and processes orders from a user to light a candle at a certain time and date at a particular location at which a system of the invention has been previously installed. After the order is processed, the server communicates with each system at its site via the local control station 150 of the apparatus 100 instructing the control station to activate the components of the system 200 in order to light a candle at the desired time.

According to one embodiment the local control station 150 is connected to a communication infrastructure via wires or cables to allow communication via the internet. Alternatively, wireless communication based on any known wireless technology such as Bluetooth™ or satellite communication may be used.

The essential steps of the method by which system 200 operates are shown in Fig. 8 and described herein below. When no candles are burning, system 200 is in an idle state, wherein the components of system 200 are on standby, essentially inactive. To start the procedure [step 10] a user enters a web site to initiate a request to light a candle 120 at a site at which system 200 comprising apparatus 100 is located. If payment is not

authenticated the user receives an error message [step 12] indicating invalid payment and to try again. If payment is authenticated, then control station 150 is activated [step 14], which in turn actuates the components of system 200 such as fans 162a and 162b, lighting 164, detectors 172 and 174, and cameras 168 and 170. Checks are carried out [step 16] to determine if these components as well as others e.g. sensors 132 and 134, are determined to be functioning properly. If any of the components are found to be not working correctly, then the user receives an error message indicating that the system is temporarily out of service [step 18]. If all components are working properly [step 20], positioning sensor 136 or other means are used to determine the position of the movable platform 116 with respect to fixed platform 110. Then [step 22] control station 15 activated motor 140 to move moveable platform 116 until igniter 122 is in a predetermined proximity to the nearest candle 120. The signal from heat sensor 134 is checked to detect whether or not a flame is present, i.e. if a previously lit and still burning candle 120 is opposite the ignition means 122 [step 24]. If a flame is detected, step 22 is repeated and the system searches for an unlit candle. If a flame is not detected, then ignition means 122 is activated by control station 150 and candle 120 is lit [step 26]. After candle 120 is lit, the signals from heat sensor 134 are checked to determine the presence of a flame at candle 120 [step 28]. If a flame is present, then the user's message is displayed near candle 120 and confirmation of the candle lighting is sent to the user [step 30]. If, shortly after lighting, no flame is detected by sensor 134 then the automated candle replacement system is activated to remove and replace the candle 120 with a new candle [step 34] and the new candle is lit, i.e. the system returns to step 26. If in step 28, no flame is detected only after the predetermined time period has expired, then the candle is replaced [step 34] and the system enters its standby state awaiting the next user request.

To enhance the experience of the user, in one embodiment an independent portable heat sensitive USB device may be connected to the user's personal computer or cellular phone. The user then lights a wax candle at his home and places the candle in proximity to the USB device. When the USB device detects the heat from the candle it sends a signal, via the web server to control station 150 to light a candle 120 in system 200 at the remote location. Another optional feature of the embodiments of the apparatus in which the candles are located on the fixed platform, e.g. the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, is that the user can be given the opportunity to select which candle he wishes to light.

Although the motivation for the invention is to provide a method and system for lighting candles at a remote site, the system can also be used by a user who is physically located at a religious site. Even if he forgot to bring a candle to the religious site, the user may utilize the present invention to light a candle by actuating control station 150 by manually by inserting a predetermined amount of money into slot provided on the side of some embodiments of enclosure 160 of system 200.

In addition to the services provided to the user described above, many other services can be provided. For example, a user may pay for a subscription to the supplier of the service provided by the present invention. According to the terms of the subscription one or more candles may be scheduled to be lit on one or more predetermined dates, at convenient times to the user, throughout the calendar year. The user may request, via the web site, for an email or SMS message to be sent to him as a reminder that his candle is scheduled to be lit at an approaching time or date.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the

use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without exceeding the scope of the claims.