METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RETROFITTING AN INDUSTRY STANDARD VALVE

FIELD

The present description relates generally to methods and systems for a fire device.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY

A fire device may be configured with an industry standard valve (e.g., a two-stage valve) for generating a fire display. Conventional fire devices with an industry standard valve may generate flames at a consistent height, size, and/or shape. In some environments, it may be desirable to produce varying fire outputs, for example, in response to an audio input.

In one example, the issues described above may be at least partially addressed by methods and systems for retrofitting an industry standard valve of a fire device. A method for control of a fire device may include receiving a wireless input selecting a first mode, actuating a two-stage valve included in the fire device to open to a second stage, via a first control signal, to flow gas through a main gas channel, actuating a variable valve positioned on the main gas channel downstream of the two-stage valve to open to a first position, via the first control signal, to flow gas through the main gas channel, and receiving a second wireless input to adjust the variable valve responsive to an audio input.

The fire device may be comprised of a main gas channel, a pilot gas channel, a two-stage valve positioned on a first end of the main gas channel, the two-stage valve configured to adjust an amount of fuel flowed through the main gas channel and the pilot gas channel, a variable valve positioned on a second end of the main gas channel, opposite the first end, the variable valve configured to adjust an amount of fuel flowing out of the second end of the main gas channel based on a first control signal in a first mode and based on an audio input in an audio mode, and a controller with instructions stored in non-transitory memory. The instructions may be executed to, in the first mode, provide the first control signal to actuate the two-stage valve to a second stage and actuate the variable valve to a first position, and in the audio mode, provide an audio control signal to adjust a position of the variable valve based on the audio input.

In another example, the fire device includes a bracket, a main gas channel and a pilot gas channel, a fuel source, a two-stage valve coupling the fuel source to the main gas channel and to the pilot gas channel, a variable valve coupled to the main gas channel, and an electronic receiver supported by the bracket. The electronic receiver may be configured to receive a first user input selecting a first mode and adjust a flow of fuel to the pilot gas channel from the fuel source by adjusting the two-stage valve to a first stage to light a pilot in response to the first user input, in response to a lit pilot, adjust a flow of fuel to the main gas channel from the fuel source by adjusting the two-stage valve to a second stage, and receive a second user input selecting an audio mode, receive an audio input, and adjust the flow of fuel out of the main gas channel by adjusting a position of the variable valve in response to the audio input.

It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of an environment in which a network of fire devices may be located and operated, the network of fire devices including at least one fire device.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram depicting signal flow in the network of fire devices of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a first view of an example fire device.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the example fire device.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a method for operating the fire device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description relates to systems and methods for retrofitting an industry standard valve of a fire device. The fire device may be implemented in a network of an entertainment system, which may be installed in a variety of environments. For example, the entertainment system may be displayed in indoor settings, such as a warehouse, as shown in FIG. 1, as well as outdoor settings, such as backyards, courtyards, etc. In some examples, the entertainment system may be displayed in a system environment that includes both indoor and outdoor components. A diagram is shown in FIG. 2, illustrating transmission of signals between components of the network of the entertainment system, where the network may include multiple fire devices as well as a central control hub.

The fire device is configured with an industry standard, two-stage valve used to control fire output of the fire device. As shown in FIG. 3, the fire device may be retrofitted with a variable valve which is configured to actuate responsive to an audio input, allowing for control of fire output responsive to audio input. In a traditional mode, herein referred to as a first mode, a first control signal may be used to actuate both the two-stage valve and the variable valve to flow gas through the fire device. In a second mode, herein referred to as an audio mode, an audio control signal may be used to actuate the variable valve and the first control signal may be used to actuate the two-stage valve. In this way, the variable valve may be actuated in response to audio input, which may allow the fire device to output fire in coordination with an audio input received by the fire device, which may be generated based on an audio signal, such as music of the entertainment system. Direction of fuel flow through the fire device is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 illustrates an example method for operating the fire device.

Turning first to FIG. 1, it shows a system environment 100, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure, in which a network of fire devices may be located and operated. The network of fire devices includes at least one fire device, which may be coupled to a control hub. The system environment 100 in FIG. 1 is depicted as an indoor environment, in particular a large warehouse space. Indoor environments for the system environment 100 may additionally or alternatively include one or more of inside a residential building, inside a commercial building, inside a recreational vehicle (RV), inside a tent, and inside a cabin of a boat, for example. It is noted that other indoor environments may be possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other examples, the system environment 100 may instead be an outdoor environment, such as a backyard, a campsite, on deck of a boat, or on a body of water such as a lake or ocean, for example. In at least one example, the system environment 100 may comprise one or more indoor environments and one or more outdoor environments. For example, the system environment 100 may include the indoor environment of inside an RV as well as the outdoor environment of a campsite.

The system environment 100 comprises a network 101 of fire devices including a plurality of torches 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d (also referred to as torches 102). Though there are four torches shown in the example at FIG. 1, it is noted that additional torches or fewer torches may be included in the system without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition to the torches 102, the system environment 100 comprises additional fire devices including a first fire pit 104a, a second fire pit 104b, and a third fire pit 104c (also referred to as fire pits 104). As with the torches 102, there may be additional fire pits or fewer fire pits included in the system, in at least one example. The torches 102 and the fire pits 104 together may form a fire display controlled by a hub 110.

The hub 110 is a controller that comprises a processor with instructions stored in non-transitory memory that, when executed, sends control signals to control one or more of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104. For example, the control signals sent from the hub 110 may be received at controllers of the respective torches 102 and fire pits 104. Responsive to receiving the control signals from the hub 110, the controllers of the torches 102 and fire pits 104 may then actuate at least one of an electric valve and an ignitor of the respective torch and fire pit, where the electric valve controls an amount of combustible fuel flow to a burner of the fire device where the ignitor is positioned. As further described with respect to FIGS. 3-5, a fire device may include a first electric valve, configured as a two-stage valve, and a second electric valve, configured as a variable valve. Via actuation of the first valve and the second valve of a respective fire device, a flame size and height may be controlled for the torches 102 and fire pits 104. The flame size and height may be further controlled using additional valves, as further described with respect to FIGS. 2-5.

The control signals are sent from the hub 110 to one or more of the torches 102 in response to the processor of the hub 110 receiving input signals. The control signals may further be sent from the hub 110 to one or more of the fire pits 104 responsive to such input signals. In at least one example, the processor of the hub 110 receives input signals via one or more of a wireless receiver of the hub 110, a hardwired connection of the hub 110, and a user interface integrated into the hub 110 itself, where the user interface comprises one or more user input devices (e.g., buttons, dials, a touch screen) to receive the input signal. In examples where the hub 110 receives input signals via a wireless receiver, it is noted that the input signals may be received from a mobile device or personal computing device communicatively coupled to the hub 110 via the wireless receiver.

The input signals received at the hub 110 may include a mode selection received at the hub 110. For example, the mode selection may include selection of a first (e.g., traditional) mode or an audio mode. A first user input may indicate selection of the first mode and a second user input may indicate selection of the audio mode. In the traditional mode, the torches 102 and fire pits 104 are operated with their respective electric valves maintained at a predetermined base position. At the base position, the electric valves of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 are at least partially open and allow a predetermined amount of combustible fuel to flow to their respective burners. If the electric valve of any of the torches 102 and fire pits 104 being controlled in the traditional mode is not at the base position when the traditional mode is selected, then the electric valve is first adjusted to the predetermined base position and maintained in the base position for a duration of the traditional mode. Due to the maintained position of the electric valve, a steady flame size and height is maintained in the traditional mode.

In the audio mode, the torches 102 and fire pits 104 are operated with their respective electric valves being varied in coordination to an audio input based on an audio signal, such as music. Thus, responsive to receiving a user input selecting the audio torch mode and further receiving the audio input, the hub 110 may send control signals to the torches 102 and fire pits 104 based on the audio input.

In particular, the hub 110 may send control signals to adjust respective electric valves of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 in coordination with the audio input. It is noted that the audio input may be received at the hub 110 via a wireless or a wired connection. For example, the audio input may be received at the hub 110 via wirelessly streaming the audio input to the hub 110 via a mobile device or other personal computing device. In such examples, a wireless receiver of the hub 110 may receive the audio input. As another example, the audio input may be received at the hub 110 via an aux input or other wired audio input. In such examples, a mobile device or other personal computing device may provide the audio input to the hub 110 via such an aux input or other wired audio input. In some examples, elements of the hub 110 may be integrated into a fire device, such that the fire device may receive audio input and may include a processor with instructions stored in non-transitory memory that, when executed, send control signals to control the fire device in which the hub is integrated to control the respective fire device.

The electric valve may be adjusted to positions more open than the base position of the traditional mode while in the audio mode, based on the audio input. Additionally, the electric valve may be adjusted to positions that are less open than the base position of the traditional mode while in the audio mode, based on the audio input. In this way, flame bursts and decreases in flame size may be created for the flame display. Thus, in contrast to the traditional mode, the torches 102 and fire pits 104 produce flame sizes and heights that are varied throughout the audio mode in coordination with the audio input.

In at least one example, hub 110 allows for there to be separate control of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104. In separate control examples, it is noted that the mode selections for each of the fire pits 104 and the torches 102 may be made individually set. Thus, each of the torches 102 and each of the fire pits 104 is able to have its own mode selected and individually controlled via the hub 110.

Additionally, or alternatively, the hub 110 may control the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 collectively. In collective control examples, the hub 110 may control the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 all together to be in the same mode. For example, in collective control examples, selection of the traditional mode may result in all of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 being set to the traditional mode. Further, in the collective control examples, selection of the audio mode (e.g., by a second user input) may result in all of the torches 102 and the fire pits 104 being set to the audio mode.

Further, the hub 110 may additionally or alternatively control the torches 102 and fire pits 104 in sub-groups. In such sub-group control, sub-groups of the torches 102 and/or the fire pits 104 may be formed for control of the sub-group to be the same. For example, in sub-group control, the hub 110 may control the torches 102 together as an all torches sub-group and may control the fire pits 104 together as an all fire pits sub-group. Thus, in this example, the mode for the all torches sub-group being selected as the traditional mode would result in the torches 102 all being set to the traditional mode. Alternatively, the mode for the all torches sub-group being selected as the audio mode would result in the torches 102 all being set to the audio mode. Similarly, in this example, the mode for the all fire pits sub-group being selected as the traditional mode would result in the fire pits 104 all being set to the traditional mode. Or, alternatively, the mode for the all fire pits sub-group being selected as the audio mode would result in the fire pits 104 all being set to the audio mode.

In another sub-group control example, the hub 110 may control a portion of the torches 102 as a first torch sub-group, another portion of the torches 102 as second torch sub-group, a portion of the fire pits 104 as a first fire pit sub-group, and another portion of the fire pits 104 as a second fire pit sub-group. Moreover, a sub-group may contain both torches 102 and fire pits 104, in at least one example.

It is noted that if selection of any of the traditional mode and audio mode is also determined to initiate ignition at one or more of the torches 102 and fire pits 104, then the hub 110 may further send a control signal to activate respective ignitors of such torches and fire pits. Further detail regarding initiating ignition is described with respect to FIGS. 2-5.

Fire pits may be one of various types of heating devices, which may further include devices used as décor for tables, patios, and other environments. By communicatively linking a heating device with a hub, such as the hub 110 of FIG. 1, the heating device may be operated as a conventional fire pit (or decorative device) via the traditional mode, as described above, where a flame height and intensity remains relatively constant during fuel combustion. A degree of entertainment provided by the heating device may be enhanced by operating the heating device in the audio mode, thereby allowing the flame height and intensity to be moderated based on sound, such as music.

In one example, the heating device may be actuated and adjusted between modes via an analog and/or digital signal received by an electronic receiver of the heating device. For example, control of the heating device may be enabled by one or more of the aux input, other types of wired input, wireless communication such as Bluetooth technology via a Bluetooth module at the heating device, etc. Further, the heating device may be controlled, e.g., adjusted on/off, adjusted between modes, flame height/intensity varied, by input received from one or more of the hub, a mobile device or other personal computing device, and directly at the heating device via control mechanisms, such as knobs and buttons. For example, electric valves moderating flow of a combustible fuel to an igniter and heating elements of the heating device may be adjusted between more or less open positions by any of the inputs described above.

FIG. 2 shows an example block diagram of a network 200 of an entertainment system, such as may be implemented in the system environment 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the network 200 may be an example of the network 101 of fire devices of FIG. 1. As seen in FIG. 2, a control hub 202 is configured to receive an audio input 204 via an audio input source 206 and a user input 208 via a user input device 210. The control hub 202 may be configured as the hub 110 of FIG. 1. In other examples, the control hub 202 may have a user-interactive display screen, such as a touch screen, and/or be implemented as a mobile device. That is, the mobile device itself may be the control hub 202. In examples where the mobile device itself is the control hub 202, it is noted that the user-interactive display screen may be accessed via an application on the mobile device. The control hub 202 may further include at least one wireless receiver 212 for receiving one or more of the audio input 204 and the user input 208 in wireless form, as described above. Additionally, or alternatively, the control hub 202 may be configured to receive one or more of the audio input 204 and the user input 208 via at least one wired connection.

The audio input source 206 may be a user device, such as a mobile device or other personal computing device, in one example. In other examples, however, the audio input source 206 may be a streaming music service, as described above. Thus, in examples where the control hub 202 receives the audio input 204 wirelessly, the audio input 204 may be streamed from the audio input source 206 to the wireless receiver 212 of the control hub 202. In examples where the audio input 204 is received from the user device via a wired connection, it is noted that a wired connection may be provided between the user device and the control hub 202. For example, the wired connection may be provided via an aux input, though it is noted that other wired connection options are also possible.

The user input 208 may be received via one or more user input devices 210 of the control hub 202. For example, the user input device(s) 210 may be mobile devices that are communicatively coupled to the control hub 202. In some instances, as described above, the user input device 210 may be integrated into a single unit as the control hub 202, e.g., as a touch screen. The user input 208 may be a signal provided to the control hub 202 indicating one or more of a requested volume adjustment and a requested mode for the control hub 202, for example. The requested mode may include any of the modes discussed herein, such as the audio mode, the first (e.g., traditional) mode, and an off mode, for example.

The control hub 202 includes instructions stored in non-transitory memory that are executable to actuate various components responsive to receiving one or more of the audio input 204 and the user input 208. Thus, responsive to receiving one or more of the audio input 204 and the user input 208 at the control hub 202, the control hub 202 may output control signals to actuate one or more components, such as components included in one or more visual display devices, e.g., fire devices 214 and one or more audio display devices, e.g., speakers 216. The fire devices 214 may include any of the torches and fire pits disclosed herein, for example. The speakers 216 may include speakers formed into the control hub 202, in at least one example, as well as speakers coupled to the control hub 202.

As an example, the user input 208 may include a request to increase or decrease a volume. In response to the request, the control hub 202 may output a volume control signal 218 to adjust a volume output of one or more of the speakers 216. As another example, the user input device(s) 210 may include a request a request to operate the entertainment system in the first (e.g., traditional) mode. In response to the request, the control hub 202 may output a first control signal 220 to the fire devices 214 to electrically actuate at least one electric valve in each of the one or more fire devices accordingly, the at least one electric valve controlling fuel flow to a burner of the respective fire device. The first control signal 220 may include a command to actuate the two-stage valve to a second stage, which is a base-set position for the first (e.g., traditional mode), as previously discussed above. The first control signal 220 may further include a command to actuate the variable valve to a first position in the first (e.g., traditional) mode, where the first position of the variable valve is a base-set position for the variable valve. Actuating the variable valve to open to the first position includes commanding the variable valve to a fully open position. Actuating the two-stage valve to open to the second stage includes commanding the two-stage valve to a fully open position. Further detail regarding actuation of the two-stage valve and the variable valve in the first mode as well as the audio mode are described with respect to FIGS. 3-5.

If the traditional mode is requested via the user input 208 (e.g., a first user input), it is noted that the first control signal 220 output to the fire devices 214 is not based on the audio input 204, even if the audio input 204 is being received at the control hub 202. Rather, in the traditional mode, the control hub 202 outputs the first control signal 220 to the fire devices 214 to actuate the two-stage valve to the second stage and the variable valve to the first position for the traditional mode regardless of the audio input that may be received. However, in at least one example, it is noted that the control hub 202 may output the volume control signal 218 to the speakers 216 based on receiving the audio input 204, even when in the traditional mode. That is, the audio input 204 may be provided via the speakers 216 of the hub in the traditional mode, though the audio input 204 is not being used to adjust a position of either the two-stage valve or the variable valve.

As another example, the user input 208 (e.g., a second user input) may include a request to operate in the audio mode and the control hub 202, upon receiving an audio input 204, may output the first control signal 220 to the fire devices 214 to electrically actuate the two-stage valve in each of the fire devices 214 to the second stage, where the first control signal 220 is not based on the audio input 204 received. The control hub 202 may further output an audio control signal 224 upon receiving the audio input 204 to electrically actuate the variable valve in each of the one or more fire devices accordingly, the variable valve further controlling fuel flow to a burner of the respective fire device. The audio control signal 224 may include a command to actuate the variable valve in response to variations in the audio input 204. For example, the audio input 204 may be a music input, and the control hub 202 may output the audio control signal 224 based on the audio input 204 to adjust the variable valve position and coordinate the flame height and size of the fire devices to the audio input 204. In this way, the position of the variable valve may be varied in the audio mode in a manner coordinated with the audio input 204.

In cases where the audio mode request is received at the control hub 202 via the user input 208 but the audio input 204 is not being received at the control hub 202, the control hub 202 may output the first control signal 220 to the fire devices 214 to actuate the two-stage valve and the variable valve in each of the fire devices to an audio mode base position. The audio mode base-set position may be a same or different position than the traditional mode position. The audio mode base-set position for the two-stage valve may be the second stage and the audio mode base-set position for the variable valve may be the first position. In at least one example, the audio mode base position may be an at least partially open position that is less than the wide open position for each of the variable valve and the two-stage valve.

In one or more examples, the control hub 202 may be coupled to the fire devices via a common line (e.g., a communication cable), where the common line is coupled to the control hub 202 via one or more ports. In such examples where the control hub 202 is coupled to the fire devices via the common line, it is noted that the audio control signal 224 and the first control signal 220 output from the control hub 202 to the common line is provided to all of the fire devices coupled to the common line.

The control hub 202 may be coupled to additional display devices, such as the lighting devices and water features, which may be devices providing displays based on water, such as fountains. The control hub 202 may therefore send a lighting device signal and a water features signal to the lighting devices and the water features, respectively, to produce desired outputs at the display devices.

In at least one example, the hub may further comprise a battery 222. The battery 222 may serve as a source of power to one or more of the control hub 202, the user input device(s) 210, the speakers 216, the lighting device, and the water features of the network 200. The battery 222 may further provide power to charge a user mobile device via a USB port. In at least one example, the battery 222 may be a 9800 mAh battery that is chargeable via a charging port, as previously described.

As described herein, conventional fire devices with an industry standard valve, such as a two-stage valve, enable generation of flames at a consistent height, size, and/or shape. In some environments, such as the system environment described herein, it may be desirable to produce varying fire outputs, for example, in response to an audio input. A conventional fire device with an industry standard valve may be retrofitted with an electric valve configured to be actuated in response to an audio input, enabling the fire device to generate a fire display which is coordinated with the audio input. For example, a variable valve configured to be actuated in response to audio input may be added to an output of a main gas channel of the fire device. A signal used to actuate the two-stage valve (e.g., the first signal) may also be used by the variable valve to actuate both the two-stage valve and the variable valve in a first mode (e.g., traditional, full fire). The fire device may be provided with additional signals (e.g., the audio control signal) to actuate the variable valve in an audio mode to generate flames which correspond with the audio input, which may make the flames “dance” synchronously with music.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a fire device 300. The fire device 300 may be an example of a fire device which is implemented in the system environment 100 of FIG. 1 and/or the network 200 of an entertainment system of FIG. 2. As described with respect to FIGS. 1-2, the fire device 300 may include a first electric valve and a second electric valve configured to control an amount of fuel flow to a burner of the fire device where the ignitor is positioned. Elements of a controller, such as a processor with instructions stored in non-transitory memory, may further be included in the fire device 300, in some examples. The fire device 300 may be an example of the torches 102 and/or the fire pits 104 of FIG. 1.

The fire device 300 may include a fuel source 302. In some embodiments, the fuel source 302 is incorporated in the fire device 300. In other embodiments, the fuel source 302 is a separate element of the environment (e.g., the system environment 100 of FIG. 1) and is coupled to the fire device 300. The fuel source 302 may be configured as one or more fuel tanks, canisters, or other container or combination of containers which holds a volume of fuel, such as gasoline or other combustible fuel. The fuel may be stored in the fuel source 302 as a gas or stored as a liquid and converted to a gas for use by the fire device 300.

In the example described herein, the first electric valve of the fire device 300 is a two-stage valve 304 configured to actuate between a first stage and a second stage to adjust an amount of fuel flowed through a main gas channel 306 and a pilot gas channel 308. The second electric valve of the fire device 300 is a variable valve 310 configured to adjust among a range of positions between a fully open position (e.g., a first position) and a fully closed position to adjust an amount of fuel flowing out of a second end 318 of the main gas channel 306. The main gas channel 306 and the pilot gas channel 308 both provide a channel through which fuel (e.g., gas) may flow. The two-stage valve 304 is positioned on a first end 316 of the main gas channel 306 and the variable valve 310 is positioned on the second end 318, opposite the first end 316, of the main gas channel 306. The two-stage valve 304 is further coupled to the pilot gas channel 308 and to the fuel source 302.

Actuation of the two-stage valve 304 to the first stage may allow fuel to flow from the fuel source 302 through the pilot gas channel 308 via the two-stage valve 304. A burner of the fire device 300, herein a pilot 312, is positioned in proximity to an outlet 314 of the pilot gas channel 308 such that a gaseous fuel stream exiting the outlet 314 of the pilot gas channel 308 may be ignited by the pilot 312 when the pilot 312 is actuated. For example, the pilot 312 may be a glow plug which generates a heat cloud when actuated. As the gaseous fuel stream enters the heat cloud, the fuel may ignite, generating a pilot flame. Further detail regarding generation of the pilot flame is described with respect to FIGS. 4-5.

Actuation of the two-stage valve 304 to the second stage may allow fuel to flow from the fuel source 302 to through the main gas channel 306 via the two-stage valve 304. The variable valve 310 may be positioned on the second end 318 of the main gas channel 306, such that the variable valve 310 is in proximity to the pilot 312 and the generated pilot flame (e.g., collectively, the lit pilot). Actuation of the variable valve 310 to the first position may allow fuel to flow out of the main gas channel 306 and be ignited by the pilot flame. As further described with respect to FIGS. 4-5, the variable valve 310 may be actuated to open to positions between the first position (e.g., fully open) and a fully closed position, based on an audio input when the fire device 300 is in an audio mode.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fire device 300 may include a bracket 320 which is used to support elements of the fire device 300 and further may be mounted into a frame of the fire device 300, such as an external decorative frame to give the fire device 300 a desired shape, structure, and/or appearance. In some examples, the bracket may be a three-sided frame. A first portion 330 of the main gas channel 306, the pilot gas channel 308, and the two-stage valve 304 are housed in the bracket 320. The fuel source 302 may be positioned at an exterior of the bracket 320 and the fuel source 302 may be coupled to the two-stage valve 304 via a connector 322 extending through the bracket 320. Further, the main gas channel 306 may extend through the bracket 320 (e.g., through a side of the three-sided frame), such that a second portion 326 of the main gas channel 306 is positioned at the exterior of the bracket 320. The second portion 326 of the main gas channel 306 may include a vertical extension 324, where the vertical extension 324 is perpendicular to the first portion of the main gas channel 306 (e.g., in the interior of the bracket 320). The variable valve 310 may be positioned on the second end 318 of the main gas channel 306, at the exterior of the bracket 320.

In some examples, control elements (e.g., elements of the hub 110) may be integrated into the fire device 300, such that the fire device 300 may receive audio input and actuate the variable valve 310 and the two-stage valve 304 independent of a central hub. For example, the fire device 300 may include an electronic receiver 328 (e.g., supported by the bracket 320) configured to receive user inputs, wireless inputs, and/or audio inputs. Briefly, the electronic receiver 328 may be configured to receive a first user input and adjust a flow of fuel to the pilot gas channel 308 from the fuel source 302 by adjusting the two-stage valve 304 to a first stage to light the pilot 312 in response to the first user input. In response to a lit pilot 312, the electronic receiver 328 may adjust a flow of fuel to the main gas channel 306 from the fuel source 302 by adjusting the two-stage valve 304 to a second stage. The electronic receiver 328 may further receive a second user input (e.g., a second wireless input) selecting an audio mode, receive an audio input, and adjust the flow of fuel out of the main gas channel 306 by adjusting a position of the variable valve 310 in response to the audio input. Electronic receiver 328 may be communicatively coupled to the pilot 312, two stage valve 304, and/or variable valve 310, schematically shown via dashed lines 332, 334, and 336, respectively.

In another example, the electronic receiver 328 may include a processor with instructions stored in non-transitory memory that, when executed, send control signals to control the fire device 300, as further described herein. When the fire device 300 is turned on, the controller may provide a light signal to actuate the pilot 312 (e.g., actuate the glow plug) and to actuate the two-stage valve 304 to the first stage. In the first mode, the controller may provide the first control signal to actuate the two-stage valve 304 to the second stage and actuate the variable valve 310 to the first position. In the audio mode, the controller may provide the audio control signal to adjust a position of the variable valve 310 based on the audio input. In some examples, electronic receiver 328 may communicate with external hub 110 (not shown in FIG. 3). Further detail describing control of the fire device 300 is described with respect to FIGS. 4-5.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram 400 which includes elements of the fire device 300 of FIG. 3. Some elements of the fire device 300 are excluded for brevity, and elements of the block diagram 400 which represent elements of the fire device 300 are equally numbered. The block diagram 400 illustrates a flow of fuel through the fire device 300 during the lighting of the pilot, the first mode, and the audio mode. As described above and further described with respect to FIG. 5, the flow of gas through the fire device 300 may be adjusted by actuating at least one of the two-stage valve and the variable valve, where the two-stage valve 304 is configured to adjust an amount of fuel (e.g., gas) flowing through the main gas channel 306 and the pilot gas channel 308, and the variable valve 310 is configured to adjust an amount of fuel flowing out of the main gas channel 306. Gas flow out of the fuel source 302 to the two-stage valve 304 is indicated by a solid arrow 402.

Responsive to the fire device 300 being turned on, the pilot 312 is lit to generate a pilot flame 424. The fire device 300 may be turned on by a first user input, in some examples, where the first user input includes flipping a switch, pressing a button, or otherwise directly or indirectly interacting with the fire device 300 to turn on the fire device 300. The controller (e.g., the controller 328 of FIG. 3 or the control hub 202 of FIG. 2) may generate a light signal used to actuate the pilot 312 and the two-stage valve 304. In the example fire device 300 described herein, the pilot 312 is a glow plug which generates a heat cloud 422 when actuated. The light signal may actuate the glow plug and actuate the two-stage valve 304 to open to a first stage. The first stage of the two-stage valve 304 couples the fuel source 302 to the pilot gas channel 308. The main gas channel 306 may not be coupled to the fuel source 302 when the two-stage valve 304 is in the first stage, thus no gas may flow through the main gas channel 306 when the pilot 312 is being lit. Gas flows out of the fuel source 302 to the two-stage valve 304, as indicated by the solid arrow 402, and is directed by the two-stage valve 304 in the first stage through the pilot gas channel 308, as indicated by a plurality of dotted arrows 408. Gas exiting (e.g., flowing out of) the pilot gas channel 308 may intersect with the heat cloud 422 and the gaseous fuel stream may be ignited by heat of the heat cloud 422 to generate the pilot flame 424. Thus, the actuated glow plug may be used to ignite gas flowing out of the pilot gas channel 308 via the two-stage valve 304 in the first stage. The light signal may not be used to actuate the variable valve 310, thus the variable valve 310 may not receive actuating power while the pilot 312 is being lit. The variable valve 310 may be closed for a duration of lighting the pilot to reduce a volume of gas from exiting the main gas channel 306, in some examples. In other examples, the variable valve 310 may be open.

The lit pilot, e.g., generation of the pilot flame 424, may be detected by a sensor, for example, a heat sensor positioned adjacent to the pilot 312. In response to detection of the pilot flame 424, the fire device 300 may receive a wireless input to enter the first mode, where the wireless input indicates detection that the pilot 312 has been lit. In response to receiving the wireless input, the fire device 300 uses a first control signal to actuate the two-stage valve 304 to open to a second stage to flow gas through the main gas channel 306, as indicated by a plurality of dotted and dashed arrows 406. The second stage of the two-stage valve 304 couples the main gas channel 306 to the fuel source. In some examples, the second stage of the two-stage valve 304 may isolate the pilot gas channel 308 from the fuel source 302 and the pilot 312 may be turned off, following detection of the two-stage valve 304 being actuated to the second stage and the variable valve 310 actuated to the first position, as further described herein. In other examples, the pilot 312 may be maintained on and the second stage of the two-stage valve 304 may couple both the main gas channel 306 and the pilot gas channel 308 to the fuel source 302. In examples where both the main gas channel 306 and the pilot gas channel 308 are coupled to the fuel source 302 via the two-stage valve 304, the second stage may be configured to direct a greater volume of fuel through the main gas channel 306, compared to a volume of fuel directed through the pilot gas channel 308. The first control signal is further used to actuate the variable valve 310, which is positioned on the main gas channel 306 downstream of the two-stage valve 304, with respect to the flow of gas, to open to a first position. As shown by the plurality of dotted and dashed arrows 406, gas may flow through the main gas channel 306 and exit the main gas channel 306 via the variable valve 310 in the first position. The first position of the variable valve 310 may be a fully open position, where a flow rate of gas out of the main gas channel 306 is approximately equal to the flow rate of gas through the main gas channel 306. Further, the fully open position of the variable valve 310 may be a base position of the variable valve 310 which is maintained for a duration of the first mode. The pilot 312 and thus the generated pilot flame 424 may be positioned such that gas flowing out of the main gas channel 306 via the variable valve 310 intersects with the pilot flame 424, which ignites gas flowing out of the main gas channel 306, as indicated by a second solid arrow 412. As described above, following igniting of gas flowing out of the main gas channel 306, the pilot 312 may no longer be actuated and/or gas may not be flowed through the pilot gas channel 308. The two-stage valve 304 may be maintained in the second stage and the variable valve 310 may be maintained in the first position (e.g., fully open) for the duration of the first mode. The first mode may be considered a full fire mode, where a continuous size flame is generated by the fire device 300 for a duration of the first mode.

As described with respect to FIGS. 1-2, the fire device 300 may be included in a network of a system environment which includes speakers communicably coupled through wired and/or wireless connection to the fire device 300. The fire device 300 may receive a second wireless input (e.g., a second user input) selecting a second mode and directing the fire device 300 to adjust the variable valve 310 responsive to an audio input. The second mode may be referred to as a fire dancing mode, as adjustment of the variable valve 310 based on an audio input received by the fire device 300 may result in changes to a flame (e.g., generated by ignition of gas flowing out of the main gas channel 306) which correspond with the audio input. For example, the variable valve 310 may be adjusted to increase a size (e.g., height, width, etc.) of the flame as a volume of the music increases. The controller of the fire device 300 (e.g., the controller 328 of FIG. 3 or the control hub 202 of FIG. 2) may receive the audio input and actuate an open position of the variable valve 310 in response to variations in the audio input via an audio control signal. For example, the fire device 300 may be equipped with a microphone, via which the controller may receive audio input from the environment in which the fire device 300 is positioned (e.g., the system environment 100 of FIG. 1). The controller may generate the audio control signal based on the audio input, for example, a volume of the audio input. The audio control signal may then be applied to the variable valve 310 to actuate an open position of the variable valve 310 in response to variations in the audio input.

The first control signal is not based on audio input, even when audio input is received by the fire device 300. Thus, in the audio mode, the two-stage valve 304 may continue to receive the first control signal and the two-stage valve 304 may be maintained in the second stage when the second wireless input is received by the fire device 300. Fuel may therefore flow from the fuel source 302 into the main gas channel 306 via the two-stage valve 304 (e.g., in the second stage), as shown by the solid arrow 402 and the plurality of dotted and dashed arrows 406. The audio control signal applied to the variable valve 310 may actuate the variable valve 310 to open and close in accordance with the audio input. For example, when the audio input is for high volume music, the audio control signal may actuate the variable valve 310 to the first position (e.g., fully open). When the audio input is for low volume music, the audio control signal may actuate the variable valve 310 to a second position, where the second position is less open than the first position, but more open than the closed position of the variable valve 310 (e.g., during lighting of the pilot). Audio control signals may be generated based on received audio input until the fire device 300 receives a wireless input to adjust to the first mode, a mode other than the first mode or the audio mode, or the fire device 300 is turned off.

As described with respect to FIGS. 1-2, the system environment may include a plurality of fire devices and one or more of the fire devices may be the fire device 300. Each of the plurality of fire devices may be independently adjusted or synchronously adjusted, depending on an operating mode of the fire devices. For example, the second fire pit 104b of FIG. 1 may include a plurality of fire devices (e.g., configured as described with respect to the fire device 300) such that the second fire pit 104b generates a plurality of flames, each flame corresponding to a fire device of the plurality of fire devices, and each of the plurality of flames may be independently adjusted to create a ‘dancing’ effect of the fire, where some of the flames have different characteristics than others, such as flame size, color, etc., which may correspond to different aspects of the music (e.g., melody, harmony, etc.), different instruments, and so on.

FIG. 5 depicts a method 500 for operating a fire device, such as the fire device 300 described with respect to FIGS. 3-4. As described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, the fire device 300 may be implemented in a network (e.g., the network 101) of fire devices, which includes a controller (e.g., the hub 110) and/or the fire device 300 itself may be configured with a controller 328. Instructions for carrying out the method 500 may be executed by a controller, such as the hub 110 of FIG. 1, and the controller 328, based on instructions stored on a memory of the control hub and in conjunction with signals received from transmitters of the network and/or the fire device, such as from a user interface of the control hub. The control hub may output command signals to elements of the fire device 300, including the variable valve, the two-stage valve, and the pilot, to control fire output by the fire device 300, according to the methods described below.

At 502, the method 500 includes receiving a request for the fire device to be turned on, e.g., electrically connected to a power source and ready to relay signals. For example, a first user input may include pushing a button, flipping a switch, or otherwise interacting with the fire device directly or indirectly to turn on the fire device. The fire device may be on when a toggle switch of the fire device and/or of the hub is adjusted to an “on” position.

At 504, the method 500 includes actuating the two-stage valve to the first stage. A light signal may be generated by the controller in response to receiving the request for the fire device to be turned on, and the light signal may be used to actuate the two-stage valve. As described with respect to FIGS. 3-4, actuation of the two-stage valve to the second stage couples the fuel source to the pilot gas channel, such that fuel may flow through the pilot gas channel from the fuel source via the two stage valve.

At 506, the method 500 includes actuating the pilot. The light signal used to actuate the two-stage valve at operation 504 may be further used to actuate the pilot. As described herein, when the pilot is configured as a glow plug, actuation of the pilot may include turning the glow plug on such that the actuated glow plug heats surrounding air to generate a heat cloud at the outlet of the pilot gas channel.

At 508, the method 500 includes determining if a pilot flame has been detected. In some examples, the fire device may include a sensor, such as a heat sensor, in proximity to the pilot such that when the pilot flame is detected by an increase in temperature, the sensor sends a wireless input to the controller indicating pilot flame generation. Gas (e.g., fuel) flowing out of the pilot gas channel and intersecting with the heat cloud generated by the actuated glow plug may be ignited by the heat of the heat cloud to generate the pilot flame.

If a pilot flame is not detected, for example, because gas flowing out of the pilot gas channel has not yet been ignited by the pilot, the method 500 proceeds to 510 to maintain the glow plug actuated and maintain the two-stage valve actuated to the first stage.

If a pilot flame is detected, at 512, the method 500 includes actuating the two-stage valve to the second stage. Detection of the pilot flame may indicate that the fire device is sufficiently prepared to proceed to the first mode, also referred to as the traditional mode and/or the full fire mode, where a flame having an approximately consistent size and shape is generated by the fire device. Actuating the two-stage valve to the second stage couples the fuel source to the main gas channel, via the two-stage valve.

At 514, the method 500 includes actuating the variable valve to the first position. In the first position, the variable valve may be fully open and gas from the fuel source may flow to the main gas channel, via the two-stage valve in the second stage, and out of the second end of the main gas channel via the variable valve in the first position.

At 516, the method 500 includes determining if a request for the audio mode is received. For example, the request for the audio mode may be a user input. User input may be delivered to the controller by one or more techniques, including touch input at a display screen of a user interface of the control hub and/or at buttons of the user interface and/or control hub, voice commands input to audio receivers of the control hub, gesturing within a detection region of motion detectors of the control hub, a communication link coupling the control hub to a mobile device, etc. The user input may therefore be detected by suitable receivers at the control hub, e.g., detectors for detecting pressure at the display screen, the audio detectors, and the motion detectors, etc. If the request for audio mode is not received, the method 500 proceeds to 518 to maintain the two-stage valve actuated at the second stage and maintain the variable valve actuated to the first position.

If the request for the audio mode is received, at 520, the method 500 includes continually adjusting the variable valve in response to an audio input. For example, the control hub may receive an audio input via a hard-wired connection (e.g., a cable coupled to an aux in port of the control hub) or by a wireless connection, where the audio input may be, for example, music provided by a mobile device or an audio device, such as a device for playing audio files. The audio input may also be an audio selection indicated and chosen by the user at the user interface of the control hub. Flame intensity at the fire device may be pulsed and varied based on an audio control signal generated from the audio input to provide visual effects of the entertainment system that complement the audio effects. The variable valve may be continuously actuated between a fully open position (e.g., the first position) and a fully closed position, where the fully closed position prevents gas from exiting the main gas channel. The fully open position may be a base position of the variable valve, which is maintained for a duration of the first mode. The two-stage valve may be maintained in the second stage to allow fuel to flow from the fuel source to the main gas channel.

In this way, a fire device configured with a two-stage valve may be retrofitted with an additional electric valve (e.g., the variable valve) configured to be continuously adjusted based on an audio input received by the fire device. A signal used to actuate the two-stage valve (e.g., the first signal) may also be used by the variable valve to actuate both the two-stage valve and the variable valve in a first mode (e.g., traditional, full fire). The fire device may be provided with additional signals (e.g., the audio control signal) to actuate the variable valve in an audio mode to generate flames which correspond with the audio input, which may make the flames “dance” synchronously with music.

The disclosure also provides support for a method for control of a fire device, comprising: receiving a wireless input selecting a first mode, actuating a two-stage valve included in the fire device to open to a second stage, via a first control signal, to flow gas through a main gas channel, actuating a variable valve positioned on the main gas channel downstream of the two-stage valve to open to a first position, via the first control signal, to flow fuel through the main gas channel, and receiving a second wireless input to adjust the variable valve responsive to an audio input. In a first example of the method, actuating the two-stage valve to open to the second stage includes commanding the two-stage valve to a fully open position. In a second example of the method, optionally including the first example, actuating the variable valve to open to the first position includes commanding the variable valve to a fully open position. In a third example of the method, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the fully open position of the variable valve is a base position of the variable valve which is maintained for a duration of the first mode. In a fourth example of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first through third examples, the wireless input indicates detection that a pilot of the fire device is lit. In a fifth example of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, lighting the pilot includes: responsive to the fire device being turned on, actuating the two-stage valve to open to a first stage via a light signal, the first stage enabling a flow of fuel through a pilot gas channel, and actuating a glow plug and using the actuated glow plug to ignite fuel flowing out of the pilot gas channel. In a sixth example of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, receiving the second wireless input to adjust the variable valve responsive to the audio input includes: receiving the audio input, and actuating an open position of the variable valve in response to variations in the audio input via an audio control signal. In a seventh example of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first through sixth examples, the first control signal is not based on the audio input, even when the audio input is being received. In an eighth example of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first through seventh examples, the second stage of the two-stage valve is maintained when the second wireless input is received.

The disclosure also provides support for a fire device, comprising: a main gas channel, a pilot gas channel, a two-stage valve positioned on a first end of the main gas channel, the two-stage valve configured to adjust an amount of fuel flowed through the main gas channel and the pilot gas channel, a variable valve positioned on a second end of the main gas channel, opposite the first end, the variable valve configured to adjust an amount of fuel flowing out of the second end of the main gas channel based on a first control signal in a first mode and based on an audio input in an audio mode, and a controller with instructions stored in non-transitory memory executable to: in the first mode, provide the first control signal to actuate the two-stage valve to a second stage and actuate the variable valve to a first position, and in the audio mode, provide an audio control signal to adjust a position of the variable valve based on the audio input. In a first example of the system, the system further comprises: a glow plug positioned in proximity to an outlet of the pilot gas channel, such that the pilot gas channel is configured to provide a gaseous fuel stream which intersects with a heat cloud of the glow plug to generate a pilot flame. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the controller is further configured with instructions stored in non-transitory memory executable to: in response to the fire device being turned on, provide a light signal to actuate the two-stage valve to a first stage to flow gaseous fuel through the pilot gas channel and actuate the glow plug to generate the heat cloud used to generate the pilot flame. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the fire device receives a wireless input to enter the first mode following detection of the pilot flame. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through third examples, the pilot gas channel, the two-stage valve, and a first portion of the main gas channel are housed in a bracket of the fire device, and a second portion of the main gas channel and the variable valve are positioned at an exterior of the bracket.

The disclosure also provides support for a fire device, comprising: a bracket, a main gas channel and a pilot gas channel, a fuel source, a two-stage valve coupling the fuel source to the main gas channel and to the pilot gas channel, a variable valve coupled to the main gas channel, and an electronic receiver supported by the bracket, the electronic receiver configured to: receive a first user input selecting a first mode and adjust a flow of fuel to the pilot gas channel from the fuel source by adjusting the two-stage valve to a first stage to light a pilot in response to the first user input, in response to a lit pilot, adjust a flow of fuel to the main gas channel from the fuel source by adjusting the two-stage valve to a second stage, and receive a second user input selecting an audio mode, receive an audio input, and adjust the flow of fuel out of the main gas channel by adjusting a position of the variable valve in response to the audio input. In a first example of the system, the two-stage valve is positioned in an interior of the bracket and the variable valve is positioned in an exterior of the bracket. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the bracket is configured as a three-sided frame. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, each of the main gas channel and the pilot gas channel extend through a side of the bracket. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through third examples, the electronic receiver is further configured to light the pilot in response to receiving the first user input by actuating a glow plug adjacent to an outlet of the pilot gas channel. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, the fuel source is one or more fuel tanks and the fuel is a combustible fuel.

FIGS. 1 and 3-4 show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example. FIGS. 1-7 are shown approximately to scale.

The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RETROFITTING AN INDUSTRY STANDARD VALVE

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)