U.S. patent application number 16/182712 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-16 for system and method for operating a portable air heater.
The applicant listed for this patent is TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED. Invention is credited to Mark Huggins, Devin E. Kilarski, Scott P. Kippes, Benjamin M. Williams.
Application Number | 20190145663 16/182712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66431986 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190145663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huggins; Mark ; et
al. |
May 16, 2019 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A PORTABLE AIR HEATER
Abstract
A portable forced air heater including a housing, a heating
element located within the housing, a sensor configured to sense a
characteristic of the portable heater, a communications device
configured to communicate with an external device, and a controller
having an electrical processor and memory. The controller is
configured to receive, from the sensor, the characteristic of the
portable heater, and output, via the communications device, a
signal indicative of the characteristic of the portable heater to
the external device.
Inventors: |
Huggins; Mark; (Anderson,
SC) ; Williams; Benjamin M.; (Simpsonville, SC)
; Kippes; Scott P.; (Piedmont, SC) ; Kilarski;
Devin E.; (Greenville, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED |
Macau |
|
MO |
|
|
Family ID: |
66431986 |
Appl. No.: |
16/182712 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62584432 |
Nov 10, 2017 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 9/2085 20130101;
F24H 2240/01 20130101; F24H 3/0417 20130101; F24H 9/2071 20130101;
H05B 3/00 20130101; F24H 3/0488 20130101; F24H 3/025 20130101; G05D
23/19 20130101; F24H 3/022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24H 9/20 20060101
F24H009/20; F24H 3/02 20060101 F24H003/02 |
Claims
1. A portable forced air heater comprising: a housing; a heating
element located within the housing; a sensor configured to sense a
characteristic of the portable heater; a communications device
configured to communicate with an external device; and a controller
having an electrical processor and memory, the controller
configured to receive, from the sensor, the characteristic of the
portable heater, and output, via the communications device, a
signal indicative of the characteristic of the portable heater to
the external device.
2. The portable heater of claim 1, further comprising a battery
receptacle located on the housing, the battery receptacle
configured to receive a rechargeable battery pack.
3. The portable heater of claim 2, wherein the controller receives
power from the rechargeable battery pack.
4. The portable heater of claim 2, wherein the rechargeable battery
pack is used in conjunction with a power tool when removed from the
battery receptacle.
5. The portable heater of claim 1, wherein the external device is
at least one selected from a group consisting of an external
computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch, and a server.
6. The portable heater of claim 1, wherein the characteristic is at
least one selected from a group consisting of a fuel level, a
battery capacity, a temperature, an oxygen level, and an angle.
7. The portable heater of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an
accessory component, wherein the accessory component is at least
one selected from a group consisting of a light source, a speaker,
a thermostat, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) output, an
alternating-current (AC) receptacle, a battery charger, a fluid
pump, a wireless-connectivity hub, and an insect repellant
device.
8. A portable forced air heater comprising: a housing; a heating
element located within the housing; a communications device
configured to communicate with an external device; and a controller
having an electrical processor and memory, the controller
configured to receive from the external device, via the
communications device, a control signal, and control a component of
the portable forced air heater according to the control signal.
9. The portable forced air heater of claim 8, wherein the component
is at least one selected from a group consisting of a fan, the
heating element, an oscillation motor, a light source, a speaker, a
thermostat, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) output, an
alternating-current (AC) receptacle, a battery charger, a fluid
pump, a wireless-connectivity hub, and an insect repellant
device.
10. The portable heater of claim 8, further comprising a battery
receptacle located on the housing, the battery receptacle
configured to receive a rechargeable battery pack.
11. The portable heater of claim 10, wherein the controller
receives power from the rechargeable battery pack.
12. The portable heater of claim 10, wherein the rechargeable
battery pack is used in conjunction with a power tool when removed
from the battery receptacle.
13. The portable heater of claim 8, wherein the external device is
at least one selected from a group consisting of an external
computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch, and a server.
14. The portable heater of claim 8, wherein the housing includes an
accessory component, wherein the accessory component is at least
one selected from a group consisting of a light source, a speaker,
a thermostat, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) output, an
alternating-current (AC) receptacle, a battery charger, a fluid
pump, a wireless-connectivity hub, and an insect repellant
device.
15. The portable heater of claim 8, wherein the control signal
relates to a temperature setting of the portable forced air
heater.
16. A method of operating a portable forced air heater including a
housing and a heating element located within the housing, the
method comprising: sensing, via a sensor, a characteristic of the
portable forced air heater; analyzing, via a controller having an
electronic processor, the characteristic; and outputting, via a
communications device, a signal indicative of the characteristic to
an external device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the external device is at least
one selected from a group consisting of an external computer, a
smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch, and a server.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the characteristic is at least
one selected from a group consisting of a fuel level, a battery
capacity, a temperature, an oxygen level, and an angle.
19. A method of operating a portable forced air heater including a
housing and a heating element located within the housing, the
method comprising: receiving from an external device, via a
communications device, a control signal; and controlling, via a
controller having an electronic processor, a component of the
portable forced air heater based on the control signal.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the external device is at least
one selected from a group consisting of an external computer, a
smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch, and a server.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the control signal relates to a
temperature setting of the portable forced air heater.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/584,432, filed on Nov. 10, 2017, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments relate to forced air heaters, and more
specifically, to portable forced air heaters.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment provides a portable forced air heater
including a housing, a heating element located within the housing,
a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the portable
heater, a communications device configured to communicate with an
external device, and a controller having an electrical processor
and memory. The controller is configured to receive, from the
sensor, the characteristic of the portable heater, and output, via
the communications device, a signal indicative of the
characteristic of the portable heater to the external device.
[0004] Another embodiment provides a portable forced air heater a
housing, a heating element located within the housing, a
communications device configured to communicate with an external
device, and a controller having an electrical processor and memory.
The controller is configured to receive from the external device,
via the communications device, a control signal, and control a
component of the portable forced air heater according to the
control signal.
[0005] Another embodiment provides a method of operating a portable
forced air heater including a housing and a heating element located
within the housing. The method including sensing, via a sensor, a
characteristic of the portable forced air heater. The method
further including analyzing, via a controller having an electronic
processor, the characteristic. The method further including
outputting, via a communications device, a signal indicative of the
characteristic to an external device.
[0006] Another embodiment provides a method of operating a portable
forced air heater including a housing and a heating element located
within the housing. The method including receiving from an external
device, via a communications device, a control signal. The method
further including controlling, via a controller having an
electronic processor, a component of the portable forced air heater
based on the control signal.
[0007] Other aspects of the application will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable heater
according to some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the portable heater of
FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the portable
heater of FIG. 1, taken along line 3 of FIG. 1 according to some
embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the portable heater of
FIG. 1, depicting the portable heater having a battery pack removed
according to some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the portable heater of
FIG. 1, depicting the portable heater having a battery pack coupled
thereto according to some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a portable heater
according to some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the portable heater of
FIG. 6 according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a portable heater
according to some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control system of the
portable heater according to some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a
portable heater according to some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a display of an external device for use with a
portable heater according to some embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a
portable heater according to some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a display of an external device for use with a
portable heater according to some embodiments.
[0021] FIGS. 14A and 14B are front views of a battery charger of
the portable heater according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Before any embodiments of the application are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable
of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out
in various ways.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a heater 100 according to some
embodiments. In some embodiments, heater 100 is portable.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the heater 100 is a forced air
heater. Although illustrated as a portable forced heater, in other
embodiments, the heater 100 is an oscillating heater. In some
embodiments, the oscillating heater includes an oscillation motor
configured to rotate, or oscillate, a heating element.
[0024] The heater 100 includes a housing 102 having a handle 112
configured to be grasped by an operator to maneuver the heater 100,
and a base 106 coupled to the housing 102. The base 106 may include
a support bar 110, a control panel 114, and a fuel inlet 126
selectively attachable to a hose 108, the hose 108 being in fluid
communication with a fuel source (for example, propane, butane,
etc.). In other embodiments, the fuel source is in direct fluid
communication with the fuel inlet 126.
[0025] Located within housing 102 is a heating element (for
example, a combustion chamber 138 (FIG. 3)). A cylinder 104 may be
disposed within the housing 102 and defines the combustion chamber
138 (FIG. 3) configured to burn an air/fuel mixture to produce
heat. In some embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of a
combustion chamber 138, the heater 100 includes an electric heating
element (for example, one or more resistive heating elements).
[0026] The heater 100 is configured to receive a battery pack 116
(FIG. 2) at the base 106. The battery pack 116 is a removable and
rechargeable battery pack and may include one or more battery
cells. In some embodiments, the battery pack 116 is an 18-volt
battery pack having one or more lithium-ion battery cells. In other
embodiments, the battery pack 116 may include fewer or more battery
cells such that the battery pack 116 is a 12-volt battery pack, a
14.4-volt battery pack, or the like. Additionally or alternatively,
the battery cells may have chemistries other than lithium-ion such
as, for example, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal-hydride, or the like.
In some embodiments, the battery pack 116 may be removed from the
heater 100 and used in conjunction with other devices (for example,
power tools (including, but not limited to, a drill, a driver, and
a saw), lawn/garden equipment (including, but not limited to, a
blower, a weed whacker, a hedger, and a lawn mower).
[0027] FIGS. 2 and 4-5 illustrate a power port 118 disposed in a
rearward portion of the base 106. In other embodiments, the power
port 118 may be disposed in one or more side portions of the base
106, and the heater 100 may alternatively include two or more power
ports 118 power sources. Power port 118 includes battery receptacle
128 physically and electrically attachable to the battery pack 116.
In some embodiments, the power port 118 additionally or
alternatively includes an AC power receptacle 130 configured to
receive an AC power source. In such embodiments, the heater 100 may
be powered at least by one of a DC power source (for example, the
battery pack 116) or an AC power source (for example, an AC power
plug). In such embodiments, the battery receptacle 128 and the AC
power receptacle 130 are combined into a single power port 118.
[0028] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, in some embodiments, the power
port 118 is configured such that only one of the battery pack 116
and the AC power source may be connected to the heater 100 at one
time. For example, when the battery pack 116 is inserted into the
battery receptacle 128, the AC power receptacle 130 is obstructed
by the battery pack 116 such that the AC power source may not be
inserted into AC power receptacle 130. Likewise, when the AC power
source is inserted into the AC power receptacle 130, the battery
receptacle 128 is obstructed such that the battery pack 116 may not
be inserted into the battery receptacle 128.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 3, in some embodiments the heater 100
includes a fan 110 and thermostat 122 disposed inside the
combustion chamber 138. The thermostat 122 acts as a switch that
opens when the heater 100 exceeds a predetermined temperature. In
such embodiments, a controller (for example, controller 1005 of
FIG. 9) recognizes that the thermostat is open, and shuts off one
or more components (for example, a gas valve, etc.), while keeping
the fan 110 in operation. The controller may not measure the
temperature directly, but instead may react to the opening of the
thermostat 122. In some embodiments, the thermostat 122 may be a
temperature sensor (for example, a temperature sensor as discussed
below in relation to sensors 1030).
[0030] In operation, the heater 100 produces between approximately
30,000 and approximately 60,000 BTU, and operates for up to
approximately 12 hours to approximately 15 hours (for example,
approximately 14.3 hours) when fluidly coupled to a twenty pound
propane tank. In the same or other embodiments, the heater 100
produces between approximately 60,000 and approximately 120,000
BTU, and operates for up to approximately 6 hours to approximately
8 hours (for example, approximately 7.2 hours) when fluidly coupled
to a twenty pound propane tank. Heater 100 may operate from
approximately 2 hours to approximately 9 hours while drawing power
from approximately a 1.5 Ah battery pack to approximately a 7 Ah
battery pack.
[0031] In the same or alternative embodiments, the heater 100
includes a thermocouple 124 positioned adjacent a flame during
operation of the heater 100. In such embodiments, the thermocouple
124 generates a voltage that energizes a gas solenoid valve. In
some embodiments, the voltage generated by the thermocouple 124 may
hold the gas solenoid valve in an open position while the flame is
on. When the flame is extinguished, the thermocouple 124 does not
generate a voltage and the gas solenoid valve may close
automatically.
[0032] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a portable heater 200 according to
another embodiment. This embodiment may employ much of the same
structure and has many of the same properties as the heater 100
described above in connection with FIGS. 1-5. Accordingly, the
following description focuses primarily upon the structure and
features that vary from the embodiments described above in
connection with FIGS. 1-5. Features and elements in the embodiment
of FIGS. 6-7 corresponding to features and elements in the
embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 1-5 are
numbered in the 200 series of reference numbers.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, portable heater 200 includes
a housing 202, which may have a handle 212 graspable by an operator
to maneuver the heater 200, and a base 206 attached to the housing
202. In some embodiments, eater 200 has a weight and dimension less
than that of heater 100, such that heater 200 is more easily lifted
and carried by an operator. Likewise, the heater 200 may be made
from the same or different materials than the heater 100, to
promote portability. The heater 200 may include a continuous
electronic ignition.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 7, heater 200 includes a power port
218 disposed in a side portion of the base 206. Power port 218
includes a battery receptacle physically and electrically
attachable to a battery pack 216. Additionally or alternatively,
the power port 218 may include an AC power receptacle, such that
the power port 218 can receive a DC power source or an AC power
source, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to
power port 118.
[0035] Heater 200 also includes a fuel inlet 226 disposed in a
rearward portion of the base 206. The fuel inlet 226 directly
receives a valve portion of a fuel tank (for example, a one pound
propane tank). In some embodiments, the fuel inlet 226 additionally
receives a hose in fluid communication with a remote fuel tank. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, the heater 200 includes a support member 234
that supports the fuel tank when the fuel tank is directly attached
to the heater 200. In this way, an operator may maneuver and carry
heater 200 together with the attached fuel tank while only grasping
the handle 212.
[0036] In operation, the heater 200 may produce up to approximately
20,000 BTU, and operate for up to approximately two hours while
coupled to a one pound propane tank.
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a portable heater 300 according to
another embodiment. This embodiment employs much of the same
structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of
the heaters 100 and 200 described above in connection with FIGS.
1-7. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon
the structure and features that vary from the embodiments described
above in connection with FIGS. 1-7. Features and elements in the
embodiment of FIG. 8 corresponding to features and elements in the
embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 1-7 are
numbered in the 300 series of reference numbers.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, portable heater 300 includes
a housing 302, which may have a first handle 312 graspable by an
operator to maneuver the heater 300, and a base 306 attached to the
housing 302. The base 306 may include one or more wheels 336
allowing an operator, while grasping the first handle 312, to
maneuver the heater 300 without fully lifting the heater 300 off of
the ground. In some embodiments, heater 300 may also include a
second handle 338 attached to a rearward portion of the base 306.
While grasping the second handle 338, the operator may lift one end
of the heater 300 and roll the other end of the heater 300 (via the
wheels 336) along the ground to maneuver the heater 300.
[0039] Heater 300 may also include a fuel inlet 326 disposed in a
rearward portion of the base 306. In the illustrated embodiment,
the fuel inlet 326 receives a hose in fluid communication with a
remote fuel tank containing kerosene.
[0040] Heater 300 also includes a power port 318 disposed in the
rearward portion of the base 306, below the fuel inlet 326. The
power port 318 includes some or all of the features and elements
described above with respect to FIGS. 1-7. In some embodiments, the
heater 300 may include two or more power ports 318. In the same or
other embodiments, the power port 318 may include two or more
battery receptacles, and/or two or more AC power receptacles, and
the heater 300 may draw power from two or more attached battery
packs simultaneously.
[0041] In operation, the heater 200 produces up to approximately
75,000 BTU, and operates for up to approximately eight hours while
coupled to a five pound kerosene tank. The heater may operate up to
one hour while drawing power from two 4 Ah battery receptacles.
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a control system 1000
of the heater (for example heater 100, 200, and/or 300) according
to some embodiments. The control system 1000 includes a controller
1005 electrically and/or communicatively coupled to a power supply
1010 and an input/output device 1015. The controller 1005 includes
a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide
power, operational control, and protection to the components and
devices within the controller 1005 and/or the heater 100. For
example, the controller 1005 includes, among other things, a
processing unit 1020 (for example, a microprocessor, a
microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device) and a
memory 1025. In some embodiments, the controller 1005 is
implemented partially or entirely on a printed circuit board or a
semiconductor.
[0043] The power supply 1010 supplies power to the controller 1005.
In some embodiments, the power supply 1010 is, or includes, the
battery receptacle 128, the battery pack 116, and/or the AC power
receptacle 130. In some embodiments of operation, the power supply
1010 further includes a power converter configured to convert the
power from the battery pack 116 and/or AC power receptacle 130 to a
nominal direct-current (DC) power for use by the controller
1005.
[0044] The input/output device (I/O) device, or communications
device, 1015 provides a communication link 1026 between controller
1005 and one or more external devices 1027 (for example, an
external computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a smart watch,
a server, etc.). For example, the I/O device, or communications
device, 1015 provides communication between the heater 100, 200,
300 and an external device 1027. In some embodiments, the external
device is remote from the heater 100, 200, 300. The communication
link 1026 may be wired and/or wireless. In some embodiments, the
wireless communication link 1026 may be, but is not limited to, a
radio frequency (RF) communications link, a Bluetooth
communications link, a cellular communications link, and a WiFi
communications link. Additionally, in some embodiments, the
wireless communication link 1026 may be part of a local area
network (LAN), a neighborhood area network (NAN), a home area
network (HAN), or personal area network (PAN). In yet another
embodiment, the wireless communication link may be part of a wide
area network (WAN) (for example, the Internet, a TCP/IP based
network, a cellular network, such as, for example, a Global System
for Mobile Communications [GSM] network, a General Packet Radio
Service [GPRS] network, a Code Division Multiple Access [CDMA]
network, an Evolution-Data Optimized [EV-DO] network, an Enhanced
Data Rates for GSM Evolution [EDGE] network, a 3GSM network, a 4GSM
network, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications [DECT]
network, a Digital AMPS [IS-136/TDMA] network, or an Integrated
Digital Enhanced Network [iDEN] network, etc.).
[0045] The controller 1005 may further be communicatively and/or
electrically coupled to various components of the heater 100. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 1005 is
further communicatively and/or electrically coupled to the fan 1028
(for example, fans 110, 210, and/or 310), the heating element 1029
(for example, combustion chamber 138 and/or an electric heating
element), and one or more sensors 1030.
[0046] The one or more sensors 1030 are configured to sense one or
more characteristics of the heater 100. In some embodiments, the
one or more sensors may include a temperature sensor (for example,
to thermistors, thermocouples, negative temperature coefficient
(NTC) thermistors, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs),
semiconductor-based sensors, and/or optical temperature sensors),
an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a voltage sensor, a current
sensor, a gas sensor (for example, a carbon monoxide sensor and/or
an oxygen sensor), a pressure sensor, and a load sensor. The
various characteristics may include, but are not limited to, a fuel
(for example, propane and/or butane) level, a battery capacity (for
example, remaining charge, remaining time of use, time till
complete charge, a voltage level, etc.), a temperature, an oxygen
level, and an angle of the heater 100.
[0047] In operation, the one or more sensors 1030 sense the one or
more characteristics and outputs the one or more sensed
characteristics to the controller 1005. The controller 1005
analyzes the characteristics. In some embodiments, analysis of the
characteristics includes comparing a sensed characteristic to a
predetermined threshold. For example, the controller 1005 may
receive an angle (or signal indicative of an angle) of the heater
100 from one or more accelerometers. The controller 1005 may then
compare the sensed angle to a predetermined threshold. If the angle
of the heater 100 crosses the predetermined threshold, the
controller 1005 may output an alert (for example, an audible alert
and/or a visual alert). In some embodiments, the controller 1005
may output the alert to the external device 1027. In some
embodiments, the controller 1005 may shut down the heater 100 if
the sensed characteristic crosses the predetermined threshold.
[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 1005 outputs sensed
characteristics and/or alerts to the external device 1027 (for
example, via the I/O device 1015 and the communication link 1026).
For example, the controller 1005 may output a current fuel level of
the fuel tank, a currently capacity (including remaining operation
time) of the battery pack 116, a tip over alert, an oxygen
depletion alert, a current temperature of the heater 100, an over
heat alert, and a proximity alert (for example, if the heater 100
is too close to an external object).
[0049] In one exemplary embodiment of operation, the controller
1005 may receive a fuel level (or signal indicative of the fuel
level) from one or more sensors 1030. In some embodiments, the fuel
level may be determined by a pressure sensor and/or a load sensor
(for example, a load sensor sensing a weight of a connected propane
tank). The controller 1005 may then output the fuel level to the
external device 1027. In some embodiments, the controller 1005 may
compare the sensed fuel level to a predetermined threshold. If the
fuel level crosses the predetermined threshold, the controller 1005
may output an alert (for example, an audible alert and/or a visual
alert). In some embodiments, the controller 1005 may output the
alert to the external device 1027.
[0050] In another exemplary embodiment of operation, the controller
1005 may receive a battery charge level (or signal indicative of
the charge level) from one or more sensors 1030. In some
embodiments, the fuel level may be determined by a voltage sensor,
current sensor, and/or power sensor. The controller 1005 may then
output the charge level to the external device 1027. In some
embodiments, the controller 1005 may compare the sensed charge
level to a predetermined threshold. If the charge level crosses the
predetermined threshold, the controller 1005 may output an alert
(for example, an audible alert and/or a visual alert). In some
embodiments, the controller 1005 may output the alert to the
external device 1027.
[0051] Additionally, in some embodiments, the external device 1027
may provide operational controls to the controller 1005 via the I/O
device 1015 and the communication link 1026. For example, a user
(via the external device 1027) may power the heater 100 on/off,
operate the temperature output by the heater 100 up/down, and power
the fan 110 on/off. In some embodiments, the external device 1027
may automatically turn the heater 100 down, or off, when a
telephone call is received.
[0052] In one exemplary embodiment of operation, controller 1005
receives a temperature control signal from the external device
1027. The controller 1005 controls the fan 1028 and/or the heating
element 1029 in accordance with the temperature control signal.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a process 1100 of the
heater 100, 200, 300 according to some embodiments. It should be
understood that the order of the steps disclosed in process 1100
could vary. Furthermore, additional steps may be added to the
sequence and not all of the steps may be required.
[0054] One or more characteristics of the heater 100, 200, 300 are
sensed via one or more sensors 1030 (block 1105). The controller
1005 receives the one or more sensed characteristics (block 1110).
The controller 1005 outputs one or more signal indicative of the
one or more sensed characteristics to the external device 1027
(block 1115). As stated above, in some embodiments, the controller
105 compares the one or more sensed characteristics to one or more
predetermined thresholds. If a sensed characteristic crosses a
predetermined threshold, the controller 1005 may output an alert to
the external device 1027.
[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates a display 1200 of the external device
1027 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, display
1200 may be used by, or in conjunction with, an application of the
device 1027. Display 1200 may include a gauge window 1205 and an
alert window 1210. In other embodiments, display 1200 may include
more or less windows related to the heater 100, 200, 300.
[0056] The gauge window 1205 may provide a user with information
concerning the heater 100, 200, 300, for example, but not limited
to, various levels and/or capacities of the heater 100, 200, 300.
Although illustrating a battery level and a fuel level, in other
embodiments, the display 1200 may display only one level or greater
than two levels.
[0057] The alert window 120 may provide the user with an alert
concerning the heater 100, 200, 300, for example, but not limited
to, a tilt warning. Although illustrating a tilt warning, in other
embodiments, the display 1200 may display other warnings (for
example, low-oxygen warnings, low battery warning, low fuel
warning, etc.). Additionally, although illustrating a single
warning, in other embodiments, multiple warnings may be
illustrated.
[0058] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a process 1300 of the
heater 100, 200, 300 according to some embodiments. It should be
understood that the order of the steps disclosed in process 1300
could vary. Furthermore, additional steps may be added to the
sequence and not all of the steps may be required.
[0059] The controller 1005 receives, from an external device, a
control signal (block 1305). In some embodiments, the control
signal is based on an input by a user controlling the external
device. The controller 1005 controls the heater 100, 200, 300, or a
component of the heater 100, 200, 300, based on the received
control signal (block 1310). In some embodiments, the component of
the heater 100, 200, 300, may be the fan 1028, the heating element
1029, an oscillation motor (for example, an oscillation motor in
electrical and/or communicative connection with the controller
1005), and/or one or more components, or accessory components,
1035. Additionally, in some embodiments, the control signal relates
to a temperature setting of the heater 100, 200, 300.
[0060] FIG. 13 illustrates a display 1400 of the external device
1027 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, display
1400 may be used by, or in conjunction with, an application of the
device 1027. Display 1400 may include a temperature setting window
1405. Although illustrating a temperature setting window, in other
embodiments, the display 1400 may allow the user to control other
setting (for example, on/off setting, etc.). Additionally, although
illustrating a single setting window, in other embodiments,
multiple setting windows may be illustrated.
[0061] Returning to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the controller
1005 may further be connected to one or more additional components,
accessories, or accessory components, 1035 of the heater 100, 200,
300. For example, the additional components 1035 may include, but
are not limited to, an electronic ignition, one or more light
sources (for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs)), a speaker, a
thermostat, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) output, an
alternating-current (AC) receptacle, a battery charger, a fluid
pump, a wireless-connectivity hub, and an insect repellant
device.
[0062] In some embodiments, the electronic ignition is configured
to provide an activation energy to ignite a flame within the
combustion chamber 138. In such an embodiment, the electronic
ignition may be controlled by the external device 1027 (for
example, via the I/O device 1015 and the communication link 1026).
In some embodiments, the speaker may be configured to output audio
signals received from the external device 1027 (for example, via
the I/O device 1015 and the communication link 1026). In such an
embodiment, the communication link 1026 may be Bluetooth, WiFi,
and/or SKAA.
[0063] In some embodiments, the USB output is configured to output
a nominal USB voltage (for example, approximately 5 VDC). In such
an embodiment, the heater 100, 200, 300 may further include a power
converter (for example, a DC-DC converter, a DC-AC inverter, and/or
a AC-DC converter) configured to receive power from a power source
(for example, the battery pack 116 and/or the AC power receptacle
130) and convert the power to the nominal USB voltage. In some
embodiments, the AC power receptacle 130 is configured to output a
nominal AC voltage (for example, approximately 120 VAC). In such an
embodiment, the heater 100, 200, 300 may further include a power
converter (for example, a DC-DC converter, a DC-AC inverter, and/or
a AC-DC converter) configured to receive power from a power source
(for example, the battery pack 116 and/or the AC power receptacle
130) and convert the power to the nominal AC voltage. In some
embodiments, the battery charger is configured to output a nominal
charging voltage to a rechargeable battery (for example, a
rechargeable power tool battery pack, a rechargeable battery for
hand warmers, etc.). In such an embodiment, the heater 100, 200,
300 may further include a power converter (for example, a DC-DC
converter, a DC-AC inverter, and/or a AC-DC converter) configured
to receive power from a power source (for example, the battery pack
116 and/or the AC power receptacle 130) and convert the power to
the nominal charging voltage. In some embodiments, various
characteristics of the rechargeable battery may be monitored (for
example, by controller 1005). In such an embodiment, the various
characteristics may be used to control charging of the rechargeable
battery.
[0064] In some embodiments, the fluid pump is configured to pump a
fluid. In such an embodiment, the fluid may then be heated by the
heating element 1029 while being pumped. In some embodiments, the
wireless-connectivity hub is configured to provide the external
device 1027, other connected devices, with Internet. In some
embodiment, the wireless-connectivity hub provides internet via
WiFi. In other embodiments, the wireless-connectivity hub provides
internet via another wireless communication link (for example,
Bluetooth). In yet another embodiment, the wireless connectivity
hub provides cellular service to the external device 1027, or other
connected devices.
[0065] In some embodiments, the insect repellant device is
configured to output an insect repellant (for example, an insect
repellant gas). In other embodiments, the insect repellant device
may be an electrical discharge insect control system configured to
attract and kill insects. In yet another embodiment, the insect
repellant device may be configured to attract and trap insects. In
such an embodiment, the insect repellant device may use propane to
attract the insects.
[0066] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a battery charger 1500
according to some embodiments. Battery charger 1500 is configured
to charge battery pack 116. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, battery
charger 1500 is configured to couple to the heater (for example,
heater 100, 200, 300). Once coupled to the heater, battery charger
1500 is operable to charge battery pack 116 that is coupled to the
heater via battery receptacle 128. As illustrated in FIG. 14B,
battery charger 1500 is further configured to receive, and charge,
the battery pack 116 directly. In some embodiments, the heater (for
example heater 100, 200, 300) may include a battery charger. In
such an embodiment, the heater is configured to charge battery pack
116 when receiving AC power (for example, via AC power receptacle
130.
[0067] Thus, embodiments provide, among other things, a forced air
heater having remote monitoring and control. Various features and
advantages of the application are set forth in the following
claims.
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