Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
PORTABLE HEATER WITH ENVIRONMENTAL
SENSOR
RELATED DOCUMENTS
[0001]
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No.62/350,438, filed
June 15, 2016, and titled PORTABLE HEATER WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR.
BAC KG RO UND
100021 Portable heaters can be used in a variety of locations, which can
include enclosed or indoor
environments. Typically, portable heaters use some sort of liquid or gas-based
fuel, such as
propane, natural gas, kerosene, or other portable fuels. The fuel is combusted
in a combustion
chamber or combustion area located in the heater's housing, in the presence of
air provided by the
ambient atmosphere. The housing often comprises an inlet for supplying ambient
air to the
combustion chamber, where a mixture of fuel and air is introduced for
combustion, to provide heat.
If operating correctly, the main emissions of a portable heater are typically
water vapor, carbon
dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
SUMMARY
100031 This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that
are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
intended to identify
key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used to limit
the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[00041 As provided herein, a portable heater that may be utilized in an area
used for human
occupancy, to provide heat to that area. Such a heater can comprise an
environmental detector that
senses ambient air conditions, and may provide data and/or a signal used to
shut down the heater's
combustion at predetermined threshold conditions (e.g., potentially undesired
conditions for heater
operation). That is, for example, a timeless carbon dioxide and/or carbon
monoxide detector may
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detect a threshold condition and provide a signal that results in shutting off
fuel used for
combustion.
[0005] In one implementation, a portable heater for use in a variety of areas,
including high
altitudes, can comprise a housing that comprises a carrying component
configured to facilitate
portable transport of the heater. Further, a combustion region can be
configured for fuel
combustion. In this implementation, a fuel supply component can be configured
to supply fuel to
the combustion region, and to fluidly couple with a portable fuel source.
Further, the heater can
comprise an environmental detector. In this implementation, the environmental
detector can
comprise a flameless sensor that can be configured to detect an ambient level
of a constituent of
the atmosphere. Additionally, the environmental detector can comprise a sensor
interface that can
be configured to shut off the fuel supply from the fuel supply component based
at least upon a
signal received from the sensor.
[0006] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following
description and
annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations.
These are indicative
of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed.
Other aspects,
advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the
following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] What is disclosed herein may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts,
and will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings
which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0008] FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example implementation
of an exemplary
heater.
100091FIGUR.E 2 is a component diagram illustrating an example implementation
of one or more
portions of one or more components described herein.
100101 FIGURE 3 is a component diagram illustrating an example implementation
of one or more
portions of one or more components described herein.
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100111 FIGURE 4 is a component diagram illustrating an example implementation
of one or more
portions of one or more components described herein.
[0012] FIGURE 5 is a component diagram illustrating an example implementation
of one or more
portions of one or more components described herein.
100131 FIGURE 6 is a component diagram illustrating an example implementation
of one or more
portion.s of one or more components described herein.
[0014] FIGURE 7 is an illustration depicting an example implementation of one
or more portions
of one or more systems described herein.
[0015] FIGURE 8 is an illustration depicting an example implementation of one
or more portions
of one or more systems described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00161 The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like
reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In
the following
description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide
a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident,
however, that the
claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In
other instances,
structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form in order to
facilitate describing the
claimed subject matter.
[0017] A heater may be devised to provide for portable use in an area intended
for human
occupancy, to provide heat to that area. In one aspect, the heater can have an
environmental
detector that detects one or more environmental conditions; and, based on a
desired threshold for
respective environmental conditions, the heater may generate a resulting
signal. Further in this
aspect, the signal can be used by a coupled sensor interface to identify a
threshold (e.g., potentially
undesired) condition (e.g., undesired to for heater operation) in the area.
When a threshold
condition is identified, an alert state may be activated, and one or more
systems in the heater can
be shut down to mitigate current or future combustion of fuels.
100181
FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example implementation of an
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exemplary heater 100, in accordance with one or more systems described herein.
In this
implementation, in this aspect, the heater 100 can comprise a combustion
region 102. The
combustion region 102 can comprise a region of the heater where combustion of
fuel and/or a fuel-
air mixture takes place (hereinafter, "fuel" may comprise an actual fuel, such
as propane, natural
gas, butane, kerosene, and/or other suitable fuel, or may comprise a fuel-air
mixture; the meaning
can be interchangeable). For example, the combustion region may comprise a
surface area that is
made up of one or more burner tiles or a multi-ply screen that define a
plurality of small openings,
and permit the fuel to pass through. In this example, the surface can comprise
an area of
combustion for the thel that passes through. As another example, the
combustion region may
comprise a burner tube comprising a plurality of passages or vias that allow
passage of fuel,
therethrough, to the combustion region.
[0019]
In this implementation, fuel may be provided to the combustion region 102
using a fuel
supply component 104. The fuel supply component 104, for example, can comprise
a fuel source
120 and a fuel supply valve 122. For example, a fuel source 120 can comprise
one of a variety of
fuel sources, such as a utility supply connection from a natural gas supplier,
or from a variety of
propane (e.g., liquefied petroleum or liquid propane, LP) sources, such as a
propane tank (e.g., of
a variety of gallon sizes), cylinder tanks (e.g., ranging from five to four-
hundred and twenty pound
sizes) or bottles (e.g., butane canisters or one pound bottles). In one
implementation, the fuel
source 120 may be disposed outside of a housing 150 that can comprise various
components of
the heater.
100201 In another implementation, the fuel source 120 may be disposed, at
least partially, inside
the housing 150, such as in a fuel storage compartment, or covered by a shroud
(e.g., a butane
canister or propane cylinder). In certain implementations, the fuel source 120
can comprise a fuel
canister that may be secured in, or partially enclosed by, the housing 150. As
an example, fuel
source 120 may be a removable canister or fuel tank that can be replaced with
a different (e.g.,
full) tank, or removed, refilled, and re-installed in the housing.
100211 In certain implementations, the fuel source 120 can comprise a larger
canister that is
coupled with the fuel supply component 104, such as using a hose, tubing or
piping connection.
For example, a fuel tank (e.g., or similar container) may be coupled with the
fuel supply component
104 using a flexible hose. As an example, a larger fuel tank may be connected
to the heater by a
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length of hose so that the tank can be located apart (e.g., remote) from the
heated region. For
example, a hose connected fuel tank can be positioned outside the target
heating area, while the
heater may be located within the area of occupancy.
100221 The fuel supply valve 122 can be configured to control fluid
communication between the
fuel source 120 and the combustion region 102. The fuel supply valve 122 can
be configured to be
disposed in a default closed position (e.g., normally closed). That is, fur
example, unless
purposefully acted upon, the fuel supply valve 122 may be disposed in the
closed position, thereby
effectively closing fluid communication between the fuel source 120 and the
combustion region
102. In one implementation, the fuel supply valve 122 can be acted upon,
resulting in an open
position, in the presence of an appropriate open valve signal, indicative of
appropriate conditions
for operation of an open fuel supply valve 122. In this implementation, in the
absence of the open
valve signal, the Mel supply valve 122 can default to the closed position. In
one implementation,
the fuel supply valve 122 can comprise an electrically operated valve, such as
an
electromagnetically operated valve, for example. In this example, when
electrical power is
supplied to the valve, an electromagnet is activated, resulting in the valve
opening to allow fluid
communication. Further, in this example, when electrical power is interrupted
or not provided the
electromagnet is not activated, and the valve returns to (e.g., or remains in)
its default, closed
position.
100231
The fuel supply component 104 can comprise Mel supply lines (e.g., hoses,
piping,
tubing) that can be used to operably (e.g., fluidly) couple various parts of
the fuel supply
component 104. In one implementation, the fuel supply component 104 may
comprise a
combustion chamber that is fluidly coupled with the combustion region 102. In
this
implementation, for example, the combustion chamber can be disposed adjacent
to the
combustion region 102, in fluid communication. In this example, the combustion
chamber can
receive fuel from the fuel source 120, via a fuel supply line, and distribute
the fuel to the
combustion region 102. For example, the combustion chamber may be disposed at
a rear side of
a combustion surface, and fuel from the chamber can pass to a front side
(e.g., a site of
combustion) of the combustion surface through one or more diffusing holes.
100241 In one implementation, the fuel source 120 can be fluidly coupled with
a regulator to
regulate fuel pressure to operable levels, for example. Alternately, a
regulated fuel supply (e.g.,
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to eleven column inches of water) may be supplied from a self-contained
system, such as in
recreational vehicle, or a quick-coupler hose connection may be used, and may
incorporate
positive fuel shut-off in both male and female connection components to
prevent fuel escape
when disconnected.
[0025] In one implementation, a burner venturi can be disposed in the fuel
supply component, for
example, within the housing, such as between the supply valve 122 and the
combustion region.
102. In this implementation, the venturi can be configured to mix atmospheric
air (e.g., comprising
oxygen) with a fuel for combustion. For example, a burner venturi can comprise
a hollow,
generally cylindrical body with a tapered mouth, having a greater diameter
than the body. As one
example, the burner venturi can be disposed at an angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of the
heater. A fuel supplying inlet, fluidly coupled with the fuel source 120, can
be disposed proximate
the mouth of the burner venturi, and supply fuel to the venturi. In this
example, the Venturi effect
may draw ambient air into the venturi to mix with the fuel.
[0026]
Further, in one implementation, the combustion region 102 can comprise a
generally
planar radiant surface disposed within the housing. In some implementations,
the combustion
region may be disposed outside of the housing: for example, can comprise a
radiant surface
outside of the housing. In some implementations, the radiant surface may be
disposed at an angle
relative to a lace (e.g., a front, top, side) of the heater. For example, the
top of the front face of
the radiant surface may be tilted backward with respect to the front face of
the heater, comprising
a burner angle. Further, in some implementations, a rear face of the radiant
surface may be
disposed in communication with the combustion chamber. In this implementation,
the combustion
chamber (e.g., plenum chamber, burner plenum chamber) can receive fuel from
the venturi, and.
the fuel can be distributed over and through a rear face of the radiant
surface. Thus, in one
implementation of operation. an orifice, engaged with the fuel source 120, can
be opened to
release fuel into the mouth of the venturi. In one implementation, a regulator
can be fluidly
coupled with the orifice and can be configured to regulate (e.g., reduce or
increase) a delivery
pressure of the fuel from the fuel source 120 (e.g., to eleven inches of water
column in one stage).
100271 In one implementation, the combustion region 102 can comprise a blue-
flame type
burner component, which can be disposed within the housing (e.g., within the
outer surface of
the housing), or outside of the housing. In this implementation, the blue-
flame type burner
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component can comprise a burner tube that is configured to emit the fuel, such
that it can be
combusted and produce a flame (e.g., blue flame), generated in the combustion
region 102.
As an example, a blue flame type burner component may comprise a tube with a
series of holes
or vias for emitting the fuel for combustion. For example, this type of burner
can be configured
to heat the atmosphere (e.g., air), which can provide heat, or warm the air,
for occupants of the
area in which the heater is disposed.
100281 As an illustrative example, a fluid flow of fuel exiting the fuel
supplying inlet can create
a type of vacuum (e.g., Venturi) effect, which may result in ambient air being
drawn in through an
air inlet at the venturi, and into the mouth of the venturi. In this example,
the fuel and ambient air
may be mixed in the venturi and combustion chamber, which can result in a more
desirable
combustion (e.g., complete fuel combustion), which may result in a cleaner
burning, infrared (e.g.,
or blue flame) heating source. In this example, the mixture of air and fuel
can travel (e.g., upward)
through the cylindrical body of the venturi, where it may reach the combustion
chamber. In one
implementation, to mitigate release of the air-fuel mixture from the
combustion chamber, or
incomplete dispersal of the fuel in the combustion chamber, a baffle (e.g.,
non-porous baffle) can
be disposed in the chamber. The baffle can be configured to direct the air-
fuel mixture into
communication with the rear face of the radiant surface, for example, or may
facilitate dispersal
of the fuel along a burner tube.
[0029] In one implementation, an ignition source 126 (e.g., piezoelectric
spark generator, electric
ignitor, hot wire/element, pilot, or the like) can he configured to provide an
ignition source for the
fuel at the combustion region 102. In this implementation, the ignition source
126 can be disposed
proximate the combustion region 102, in a disposition that allows for the
ignition source 126 to
appropriately provide ignition to fuel the combustion region 102. As an
example, an ignitor can be
placed directly in front of the front face of the radiant surface, such that
when fuel is dispersed
through the radiant surface to its front face, the ignitor can provide a spark
that ignites the fuel
appropriately. It will be appreciated that any conventional igniter means for
initially igniting the
mixture can be utilized. Combustion of the fuel can be maintained, and may
reach elevated
temperatures (e.g. approximately 1200 F, or higher).
[0030] In one implementation, the exemplary heater 100 can comprise a
reflector that is
configured to reflect heat (e.g., infrared radiant energy) toward a front of
the heater, and/or may
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deflect combustion products to reduce their temperature as they exit the
combustion region 102.
In one implementation, the reflector may extend outwardly from the top of the
combustion region
102 at an angle that directs radiant energy toward the front face of the
housing 150. As one
example, a natural convective upward path of the combustion products can
direct the combustion
products into contact with the reflector. In this example, the reflector, in
combination with the
directing of the radiant energy output from the heater toward the -front
surface of the housing, may
also act as a type of deflector that can reduce the temperature of the
combustion products exiting
the heater. In this example, the reduction in temperature may mitigate a
potential for ignition of a
combustible material that has come into proximity, or in contact, with one or
more portions of the
heater. In one implementation, an outlet can be disposed near the top of the
housing 150. which
may allow warm air to mix with combustion products and exit the device after
contacting the
reflector. Additionally, a deflector can be disposed on the top of the front
face of the housing 150,
which may also reduce the temperature of the combustion products exiting the
heater.
100311 In one implementation, an air outlet opening can be disposed rearward
of the outlet which
is in communication with the interior of the housing. The outlet can provide a
flow path for air
(e.g., other than air entering the venturi) to flow between the inlet, around
the rear of the
combustion chamber, to the outlet, for example, exiting the housing rearward
of the deflector. As
an example. this outlet, in combination with the air flow path, can enhance a
chimney effect as
ambient air may be drawn into the housing. In this example, a portion of the
incoming air may be
used for combustion, and another portion may convect (e.g., upwardly) along
the rear of the
combustion chamber and the deflector, to exit through the outlet. The air
outlet, in one
implementation, can be configured to encourage air flow along the back of a
hot combustion
chamber, which may result in an increased velocity of air flow to the burner
venturi, for example,
while cooling the rear of the housing 150. In one example, as the venturi is
heated, thermal
convection properties can direct the fuel mixture through an upwardly angled
venturi, thereby
creating a chimney-type effect. As an example, the chimney effect may increase
intake of fresh air
flowing into the venturi, which may allow for a reduction of outlet pressure
from the fuel source
120, while burning efficiently on a high or a low settings.
I0032J In one implementation. the exemplary heater can comprise an
environmental detector
106. The environmental detector 106 can comprise a tlameless sensor 108 that
is configured to
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detect an ambient level of a constituent of the atmosphere. Further, the
environmental detector 106
can comprise a sensor interface 110 (e.g., microprocessor) that is configured
to facilitate shut off
of the fuel supply from the fuel supply component 104 based at least upon a
signal received from
the sensor 108. Prior detectors (e.g., oxygen depletion sensors (ODS)) utilize
a flame coupled with
a temperature sensor to detect levels of environmental constituents, such as
oxygen and carbon
dioxide. In this implementation, the sensor 108 does not utilize a sensor-
based flame to detect the
targeted constituents.
[0033] In one implementation, the sensor 108 may be disposed internally in the
housing, 150, for
example, to mitigate exposure to potential elevated heat levels, dirt, dust
and debris, and other
contaminants, that may affect sensor operation or function. Further, as an
example, using a
timeless sensor may provide for more effective operation at elevated
altitudes. That is, for
example, while an overall ratio (e.g., percentages relative to each other) of
ambient air constituents
(e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, others) remain substantially
consistent as one moves to
higher elevations, an amount of respective available constituents per measured
volume decreases.
Therefore, for example, a flame operated detector may operate appropriately at
sea-level, as the
amount of available oxygen is sufficient to maintain an effective flame.
However, in this example,
the same flame operated detector may not operate as effectively at a higher
elevation due to the
reduced amount of available oxygen. Further, detectors utilizing a flame are
subject to possible
extinguishing of the flame in windy conditions.
100341 In one aspect, the sensor may be configured to detect carbon dioxide in
the ambient air.
In one implementation, a sensor operable to detect carbon dioxide can comprise
a chemical- based
sensor to identify desired threshold levels of carbon dioxide. In this
implementation, for example,
a chemical-based carbon dioxide gas can comprise a sensitive layer comprising
a sensitive
polymer, heteropolysiloxane, or other carbon dioxide sensitive material. In
this example, a
characteristic physical change in the sensor occurs (e.g., change in
resistance) at a threshold level
and this variation can be signaled by an integrated transducer that generates
the output signal.
While chemical-based gas sensors are typically low cost, and have low power
consumption, they
also have a short, useful life-span, due to short term and long term drift
effects, where the zero
point of the sensor can move out of calibration.
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100351 in another implementation, the sensor operable to detect carbon dioxide
can comprise an
infrared-based sensor to identify a desired threshold level of carbon dioxide.
In this
implementation, for example, the infrared-based sensor can comprise a
nondispersive infrared
(NDIR) sensor that uses infrared energy passed through a sampling area
comprising the ambient
air to identify levels of carbon dioxide. In this example, an infrared-based
sensor can comprise an
infrared source, a sampling area (e.g., light tube). a wavelength filter, and
an infrared detector. As
an example. ambient air can diffuse into the sampling area and infrared energy
passed through the
sampling area (e.g., and filter) can be detected by the detector. Further, the
detector can measure
the absorption of the characteristic wavelength of the energy to identify the
carbon dioxide levels
in the ambient air.
100361 In one implementation, the sensor can provide a signal that is
indicative of a level of the
constituent (e.g.. carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, nitrogen, others).
In another
implementation, the sensor may be monitored to identify a condition that is
indicative of a detected
constituent level. That is, for example, periodically (e.g., or continually),
the sensor can be polled
for information regarding the detected level of a desired ambient air
constituent, such as carbon
dioxide. In this example, in response to the poll request, the sensor can
provide a signal (e.g., data)
that is indicative of the level of the desired constituent. In another
implementation, the signal
provided by the sensor (e.g., whether in response to a poll request, or
systematically provided by
the sensor) may merely comprise an indication that the level of the target
ambient air constituent
has reached a desired, pre-determined threshold level (e.g.. one that is
indicative of a potentially
undesirous ambient air condition). In another implementation, the signal
provided by the sensor
may merely be indicative of a level of the target constituent in the ambient
air, for example, and a
determination may be made to identify whether the detected level has reached
the threshold.
100371 In one aspect, the percentages of respective typical constituents
(e.g., oxygen, nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, argon, others) in ambient air remain relatively the same at
various altitudes;
however, an actual available amount of respective constituents (e.g., in parts
per million (PPM))
can change as elevation from sea-level increases. This change in available
amount, or
concentration, is due to the drop in atmospheric pressure as elevation
increases, which allows for
a more dispersed atmosphere. In one implementation, in this aspect, the
environmental detector
106 (e.g., the sensor 108 and/or the sensor interface 110) can be configured
to self-correct,
or self-adjust, to respective elevations, for example, such that a reading at
sea-level will be
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substantially (e.g., within a desirable margin of error) equivalent to a
reading at ten-thousand feet
above sea-level. As an example, a carbon dioxide detector may be configured to
correct to a typical
fresh air level of CO2 (e.g., 400 PPM) at respective elevations, when exposed
to the ambient air
for a sufficient time. As one example, such a sensor may utilize the
artificial bee colony (ABC)
algorithm to self-correct at respective elevations.
100381 In one aspect, the environmental detector 106 can be operably coupled
with the fuel supply
component 104. such that the fuel supply component 104 is operative to respond
to a signal from
the environmental detector 106. In this aspect, the fuel supply component 104
can be configured
to provide fuel to the combustion region 102 based at least upon the signal
received from the
environmental detector 106. In one implementation. a default position for the
fuel supply
component 104 can comprise a closed, or non-fuel supplied position. That is,
for example, in the
absence of a signal from the environmental detector 106, the fuel supply
component 104 would be
disposed in the default. or closed position; and, fuel is not provided to the
combustion region 102.
In another implementation, the fuel supply component 104 may be operating in
the open position,
supplying fuel to the combustion region 102; and, upon receiving a signal from
the environmental
detector 106, the fuel supply component 104 switches to a closed position.
100391 In one implementation, in this aspect, the signal received by the fuel
supply component
104 may be provided by the sensor interface 110. and may be a result of one or
more of: an
indication that the sensor interface 110 is functioning within designed
parameters, the sensor is
functioning within designed parameters, an appropriate amount of power is
being provided,
environmental constituents are within desired parameters. and one or more
other portions of the
heater are functioning within their design parameters. In this implementation,
for example, as long
as the sensor interface 110 receives indications that systems of the heater
are functioning according
to designed parameters, the sensor interface 110 can control operation of one
or more portions of
the fuel supply component 104 that allows it to be disposed in the open, or
fuel supply position.
As another example, if one of the monitored systems deviates for the desired
parameters, or
thresholds, the sensor interface 110 may cease providing the signal for the
fuel supply component
104 (e.g., and may enter and alert or shut off state). In this example, in the
absence of the signal
from the sensor interface 110, the fuel supply component may switch to the
closed or non-fuel
supply position.
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100401 In one implementation, the sensor 108 may provide a sensor signal to
the sensor interface
110 (e.g., or the sensor interface may poll the sensor for the sensor signal),
that is indicative of the
level of a monitored air constituent, such as carbon dioxide. In this one
implementation, the signal
may comprise an indication of a transistor voltage level. Further, in this
implementation, the sensor
interface 110 may be configured to monitor the transistor voltage level, at
least until it reaches a
predetermined -first threshold. For example, the first threshold may comprise
a level of the
constituent that is indicative of a threshold condition (e.g., potentially
undesired environment for
heater operation), for operating the heater. In this implementation, for
example, the sensor interface
110 may initiate an alarm state upon the transistor voltage level reaching the
predetermined first
threshold, which may result in a shutting off of at least a portion of the
fuel supply component 104.
In one implementation, the shutting off of at least a portion of the fuel
supply component 104 can
comprise opening an electrical power supplying circuit to a fuel supply valve
122 disposed in the
fuel supply component 104, resulting in a shutting off of fuel to the
combustion region 102.
[0041] In one implementation, the environmental detector 106 (e.g., using
the sensor interface
110) can be configured to identify an ambient level of oxygen based at least
upon the ambient level
of carbon dioxide. In this implementation, the ambient level of oxygen can be
inversely
proportional to the ambient level of carbon dioxide. That is, for example, the
sensor 108 can be
configured to detect a level of carbon dioxide in the ambient air. Further, in
this example, as the
level of carbon dioxide increases in the ambient air, the level of oxygen may
be decreasing, in an
inversely proportional relationship. A normal level of the constituents of the
atmosphere is well
known (e.g., approximately 21% oxygen and 0.04% carbon dioxide, 78% nitrogen,
and less than
1% argon), and oxygen can be consumed (e.g., through respiration and/or
combustion) while
carbon dioxide is produced (e.g., resulting from respiration and/or
combustion). Therefore, during
heater operation (e.g., combustion) oxygen content can decrease in an
inversely proportional.
relation to an increase in carbon dioxide levels. As a result, for example, an
approximate level of
oxygen content in the ambient atmosphere may be determined from the detected
level of carbon
dioxide.
[0042] In one implementation, the determined level of oxygen content may be
compared
against a threshold value, -for example, where the threshold value is
indicative of a desired level
for occupancy of the target area (e.g., where the heater is operating). That
is, for example, if it is
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determined (e.g., by the sensor interface, 110 such as a processor (e.g.,
microprocessor)) that the
level of oxygen is approximately eighteen percent (18%) of the ambient
atmosphere, the
environmental detector may initiate a shut off state. In this example, the
shut off state may result
in cessation of the heater operation and/or an alert to occupants (e.g., an
audio and/or visual
indicator). Further in this example, cessation of the heater operation can
comprise one or more of:
shutting of fluid communication of the fuel source 120 to the combustion
region 102 (e.g., using
the supply valve 122); shutting off operation of the ignition source 126
(e.g., opening a power
circuit, and/or disabling ignition source 126); and disabling other heater
operations.
[0043] In one implementation, the sensor interface 110 can be configured to
reset the shut off state
merely after the ambient level of the target constituent reaches a second
threshold level. In this
implementation, the second threshold level comprises a level of the
constituent that is lower than
that of the first threshold level. For example, a -first threshold for carbon
dioxide may be two-
percent (2.0%), and the second threshold may be point zero-eight percent
(0.08%); and a first
threshold for oxygen may be eighteen point five percent (18.5%), and the
second threshold may
be twenty point five percent (20.5%). Further, other contaminant air
constituents may be identified
and monitored, such as carbon monoxide. As an example, a first threshold level
of carbon
monoxide may comprise point zero one percent (0.01%) (e.g., one-hundred parts
per million
(PPM)), and a second threshold level may comprise live (5) 'PPM.
100441 In one implementation, the first threshold level and second threshold
level can be set using
a firmware adjustment (e.g., software update) for the sensor interface 110,
such as a
microprocessor. That is, for example, processors such as a microprocessor used
'for environmental
constituent detection, can he programmed using firmware (e.g., programming
disposed on
hardware). For example, firmware is a type of software, program or set of
instructions programmed
on a hardware device, to provide control, communication, monitoring and data
analysis and/or
manipulation of the hardware. In this example, installed firmware can set the
predetermined
threshold levels that may activate an alarm condition, and reset the
microprocessor and/or sensor
after and alarm state is identified.
[0045] In one implementation, as illustrated in FIGURE 1, the exemplary heater
may comprise
a power source 124 (e.g., electrical power supply). The power source 124 can
comprise one or
more of: an electrical supply provided by an electrical outlet 130 coupled
with a plugged in cord;
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an on-board battery 132; and an on-board thermoelectric generator 134. In one
implementation,
the sensor interface 110 can be configured to merely receive the signal from
the sensor (e.g., or
poll the sensor for the signal) at predetermined intervals. As an example, the
predetermined
intervals can be configured to mitigate use of electrical power. For example,
a heater can operate
under conditions that may limit an amount of electrical power available, such
as under battery
power or thermoelectric generation only. In this example, activating the
sensor interface 110 to
process detection signals periodically may provide for power savings; thereby
allowing for longer
operation under low power conditions.
[0046] In one implementation, the fuel source 120 from the fuel supply
component 104 can be
disposed in a shut off condition at least until a signal from the sensor
interface 110 closes an
electrical power circuit to the fuel supply component 104. That is, when the
electrical circuit is
closed, electrical power can be provided to the supply valve 122, thereby
allowing an
electromagnetically (e.g., or other electrically) operated valve to open to
allow fluid coupling
between the hid source 120 in the fuel supply component 104, and the
combustion region 102. In
this way, for example, fuel may not be provided to the combustion region 102
until the valve is
opened by the signal.
[0047] In one implementation, after electrical power is interrupted to the
heater (e.g., power
outage, cord is unplugged, battery loses power, malfunction, etc.), the heater
can be configured to
start-up in an alert state upon re-start of the electrical power. That is, for
example, if power is lost
to the sensor interface 110, upon restoration of power to the sensor interface
110, it can start in the
alert state (e.g., shut off condition), at least until the sensor detects that
one or more constituents
in the ambient atmosphere are within the desired thresholds. In this example,
upon the sensor
identifying that the ambient atmosphere is in a desired condition, the sensor
interface 110 can reset
the alert condition. In one implementation, the heater can be configured to
prevent ignition of fuel
when one or more of the sensor and the sensor interface 110 are malfunctioning
or disconnected.
That is, for example, if the fuel supply valve 122 is not receiving the
appropriate valve open signal
from the sensor interface 110, the fuel source 120 cannot be operably (e.g.,
fluidly) coupled with
the combustion region 102. Further, as an example, if the sensor interface 110
does not detect
an operational sensor 108 present (e.g., malfunctioning or removed), it may
not provide the valve
open signal to the supply valve 122.
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100481 In one implementation, the environmental detector 106 can be disposed
in a location in
the heater 100 that comprises a temperature range between about one-hundred
and five degrees
Fahrenheit (e.g., approximately 40.5 degrees Celsius) and about negative six
degrees Fahrenheit
(e.g., approximately minus 21.1 degrees Celsius') during operation. That is,
for example, the sensor
108 and/or sensor interface 110 may have desired, operational parameters for
temperature,
accounting for preferred operation of the components. In this implementation,
a location in the
heater can be identified, where the operating temperature remains within the
target parameters. In
one example, such a location may be disposed distally from the combustion
region 102 and/or may
comprise one or more air vents, and/or an air flow (e.g., created by a fan).
In one implementation,
the sensor 108 and sensor interface 110 can be disposed on a same integrated
circuit, or printed
circuit board (PCB); or may be disposed as separate components, and
communicatively coupled
(e.g., wired or wirelessly).
[00491 FIGURES 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are component diagrams illustrating an
example implementation
200 of one or more portions of one or more systems described herein. In one
implementation, an
example heater 200 can comprise housing 250 that can be configured to house
the components of
the heater 200. Further, the heater 200 can comprise a combustion region 202
which may also
comprise a combustion chamber 252 (e.g., or combustion tube) and a radiant
heating surface 254.
Additionally, the heater 200 can comprise a fuel supply component 204,
comprising a supply valve
(not shown) and a fuel source (not shown). An environmental detector 206 can
comprise a sensor
208 and a sensor interface 210 (e.g., comprising a microprocessor). The
environmental detector
206 may be disposed in a detector location 256 such that the detector 206 can
operate within
desired environmental conditions (e.g., temperature parameters). An ignition
source 228 can be
disposed proximate the combustion region 202. A set of one or more heater
controls 258 can be
disposed in a user accessible location on the housing 250, and may be used to
operate the heater.
The heater 200 can also comprise a power source (not shown) which may comprise
an electrical
cord (not shown) that can be coupled with an electrical power outlet (not
shown). Alternately, the
power source can comprise a battery source (not shown) and/or a thermoelectric
generator (not
shown).
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100501 In some implementations, the example heater 200 can further comprise a
carrying
component 260, such as a handle, configured to be grasped by a user to
transport the heater 200
(e.g., portability). A guard 262 may be disposed at a front facing portion of
the heater, to mitigate
inadvertent contact with potentially hot areas of the heater 200 during
operation (e.g., by
occupants, users, and/or combustible objects). The heater may comprise one or
more vents, such
as for use as openings for intake of ambient air, or outflow of exhaust
products (e.g., combustion
products, and/or heat). For example, the heater 200 can comprise one or more
front vents 264, one
or more rear vents 266, and one or more top vents 272.
100511 In one implementation, the heater 200 can comprise a fuel storage area
268, for example,
which may be open (as illustrated) or at least partially enclosed by the
housing 250 (not shown).
In one implementation, the fuel supply component 204 can comprise a regulator
270, configured
to regulate the pressure of fuel in the fuel supply component 204 to an
operable level. One or more
fuel lines 350 may be disposed in the heater 200, such as between the fuel
source 120, the fuel
supply valve 122, and the combustion chamber 252.
100521 As an illustrative example, as illustrated in FIGURE 6, an example
heater 200 can comprise
a fuel supplying inlet 602 that can be configured to introduce fuel to a
venturi 608. In one
implementation, the venturi can comprise a venturi mouth 604 configured to
receive the fuel, and
a venturi body 610, configured to mix a combination of the fuel and ambient
air drawn into the
mouth 604 by a Venturi effect, for example. The venturi 608 can be disposed at
a venturi angle
606 and may be fluidly coupled with the combustion chamber 252. In one
implementation, a baffle
612 can be disposed in or proximate to the combustion chamber 252 in order to
facilitate
distribution of the fuel across a radiant surface 254. In this implementation,
the burner can be
disposed at a burner angle 616, and resulting combustion emissions may be
directed toward a
reflector 614. which can be used to direct heat and/or cool combustion gases.
100531 FIGURES 7 and 8 are illustrations depicting example implementations of
one or more
portions of one or more systems described herein. In these implementations, a
sensor 708 and
sensor interface 810 are depicted, for illustrative purposes, to illustrate
examples of a sensor and/or
a sensor interface that may be utilized in a heater described herein.
1005=11 In one aspect, a method for manufacturing a portable heater may be
devised. In one
implementation of a method of manufacturing a portable heater for use in
higher altitudes, a
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combustion region can be installed in a heater, where the combustion region
may be configured
for fuel combustion, such as propane, natural gas, butane, kerosene, and/or or
some other suitable
fuel (e.g., fuel air mixture). Further, a fuel supply component can be
installed in operable
engagement with the combustion region. The fuel supply component can be
configured to supply
fuel to the combustion region. Additionally, an environmental detector can be
installed in the
heater. In this implementation, the environmental detector can comprise a
nameless sensor that is
configured to detect an ambient level of a constituent or contaminant of/in
the atmosphere, such
as oxygen, carbon dioxide, or contaminants (e.g., carbon monoxide). The
environmental detector
can also comprise a sensor interface (e.g., microprocessor) that is configured
to facilitate shutting
off the fuel supply from the fuel supply component, based at least upon a
signal received from the
sensor.
10551 In another aspect, a method of using a portable heater can be devised.
In one
implementation of a method of using a portable heater for use in higher
altitudes, fuel can be
provided to a fuel supply component that is in operable engagement with a
combustion region.
Providing the fuel can result in the fuel supply component supplying fuel to
the combustion region,
such as for combustion. Further, fuel can be combusted in the combustion
region, such as by using
an ignition source. Additionally, power can be provided to an environmental
detector disposed in
the heater. In this implementation, the environmental detector can comprise a
nameless sensor that
is configured to detect an ambient level of a constituent or contaminant of/in
the atmosphere. The
environmental detector can also comprise a sensor interface that is configured
to facilitate shutting
off the fuel supply from the fuel supply component based at least upon a
signal received from the
sensor.
100561 The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example,
instance or
illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not
necessarily to be
construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the
word exemplary is
intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this
application, the term "or" is
intended to mean an inclusive "or- rather than an exclusive "or." That is,
unless specified
otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any
of the natural
inclusive permutations. That is. if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs
both A and B, then
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"X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Further,
at least one of A
and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the
articles "a" and
"an" as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be
construed to mean one
or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a
singular form.
[0057] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to
structural features
and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter
defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described
above. Rather, the
specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example .forms of
implementing the
claims. Reference throughout this specification to "one implementation" or "an
implementation"
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the
implementation is included in at least one implementation. Thus, the
appearances of the phrases
"in one implementation" or "in an implementation" in various places throughout
this specification
are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Furthermore, the
particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one
or more
implementations. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many
modifications may be
made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the
claimed subject matter.
[0058] Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect
to one or more
implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others
skilled in the art
based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed
drawings. The
disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only
by the scope of the
following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by
the above described
components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such
components are
intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which
performs the specified
function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent),
even though not
structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function
in the herein
illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure.
100591 In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been
disclosed with
respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined
with one or more
other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous
for any given or
particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes,"
"having," "has,"
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"with," or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the
claims, such terms are
intended to he inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."
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