Voice activated fireplace control system
US6413079B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10L15/26
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Gas fireplaces are provided with commercially available gas valves that are similar to gas valves in furnaces and boilers. Such gas valves may be controlled manually, by thermostat or by solenoid valves which turn the fireplace burner ON and OFF and HIGH and LOW using a closed loop radio frequency transceiver system. The present invention provides an improved voice or sound actuated gas valve for fireplace burners.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a microphone is coupled to a voice actuated electronic control module which converts analog sound signals to digital control signals. The sound may be music or other non-voice sounds employed to modulate the flames from the fireplace burner. Preferably the sounds are voice commands that are predetermined and preferably comprise a recognition command followed by an actuation command. Signals generated by the voice actuated electronic module are applied to a linear transducer coupled to a control regulation valve which may be inside or outside of a conventional modified or gas burner control valve. Further, a remote controller for generating sound signals that are used to maintain or control a desired temperature may be …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.