US 11,732,895 B1
Methods and systems for open-loop ignition of a smoke generator fuel source
Nicholas Chow, Boston, MA (US); Blake Hishmeh, Cambridge, MA (US); and Christopher T. Martin, North Attleboro, MA (US)
Assigned to SharkNinja Operating LLC, Needham, MA (US)
Filed by SharkNinja Operating LLC, Needham, MA (US)
Filed on May 16, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/663,582.
Int. Cl. F24B 1/02 (2006.01); A23B 4/052 (2006.01); A47J 37/07 (2006.01); A47J 36/32 (2006.01); G01R 19/165 (2006.01); G01R 27/14 (2006.01); H02P 29/40 (2016.01); H05B 1/02 (2006.01); F24C 5/16 (2006.01); A47J 37/00 (2006.01)
CPC F24B 1/028 (2013.01) [A23B 4/052 (2013.01); A47J 36/32 (2013.01); A47J 37/0786 (2013.01); G01R 19/16571 (2013.01); G01R 27/14 (2013.01); H02P 29/40 (2016.02); H05B 1/0261 (2013.01); A23V 2002/00 (2013.01); A47J 37/00 (2013.01); F24C 5/16 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system comprising:
at least one data processor; and
memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one data processor, cause the at least one data processor to perform operations comprising:
receiving data characterizing an instruction for an activation of an electrical heating element igniter and an operating mode of a smoke generator that includes the igniter;
determining, based on the operating mode characterized by the received data, a first amount of energy required for an ignition of a fuel source by the igniter;
causing electric current to be provided to the igniter based on the received data such that the igniter is activated;
determining an amount of the electric current provided to the igniter during a period of time during which the igniter is activated;
determining a second amount of energy output by the igniter during the period of time based on the determined amount of the electric current provided to the igniter during the period of time;
determining whether the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy; and
causing the igniter to deactivate in response to determining that the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy.