High-plus gas valves for grills

Abstract

High-plus gas valves for grills are disclosed. An example gas valve includes a chamber and a flow control member. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 659,451, filed Jun. 13, 2024. The entirety of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 659,451 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to gas valves and, more specifically, to high-plus gas valves for grills.BACKGROUND

[0003] Gas grills are typically equipped with a burner assembly including a manifold, a first burner tube, and a first gas valve, with the first gas valve being operatively positioned between the manifold and the first burner tube to control a flow of pressurized gas from the manifold into the first gas valve, and from the first gas valve into the first burner tube. In such conventional gas grill implementations, it is common for a flow control member (e.g., a cone) of the first gas valve to be rotatable (e.g., via a control knob that is operatively coupled to a stem of the first gas valve, which in turn is operatively coupled to the flow control member of the first gas valve) in a specific direction (e.g., counterclockwise) from a no flow position (e.g., an “OFF” position) toward and / or into a high flow position (e.g., a “HIGH” position), from the high flow position toward and / or into a medium flow position (e.g., a “MEDIUM” position), and from the medium flow position toward and / or into a low flow position (e.g., a “LOW” position). The first gas valve is accordingly configured to provide a broad range of gas flow rates associated with the delivery of the pressurized gas to the first burner tube, which in turn enables the first burner tube to generate and / or output heat over a broad range of temperatures.

[0004] In some such implementations, the burner assembly of the gas grill further includes a second burner tube and a second gas valve that are independent and / or distinct from the first burner tube and the first gas valve, with the second gas valve being operatively positioned between the manifold and the second burner tube to control a flow of pressurized gas from the manifold into the second gas valve, and from the second gas valve into the second burner. In some such implementations, the second gas valve is configured to cause the second burner tube to function and / or operate as a sear burner. In this regard, the second gas valve is configured to deliver pressurized gas to the second burner tube at a maximum flow rate that exceeds the maximum flow rate at which the first gas valve is able to deliver pressurized gas to the first burner tube. The heightened maximum gas flow rate associated with the second gas valve enables the second burner to generate and / or output heat at a maximum level that exceeds the maximum heat generated and / or output by the first burner tube. Use of the second gas valve and / or the second burner tube of the burner assembly is typically reserved for instances in which a searing operation is desired in relation to one or more item(s) of food being cooked on the gas grill.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an example gas valve constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the gas valve of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-3.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a front view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-4.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-5.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a top view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-6.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-7.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-8 taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, with the flow control member of the gas valve omitted for enhanced viewability.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-9 taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, with the flow control member of the gas valve omitted for enhanced viewability.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a first perspective view of an example cone constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the cone of FIG. 11.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the cone of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a left side view of the cone of FIGS. 11-13.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a top view of the cone of FIGS. 11-14.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the cone of FIGS. 11-15.

[0021] FIG. 17 is a front view of the cone of FIGS. 11-16.

[0022] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the cone of FIGS. 11-17.

[0023] FIG. 19 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-18 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10, with the cone in an example no flow position.

[0024] FIG. 20 is a partial cutaway view taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-19 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19, with the cone in the no flow position of FIG. 19.

[0025] FIG. 21 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-20 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10, 19, and 20, with the cone in an example high flow position.

[0026] FIG. 22 is a partial cutaway view taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-21 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-21, with the cone in the high flow position of FIG. 21.

[0027] FIG. 23 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-22 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-22, with the cone in an example medium flow position.

[0028] FIG. 24 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-23 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-23, with the cone in an example low flow position.

[0029] FIG. 25 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-24 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-24, with the cone in an example high-plus flow position.

[0030] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of an example burner assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 27 is a side view of the burner assembly of FIG. 26.

[0032] FIG. 28 is a front view of the control knob of the burner assembly of FIGS. 26 and 27, with the control knob in an example no flow position.

[0033] FIG. 29 is a front view of the control knob of FIGS. 26-28, with the control knob in an example high flow position.

[0034] FIG. 30 is a front view of the control knob of FIGS. 26-29, with the control knob in an example medium flow position.

[0035] FIG. 31 is a front view of the control knob of FIGS. 26-30, with the control knob in an example low flow position.

[0036] FIG. 32 is a front view of the control knob of FIGS. 26-31, with the control knob in an example high-plus flow position.

[0037] FIG. 33 is an example table illustrating example maximum heat outputs for corresponding flow positions of the control knob of FIGS. 26-32 and / or corresponding flow positions of the cone of FIGS. 11-25.

[0038] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an example grill constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0039] Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numbers are used to identify the same or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and / or conciseness.

[0040] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly that might, for example, otherwise share a same name.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] As discussed above, gas grills are typically equipped with a burner assembly including a manifold, a first burner tube, and a first gas valve, with the first gas valve being operatively positioned between the manifold and the first burner tube to control a flow of pressurized gas from the manifold into the first gas valve, and from the first gas valve into the first burner tube, and with the first gas valve being configured to provide a broad range of gas flow rates associated with the delivery of the pressurized gas to the first burner tube, which in turn enables the first burner tube to generate and / or output heat over a broad range of temperatures. In some implementations, the burner assembly of the gas grill further includes a second burner tube and a second gas valve, with the second gas valve being operatively positioned between the manifold and the second burner tube to control a flow of pressurized gas from the manifold into the second gas valve, and from the second gas valve into the second burner, and with the second gas valve being configured to cause the second burner tube to function and / or operate as a sear burner. In this regard, the second gas valve is configured to deliver pressurized gas to the second burner tube at a maximum flow rate that exceeds the maximum flow rate at which the first gas valve is able to deliver pressurized gas to the first burner tube. The heightened maximum gas flow rate associated with the second gas valve enables the second burner to generate and / or output heat at a maximum level that exceeds the maximum heat generated and / or output by the first burner tube. Use of the second gas valve and / or the second burner tube of the burner assembly is typically reserved for instances in which a searing operation is desired in relation to one or more item(s) of food being cooked on the gas grill.

[0042] Being forced to use and / or operate a second gas valve and / or a second burner tube independently from a first gas valve and / or a first burner tube when performing a searing operation on a gas grill can be undesirable from a user experience standpoint. Unlike known gas grills that include two separate gas valves configured to separately implement a conventional burner (e.g., limited to a relatively lower maximum heat output) and a sear burner (e.g., having a relatively higher maximum heat output), example high-plus gas valves disclosed herein include a flow control member that advantageously provides a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position, with the high flow position enabling a pressurized gas to flow through the gas valve at a first flow rate, and the high-plus flow position enabling the pressurized gas to flow through the gas valve at a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate.

[0043] In some disclosed examples, a gas valve includes a chamber and a flow control member. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

[0044] In some disclosed examples, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0045] In some disclosed examples, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some disclosed examples, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise. In some disclosed examples, the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position. The second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation. In some disclosed examples, the second direction of rotation is clockwise. In some disclosed examples, the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

[0046] In some disclosed examples, the gas valve further includes a stem operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member. In some disclosed examples, the gas valve further includes a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some disclosed examples, the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

[0047] In some disclosed examples, the gas valve further includes an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The inlet conduit is configured to be coupled to a manifold of a grill such that the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the manifold. The outlet conduit is configured to be coupled to a burner tube of the grill such that the outlet opening is in fluid communication with the burner tube.

[0048] In some examples, a grill is disclosed. In some disclosed examples, the grill includes a gas valve, a manifold, a burner tube, and a control knob. In some disclosed examples, the gas valve includes a chamber, a flow control member, and a stem. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. The stem is operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member. The manifold is in fluid communication with the inlet opening. The burner tube is in fluid communication with the outlet opening. The control knob is operatively coupled to the stem such that rotation of the control knob causes a corresponding rotation of the stem.

[0049] In some disclosed examples of the grill, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0050] In some disclosed examples of the grill, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some disclosed examples, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise. In some disclosed examples of the grill, the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position. The second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation. In some disclosed examples, the second direction of rotation is clockwise. In some disclosed examples of the grill, the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

[0051] In some disclosed examples of the grill, the gas valve further includes a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some disclosed examples, the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

[0052] The above-identified features as well as other advantageous features of example high-plus gas valves for grills as disclosed herein are further described below in connection with the figures of the application.

[0053] As used herein, the term “configured” means sized, shaped, arranged, structured, oriented, positioned, and / or located. For example, in the context of a first part configured to fit within a second part, the first part is sized, shaped, arranged, structured, oriented, positioned, and / or located to fit within the second part.

[0054] As used herein in the context of a first object circumscribing a second object, the term “circumscribe” means that the first object is constructed around and / or defines an area around the second object. In interpreting the term “circumscribe” as used herein, it is to be understood that the first object circumscribing the second object can include gaps and / or can consist of multiple spaced-apart objects, such that a boundary formed by the first object around the second object is not necessarily a continuous boundary.

[0055] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the terms “above” and “below” describe the relationship of two parts relative to Earth. For example, as used herein, a first part is “above” a second part if the second part is closer to Earth than the first part is. As another example, as used herein, a first part is “below” a second part if the first part is closer to Earth than the second part is. It is to be understood that a first part can be above or below a second part with one or more of: another part or parts therebetween; without another part therebetween; with the first and second parts contacting one another; or without the first and second parts contacting one another.

[0056] As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and / or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts at the point (or points) of contact between the two parts.

[0057] As used herein, the term “fastener” means any device(s), structure(s), and / or material(s) that is / are configured, individually or collectively, to couple, connect, attach, and / or fasten one or more component(s) to one or more other component(s). For example, a fastener can be implemented by any type(s) and / or any number(s) of bolts, nuts, screws, posts, anchors, rivets, pins, clips, ties, welds, adhesives, etc.

[0058] As used herein in the context of describing the relationship between two structures, the terms “in fluid communication,”“fluidically connected,” and / or “fluidically coupled” mean that the two structures are individually and / or collectively configured to allow a fluid (e.g., a gas or a liquid) to pass (e.g., to flow) from the first of the two structures to the second of the two structures, or vice-versa. For example, a second flow channel may be described as being in fluid communication with a first flow channel when a fluid (e.g., a gas or a liquid) is able to pass (e.g., to flow) from the first flow channel into the second flow channel, or from the second flow channel into the first flow channel.

[0059] As used herein, the terms “substantially” and / or “approximately” modify their subjects and / or values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “substantially” and / or “approximately” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “substantially” and / or “approximately” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / −10% unless otherwise specified in the description provided herein.

[0060] As used herein, the terms “including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are open-ended terms. Thus, whenever the written description or a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation.

[0061] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a,”“an,”“first,”“second,” etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements, or method actions may be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous.

[0062] The term “and / or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C.

[0063] As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open-ended. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an example gas valve 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the gas valve 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 is a front view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 7 is a top view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-7. The gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 includes an example body 102, a flow control member, an example stem 104, and an example ignition assembly 106. The body 102 of the gas valve 100 is configured to house, contain, carry, and / or support the flow control member, the stem 104, and the ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100, as further described herein.

[0065] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the body 102 of the gas valve 100 includes an example inlet 202, an example inlet conduit 204, an example chamber housing 206, an example first outlet conduit 208, an example first outlet 210, an example second outlet conduit 212, and an example second outlet 214. The inlet 202 of the body 102 is formed by and / or located at an example first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204. The inlet 202 and / or the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 is / are configured to be coupled to a manifold such that a pressurized fluid (e.g., a pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the manifold is able to flow into the inlet 202 and / or into the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204. The inlet 202 of the body 102 is accordingly in fluid communication with the manifold, as further described herein.

[0066] The inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is coupled (e.g., at or proximate to an example second end 218 of the inlet conduit 204) to the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. The inlet conduit 204 is configured to transport and / or carry pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet 202 of the body 102 toward and / or into the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In this regard, the inlet conduit 204 includes and / or defines an inlet flow channel that is fluidically coupled to and extends between the inlet 202 of the body 102 and a chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. The inlet flow channel of the inlet conduit 204 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 19-25.

[0067] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 extends downwardly (e.g., relative to an example horizontal reference frame 302) from the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead extend laterally from (e.g., to the right or to the left of) the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 is oriented vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302). In other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302). In still other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation (e.g., at thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, sixty degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal reference plane 302). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 includes a single linear segment. In other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead include a single curved or contoured segment. In still other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead include a plurality of segments of any types, sizes, and / or orientations, with respective ones of the segments being joined together to form the inlet conduit 204 as a whole.

[0068] The chamber housing 206 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is coupled to the inlet conduit 204, to first outlet conduit 208, and to the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. The chamber housing 206 is configured to transport and / or carry pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 toward and / or into the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102, and / or toward and / or into the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. In this regard, the chamber housing 206 includes and / or defines a chamber that is fluidically coupled to and extends between an inlet flow channel of the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 on the one hand, and respective ones of a first outlet flow channel of the first outlet conduit 208 and a second outlet flow channel of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 on the other hand. The chamber of the chamber housing 206 is configured to receive and / or contain the flow control member of the gas valve 100, with the flow control member being rotatable relative to the chamber of the chamber housing 206 and / or, more generally, relative to the body 102 of the gas valve 100. The chamber of the chamber housing 206 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 19-25. An example flow control member that is configured to be received within the chamber of the chamber housing 206 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 11-25.

[0069] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the chamber housing 206 is oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302). In other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation (e.g., at thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, sixty degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal reference plane 302). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, a first portion (e.g., a front portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located forward from and / or relative to the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102, and a second portion (e.g., a rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located rearward from and / or relative to the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102. In other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be configured such the first portion (e.g., the front portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located forward from and / or relative to the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102, and the second portion (e.g., the rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 does not extend or project, and / or is not located rearward from and / or relative to, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102. In other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be configured such the first portion (e.g., the front portion) of the chamber housing 206 does not extend or project, and / or is not located forward from and / or relative to, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102, and the second portion (e.g., the rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located rearward from and / or relative to the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102.

[0070] The first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is coupled (e.g., at or proximate to an example first end 220 of the first outlet conduit 208) to the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. The first outlet conduit 208 is configured to transport and / or carry pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 toward and / or to the first outlet 210 of the body 102. In this regard, the first outlet conduit 208 includes and / or defines a first outlet flow channel that is fluidically coupled to and extends between the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 and the first outlet 210 of the body 102. The first outlet flow channel of the first outlet conduit 208 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 19-25.

[0071] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102 extends rearwardly and upwardly (e.g., relative to the horizontal reference plane 302) from the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In other examples, the first outlet conduit 208 can additionally or alternatively extend laterally (e.g., to the right or to the left) from the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first outlet conduit 208 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to a central axis of a chamber (e.g., the chamber 904 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) of the chamber housing 206. In other examples, the first outlet conduit 208 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102 includes a single linear segment. In other examples, the first outlet conduit 208 can instead include a single curved or contoured segment. In still other examples, the first outlet conduit 208204 can instead include a plurality of segments of any types, sizes, and / or orientations, with respective ones of the segments being joined together to form the first outlet conduit 208 as a whole.

[0072] The first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is configured to engage and / or to be coupled to an end portion of a burner tube. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the first outlet conduit 208 is configured to be inserted into an open end of a burner tube such that the burner tube circumscribes the first outlet conduit 208. The first outlet 210 of the body 102 is formed by and / or located at an example second end 222 of the first outlet conduit 208. The first outlet 210 and / or the second end 222 of the first outlet conduit 208 is / are configured to be coupled to a burner tube such that a pressurized fluid (e.g., a pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the first outlet conduit 208 and / or the first outlet 210 is able to flow into the burner tube. The burner tube is accordingly in fluid communication with the first outlet 210 of the body 102, as further described herein.

[0073] The second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is coupled (e.g., at or proximate to an example first end 602 of the second outlet conduit 212) to the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. The second outlet conduit 212 is configured to transport and / or carry pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 toward and / or to the second outlet 214 of the body 102. In this regard, the second outlet conduit 212 includes and / or defines a second outlet flow channel that is fluidically coupled to and extends between the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 and the second outlet 214 of the body 102. The second outlet flow channel of the second outlet conduit 212 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 19-25.

[0074] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 includes an example first segment 224 and an example second segment 226, with the second segment 226 being coupled to the first segment 224. In other examples, the second outlet conduit 212 can include a different number (e.g., 1, 3, 4, etc.) of segments. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 extends laterally from (e.g., to the right or to the left of) the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 such that at least a portion of the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 is located to the side of the chamber housing 206. In other examples, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead extend upwardly from the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 is oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302). In other examples, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be oriented vertically (e.g., at ninety degrees relative to the horizontal reference plane 302). In still other examples, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation (e.g., at thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, sixty degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal reference plane 302). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 is linear. In other examples, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be curved or contoured.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, a first portion (e.g., a front portion) of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 extends, projects, and / or is located forward from and / or relative to the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102, and a second portion (e.g., a rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 extends, projects, and / or is located rearward from and / or relative to the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. In other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be configured such the first portion (e.g., the front portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located forward from and / or relative to the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212, and the second portion (e.g., the rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 does not extend or project, and / or is not located rearward from and / or relative to, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212. In still other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be configured such the first portion (e.g., the front portion) of the chamber housing 206 does not extend or project, and / or is not located forward from and / or relative to, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212, and the second portion (e.g., the rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located rearward from and / or relative to the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212.

[0076] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 extends rearwardly from the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212. In other examples, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 can additionally or alternatively extend laterally (e.g., to the right or to the left), upwardly, or downwardly from the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In other examples, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 is linear. In other examples, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be curved or contoured.

[0077] The second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 of FIGS. 1-8 is configured to engage, be coupled to, and / or extend toward an end portion of an example ignition conduit 108 of the ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 extends toward a front end of the ignition conduit 108. The second outlet 214 of the body 102 is formed by and / or located at an example second end 228 of the second outlet conduit 212. The second outlet 214 and / or the second end 228 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 is / are configured to be coupled to the ignition conduit 108 of the ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100 such that a pressurized fluid (e.g., a pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the second outlet conduit 212 and / or the second outlet 214 is able to flow into the ignition conduit 108. The ignition conduit 108 is accordingly in fluid communication with the second outlet 214 of the body 102, as further described herein.

[0078] The stem 104 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 is rotatable relative to the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8 the stem 104 extends forwardly from the body 102 such that at least a portion (e.g., an example front end 110) of the stem 104 is located in front of the body 102. A first portion (e.g., the front end 110) of the stem 104 is configured to be operatively and / or mechanically coupled to a control knob of a grill such that a rotation (e.g., a clockwise rotation or a counter-clockwise rotation) of the control knob about an axis of rotation of the control knob causes a corresponding rotation of the stem 104 about an axis of rotation of the stem 104. In some examples, the axis of rotation of the stem and the axis of rotation of the control knob are coaxially arranged relative to one another. A second portion (e.g., a rear end) of the stem 104 is configured to be operatively and / or mechanically coupled to the flow control member of the gas valve 100 such that a rotation (e.g., a clockwise rotation or a counter-clockwise rotation) of the stem 104 about an axis of rotation of the stem 104 causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member about an axis of rotation of the flow control member, whereby rotation of the flow control member occurs within and / or relative to the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In some examples, the axis of rotation of the stem and the axis of rotation of the flow control member are coaxially arranged relative to one another. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the stem 104 is oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302). In other examples, the stem 104 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation (e.g., at thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, sixty degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal reference plane 302).

[0079] The ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 is configured to ignite and / or induce the ignition of combustible fluid (e.g., combustible gas) that passes and / or flows through the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition assembly 106 includes the ignition conduit 108 described above, and further includes an example spark generator 112. The ignition conduit 108 is coupled (e.g., via a clip) to the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition conduit 108 extends rearwardly from the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212. In other examples, the ignition conduit 108 can additionally or alternatively extend laterally (e.g., to the right or to the left), upwardly, or downwardly from the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition conduit 108 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In other examples, the ignition conduit 108 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition conduit 108 is linear. In other examples, the ignition conduit 108 can instead be curved or contoured.

[0080] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition conduit 108 includes an example inlet 114 located at an example first end 116 of the ignition conduit 108, and further includes an example outlet 118 located at an example second end 120 of the ignition conduit 108. The inlet 114 of the ignition conduit 108 is in fluid communication with the second outlet 214 of the body 102 of the gas valve 100 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) exiting the body 102 of the gas valve 100 via the second outlet 214 of the body 102 passes (e.g., flows) into the inlet 114 of the ignition conduit 108. The spark generator 112 of the ignition assembly 106 is coupled (e.g., via a clip) to the ignition conduit 108, with the spark generator 112 being oriented and / or positioned relative to the ignition conduit 108 such that an example tip 122 of the spark generator 112 is located adjacent and / or proximate to the outlet 118 of the ignition conduit 108, thereby enabling the spark generator 112 to ignite combustible gas (e.g., via a spark provided by the tip 122 of the spark generator 112) as the combustible gas exits the outlet 118 of the ignition conduit 108.

[0081] FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, with the flow control member of the gas valve 100 omitted for enhanced viewability. FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-9 taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, with the flow control member of the gas valve 100 omitted for enhanced viewability. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the body 102 of the gas valve 100 includes and / or defines an example gas train 900 extending from the inlet 202 of the body 102 to respective ones of the first outlet 210 and the second outlet 214 of the body 102. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the gas train 900 includes the inlet 202, an example inlet flow channel 902, an example chamber 904, an example first outlet flow channel 906, the first outlet 210, an example second outlet flow channel 1002, and the second outlet 214.

[0082] The inlet 202 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located at the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102. The inlet 202 of the gas train 900 is configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet and / or an opening of a manifold such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the manifold is able to flow from the manifold into and / or through the inlet 202.

[0083] The inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located within the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102. The inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the inlet 202 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the inlet 202 is able to flow from the inlet 202 into the inlet flow channel 902. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 extends downwardly from the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 can instead extend laterally from (e.g., to the right or to the left of) the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. As further shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 is oriented vertically. In other examples, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 can instead be oriented horizontally. In still other examples, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation.

[0084] The chamber 904 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located within the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the chamber 904 includes an example inlet opening 908, an example first outlet opening 910, and an example second outlet opening 912. The chamber 904 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the inlet flow channel 902 is able to flow from the inlet flow channel 902 into the chamber 904 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 into the chamber 904 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first outlet opening 910 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 respectively lead to separate exit pathways defined by the gas train 900. The first exit pathway of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10, which originates at the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904, includes the first outlet flow channel 906 and the first outlet 210. The chamber 904 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the chamber 904 is able to flow from the chamber 904 into the first outlet flow channel 906 via the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber 904 into the first outlet flow channel 906 via the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0086] The second exit pathway of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10, which originates at the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904, includes the second outlet flow channel 1002 and the second outlet 214. The chamber 904 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the chamber 904 is able to flow from the chamber 904 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber 904 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 is configured to receive and / or contain the flow control member of the gas valve 100, with the flow control member being rotatable (e.g., about an example central axis 914 of the chamber 904) within and / or relative to the chamber 904 and / or, more generally, relative to the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the chamber 904 has a conical shape configured to receive and / or contain a conically-shaped flow control member (e.g., a cone). An example conically-shaped flow control member that is configured to be received within the chamber 904 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 11-25. In other examples, the chamber 904 can instead have a cylindrical shape configured to receive a cylindrically-shaped flow control member, or a spherical shape configured to receive a spherically-shaped flow control member.

[0088] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 is located between the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. In other examples, the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904 can be located between the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. In still other examples, the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 can be located between the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0089] The first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located within the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102. The first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the chamber 904 is able to flow from the chamber 904 into the first outlet flow channel 906 via the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber 904 into the first outlet flow channel 906 via the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 extends rearwardly and upwardly (e.g., relative to the horizontal reference plane 302) from the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the first outlet flow channel 906 can additionally or alternatively extend laterally (e.g., to the right or to the left) from the chamber 904. As further shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the first outlet flow channel 906 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904.

[0091] The first outlet 210 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located at the second end 222 of the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102. The first outlet 210 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the first outlet flow channel 906 is able to flow from the first outlet flow channel 906 into and / or through the first outlet 210. The first outlet 210 of the gas train 900 is also configured to be in fluid communication with an open end of a burner tube operatively positioned downstream from the first outlet 210 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the first outlet 210 is able to flow from the first outlet 210 into the burner tube.

[0092] The second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located within the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. The second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the chamber 904 is able to flow from the chamber 904 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber 904 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 extends first laterally, then rearwardly and upwardly (e.g., relative to the horizontal reference plane 302) from the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. As further shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a first portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 located downstream from the chamber 904 extends transversely (e.g., along the horizontal reference plane 302) from the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the first portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 can instead be oriented vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302), or at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904. As further shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a second portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 located downstream from the first portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the second portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904.

[0094] The second outlet 214 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located at the second end 228 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. The second outlet 214 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the second outlet flow channel 1002 is able to flow from the second outlet flow channel 1002 into and / or through the second outlet 214. The second outlet 214 of the gas train 900 is also configured to be in fluid communication with the first end 116 of the ignition conduit 108 of the gas valve 100 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the second outlet 214 is able to flow from the second outlet 214 into the ignition conduit 108.

[0095] FIG. 11 is a first perspective view of an example cone 1100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the cone 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a right side view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 14 is a left side view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-13. FIG. 15 is a top view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-14. FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-15. FIG. 17 is a front view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-16. FIG. 18 is a rear view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-17. The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 can be implemented as the flow control member of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 described above. In this regard, the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 includes an example sidewall 1102 having an example outer surface 1104 and an example inner surface 1202. The outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 has a conical shape that is configured to engage and / or fit snugly within, but remains rotatable relative to, the conically-shaped chamber 904 of the gas train 900 of the gas valve 100. The inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is located radially inward of the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. The inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 defines an example flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100.

[0096] The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 further includes an example first end 1106 (e.g., a front end) and an example second end 1108 (e.g., a rear end) located opposite the first end 1106. The first end 1106 of the cone 1100 is closed such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is not able to flow out of the flow chamber 1204 through the first end 1106 of the cone 1100. The second end 1108 of the cone 1100 is open such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is able to flow out of the flow chamber 1204 through the second end 1108 of the cone 1100.

[0097] The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 has an example central axis 1302 extending between the first end 1106 and the second end 1108 of the cone 1100. The central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 also serves as an axis of rotation of the cone 1100. In this regard, the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 is coaxially positioned relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 of the gas valve 100 when the cone 1100 is disposed within the chamber 904. When so disposed, the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 is also coaxially positioned relative to an axis of rotation of the stem 104 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the first end 1106 of the cone 1100 includes example flanges 1110 configured to be mechanically engaged by and / or mechanically coupled (e.g., either directly or indirectly operatively coupled) to one or more structural component(s) (e.g., a link, a rod, a pin, a fitting, a spring, etc.) of the stem 104 of the gas valve 100 such that rotational movement of the stem 104 about the axis of rotation of the stem 104 causes a corresponding rotational movement of the cone 1100 about the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100, and / or about the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 when the cone 1100 is disposed in the chamber 904.

[0098] The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 further includes an example first inlet opening 1206, an example second inlet opening 1112, and an example third inlet opening 1114, each of which extends through the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 (e.g., from the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 to the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the diameter of the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 is greater than the diameter of the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100, and less than the diameter of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100. The diameter of the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 is less than the diameter of the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 and less than the diameter of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100. The diameter of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 is greater than the diameter of the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 and greater than the diameter of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 11-18, the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and the third inlet opening 1114 are spaced apart from one another and circumferentially arranged about the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the first inlet opening 1206 and the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 are fluidically connected to one another along the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 via an example channel 1116 formed in the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. The channel 1116 extends between the first inlet opening 1206 and the second inlet opening 1112 to create a continuous (e.g., joined) inlet opening that extends circumferentially about an arc portion of the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. As shown in FIGS. 11-18, the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 is circumferentially isolated from the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and / or the channel 1116 of the cone 1100 along the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. The third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 is accordingly not fluidically connected to and / or with the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 along the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, and is also not fluidically connected to and / or with the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 along the outer surface 1104 if the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. In some examples, a portion of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 that is located proximate the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is fluidically coupled to a portion of the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 that is likewise located proximate to the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. Such an arrangement between the third inlet opening 1114 and the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 can be seen, for example, in FIG. 24 described below.

[0100] The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 further includes an example first outlet opening 1208 and an example second outlet opening 1118. The first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 is formed and / or located at the second end 1108 (e.g., the rear end) of the cone 1100. The second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 extends through the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 (e.g., from the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 to the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the diameter of the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 is approximately equal to the diameter of the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100. In other examples, the diameter of the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 can instead be greater than or less than the diameter of the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 is located forward of each of the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100. In other examples, the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 can instead be located rearward of the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and / or the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100.

[0101] When the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 is disposed within the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 and / or into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100, and movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 and / or the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 into respective ones of the first outlet flow channel 906 and / or the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 is controlled by the rotational position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904. In this regard, the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 is rotatable relative to the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 between a closed position (e.g., a no flow position) and one or more open position(s) (e.g., one or more controlled flow position(s)). Placing the cone 1100 in the closed position prevents the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 into the chamber 904 and / or the flow chamber 1204, and / or prevents the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 and / or the chamber 904 into respective ones of the first outlet flow channel 906 and / or the second outlet flow channel 1002. Conversely, placing the cone 1100 in one of the open position(s) enables the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 into the chamber 904 and / or the flow chamber 1204, and / or enables the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 and / or the chamber 904 into respective ones of the first outlet flow channel 906 and / or the second outlet flow channel 1002.

[0102] In some examples, the cone 1100 is rotatable within the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position, as further described herein. In some examples, the high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber 904 at a first flow rate, and the high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber 904 at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. In some examples, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0103] In some examples, the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 is rotatable about the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 and / or about the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some examples, the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 is further rotatable about the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 and / or about the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position. In some examples, the first direction of rotation of the cone 1100 is counterclockwise. In some examples, the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 is rotatable about the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 and / or about the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position. The second direction of rotation of the cone 1100 is opposite the first direction of rotation of the cone 1100. In some examples, the second direction of rotation of the cone 1100 is clockwise.

[0104] FIG. 19 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10, with the cone 1100 in an example no flow position 1900. FIG. 20 is a partial cutaway view taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-19 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19, with the cone 1100 in the no flow position 1900 of FIG. 19. The no flow position 1900 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is a closed position (e.g., a zero flow position) of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900.

[0105] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the no flow position 1900 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, none of the inlet openings (e.g., the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and the third inlet opening 1114) formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904.

[0106] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the no flow position 1900 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, there is also a lack of alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904.

[0107] FIG. 21 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-20 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10, 19, and 20, with the cone 1100 in an example high flow position 2100. FIG. 22 is a partial cutaway view taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-21 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-21, with the cone 1100 in the high flow position 2100 of FIG. 21. The high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is a first open position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900.

[0108] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the first inlet opening 1206 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 and the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100. When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is also in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0109] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. Positioning the cone 1100 in the high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 can accordingly promote and / or cause the ignition of pressurized combustible fluid (e.g., pressurized combustible gas) that flows through the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 into the ignition conduit 108 of the ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100, as described above.

[0110] FIG. 23 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-22 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-22, with the cone 1100 in an example medium flow position 2300. The medium flow position 2300 shown in FIG. 23 is a second open position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. The medium flow position 2300 of FIG. 23 is an intermediate position located approximately midway between the high flow position 2100 of FIGS. 21 and 22 described above and the low flow position 2400 of FIG. 24 further described below.

[0111] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the medium flow position 2300 shown in FIG. 23 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the channel 1116 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the channel 1116 of the cone 1100 and the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904, the channel 1116 of the cone 1100, and either or both of the first inlet opening 1206 and / or the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 that are respectively fluidically connected to the channel 1116. When the cone 1100 is positioned in the medium flow position 2300 shown in FIG. 23 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is also in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0112] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the medium flow position 2300 shown in FIG. 23 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, there is still a lack of alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904.

[0113] FIG. 24 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-23 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-23, with the cone 1100 in an example low flow position 2400. The low flow position 2400 shown in FIG. 24 is a third open position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900.

[0114] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the low flow position 2400 shown in FIG. 24 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the second inlet opening 1112 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 and the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100. When the cone 1100 is positioned in the low flow position 2400 shown in FIG. 24 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is also in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0115] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the low flow position 2400 shown in FIG. 24 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, there is still a lack of alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904.

[0116] As further shown in FIG. 24, the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 is not fluidically connected to and / or with the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 along the outer surface 1104 if the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. A portion of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 that is located proximate the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, however, is fluidically coupled to a portion of the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 that is likewise located proximate to the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. In some examples, the fluidic coupling formed between the third inlet opening 1114 and the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 along and / or proximate the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 advantageously facilitates a continuous flow of pressurized gas through the gas valve 100 as the cone 1100 is moved from the low flow position 2400 of FIG. 24 into the high-plus flow position 2500 of FIG. 25 described below.

[0117] FIG. 25 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-24 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-24, with the cone 1100 in an example high-plus flow position 2500. The high-plus flow position 2500 shown in FIG. 25 is a fourth open position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900.

[0118] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high-plus flow position 2500 shown in FIG. 25 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the third inlet opening 1114 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 and the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100. When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high-plus flow position 2500 shown in FIG. 25 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is also in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0119] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high-plus flow position 2500 shown in FIG. 25 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, there is still a lack of alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904.

[0120] In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 19-25, the no flow position 1900 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a first gas flow rate of the gas valve 100, the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a second gas flow rate of the gas valve 100, the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a third gas flow rate of the gas valve 100, the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a fourth gas flow rate of the gas valve 100, and the high-plus flow position 2500 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a fifth gas flow rate of the gas valve 100. The first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900 is zero (e.g., no flow due to the closed nature of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900). The second gas flow rate associated with the high flow position 2100 is greater than the first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900, greater than the third gas flow rate associated with the medium flow position 2300, greater than the fourth gas flow rate associated with the low flow position 2400, and less than the fifth gas flow rate associated with the high-plus flow position 2500. The third gas flow rate associated with the medium flow position 2300 is greater than the first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900, less than the second gas flow rate associated with the high flow position 2100, greater than the fourth gas flow rate associated with the low flow position 2400, and less than the fifth gas flow rate associated with the high-plus flow position 2500. The fourth gas flow rate associated with the low flow position 2400 is greater than the first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900, less than the second gas flow rate associated with the high flow position 2100, less than the third gas flow rate associated with the medium flow position 2300, and less than the fifth gas flow rate associated with the high-plus flow position 2500. The fifth gas flow rate associated with the high-plus flow position 2500 is greater than the first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900, greater than the second gas flow rate associated with the high flow position 2100, greater than the third gas flow rate associated with the medium flow position 2300, and greater than the fourth gas flow rate associated with the low flow position 2400.

[0121] In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 19-25, the no flow position 1900 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20), the high flow position 2100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22), the medium flow position 2300 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23), the low flow position 2400 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24), and the high-plus flow position 2500 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) of the cone 1100 are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position 2100 is located between the no flow position 1900 and the medium flow position 2300, the medium flow position 2300 is located between the high flow position 2100 and the low flow position 2400, the low flow position 2400 is located between the medium flow position 2300 and the high-plus flow position 2500, the high-plus flow position 2500 is located between the low flow position 2400 and the no flow position 1900, and the no flow position 1900 is located between the high-plus flow position 2500 and the high flow position 2100.

[0122] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the aforementioned flow positions are sequentially arranged in a counterclockwise direction of rotation moving from the no flow position 1900 to the high flow position 2100, from the high flow position 2100 to the medium flow position 2300, from the medium flow position 2300 to the low flow position 2400, from the low flow position 2400 to the high-plus flow position 2500, and from the high-plus flow position 2500 returning to the no flow position 1900. In other examples, the aforementioned flow positions can instead be sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction of rotation (e.g., opposite to what is shown and described in connection with FIGS. 19-25) moving from the no flow position 1900 to the high flow position 2100, from the high flow position 2100 to the medium flow position 2300, from the medium flow position 2300 to the low flow position 2400, from the low flow position 2400 to the high-plus flow position 2500, and from the high-plus flow position 2500 returning to the no flow position 1900.

[0123] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22) is circumferentially spaced apart from the no flow position 1900 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) by approximately ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the no flow position 1900 of the cone 1100 by greater than or less than ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23) is circumferentially spaced apart from the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22) by approximately ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 by greater than or less than ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24) is circumferentially spaced apart from the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23) by approximately forty-five degrees) (45° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 by greater than or less than forty-five degrees) (45° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the high-plus flow position 2500 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) is circumferentially spaced apart from the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24) by approximately fifty-five degrees) (55° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the high-plus flow position 2500 of the cone 1100 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 by greater than or less than fifty-five degrees) (55° in the counterclockwise direction.

[0124] In some examples, the stem 104 of the gas valve 100 is movable (e.g., slidable and / or translatable) in an axial direction (e.g., along the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 and / or along the central axis 914 of the chamber 904) relative to the cone 1100 and / or relative to the chamber 904 such that the stem 104 can be translated relative to the cone 1100 and / or relative to the chamber 904. In some such examples, the stem 104 is translatable relative to the cone 1100 and / or relative to the chamber 904 between a forward position and a rearward position. In some such examples, the gas valve 100 includes a biasing element (e.g., a spring) that biases the stem 104 into the forward position.

[0125] For implementations of the gas valve 100 in which the stem 104 of the gas valve 100 is translatable relative to the cone 1100 and / or relative to the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100, the gas valve 100 can also include one or more mechanical detent(s) configured to restrict the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from being rotated from a first one of the aforementioned flow positions into a second one of the aforementioned flow positions that neighbors and / or is circumferentially adjacent to the first one of the aforementioned flow positions. Each such mechanical detent is further configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the first one of the aforementioned flow positions into the second one of the aforementioned flow positions is preceded by a translational movement of the stem 104 from the forward position into the rearward position. Implementation of the mechanical detent(s) advantageously prevents unintentional (e.g., inadvertent, or accidental) rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the first one of the aforementioned flow positions into the second one of the aforementioned flow positions.

[0126] In some examples, the gas valve 100 includes a first mechanical detent configured to restrict the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 to be rotated (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the no flow position 1900 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) into the high flow position 2100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22). The first mechanical detent is further configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the no flow position 1900 into the high flow position 2100 is preceded by a translational movement of the stem 104 from the forward position into the rearward position. The first mechanical detent advantageously prevents unintentional (e.g., inadvertent, or accidental) rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the no flow position 1900 into the high flow position 2100.

[0127] In some examples, the gas valve 100 additionally or alternatively includes a second mechanical detent configured to restrict the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from being rotated (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the low flow position 2400 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24) into the high-plus flow position 2500 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25). The second mechanical detent is further configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the low flow position 2400 into the high-plus flow position 2500 is preceded by a translational movement of the stem 104 from the forward position into the rearward position. The second mechanical detent advantageously prevents unintentional (e.g., inadvertent, or accidental) rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the low flow position 2400 into the high-plus flow position 2500.

[0128] In some examples, the gas valve 100 additionally or alternatively includes a third mechanical detent configured to restrict the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from being rotated (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the high-plus flow position 2500 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) into the no flow position 1900 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20). The third mechanical detent is further configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the high-plus flow position 2500 into the no flow position 1900 is preceded by a translational movement of the stem 104 from the forward position into the rearward position. The third mechanical detent advantageously prevents unintentional (e.g., inadvertent, or accidental) rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the high-plus flow position 2500 into the no flow position 1900.

[0129] The gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25 can be implemented in a variety of burner assemblies. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of an example burner assembly 2600 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. FIG. 27 is a side view of the burner assembly 2600 of FIG. 26. The burner assembly 2600 of FIGS. 26 and 27 includes the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25, and further includes an example manifold 2602, an example burner tube 2604, and an example control knob 2606. Although not shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the burner assembly 2600 can further include one or more additional instance(s) of the gas valve 100, and a corresponding one or more additional instance(s) of the burner tube 2604 and the control knob 2606.

[0130] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 26 and 27, an example inlet 2608 of the manifold 2602 of the burner assembly 2600 is configured to be fluidically coupled (e.g., via one or more conduit(s)) to a fuel source. In some examples, the fuel source can be implemented by and / or as a fuel tank (e.g., a propane cylinder). In other examples, the fuel source can instead be implemented by and / or as a piped natural gas line. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 26 and 27, the inlet 202 and / or the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204 of the gas valve 100 is / are fluidically coupled to the manifold 2602 of the burner assembly 2600 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the manifold 2602 is able to flow from an outlet and / or an opening of the manifold 2602 into the inlet 202 and / or into the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204. The second end 222 of the first outlet conduit 208 of the gas valve 100 and / or the first outlet 210 of the gas valve 100 is / are fluidically coupled to an example open end 2610 (e.g., a front end) of the burner tube 2604 of the burner assembly 2600 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the first outlet conduit 208 and / or the first outlet 210 is able to flow from the first outlet conduit 208 and / or the first outlet 210 into the open end 2610 of the burner tube 2604. The burner tube 2604 of the burner assembly 2600 includes a plurality of example ports 2612 through which an open flame can be emitted in response to combustion of the pressurized gas within the burner tube 2604.

[0131] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 26 and 27, the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is mechanically coupled to the stem 104 of the gas valve 100 such that rotation of the control knob 2606 causes a corresponding rotation of the stem 104 about an axis of rotation of the stem 104, which is coaxially aligned with the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 as well as the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100. Rotation of the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 accordingly causes a corresponding rotation not only of the stem 104 of the gas valve 100, but also of the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 that is operatively coupled to the stem 104.

[0132] The control knob 2606 is rotatable among a plurality of flow positions that respectively correspond to the above-described flow positions associated with the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 19-25). FIG. 28 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 of FIGS. 26 and 27, with the control knob 2606 in an example no flow position 2800. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the no flow position 2800 of FIG. 28 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the no flow position 1900 of FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 29 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26- 28, with the control knob 2606 in an example high flow position 2900. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the high flow position 2900 of FIG. 29 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the high flow position 2100 of FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 30 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26-29, with the control knob 2606 in an example medium flow position 3000. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the medium flow position 3000 of FIG. 30 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the medium flow position 2300 of FIG. 23. FIG. 31 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26-30, with the control knob 2606 in an example low flow position 3100. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the low flow position 3100 of FIG. 31 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the low flow position 2400 of FIG. 24. FIG. 32 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26-31, with the control knob 2606 in an example high-plus flow position 3200. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the high-plus flow position 3200 of FIG. 32 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the high-plus flow position 2500 of FIG. 25.

[0133] In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 28-32, the no flow position 2800 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 28), the high flow position 2900 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 29), the medium flow position 3000 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 30), the low flow position 3100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31), and the high-plus flow position 3200 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32) of the control knob 2606 are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position 2900 is located between the no flow position 2800 and the medium flow position 3000, the medium flow position 3000 is located between the high flow position 2900 and the low flow position 3100, the low flow position 3100 is located between the medium flow position 3000 and the high-plus flow position 3200, the high-plus flow position 3200 is located between the low flow position 3100 and the no flow position 2800, and the no flow position 2800 is located between the high-plus flow position 3200 and the high flow position 2900.

[0134] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the aforementioned flow positions of the control knob 2606 are sequentially arranged in a counterclockwise direction of rotation moving from the no flow position 2800 to the high flow position 2900, from the high flow position 2900 to the medium flow position 3000, from the medium flow position 3000 to the low flow position 3100, from the low flow position 3100 to the high-plus flow position 3200, and from the high-plus flow position 3200 returning to the no flow position 28000. In other examples, the aforementioned flow positions of the control knob 2606 can instead be sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction of rotation (e.g., opposite to what is shown and described in connection with FIGS. 28-32) moving from the no flow position 2800 to the high flow position 2900, from the high flow position 2900 to the medium flow position 3000, from the medium flow position 3000 to the low flow position 3100, from the low flow position 3100 to the high-plus flow position 3200, and from the high-plus flow position 3200 returning to the no flow position 2800.

[0135] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 is circumferentially spaced apart from the no flow position 2800 of the control knob 2606 by approximately ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the no flow position 2800 of the control knob 2606 by greater than or less than ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 is circumferentially spaced apart from the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 by approximately ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 by greater than or less than ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 is circumferentially spaced apart from the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 by approximately forty-five degrees) (45° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 by greater than or less than forty-five degrees) (45° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the high-plus flow position 3200 of the control knob 2606 is circumferentially spaced apart from the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 by approximately fifty-five degrees) (55° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the high-plus flow position 3200 of the control knob 2606 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 by greater than or less than fifty-five degrees) (55° in the counterclockwise direction.

[0136] As discussed above, the various flow positions associated with the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 and / or associated with the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 provide, enable, and / or cause different gas flow rates of the gas valve 100. The different gas flow rates of the gas valve 100 in turn provide, enable, and / or cause corresponding different maximum heat outputs of the burner tube 2604 of the burner assembly 2600. FIG. 33 is an example table 3300 illustrating maximum heat outputs for corresponding flow positions of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26-32 and / or corresponding flow positions of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-25. As shown in FIG. 33, the maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the no flow position 1900 of the cone 1100 and / or the no flow position 2800 of the control knob 2606 is zero British thermal units (0 BTU). The maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 and / or the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 is seven thousand British thermal units (7000 BTU). The maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 and / or the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 is five thousand five hundred British thermal units (5500 BTU). The maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 and / or the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 is four thousand five hundred British thermal units (4500 BTU). The maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the high-plus flow position 2500 of the cone 1100 and / or the high-plus flow position 3200 of the control knob 2606 is ten thousand five hundred British thermal units (10500 BTU).

[0137] The burner assembly 2600 of FIGS. 26 and 27 can be implemented in a variety of grills. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an example grill 3400 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The grill 3400 of FIG. 34 is a gas grill that includes the burner assembly 2600 of FIGS. 26 and 27, and further includes an example cookbox 3402, an example frame 3404, and an example lid 3406. The cookbox 3402 is configured to support one or more portion(s) of the burner assembly 2600 such that heat generated and / or output by the burner tube(s) of the burner assembly 2600 is contained within the cookbox 3402. The cookbox 3402 is further configured to support one or more cooking grate(s) such that the heat generated and / or output by the burner tube(s) of the burner assembly 2600 cooks one or more item(s) of food located on the cooking grate(s). The frame 3404 of the grill 3400 of FIG. 34 supports the cookbox 3402 of the grill 3400 above an underlying ground surface. The frame 3404 can be formed from any number and any type of structural component(s) (e.g., one or more panel(s), bar(s), rod(s), post(s), leg(s), etc.) arranged in any manner that facilitates supporting the cookbox 3402 above an underlying ground surface when the grill 3400 is in use.

[0138] The lid 3406 of the grill 3400 of FIG. 34 is configured to cover and / or enclose a cooking chamber formed by the cookbox 3402 and the lid 3406 of the grill 3400. The lid 3406 is pivotally coupled to the cookbox 3402 such that the lid 3406 is movable between a closed position (e.g., a lowered position) that generally prevents access to the cooking chamber of the grill 3400, and an open position (e.g., a raised position) that generally enables access to the cooking chamber of the grill 3400. Movement of the lid 3406 between the closed position and the open position can be facilitated via user interaction with an example handle 3408 that is coupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the lid 3406.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 34, the burner assembly 2600 and / or, more generally, the grill 3400 includes a total of four control knobs, each of which is operatively coupled to a respective stem of a respective gas valve of the burner assembly 2600. In the illustrated example of FIG. 34, any and / or all of the gas valves that form part of the burner assembly 2600 can be implemented by a separate instance of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25 described above. For example, the various gas valves that form part of the burner assembly 2600 of the grill 3400 of FIG. 34 can be implemented by a combination of at least one gas valve 100 as shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25 (e.g., a gas valve that includes a high-plus flow position), and at least one conventional gas valve (e.g., a gas valve that lacks a high-plus flow position). As another example, the various gas valves that form part of the burner assembly 2600 of the grill 3400 of FIG. 34 can be implemented exclusively by separate instances of the gas valve 100 as shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25 (e.g., a gas valve that includes a high-plus flow position).

[0140] The following paragraphs provide various examples in relation to the disclosed high-plus gas valves for grills.

[0141] Example 1 includes a gas valve. In Example 1, the gas valve includes a chamber and a flow control member. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

[0142] Example 2 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 2, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0143] Example 3 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 3, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

[0144] Example 4 includes the gas valve of Example 3. In Example 4, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise.

[0145] Example 5 includes the gas valve of Example 3. In Example 5, the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position. The second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation.

[0146] Example 6 includes the gas valve of Example 5. In Example 6, the second direction of rotation is clockwise.

[0147] Example 7 includes the gas valve of Example 3. In Example 7, the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

[0148] Example 8 includes the gas valve of Example 3. In Example 8, the gas valve further includes a stem operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member.

[0149] Example 9 includes the gas valve of Example 8. In Example 9, the gas valve further includes a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

[0150] Example 10 includes the gas valve of Example 9. In Example 10, the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

[0151] Example 11 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 11, the gas valve further includes an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The inlet conduit is configured to be coupled to a manifold of a grill such that the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the manifold. The outlet conduit is configured to be coupled to a burner tube of the grill such that the outlet opening is in fluid communication with the burner tube.

[0152] Example 12 includes a grill. In Example 12, the grill includes a gas valve, a manifold, a burner tube, and a control knob. In Example 12, the gas valve includes a chamber, a flow control member, and a stem. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. The stem is operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member. The manifold is in fluid communication with the inlet opening. The burner tube is in fluid communication with the outlet opening. The control knob is operatively coupled to the stem such that rotation of the control knob causes a corresponding rotation of the stem.

[0153] Example 13 includes the grill of Example 12. In Example 13, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0154] Example 14 includes the grill of Example 12. In Example 14, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

[0155] Example 15 includes the grill of Example 14. In Example 15, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise.

[0156] Example 16 includes the grill of Example 14. In Example 16, the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation.

[0157] Example 17 includes the grill of Example 16. In Example 17, the second direction of rotation is clockwise.

[0158] Example 18 includes the grill of Example 14. In Example 18, the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

[0159] Example 19 includes the rill of Example 14. In Example 19, the gas valve further includes a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

[0160] Example 20 includes the grill of Example 19. In Example 20, the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

[0161] Although certain example apparatus, systems, methods, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus, systems, methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

[0162] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

Examples

example 1

[0141 includes a gas valve. In Example 1, the gas valve includes a chamber and a flow control member. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

example 2

[0142 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 2, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

example 3

[0143 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 3, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 659,451, filed Jun. 13, 2024. The entirety of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 659,451 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to gas valves and, more specifically, to high-plus gas valves for grills.BACKGROUND

[0003] Gas grills are typically equipped with a burner assembly including a manifold, a first burner tube, and a first gas valve, with the first gas valve being operatively positioned between the manifold and the first burner tube to control a flow of pressurized gas from the manifold into the first gas valve, and from the first gas valve into the first burner tube. In such conventional gas grill implementations, it is common for a flow control member (e.g., a cone) of the first gas valve to be rotatable (e.g., via a control knob that is operatively coupled to a stem of the first gas valve, which in turn is operatively coupled to the flow control member of the first gas valve) in a specific direction (e.g., counterclockwise) from a no flow position (e.g., an “OFF” position) toward and / or into a high flow position (e.g., a “HIGH” position), from the high flow position toward and / or into a medium flow position (e.g., a “MEDIUM” position), and from the medium flow position toward and / or into a low flow position (e.g., a “LOW” position). The first gas valve is accordingly configured to provide a broad range of gas flow rates associated with the delivery of the pressurized gas to the first burner tube, which in turn enables the first burner tube to generate and / or output heat over a broad range of temperatures.

[0004] In some such implementations, the burner assembly of the gas grill further includes a second burner tube and a second gas valve that are independent and / or distinct from the first burner tube and the first gas valve, with the second gas valve being operatively positioned between the manifold and the second burner tube to control a flow of pressurized gas from the manifold into the second gas valve, and from the second gas valve into the second burner. In some such implementations, the second gas valve is configured to cause the second burner tube to function and / or operate as a sear burner. In this regard, the second gas valve is configured to deliver pressurized gas to the second burner tube at a maximum flow rate that exceeds the maximum flow rate at which the first gas valve is able to deliver pressurized gas to the first burner tube. The heightened maximum gas flow rate associated with the second gas valve enables the second burner to generate and / or output heat at a maximum level that exceeds the maximum heat generated and / or output by the first burner tube. Use of the second gas valve and / or the second burner tube of the burner assembly is typically reserved for instances in which a searing operation is desired in relation to one or more item(s) of food being cooked on the gas grill.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an example gas valve constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the gas valve of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-3.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a front view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-4.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-5.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a top view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-6.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-7.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-8 taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, with the flow control member of the gas valve omitted for enhanced viewability.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-9 taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, with the flow control member of the gas valve omitted for enhanced viewability.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a first perspective view of an example cone constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the cone of FIG. 11.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the cone of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a left side view of the cone of FIGS. 11-13.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a top view of the cone of FIGS. 11-14.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the cone of FIGS. 11-15.

[0021] FIG. 17 is a front view of the cone of FIGS. 11-16.

[0022] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the cone of FIGS. 11-17.

[0023] FIG. 19 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-18 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10, with the cone in an example no flow position.

[0024] FIG. 20 is a partial cutaway view taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-19 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19, with the cone in the no flow position of FIG. 19.

[0025] FIG. 21 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-20 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10, 19, and 20, with the cone in an example high flow position.

[0026] FIG. 22 is a partial cutaway view taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-21 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-21, with the cone in the high flow position of FIG. 21.

[0027] FIG. 23 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-22 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-22, with the cone in an example medium flow position.

[0028] FIG. 24 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-23 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-23, with the cone in an example low flow position.

[0029] FIG. 25 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone of FIGS. 11-24 disposed in the chamber of the gas valve of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-24, with the cone in an example high-plus flow position.

[0030] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of an example burner assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 27 is a side view of the burner assembly of FIG. 26.

[0032] FIG. 28 is a front view of the control knob of the burner assembly of FIGS. 26 and 27, with the control knob in an example no flow position.

[0033] FIG. 29 is a front view of the control knob of FIGS. 26-28, with the control knob in an example high flow position.

[0034] FIG. 30 is a front view of the control knob of FIGS. 26-29, with the control knob in an example medium flow position.

[0035] FIG. 31 is a front view of the control knob of FIGS. 26-30, with the control knob in an example low flow position.

[0036] FIG. 32 is a front view of the control knob of FIGS. 26-31, with the control knob in an example high-plus flow position.

[0037] FIG. 33 is an example table illustrating example maximum heat outputs for corresponding flow positions of the control knob of FIGS. 26-32 and / or corresponding flow positions of the cone of FIGS. 11-25.

[0038] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an example grill constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0039] Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numbers are used to identify the same or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and / or conciseness.

[0040] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly that might, for example, otherwise share a same name.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] As discussed above, gas grills are typically equipped with a burner assembly including a manifold, a first burner tube, and a first gas valve, with the first gas valve being operatively positioned between the manifold and the first burner tube to control a flow of pressurized gas from the manifold into the first gas valve, and from the first gas valve into the first burner tube, and with the first gas valve being configured to provide a broad range of gas flow rates associated with the delivery of the pressurized gas to the first burner tube, which in turn enables the first burner tube to generate and / or output heat over a broad range of temperatures. In some implementations, the burner assembly of the gas grill further includes a second burner tube and a second gas valve, with the second gas valve being operatively positioned between the manifold and the second burner tube to control a flow of pressurized gas from the manifold into the second gas valve, and from the second gas valve into the second burner, and with the second gas valve being configured to cause the second burner tube to function and / or operate as a sear burner. In this regard, the second gas valve is configured to deliver pressurized gas to the second burner tube at a maximum flow rate that exceeds the maximum flow rate at which the first gas valve is able to deliver pressurized gas to the first burner tube. The heightened maximum gas flow rate associated with the second gas valve enables the second burner to generate and / or output heat at a maximum level that exceeds the maximum heat generated and / or output by the first burner tube. Use of the second gas valve and / or the second burner tube of the burner assembly is typically reserved for instances in which a searing operation is desired in relation to one or more item(s) of food being cooked on the gas grill.

[0042] Being forced to use and / or operate a second gas valve and / or a second burner tube independently from a first gas valve and / or a first burner tube when performing a searing operation on a gas grill can be undesirable from a user experience standpoint. Unlike known gas grills that include two separate gas valves configured to separately implement a conventional burner (e.g., limited to a relatively lower maximum heat output) and a sear burner (e.g., having a relatively higher maximum heat output), example high-plus gas valves disclosed herein include a flow control member that advantageously provides a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position, with the high flow position enabling a pressurized gas to flow through the gas valve at a first flow rate, and the high-plus flow position enabling the pressurized gas to flow through the gas valve at a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate.

[0043] In some disclosed examples, a gas valve includes a chamber and a flow control member. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

[0044] In some disclosed examples, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0045] In some disclosed examples, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some disclosed examples, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise. In some disclosed examples, the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position. The second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation. In some disclosed examples, the second direction of rotation is clockwise. In some disclosed examples, the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

[0046] In some disclosed examples, the gas valve further includes a stem operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member. In some disclosed examples, the gas valve further includes a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some disclosed examples, the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

[0047] In some disclosed examples, the gas valve further includes an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The inlet conduit is configured to be coupled to a manifold of a grill such that the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the manifold. The outlet conduit is configured to be coupled to a burner tube of the grill such that the outlet opening is in fluid communication with the burner tube.

[0048] In some examples, a grill is disclosed. In some disclosed examples, the grill includes a gas valve, a manifold, a burner tube, and a control knob. In some disclosed examples, the gas valve includes a chamber, a flow control member, and a stem. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. The stem is operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member. The manifold is in fluid communication with the inlet opening. The burner tube is in fluid communication with the outlet opening. The control knob is operatively coupled to the stem such that rotation of the control knob causes a corresponding rotation of the stem.

[0049] In some disclosed examples of the grill, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0050] In some disclosed examples of the grill, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some disclosed examples, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise. In some disclosed examples of the grill, the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position. The second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation. In some disclosed examples, the second direction of rotation is clockwise. In some disclosed examples of the grill, the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

[0051] In some disclosed examples of the grill, the gas valve further includes a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some disclosed examples, the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

[0052] The above-identified features as well as other advantageous features of example high-plus gas valves for grills as disclosed herein are further described below in connection with the figures of the application.

[0053] As used herein, the term “configured” means sized, shaped, arranged, structured, oriented, positioned, and / or located. For example, in the context of a first part configured to fit within a second part, the first part is sized, shaped, arranged, structured, oriented, positioned, and / or located to fit within the second part.

[0054] As used herein in the context of a first object circumscribing a second object, the term “circumscribe” means that the first object is constructed around and / or defines an area around the second object. In interpreting the term “circumscribe” as used herein, it is to be understood that the first object circumscribing the second object can include gaps and / or can consist of multiple spaced-apart objects, such that a boundary formed by the first object around the second object is not necessarily a continuous boundary.

[0055] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the terms “above” and “below” describe the relationship of two parts relative to Earth. For example, as used herein, a first part is “above” a second part if the second part is closer to Earth than the first part is. As another example, as used herein, a first part is “below” a second part if the first part is closer to Earth than the second part is. It is to be understood that a first part can be above or below a second part with one or more of: another part or parts therebetween; without another part therebetween; with the first and second parts contacting one another; or without the first and second parts contacting one another.

[0056] As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and / or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts at the point (or points) of contact between the two parts.

[0057] As used herein, the term “fastener” means any device(s), structure(s), and / or material(s) that is / are configured, individually or collectively, to couple, connect, attach, and / or fasten one or more component(s) to one or more other component(s). For example, a fastener can be implemented by any type(s) and / or any number(s) of bolts, nuts, screws, posts, anchors, rivets, pins, clips, ties, welds, adhesives, etc.

[0058] As used herein in the context of describing the relationship between two structures, the terms “in fluid communication,”“fluidically connected,” and / or “fluidically coupled” mean that the two structures are individually and / or collectively configured to allow a fluid (e.g., a gas or a liquid) to pass (e.g., to flow) from the first of the two structures to the second of the two structures, or vice-versa. For example, a second flow channel may be described as being in fluid communication with a first flow channel when a fluid (e.g., a gas or a liquid) is able to pass (e.g., to flow) from the first flow channel into the second flow channel, or from the second flow channel into the first flow channel.

[0059] As used herein, the terms “substantially” and / or “approximately” modify their subjects and / or values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “substantially” and / or “approximately” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “substantially” and / or “approximately” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / −10% unless otherwise specified in the description provided herein.

[0060] As used herein, the terms “including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are open-ended terms. Thus, whenever the written description or a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation.

[0061] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a,”“an,”“first,”“second,” etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements, or method actions may be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous.

[0062] The term “and / or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C.

[0063] As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open-ended. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an example gas valve 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the gas valve 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 is a front view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 7 is a top view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-7. The gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 includes an example body 102, a flow control member, an example stem 104, and an example ignition assembly 106. The body 102 of the gas valve 100 is configured to house, contain, carry, and / or support the flow control member, the stem 104, and the ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100, as further described herein.

[0065] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the body 102 of the gas valve 100 includes an example inlet 202, an example inlet conduit 204, an example chamber housing 206, an example first outlet conduit 208, an example first outlet 210, an example second outlet conduit 212, and an example second outlet 214. The inlet 202 of the body 102 is formed by and / or located at an example first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204. The inlet 202 and / or the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 is / are configured to be coupled to a manifold such that a pressurized fluid (e.g., a pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the manifold is able to flow into the inlet 202 and / or into the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204. The inlet 202 of the body 102 is accordingly in fluid communication with the manifold, as further described herein.

[0066] The inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is coupled (e.g., at or proximate to an example second end 218 of the inlet conduit 204) to the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. The inlet conduit 204 is configured to transport and / or carry pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet 202 of the body 102 toward and / or into the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In this regard, the inlet conduit 204 includes and / or defines an inlet flow channel that is fluidically coupled to and extends between the inlet 202 of the body 102 and a chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. The inlet flow channel of the inlet conduit 204 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 19-25.

[0067] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 extends downwardly (e.g., relative to an example horizontal reference frame 302) from the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead extend laterally from (e.g., to the right or to the left of) the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 is oriented vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302). In other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302). In still other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation (e.g., at thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, sixty degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal reference plane 302). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 includes a single linear segment. In other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead include a single curved or contoured segment. In still other examples, the inlet conduit 204 can instead include a plurality of segments of any types, sizes, and / or orientations, with respective ones of the segments being joined together to form the inlet conduit 204 as a whole.

[0068] The chamber housing 206 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is coupled to the inlet conduit 204, to first outlet conduit 208, and to the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. The chamber housing 206 is configured to transport and / or carry pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 toward and / or into the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102, and / or toward and / or into the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. In this regard, the chamber housing 206 includes and / or defines a chamber that is fluidically coupled to and extends between an inlet flow channel of the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102 on the one hand, and respective ones of a first outlet flow channel of the first outlet conduit 208 and a second outlet flow channel of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 on the other hand. The chamber of the chamber housing 206 is configured to receive and / or contain the flow control member of the gas valve 100, with the flow control member being rotatable relative to the chamber of the chamber housing 206 and / or, more generally, relative to the body 102 of the gas valve 100. The chamber of the chamber housing 206 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 19-25. An example flow control member that is configured to be received within the chamber of the chamber housing 206 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 11-25.

[0069] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the chamber housing 206 is oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302). In other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation (e.g., at thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, sixty degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal reference plane 302). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, a first portion (e.g., a front portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located forward from and / or relative to the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102, and a second portion (e.g., a rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located rearward from and / or relative to the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102. In other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be configured such the first portion (e.g., the front portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located forward from and / or relative to the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102, and the second portion (e.g., the rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 does not extend or project, and / or is not located rearward from and / or relative to, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102. In other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be configured such the first portion (e.g., the front portion) of the chamber housing 206 does not extend or project, and / or is not located forward from and / or relative to, the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102, and the second portion (e.g., the rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located rearward from and / or relative to the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102.

[0070] The first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is coupled (e.g., at or proximate to an example first end 220 of the first outlet conduit 208) to the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. The first outlet conduit 208 is configured to transport and / or carry pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 toward and / or to the first outlet 210 of the body 102. In this regard, the first outlet conduit 208 includes and / or defines a first outlet flow channel that is fluidically coupled to and extends between the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 and the first outlet 210 of the body 102. The first outlet flow channel of the first outlet conduit 208 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 19-25.

[0071] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102 extends rearwardly and upwardly (e.g., relative to the horizontal reference plane 302) from the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In other examples, the first outlet conduit 208 can additionally or alternatively extend laterally (e.g., to the right or to the left) from the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first outlet conduit 208 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to a central axis of a chamber (e.g., the chamber 904 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) of the chamber housing 206. In other examples, the first outlet conduit 208 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102 includes a single linear segment. In other examples, the first outlet conduit 208 can instead include a single curved or contoured segment. In still other examples, the first outlet conduit 208204 can instead include a plurality of segments of any types, sizes, and / or orientations, with respective ones of the segments being joined together to form the first outlet conduit 208 as a whole.

[0072] The first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is configured to engage and / or to be coupled to an end portion of a burner tube. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the first outlet conduit 208 is configured to be inserted into an open end of a burner tube such that the burner tube circumscribes the first outlet conduit 208. The first outlet 210 of the body 102 is formed by and / or located at an example second end 222 of the first outlet conduit 208. The first outlet 210 and / or the second end 222 of the first outlet conduit 208 is / are configured to be coupled to a burner tube such that a pressurized fluid (e.g., a pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the first outlet conduit 208 and / or the first outlet 210 is able to flow into the burner tube. The burner tube is accordingly in fluid communication with the first outlet 210 of the body 102, as further described herein.

[0073] The second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 of FIGS. 1-8 is coupled (e.g., at or proximate to an example first end 602 of the second outlet conduit 212) to the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. The second outlet conduit 212 is configured to transport and / or carry pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 toward and / or to the second outlet 214 of the body 102. In this regard, the second outlet conduit 212 includes and / or defines a second outlet flow channel that is fluidically coupled to and extends between the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 and the second outlet 214 of the body 102. The second outlet flow channel of the second outlet conduit 212 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 9, 10, and 19-25.

[0074] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 includes an example first segment 224 and an example second segment 226, with the second segment 226 being coupled to the first segment 224. In other examples, the second outlet conduit 212 can include a different number (e.g., 1, 3, 4, etc.) of segments. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 extends laterally from (e.g., to the right or to the left of) the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 such that at least a portion of the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 is located to the side of the chamber housing 206. In other examples, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead extend upwardly from the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 is oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302). In other examples, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be oriented vertically (e.g., at ninety degrees relative to the horizontal reference plane 302). In still other examples, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation (e.g., at thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, sixty degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal reference plane 302). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 is linear. In other examples, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be curved or contoured.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, a first portion (e.g., a front portion) of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 extends, projects, and / or is located forward from and / or relative to the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102, and a second portion (e.g., a rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 extends, projects, and / or is located rearward from and / or relative to the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. In other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be configured such the first portion (e.g., the front portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located forward from and / or relative to the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212, and the second portion (e.g., the rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 does not extend or project, and / or is not located rearward from and / or relative to, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212. In still other examples, the chamber housing 206 can instead be configured such the first portion (e.g., the front portion) of the chamber housing 206 does not extend or project, and / or is not located forward from and / or relative to, the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212, and the second portion (e.g., the rear portion) of the chamber housing 206 extends, projects, and / or is located rearward from and / or relative to the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212.

[0076] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 extends rearwardly from the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212. In other examples, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 can additionally or alternatively extend laterally (e.g., to the right or to the left), upwardly, or downwardly from the first segment 224 of the second outlet conduit 212. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In other examples, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 is linear. In other examples, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 can instead be curved or contoured.

[0077] The second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 of FIGS. 1-8 is configured to engage, be coupled to, and / or extend toward an end portion of an example ignition conduit 108 of the ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 extends toward a front end of the ignition conduit 108. The second outlet 214 of the body 102 is formed by and / or located at an example second end 228 of the second outlet conduit 212. The second outlet 214 and / or the second end 228 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 is / are configured to be coupled to the ignition conduit 108 of the ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100 such that a pressurized fluid (e.g., a pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the second outlet conduit 212 and / or the second outlet 214 is able to flow into the ignition conduit 108. The ignition conduit 108 is accordingly in fluid communication with the second outlet 214 of the body 102, as further described herein.

[0078] The stem 104 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 is rotatable relative to the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8 the stem 104 extends forwardly from the body 102 such that at least a portion (e.g., an example front end 110) of the stem 104 is located in front of the body 102. A first portion (e.g., the front end 110) of the stem 104 is configured to be operatively and / or mechanically coupled to a control knob of a grill such that a rotation (e.g., a clockwise rotation or a counter-clockwise rotation) of the control knob about an axis of rotation of the control knob causes a corresponding rotation of the stem 104 about an axis of rotation of the stem 104. In some examples, the axis of rotation of the stem and the axis of rotation of the control knob are coaxially arranged relative to one another. A second portion (e.g., a rear end) of the stem 104 is configured to be operatively and / or mechanically coupled to the flow control member of the gas valve 100 such that a rotation (e.g., a clockwise rotation or a counter-clockwise rotation) of the stem 104 about an axis of rotation of the stem 104 causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member about an axis of rotation of the flow control member, whereby rotation of the flow control member occurs within and / or relative to the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In some examples, the axis of rotation of the stem and the axis of rotation of the flow control member are coaxially arranged relative to one another. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the stem 104 is oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302). In other examples, the stem 104 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation (e.g., at thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, sixty degrees, etc. relative to the horizontal reference plane 302).

[0079] The ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 is configured to ignite and / or induce the ignition of combustible fluid (e.g., combustible gas) that passes and / or flows through the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition assembly 106 includes the ignition conduit 108 described above, and further includes an example spark generator 112. The ignition conduit 108 is coupled (e.g., via a clip) to the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition conduit 108 extends rearwardly from the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212. In other examples, the ignition conduit 108 can additionally or alternatively extend laterally (e.g., to the right or to the left), upwardly, or downwardly from the second segment 226 of the second outlet conduit 212. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition conduit 108 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In other examples, the ignition conduit 108 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis of the chamber of the chamber housing 206. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition conduit 108 is linear. In other examples, the ignition conduit 108 can instead be curved or contoured.

[0080] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8, the ignition conduit 108 includes an example inlet 114 located at an example first end 116 of the ignition conduit 108, and further includes an example outlet 118 located at an example second end 120 of the ignition conduit 108. The inlet 114 of the ignition conduit 108 is in fluid communication with the second outlet 214 of the body 102 of the gas valve 100 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) exiting the body 102 of the gas valve 100 via the second outlet 214 of the body 102 passes (e.g., flows) into the inlet 114 of the ignition conduit 108. The spark generator 112 of the ignition assembly 106 is coupled (e.g., via a clip) to the ignition conduit 108, with the spark generator 112 being oriented and / or positioned relative to the ignition conduit 108 such that an example tip 122 of the spark generator 112 is located adjacent and / or proximate to the outlet 118 of the ignition conduit 108, thereby enabling the spark generator 112 to ignite combustible gas (e.g., via a spark provided by the tip 122 of the spark generator 112) as the combustible gas exits the outlet 118 of the ignition conduit 108.

[0081] FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, with the flow control member of the gas valve 100 omitted for enhanced viewability. FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-9 taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, with the flow control member of the gas valve 100 omitted for enhanced viewability. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the body 102 of the gas valve 100 includes and / or defines an example gas train 900 extending from the inlet 202 of the body 102 to respective ones of the first outlet 210 and the second outlet 214 of the body 102. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the gas train 900 includes the inlet 202, an example inlet flow channel 902, an example chamber 904, an example first outlet flow channel 906, the first outlet 210, an example second outlet flow channel 1002, and the second outlet 214.

[0082] The inlet 202 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located at the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102. The inlet 202 of the gas train 900 is configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet and / or an opening of a manifold such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the manifold is able to flow from the manifold into and / or through the inlet 202.

[0083] The inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located within the inlet conduit 204 of the body 102. The inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the inlet 202 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the inlet 202 is able to flow from the inlet 202 into the inlet flow channel 902. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 extends downwardly from the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 can instead extend laterally from (e.g., to the right or to the left of) the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. As further shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 is oriented vertically. In other examples, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 can instead be oriented horizontally. In still other examples, the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 can instead be oriented at an angle between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation.

[0084] The chamber 904 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located within the chamber housing 206 of the body 102. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the chamber 904 includes an example inlet opening 908, an example first outlet opening 910, and an example second outlet opening 912. The chamber 904 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the inlet flow channel 902 is able to flow from the inlet flow channel 902 into the chamber 904 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 into the chamber 904 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first outlet opening 910 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 respectively lead to separate exit pathways defined by the gas train 900. The first exit pathway of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10, which originates at the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904, includes the first outlet flow channel 906 and the first outlet 210. The chamber 904 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the chamber 904 is able to flow from the chamber 904 into the first outlet flow channel 906 via the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber 904 into the first outlet flow channel 906 via the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0086] The second exit pathway of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10, which originates at the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904, includes the second outlet flow channel 1002 and the second outlet 214. The chamber 904 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the chamber 904 is able to flow from the chamber 904 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber 904 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 is configured to receive and / or contain the flow control member of the gas valve 100, with the flow control member being rotatable (e.g., about an example central axis 914 of the chamber 904) within and / or relative to the chamber 904 and / or, more generally, relative to the body 102 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the chamber 904 has a conical shape configured to receive and / or contain a conically-shaped flow control member (e.g., a cone). An example conically-shaped flow control member that is configured to be received within the chamber 904 is further described below in connection with FIGS. 11-25. In other examples, the chamber 904 can instead have a cylindrical shape configured to receive a cylindrically-shaped flow control member, or a spherical shape configured to receive a spherically-shaped flow control member.

[0088] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 9 and 10, the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 is located between the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. In other examples, the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904 can be located between the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. In still other examples, the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 can be located between the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0089] The first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located within the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102. The first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the chamber 904 is able to flow from the chamber 904 into the first outlet flow channel 906 via the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber 904 into the first outlet flow channel 906 via the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 extends rearwardly and upwardly (e.g., relative to the horizontal reference plane 302) from the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the first outlet flow channel 906 can additionally or alternatively extend laterally (e.g., to the right or to the left) from the chamber 904. As further shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the first outlet flow channel 906 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904.

[0091] The first outlet 210 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located at the second end 222 of the first outlet conduit 208 of the body 102. The first outlet 210 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the first outlet flow channel 906 is able to flow from the first outlet flow channel 906 into and / or through the first outlet 210. The first outlet 210 of the gas train 900 is also configured to be in fluid communication with an open end of a burner tube operatively positioned downstream from the first outlet 210 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the first outlet 210 is able to flow from the first outlet 210 into the burner tube.

[0092] The second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located within the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. The second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the chamber 904 is able to flow from the chamber 904 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The entry, passage, and / or flow of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the chamber 904 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 occurs selectively based on the rotational position of the flow control member of the gas valve 100 within the chamber 904, as further described herein.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 extends first laterally, then rearwardly and upwardly (e.g., relative to the horizontal reference plane 302) from the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. As further shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a first portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 located downstream from the chamber 904 extends transversely (e.g., along the horizontal reference plane 302) from the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the first portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 can instead be oriented vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302), or at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904. As further shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a second portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 located downstream from the first portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 is oriented at an angle (e.g., an upward angle) relative to the horizontal reference plane 302, and / or relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. In other examples, the second portion of the second outlet flow channel 1002 can instead be oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904, or vertically (e.g., perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane 302) relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904.

[0094] The second outlet 214 of the gas train 900 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is formed by, defined by, and / or located at the second end 228 of the second outlet conduit 212 of the body 102. The second outlet 214 of the gas train 900 is in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the second outlet flow channel 1002 is able to flow from the second outlet flow channel 1002 into and / or through the second outlet 214. The second outlet 214 of the gas train 900 is also configured to be in fluid communication with the first end 116 of the ignition conduit 108 of the gas valve 100 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the second outlet 214 is able to flow from the second outlet 214 into the ignition conduit 108.

[0095] FIG. 11 is a first perspective view of an example cone 1100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the cone 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a right side view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 14 is a left side view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-13. FIG. 15 is a top view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-14. FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-15. FIG. 17 is a front view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-16. FIG. 18 is a rear view of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-17. The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 can be implemented as the flow control member of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 described above. In this regard, the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 includes an example sidewall 1102 having an example outer surface 1104 and an example inner surface 1202. The outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 has a conical shape that is configured to engage and / or fit snugly within, but remains rotatable relative to, the conically-shaped chamber 904 of the gas train 900 of the gas valve 100. The inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is located radially inward of the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. The inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 defines an example flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100.

[0096] The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 further includes an example first end 1106 (e.g., a front end) and an example second end 1108 (e.g., a rear end) located opposite the first end 1106. The first end 1106 of the cone 1100 is closed such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is not able to flow out of the flow chamber 1204 through the first end 1106 of the cone 1100. The second end 1108 of the cone 1100 is open such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is able to flow out of the flow chamber 1204 through the second end 1108 of the cone 1100.

[0097] The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 has an example central axis 1302 extending between the first end 1106 and the second end 1108 of the cone 1100. The central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 also serves as an axis of rotation of the cone 1100. In this regard, the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 is coaxially positioned relative to the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 of the gas valve 100 when the cone 1100 is disposed within the chamber 904. When so disposed, the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 is also coaxially positioned relative to an axis of rotation of the stem 104 of the gas valve 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the first end 1106 of the cone 1100 includes example flanges 1110 configured to be mechanically engaged by and / or mechanically coupled (e.g., either directly or indirectly operatively coupled) to one or more structural component(s) (e.g., a link, a rod, a pin, a fitting, a spring, etc.) of the stem 104 of the gas valve 100 such that rotational movement of the stem 104 about the axis of rotation of the stem 104 causes a corresponding rotational movement of the cone 1100 about the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100, and / or about the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 when the cone 1100 is disposed in the chamber 904.

[0098] The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 further includes an example first inlet opening 1206, an example second inlet opening 1112, and an example third inlet opening 1114, each of which extends through the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 (e.g., from the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 to the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the diameter of the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 is greater than the diameter of the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100, and less than the diameter of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100. The diameter of the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 is less than the diameter of the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 and less than the diameter of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100. The diameter of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 is greater than the diameter of the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 and greater than the diameter of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 11-18, the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and the third inlet opening 1114 are spaced apart from one another and circumferentially arranged about the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the first inlet opening 1206 and the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 are fluidically connected to one another along the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 via an example channel 1116 formed in the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. The channel 1116 extends between the first inlet opening 1206 and the second inlet opening 1112 to create a continuous (e.g., joined) inlet opening that extends circumferentially about an arc portion of the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. As shown in FIGS. 11-18, the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 is circumferentially isolated from the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and / or the channel 1116 of the cone 1100 along the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. The third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 is accordingly not fluidically connected to and / or with the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 along the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, and is also not fluidically connected to and / or with the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 along the outer surface 1104 if the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. In some examples, a portion of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 that is located proximate the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is fluidically coupled to a portion of the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 that is likewise located proximate to the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. Such an arrangement between the third inlet opening 1114 and the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 can be seen, for example, in FIG. 24 described below.

[0100] The cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 further includes an example first outlet opening 1208 and an example second outlet opening 1118. The first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 is formed and / or located at the second end 1108 (e.g., the rear end) of the cone 1100. The second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 extends through the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 (e.g., from the outer surface 1104 of the sidewall 1102 to the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the diameter of the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 is approximately equal to the diameter of the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100. In other examples, the diameter of the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 can instead be greater than or less than the diameter of the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 11-18, the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 is located forward of each of the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100. In other examples, the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 can instead be located rearward of the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and / or the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100.

[0101] When the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 is disposed within the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 and / or into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100, and movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 and / or the chamber 904 of the gas train 900 into respective ones of the first outlet flow channel 906 and / or the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 is controlled by the rotational position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904. In this regard, the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 is rotatable relative to the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 between a closed position (e.g., a no flow position) and one or more open position(s) (e.g., one or more controlled flow position(s)). Placing the cone 1100 in the closed position prevents the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 into the chamber 904 and / or the flow chamber 1204, and / or prevents the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 and / or the chamber 904 into respective ones of the first outlet flow channel 906 and / or the second outlet flow channel 1002. Conversely, placing the cone 1100 in one of the open position(s) enables the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 into the chamber 904 and / or the flow chamber 1204, and / or enables the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 and / or the chamber 904 into respective ones of the first outlet flow channel 906 and / or the second outlet flow channel 1002.

[0102] In some examples, the cone 1100 is rotatable within the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position, as further described herein. In some examples, the high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber 904 at a first flow rate, and the high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber 904 at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. In some examples, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0103] In some examples, the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 is rotatable about the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 and / or about the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position. In some examples, the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 is further rotatable about the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 and / or about the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position. In some examples, the first direction of rotation of the cone 1100 is counterclockwise. In some examples, the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 is rotatable about the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 and / or about the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position. The second direction of rotation of the cone 1100 is opposite the first direction of rotation of the cone 1100. In some examples, the second direction of rotation of the cone 1100 is clockwise.

[0104] FIG. 19 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-18 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10, with the cone 1100 in an example no flow position 1900. FIG. 20 is a partial cutaway view taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-19 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19, with the cone 1100 in the no flow position 1900 of FIG. 19. The no flow position 1900 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is a closed position (e.g., a zero flow position) of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900.

[0105] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the no flow position 1900 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, none of the inlet openings (e.g., the first inlet opening 1206, the second inlet opening 1112, and the third inlet opening 1114) formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904.

[0106] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the no flow position 1900 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, there is also a lack of alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904.

[0107] FIG. 21 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-20 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10, 19, and 20, with the cone 1100 in an example high flow position 2100. FIG. 22 is a partial cutaway view taken along section B-B of FIG. 7, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-21 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-21, with the cone 1100 in the high flow position 2100 of FIG. 21. The high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is a first open position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900.

[0108] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the first inlet opening 1206 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100 and the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the first inlet opening 1206 of the cone 1100. When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is also in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0109] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 1118 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. Positioning the cone 1100 in the high flow position 2100 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 can accordingly promote and / or cause the ignition of pressurized combustible fluid (e.g., pressurized combustible gas) that flows through the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 into the ignition conduit 108 of the ignition assembly 106 of the gas valve 100, as described above.

[0110] FIG. 23 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-22 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-22, with the cone 1100 in an example medium flow position 2300. The medium flow position 2300 shown in FIG. 23 is a second open position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900. The medium flow position 2300 of FIG. 23 is an intermediate position located approximately midway between the high flow position 2100 of FIGS. 21 and 22 described above and the low flow position 2400 of FIG. 24 further described below.

[0111] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the medium flow position 2300 shown in FIG. 23 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the channel 1116 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the channel 1116 of the cone 1100 and the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904, the channel 1116 of the cone 1100, and either or both of the first inlet opening 1206 and / or the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 that are respectively fluidically connected to the channel 1116. When the cone 1100 is positioned in the medium flow position 2300 shown in FIG. 23 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is also in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0112] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the medium flow position 2300 shown in FIG. 23 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, there is still a lack of alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904.

[0113] FIG. 24 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-23 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-23, with the cone 1100 in an example low flow position 2400. The low flow position 2400 shown in FIG. 24 is a third open position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900.

[0114] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the low flow position 2400 shown in FIG. 24 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the second inlet opening 1112 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 and the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100. When the cone 1100 is positioned in the low flow position 2400 shown in FIG. 24 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is also in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0115] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the low flow position 2400 shown in FIG. 24 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, there is still a lack of alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904.

[0116] As further shown in FIG. 24, the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 is not fluidically connected to and / or with the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 along the outer surface 1104 if the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. A portion of the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 that is located proximate the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, however, is fluidically coupled to a portion of the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 that is likewise located proximate to the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100. In some examples, the fluidic coupling formed between the third inlet opening 1114 and the second inlet opening 1112 of the cone 1100 along and / or proximate the inner surface 1202 of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 advantageously facilitates a continuous flow of pressurized gas through the gas valve 100 as the cone 1100 is moved from the low flow position 2400 of FIG. 24 into the high-plus flow position 2500 of FIG. 25 described below.

[0117] FIG. 25 is a partial cutaway view taken along section A-A of FIG. 5, showing the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-24 disposed in the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-10 and 19-24, with the cone 1100 in an example high-plus flow position 2500. The high-plus flow position 2500 shown in FIG. 25 is a fourth open position of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900.

[0118] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high-plus flow position 2500 shown in FIG. 25 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the third inlet opening 1114 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 is aligned with the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904. The flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is accordingly in fluid communication with the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the alignment between the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100 and the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the inlet flow channel 902 of the gas train 900 into the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 via the inlet opening 908 of the chamber 904 and the third inlet opening 1114 of the cone 1100. When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high-plus flow position 2500 shown in FIG. 25 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 is also in fluid communication with the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 (e.g., via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904), thereby enabling the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the first outlet flow channel 906 of the gas train 900 via the first outlet opening 1208 of the cone 1100 and the first outlet opening 910 of the chamber 904.

[0119] When the cone 1100 is positioned in the high-plus flow position 2500 shown in FIG. 25 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900, there is still a lack of alignment between the second outlet opening 1118 formed in the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100 and the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904. The second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904 is accordingly blocked and / or covered by a solid portion of the sidewall 1102 of the cone 1100, thereby preventing the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 from being in fluid communication with the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900, and thereby also preventing the movement of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) from the flow chamber 1204 of the cone 1100 into the second outlet flow channel 1002 of the gas train 900 via the second outlet opening 912 of the chamber 904.

[0120] In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 19-25, the no flow position 1900 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a first gas flow rate of the gas valve 100, the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a second gas flow rate of the gas valve 100, the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a third gas flow rate of the gas valve 100, the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a fourth gas flow rate of the gas valve 100, and the high-plus flow position 2500 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) provides, enables, and / or is associated with a fifth gas flow rate of the gas valve 100. The first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900 is zero (e.g., no flow due to the closed nature of the cone 1100 relative to the chamber 904 of the gas train 900). The second gas flow rate associated with the high flow position 2100 is greater than the first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900, greater than the third gas flow rate associated with the medium flow position 2300, greater than the fourth gas flow rate associated with the low flow position 2400, and less than the fifth gas flow rate associated with the high-plus flow position 2500. The third gas flow rate associated with the medium flow position 2300 is greater than the first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900, less than the second gas flow rate associated with the high flow position 2100, greater than the fourth gas flow rate associated with the low flow position 2400, and less than the fifth gas flow rate associated with the high-plus flow position 2500. The fourth gas flow rate associated with the low flow position 2400 is greater than the first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900, less than the second gas flow rate associated with the high flow position 2100, less than the third gas flow rate associated with the medium flow position 2300, and less than the fifth gas flow rate associated with the high-plus flow position 2500. The fifth gas flow rate associated with the high-plus flow position 2500 is greater than the first gas flow rate associated with the no flow position 1900, greater than the second gas flow rate associated with the high flow position 2100, greater than the third gas flow rate associated with the medium flow position 2300, and greater than the fourth gas flow rate associated with the low flow position 2400.

[0121] In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 19-25, the no flow position 1900 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20), the high flow position 2100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22), the medium flow position 2300 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23), the low flow position 2400 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24), and the high-plus flow position 2500 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) of the cone 1100 are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position 2100 is located between the no flow position 1900 and the medium flow position 2300, the medium flow position 2300 is located between the high flow position 2100 and the low flow position 2400, the low flow position 2400 is located between the medium flow position 2300 and the high-plus flow position 2500, the high-plus flow position 2500 is located between the low flow position 2400 and the no flow position 1900, and the no flow position 1900 is located between the high-plus flow position 2500 and the high flow position 2100.

[0122] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the aforementioned flow positions are sequentially arranged in a counterclockwise direction of rotation moving from the no flow position 1900 to the high flow position 2100, from the high flow position 2100 to the medium flow position 2300, from the medium flow position 2300 to the low flow position 2400, from the low flow position 2400 to the high-plus flow position 2500, and from the high-plus flow position 2500 returning to the no flow position 1900. In other examples, the aforementioned flow positions can instead be sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction of rotation (e.g., opposite to what is shown and described in connection with FIGS. 19-25) moving from the no flow position 1900 to the high flow position 2100, from the high flow position 2100 to the medium flow position 2300, from the medium flow position 2300 to the low flow position 2400, from the low flow position 2400 to the high-plus flow position 2500, and from the high-plus flow position 2500 returning to the no flow position 1900.

[0123] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22) is circumferentially spaced apart from the no flow position 1900 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) by approximately ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the no flow position 1900 of the cone 1100 by greater than or less than ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23) is circumferentially spaced apart from the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22) by approximately ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 by greater than or less than ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24) is circumferentially spaced apart from the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23) by approximately forty-five degrees) (45° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 by greater than or less than forty-five degrees) (45° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 19-25, the high-plus flow position 2500 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) is circumferentially spaced apart from the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24) by approximately fifty-five degrees) (55° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the high-plus flow position 2500 of the cone 1100 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 by greater than or less than fifty-five degrees) (55° in the counterclockwise direction.

[0124] In some examples, the stem 104 of the gas valve 100 is movable (e.g., slidable and / or translatable) in an axial direction (e.g., along the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 and / or along the central axis 914 of the chamber 904) relative to the cone 1100 and / or relative to the chamber 904 such that the stem 104 can be translated relative to the cone 1100 and / or relative to the chamber 904. In some such examples, the stem 104 is translatable relative to the cone 1100 and / or relative to the chamber 904 between a forward position and a rearward position. In some such examples, the gas valve 100 includes a biasing element (e.g., a spring) that biases the stem 104 into the forward position.

[0125] For implementations of the gas valve 100 in which the stem 104 of the gas valve 100 is translatable relative to the cone 1100 and / or relative to the chamber 904 of the gas valve 100, the gas valve 100 can also include one or more mechanical detent(s) configured to restrict the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from being rotated from a first one of the aforementioned flow positions into a second one of the aforementioned flow positions that neighbors and / or is circumferentially adjacent to the first one of the aforementioned flow positions. Each such mechanical detent is further configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the first one of the aforementioned flow positions into the second one of the aforementioned flow positions is preceded by a translational movement of the stem 104 from the forward position into the rearward position. Implementation of the mechanical detent(s) advantageously prevents unintentional (e.g., inadvertent, or accidental) rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the first one of the aforementioned flow positions into the second one of the aforementioned flow positions.

[0126] In some examples, the gas valve 100 includes a first mechanical detent configured to restrict the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 to be rotated (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the no flow position 1900 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) into the high flow position 2100 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22). The first mechanical detent is further configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the no flow position 1900 into the high flow position 2100 is preceded by a translational movement of the stem 104 from the forward position into the rearward position. The first mechanical detent advantageously prevents unintentional (e.g., inadvertent, or accidental) rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the no flow position 1900 into the high flow position 2100.

[0127] In some examples, the gas valve 100 additionally or alternatively includes a second mechanical detent configured to restrict the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from being rotated (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the low flow position 2400 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 24) into the high-plus flow position 2500 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25). The second mechanical detent is further configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the low flow position 2400 into the high-plus flow position 2500 is preceded by a translational movement of the stem 104 from the forward position into the rearward position. The second mechanical detent advantageously prevents unintentional (e.g., inadvertent, or accidental) rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the low flow position 2400 into the high-plus flow position 2500.

[0128] In some examples, the gas valve 100 additionally or alternatively includes a third mechanical detent configured to restrict the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from being rotated (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the high-plus flow position 2500 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 25) into the no flow position 1900 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20). The third mechanical detent is further configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction) from the high-plus flow position 2500 into the no flow position 1900 is preceded by a translational movement of the stem 104 from the forward position into the rearward position. The third mechanical detent advantageously prevents unintentional (e.g., inadvertent, or accidental) rotational movement of the stem 104 and / or the cone 1100 from the high-plus flow position 2500 into the no flow position 1900.

[0129] The gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25 can be implemented in a variety of burner assemblies. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of an example burner assembly 2600 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. FIG. 27 is a side view of the burner assembly 2600 of FIG. 26. The burner assembly 2600 of FIGS. 26 and 27 includes the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25, and further includes an example manifold 2602, an example burner tube 2604, and an example control knob 2606. Although not shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the burner assembly 2600 can further include one or more additional instance(s) of the gas valve 100, and a corresponding one or more additional instance(s) of the burner tube 2604 and the control knob 2606.

[0130] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 26 and 27, an example inlet 2608 of the manifold 2602 of the burner assembly 2600 is configured to be fluidically coupled (e.g., via one or more conduit(s)) to a fuel source. In some examples, the fuel source can be implemented by and / or as a fuel tank (e.g., a propane cylinder). In other examples, the fuel source can instead be implemented by and / or as a piped natural gas line. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 26 and 27, the inlet 202 and / or the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204 of the gas valve 100 is / are fluidically coupled to the manifold 2602 of the burner assembly 2600 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the manifold 2602 is able to flow from an outlet and / or an opening of the manifold 2602 into the inlet 202 and / or into the first end 216 of the inlet conduit 204. The second end 222 of the first outlet conduit 208 of the gas valve 100 and / or the first outlet 210 of the gas valve 100 is / are fluidically coupled to an example open end 2610 (e.g., a front end) of the burner tube 2604 of the burner assembly 2600 such that pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) present in and / or flowing through the first outlet conduit 208 and / or the first outlet 210 is able to flow from the first outlet conduit 208 and / or the first outlet 210 into the open end 2610 of the burner tube 2604. The burner tube 2604 of the burner assembly 2600 includes a plurality of example ports 2612 through which an open flame can be emitted in response to combustion of the pressurized gas within the burner tube 2604.

[0131] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 26 and 27, the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is mechanically coupled to the stem 104 of the gas valve 100 such that rotation of the control knob 2606 causes a corresponding rotation of the stem 104 about an axis of rotation of the stem 104, which is coaxially aligned with the central axis 914 of the chamber 904 as well as the central axis 1302 of the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100. Rotation of the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 accordingly causes a corresponding rotation not only of the stem 104 of the gas valve 100, but also of the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 that is operatively coupled to the stem 104.

[0132] The control knob 2606 is rotatable among a plurality of flow positions that respectively correspond to the above-described flow positions associated with the cone 1100 (e.g., as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 19-25). FIG. 28 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 of FIGS. 26 and 27, with the control knob 2606 in an example no flow position 2800. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the no flow position 2800 of FIG. 28 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the no flow position 1900 of FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 29 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26- 28, with the control knob 2606 in an example high flow position 2900. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the high flow position 2900 of FIG. 29 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the high flow position 2100 of FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 30 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26-29, with the control knob 2606 in an example medium flow position 3000. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the medium flow position 3000 of FIG. 30 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the medium flow position 2300 of FIG. 23. FIG. 31 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26-30, with the control knob 2606 in an example low flow position 3100. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the low flow position 3100 of FIG. 31 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the low flow position 2400 of FIG. 24. FIG. 32 is a front view of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26-31, with the control knob 2606 in an example high-plus flow position 3200. Placing the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 is in the high-plus flow position 3200 of FIG. 32 causes the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 to be placed in the high-plus flow position 2500 of FIG. 25.

[0133] In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 28-32, the no flow position 2800 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 28), the high flow position 2900 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 29), the medium flow position 3000 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 30), the low flow position 3100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31), and the high-plus flow position 3200 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32) of the control knob 2606 are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position 2900 is located between the no flow position 2800 and the medium flow position 3000, the medium flow position 3000 is located between the high flow position 2900 and the low flow position 3100, the low flow position 3100 is located between the medium flow position 3000 and the high-plus flow position 3200, the high-plus flow position 3200 is located between the low flow position 3100 and the no flow position 2800, and the no flow position 2800 is located between the high-plus flow position 3200 and the high flow position 2900.

[0134] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the aforementioned flow positions of the control knob 2606 are sequentially arranged in a counterclockwise direction of rotation moving from the no flow position 2800 to the high flow position 2900, from the high flow position 2900 to the medium flow position 3000, from the medium flow position 3000 to the low flow position 3100, from the low flow position 3100 to the high-plus flow position 3200, and from the high-plus flow position 3200 returning to the no flow position 28000. In other examples, the aforementioned flow positions of the control knob 2606 can instead be sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction of rotation (e.g., opposite to what is shown and described in connection with FIGS. 28-32) moving from the no flow position 2800 to the high flow position 2900, from the high flow position 2900 to the medium flow position 3000, from the medium flow position 3000 to the low flow position 3100, from the low flow position 3100 to the high-plus flow position 3200, and from the high-plus flow position 3200 returning to the no flow position 2800.

[0135] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 is circumferentially spaced apart from the no flow position 2800 of the control knob 2606 by approximately ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the no flow position 2800 of the control knob 2606 by greater than or less than ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 is circumferentially spaced apart from the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 by approximately ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 by greater than or less than ninety degrees) (90° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 is circumferentially spaced apart from the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 by approximately forty-five degrees) (45° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 by greater than or less than forty-five degrees) (45° in the counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 28-32, the high-plus flow position 3200 of the control knob 2606 is circumferentially spaced apart from the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 by approximately fifty-five degrees) (55° in the counterclockwise direction. In other examples, the high-plus flow position 3200 of the control knob 2606 can instead be circumferentially spaced apart from the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 by greater than or less than fifty-five degrees) (55° in the counterclockwise direction.

[0136] As discussed above, the various flow positions associated with the control knob 2606 of the burner assembly 2600 and / or associated with the cone 1100 of the gas valve 100 provide, enable, and / or cause different gas flow rates of the gas valve 100. The different gas flow rates of the gas valve 100 in turn provide, enable, and / or cause corresponding different maximum heat outputs of the burner tube 2604 of the burner assembly 2600. FIG. 33 is an example table 3300 illustrating maximum heat outputs for corresponding flow positions of the control knob 2606 of FIGS. 26-32 and / or corresponding flow positions of the cone 1100 of FIGS. 11-25. As shown in FIG. 33, the maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the no flow position 1900 of the cone 1100 and / or the no flow position 2800 of the control knob 2606 is zero British thermal units (0 BTU). The maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the high flow position 2100 of the cone 1100 and / or the high flow position 2900 of the control knob 2606 is seven thousand British thermal units (7000 BTU). The maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the medium flow position 2300 of the cone 1100 and / or the medium flow position 3000 of the control knob 2606 is five thousand five hundred British thermal units (5500 BTU). The maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the low flow position 2400 of the cone 1100 and / or the low flow position 3100 of the control knob 2606 is four thousand five hundred British thermal units (4500 BTU). The maximum heat output of the burner tube 2604 associated with the high-plus flow position 2500 of the cone 1100 and / or the high-plus flow position 3200 of the control knob 2606 is ten thousand five hundred British thermal units (10500 BTU).

[0137] The burner assembly 2600 of FIGS. 26 and 27 can be implemented in a variety of grills. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an example grill 3400 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The grill 3400 of FIG. 34 is a gas grill that includes the burner assembly 2600 of FIGS. 26 and 27, and further includes an example cookbox 3402, an example frame 3404, and an example lid 3406. The cookbox 3402 is configured to support one or more portion(s) of the burner assembly 2600 such that heat generated and / or output by the burner tube(s) of the burner assembly 2600 is contained within the cookbox 3402. The cookbox 3402 is further configured to support one or more cooking grate(s) such that the heat generated and / or output by the burner tube(s) of the burner assembly 2600 cooks one or more item(s) of food located on the cooking grate(s). The frame 3404 of the grill 3400 of FIG. 34 supports the cookbox 3402 of the grill 3400 above an underlying ground surface. The frame 3404 can be formed from any number and any type of structural component(s) (e.g., one or more panel(s), bar(s), rod(s), post(s), leg(s), etc.) arranged in any manner that facilitates supporting the cookbox 3402 above an underlying ground surface when the grill 3400 is in use.

[0138] The lid 3406 of the grill 3400 of FIG. 34 is configured to cover and / or enclose a cooking chamber formed by the cookbox 3402 and the lid 3406 of the grill 3400. The lid 3406 is pivotally coupled to the cookbox 3402 such that the lid 3406 is movable between a closed position (e.g., a lowered position) that generally prevents access to the cooking chamber of the grill 3400, and an open position (e.g., a raised position) that generally enables access to the cooking chamber of the grill 3400. Movement of the lid 3406 between the closed position and the open position can be facilitated via user interaction with an example handle 3408 that is coupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the lid 3406.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 34, the burner assembly 2600 and / or, more generally, the grill 3400 includes a total of four control knobs, each of which is operatively coupled to a respective stem of a respective gas valve of the burner assembly 2600. In the illustrated example of FIG. 34, any and / or all of the gas valves that form part of the burner assembly 2600 can be implemented by a separate instance of the gas valve 100 of FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25 described above. For example, the various gas valves that form part of the burner assembly 2600 of the grill 3400 of FIG. 34 can be implemented by a combination of at least one gas valve 100 as shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25 (e.g., a gas valve that includes a high-plus flow position), and at least one conventional gas valve (e.g., a gas valve that lacks a high-plus flow position). As another example, the various gas valves that form part of the burner assembly 2600 of the grill 3400 of FIG. 34 can be implemented exclusively by separate instances of the gas valve 100 as shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8 and 19-25 (e.g., a gas valve that includes a high-plus flow position).

[0140] The following paragraphs provide various examples in relation to the disclosed high-plus gas valves for grills.

[0141] Example 1 includes a gas valve. In Example 1, the gas valve includes a chamber and a flow control member. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

[0142] Example 2 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 2, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0143] Example 3 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 3, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

[0144] Example 4 includes the gas valve of Example 3. In Example 4, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise.

[0145] Example 5 includes the gas valve of Example 3. In Example 5, the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position. The second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation.

[0146] Example 6 includes the gas valve of Example 5. In Example 6, the second direction of rotation is clockwise.

[0147] Example 7 includes the gas valve of Example 3. In Example 7, the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

[0148] Example 8 includes the gas valve of Example 3. In Example 8, the gas valve further includes a stem operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member.

[0149] Example 9 includes the gas valve of Example 8. In Example 9, the gas valve further includes a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

[0150] Example 10 includes the gas valve of Example 9. In Example 10, the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

[0151] Example 11 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 11, the gas valve further includes an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The inlet conduit is configured to be coupled to a manifold of a grill such that the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the manifold. The outlet conduit is configured to be coupled to a burner tube of the grill such that the outlet opening is in fluid communication with the burner tube.

[0152] Example 12 includes a grill. In Example 12, the grill includes a gas valve, a manifold, a burner tube, and a control knob. In Example 12, the gas valve includes a chamber, a flow control member, and a stem. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. The stem is operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member. The manifold is in fluid communication with the inlet opening. The burner tube is in fluid communication with the outlet opening. The control knob is operatively coupled to the stem such that rotation of the control knob causes a corresponding rotation of the stem.

[0153] Example 13 includes the grill of Example 12. In Example 13, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

[0154] Example 14 includes the grill of Example 12. In Example 14, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

[0155] Example 15 includes the grill of Example 14. In Example 15, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise.

[0156] Example 16 includes the grill of Example 14. In Example 16, the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation.

[0157] Example 17 includes the grill of Example 16. In Example 17, the second direction of rotation is clockwise.

[0158] Example 18 includes the grill of Example 14. In Example 18, the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

[0159] Example 19 includes the rill of Example 14. In Example 19, the gas valve further includes a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

[0160] Example 20 includes the grill of Example 19. In Example 20, the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

[0161] Although certain example apparatus, systems, methods, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus, systems, methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

[0162] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

Examples

example 1

[0141 includes a gas valve. In Example 1, the gas valve includes a chamber and a flow control member. The chamber includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The flow control member is disposed within the chamber. The flow control member is rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position. The high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate. The high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

example 2

[0142 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 2, the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

example 3

[0143 includes the gas valve of Example 1. In Example 3, the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

Claims

1. A gas valve, comprising:a chamber including an inlet opening and an outlet opening; anda flow control member disposed within the chamber, the flow control member being rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position, wherein the high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate, and the high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

2. The gas valve of claim 1, wherein the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

3. The gas valve of claim 1, wherein the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

4. The gas valve of claim 3, wherein the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise.

5. The gas valve of claim 3, wherein the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation.

6. The gas valve of claim 5, wherein the second direction of rotation is clockwise.

7. The gas valve of claim 3, wherein the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

8. The gas valve of claim 3, further comprising a stem operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member.

9. The gas valve of claim 8, further comprising a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

10. The gas valve of claim 9, wherein the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

11. The gas valve of claim 1, further comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, the inlet conduit configured to be coupled to a manifold of a grill such that the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the manifold, the outlet conduit configured to be coupled to a burner tube of the grill such that the outlet opening is in fluid communication with the burner tube.

12. A grill, comprising:a gas valve including:a chamber including an inlet opening and an outlet opening;a flow control member disposed within the chamber, the flow control member being rotatable within the chamber between a no flow position, a high flow position, a medium flow position, a low flow position, and a high-plus flow position, wherein the high flow position enables a pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a first flow rate, and the high-plus flow position enables the pressurized gas to flow through the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate; anda stem operatively coupled to the flow control member such that rotation of the stem about an axis of rotation of the stem causes a corresponding rotation of the flow control member within the chamber about an axis of rotation of the flow control member;a manifold in fluid communication with the inlet opening;a burner tube in fluid communication with the outlet opening; anda control knob operatively coupled to the stem such that rotation of the control knob causes a corresponding rotation of the stem.

13. The grill of claim 12, wherein the no flow position, the high flow position, the medium flow position, the low flow position, and the high-plus flow position are circumferentially and sequentially arranged such that the high flow position is located between the no flow position and the medium flow position, the medium flow position is located between the high flow position and the low flow position, the low flow position is located between the medium flow position and the high-plus flow position, the high-plus flow position is located between the low flow position and the no flow position, and the no flow position is located between the high-plus flow position and the high flow position.

14. The grill of claim 12, wherein the flow control member is rotatable in a first direction of rotation from the no flow position into the high flow position, from the high flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the low flow position, and from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

15. The grill of claim 14, wherein the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise.

16. The grill of claim 14, wherein the flow control member is rotatable in a second direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the low flow position, from the low flow position into the medium flow position, from the medium flow position into the high flow position, and from the high flow position into the no flow position, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite the first direction of rotation.

17. The grill of claim 16, wherein the second direction of rotation is clockwise.

18. The grill of claim 14, wherein the flow control member is further rotatable in the first direction of rotation from the high-plus flow position into the no flow position.

19. The grill of claim 14, wherein the gas valve further comprises a mechanical detent configured to restrict the flow control member from being rotated in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position.

20. The grill of claim 19, wherein the mechanical detent is configured to be bypassed when a rotational movement of the flow control member in the first direction of rotation from the low flow position into the high-plus flow position is preceded by a translational movement of the stem.

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