U.S. patent application number 11/288620 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for corona-discharge air mover and purifier for fireplace and hearth.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ranco Incorporated of Delaware. Invention is credited to Debra Jean Reaves.
Application Number | 20060112955 11/288620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36565774 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060112955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reaves; Debra Jean |
June 1, 2006 |
Corona-discharge air mover and purifier for fireplace and
hearth
Abstract
A fireplace for warming an environment is provided. The
fireplace comprise a combustion chamber, a passage, and at least
one corona discharge apparatus. The passage is adjacent to the
combustion chamber and extends between an inlet and an outlet. The
at least one corona discharge apparatus is position within the
passage to draw a fluid into the passage through the inlet and to
expel the fluid through the outlet.
Inventors: |
Reaves; Debra Jean; (Aurora,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN LTD.
483 NORTH MULFORD ROAD
SUITE 7
ROCKFORD
IL
61107
US
|
Assignee: |
Ranco Incorporated of
Delaware
Wilmington
DE
19801-1612
|
Family ID: |
36565774 |
Appl. No.: |
11/288620 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60632226 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/530 ;
126/500 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24B 1/1808 20130101;
F24B 1/187 20130101; F24B 1/1885 20130101; F24F 2221/186
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/530 ;
126/500 |
International
Class: |
F24B 1/18 20060101
F24B001/18; F24B 1/189 20060101 F24B001/189; F24B 1/188 20060101
F24B001/188 |
Claims
1. A fireplace comprising: a combustion chamber; a passage adjacent
to the combustion chamber, the passage extending between an inlet
and an outlet; and at least one corona discharge apparatus
positioned within the passage to draw a fluid into the passage
through the inlet and to expel the fluid through the outlet.
2. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the inlet is positioned below
the combustion chamber so as to allow cooler fluid to be drawn into
the passage, and wherein the outlet is positioned above the
combustion chamber to allow to fluid in the passage to be heated
when fuel is combusted in the combustion chamber.
3. The fireplace of claim 1, further comprising means operatively
coupled to the at least one corona discharge apparatus for varying
a flow rate of the fluid through the passage.
4. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the inlet and the outlet are
formed in a front face of the fireplace and the outlet is disposed
vertically above the inlet.
5. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the fireplace further
comprises an ozone depletion apparatus for removing ozone from the
fluid.
6. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the passage is oriented
relative to the combustion chamber to heat the fluid within the
passage.
7. The fireplace of claim 1, further comprising a flue coupled to a
roof of the combustion chamber, the flue including at least one
corona discharge apparatus positioned therein for filtering smoke
and other combustion byproducts during combustion within the
combustion chamber.
8. The fireplace of claim 7, wherein at least one electrode in the
at least one corona discharge apparatus is removable from the flue
for inspection, cleaning, and replacement.
9. The fireplace of claim 7, wherein the at least one corona
discharge apparatus positioned within the flue permits a variable
flow of air to flow through the flue to control the combustion in
the combustion chamber.
10. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the at least one corona
discharge apparatus comprises a positively charged emitter array in
spaced relation to a negatively charged collector array.
11. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the at least one corona
discharge apparatus moves the fluid through the passage at about
six hundred cubic feet per minute when energized.
12. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least
one corona discharge apparatuses is removably positioned in the
passage to allow cleaning thereof.
13. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the fireplace further
includes a high voltage power supply operatively coupled to the at
least one corona discharge apparatus.
14. A corona-discharge air mover and purifier apparatus for a
fireplace having a combustion chamber configured to receive a fuel,
the fuel generating heat within the combustion chamber when
combusted, and a passage adjacent to the combustion chamber, the
passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, comprising: a
first positively charged emitter array adapted to be positioned in
the passage; and a first negatively charged collector array adapted
to be positioned in the passage in spaced relation to the first
positively charged emitter array, the first positively charged
emitter array and the first negative charged collector array being
operative to cooperatively produce an electric wind in the passage
such that air is drawn from the environment into the passage
through the inlet, heated from the combustion chamber, and expelled
through the outlet into the environment to warm the environment
during combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a second
positively charged emitter array adapted to be positioned in the
passage and a second negatively charged collector array adapted to
be positioned in the passage in spaced relation to one another such
that they cooperatively aid the electric wind in the passage.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first positively charged
emitter array and the first negative charged collector array
operative to cooperatively filter the air drawn from the
environment and flowing in the passage.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a second
positively charged emitter array adapted to be positioned in a flue
of the fireplace and a second negatively charged collector array
adapted to be positioned in the flue in spaced relation to the
second positively charged emitter array, the second positively
charged emitter array and the second negative charged collector
array being operative to cooperatively produce an electric wind in
the flue to aid combustion in the combustion chamber.
18. A method of heating an environment using a fireplace having a
combustion chamber configured to receive a fuel, the fuel
generating heat within the combustion chamber when combusted, and a
passage adjacent to the combustion chamber, the passage extending
between an inlet and an outlet, the method comprising the steps of:
installing a corona discharge apparatus in the passage; energizing
the corona discharge apparatus to produce an electric wind in the
passage such that air is drawn from the environment into the
passage through the inlet, heated from the combustion chamber, and
expelled through the outlet into the environment to warm the
environment during combustion of the fuel in the combustion
chamber.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of installing the
corona discharge apparatus comprises the steps of: installing a
first positively charged emitter array in the passage; installing a
first negatively charged collector array in the passage in spaced
relation to the first positively charged emitter array.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of installing the
corona discharge apparatus further comprises the steps of:
installing a second positively charged emitter array in the
passage; installing a second negatively charged collector array in
the passage in spaced relation to the second positively charged
emitter array.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/632,226, filed Nov. 30, 2004,
the teachings and disclosure of which are hereby incorporated in
their entireties by reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention pertains to fireplace and hearth heating
systems, and more particularly to blowers for use in fireplace and
hearth heating systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Fireplaces typically employ conventional rotating air movers
such as fans and blowers to draw return air into a duct or plenum,
force it through a heat exchanger, and then expel heated air back
out into the room. An air filter may be added to further condition
the air.
[0004] Unfortunately, fans and blowers tend to be noisy, especially
in the relative quiet of a living room or bedroom. Furthermore,
fans and blowers contain rotating and moving parts that usually
wear out over time. Conventional air filters need to be replaced
periodically, which increases the cost of ownership of such a
system.
[0005] Therefore, an apparatus that can quietly move, and perhaps
even filter, the air that is heated by a fireplace without rotating
parts would be desirable. The invention provides such an apparatus.
These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional
inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the
invention provided herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the above, the present invention provides a new
and improved air mover and purifier for a fireplace and hearth that
overcomes one or more problems existing in the art. More
particularly, the present invention provides a new and improved air
mover and purifier for residential fireplace and hearth heating
systems having a forced air duct or plenum.
[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the invention
replaces a fan or blower with a corona-discharge air-moving
apparatus that contains no moving parts. The invention is quieter,
more efficient and more reliable than fans or blowers and provides
air purification without the use of external filters or
devices.
[0008] In one aspect, the invention provides a fireplace. The
fireplace comprises a combustion chamber, a passage, and at least
one corona discharge apparatus. The passage is adjacent to the
combustion chamber and extends between an inlet and an outlet. The
at least one corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the
passage to draw a fluid into the passage through the inlet and to
expel the fluid through the outlet.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention provides a corona-discharge
air mover and purifier apparatus for a fireplace having a
combustion chamber configured to receive a fuel. The fuel generates
heat within the combustion chamber when combusted. A passage
adjacent to the combustion chamber extends between an inlet and an
outlet. The corona-discharge air mover and purifier apparatus
comprises a first positively charged emitter array adapted to be
positioned in the passage and a first negatively charged collector
array adapted to be positioned in the passage in spaced relation to
the first positively charged emitter array. The first positively
charged emitter array and the first negative charged collector
array are operative to cooperatively produce an electric wind in
the passage. As such, air is drawn from the environment into the
passage through the inlet, heated from the combustion chamber, and
expelled through the outlet into the environment to warm the
environment during combustion of the fuel in the combustion
chamber.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the invention provides method of
heating an environment using a fireplace having a combustion
chamber configured to receive a fuel. The fuel generates heat
within the combustion chamber when combusted. A passage is adjacent
to the combustion chamber and extends between an inlet and an
outlet. The method comprises the step of installing a corona
discharge apparatus in the passage. The installed corona discharge
apparatus is then energized to produce an electric wind in the
passage. The electric wind results in air being drawn from the
environment into the passage through the inlet, heated from the
combustion chamber, and expelled through the outlet into the
environment to warm the environment during combustion of the fuel
in the combustion chamber.
[0011] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a simplified side view of an exemplary embodiment
of a fireplace including an air moving apparatus constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
[0014] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a hearth or fireplace 10 constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention, which may
be installed, e.g., in a residential dwelling or commercial
building, is illustrated. As will be described more fully below,
the fireplace 10 of the present invention is constructed to quietly
move a fluid (e.g., air) through the fireplace without the need for
moving or rotating parts.
[0016] As shown, the fireplace 10 may sit on a base 12 and
comprises a body 14 and a flue 16. The base 12 is preferably
constructed of a heat and fire resistant material such as stone,
brick, concrete, and the like. Such a base 12 for the fireplace 10
typically rests on and above the foundation of the structure and
generally supports the body 14. The flue 16, which sits atop the
body 14, is configured to transport hot gases to the chimney (not
shown) and out of the structure.
[0017] The body 14 includes a combustion chamber 18, a passage 20,
and one or more corona discharge apparatuses 22. The body 14 of the
fireplace 10 defines a front face 24 that conventionally faces
toward an environment such as a living room, bedroom, and the like.
Since the fireplace 10 can be installed in a flush or recessed
orientation, the front face 24 of the body 14 can be planar or
offset from a wall 26.
[0018] The combustion chamber 18 has an open front 28 that is
generally exposed to the environment. This open front 28 may be
closed off by glass doors or the like in highly efficient
embodiments. In such embodiments, the combustion chamber 18 is
often fed with outside air to support the combustion. In addition,
the combustion chamber 18 defines a back wall 30, a floor 32, and a
roof 34. The combustion chamber 18 is sized, dimensioned, and
otherwise configured to receive a fuel 36 such as, for example,
wood, natural gas, pellets, and the like. When the fuel 36 is
combusted, heat is generated within the combustion chamber 18.
[0019] The roof 34 of the combustion chamber 18 includes an
aperture 38 that couples the combustion chamber 18 and the flue 16.
Therefore, when a damper 40 in the flue 16 is opened, the smoke and
other combustion byproducts produced by the combusted fuel 36 is
able to rise and pass upwardly through the flue 16. To promote the
ascension of the smoke and other combustion byproducts, one or more
of the roof 34 and flue 16 can include a portion that is upwardly
canted or contoured.
[0020] The passage 20 in the body 14 extends between an inlet 42
and an outlet 44. The inlet 42 and outlet 44 each open through the
front face 24 of the body 14 as shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated
embodiment, the outlet 44 is disposed vertically above the inlet
42. This allows the passage 20 to take in cooler air near the floor
of the dwelling to increase the occupants' comfort. Each of the
inlet and outlet 42, 44 can be protected by a cover 46, a grate,
and the like. As FIG. 1 depicts, in one embodiment all or at least
a portion of the passage 20 is proximate and/or adjacent to the
combustion chamber 18 to increase the ability of the heat in the
combustion chamber 18 to heat the air in the passage 20.
Preferably, the passage 20 runs along a substantial portion of the
combustion chamber 18.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the passage 20
begins at the inlet 42, passes beneath the floor 34, skirts the
back wall 30, runs along the roof 32, and then terminates at the
outlet 44. As such, the heat generated by the combusted fuel 36 in
the combustion chamber 18 can be conductively and/or convectively
transferred to the air moving through or residing in the passage
20.
[0022] Each of the corona discharge apparatuses 22 in the passage
20 is an electrical device that relies on corona discharge and ion
charge attraction to move air and, preferably, filter particles and
pollutants from the air. In the illustrated embodiment, three of
the corona discharge apparatuses 22 are shown in the passage 20
although more or fewer may be used.
[0023] A typical corona discharge apparatus 22 employs numerous
corona discharge electrodes 48 arranged in arrays and spaced apart
from numerous negatively charged attracting electrodes 50 that are
also arranged in arrays. When assembled into an array, the corona
discharge electrodes 48 can be referred to as an emitter array.
Likewise, the attracting electrodes 50 can be referred to a
collector array. Due to the many array configurations and electrode
shapes that can be used, the arrays of the corona discharge
electrodes 48 and the attracting electrodes 50 have been shown in
FIG. 1 in a simplified form.
[0024] Each of the corona discharge electrodes 48 and attracting
electrodes 50 is coupled to and charged by a high-voltage power
supply 51. The electrodes 48 and 50 are also preferably controlled
and/or managed by related control electronics (not shown). In
addition, the corona discharge electrodes 48 are typically
asymmetrical with respect to the attracting electrodes 50. In one
embodiment, the corona discharge electrodes 48 are highly curved
and resemble the tip of a needle or a narrow wire while the
attracting electrodes 50 take the form of a flat plate or a ground
plane. The curvature of the corona discharge electrodes 48 ensures
a high potential gradient around that electrode.
[0025] The high potential gradient generated at or near the corona
discharge electrodes 48 basically pulls apart the neutral air
molecules in the immediate area. What remains after each neutral
air molecule has been dismantled is a positively charged ion and a
negatively charged electron. Due to the strong electric field near
the corona discharge electrode 48, the ion and electron are
increasingly separated from each other, prevented from recombining,
and accelerated. Therefore, the ion and electron are both imparted
with kinetic energy. Moreover, since a portion of the air molecules
in the passage 20 is ionized, the air in the passage becomes a
conducting medium, the circuit including the corona discharge
electrodes 48 and the attracting electrodes 50 is completed, and a
current flow can be sustained.
[0026] The negatively charged electrons are persuaded to move
toward the positively charged corona discharge electrodes 48 due to
the difference in charge between them. When the rapidly moving and
accelerating electrons collide with other neutral air molecules in
the area, further positive ion/electron pairs are created. As more
and more positive/ion electric pairs are produced, an electron
avalanche is established. The electron avalanche sustains and/or
perpetuates the corona discharge process.
[0027] In contrast to the negatively charged electrons, the
positively charged ions are persuaded to move from near the corona
discharge electrodes 48 toward the attracting electrodes 50. This
movement is due to the difference in charge between the positively
charged ions and the negatively charged attracting electrodes. Like
the electrons, when the positively charged ions move they also
collide with neutral air molecules. When they collide, the
positively charged ions can transfer some of their momentum as well
as excess charge to the neutral air molecules. Therefore, the
neutral air molecules are knocked toward the attracting electrode
50 or are ionized and then drawn to the attracting electrode 50. In
either case, the positively charged ions and other air molecules
end up flowing from the corona discharge electrodes 48 toward the
attracting electrodes 50.
[0028] The movement or flow of the air particles away from the
corona discharge electrodes 48 and toward the attracting electrodes
50 causes or results in what is referred to by those skilled in the
art as an electric wind or electrostatic fluid acceleration. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the electric wind travels through
the passage 20 in a direction depicted by arrows 52.
[0029] In one embodiment, the velocity and volume of the air moving
through the passage 20 is proportional to the voltage difference
between the electrodes 48, 50 and the size of the arrays. By
varying the potential between the electrodes 48, 50, the size and
dimensions of the passage, and the like, the velocity and volume of
the electric wind can be increased and decreased over a continuous
range as desired. In any particular configuration, this range may
be manually adjusted with a simple adjustment knob 49 or remote
control that varies the electric potential between the electrodes
48, 50. With the appropriate configuration, air flows exceeding six
hundred cubic feet per minute are possible.
[0030] When the positively charged ions creating the electric wind
reach the attracting electrodes 50, the positive charge is removed
by permitting a recombination of the negatively charged electrons
with the positively charged ions. Due to the recombination, neutral
air molecules once again exists in the passage 20. Advantageously,
these neutral air molecules retain their velocity and
direction.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, one or more corona discharge
apparatuses 22 can be disposed within either or both of the passage
20 and the flue 16 for the purpose of cleaning and scrubbing the
air. Such beneficial and desirable filtering can be performed in
addition to generating the electric wind. As known to those skilled
in the art, contaminants and particles tend to adhere to the
attracting electrode 50 during the corona discharge process.
Therefore, both the air passing through the passage 20 and the
exhaust gases exiting the combustion chamber 18 and being expelled
from the structure can be purified. Notably, the attracting
electrodes 50, which are often plates, are preferably removable to
permit inspection, cleaning, and replacement. In an alternative
embodiment, the entire corona discharge apparatuses 22 are
removable. Moreover, besides providing air movement and air
cleaning, the corona discharge apparatuses 22 may also control flue
airflow in an oscillatory manner to achieve unique combustion
effects.
[0032] As is known in the art, several patents and published
applications have recognized that corona discharge devices may be
used to generate ions and accelerate and filter fluids such as air.
Such patents and published applications that describe fluid and/or
air moving devices and technology include the following U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,638,058, 3,699,387, 3,751,715, 4,210,847, 4,231,766,
4,380,720, 4,643,745, 4,789,801, 5,077,500, 5,667,564, 6,176,977,
6,504,308, 6,664,741, and 6,727,657 and U.S. Pub. Pat. Applns.
2004/40217720, 2004/0212329, 2004/0183454, 2004/0155612,
2004/0004797, 2004/0004440, 2003/0234618, and 2003/0090209. The
teachings and disclosure of each of these patents and published
applications are incorporated in their entireties by reference
thereto.
[0033] While other ion discharge or corona fluid movement
technologies may be employed in the system and method of the
present invention, a preferred embodiment of the present invention
utilizes the technology described in one or more of the preceding
patents and/or published applications, and most preferably, the
technology described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,504,308, 6,664,741, and
6,727,657 issued to Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc., of Belmont,
Mass. The teachings and disclosure of each of these patents are
also incorporated in their entireties by reference thereto.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the fireplace 10 further
comprises an ozone depletion apparatus 53 for reducing the amount
of ozone in the fluid. In general, the ozone depletion apparatus 53
is any system, device, or method having the ability to degenerate
ozone into oxygen (i.e., dioxide) and/or absorb ozone. In
particular, the ozone depletion apparatus 53 can be a filter, a
catalyst composition situated proximate the fluid, and the like.
When the fireplace 10 is equipped with the ozone depletion
apparatus 53, the ozone generated by the corona discharge
apparatuses 22 can be maintained below a desired level, relegated
to within a predetermined range, and otherwise managed.
[0035] While the ozone depletion apparatus 53 can be situated in a
variety of different locations relative to the one or more corona
discharge apparatuses 22, the ozone depletion apparatus is
preferably disposed within the passage 20 proximate the outlet 44.
In an exemplary embodiment, the ozone depletion apparatus 53 is
generally downstream of the last corona discharge apparatus 22 in
the fireplace 10. As such, air flowing out of the outlet 44 is
purified by the ozone depletion apparatus 53 prior to entering the
environment.
[0036] As is known in the art, several patents have recognized that
ozone depletion devices and systems may be used to convert ozone to
oxygen, absorb ozone, and the like. Such patents that describe
converting and absorbing devices, methods, and technology include
the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,343,776, 4,405,507, 5,422,331,
6,375,902, 6,375,905, and 6,699,529. The teachings and disclosure
of each of these patents are incorporated in their entireties by
reference thereto.
[0037] In operation, air is drawn into the passage 20 of the
fireplace 10 through the inlet 42 due to the activation of one or
more of the corona discharge apparatuses 22 and the corona
discharge process as discussed above. Once drawn inside the passage
20, the air (or particles thereof) continues to move through the
passage 20 in the direction indicated by the arrows 52. While
residing within the passage 20, the heat from the fuel 36 being
combusted in the combustion chamber 18 is conductively and/or
convectively transferred to the air.
[0038] After the air flowing through the passage 20 has been
heated, the air is expelled and/or exhausted into the environment
through the outlet 44 by the corona discharge process. Since the
air has been heated by the combustion of the fuel 36 in the
combustion chamber 18, an ambient temperature of the environment is
elevated. In other words, the environment is warmed by the air that
has circulated through the fireplace 10 and been heated.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the corona
discharge apparatuses 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 also filters and
cleans the air traveling through the passage 20 of the fireplace
10. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the corona
discharge apparatuses 22 filters and scrubs the exhaust gases
leaving the combustion chamber 18.
[0040] Advantageously, the present invention provides quieter
hearth or fireplace 10 operation compared to when a mechanical fan
or a blower is employed. The present invention also allows for a
smaller, more flexible footprint than a large, circular shaped fan
or blower will allow. This enables a larger combustion chamber 18
in the same overall volume for the hearth or fireplace 10.
Moreover, the air can be purified by the corona discharge
apparatuses 22 and the velocity of the air can be variably
controlled.
[0041] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0042] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0043] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *