U.S. patent application number 11/398282 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for water heater for recreational vehicles having forced air/direct vent combustion.
Invention is credited to John M. Kloster.
Application Number | 20070237501 11/398282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38575396 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070237501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kloster; John M. |
October 11, 2007 |
Water heater for recreational vehicles having forced air/direct
vent combustion
Abstract
A water heater for a recreational vehicle includes an enclosure
assembly, a water tank for holding water to be heated, a combustion
system for heating water within the water tank, and a control
system for operating the combustion system. The combustion assembly
includes a burner assembly located within a sealed combustion
chamber, an inlet duct communicating an external environment with
the combustion chamber, an outlet duct communicating the combustion
chamber with the external environment, and an electric fan
positioned to draw combustion air through the inlet duct and force
flue gas into the outlet duct. A portion of the outlet duct extends
within the inlet duct so that both ducts extend through a single
opening in an exterior wall of the recreational vehicle. The
enclosure assembly is provided with a plurality of knockouts facing
in different directions for forming an opening for the inlet and
outlet ducts.
Inventors: |
Kloster; John M.; (Granger,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard M. Mescher;PORTER, WRIGHT, MORRIS & ARTHUR LLP
41 South High Street
Columbus
OH
43215
US
|
Family ID: |
38575396 |
Appl. No.: |
11/398282 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/441 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 1/205 20130101;
F23N 1/082 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/441 |
International
Class: |
F24H 1/18 20060101
F24H001/18 |
Claims
1. A water heater for a recreational vehicle comprising, in
combination: an enclosure assembly; a water tank for holding water
to be heated located within the enclosure assembly; a combustion
system for heating water within the water tank and including a
gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion
chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an external
environment with the combustion chamber, a flue gas outlet duct
communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment
and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to water within
the water tank, and an electric fan positioned to draw combustion
air through the inlet duct and into the combustion chamber and
force flue gas into the outlet duct and out of the combustion
chamber; and a control system for operating the combustion system
including a thermostat and operably connected to the burner
assembly, the fan, and the thermostat to generally maintain water
in the water tank at a desired temperature.
2. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
1, wherein the fan is located at an inlet of the combustion
chamber.
3. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
1, wherein the control system further includes a pressure switch so
that the burner assembly is ignited when the fan is operating and
the combustion chamber is at a desired pressure.
4. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
1, wherein a portion of the flue gas outlet duct extends within the
combustion air inlet duct.
5. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
4, wherein the portion of the flue gas outlet duct extending within
the combustion air inlet duct is coaxial with the combustion air
inlet duct.
6. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
4, wherein the flue gas outlet duct and the combustion air inlet
duct are adapted to extend through a single opening with an
exterior wall of the recreational vehicle.
7. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
1, wherein the enclosure assembly is provided with a plurality of
knockouts facing in different directions for forming an opening for
the inlet and outlet ducts.
8. A water heater for a recreational vehicle comprising, in
combination: an enclosure assembly; a water tank for holding water
to be heated located within the enclosure assembly; a combustion
system for heating water within the water tank and including a
gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion
chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an external
environment with the combustion chamber, and a flue gas outlet duct
communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment
and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to water within
the water tank; a control system for operating the combustion
system including a thermostat and operably connected to the burner
assembly and the thermostat to generally maintain water in the
water tank at a desired temperature; and wherein a portion of the
flue gas outlet duct extends within the combustion air inlet
duct.
9. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
8, wherein the combustion system further includes an electric fan
positioned to draw combustion air through the inlet duct and into
the combustion chamber and force flue gas into the outlet duct and
out of the combustion chamber.
10. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
9, wherein the fan is located at an inlet of the combustion
chamber.
11. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
8, wherein the portion of the flue gas outlet duct extending within
the combustion air inlet duct is coaxial with the combustion air
inlet duct.
12. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
8, wherein the flue gas outlet duct and the combustion air inlet
duct are adapted to extend through a single opening with an
exterior wall of the recreational vehicle.
13. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
8, wherein the enclosure assembly is provided with a plurality of
knockouts facing in different directions for forming an opening for
the inlet and outlet ducts.
14. A water heater for a recreational vehicle comprising, in
combination: an enclosure assembly; a water tank for holding water
to be heated located within the enclosure assembly; a combustion
system for heating water within the water tank and including a
gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion
chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an external
environment with the combustion chamber, and a flue gas outlet duct
communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment
and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to water within
the water tank; a control system for operating the combustion
system including a thermostat and operably connected to the burner
assembly and the thermostat to generally maintain water in the
water tank at a desired temperature; and wherein the enclosure
assembly is provided with a plurality of knockouts facing in
different directions for forming an opening for the inlet and
outlet ducts.
15. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
14, wherein the combustion system further includes an electric fan
positioned to draw combustion air through the inlet duct and into
the combustion chamber and force flue gas into the outlet duct and
out of the combustion chamber.
16. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
15, wherein the fan is located at an inlet of the combustion
chamber.
17. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
14, wherein the portion of the flue gas outlet duct extending
within the combustion air inlet duct is coaxial with the combustion
air inlet duct.
18. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
14, wherein the flue gas outlet duct and the combustion air inlet
duct are adapted to extend through a single opening with an
exterior wall of the recreational vehicle.
19. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
14, wherein a portion of the flue gas outlet duct extends within
the combustion air inlet duct.
20. The water heater for a recreational vehicle according to claim
14, wherein the plurality of knockouts face in at least three
different directions substantially perpendicular to one another.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally relates to water heaters
and, more particularly, to gas-fired water heaters for recreational
vehicles and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Compact water heaters of the type for use with recreational
vehicles typically have a relatively small water tank in
combination with a heating unit. The heating unit is typically of
the gas-fired burner type. The burner can be fueled by propane gas
which is usually carried on recreational vehicles. The water heater
is mounted on the recreational vehicle in a convenient position
connected to cold water supply and hot water outlet pipes
respectively receiving cold water from a suitable water supply
source and for directing heated water for use in cooking, bathing,
and the like.
[0006] These gas-fired burners must be vented to the exterior of
the vehicle. Typically, the water heater is located near an
exterior wall of the recreational vehicle so that a door in the
exterior wall can be used for gravity combustion, venting, and
service. These doors, however, are considered aesthetic problems in
the industry for color matching, their "postage stamp" appearance,
and their contribution to cluttered exterior appearances of
recreational vehicles.
[0007] As a result some water heaters have been located inward of
the exterior walls and are provided with an inlet duct in the floor
and an outlet duct in the ceiling for gravity combustion and
venting. While these water heaters may improve the outward
appearance of the exterior walls, they impose other design
constraints such as the water heater must be located where ducts
can be provided through the floor and ceiling. In either case,
these prior water heaters place considerable constraints on the
design of the recreational vehicles. Much of the interior design
must often be designed around the locations of appliances such as
the water heater. Additionally, different water heaters must be
used in different recreational vehicle designs which prevents the
cost advantages of a "universal" design. Accordingly, there is a
need in the art for an improved water heater for recreational
vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a water heater for a
recreational vehicle which overcomes at least some of the
above-noted problems of the related art. According to the present
invention, a water heater for a recreational vehicle comprises, in
combination, an enclosure assembly, a water tank for holding water
to be heated located within the enclosure assembly, a combustion
system for heating water within the water tank, and a control
system for operating the combustion system. The combustion assembly
includes a gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed
combustion chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an
external environment with the combustion chamber, a flue gas outlet
duct communicating the combustion chamber with the external
environment and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to
water within the water tank, and an electric fan positioned to draw
combustion air through the inlet duct and into the combustion
chamber and force flue gas into the outlet duct and out of the
combustion chamber. The control system includes a thermostat and is
operably connected to the burner assembly, the fan, and the
thermostat to generally maintain water in the water tank at a
desired temperature.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
water heater for a recreational vehicle comprises, in combination,
an enclosure assembly, a water tank for holding water to be heated
located within the enclosure assembly, a combustion system for
heating water within the water tank, and a control system for
operating the combustion system. The combustion system includes a
gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion
chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an external
environment with the combustion chamber, and a flue gas outlet duct
communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment
and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to water within
the water tank. The control system includes a thermostat and is
operably connected to the burner assembly and the thermostat to
generally maintain water in the water tank at a desired
temperature. A portion of the flue gas outlet duct extends within
the combustion air inlet duct.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
water heater for a recreational vehicle comprises, in combination,
an enclosure assembly, a water tank for holding water to be heated
located within the enclosure assembly, a combustion system for
heating water within the water tank, and a control system for
operating the combustion system. The combustion assembly includes a
gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion
chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an external
environment with the combustion chamber, and a flue gas outlet duct
communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment
and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to water within
the water tank. The control system for operating the combustion
system includes a thermostat and is operably connected to the
burner assembly and the thermostat to generally maintain water in
the water tank at a desired temperature. The enclosure assembly is
provided with a plurality of knockouts facing in different
directions for forming an opening for the inlet and outlet
ducts.
[0011] From the foregoing disclosure and the following more
detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention
provides a significant advance in the technology and art of water
heaters for recreational vehicles. Particularly significant in this
regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a high
quality, reliable, efficient, and low cost assembly that can be
used in a wide variety of locations and in more than one location.
Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments
will be better understood in view of the detailed description
provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and further features of the present invention will be
apparent with reference to the following description and drawings,
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a water heater for a
recreational vehicle according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the water heater of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear end elevational view of the water heater of
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front end elevational view of the water heater
of FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the water heater of FIGS. 1
to 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the water heater of FIGS. 1
to 5, wherein an exterior housing is removed for clarity;
[0019] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the water heater of
FIGS. 1 to 6, wherein a rear end cover is removed for clarity;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the forced air/direct vent
combustion system of the water heater of FIGS. 1 to 7; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a control system of the water
heater of FIGS. 1 to 8.
[0022] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not
necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified
representation of various preferred features illustrative of the
basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of
a water heater for a recreational vehicle as disclosed herein,
including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations,
locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular
intended application and use environment. Certain features of the
illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to
others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In
particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for
clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position,
unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the powered
adjustable seat assembly illustrated in the drawings. In general,
up or upward refers to an upward direction within the plane of the
paper in FIG. 2 and down or downward refers to a downward direction
within the plane of the paper in FIG. 2. Also in general, fore or
forward refers to a direction toward the left within the plane of
the paper in FIG. 2 and aft or rearward refers to a direction
toward the right within the plane of the paper in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to
those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology,
that many uses and design variations are possible for the improved
water heaters disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion
of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate
the general principles of the invention with reference to a
preferred embodiment of a water heater for a recreational vehicle.
The term "recreational vehicle" as use in the specification and
claims is intended to include all vehicles which are generally
permanently installed at a site but are transported along a roadway
a subsequent site such as mobile homes as well as vehicles that are
readily moved along roadways among sites such as recreational
vehicles (RVs), travel trailers, campers, and the like. Other
embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to
those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 7 show a water
heater 10 for a recreational vehicle 12 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated water heater
10 includes an enclosure assembly 14, a water tank 16 within the
enclosure assembly 14, forced air/direct vent combustion system 18
for heating water within the water tank 16, and a control system 20
for operating the combustion system 18.
[0025] The illustrated enclosure assembly 14 includes a base 22, a
forward end wall or bulkhead 24, a rear end wall or bulkhead 26,
and a main cover 28. The illustrated base 22 is generally
rectangular-shaped, having a length greater than its width, and
planar and is provided with mounting brackets 30 at forward and
rearward ends. The mounting brackets 30 are provided with opening
for mechanical fasteners for securing the water heater 10 to a
support structure of the recreational vehicle such as a floor. The
illustrated forward end wall 24 is generally square shaped and
planar. The forward end wall 24 perpendicularly extends in an
upward direction from the forward end of the base 22. The
illustrated rearward end wall 26 is generally square shaped and
planar. The rearward end wall 26 perpendicular extends in an upward
direction from the rearward end of the base 22. The illustrated
rearward end wall 26 forms a sealed interior combustion chamber or
cavity 32 therein. The illustrated rearward end wall 26 is provided
with a removable end cover 34 that partially forms the combustion
chamber 32 and selectively provides access to components located
within the combustion chamber 32 as described in more detail
hereinafter.
[0026] The illustrated water tank 16 is generally cylindrically
shaped having a horizontally disposed central axis extending
between the end walls 24, 26. The water tank 16 is preferably
provided with flanges to secure the water tank to the base 22. The
water tank 16 forms a hollow interior cavity for holding water to
be heated. The water tank 16 is provided with a cold inlet pipe 36
for connection to a source of water to be heated and a hot outlet
pipe 38 for directing hot water to a sink, shower etc. The
illustrated inlet and outlet pipes 36, 38 forwardly extend from the
water tank 16 through openings in the forward end wall 24. The
illustrated water tank 16 is also provided with a drain pipe 40
that forwardly extends from the water tank 16 through an opening in
the forward end wall 24. The illustrated water tank 16 is further
provided with a pressure/temperature (P/T) relief valve 42 that
forwardly extends from the water tank 16 through an opening in the
forward end wall 24. The illustrated water tank 16 is moreover
provided with motor assist inlet and outlet pipes 44, 46 of an
engine assisted heat exchanger. The inlet and outlet pipes 44, 46
forwardly extend from the water tank 16 through openings in the
forward end wall 24.
[0027] The illustrated combustion system 18 includes a burner
assembly 48, a gas inlet line 50, a combustion air inlet duct 52,
an electric fan 54, and a flue gas outlet duct 56. The illustrated
burner assembly 48 is located within the combustion chamber 32 and
laterally extends across the lower end of the combustion chamber
32. The illustrated burner assembly 48 generally extends between
the gas inlet line 50 and an inlet opening of the flue gas outlet
duct 56. The burner assembly 48 can be of any suitable type for
burning a desired gas to generate heat. The illustrated burner
assembly 48 includes an electric igniter 58. The illustrated gas
inlet line 50 extends through a side of the rearward end wall 26
and into the sealed combustion chamber 32 to the burner assembly
48. The illustrated enclosure assembly 13 is provided with a sight
glass 60 located above the burner assembly 48 for viewing the
burner assembly 48 when the combustion chamber 32 is completely
enclosed by the enclosure assembly 14.
[0028] A baffle 62 within the rearward end wall 26 forms an inlet
air chamber 64. The illustrated combustion air inlet duct 52 is
connected to a duct opening 66 in the side of the rearward end wall
26 that communicates a second or outlet end of the combustion air
inlet duct 52 with the inlet air chamber 64. The illustrated
combustion air inlet duct 52 is generally tubular shaped and
extends from the inlet air chamber 64 through an exterior wall 68
of the recreational vehicle 12 to ambient air located at the
exterior of the recreational vehicle 12. Configured in this manner
the combustion air inlet duct 52 communicates ambient air at the
exterior of the recreational vehicle 12 to the inlet air chamber 64
within the water heater 10 located within the interior of the
recreational vehicle 12.
[0029] The illustrated electric fan 54 is located with the baffle
62 to communicate the inlet air chamber 64 with the sealed
combustion chamber 32. The electric fan 54 can be of any suitable
type and is sized to draw a suitable amount of air from the air
inlet chamber 64 to the sealed combustion chamber 32 to provide a
desired pressure level within the sealed pressure chamber 32.
[0030] The illustrated flue gas outlet duct 56 is connected to an
opening in the forward side of the rearward end wall 26 that
communicates a first or inlet end of the outlet duct 56 with the
sealed combustion chamber 32 near the burner assembly 48. The flue
gas outlet duct 56 extends adjacent the water tank 16 and then
through an opening in the forward side of the rearward end wall 26
and into the air chamber 64. The flue gas outlet duct 56 then
extends through air chamber 64 into the combustion air inlet duct
52 where it extends to the exterior of the recreational vehicle 12.
Thus, the portion of the flue gas outlet duct 56 outside of the
water heater enclosure assembly 14 is located within the combustion
air inlet duct 52 and is coaxial with the combustion air inlet duct
52. The flue gas outlet duct 56 forms a closed loop heat exchanger
for the water tank 16. It is noted that both ducts 52, 56 extends
through a single opening 72 within the exterior wall 68 of the
recreational vehicle 12. In this configuration, the flue gas may
also preheat the incoming combustion air to some degree.
[0031] The illustrated rearward end wall 26 is provided with three
knockouts 74 for forming the duct opening 66 in one of three
different locations facing different directions. The first knockout
was located on a side of the rearward end wall 26 adjacent the
inlet air chamber 64 and has been removed so that the attached
ducts 52, 56 extend laterally from the enclosure assembly 14. The
second knockout 74 is located at a top of the rear end wall 26
adjacent the inlet air chamber 64 so that the ducts 52, 56 can
alternatively extend upwardly from the enclosure assembly 14. The
third knockout 74 is located at a rear side of the rearward end
wall 26 adjacent the inlet air chamber 64 so that the ducts 52, 56
can extend longitudinally in a rearward direction from the
enclosure assembly 14. The knockouts 74 remain in place in the
enclosure assembly 14 until installation when it is determined
which direction the ducts 52, 54 are to extend. The installer then
"knocks-out" or removes the knockout 74 that provides the duct
opening 66 facing the desired direction. The ducts 52, 56 are then
installed to extend in the desired direction. Thus the same water
heater 10 can be utilized in a number of different locations and
orientations within recreational vehicles 12.
[0032] The illustrated control system 20 includes an ignition
control or controller 76, an electromechanical valve 78, a pressure
switch 80, a thermostat 82, and an emergency cut-off switch 84. The
ignition control 76 is provided with suitable electronics to
control operation of the burner assembly 48, the valve 78, and the
fan 54 in the desired manner. The ignition control 76 operably
connects the ignition components to vehicle power. The illustrated
ignition control 76 is operably connected to a 12 volt source but
any other suitable type of source can alternatively be utilized.
The illustrated burner igniter 58 is operably connected to a 110
volt source. The illustrated water heater 10 includes a 110 volt
element 86 mounted to the front side of the forward end wall 24 but
any other suitable power can alternatively be utilized. The
illustrated electromechanical valve 78 connects the burner assembly
48 with the gas inlet line 50 to selectively supply gas to the
burner assembly 48. The ignition control 76 is operably connected
to the fan 54, the burner igniter 58, and to the valve 78. The
pressure switch 80 detects pressure within the inlet air chamber 64
and the combustion chamber 32 to determine whether pressure within
the combustion chamber 32 is at a predetermined desired pressure.
When the draft inducing fan 54 creates the desired pressure within
the combustion chamber 32, the ignition control 76 passes voltage
to the valve 78 to open the valve 78 and pass gas to the burner
assembly 48 and to a relay 88 which passes voltage to the burner
igniter 58 to start combustion of the gas at the burner assembly
48. The ignition control 76 is regulated by the thermostat 82 and
the emergency cut-off (ECO) switch 84 to obtain a desired
temperature of the water within the water tank 16.
[0033] To heat water, water is supplied to the water tank 16
through the inlet 36. If an operating switch 90 of the ignition
control 76 is closed, the ignition control 76 determines if the
water temperature is at a desired temperature via the thermostat
82. If it is determined that the water in the water tank 16 needs
to be heated, the igniter control 76 passes voltage to the draft
inducing fan 54. Operation of the fan 54 pulls ambient air from the
environment at the exterior of the recreational vehicle 12 through
the combustion air inlet duct 52 and into the inlet air chamber 64
where it passes through the fan 54 and into the combustion chamber
32. When the pressure switch 80 senses that the pressure within the
combustion chamber 32 is at a desired level compared to ambient
pressure, the igniter control 76 passes voltage to the valve 78 to
open the valve 78 so that gas enters the gas inlet line 50 and
passes to the burner assembly 48. The igniter control 76 also
passes voltage to the relay 88 which in turn passes voltage to the
burner igniter 58. The burner igniter 58 ignites the gas to create
a combustion flame which burns the gas and the combustion air
within the combustion chamber 32. The draft inducing fan 54 forces
the hot combustion gases out of the combustion chamber 32 and into
the flue gas outlet duct 56. The hot flue gas travels though the
outlet duct 56 adjacent the water tank 16 and heats the water tank
16 which in turn convectively dissipates the heat to the water in
the interior of the tank 16. The flue gas continues though the
outlet duct 56 until it exits the outlet duct 56 to the ambient
environment at the exterior of the recreational vehicle 12. The
igniter control 76 stops and starts the burner assembly 48 to
generally maintain the water in the water tank 16 at the desired
temperature. The fan 54 thus creates forced air flow through the
closed heat exchanger system so that the flue gas can be directly
vented to the environment as desired. Thus the system is not
limited by the constraints of gravity flow.
[0034] It is apparent from the forgoing that the present invention
provides an improved water heater 10 that can be utilized in any
position having access to an exterior wall such as a side wall, end
wall, or ceiling wall and can be oriented either parallel or
perpendicular to the exterior wall or the like. It is noted that
the same water heater 10 can be utilized in recreational vehicles
requiring different orientations or positions and requires only a
single outlet opening.
[0035] From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of
certain preferred embodiments, it is also apparent that various
modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are
possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the
present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and
described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the
present invention and its practical application to thereby enable
one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in
various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and
variations are within the scope of the present invention as
determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance
with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
* * * * *