U.S. patent application number 11/780721 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-14 for solar panel roof kit.
Invention is credited to Gary E. Allen.
Application Number | 20080190047 11/780721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39682102 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080190047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allen; Gary E. |
August 14, 2008 |
Solar Panel Roof Kit
Abstract
A solar roofing kit for placing over a section of roof deck to
generate electricity. The kit comprises at least one elongated
strip of flexible photovoltaic material having a predetermined
length and at least one panel supporting the strip. The panels have
a riser or rib that extends generally perpendicularly away from the
edge to engage and elevate a part of an adjacent panel. The kit
also includes at least one side flashing for extending along and
sealing at least one of the left and right edges of a panel; at
least one splice plate for interconnecting adjacent left and right
edges of two panels; at least one top flashing for extending along
and sealing the top edge of a panel; and at least one bottom
flashing for extending along and sealing the bottom edge of a
panel.
Inventors: |
Allen; Gary E.; (Rochester,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REISING, ETHINGTON, BARNES, KISSELLE, P.C.
P O BOX 4390
TROY
MI
48099-4390
US
|
Family ID: |
39682102 |
Appl. No.: |
11/780721 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60888875 |
Feb 8, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.3 ;
126/622 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 10/20 20130101;
H02S 20/23 20141201; F24S 20/67 20180501; Y02B 10/10 20130101; Y02E
10/50 20130101; Y02B 10/12 20130101; H01L 31/048 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/173.3 ;
126/622 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/18 20060101
E04D013/18 |
Claims
1. A roofing system for supporting a sheet of photovoltaic
material, the system comprising: at least one panel having a
support plate adapted to support the photovoltaic sheet; a rib
extending generally perpendicularly from one edge of the support
plate to a distal end; a receiver flange extending from the distal
end of the rib over the support plate; a hem extending from an
opposite edge of the support plate, where the hem is adapted to
engage a receiver flange on another panel when the panel is mounted
on the roof adjacent other panels; wherein the rib extends a
predetermined distance greater than the thickness of the
photovoltaic material so that the receiver flange can extend over
the photovoltaic material when it is installed on the support
plate.
2. The roofing system of claim 1 further including at least one
splice plate for interconnecting the panels, the splice plate
including a central cover and a base extending laterally from
either side of the central cover.
3. The splice plate of claim 2 wherein the base includes a lateral
check along a lateral edge.
4. The splice plate of claim 2 wherein the base and the central
cover form a central check.
5. The roofing system of claim 1 further including at least one
closure adapted to be disposed on an edge of the panel to cover and
close the edge.
6. The roofing system of claim 1 further including at least one
flashing, where the flashing is one of a starter strip, a rake
edge, and a transition flashing.
7. A roofing panel including: a substantially flat portion that
extends between top and bottom edges as well as left and right
edges; a riser extending away from one of the top and bottom edges
in a direction generally perpendicularly from the flat portion
toward a remote end; an overhang extending away from the remote end
of the riser; and a sheet having photovoltaic material and an
adhesive on a back surface of the sheet, the sheet being applied to
the flat portion of the panel with the adhesive bonding to the flat
portion.
8. The sheet of claim 7 further having amorphous solar cells
encapsulated in a high light transmissive polymer.
9. The sheet of claim 8 wherein the high light transmissive polymer
is ETFE.
10. The panel of claim 7 wherein the adhesive includes an ethylene
propylene copolymer adhesive sealant.
11. The panel of claim 10 wherein the adhesive includes a microbial
inhibitor.
12. A roofing kit for placing over a section of roof deck to
generate electricity, the kit comprising: at least one elongated
strip of flexible photovoltaic material having a predetermined
length; at least one panel supporting the strip where the panels
each have edges on the top, bottom, left and right; the panels
having a riser on one of the top and bottom edge, where the riser
extends generally perpendicularly away from the edge; at least one
side flashing for extending along and sealing at least one of the
left and right edges of a panel; at least one splice plate for
interconnecting adjacent left and right edges of two panels; at
least one top flashing for extending along and sealing the top edge
of a panel; and at least one bottom flashing for extending along
and sealing the bottom edge of a panel.
13. The kit of claim 12 further including dummy panels decorated to
match the appearance of the panels having strips of photovoltaic
material.
14. The kit of claim 12 further including at least one stack
flashing for flashing around a vent stack.
15. The kit of claim 12 further including at least one anchoring
clip.
16. The kit of claim 12 wherein the splice plate includes a slot
housing defining left and right slots for receiving the edges from
the left and right panels, respectively, a left apron connected to
the slot housing adjacent the left slot for extending under the
left panel, the left apron terminating in a distal check; a right
apron connected to the slot housing adjacent the right slot for
extending under the right panel, the right apron terminating in a
distal check
17. The kit of claim 12 wherein the side flashing includes an apron
for extending under the panel, the apron including a check along
one edge of the apron; a slot housing connected to the apron at its
opposite edge and forming a slot for receiving an edge of a panel;
a side wall extending up from the slot housing; and a mounting
flange supported on the side wall.
18. A splice plate for interconnecting laterally disposed left and
right solar roofing panels on a roof including: a slot housing
defining left and right slots for receiving edges from the left and
right panels, respectively, a left apron connected to the slot
housing adjacent the left slot for extending under the left panel,
the left apron terminating in a distal check; a right apron
connected to the slot housing adjacent the right slot for extending
under the right panel, the right apron terminating in a distal
check; wherein the splice plate interconnects the panels and
prevents water from leaking between the two panels.
19. A closure assembly for the side of a panel in a solar roofing
system, the assembly comprising: a cover support including an apron
for extending under the panel, the apron including a check along
one edge of the apron; a slot housing connected to the apron at its
opposite edge and forming a slot for receiving an edge of a panel;
a side wall extending up from the slot housing; and a mounting
flange supported on the side wall.
20. The closure assembly of claim 19 further including a cover for
mounting on the cover support, the cover including: a hem for
engaging the mounting flange; a cover box extending away from the
hem; and an apron extending from the cover box to a distal edge
having a check.
21. A top closure for the side of a top panel in a solar roofing
system, the top closure comprising: an inside apron for extending
under the top panel, the inside apron including a check; a slot
housing connected to the inside apron defining a slot for receiving
an edge of the top panel; an inclined surface assembly connected to
the slot housing; and an outside apron connected to the inclined
surface assembly and extending away from it to a check.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 60/888,875, filed Feb. 8, 2007, the teachings of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to the use of solar panels on
roofs, and more particularly to the roofing components for
supporting pre-manufactured sheets or strips of photovoltaic
material.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Photovoltaic material is well-known by now and readily
commercially available in a variety of forms. For example, United
Solar Ovonics advertises products under the name Uni-Solar.RTM. on
its web site, www.uni-solar.com. These photovoltaic products come
in shingle form and in sheet form. BP Solar and other companies
like Guangdong Fivestar Solar Energy Company Ltd. also supply
photovoltaic material.
[0004] As to the material sold in sheet form, the sheets are often
sold in rolls of sheet that can be rolled out on a roof and
installed fairly conveniently by means of adhesive backing
material. The sheet material is relatively inexpensive and light
weight; and it generates electricity from solar energy in many
weather conditions. The photovoltaic material may also be made in
strips or in rigid panel form. In any case, on any given roof, the
installer may need to apply several sheets or panels to cover the
desired portion. The inventor here recognized that this poses
several challenges--especially on roofs having any significant
slope or pitch.
[0005] First, the sheets will present multiple edges that will buck
water flowing down off the roof. Over time, the water can cause the
edges to lift, which creates the possibility that the water can
flow under the sheets, which can damage the sheets and the roofing
underneath the sheets. This is not as much of a problem when the
photovoltaic material is sold in shingle form; but when it is sold
in sheet form for application on metal roofs and the like, there
could be more of a problem over time.
[0006] Also, while the sheets have a favorable fire safety rating
on low-pitched roofs, they have a lower rating on higher pitched
roofs. It is commercially significant to have a favorable fire
safety rating on a variety of roof pitches, so something needed to
be done to address this.
[0007] Still further, if the photovoltaic sheets lie flat on the
roofing substrate, there is an issue about where to put the
electrical wiring. Ideally, the wiring should stow neatly
underneath the sheeting where it is protected and out of sight.
[0008] Finally, there are a number of technical problems--including
those just discussed--that need to be solved in order to install a
typical system on a roof in a way that meets common roofing
standards. The system should be durable and robust, and it should
of course prevent leaking for many years. Because these problems
will arise every time someone installs the typical system, the
inventor appreciated that there is a need for a kit of common
components that can be used to solve these problems efficiently and
correctly every time the typical system, or one like it, is
installed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The inventor has an improved roofing system for supporting
sheets of photovoltaic material on a roof. According to one aspect
of the invention, the roofing system includes: at least one panel
having a support plate adapted to support the photovoltaic sheet; a
rib extending from one edge of the support plate to a distal end; a
receiver flange extending generally perpendicularly from the distal
end of the rib over the support plate; and a hem extending from an
opposite edge of the support plate, where the hem is adapted to
engage a receiver flange on another panel when the panel is mounted
on the roof adjacent other panels. The rib extends a predetermined
distance greater than the thickness of the photovoltaic material so
that the receiver flange can extend over the photovoltaic material
when it is installed on the support plate.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention there is a
roofing kit for placing over a section of roof deck to generate
electricity, the kit comprising: at least one elongated strip of
flexible photovoltaic material having a predetermined length; at
least one panel supporting the strip where the panels each have
edges on the top, bottom, left and right; the panels having a riser
on one of the top and bottom edge, where the riser extends
generally perpendicularly away from the edge; at least one side
flashing for extending along and sealing at least one of the left
and right edges of a panel; at least one splice plate for
interconnecting adjacent left and right edges of two panels; at
least one top flashing for extending along and sealing the top edge
of a panel; and at least one bottom flashing for extending along
and sealing the bottom edge of a panel.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention focuses on the roofing
panel, which includes: a substantially flat portion that extends
between top and bottom edges as well as left and right edges; a
riser extending away from one of the top and bottom edges in a
direction generally perpendicularly from the flat portion toward a
remote end; an overhang extending away from the remote end of the
riser; and a sheet having photovoltaic material and an adhesive on
a back surface of the sheet, with the sheet being applied to the
flat portion of the panel with the adhesive bonding to the flat
portion.
[0012] Another aspect of the invention focuses on the splice plate
that interconnects laterally disposed left and right solar roofing
panels on a roof. The splice plate includes: a slot housing
defining left and right slots for receiving edges from the left and
right panels, respectively, a left apron connected to the slot
housing adjacent the left slot for extending under the left panel,
the left apron terminating in a distal check; a right apron
connected to the slot housing adjacent the right slot for extending
under the right panel, the right apron terminating in a distal
check; wherein the splice plate interconnects the panels and
prevents water from leaking between the two panels.
[0013] Another aspect of the invention focuses on the closure
assembly for the side of a panel in a solar roofing system, the
assembly comprising: a cover support including an apron for
extending under the panel, the apron including a check along one
edge of the apron; a slot housing connected to the apron at its
opposite edge and forming a slot for receiving an edge of a panel;
a side wall extending up from the slot housing; and a mounting
flange supported on the side wall.
[0014] A final aspect of the invention focuses on the top closure
for the side of a top panel in a solar roofing system, the top
closure comprising: an inside apron for extending under the top
panel, the inside apron including a check; a slot housing connected
to the inside apron defining a slot for receiving an edge of the
top panel; an inclined surface assembly connected to the slot
housing; and an outside apron connected to the inclined surface
assembly and extending away from it to a check.
[0015] By applying the invention in its various aspects, one can
install a robust solar roofing system efficiently and
inexpensively. The materials, especially when provided as a kit,
can provide an inexpensive, yet well-engineered and easily
manufactured and installable solar roofing system. Roofer
contractors and even do-it-yourself homeowners can buy the system
as a kit and install it, with simple electrical connections that
can be completed by an electrician.
FIGURES IN THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roof with a complete kit
of solar panels assembled on it;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a similar view with components of the kit exploded
away;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a panel from the kit with a
corner of the photovoltaic material peeled back;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing how panels are joined
at their sides with splice plates;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing how panels are joined
top to bottom;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the panel;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing the panels of the
kit installed on a roof;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a splice
plate;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of a splice
plate;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a closure support;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a section view of the closure support taken along
lines 9-9;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a top closure:
[0028] FIG. 13 is a top view of a top closure; and
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The system or kit is generally shown at 10 in the Figures
and includes a variety of components--chiefly: a series of panels
generally indicated at 12, splice plates generally indicated at 14
for interconnecting the panels in a waterproof manner; various
closures; various top, bottom and side flashings; and miscellaneous
other pieces and trim. These components can be supplied as a kit
and assembled in place on a roof for providing a robust system,
where the system supports the flexible photovoltaic sheets 16 and
their respective wiring and electronics to generate electricity. A
typical kit is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The figures show a kit that
has two columns of panels with six panels in a column. But the size
can and will vary depending on the desired electrical output.
[0031] The Uni-Solar.com web site includes specification materials
for various types of the photovoltaic material commercially
available from Uni-Solar.RTM.. The typical sheet 16 has
photovoltaic material and an adhesive 18 on a back surface of the
sheet so that the sheet can be applied to the flat portion of a
panel 12 with the adhesive bonding to the flat portion. The
adhesive can be an ethylene propylene copolymer adhesive sealant,
and it can include a microbial inhibitor. The sheet 16 has
amorphous solar cells encapsulated in a high light transmissive
polymer, where the high light transmissive polymer can be ETFE.
Other types of photovoltaic sheet other than Uni-Solar.RTM. can be
used with the kit 10, and some of these other types are referenced
above. Still others are referenced on the internet.
[0032] Of course, the components are also selected to provide a
roofing system 10 that functions to provide dry, leak-free shelter
under the roof. The inventive system 10 is intended to involve
metal roofing components together with the photovoltaic sheeting
16, but it is likely that the system has applicability and benefit
for other types of roofing that are not necessarily metal.
[0033] The system 10 includes at least one panel 12 having a
support plate 20 adapted to support the photovoltaic sheet 16. This
is shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4. The support plate 20 is
simply the elongated flat part of the panel 12 that is sized to
receive the sheet 16 of the photovoltaic material having a known
dimension. As mentioned above, the sheet material 16 may come with
a pre-applied adhesive 18 for attaching the sheet to the support
plate 20.
[0034] A rib or riser 22 extends generally perpendicularly (i.e.
up) from one edge of the support plate 20 to a distal end. As shown
in the figures, the edge for the rib 22 is usually the upslope edge
(i.e. the higher edge when the plate is installed on a sloped
roof), although rib 22 could also extend from the downslope edge.
The rib 22 extends a predetermined distance above the level of the
support plate 12 that is greater than the thickness of the
photovoltaic sheet material 16 so that the receiver flange 24 can
extend over the photovoltaic material when it is installed on the
support plate. The height of the rib 22 will be selected to
optimize fire retardation, water flow off the panels, manufacturing
and material cost considerations, clearance for electrical wiring,
and other considerations. The point of the rib or riser 22 is to
elevate the edge of the next panel so that the terrace effect is
created. The adjacent panel 12 can engage the rib 22 in a variety
of ways. According to one possible embodiment, a receiver flange or
overhang 24 extends generally perpendicularly from the distal end
of the rib 22 back over the support plate. A hem 26 extends from an
opposite edge of the support plate, where the hem is adapted to
engage a receiver flange 24 on another panel when the panel is
mounted on the roof adjacent other panels. The hem 26 is typically
formed by bending the edge of the support plate 12 back under
itself. The term, "hem" is intended to broadly describe hooks,
clips, and similar structures that allow the one panel to hook onto
the other. Other ways of engaging the rib 22 and an adjacent panel
are possible. For example, the edge of an adjacent panel 12 could
simply rest on top of the rib 22.
[0035] The typical panel 12 can be formed from a single piece of
sheet metal using conventional metal-bending techniques. Clearance
holes 28 may be formed in the panel 12 to provide clearance for
electrical connectors and wiring. While metal bending is one
possibility, other techniques like extrusion can be used for at
least some of the parts like the panel. Moreover, materials other
than metal can be used, including composites and plastics.
[0036] The system also includes at least one splice plate generally
indicated at 14 for interconnecting laterally disposed left and
right panels 12. The splice plate 14 is shown in connection with
the kit 10 in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5; and it is featured alone in
FIG. 8. The splice plate 14 includes checks 30 formed on either
side for catching and channeling water down and off the roof. The
splice plate 14 also has two central slots 32, 34 that are formed
to receive lateral edges of the panels 12, as best shown in FIG. 4.
The central slots 32, 34 are formed by the central cover 36 and the
base 38, 40. The central slots 32, 34 so formed also act as checks
to direct any water down and off the roof. The splice plate 14 may
also include securing tabs 42, 44. These are shown in FIGS. 4, 5,
and 8. The tabs 42 can be bent and secured with a roofer's hand
brake in the direction shown in FIG. 4. The tabs 44 can receive the
hem 26 from another plate. The typical splice plate 14 can be
formed from a single piece of sheet metal using known
techniques.
[0037] The splice plate 14 may also be described in another way.
For example, it can be said to include a slot housing defining left
and right slots 32, 34 for receiving edges from the left and right
panels 12, respectively. A left apron 38 connected to the slot
housing adjacent the left slot 32 can extend under the left panel.
The left apron 38 terminates in a distal check 30. A right apron 40
connected to the slot housing adjacent the right slot 34 can extend
under the right panel. The right apron terminates in a distal check
30. As a result, the splice plate 14 can interconnect the panels
and prevent water from leaking between the two panels.
[0038] The system 10 may also include closure assemblies as shown
in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10-14. As best shown in FIG. 2, the closure
assemblies are disposed along or near the edges of the panels to
close off the open side gap. As shown best in FIG. 7, the side gap
is formed under the lower or downslope portion of each panel as
that portion engages the receiver or rib on the panel beneath it.
The closure assemblies are sized to cover the gap; and they can be
formed from bending sheet metal. The closure assemblies each
typically include a panel cover portion for extending over the flat
edge of the panel, a generally vertical side cover for covering the
gap, and a base for mounting on the underlying roof deck.
[0039] One such closure assembly comprises a cover support
generally indicated at 46 and a cover generally indicated at 48.
The cover support 46 includes an apron 50 for extending under the
panel, the apron 50 including a check 52 along one edge of the
apron. The cover support 46 also includes a slot housing 54
connected to the apron 50 at its opposite edge and forming a slot
for receiving an edge of a panel 12. A side wall 56 extends up from
the slot housing 54; and a mounting flange 58 is supported on the
side wall.
[0040] A right side cover is shown in FIG. 14. The cover 48
includes a hem 60 for engaging the mounting flange 58 on the cover
support, a cover box 62 extending away from the hem 60, and an
apron 64 extending from the cover box to a distal edge having a
check 66. One or more covers 48--left and right--can be used in a
given kit. The illustrated kit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 show two
left covers 48 and two right covers. Covers 48 such as these close
off the sides of the system and also provide a conduit for any
wiring that must run up or down the roof. Such wiring is shown in
phantom in FIG. 1 and elsewhere in the other figures.
[0041] A related closure is a top closure generally indicated at 68
for the side of a top panel 12 in a solar roofing system or kit 10.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the top closure 68 comprises an inside
apron 70 for extending under the top panel 12, where the inside
apron includes a check 72. The top closure 68 also includes a slot
housing 74 connected to the inside apron 70 defining a slot for
receiving an edge of the top panel 12. An inclined surface assembly
76 is connected to the slot housing 74. And an outside apron 78 is
connected to the inclined surface assembly 76 and extends away from
it to a check 80. The inclined surface assembly provides a
transition down from the top of cover 48 to the normal pitch of the
roof. A typical kit 10 will include two top closures 68--one for
the top left side and one for the top right side, as illustrated in
FIG. 2.
[0042] The system 10 may also include at least one flashing.
Flashings come in a variety of shapes and sizes to deal with a
variety of applications. FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 show some possible
flashings, primarily a drip or eave edge 82 and top flashings 84.
The drip edge 82 includes a standard front drip edge, an apron for
extending up the roof edge, and a mounting flange for receiving the
hem of the first (lowest) panel 12.
[0043] Top flashings 84 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These are
sheets that include a hem on one edge for hooking onto the top-most
panels 12, and a crease or bend located toward the other edge for
transitioning back to the roof slope. Splice plates can be used to
connect the side edges of adjacent flashings 84.
[0044] Other flashing possibilities (not shown) include a rake edge
and a starter strip. The rake edge is used when the edge of the
solar panel system is at the side edge of the roof itself. The kit
10 that is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is installed in a location spaced
away from the side edge of the roof, and so rake edges are not
needed in that instance. The rake edge, when used, includes a top
cover having a clip or hem that attaches to the closure such as
cover support 46; a side cover that protects the side edge of the
closure and the roof edge; and a drip edge extending down and away
from the side cover.
[0045] For flashing the bottom or front edge of a roof, the system
could provide a starter strip that includes typical starter strip
features--an eave edge, and front cover, and a top cover. The
panels can then be mounted on the roof above this and overlapping
the top cover.
[0046] Various other flashings (e.g. stack flashings) can and
should be used to flash around vents, walls, HVAC units, etc. These
can include material that is shaped and colored to resemble the
panels.
[0047] Finally, the system may include anchoring clips 86 of the
general type shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. Clips such as these can be
provided to attach at one end to the receiver flange 24 of the
panel 12 with a hem or other means; and at another end to the roof.
Roofers can use several such clips to clip the panels to the roof
to prevent undesired movement relative to the roof. Typically, the
system 10 will use several clips for each panel.
[0048] As the reader can appreciate, the various kit elements,
including the panels 12, the splice plates 14, the closures and the
flashings, fit together in a terraced fashion to create a type of
Bermuda-style roof. This is shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7. The
figures depict the steps created by the ribs 22, and they show the
overall terracing effect of the construction. This permits water to
flow down and off the roof, and the edges of the photovoltaic sheet
material 16 will not buck the water as it does. This is because the
water flowing off the preceding or upslope panel 12 will flow over
the edge of the sheet material 16 on the lower panel. Moreover, the
height of the terracing impairs the possible movement of flame up
the roof, and so the photovoltaic sheet material 16 will benefit
from a higher fire safety rating even on higher pitched roofs.
Finally, the steps created by the ribs 22 create a clearance
underneath the panels to provide for the running of the electric
wires from the photovoltaic sheet material 16. This shelters and
covers the wires under the panels, and it allows the roofer to
select where to feed the wires through the roofing. Accordingly,
the wires need not run above the photovoltaic sheets 16.
[0049] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. As just one
example, the roofing components are typically made from sheet
metal, but they could be made from a variety of other materials
including wood, plastics, composites, etc. Also, while the
components are typically formed with sheet metal bending and
forming equipment, they can typically also be formed using known
extrusion or molding techniques. Therefore, it is to be understood
that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Moreover, the
reference numerals and labels are merely for convenience and are
not intended to be in any way limiting.
* * * * *
References