U.S. patent application number 12/640334 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for cooking range burner head assembly.
Invention is credited to Charles Czajka, Randall B. Diggins, Phillip Joseph Pio Vincenty.
Application Number | 20100154776 12/640334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42264249 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100154776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Czajka; Charles ; et
al. |
June 24, 2010 |
COOKING RANGE BURNER HEAD ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A burner assembly includes a substantially annular two-piece
burner head having a base and a top. A plate is located in a
central opening of the burner head and includes a slot for holding
a pilot burner. Burner head annular channels incorporate one or
more air dams to provide a backpressure feature within the burner
head for more even flame height and stability.
Inventors: |
Czajka; Charles; ( Forest
Hill, MD) ; Diggins; Randall B.; (Essex, MD) ;
Vincenty; Phillip Joseph Pio; (Catonsville, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMPSON HINE LLP;Intellectual Property Group
P.O Box 8801
DAYTON
OH
45401-8801
US
|
Family ID: |
42264249 |
Appl. No.: |
12/640334 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11030652 |
Jan 5, 2005 |
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12640334 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/39E |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23D 2900/14062
20130101; F24C 3/085 20130101; F23D 14/065 20130101; F23D 14/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/39.E |
International
Class: |
F24C 3/00 20060101
F24C003/00 |
Claims
1. A gaseous fuel burner assembly comprising: a venturi; an annular
burner head associated with said venture for the combustion of
gaseous fuel received in said burner head from said venturi, said
annular burner head having a center opening therethrough for flow
of ambient secondary combustion air; said burner head including a
base defining a substantially annular channel between an inner wall
and an outer wall, said annular channel having an open top, said
burner head including a removable cover on said annular channel,
said cover having outwardly facing, upwardly facing and inwardly
facing surfaces; said burner head defining gas-emitting orifices; a
plate disposed in said center opening and including a slot for
holding a pilot light burner head.
2. The burner assembly of claim 1, said upwardly facing surfaces
including a top surface, said inwardly facing surfaces including a
first inner angled surface extending downwardly and inwardly from
the top surface to a second inwardly angled surface that extends
downwardly and inwardly from the first inner angled surface.
3. The burner assembly of claim 2, said orifices defined in at
least each of said top surface, said first inner angled surface and
said second inner angled surface.
4. The burner assembly of claim 3, said outwardly facing surfaces
including a first outer angled surface extending downward and
outward from the top surface to a second outer angled surface that
extends downward and outward to a substantially vertical outermost
surface, said orifices are located only in each of said top
surface, said first inner angled surface, said second inner angled
surface and said first outer angled surface, such that said second
outer angled surface and said outermost surface lack any
orifices.
5. The burner assembly of claim 1, said cover having an outer edge
defining an outer lip engaging said base and an inner edge defining
an inner lip engaging said base.
6. The burner assembly of claim 5, said inner lip and said outer
lip lying in a common plane.
7. The burner assembly of claim 1, including a monolithic body
forming first and second gas receivers, first and second venturis
and first and second burner head bases; and said burner assembly
having first and second burner head covers removably engaged on
said first and second burner head bases.
8. The burner assembly of claim 9, said first burner head base and
said second burner head base configured with said first and second
venturis, respectively, for developing gas flows through said first
and second burner head bases directed oppositely with respect to
each other.
9. The burner assembly of claim 1 wherein said annular channel of
said base is defined by inner and outer walls, and an air dam
extends across the annular channel between the inner wall and the
outer wall.
10. The burner assembly of claim 9 wherein the air dam is located
proximate a gaseous fuel inlet to the annular channel such that
gaseous fuel entering the annular channel travels around the
annular channel toward the air dam.
11. The burner assembly of claim 10 wherein the air dam is a first
air dam having a full channel height, the assembly further includes
a second air dam extending between the inner wall and the outer
wall.
12. The burner assembly of claim 11 wherein the second air dam is
located upstream of the first air dam by between forty and sixty
degrees, the second air dam having a partial channel height.
13. A gaseous fuel burner assembly comprising: a venturi; an
annular burner head associated with said venture for the combustion
of gaseous fuel received in said burner head from said venturi,
said annular burner head having a center opening therethrough for
flow of ambient secondary combustion air; said burner head
including a base defining a substantially annular channel between
an inner wall and an outer wall, said annular channel having an
open top, said burner head including a removable cover on said
annular channel, said cover having gas emitting orifices therein,
said annular channel including an air dam extending between inner
and outer walls that form the annular channel.
14. The burner assembly of claim 13 wherein the air dam is located
proximate a gaseous fuel inlet to the annular channel and
downstream of a flow direction of gaseous fuel into the annular
channel.
15. The burner assembly of claim 14 wherein the air dam is a first
air dam having a full channel height, the assembly further includes
a second air dam.
16. The burner assembly of claim 15 wherein the second air dam is
located upstream of the first air dam by between thirty and ninety
degrees.
17. The burner assembly of claim 16 wherein the second air dam has
a height that is less than the full channel height.
18. The burner assembly of claim 14, further comprising: a plate
disposed in said center opening and including a slot for holding a
pilot light burner head.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
11/030,652, filed Jan. 5, 2005, the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to gas fired cooking ranges
and, more particularly, to burner head assemblies used in such
ranges.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Gas fired cooking ranges have achieved wide acceptance in
both residential and commercial kitchens. A known design for gas
fired cook tops in ranges includes separate burner assemblies for
each cooking location, with each burner assembly including a
venturi and a burner head having gas-emitting orifices. It is known
to arrange the orifices so that the flames are spread widely, and
are directed across the bottom surface of a vessel placed on a
grate above the burner. These burners have included orifices in
outwardly facing surfaces of the burner head, so that flames are
directed outwardly from the burner head. A disadvantage of this
design is that the outermost orifices are exposed to fouling from
boil-overs and spills in which food can flow along outer surfaces
of a cooking vessel above the burner and drip from the vessel onto
the burner head.
[0004] Factors such as flame intensity and efficiency, burner
assembly cleanability and fuel consumption efficiency are important
to both residential and commercial installations. However, these
factors may be of greater importance for commercial kitchens where
a great number of meals may be prepared on each cook top in a
relatively short period of time. The time required for completing a
food course, including initial preparation time for heating and
actual cooking time, can be reduced by efficient burner
performance. If the flame from a burner spreads outwardly beyond
the vessel being heated, or wicks up the side of the vessel, heat
transfer efficiency decreases. Since commercial kitchens can be
hectic environments, boil-overs and spills are common. Therefore,
cleanability is important, and it is advantageous to reduce the
time required for disassembling
[0005] and reassembling the cook top for thorough cleaning.
Maintaining burner performance in spite of spills and boil-overs
during food preparation is also important.
[0006] What is needed in the art are burner assemblies that are
reliable, use fuel efficiently, heat vessels quickly and can be
disassembled and reassembled efficiently for thorough cleaning of
the cook top.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect, a two-piece burner assembly includes an
annular base and cover. Gas-emitting orifices are provided in the
cover only in upwardly and/or inwardly facing surfaces. A
restrictor plate positioned within the annular burner controls the
flow of secondary air for efficient burner performance.
[0008] In another aspect, a gaseous fuel burner assembly includes a
venturi and an annular burner head associated with the venturi for
the combustion of gaseous fuel from the venturi. The burner head
has outwardly facing, upwardly facing and inwardly facing surfaces.
The burner head defines gas-emitting orifices only through the
upwardly and/or inwardly facing surfaces of the burner head.
[0009] In another aspect, a gas fuel burner head includes a
substantially annular base and a substantially annular cover having
gas-emitting orifices on only upwardly and/or inwardly facing
surfaces of the cover. A restrictor plate limits the flow of air
through the center of the substantially annular base and top.
[0010] In a further aspect, a gaseous fuel burner assembly includes
a venturi, an annular burner head associated with the venturi for
the combustion of gaseous fuel received in the burner head from
said venturi. The annular burner head has a center opening
therethrough for flow of ambient secondary combustion air. The
burner head includes a base defining a substantially annular
channel between an inner wall and an outer wall, the annular
channel having an open top, the burner head including a removable
cover on the annular channel, the cover having outwardly facing,
upwardly facing and inwardly facing surfaces. The burner head
defines gas-emitting orifices. A plate is disposed in said center
opening and including a slot for holding a pilot light burner
head.
[0011] In yet another aspect, a gaseous fuel burner assembly
includes a venturi, an annular burner head associated with the
venturi for the combustion of gaseous fuel received in the burner
head from the venturi. The annular burner head has a center opening
therethrough for flow of ambient secondary combustion air. The
burner head includes a base defining a substantially annular
channel between an inner wall and an outer wall, the annular
channel having an open top. The burner head includes a removable
cover on the annular channel, the cover having gas emitting
orifices therein. The annular channel includes an air dam extending
between inner and outer walls that form the annular channel.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals
are used to designate like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking range having
burner head assemblies in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partly disassembled burner
head assembly in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a burner head cover of the
burner head assembly shown in FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a burner head in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of a restrictor plate in accordance
with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view of a burner head in use;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective partial view of an alternative
embodiment of a burner head assembly;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective of a pilot holding plate;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of a burner head cover; and
[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross-section of the burner
head cover of FIG. 9.
[0023] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology
used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use herein of "including", "comprising"
and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and
equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to FIG.
1 in particular, numeral 10 designates a cooking range having a
burner head assembly 12 (FIG. 2) in accordance with the present
invention provided as part of a cook top 14. Range 10 further
includes an oven 16. The present invention is useful for commercial
ranges and residential ranges, and the particular outward
configuration of range 10 shown in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary.
[0025] Range 10 is a gas fired range, having a gas circuit (not
shown) for supplying combustible gas to each burner assembly 12
provided at several cooking locations on cook top 14, and to an
oven burner assembly, not shown, for heating the interior of oven
16. As those skilled in the art will understand readily, range 10
has a plurality of flow control valves 18 for initiating,
terminating and controlling the rate of gas flow to cooking
locations on cook top 14. Range 10 is supported on casters 20, by
which range 10 can be moved a short distance to clean the area
around the range.
[0026] Burner head assembly 12 includes a first burner head 22 and
a second burner head 24 at which combustion of gaseous fuel occurs.
A single piece, monolithic casting 30 forms a first venturi 32
associated with a first burner head base 34 and a second venturi 36
associated with a second burner head base 38.
[0027] First venturi 32 and second venturi 36 provide a flow of gas
and primary combustion air for combustion at first and second
burner heads 22, 24, respectively, in front and back locations,
respectively, on cook top 14. First and second gas receivers 40, 42
are provided on first venturi 32 and second venturi 36,
respectively. As known to those skilled in the art, each receiver
40, 42 is aligned with a different control valve 18 to receive gas
therefrom when the control valve 18 is opened to allow gas to flow
therethrough. Receivers 40, 42 also admit a flow of ambient air to
mix with the combustible gas in first venturi 32 and second venturi
36 to provide a combustible mixture to burner heads 22, 24.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates burner head assembly 12 in a partial
state of disassembly, to better illustrate features of the present
invention. Each burner head base 34, 38 is a substantially annular
body defining an open top annular channel 44 between an inner wall
46 and an outer wall 48. Annular channel 44 of burner head base 34
is visible in FIG. 2. A burner head cover 50 is provided on each
burner head base 34, 38, with cover 50 on burner head base 38 being
shown in FIG. 2. Each cover 50 has a plurality of gas-emitting
orifices 52 therein through which a mixture of combustible gas and
primary combustion air is emitted. For clarity, only some orifices
52 and not all orifices 52 are identified with a reference numeral
in the drawings.
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated, first venturi 32 and second
venturi 36 are configured with first burner head base 34 and second
burner head base 38, respectively, to swirl the combustion mixture
in opposite directions. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, first
venturi 32 is configured with first burner head base 34 to swirl
the combustion gas in a clockwise direction, and second venturi 36
is configured with second burner head base 38 to swirl the
combustion gas in a counter-clockwise direction. It should be
understood that the rotational directions within first and second
burner head bases 34, 38 can be reversed or can be both in the same
direction, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. Alterations in
the orientations and angular relationships between first venturi 32
and first burner head base 34 and between second venturi 36 and
second burner head base 38 can be used to make such changes in
direction.
[0030] Burner head 24 and the components thereof can be seen more
clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4. Burner head 50 fits on burner head base
38 and is a multi-surfaced, generally annular structure. Burner
head 50 includes a primarily upwardly facing surface 54, which is a
top surface of cover 50. Surfaces radially outward of upwardly
facing surface 54 are generally outwardly facing, and include an
upwardly and outwardly facing surface 56 adjacent upwardly facing
surface 54 and a mostly outwardly facing surface 58, which is the
outermost surface of cover 50.
[0031] Radially inwardly from top surface 54 in cover 50 are
multiple surfaces that are generally inwardly facing. An innermost,
mostly inwardly facing surface 60 is provided adjacent an inward
edge 62 of cover 50. An intermediate surface 64 adjoins innermost
surface 60 with top surface 54. Intermediate surface 64 is inwardly
and upwardly facing.
[0032] Orifices 52 are provided only in the upwardly facing top
surface 54 and generally inwardly facing surfaces 60 and 64.
Orifices 52 are not provided in generally outwardly facing surfaces
56 and 58. Thus, flames 66 (FIG. 6) arising from combustion of fuel
at burner head 24 are directed upwardly and inwardly and are
concentrated against the center area of a bottom surface of a
vessel 68 supported on a grate 70 above burner head 24. This is in
contrast to known burner designs in which flames are directed
outwardly to spread across the surface of a vessel supported above
the burner, in which the flames may spread beyond, or wick up the
side of the vessel. Concentrating the flames toward the center of
the vessel improves heat transfer performance, shortening time
required to achieve boiling of liquids in the vessel, and otherwise
reducing the time required for heat-up of the vessel. Upwardly and
inwardly facing surfaces 54, 60 and 64 are shielded from drips
along outer surfaces of vessels above the burner, and therefore are
less prone to fouling from boil-overs and spills.
[0033] As seen most clearly in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4,
cover 50 is removably engaged on burner head base 38. Inner edge 62
defines an inner lip 72 removably seated on inner wall 46 of burner
head base 38, and an angular surface 74 is directed laterally and
upwardly from inner edge 62 to inner lip 72. Angular surface 74
engages inner wall 46 and slides therealong as cover 50 is placed
on burner head base 34 or 38, and directs and centers burner head
cover 50 for proper positioning and seating on burner head base 34,
38. Cover 50, therefore, is self-centering. Cover 50 further
includes an outer edge 80 defining an outer lip 82 that engages
outer wall 48 of burner head base 34, 38. Cover 50 is thus sealed
on inner wall 46 and outer wall 48 so that gas flow through channel
44 is emitted only through orifices 50.
[0034] As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, inner edge 62 is disposed
lower than outer edge 80, and a zone of orifices 52 through inner
most surface 60 are lower than outer edge 80. Orifices 52 through
innermost surface 60 provide multiple low, centrally originating
flames even on large burners.
[0035] For efficient combustion, the present invention provides
control of secondary airflow in both volume and direction. The flow
of air through the center opening of annular burner heads 22 and 24
is controlled by a restrictor plate 90 disposed within the center
opening. Restrictor plates 90 have lateral tabs 92 secured to feet
94 of bases 34 and 38, to provide a substantially annular gap 96
between restrictor plate 90 and burner head base 38 and/or cover
50. Three tabs 92 are shown in the drawings, but fewer or more can
be used. Attachment can be by screw, bolts or other suitable means.
Further control of secondary airflow is provided through a central
aperture 98 in restrictor plate 90. A slot 100 is provided in
restrictor plate 90, to hold a pilot burner (not shown) of a pilot
light system for igniting fuel at burner heads 22, 24.
[0036] Through selection of the size and shape of annular gap 96
and central aperture 98 for the size and performance of the burner,
the proper amount of secondary air is allowed to enter and is
properly directed for more efficient burner performance. Secondary
combustion air flowing through annular gap 96 rises through burner
head 22 or 24, near to and first encountering the lower originating
flames from orifices 52 in innermost surface 60. The secondary
combustion air provides complete, efficient combustion of gas
emitted from orifices 52 in innermost surface 60. Remaining air
from annular gap 96, and air rising through central aperture 98
disperses outwardly, providing secondary air for complete,
efficient combustion of gas emitted from orifices 52 in
intermediate surface 64 and in top surface 54. With flames directed
upwardly and inwardly, air for secondary combustion is limited
primarily to the air that flows upwardly through annular burner
heads 22 and 24, and can be controlled by restrictor plate 90. This
is in contrast to known burner designs with flames originating from
orifices in outwardly facing surfaces that are exposed to virtually
limitless and uncontrollable flow of ambient air.
[0037] It should be understood that the detailed structures
described above for burner head 24, including a cover 50 and a
restrictor plate 90, are provided in similar manner and
construction for burner head 22.
[0038] The single casting 30 for both burner head 22 and burner
head 24 having facilitates efficient disassembly and re-assembly
for cleaning. Casting 30 can be removed with restrictor plates 90
fastened thereto, and with covers 50 remaining in place on burner
head bases 34 and 38. Alternatively, covers 50 can be removed from
burner head bases 34 and 38 before casting 30 is removed from cook
top 14. Since covers 50 are self-centering and self-positioning on
bases 34 and 38, removal and re-installation for cleaning are quick
and easy.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, an alternative embodiment of a
burner head assembly is shown. Burner head assembly 100 includes a
first burner head 102 and a second burner head 104 at which
combustion of gaseous fuel occurs. A single piece, monolithic
casting forms a first venturi 106 associated with a first burner
head base 108 and a second venturi 110 associated with a second
burner head base 112. Gas receivers 114, 116 are provided on the
respective venturis. Each burner head base 102, 104 is a
substantially annular body defining an open top annular channel
118, 120 between an inner wall 122, 124 and an outer wall 126, 128.
In the embodiment illustrated, venturi 106 and venturi 108 are
configured with the respective burner head bases 102 and 104 to
swirl the combustion mixture in opposite directions along the
respective channels 118 and 120, but variations are possible.
[0040] A burner head cover 130 (FIG. 9) is provided on each burner
head base and includes a plurality of gas-emitting orifices 132
therein through which a mixture of combustible gas and primary
combustion air is emitted. The burner head cover 130 fits on the
burner head bases and is a multi-surfaced, generally annular
structure. Burner head 130 includes a primarily upwardly facing top
surface 134. Surfaces radially outward of upwardly facing surface
134 are generally outwardly facing, and include an upwardly and
outwardly facing surface 136 that angles downwardly and outwardly
from surface 134 to a further downwardly angled surface 138 that
extends downwardly and outwardly to an outermost surface 140 that
is substantially vertical. By way of example, the downward angles
.theta..sub.1 and .theta..sub.2 relative to the top surface 134 may
be between ten and twenty degrees (e.g., about 15 degrees) for
.theta..sub.1 and between forty and fifty degrees (e.g., about 45
degrees) for .theta..sub.2. Radially inwardly from top surface 134
is inwardly and downwardly angled surface 142 which extends inward
to a inwardly and further downwardly angled innermost surface 144.
Notably, in this embodiment gas orifices 132 are located on each of
the surfaces 144, 142, 134 and 136, but surfaces 138 and 140 lack
any gas emission orifices. Thus, this alternative embodiment
includes gas orifices on the outwardly facing surface 136 that is
closest to the top surface 134, but not on any other outwardly
facing surfaces.
[0041] Cover 134 is configured to be removably engaged on burner
head base. Inner edge 146 defines an inner lip 148 that, in
assembled from, is removably seated on inner wall 122 or 124 of the
burner head base, and an angular surface 150 extends radially
inwardly and downwardly from the lip 148. Angular surface 150
engages the inner wall 122 or 1124 and slides therealong as cover
134 is placed on burner head base, and directs and centers burner
head cover for proper positioning and seating on burner head base.
Cover 134, therefore, is self-centering. Cover 134 further includes
an outer edge 160 defining an outer lip 162 that engages the outer
wall 126 or 128 of the burner head base. Notably, lip 148 and lip
162 lie in the same plane. In this regard, and referring again to
FIG. 7, it can be seen that the top surfaces of the inner wall 122,
124 and outer wall 126, 128 of each burner head also lie in the
same plane. This configuration simplifies machining operations for
both the burner heads and the cover.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a plate structure 164, 166 is
mounted in the center opening of each burner head and the plate
structure 164, 166 includes side mount flanges 168 and 170 with
openings that align with openings in mounting tabs that extend
radially inward from the inner wall 122, 124, and a raised central
flat 172 that includes a slot 174 for receiving and holding a pilot
burner head in a manner similar to the slot 100 in the embodiment
of FIG. 2. The slot 174 is generally elongated and includes a
slight inward pinch or narrowing 176 near the closed end of the
slot that aids in holding a pilot burner head in desired position
at the closed end of the slot.
[0043] The annular channels 118 and 120 of the embodiment of FIG. 7
also include one or more air dam features to help stabilize flow
from the gas orifices in the head cover 134. Specifically, each
channel includes a respective air dam 180, 182 that is located
proximate a gaseous fuel inlet 184, 186 to the annular channel such
that gaseous fuel entering the annular channel travels around the
annular channel toward the air dam at a downstream location to
flow, which flow direction is indicated by arrows 188, 190. The air
dams take the form of walls extending between the inner and outer
walls of the channels. Air dams 180 and 182 are full channel
height, rising from the flow of the channel up to the top edges of
the inner and outer walls. Upstream of the air dams 180 and 182 are
additional air dams 192 and 194, which extend upward from the
channel floors only partially, thus having heights that are less
than the channel height, with respective top surfaces of the air
dams 192 and 194 being lower than the top edges of the inner and
outer walls that define the channels. As the air fuel mixture
enters the annular channel it circles around and is emitted through
the burner head ports or orifices in the cover 134. Without the air
dams, some of the air fuel mixture will go all the way around the
channel until it meets up with a fresh mixture at the opening into
the space, creating a slightly higher pressure at that location
resulting in a slight unevenness in emitted flame height. The air
dams create a slight back pressure to even out the flame height.
The air dams also slow down the mixture allowing the flame to be
more stable at the ports. The air dams 192, 194 may typically be
offset circumferentially upstream from the air dams 180, 182 by
between about thirty and ninety degrees (e.g., about 60 degrees),
but variations are possible.
[0044] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention
disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
* * * * *