U.S. patent application number 12/838645 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-25 for solar thermal collector manifold.
This patent application is currently assigned to SolFocus, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mary Jane Hale, Steve Horne, Eric Prather, Peter Young.
Application Number | 20100294262 12/838645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41115255 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100294262 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horne; Steve ; et
al. |
November 25, 2010 |
SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR MANIFOLD
Abstract
A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The
manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar
energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the
collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving
the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the
solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated
fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate
with depressions.
Inventors: |
Horne; Steve; (El Granada,
CA) ; Hale; Mary Jane; (Sunnyvale, CA) ;
Prather; Eric; (Santa Clara, CA) ; Young; Peter;
(San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDOUARD GARCIA;Attorney At Law
1351 Cuernavaca Circulo
Mountain View
CA
94040
US
|
Assignee: |
SolFocus, Inc.
Mountain View
CA
|
Family ID: |
41115255 |
Appl. No.: |
12/838645 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12060172 |
Mar 31, 2008 |
7779829 |
|
|
12838645 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/663 ;
29/890.033 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 10/70 20180501;
Y10T 29/49355 20150115; F24S 80/30 20180501; Y02B 10/20 20130101;
Y02E 10/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/663 ;
29/890.033 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/24 20060101
F24J002/24; B23P 15/26 20060101 B23P015/26 |
Claims
1. A solar collector manifold, comprising: a first manifold port; a
second manifold port; a solar collector connection port that
defines an external opening into the manifold and is constructed
and arranged to connect to a fluid tube of a solar collector; a
network of fluid flow paths that comprises a first fluid flow path
that conveys fluid from the first manifold port, and a second fluid
flow path that conveys fluid to the second manifold port; and an
insert that defines at least a portion of a fluid exchange path
that conveys fluid between the solar collector connection port and
the first fluid flow path.
2. (canceled)
3. The solar collector manifold of claim 1, wherein the insert
comprises a flange adjacent the solar collector connection port and
a projection extending from the flange into the solar collector
connection port.
4-6. (canceled)
7. The solar collector manifold of claim 1, wherein the insert
provides a counter-flow path between the fluid tube of the solar
collector and the first fluid flow path.
8. (canceled)
9. A method, comprising: forming a manifold comprising a first
manifold port, a second manifold port, a solar collector connection
port that defines an external opening into the manifold and is
constructed and arranged to connect to a fluid tube of a solar
collector, and a network of fluid flow paths that comprises a first
fluid flow path that conveys fluid from the manifold inlet port,
and a second fluid flow path that conveys fluid to the manifold
outlet port; and attaching to the solar collector connection port
an insert that defines at least a portion of a fluid exchange path
that conveys fluid between the solar collector connection port and
the first fluid flow path.
10-13. (canceled)
14. The method claim 9, wherein the attaching comprises welding the
insert to the solar collector connection port of the manifold.
15. A method, comprising: obtaining solar collectors; obtaining a
manifold comprising a first manifold port, a second manifold port,
for each of the solar collectors a respective a solar collector
connection port that defines an external opening into the manifold
and is constructed and arranged to connect to a fluid tube of the
respective solar collector, a network of fluid flow paths that
comprises a first fluid flow path that conveys fluid from the first
manifold port, and a second fluid flow path that conveys fluid to
the second manifold port, and for each of the solar collector
connection ports a respective insert that defines at least a
portion of a respective fluid exchange path that conveys fluid
between the respective solar collector connection port and the
first fluid flow path; and connecting the manifold to the solar
collectors arranged in an array, wherein the connecting comprises
for each of the solar collectors connecting the fluid tube of the
solar collector to the respective insert.
16-18. (canceled)
19. The method claim 15, wherein each of the inserts provides a
counter-flow path between the fluid tube of the respective solar
collector and the first fluid flow path.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the inserts comprises a
flow port that provides cross flow of the fluid through the
insert.
21. The solar collector manifold of claim 1, wherein the insert
comprises a surface sized to mate with a surface of the fluid tube
of the solar collector.
22. The solar collector manifold of claim 1, further comprising a
locking mechanism that couples the fluid tube of the solar
collector to the insert.
23. The solar collector manifold of claim 22, wherein the locking
mechanism is a flared fitting.
24. The solar collector manifold of claim 1, wherein the insert is
welded to the solar collector connection port of the manifold.
25. The solar collector manifold of claim 1, wherein the insert
comprises screw threads, and the insert is screwed into the solar
collector connection port of the manifold.
26. The solar collector manifold of claim 1, wherein the first
fluid flow path and the second fluid flow path are parallel, and
the fluid exchange path is perpendicular to the first and second
fluid flow paths.
27. The solar collector manifold of claim 1, wherein the solar
collector manifold is formed of aluminum.
28. The method of claim 9, wherein the insert comprises a flange
adjacent the solar collector connection port and a projection
extending from the flange into the solar collector connection
port.
29. The method of claim 9, wherein the insert comprises a surface
sized to mate with a surface of the fluid tube of the solar
collector.
30. The method of claim 9, further comprising engaging a locking
mechanism to couple the fluid tube of the solar collector to the
insert.
31. The method of claim 9, wherein the first fluid flow path and
the second fluid flow path are parallel, and the fluid exchange
path is perpendicular to the first and second fluid flow paths.
32. The method of claim 9, wherein the insert comprises screw
threads, and the attaching comprises screwing the insert into the
solar collector connection port of the manifold.
33. The method of claim 9, wherein the forming comprises forming
the manifold from aluminum.
34. A solar collector manifold, comprising: a first manifold port;
a second manifold port; a solar collector connection port that
defines an external opening into the manifold; a network of fluid
flow paths that comprises a first fluid flow path that conveys
fluid from the first manifold port, and a second fluid flow path
that conveys fluid to the second manifold port; and an insert
connected to the solar collector connection port and constructed
and arranged to connect to a coaxial arrangement of an outer fluid
tube of the solar collector and an inner fluid tube of the solar
collector, wherein the insert is constructed to connect to the
outer fluid tube of the solar collector and defines a channel
through which the inner tube of the solar collector extends to the
first fluid flow path wherein the channel defines at least a
portion of a fluid exchange path between the first manifold port
and a fluid path defined between an inner surface of the outer
fluid tube of the solar collector and an outer surface of the inner
fluid tube of the solar collector.
35. The solar collector manifold of claim 34, wherein the fluid
exchange path is defined between the insert and an outer surface of
the inner fluid tube of the solar collector.
36. The solar collector manifold of claim 34, wherein the insert
comprises a flange adjacent the solar collector connection port and
a projection extending from the flange into the solar collector
connection port.
37. The solar collector manifold of claim 34, wherein the insert
comprises a surface sized to mate with a surface of the fluid tube
of the solar collector.
38. The solar collector manifold of claim 34, further comprising a
locking mechanism that couples the fluid tube of the solar
collector to the insert.
39. The solar collector manifold of claim 34, wherein the insert
comprises screw threads, and the insert is screwed into the solar
collector connection port of the manifold.
40. The solar collector manifold of claim 34, wherein the insert is
welded to the solar collector connection port of the manifold.
41. The solar collector manifold of claim 34, wherein the solar
collector manifold is formed of aluminum.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
solar thermal energy. In particular, the present invention relates
to a manifold for a solar thermal energy collector.
[0002] Solar thermal energy collectors convert the energy of the
sun into a more usable or storable form. Sunlight provides energy
in the form of electromagnetic radiation from the infrared (long)
to the ultraviolet (short) wavelengths. The intensity of solar
energy striking the earth's surface at any one time depends on
weather conditions. On a clear day measured on a surface directly
perpendicular to the sun's rays solar energy averages about one
thousand watts per square meter. The best designed solar collectors
are the ones that collect the most sunlight and are therefore most
efficient.
[0003] Solar thermal energy collectors can provide heat to hot
water systems, swimming pools, floor-coil heating circuit and the
like. They may also be used for heating an industrial dryer,
providing input energy for a cooling system or providing steam for
industrial applications. The heat is sometimes stored in insulated
storage tanks full of water. Heat storage may cover a day or two
day's requirements.
[0004] A solar thermal energy collector that stores heat energy is
called a "batch" type system. Other types of solar thermal
collectors do not store energy but instead use fluid circulation
(usually water or an antifreeze solution) to transfer the heat for
direct use or storage in an insulated reservoir. The direct
radiation is usually captured using a dark colored surface which
absorbs the radiation as heat and conducts it to the transfer
fluid. Metal makes a good thermal conductor, especially copper and
aluminum. In high performance collectors, a selective surface is
used in which the energy collector surface is coated with a
material having properties of high-absorption and low emission. The
warmed fluid leaving the collector is either directly stored, or
else passes through a heat exchanger to warm another tank of water,
or is used to heat, for example a building, directly. The
temperature differential across an efficient solar collector is
typically only ten to twenty degrees centigrade.
[0005] Solar thermal energy collectors often include an array of
solar collector tubes and a manifold. These systems may be supplied
with water from a storage tank located below the collectors. The
water is typically circulated by a pump. When the pump is not
operating, the water drains from the collectors into the tank. Each
solar thermal energy collector may include a housing, a collector
panel within the housing and a cavity through which water is
circulated with supply and drain pipes. The supply and drain pipes
of some of the collectors may be connected to the manifold at
bushings which fit into aligned ends of the pipes and fittings. The
supply and drain pipes of collectors may also be plugged into the
supply and drain pipes of other collectors which are along the
manifold, again the connections being at bushing.
[0006] A solar thermal energy collector may be made of a series of
modular collector tubes, mounted in parallel, whose number can be
adjusted to meet requirements. This type of solar thermal energy
collector usually consists of rows of parallel collector tubes.
Types of tubes are distinguished by their heat transfer method. For
example, a U-shaped copper tube may be used to transfer the fluid
inside glass collector tubes. In another example, a sealed heat
pipe may transfer heat from a collector tube to fluid flowing
through the collector tube. For both examples, the heated liquid
circulates through the manifold for use or storage. Water heated in
such a manner may be stored where it is further warmed by ambient
sunlight. Evacuated collector tubes heat to higher temperatures,
with some models providing considerably more solar yield per square
meter than flat panels.
[0007] An array of tube heat exchangers, also referred to as
collector tubes, are often placed in a solar thermal panel for easy
of transfer and installation. Such a panel may include tubes that
are surrounded on each side by two deformed plates. These plates
cover each tube and are secured together by rivets which are spaced
along and traverse the deformed portions of the plates, thus
providing a spring section to absorb unequal expansion of the
plates and the fluid conducting pipes.
[0008] For efficiency, solar thermal energy collectors are designed
to minimize resistance to fluid flow. A common inlet, or manifold,
may be used to reduce the resistance to fluid flow, and thus to
reduce pressure loss. Collector tubes are typically connected in
series or parallel with manifolds made from additional lengths of
tubing. These tubes are usually joined by soldering and brazing.
Other methods for joining these tubes include coupling with grooves
and recesses. Reducing pressure loss increases flow and therefore
increases heat exchanged. Soldering and brazing are labor and time
intensive techniques which are not entirely suitable for quantity
production. An inexpensive, easy to manufacture manifold is
desired.
SUMMARY
[0009] A solar thermal energy collector manifold is provided. The
manifold is connected to solar collector tubes for collecting solar
energy. A fluid is used to transfer the heat collected from the
collector tubes. The manifold includes an inlet path for receiving
the fluid, a fluid flow path for transferring the fluid to the
solar collector tubes, and an outlet path for outputting the heated
fluid. To facilitate the flow paths, the manifold includes a plate
with depressions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a cross-section of a traditional manifold
including tubing.
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a machine insert for use in a solar thermal
manifold.
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts two unassembled manifold plates and a machine
insert.
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts two unassembled manifold plates and a cross
section of a machine insert.
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts two assembled manifold plates with a machine
insert.
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of the invention with a
solar thermal panel with one pressed manifold plate assembled with
a housing structure.
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section of the manifold, an insert
and the inlet tube of FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodiment of the invention fluid
flow through a portion of a solar thermal manifold and through a
portion of a collector tube.
[0018] FIG. 9 provides a process flowchart for creating a solar
thermal manifold in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 provides a process flowchart for practicing the
disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
disclosed invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated
in the accompanying drawings.
[0021] Solar thermal heating systems typically include an array of
solar collector tubes and a manifold. The array of solar collector
tubes may be any of those commercially available, and they may be
included in a panel with a clear plastic or glass cover. In some
solar collector tubes, fluid is circulated through the collector
tubes to remove the heat reflected onto an absorber and transport
it to an insulated tank, to a heat exchanger or to some other
device for using the heated fluid. Sometimes fluid flow tubes are
placed within the collector tubes. Sometimes the collector tubes
are vacuum sealed tubes. In another example of solar collector
tubes, a heat pipe is utilized to transfer the collected solar
energy to a fluid in the collector tubes. Any of described type of
tubes along with other commercially available solar collector tubes
may be used with the present invention.
[0022] These solar thermal collection tubes are typically connected
in series or parallel with manifolds adapted from lengths of tube.
For example, FIG. 1 depicts a cross-section of a traditional
manifold showing fluid flow. Thus, lengths of tube are utilized to
facilitate fluid flow entering via inlet 10 and exiting via outlet
20.
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a machine insert 100 for use in a solar
thermal manifold. In one embodiment, Insert 100 is a screw machine
insert, which is drilled longitudinally to allow water to flow
along its length. Drilled opening 110 facilitates fluid flow
through the solar thermal collector manifold. Thus, drilled opening
110 is end-to-end, along the longitudinal axis of the machine
insert. The insert may also be drilled from side-to-side to allow
an additional flow path or port 120. The side-to-side, or radial,
opening may be used to facilitate cross fluid flow in a, for
example, perpendicular direction. Insert 100 may be made of any
commercially available material appropriate for such inserts, such
as brass, steel, stainless steel or bronze.
[0024] In one embodiment, external ridges 130, 140 are used for
tube placement within the manifold, and may also be used for
alignment with the manifold plates (shown in FIG. 3). Surface 150
is machined to create a shape that substantially matches the
manifold plates (also shown in FIG. 3). Surface 150 provides the
tolerance required for the proper tube insertion of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts two unassembled manifold plates 210, 250 and
machine insert 100. Utilizing manifold plates 210, 250 provides
high volume manufacturing with reduced time and cost. Techniques
from the automotive and appliance industries may be used for making
and assembling manifold plates 210, 250. In one embodiment, plates
210, 250 are each stamped from a separate sheet of metal. Upper
metal plate 210 may be stamped in metal to produce the top half of
a network of tubes. Lower metal plate 250 may be similarly stamped
in metal to produce the matching bottom half of a network of tubes.
Aluminum, steel or other available metals may be used for plates
210, 250.
[0026] Plate 210 includes internal surface 220 which substantially
matches insert surface 150. When used for insertion placement,
ridges 130, 140 may be pressed into plates 210, 250 during the
assembly process. If there are gaps in the recesses between plates
210, 250 such that the recesses to not match up completely, ridges
130, 140 may be pressed into those gaps to cover them. Other known
techniques may be used for insert 100 placement. For example,
ridges 130, 140 may be screw threads which facilitate placement of
insert 100 between plates 210 and 250 with a screwing force.
Attachment points 230 are located on plate 210 and matching
attachment points 260 are located on plate 250. Plates 210, 250 are
attached via available methods, such as pressing and then stir
welding at points 230, 260. Standard roll bonding may also be used
to attach plates 210, 250 with heat and pressure. Machine insert
100 may be manufactured separately from plates 210, 250, and it may
be press fit, threaded, or installed using O-rings or other type of
seal to provide a liquid tight seal with plates 210, 250. While
FIG. 3 shows a smaller upper plate 210 then lower plate 250, the
plates may be substantially the same size or upper plate 210 may be
larger than lower plate 250.
[0027] Slots 270, 275, located on plate 250, substantially match
external ridges 130, 140, located on insert 100, such that insert
100 is properly and easily aligned between plates 210, 250. Other
commercially available alignment techniques may also be utilized.
Surface 280, located on plate 250, substantially matches the
outside surface of insert 100 to facilitate proper positioning of
insert 100 and improve ease of manufacturing. Arrows 290 show how
upper plate 210 is placed down on top of lower plate 250 during the
manufacturing process. After plates are 210, 250 are placed
together, attachment points 230, 260 are utilized for proper
attachment.
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts two unassembled plates 210, 250 and a cross
section of machine insert 100. A flow path 310 created with insert
100 allows flows in each direction necessary to manifold the
adjacent parallel collector tubes with counter-flowing fluid. In
one embodiment, sealing teeth 320 are utilized so that when
manifold plates 210, 250 are pressed together, sealing teeth 320
swage themselves into matching teeth located on upper plate 210 to
provide a liquid seal. Alternatively, the matching teeth may be
located on a top insert portion located within inner surface 220 of
upper plate 210. Other commercially available attachment methods
may be used for providing a liquid seal for flow path 310.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts two assembled plates 210, 250 with placed
machine insert 100. Area 510 is sealed with area 320 of insert 100
as set forth above. Area 510 may be an integral part of upper plate
210 or it may be a separate piece attached to upper plate 210 as
shown in FIG. 5. A liquid seal is provided in area 520 between
areas 320, 510. A separate sealing device or material may also be
utilized to prevent flow of fluid between the insert and the
surrounding area.
[0030] In another embodiment, lower plate 250 is an integral part
of the solar panel support system. As mentioned above, a panel may
be used to support one or multiple solar thermal collector tubes.
Turning now to FIG. 6, a solar thermal panel is depicted with
pressed manifold plate 550, which is assembled with housing
structure 560. Housing structure 560 includes mating plate 562 for
assembly with pressed plate 550, bottom portion 564, back panel
566, first side panel 568, top panel 570 and a second side panel
(not shown in FIG. 6). Thus, in this embodiment, mating plate 562
is integral with back panel 566, and pressed plate 550 along with
mating plate 562 form manifold 572 when assembled. As shown in FIG.
6, mating metal plate 562 may be a substantially flat piece and
pressed metal plate 550 may include recessed areas 580. Areas 580
may be made via metal pressing techniques. Inserts may be placed
into areas 580, or areas 580 may be utilized for direct fluid flow
as shown in FIG. 6 (i.e., without inserts).
[0031] Areas 580 provide for thermal fluid flow into and out of
manifold 572 through internal flow channels 582. The thermal fluid
then flows through tubes or inserts 584 to tube inlet 586 and tube
outlet 588. Inserts 584 may be placed perpendicular to manifold
572, and inserts 584 may be machine inserts or other available
inserts. Welding or other methods may be used for connecting
inserts 584 to channels 582, inlet tube 586 and outlet tube 588.
Inlet tube 586 and outlet tube 588 are coupled to solar collector
tube 590 which is used to heat the fluid for traditional solar
thermal purposes. Solar collector tube 590 is coupled to back panel
566 for overall support purposes. This coupling may be done with
spring 592. Again, additional solar thermal tubes may be placed
adjacent solar collector tube 590 within housing structure 560.
[0032] FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section of manifold 572, insert 584
and inlet tube 586 of FIG. 6. Again, manifold 572 includes pressed
plate 550 and mating plate 562. In this embodiment, insert 584 is
placed perpendicular to manifold plates 550 and 562. Insert 584 may
be attached to mating plate 562 via welding or other known
attachment techniques. In addition or as an alternative, a locking
mechanism may be used to provide a liquid tight seal between insert
584 and mating plate 562. Insert 584 is also attached to inlet tube
586 via welding or other known techniques. Again, a locking
mechanism may be utilized for this attachment. Area 580 supports
fluid flow through manifold 572 and insert 584, and into inlet tube
586 for heating in the solar collector (not shown in FIG. 7).
[0033] FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodiment of the invention with
fluid flow through a portion of a solar thermal manifold 610 and
through a portion of a collector tube 620. Manifold 610 includes a
bottom metal plate 625, a top metal plate (not shown) and an insert
630. Bottom metal plate 625 contains depressions 640 and 645 to
facilitate fluid flow through the manifold. The top metal plate may
contain matching depressions or may be flat. Insert 630 includes
outer wall 650 and ridges 652, 654, 656, 658 for insertion and
placement between bottom metal plate 625 and the top metal plate.
The shown portion of collector tube 620 includes an outer tube 622
and a inner counter-flow tube 624. Inner tube 624 may extend into
manifold 610 and through insert 630 until reaching depression 645
to receive the fluid flow as shown. Outer tube 622 may end before
entering manifold 610. Locking mechanisms 660 and 662 are used for
coupling outer tube 622 and outer wall 650 such that the fluid does
not leak out of the junction between tube 622 and insert 630.
Locking mechanisms 660, 662 may be, for example, a flared fitting
such as a flare nut.
[0034] Fluid flowing through manifold 610 and collector tube 620,
enters depression 645 at area 670 and flows into inner tube 624 via
flow path 672. Some of the fluid passes by path 672 to other
collector tubes (not shown) via flow path 674. Fluid following
along path 672 is carried into the solar thermal collector tube and
heated therein. The heated fluid is then carried back to manifold
610 via flow path 680 which surrounds flow path 672 in a
counter-flow manner. The heated fluid is then carried into insert
630 via flow path 682, into depression 640 via flow path 684, and
out of manifold 610 via flow path 686.
[0035] FIG. 9 provides a process flowchart for creating a manifold
in accordance with the present invention. At step 710, the lower
plate is stamped to provide a lower portion of the manifold, and at
step 720, the upper plate is optionally stamped to provide an upper
portion of the manifold. At step 730, an insert is created for
assisting with fluid flow. The lower plate, upper plate and insert
are pressed together at step 740. Welding or other commercially
available techniques may be used for attaching the pieces in a
manner sufficient to withstand the system's environmental exposure
and support internal fluid flow.
[0036] FIG. 10 provides a process flowchart for practicing the
disclosed subject matter. At step 810, a panel of collector tubes
is positioned to gather solar energy. The tubes are connected to a
manifold. At step 820, fluid is circulated through the manifold and
through the collector tubes within the panel. A pump may be used
for this. At step 830, heat is collected from the circulated
fluid.
[0037] Although embodiments of the invention have been discussed
primarily with respect to specific embodiments thereof, other
variations are possible. For example, while the invention has been
described with respect to simple solar thermal collector tubes,
more complex tubes with special flow paths and configurations may
also be used. External reflectors may be utilized to direct solar
energy to the collector tubes. Metal pieces may be replaced by
sufficiently tolerant plastic, polymer pieces or the like. Steps
can be added to, taken from or modified from the steps in this
specification without deviating from the scope of the invention. In
general, any flowcharts presented are only intended to indicate one
possible sequence of basic operations to achieve a function, and
many variations are possible. The invention may be practiced in
numerous applications, including commercial and residential.
[0038] While the specification has been described in detail with
respect to specific embodiments of the invention, it will be
appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an
understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations
to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. These and
other modifications and variations to the present invention may be
practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more
particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, those
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing
description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit
the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter
covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope
of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *