U.S. patent application number 13/248838 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine.
Invention is credited to Omar Nabil ABASS.
Application Number | 20120076656 13/248838 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45870858 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120076656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ABASS; Omar Nabil |
March 29, 2012 |
Horizontal Axis Logarithmic Spiral Fluid Turbine
Abstract
The present invention is a more simplified and efficient design
of a turbine. The use of a logarithmic curve pattern for blade
design and an aerodynamic profile allows the present invention to
not only be versatile in its uses, but also much more efficient at
gathering forms of energy for different purposes.
Inventors: |
ABASS; Omar Nabil; (Lewis
Center, OH) |
Family ID: |
45870858 |
Appl. No.: |
13/248838 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61387894 |
Sep 29, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
416/176 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F05B 2220/32 20130101;
F03B 3/121 20130101; Y02E 10/728 20130101; F03D 1/0625 20130101;
F05B 2240/911 20130101; F03B 17/061 20130101; F05B 2250/15
20130101; F05B 2200/23 20130101; F05B 2240/97 20130101; F05B
2240/221 20130101; Y02E 10/30 20130101; Y02E 10/72 20130101; F05B
2240/21 20130101; Y02E 10/20 20130101; F05B 2250/25 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
416/176 |
International
Class: |
F01D 5/14 20060101
F01D005/14 |
Claims
1. A horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine comprises, a
plurality of blades; a rotary axle; a plurality of cylindrical
extensions; a generator; a hall; each blade comprises of a blade
surface, a center, a leading edge, a trailing edge; each blade
spiraling around the rotary axle; and the center of each blade
being attached to the rotary axle.
2. The horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine as claimed
in claim 1 comprises the first cylindrical extension being mounted
in front of the plurality of blades; the first cylindrical
extension being protruded from the rotary axle; the second
cylindrical extension being protruded opposite of the first
cylindrical extension on the rotary axle; the hall traversing
through the second cylindrical extension; and the hall being
connected to the generator.
3. The horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine as claimed
in claim 1 comprises, the leading edge being narrower than the
trailing edge and therefore creating an aerodynamic profile; the
trailing edge being perpendicular to the rotary axle; the blade
surface being perpendicular to the rotary axle; and the blade
surface having a spiral shape with a logarithmic profile.
4. A horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine comprises, a
plurality of blades; a rotary axle; a cylindrical extension; a
hall; a generator; a support bar; a deck; a horizontal pivot
component; the support bar being attached to the deck; the deck
being attached to the generator; the horizontal pivot component
being attached to the deck; each blade comprises of a blade
surface, a center, a leading edge, a trailing edge; each blade
spiraling around the rotary axle; and the center of each blade
being attached to the rotary axle.
5. The horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine as claimed
in claim 4 comprises, the cylindrical extension being mounted in
front of the plurality of blades; the cylindrical extension being
protruded from the rotary axle; the cylindrical extension being
attached to the generator; the hall traversing through the
cylindrical extension; and the hall being connected to the
generator.
6. The horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine as claimed
in claim 4 comprises, the leading edge being narrower than the
trailing edge and therefore creating an aerodynamic profile; the
trailing edge being perpendicular to the rotary axle; the blade
surface being perpendicular to the rotary axle; and the blade
surface having a spiral shape with a logarithmic profile.
7. A horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine comprises, a
plurality of blades; a rotary axle; a cylindrical extension; a
hall; a generator; a plurality of cables; each blade comprises of a
blade surface, a center, a leading edge, a trailing edge; each
blade spiraling around the rotary axle; and the center of each
blade being attached to the rotary axle.
8. The horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine as claimed
in claim 7 comprises, the cylindrical extension being mounted in
front of the plurality of blades; the cylindrical extension being
protruded from the rotary axle; the hall traversing through the
cylindrical extension; the plurality of cables traversing through
the hall; and the plurality of cables attaching to the
generator.
9. The horizontal axis logarithmic spiral fluid turbine as claimed
in claim 7 comprises, the leading edge being narrower than the
trailing edge and therefore creating an aerodynamic profile; the
trailing edge being perpendicular to the rotary axle; the blade
surface being perpendicular to the rotary axle; and the blade
surface having a spiral shape with a logarithmic profile.
Description
[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S.
Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/387,894 filed on Sep.
29, 2010.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to turbine for the
generation of electrical energy. More specifically, the present
invention takes the shape of a logarithmic spiral with a horizontal
axis for efficient rotation. The present invention relates to fluid
rotors, also called turbines, and pertains particularly to a rotor
for flowing water, wind and the like.
PRIOR ART
[0003] In the World International Patent Organization Application
2010043887A2, the process of attaining vortical flow is achieved
using two components involving a turbine mounted to a duct with
guide vanes to channel the fluid and change its direction and speed
before contact with the said turbine. Thus, the uniqueness and
efficiency of this design lies in the presence of the two
components together. This turbine works only if facing the fluid
current direction. Also, the turbine blades do not specify a
logarithmic spiral.
[0004] In the U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,007, the introduced invention in
one aspect having the blades mounted in a spiral shape around a
central spherically shaped hub has the blades extending outward and
facing forward. This forces the fluids to flow inward toward the
axle after contact with the blades reducing the fluid velocity. The
prior art has an enlarged central hub to force the fluid away from
the rotary axle and increase velocity before contact with the
blades.
[0005] In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,353, the introduced invention
consists of a helical turbine mounted on a vertical axis and
rotates horizontally. It is mentioned that: "The blades position
and shape are substantially unchanged as one move along the
vertical axis". Also, in vertical axis turbines, one surface of the
blade is always facing the current and torque is acquired through
resistance rather than lift.
[0006] In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,494,315, the introduced invention is
a turbine with a helical shape as opposed to the logarithmic curve.
The fluid flow for this prior art is perpendicular to the vertical
rotary axis.
[0007] In the U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,910, the introduced invention is
a spiral-based axial flow devices consist of rigid spiral band
catenaries around an elongated profiled hub to be used in wind.
[0008] In the U.S. Pat. No. 7,728,454, the introduced invention
includes a generally helical turbine blade rotatable mounted on a
central shaft, which may be tapered at each end, a flange extending
perpendicularly to an edge of the turbine blade. This prior art is
designed to work only under water, does not follow the logarithmic
spiral, and has a modified helical shape blade with extra parts
mounted in front and rear to help self orienting the turbine into
the fluid flow direction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The conversion of kinetic energy from flowing fluids, such
as flowing water or air, has been a significant source of power for
many centuries. Various designs of wind mills and water mills exist
today and are used in many regions around the world for producing
electric power from the rotation of such turbines.
[0010] The rising cost and decreasing supply of fossil fuels
creates a considerable need in harnessing renewable energy such as
flowing wind and water more efficiently. In prior arts, there have
been many different designs of wind mills and water mills all
having various benefits but also disadvantages. For example, water
mills that are currently used to generate electric power require a
considerable quantity of strong water current to operate
efficiently resulting in a need to build costly damns and
structures to control the water current flow direction and speed.
Presently, wind turbines not only compromise a significant amount
of their torque to acquire high speed, but also require a
relatively big space and in some cases, they may even be hazardous.
Also, they are known to be expensive to construct, maintain, and
engineer.
[0011] Accordingly, it is desirable that safer turbines that can
withstand higher forces and generate equal or higher energy be
available while not subject to the problems of prior arts.
[0012] It is known that all fluids follow one common behavior when
in motion, which is a logarithmic spiral. For example, turbulence,
hurricanes, and water flowing down the drain all follow a similar
logarithmic spiral pattern. The present invention is intended to
harness fluids based on this concept of logarithmic spiraling. It
may be similar to prior arts like the Archimedean screw, or the
1849 James Francis water turbine, and others, but the present
invention is intended to be an improvement in this field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is accordingly the primary object of the present
invention to overcome the above problems of the prior art.
[0014] An objective of the present invention is to provide an
improved fluid turbine that is effective in generating more power
in a given radius, fluid type, and velocity while at the same time
is simple, safe, and inexpensive to construct and maintain.
[0015] In accordance with the primary aspect of the horizontal axis
logarithmic spiral fluid turbine, otherwise known as a logarithmic
turbine, includes a plurality of blades mounted symmetrically and
curve along the axis of rotation in a logarithmic spiral shape.
Each blade consists of a logarithmic curve pattern with a certain
curve radius and placed around a rotary axis. The surface of the
blade is perpendicular to the axis from each point on the spiral.
Also, the surface of the blade may be concave at the side of the
blade facing the rotation direction in order to give it an
aerodynamic shape and increase lift.
[0016] One objective of the present invention is to guide the
moving fluid around the logarithmic turbine's rotary axle and
between the blades in a manner to collect the fluid kinetic energy
more efficiently than in prior arts.
[0017] The logarithmic turbine of the present invention is designed
having a relatively smaller radius, slope, angle, and surface in
the closest points of contact facing the current and increasing
gradually according to the logarithmic spiral formula. The length
of the logarithmic spiral is also the leading edge of the turbine,
which is relatively long compared with leading edges found in prior
arts.
[0018] The rotary axis is attached to an electric power generator
from either front end or back end, which allows the logarithmic
turbine to transfer the collected energy into usable power.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the
present invention mounted onto a tower.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of
the present invention mounted onto a tower.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the present invention of
another embodiment tethered to a generator.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the
present invention with a second cylindrical extension and mounted
onto a tower.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the plurality of blades and
the rotary axle of the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0025] Of the many possible functions of the horizontal axis
logarithmic spiral fluid turbine, otherwise known as a logarithmic
turbine, one is to transform rotational energy into electric power
by rotating an electric generator. This use demonstrates the
ability to provide electricity that can be used for a variety of
different uses. Another use for the logarithmic turbine is for it
to be installed on a fixed tower facing the wind or water flow to
generate electric power. It could have a self orientation mechanism
to face the current if front is attached by a pivoting bearing to a
vertical tower. Also it may be installed on a fast moving object to
generate power from relative fluid flow. For example, the
logarithmic turbine may be pulled behind a boat or mounted on a
vehicle to generate power when object is moving and as a result be
able to measure the current speeds of fluids. Other aspects that
contribute to the uniqueness of the logarithmic turbine is involved
with the design features of different components of the present
invention, which contribute to a better functioning and more
efficient turbine.
[0026] In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the most basic
logarithmic turbine comprises of a plurality of blades 1, a rotary
axle 9, a first cylindrical extension 10, a generator 18, and a
hall 11. In the present embodiment, each of the blades 1 comprise
of a blade surface 2, a center 3, a leading edge 4, a trailing edge
5, a curve radius 6, a logarithmic curve pattern 7, and an
aerodynamic profile 8. The blades 1 are mounted symmetrically on a
horizontal axis known as the rotary axle 9. Specifically the center
3 of the blades 1 is attached directly onto the rotary axle 9. This
ensures that the blades 1 are securely attached to the rotary axle
9.
[0027] Unlike the typical vertical mounting of a turbine, the
present invention is mounted horizontally, which adds to its better
functionality over previous turbine designs. In traditional
turbines, a vertical axis upon which the blades rest is
perpendicular to the current of the fluid. Having a horizontal axis
allows the axis to be parallel to the fluid current, which can
improve the efficiency of the logarithmic turbine because it does
not have to work against the flow of fluid. This type of horizontal
turbine set up can rotate faster than the fluid speed. However, the
vertical axis turbines are known to have high torque but it is
rather impossible for them to rotate faster than the fluid
speed.
[0028] In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the specified curve
radius 6, which is the distance between an edge of the blade 1 and
the center 3, varies along the rotary axle 9. The ratio of the
overall spiral height to its radius 6 may be determined according
to desired use in terms of present fluid density and velocity. The
logarithmic turbine is unique because each blade surface 2 has the
configuration of the logarithmic curve 7, otherwise known in
mathematics as an equiangular curve or as a golden curve. Also,
even though the turbine blades follow the logarithmic curve 7, the
radius 6 changes along the horizontal axis. The blades 1 curve
gradually around the center 3 and outward in the logarithmic curve
pattern 7 rather than having the same radius all along its rotary
axle 9. This manner of curving around the center 3 and rotary axle
9 allows the fluid to be pushed outward and around the rotary axle,
forming a vortex around the axle and expanding around the turbine.
This aspect of the present invention causes the fluids passing
inside the turbine closest to the axle 9 to increase in velocity
before exiting from the rear because they have to travel a longer
distance than surrounding fluids. In a traditional helix curve, the
radius of the blade remains constant along the horizontal axis. The
present turbine also creates lift behind the blades to help
increase the velocity at which the blades are spinning Helical
shape turbines rely more on pushing force, which make them
slower.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, the blades 1 have
an aerodynamic profile 8 due to the logarithmic curve 7 it follows
in which there is a smaller amount of exposed blade surfaces 2 in
the front as opposed to the larger exposed blade surfaces 2 in the
rear. Since the blades 1 are shaped to resemble an aerodynamic
profile 8, the blades 1 are narrow in the front and taper outwards,
creating a larger rear, thus exposing more blade surface 2. Also,
the blade surfaces 2, as a result, are concave when facing the
direction of rotation 12. The aerodynamic profile 8 will help to
create a more efficient logarithmic turbine because of its ability
to move the fluid in a more efficient manner by shifting excessive
fluid to the larger blade surfaces 2 in the rear of the logarithmic
turbine. Another advantage of having this aerodynamic profile 8 of
the turbine is simplicity and the low drag especially when tethered
or pulled behind a moving object from its front part. The
aerodynamic profile 8 is also intended to help point the turbine to
self-orient into the fluid current direction. This is achieved by
mounting the front part of the turbine to a horizontal pivot point
or to a cable, which will be later discussed.
[0030] Again, in reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, the
aerodynamic profile 8 and logarithmic curve pattern 7 of the blades
1 make the logarithmic turbine appear as a cone rather than a disk
(which is the case for traditional turbines) when spinning at high
velocities. Unlike other turbines with a central hub in the middle,
the leading edge 4 of the blades 1 in the front center of the
apparatus is relatively parallel to fluid flow direction for better
stability. Having the leading edge 4 parallel to the flow direction
of fluid will ensure that the logarithmic turbine is efficient in
its functionality of gathering kinetic energy. The trailing edge 5
is perpendicular to the rotary axle 9 and has the largest curve
radius 6. Since the trailing edge 5 is at the rear of the blade 1,
it is a part of the blade 1 that is has the most exposed blade
surface 2 and as a result, has the largest curve radius 6. At
present, the logarithmic turbine uses lift behind the blades 1 in
addition to a push force. Also, the present invention uses lift
created from increased fluid velocity passing inside the turbine
relative to surrounding fluids.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first cylindrical
extension 10, with the hall 11 passing through its center from one
side to the other, is a protruded part that stems off the rotary
axle 9. The first cylindrical extension 10 is mounted in front of
the blades 1. This cylindrical extension 10 serves as a means to
transfer the rotation and transform it into other types of energy
(such as electrical if attached to an electric power
generator).
[0032] In reference to FIG. 4, another variation of the present
embodiment involves attaching another hollow cylindrical extension
or insert. This second cylindrical extension 17 is mounted on a
rear side of the turbine. The placement of the second cylindrical
extension 17 is intended so the generator 18 that will be used with
the present invention may be placed from behind if desired.
[0033] In reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the hall 11 in
the cylindrical extension 10 serves two main purposes. One such
purpose is to provide ample space to insert a screw to fix it to
another cylindrical extension with slightly larger radius. Also,
another purpose is so there is space to pass a cable 16 through the
hall 11 so the turbine can be tethered or attached to a generator
18. Both are vital in adding variation to the present
invention.
[0034] Other variations of the present embodiment are a result from
what object it is attached to. One such variation is having the
logarithmic turbine attached to a fixed pole or tower and using a
self-orientating mean. In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a
horizontal pivot component 14 part may be used to mount the turbine
and generator 18 along any height of a pole or on top of a tower
such as a street light, or a boat mast to collect wind energy. The
pivot component 14 will help the logarithmic turbine to spin and
move as it sees fit depending on fluid flow. The generator 18 and
electrical parts may be placed on a deck 15 mounted on top of the
pivot component 14. A support bar 13 is able to add an extra
support for the first cylindrical extension 10. The support bar 13
rests on top of the deck 15, closing the space between the deck 15
and the first cylindrical extension 10. An axle of the generator 18
passes besides the fixed object (i.e. pole) and connects to the
logarithmic turbine located on the opposite side. Placing the
generator 18 and components on one side and the logarithmic turbine
on the other side creates enough balance needed to apply equal
gravitational force on each side of the pivot ring. The pivot
component 14 has bearings inside, which allows it to easily pivot
horizontally around another smaller ring that is fixed to the pole,
thus contributing to the manner in which the logarithmic turbine
can self-orient itself horizontally in the fluid current direction.
The ability to self-orient helps to optimize the purposes of the
turbine.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, the next variation of the logarithmic
turbine is having it fixed to a moving object, but not using any
self-orientation methods. The logarithmic turbine may be attached
from its front or rear to an electric generator by the generator's
18 axle and mounted to a vehicle with cables 16 in order to
generate power from relative fluid flow. For example, the present
invention could be mounted to an electric car to generate
electricity and recharge its batteries while the car is traveling.
This is an important benefit because there are not many places
where an electric car may be recharged because the car itself is
still very unique. The variation of adding the present invention to
a moving object adds to the versatility of the logarithmic turbine.
This allows for multiple ways in which the logarithmic turbine may
be used and adds to the convenience of the apparatus.
[0036] In reference to FIG. 3, one other variation includes having
the apparatus tethered, in other words, attaching a cable 16
through the hall 11 in the front part of the cylindrical extension
10. The turbine may be placed in a current, or pulled behind a
vehicle while the generator is placed on a fixed surface. When
tethered, the material used to construct the turbine is an
important factor to control its vertical position in relation to
the generator, instead of using a poll or tower. Turbine may be
constructed from light-weight material to be used in collecting
hydrokinetic energy. While tethered to any fixed object under the
water surface such as the seabed, the logarithmic turbine is able
to collect hydrokinetic energy from jet stream, tidal waves, and
similar moving water currents. Also, the turbine may be constructed
from heavier material if tethered from a fixed object above the
water such as a boat, or a bridge above the river.
[0037] In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the logarithmic turbine
functions as a regular turbine, regardless of what variation of the
present embodiment is being used. While the logarithmic turbine is
mounted from its front end, fluid current hits the logarithmic
turbine on all blade surfaces 2, the rear part of the blades 1
collect the most kinetic energy, thus pulling the whole logarithmic
turbine and self orienting to face the correct fluid direction. The
current is almost parallel to the blades' 1 smallest surface in the
front part of the turbine. The blades 1 direct the current
gradually away from the center 3 of the logarithmic turbine (and
blades 1) and around it as it moves towards the rear creating a
vortex.
[0038] Again, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, fluid current in
contact with the leading edge 4 is channeled between the blades 1
while pushing on the blades 1 on one side and pulling on the other,
in an increasing rate as the surfaces 2 and angle of attack
increase toward the rear. The leading edge 4 of each blade 1 is the
length of the entire spiral, which is considerably longer than a
leading edge of a conventional turbine having the same radius.
[0039] The fluid current traveling through the logarithmic turbine
is diverted gradually from its original straight flow direction
into a spiral, causing it to travel a longer distance in a given
time relative to fluids current surrounding the whole turbine. This
causes the fluid inside the logarithmic turbine to increase
velocity in order to meet the surrounding flow at the same time
while exiting. This increase in fluid velocity inside the
logarithmic turbine helps increasing the turbine velocity.
[0040] In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the construction material
can be varied depending on different design specifications. Many of
the specifications for the logarithmic turbine depend on the size
of the logarithmic turbine, but material has to be lightweight,
sturdy, and with a smooth surface, including, but not limited to
any type of plastic, metal, textile, carbon fiber, or any similar
material. It must be built to withstand high forces. Materials
include but are not limited to fiberglass, sail, and light metal
like aluminum, plastic, and a combination of materials or others
with similar properties. When used under water, the logarithmic
turbine may be a built in gel--like material or water inflated to
give it the same density as water so it almost floats. The ability
to have the logarithmic turbine float makes it move more
efficiently because gravitation forces will be insignificant. When
intended to use the apparatus in light winded environments, the
blades 1 may be constructed using strong inflatable material to
collect kinetic energy from wind. In stronger wind conditions,
another way to tether the turbine is by constructing it as a kite
making the blades from light-weight strong textile material. The
advantages to using the textile material is ease of storage for
when the apparatus is not in use and ease of transportation. Also,
the blades 1 may be constructed as one whole piece rather than
attaching multiple blades together depending on the size, material
used, cost, or structural strength needed.
[0041] In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the logarithmic turbine
design may be modified depending on also the types of fluid and
their respective densities and speeds. The number of blades 1 may
be modified while keeping the same spiral shape around the axis,
preferably in an even number of blades for better balance. The
height and radius ratio of the logarithmic spiral created by the
design of the blades 1 may be modified to manipulate the rotation
speed and torque. Number of spiral turns (essentially, the blades 1
curving around the rotary axle) and their distance from each other
may vary in order to control the rotation speed and torque. The
design of the present invention may also have different colors,
sizes and shapes. It may also be modified in thickness, weight, and
material used to withstand higher forces. Colors and drawings may
be used to create a visual effect while the turbine is turning
serving as decoration in addition to generating power.
[0042] When compared to other turbines, the logarithmic turbine
holds many more advantages. The present invention transforms
kinetic energy evenly along its blades surface and in a gradual
manner. The narrow front of the design facing the fluid direction
replaces the fixed nose found in prior art taking advantage of this
area. The logarithmic turbine is able to distribute and channel the
flowing fluid (thus stress) more evenly between the blades. Also,
the logarithmic turbine's elongated leading edge allows for a
start-up speed that may be significantly lower than other fluid
turbines. Another benefit of the logarithmic turbine, is its
ability to withstand higher forces because the total surface of the
blades is distributed in a relatively smaller radius and may be
built in one whole piece. Another advantage of the logarithmic
turbine is that it is inexpensive. Because of its simplicity, very
few parts are needed to build, less engineering is involved, and
there are low maintenance costs. Also, the logarithmic turbine
produces minimal noise because it has fewer moving parts, and
turbulence is minimal. Another added benefit to the logarithmic
turbine is that it is safer for birds and marine life than the
traditional turbines and as a result, less hazardous than
conventional wind or water turbines.
[0043] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *