U.S. patent application number 13/860074 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for rotational multi vane positive displacement valve for use with a solar air conditioning system.
The applicant listed for this patent is RALPH MUSCATELL. Invention is credited to RALPH MUSCATELL.
Application Number | 20140026606 13/860074 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40337031 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140026606 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MUSCATELL; RALPH |
January 30, 2014 |
ROTATIONAL MULTI VANE POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT VALVE FOR USE WITH A
SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Abstract
Rotational multi-vane positive displacement valves, preferably
for use with a solar air-conditioning system. Each valve has an
outer cylindrical valve body housing having an inlet port and an
outlet port and an inner rotational cylinder disposed within the
outer cylindrical valve body housing. The inner rotational cylinder
can be supported by a longitudinal shaft offset from a center
position of the outer housing. The inner rotational cylinder has a
plurality of spring loaded vanes along a substantial portion of its
longitudinal axis equally spaced around a circumference of the
inner rotational cylinder. The outlet port is preferably located at
least 100 degrees in direction of rotation from the inlet port,
when the inner cylinder has four vanes. The shaft can extend beyond
the outer valve housing and is adapted for attachment to external
appliances.
Inventors: |
MUSCATELL; RALPH; (FORT
LAUDERDALE, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MUSCATELL; RALPH |
FORT LAUDERDALE |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40337031 |
Appl. No.: |
13/860074 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13707334 |
Dec 6, 2012 |
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13860074 |
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13593239 |
Aug 23, 2012 |
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13707334 |
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13465361 |
May 7, 2012 |
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13593239 |
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12249071 |
Oct 10, 2008 |
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13465361 |
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11671547 |
Feb 6, 2007 |
7451611 |
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12249071 |
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60853531 |
Oct 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/235.1 ;
251/309 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 2400/141 20130101;
F24S 23/74 20180501; F28B 1/02 20130101; F04C 23/001 20130101; Y02B
10/20 20130101; Y02B 30/12 20130101; F24D 3/18 20130101; F28B 1/06
20130101; F04C 18/3442 20130101; Y02A 30/272 20180101; F24H 7/04
20130101; F25B 41/04 20130101; Y02B 10/24 20130101; F25B 27/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/235.1 ;
251/309 |
International
Class: |
F25B 27/00 20060101
F25B027/00 |
Claims
1. A rotational multi vane positive displacement valve, comprising:
a first outer consistently cylindrical valve body housing having an
inlet port and an outlet port, said first outer cylindrical valve
body incorporated within a closed-system refrigerant circuit; a
first inner rotational cylinder disposed within said first outer
cylindrical valve body housing and supported by a longitudinal
shaft offset from a center position of said first outer housing,
said first inner rotational cylinder having a plurality of spring
loaded vanes along a portion of its longitudinal axis equally
spaced around a circumference of said first inner rotational
cylinder, said plurality of spring loaded vanes defining isolated
chambers within said first outer cylindrical valve body housing,
said first inner rotational cylinder co-incident with said first
outer cylindrical valve body at one point; wherein refrigerant from
said closed-system refrigerant circuit entering into said valve
body housing through said inlet port is directed in one direction
by said first inner rotational cylinder through said outlet port to
continue the refrigerant's travel through the closed-system
refrigerant circuit.
2. The valve of claim 1 wherein said outlet port is located at 100
degrees in direction of rotation from said inlet port in where said
inner cylinder has four vanes to define four isolated chambers
within said first outer cylindrical housing.
3. The valve of claim 1 wherein said plurality is four spring
loaded vanes defining four isolated chambers.
4. The valve of claim 1 wherein vanes are longitudinally placed and
equally spaced from each other.
5. A solar air-conditioning and/or heating system incorporating at
least one one-way rotary valve, comprising (i) a closed-system
refrigerant circuit comprising: one or more solar heat
concentrators; one or more heat dissipaters in communication with
said one or more solar heat concentrators; a first one-way rotary
valve in communication with said one or more heat dissipaters; said
first one-way rotary valve comprising an outer cylindrical valve
body housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, an inner
rotational cylinder disposed within said outer cylindrical valve
body housing and supported by a longitudinal shaft offset from a
center position of said outer housing, said inner rotational
cylinder having a plurality of spring loaded vanes along a
substantial portion of its longitudinal axis equally spaced around
a circumference of said inner rotational cylinder and defining.
isolated chambers within said outer cylindrical valve body housing,
said inner rotational cylinder co-incident with said outer
cylindrical valve body at one point; an evaporator having an
evaporator coil in communication with the first one-way valve; and
(ii) a refrigerant disposed within and circulating through said
refrigerant circuit; (iii) an insulated tank storing at least
approximately 1000 gallons of a liquid, said evaporator located
within the tank; (iv) a motor for driving the compressor; and (v) a
chilled water system comprising: a pickup radiator having a
radiator coil located within the tank; a fluid pump in
communication with said radiator; one or more radiators dispersed
throughout a dwelling, each radiator having an inlet in
communication with said liquid pump and each radiator having an
outlet in communication with said pickup radiator; and a liquid,
having an anti-freeze component disposed within said chilled water
system.
6. The solar air-conditioning and/or heating system of claim 5
further comprising a compressor having an inlet in communication
with the evaporator outlet and having a compressor outlet in
communication with said one or more solar heat concentrators.
7. The solar air-conditioning and/or heating system of claim 5
wherein said one or more beat dissipaters secured to an external
wall of a dwelling.
8. A solar air-conditioning and/or heating system incorporating at
least one one-way rotary valve, comprising (i) a closed-system
refrigerant circuit comprising: one or more solar heat
concentrators; one or more heat dissipaters m communication said
one or more solar heat concentrators; a first one-way rotary valve
in communication with said one or more heat dissipaters; said first
one-way rotary valve comprising an outer cylindrical valve body
housing, having, an inlet port and an outlet port, an inner
rotational cylinder disposed within said outer cylindrical valve
body housing and supported by a longitudinal shaft offset from a
center position of said outer housing, said inner rotational
cylinder having a plurality of spring loaded vanes along a portion
of its longitudinal axis equally spaced around a circumference of
said inner rotational cylinder and defining isolated chambers
within said outer cylindrical valve body housing, said inner
rotational cylinder co-incident with said outer cylindrical valve
body at one point; an evaporator having an evaporator coil in
communication with the first one-way valve; and a second one-way
rotary valve m communication at an inlet with said evaporator; said
second one-way valve having an outlet in communication with said
one or more solar heat concentrators, said second one-way rotary
valve comprising a second outer cylindrical, valve body housing
having an inlet port and an outlet port, a second inner rotational
cylinder disposed within said second outer cylindrical valve body
housing and supported by the longitudinal shaft offset from a
center position of said second outer housing, said second inner
rotational cylinder having a plurality of spring loaded vanes along
a portion of its longitudinal axis equally spaced around a
circumference of said second inner rotational cylinder and defining
isolated chambers within said second outer cylindrical valve body
housing, said second inner rotational cylinder co-incident with
said second outer cylindrical valve body at one point, said inner
rotational cylinder and said second inner rotational cylinder both
supported by the longitudinal shaft, wherein the first outer
cylindrical valve body mated with said second outer cylindrical
valve body; (ii) a refrigerant disposed within and circulating
through said refrigerant circuit; (iii) an insulated, tank storing,
at least approximately 1000 gallons of a liquid, said evaporator
located within the tank; (iv) a motor for driving a compressor; and
(v) a chilled water system comprising: a pickup radiator having a
radiator coil located within the tank; a fluid pump in
communication with said radiator; one or more radiators dispersed
throughout a dwelling, each radiator having an inlet in
communication with said liquid pump and each radiator having an
outlet in communication with said pickup radiator; and a liquid,
having an anti-freeze component, disposed within said chilled water
system; wherein said expansion valve is controllable and provides
unrestricted refrigerant flow in a solar heat mode; wherein said
first one-way rotary valve and said second one-way rotary valve are
mechanically coupled to each other such that they both rotate as
one and that a pressurized circuit is maintained for said
closed-system refrigerant circuit.
9. The solar air-conditioning and/or heating system of claim 8
further comprising a compressor having an inlet in communication
with the evaporator outlet and having a compressor outlet in
communication with said one or more solar heat concentrators.
10. The solar air-conditioning and/or heating system of claim 8
further comprising a motor or generator in mechanical communication
with and disposed between said first outer cylindrical housing and
said second cylindrical housing.
11. The solar air-conditioning and/or heating system of claim
further comprising a motor to promote circulation of the
refrigerant.
12. The solar air-conditioning and/or heating system of claim 10
wherein said first valve and said second valve when mated rotate as
one creating eight isolated chambers and together promoting
circulation of the refrigerant through the circuit and forming a
single closed pressurized circuits within the closed-system
refrigerant circuit where a high pressure side is isolated from a
low pressure side.
13. A rotational multi vane positive displacement valve
configuration incorporating a plurality of rotational mufti vane
positive displacement valves, said configuration comprising: a
first rotational multi vane positive displacement valve comprising:
a first outer cylindrical valve body housing having, an inlet port
and an outlet port, a first inner rotational cylinder disposed
within said first outer cylindrical valve body housing, and
supported by a longitudinal shaft offset from a center position of
said first outer housing, said first inner rotational cylinder
having a plurality of spring loaded vanes along a portion of its a
longitudinal axis equally spaced around a circumference of said
first inner rotational cylinder, said first inner rotational
cylinder co-incident with said first outer cylindrical valve body
at one point; a second rotational multi vane positive displacement
valve comprising: a second outer cylindrical valve body housing
having an inlet port and an outlet port, a second inner rotational
cylinder disposed within said second outer cylindrical valve body
housing and supported by the longitudinal shaft offset from a
center position of said second outer housing, said second inner
rotational cylinder having a plurality of spring loaded vanes along
a portion of a longitudinal axis equally spaced around a
circumference of said second inner rotational cylinder and defining
isolated chambers within said second outer cylindrical valve body
housing, said second inner rotational cylinder co-incident with
said second outer cylindrical valve, body at one point, said first
inner rotational cylinder and said second inner rotational cylinder
both supported by the longitudinal shaft such that said first valve
and said second valve are mechanically coupled to each other, said
first outer cylindrical valve body mated with said second outer
cylindrical valve body.
14. The valve configuration of claim 13 wherein said first inner
cylinder has four vanes to define four isolated chambers within
said first outer cylindrical housing and said second inner cylinder
has four vanes to define four isolated chambers within said second
outer cylindrical housing.
15. The valve configuration of claim 13 further comprising a motor
or generator in mechanical communication with and disposed between
said first outer cylindrical housing and said second cylindrical
housing.
16. The valve configuration of claim 4 wherein said first valve and
said second valve when mated rotate as one creating eight isolated
chambers within a closed-system refrigerant circuit with said first
valve promoting circulation of refrigerant in a high pressure side
of the circuit and said second valve promoting circulation of
refrigerant in a low pressure side of the circuit.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/707,334, filed Dec. 6, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/593,239, filed Aug. 23, 2012, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/465,361, filed May 7,
2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/249,071, filed Oct. 10, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/671,547, filed Feb. 6, 2007, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,451,611, issued Nov. 18, 2008, which claims the benefit
of and priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 60/853,531, filed Oct.
23, 2006. All applications are incorporated by reference in their
entireties as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to air conditioning
systems and particularly to a solar air conditioning system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] High electricity bills from air conditioning and/or heating
use for a dwelling are common and reoccurring. Additionally, the
manufacture of energy at a power plant causes pollution to be
released in the air. Furthermore, electricity availability in
undeveloped countries, as well as remote locations in developed
countries, may be scarce, on limited basis or often non-existent.
As a result, these locations are unable to store foods and liquids
requiring refrigeration due to the lack of electricity. For
undeveloped countries the lack of electricity is a factor in the
poverty, hunger and lack of nourishment for its citizens. It is to
these problems that the present invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally provide a solar
air-conditioning system that is preferably designed to operate with
concentrated solar heat supplemented with solar electric
cells/battery and if necessary, power from an electric utility
grid. The unit of heat added or subtracted is a British Thermal
Unit ("BTU"), which is defined as the amount of heat to raise one
pound of water one (1.degree.) degree Fahrenheit. With excess
capacity preferably designed in, unused BTUs can go into reserve
for night and cloudy days. The present invention system can use a
circulating refrigerant such as, but not limited to, Freon or
ammonia in a cycle of compression and expansion. Solar
concentrators can raise temperature and pressure of the
refrigerant. The raised temperature can be dissipated to the
atmosphere and the refrigerant proceeds to the evaporator coil. The
evaporator can be located within a water tank containing an
anti-freeze water solution. Preferably, the water tank contains at
least approximately 1000 gallons of the anti-freeze water solution.
The water is preferably the storage medium. Heat can be added to or
extracted from the storage medium by the evaporator coil.
[0005] Preferably, also within the water tank can be a radiator
type pickup coil. The pickup coil can be part of a separate chilled
water system which can circulate its own water supply through
radiators located throughout a building, dwelling, house, etc. (all
collectively referred to as "dwelling"). The temperature within
this separate system can be the temperature of the water within the
tank by simple conduction.
[0006] The refrigerant system can include a supplemental compressor
which can be electrically driven from one or more, and preferably a
plurality or bank of, solar electric cells or the power grid. The
refrigerant system can also include one way direction positive
displacement rotary valves which can serve to insure proper gas
direction and can also provide a mechanical link to the energy in
the refrigerant circuit. This mechanical link can be used to power
a generator or a fluid pump. When in solar heat mode, certain
bypass valves within the refrigerant system allow switching to
solar heating. When in this mode the generator may be electrically
switched to function as a motor to assist the circulation of the
refrigerant.
[0007] The present invention can also be used for or applicable to
large area coolers or refrigerators and provides a device which can
provide refrigeration to areas where electricity is not present or
available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic/flow diagram of a first embodiment for
the present invention system;
[0009] FIG. 2 is schematic/flow diagram of a portion of a second
embodiment for the present invention system;
[0010] FIG. 3 is schematic/flow diagram of a portion of a third
embodiment for the present invention system;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of one bypass valve (which is used
when switching to solar heat mode) that can be used in accordance
with the present invention system;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a first embodiment for an expansion
valve that can be used in accordance with the present invention
system;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a second embodiment for the
expansion valve in accordance with the present invention
system;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a third embodiment for the
expansion valve in accordance with the present invention
system;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a diagram for allowing a condenser coil of the
present invention system to dissipate heat to water circulated over
its surface;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a solar concentrator which
can be used with the present invention system;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of rotary valve that can be
used with the present invention system;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inner cylinder for the
rotary valve FIG. 10;
[0019] FIGS. 12 through 16 illustrated alternative concentrators
that can be used with the present invention system;
[0020] FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic/flow diagram of another
embodiment for the present invention system;
[0021] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative schematic/flow diagram
for the present invention system with a conventional compressor in
place of low pressure rotary valve;
[0022] FIG. 19 is a perspective illustrating the present invention
system installed in connection with a dwelling and showing an
alternate condenser on the side of the dwelling and the cylinder
concentrators on roof;
[0023] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate to configuration of the
rotational valves shown separated with the motor in between and
side by side with the motor at one end of the valves; and
[0024] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate alternatives schematic/flow
diagrams for the embodiments of the present invention system, with
FIG. 22 showing a schematic diagram of the rotary valves in the
circuit and FIG. 23 showing a non-limiting representation of actual
rotary valves.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] As seen best in FIG. 1 a solar air-conditioning system is
illustrated and generally referenced as system 10. System 10
includes one or more solar concentrators 20 and preferably a
plurality of concentrators 20 preferably arranged in a parallel
configuration or communication with each other. Concentrator(s) 20
capture energy from the sun raising the temperature and pressure of
the refrigerant within the pipe, tubing, plumbing, conduits, hoses,
etc. (all collectively referred to as "pipe" or "piping") at the
focal point. Though not considered limiting, the refrigerant can be
Freon or ammonia gas. All of the pipe, valves, components, etc, of
the present invention are preferably connected to each other
through conventional connectors, fasteners, etc.
[0026] The refrigerant within the pipe proceeds or otherwise
travels to the one or more heat dissipaters, commonly known as
condensers 30, which can be large area condensers. The number of
condensers 30 can correspond to the number of concentrators
provided for system 10. Condensers 30 dissipate heat from the
heated refrigerant to the atmosphere. In one embodiment, condenser
30 can be approximately the size of its corresponding concentrator
20 in length and width and affixed to concentrator 20 with a
spacing measurement between concentrator 20 and condenser 30
preferably within twelve (12'') inches of each other. However such
spacing measurement is not considered limited to within twelve
(12'') inches and other values can be used and are considered
within the scope of the invention.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment, condenser 30 can be a single
stand alone unit, which can include an electrically driven fan
similar to conventional condensers. Thus, FIG. 1 illustrates
multiple condensers, whereas FIG. 3 illustrates a single condenser
coil 260.
[0028] After leaving condenser(s) 30, the refrigerant proceeds
through a one direction valve 40. In a preferred embodiment, the
one direction valve can be a "high side" positive displacement one
direction rotary valve. Valve 40 assures that the refrigerant
proceeds in the proper direction through the refrigerant circuit.
As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a plurality of vanes are
provided within the valve housing, which are moved by the
circulating refrigerant to portion of the refrigerant within the
valve is shown in shading/hatched lines between two of the vanes).
Valve 40 can also provide a mechanical link 60 to the energy
produced by the moving refrigerant. The mechanical link can be used
to drive a generator, water circulation pump and/or other
device.
[0029] From valve 40, the refrigerant travels to an evaporator 80
which is preferably fitted with an expansion valve 90. In the
preferred embodiment, expansion valve 90 can be an electronically
controlled valve, though such is not considered limiting. FIGS. 5
through 7 provides further details on various non-limiting
expansion valve embodiments that can be used with the present
invention system or circuit.
[0030] Valve 90 is controlled based on the pressures contained
within the refrigerant circuit which can vary as the solar energy
varies. The expanding refrigerant within evaporator 80 removes the
heat from the coil and medium surrounding evaporator 80.
Preferably, evaporator 80 can be disposed within a water tank 100.
Water tank 100 is preferably large enough in size to hold a large
amount of a liquid, such as, but not limited to, approximately two
thousand (2000) gallons of the liquid. However, other size water
tanks can be used and are considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0031] Preferably, the liquid 106 contained within water tank 100
can be a mixture of water and anti-freeze. Preferably, water tank
100 can be insulated, such as, but not limited to, burying water
tank 100 beneath ground level. Additionally, water tank 100 can be
greater in height than width to operate co-operatively with
temperature stratification. As such, heat can be removed from many
gallons of water, which a non-limiting example is shown by the
following factoid using a non-limiting 2000 gallon water tank
100:
[0032] British Thermal Unit ("BTU"). 1 BTU=1 pound of water
1.degree. F.
[0033] Water=8 pounds per gallon, 1 cubic foot=7.48 gallons=60
pounds of water.
[0034] 134 cubic feet-8018 pounds of water.
[0035] Non-limiting Tank 100 dimensions: 4.2 ft.times.8 ft.times.8
ft=269 cu. ft=2000 gallons
[0036] 2000 gallons=16,000 pounds=16,000 BTU per degree
Fahrenheit.
[0037] 32.degree. F. to 12.degree. F.=20.degree. F.
[0038] 20.degree. F..times.16,000 BTU=320,000 BTU
[0039] 320,000 BTU/20,000 BTU hour=16 hours reserve.
Solar Power:
[0040] 200 BTU/square foot/hour around solar noon.
[0041] 20,000 BTU's per 100 square feet
[0042] 40,000 BTU's per 200 square feet
[0043] Non-limiting Solar Concentrator 20 dimensions: each 2
ft..times.10 ft.=20 square ft
[0044] 10 units=200 square ft=40,000 BTU/hour
[0045] The refrigerant exits from evaporator 80 and is directed to
a second one directional valve 110, which again can be a positive
displacement one direction rotary valve. Valve 110 can have a
larger positive displacement chamber as compared to valve 40 since
it may be working with lower pressures, and thus in the preferred
embodiment, can be considered a low pressure valve. Valve 110 can
also have a mechanical link 62 and can be (though not required)
mechanically linked with valve 40, as illustrated in FIG. 1. By
linking valves 40 and 110 together, stability can be provided to
the refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the rotation of valves 40 and
110 can derive rotational mechanical energy which can be utilized
to drive a generator, water circulation pump, etc. and is
illustrated with a generator or water pump 112. The vanes of valves
40 and 110 can be spring loaded.
[0046] The refrigerant then is directed from valve 110 to a
preferably commonly connected balancing valve 120 and/or as an
inlet to compressor 140. System balancing valve 120 can have a
first inlet valve 122 which can constitute the primary circuit for
the refrigerant and a second inlet valve 124 which is in
communication with the outlet of compressor 140. Refrigerant
travels through balancing valve 120 to one direction or one-way
valve 150 where it proceeds to solar concentrator(s) 20 to restart
the cycle.
[0047] Compressor 140 can be driven by a conventional compressor
motor 144. Thus, when there is insufficient solar energy (cloudy
day, etc.), system 10 (such as through one or more sensors provided
in the circuit) can sense or otherwise determine to activate motor
144 to electrically drive compressor 140. In one non-limiting
example, a temperature sensor can be disposed within the water tank
for determining when to turn motor 144 on. Additionally, pressure
sensors or other devices can also be used for this purpose.
Pressurized refrigerant from compressor 140 can proceed through
second inlet valve 124 on the balancing valve to one direction
valve 150. Where a temperature sensor is provided within water tank
100, compressor 140 can be activated at predetermine temperatures
through its connection to a conventional switcher not shown in FIG.
1 but can be similar to the switch control shown in FIG. 2). In one
non-limiting example, the predetermined temperature can be anywhere
in the range of about 32.degree. F. to about 12.degree. F. However,
other temperature values can be used and are considered within the
scope of the invention.
[0048] The present invention can store air conditioning energy in
the form of chilled water, which can be below the freezing point of
32.degree. F., and preferably within the temperature range of
32.degree. F. to 12.degree. F. or about 32.degree. F. to about
12.degree. F. However, the present invention is not limited to this
specific range and other ranges can be chosen and are within the
scope of the invention.
[0049] Balancing valve 120 can be constructed such that there is
linkage between first inlet valve 122 and second inlet valve 124.
Thus, first inlet valve 122 can be closed, when the force of the
pressurized refrigerant from compressor 140 opens second inlet
valve 124. Similarly, when first inlet valve 12.2 is opened through
receipt of refrigerant from valve 110, second inlet valve 124 can
be closed. It is also possible and within the scope of the
invention that both first inlet valve 122 and second inlet valve
124 are partially opened at the same time and the refrigerant
traveling through both inlet valves (122 and 124) merges or
combines and enters a single outlet which serves as the inlet to
one way valve 150.
[0050] As seen in FIG. 1, water tank 100 also contains a pickup
radiator 180 acting as heat exchange coil which functions as part
of a separate chilled (or heated) water system 175 of
air-conditioning (heat) for withdrawing (or adding) heat from (or
to) a dwelling or structure through one or more radiators 190.
Pickup radiator 180 in water tank 100 and one more radiators 190
disposed throughout the dwelling can circulate anti-freeze/water by
way of a pump 196, which can be electrically or mechanically
driven. The circulation of the water allows heat to be removed from
or added to (as desired) from the dwelling. The chilled (heated)
liquid or water system in the preferred embodiment is separate and
isolated from the storage medium liquid or water. One skilled in
the art would include a control, such as a thermostatic control, at
each dwelling coil controlling the cold water flow such that the
freezing point is not attained in these coils.
[0051] The present invention system can also be convened or
otherwise switch from solar air conditioner to solar heating. As
seen in FIG. 2, system 250, which can contain similar not shown
components as system 10, where a stand-alone (single) condenser 260
(FIG. 3) is used a bypass valve 270 (with associated pipe) can be
provided at condenser 260. It should be recognized that multiple
condensers, such as shown in FIG. 1, can also be used and each
condenser can be provided with a bypass valve and associated pipe.
By opening or otherwise engaging bypass valve 270 and electrically
withdrawing the controlling element of the electronic expansion
valve 90, the solar heated refrigerant is allowed to circulate
through evaporator 80, which heats the water or mixture in water
tank 100 by conduction. Generator 190, which can be commonly
connected to rotary valves 40 and/or 110 can be electrically
switched to function as a motor. The motor can drive rotary valves
40 and/or 110 to assure circulation of the heated refrigerant
through the refrigerant circuit.
[0052] Bypass valve 270 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4. A
housing 271 with inlet port 273 and outlet port 275 is shown.
Actuator solenoid 277 controlling a piston 279 dictates the travel
route of the refrigerant by opening or closing appropriate ports
depending if the system is being, used for air conditioning or for
heating purposes. However, other types of bypass valves can be used
with the present invention system or circuit and are also
considered within the scope of the invention.
[0053] As the heat of the refrigerant has not been dissipated
through a condenser, the refrigerant warms water or mixture in tank
100, which in turn causes the liquid/water in pickup radiator 180
to be heated and then dispersed through system 175 by pump 196 as
described above.
[0054] As seen in FIG. 2, the present invention system can also be
complemented with solar electric panels 300 and battery 320.
Electricity derived from this sub-system can drive compressor 140.
The energy from concentrator(s) 20 and the solar electric can
compliment each other to drive the refrigerant within the circuit.
Additionally, at times of insufficient solar energy or battery
energy, power from a utility grid 370 can supply the energy to
drive compressor 140. A switching control 324 can be provided for
managing or controlling the various energy sources. Thus, the
various components help to drive compressor 140 when needed, which
can be considered, though not required, a supplement mode of
energy.
[0055] It should be recognized that various combinations of
concentrator(s), battery(ies), utility grid (conventional
electricity), solar panel(s), etc. can be used and all combinations
are considered within the scope of the invention. Thus, as
non-limiting examples, the complimentary system does not
necessarily preclude (1) a system which operates solely on energy
from solar concentrators excluding solar electric; or (2) a system
which operates solely on solar electric panels, excluding solar
concentrators. Again, the above-described energy sources can be
used in various combinations or by themselves and all variations
are considered within the scope of the invention.
[0056] FIGS. 5 through 7 illustrate several embodiments for the
expansion valve component of the present invention. The primary
function of the expansion valve is to meter pressurized gas (high
side) into the evaporator (low side) allowing expansion of the gas
and corresponding heat absorption. Conventional expansion valves
operate with a constant known pressure. However, with the present
invention system it is preferred that the expansion valve operate
over a range of pressures as solar energy will vary. Thus,
different types of novel designs for the expansion valve can be
used and incorporated into the present invention system where the
expansion valve can be controlled according to pressures on the
high side and on the low side within the refrigerant circuit.
[0057] As seen in FIG. 5, an expansion valve 110 is shown and can
be controlled by sensing, refrigerant which has been compressed to
a liquid state, and acting at that point to control the expansion
valve to open slightly to allow a greater flow and thus reducing,
the pressure in the evaporator.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 6, an expansion valve 200 is shown and can
have a pressure sensing diaphragm 202 connected to a control
element 203 of expansion valve 200. The active chamber of the
diaphragm 202 can be connected to evaporator 80, such as, but not
limited to, through a suitable conduit (i.e. pipe 204). Diaphragm
202 can be connected to control element 203 through a leverage bar
205 and a spring 206. Spring 206 has increasing tension with
compression. In operation, as gas pressure in the high side 207 of
the refrigerant circuit rises, valve control element 203 is raised
and thus overcoming the spring tension and allowing passage of the
refrigerant. As pressures begin to rise in the evaporator,
diaphragm 202 moves to close control element 203 and thus blocks or
limits passage of the refrigerant. As such, control element 203
meters the flow of gas according to the pressure in the evaporator.
With even higher pressures diaphragm 202 limit will be reached and
spring tension will maintain the restrictive pressure on valve
control element 203. Spring 206 can be gradually increasing
pressure with compression.
[0059] As seen in FIG. 7, an expansion valve 350 is shown and
controls its control element 203 through the use of an electrically
drive linear motor 301. Control of valve element 203 is again
according, to pressures within the refrigerant circuit and
particularly on the high side before expansion valve 300 and after
the valve within evaporator 80. Valve 300 can include an electrical
potentiometer combined with a mechanical pressure sensor and is
shown in FIG. 7 as a pressure diaphragm 302 with associated
potentiometer 303. As the circuit of FIG. 7 reacts to changing
pressure the wiper/arrow moves along the resistive element of the
potentiometer to vary the resistance.
[0060] Though in the preferred embodiment the chilled water system
can be an isolated closed system with a pickup coil in the water
tank, such is not considered limiting. It is also within the scope
of the invention to have the present invention operate with no
pickup coil within the tank. Such an alternative version could
operate circulating the storage medium water within the water
through the in-dwelling radiators.
[0061] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrates a rotary valve 400 that can be
used with the present invention system as such as valve 40 and/or
valve 110 shown in FIG. 1. Valve 400 comprises an outer cylindrical
valve body housing 402 having an inlet port 404 and an outlet port
406. Preferably, outlet port 406 can be preferably at least
one-hundred (100.degree.) degrees in direction of rotation from
inlet port 404 in a four (4) vane configuration and correspondingly
so with multiple vanes. An inner rotational cylinder 420 is
disposed within housing 402 and can be supported by a center
longitudinal shaft 422 offset from the center of outer housing 402.
A plurality of vanes 424 (preferably spring loaded) are fitted into
cylinder 420. Vanes 424 are disposed along the longitudinal axis of
cylinder 420 and preferably equally spaced from each other around
the circumference of cylinder 420. As seen in the FIG. 10, inner
cylinder support shaft 422 can extend beyond valve housing 402 such
that external appliances can be attached thereto. A portion of
cylinder 420 is flush against the inner wall of housing 402 such
that vane 424a is fully compressed. As a gap is created between the
portion of cylinder 420 associated with vane 424b and housing 402,
vane 424b protrudes outward from cylinder 420, in view of its
preferred spring loaded configuration.
[0062] Fundamental to the "refrigeration" or "heat pump" cycle is a
dissipation of the heat of compression. This is usually
accomplished by circulating the compressed refrigerant gas through
a finned coil exposed to the atmosphere (i.e. a condenser coil). It
may be a large area condenser to dissipate heat by simple
conduction (FIG. 1, #30) or it may be smaller and compact with fan
forced air circulation (FIG. 3).
[0063] Another embodiment or method that can be used with the
present invention system is illustrated in FIG. 8. In this method,
condenser coil 30 may dissipate heat to water circulated over its
surface. The water can be drawn by a pump from an underground water
table. The underground water temperature can be approximately
twenty-five (25.degree. F.) degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the
atmosphere. Other degree differences can also be selected and are
considered within the scope of the invention. Thus, the efficiency
of the heat dissipation and of the overall cooling is enhanced.
This method might circulate water from the water table.
Alternatively, water can be sprayed as a mist onto the condenser in
its own external evaporation cycle of liquid to gas.
[0064] It should be recognized that other concentrators can be used
with the present invention system and all are considered within the
scope of the invention. Certain examples of concentrators are
generally shown in the Figures but are not considered to limit the
types of concentrators that can be used and incorporated into the
present invention system. Though shown with four concentrators for
illustrative purposes, the present invention is not considered
limited to any apparent size for or number of concentrators and
various sizes and number of concentrators can be used and are
considered within the scope of the invention. The area of the
concentrators is discussed above in connection with the parent
application for which this application claims priority to and which
has now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,611.
[0065] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a dish concentrator 500
that can be used with the present invention system. FIG. 13 is a
partial cutaway perspective view of a ceramic coil pickup unit 502
of dish concentrator 500 illustrating the internal ceramic spiral
coil. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a solar receiver and
heat-engine housing collectively referenced at numeral 520. FIG. 15
illustrated a parabolic trough concentrator 530 and FIG. 16
illustrates a Fresnel lens concentrator 540.
[0066] The above-described and illustrated rotary positive
displacement valves provide a unique valve design which can be
advantageously optimized for the instant invention system. The
movement under pressure of a gas or liquid, such as, but not
limited to, a refrigerant in liquid or gas form, causes the
rotation of the valve. Preferably composed of four chambers in a
four vane version, each vane chamber successively is filled and
caused to rotate by the high side pressure on that chamber vane.
The chamber is then closed by the following vane and finally
emptied as such chamber is decreased in volume due to the preferred
offset center, the point of co-incidence of the inner cylinder
rotor and the vane and placement of the exit port. The valves of
the present invention are driven by the pressure of the heated gas.
Preferably, two valves are connected together, with the high side
and the low side all given stability to the refrigerant movement
through the circuit. In solar heat mode, the valves may be motor
driven to promote circulation of the heated refrigerant. The valves
do not compress in either the solar air conditioning mode or the
solar heat mode.
[0067] Thus in one embodiment, a rotational multi-vane positive
displacement valve is disclosed which can comprise: an outer
cylindrical valve body housing having an inlet port and an outlet
port and an inner rotational cylinder disposed within the outer
cylindrical valve body housing and supported by a longitudinal
shaft offset from a center position of the outer housing. The inner
rotational cylinder can have a plurality of spring loaded vanes
along a substantial portion of its longitudinal axis that are
preferably equally spaced around a circumference of the inner
rotational cylinder. The outlet port can be located at least 100
degrees in direction of rotation from the inlet port, when the
inner cylinder has four vanes. The shaft preferably extends beyond
the outer valve housing and can be adapted for attachment to
external appliances.
[0068] Thus, summarizing the present invention provides a solar
air-conditioning system that is preferably designed to operate with
concentrated solar heat and uses a circulating refrigerant m a
cycle of compression and expansion. Solar concentrators raise the
temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The raised temperature
is dissipated to the atmosphere and the refrigerant proceeds to the
evaporator coil, which is located within a water tank containing at
least 1000 gallons of an anti-freeze water solution. As the water
is the storage medium, heat can be added to or extracted from the
storage medium by the evaporator coil. A radiator pickup coil is
also located, within the water tank and is part of a separate
chilled water system which can circulate its own water supply
through other radiators located throughout a dwelling.
Additionally, one or more bypass valve(s) within the refrigerant
system allow switching to solar heating.
[0069] It should be recognized that the rotary valves of the
present invention form an integral and unique component of the
invention as a whole. The valves provide unique features,
including, but not limited to, an inner rotating cylinder offset
the center of an outer housing, the point of coincidence with the
outer housing and port placement. Such valves can be advantageously
optimized for use with the present invention system. The movement
of the refrigerant under pressure either in gas or liquid form
causes the rotation of the valve. Preferably composed of four
chambers in to four vane version, each vane chamber successively is
filled and caused to rotate by the high side pressure on that
chamber vane. Then the chamber is closed by the following vane and
finally emptied as the chamber is decreased in volume due to the
offset center, the point of co-incidence of the inner cylinder
rotor and the vane and the placement or location of the exit port.
The valves in the present invention system are preferably driven by
the pressure of the heated gas. Preferably, in certain embodiments
of the present invention system, two valves are connected together,
namely, the high side and the side, all to provide stability to the
refrigerant movement through the circuit.
[0070] The air conditioning (cooling) mode may be switched to solar
heating. In this mode the valves may be motor driven to circulate
heated refrigerant.
[0071] With respect to the solar concentrators used with the
present invention system, it is expected that the solar
concentrators can generate refrigerant temperatures in the 400
degrees centigrade range (around 1000 degrees Fahrenheit) with a
corresponding rise in refrigerant pressure. A radiator can be
provided to dissipate such heat. This high pressure refrigerant gas
is conducted to the expansion valve in the evaporator via the high
pressure rotary valve. Multiple evaporators may also be provided
for use during peak pressures.
[0072] It is expected that the average working temperatures m the
water tank can be well below the freezing point of water. An
anti-freeze mixture prevents the water storage medium from
freezing.
[0073] It should also be recognized that under certain solar
conditions, the low side rotary valve, or in another embodiment the
compressor, may be driven by an associated electric motor in
cooperation with the solar concentrators.
[0074] Turning back to the rotary valves, in another version of the
low side rotary valve, the inlet port can be modified and located
approximately ninety degrees from the outlet port. As each vane
passes this port it expands the area behind creating a vacuum
behind and drawing low side refrigerant from the evaporator. This
volume of gas can then be contained between two vanes and then
expelled as the following, vane pushes the gas in the diminishing
area to the outlet port. The inlet and outlet ports can be located
approximately forty-five degrees from the point of co-incidence,
the inner cylinder and the outer housing.
[0075] Thus, the present invention provides a rotary valve
preferably having a rotating cylinder incorporating a multitude of
longitudinally placed and equally spaced spring loaded vanes. In
the preferred embodiment, four vanes are provided, though such is
not considered limiting. The cylinder can be located within a
circular outer housing and offset from the centerline of the outer
housing The inner cylinder can be co-incident with the outer
housing at one point. Rotation of the inner cylinder results in the
vanes following the outer housing inner surface by action of the
springs exerting a push force against the vane. The area between
the vanes will vary throughout rotation due to the offset from
center. The varying area feature is used to forcefully expel, and
to draw by vacuum, the refrigerant.
[0076] The outer housing incorporates inlet and outlet ports by
which the refrigerant enters and exits the valve. These inlet and
outlet ports can be located respectively and approximately
forty-five degrees from the point of coincidence of the cylinder
and housing.
[0077] As seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, the outer housing can also
incorporate a stationary spring loaded longitudinal vane 83 at the
point of coincidence with the inner cylinder. This vane serves as a
seal to isolate the inlet and outlet ports.
[0078] Preferably there are two valves (i.e. FIGS. 1 and 19),
namely, a high pressure valve 40 receiving pressurized refrigerant
from the solar concentrators and a low pressure valve 110 pumping
refrigerant into the concentrators. The two valves 40 and 110 are
preferably connected together such that they rotate as one. The
valves may be connected by a common shaft or in the preferred
embodiment, by a common attachment to a motor/generator 112.
[0079] The high pressure gas from the solar concentrators and
condenser enters the port of the high side valve creating a
pressure against the vane in that area and causes rotation of the
cylinder. With rotation the gas is captured in the area between
vanes. With further rotation the area containing the gas approaches
the exit port and the area is decreasing. As the point of
co-incidence is approached, the gas is forced out of the valve and
on to the expansion valve within the evaporator coil.
[0080] The low pressure valve draws gas from the low pressure side
of the evaporator due to the expanding area behind the vane as it
passes the inlet port. With rotation the area can be sealed by the
following vane. The gas is contained between the vanes. With
further rotation the forward vane passes the exit port near the
point of co-incidence and the area between the vanes decreases. Gas
is forced out of the exit port and proceeds to the concentrators to
repeat the cycle.
[0081] The motor 112 commonly attached to valves 40 and 110, or in
another embodiment motors attached to a common shaft near each
valve, may be used to assist refrigerant circulation in times of
less pressure as solar energy varies. Energy to operate the
motor(s) may be drawn from a battery.
[0082] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative schematic/flow diagram
for the present invention system where a conventional compressor
140 is used in place of low pressure rotary valve 110. Thus, the
refrigerant circulation system is driven by positive displacement
rotary valves, such as, a high side 40 and low side 110 or one
rotary valve 40 (high side) and a conventional compressor 140.
These valves and/or compressor 140 can be connected together by a
common shaft 69 and are also provided with a conventional means for
disconnecting from the common shaft, such as, by an electrically
operated clutch 111 (shown in an engaged position). Preferably,
each valve and/or compressor can be provided with an electric motor
107 and 109, respectively.
[0083] The circulation system of the present invention is designed
to operate in three regimes, which are: (1) exclusively solar
energy from the solar concentrators (i.e. adequate sun); (2) no
solar energy (i.e. cloudy day, nighttime, etc.); and (3) in-between
regimes (1) and (2) (i.e. passing clouds, rainy day, etc.).
[0084] In the first regime where solar energy is adequate, the high
side rotary valve 40 is driven by the high pressure refrigerant
from the solar concentrators 20 and condenser 30. In turn, the high
side rotary valve 40 drives the low side rotary valve 110 or a
compressor 140 (FIG. 18), by means of common shaft 62 or 69,
respectively. High pressure refrigerant passes through the high
pressure rotary valve 40 and proceeds to the expansion
valve/evaporator and is ultimately drawn from the evaporator to the
low side rotary valve 110 or a compressor 140. The refrigerant is
forced from the low side rotary valve 110 or compressor 140 on to
the solar concentrators 20 to repeat the cycle.
[0085] In the second regime where there is no solar energy, such
as, but not limited to, nighttime conditions, compressor 140 or low
side rotary valve 110 provides the force to move the refrigerant
through the cycle. Low side rotary valve 110 or compressor 140 can
be driven by an electric motor 109 attached to connecting shaft 69.
Low side rotary valve 110 or compressor 140 may be disconnected
from high side rotary valve 40 by means of an electrically operated
clutch 111 provided on connecting shaft 69. Various amounts of
electrical energy may be applied to the high pressure rotary valve
40 by means of an electric motor 107. The second regime does not
exclude engagement of clutch 111 and using one or more other motors
with various amounts of electrical energy to promote the
circulation of the refrigerant.
[0086] In the intermittent solar energy third regime, such as where
there are passing clouds, rain, etc., a variety of combinations of
solar and electrical energy may be combined to circulate the
refrigerant. As solar energy fluctuates downward, the motor
associated with low side rotary valve 110 or compressor 140 will
drive such low pressure valve 110 or compressor 140. Disengagement
of the high pressure rotary valve 40 using clutch 111 may or may
not be needed and can depend on the amount of solar energy and
pressures throughout the refrigerant circuit.
[0087] Electrical energy into the motors and clutch is supplied as
required in order to promote the circulation of the refrigerant.
The amount of electrical energy can be determined by pressure and
temperature sensors within the refrigerant circuit.
[0088] FIG. 19 is illustrates one embodiment of the present
invention system installed in connection with a dwelling 501 and
showing alternate condenser 503 on an exterior sidewall 505 of
dwelling 501 and cylinder concentrators 509 on roof 507.
[0089] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate perspective view of one
embodiment for the physical appearance of the rotary valves 40 and
110 and their relationship with motor 112. The various vanes are
shown in phantom lines as members 424a and 424b and input and
outlet hoses and connections 404 and 406 are also shown. The
appearance of the valves in FIGS. 20 and 21 is also previously seen
and discussed in connection with FIG. 10.
[0090] As seen in FIG. 22 a schematic/flow diagram is shown for
another embodiment of the present invention system In this
embodiment the multiple condensers 30 of the earlier embodiments
that were shown underneath the concentrators 20 have been removed
and replaced with a single conventional condenser 30a shown in the
upper left hand corner. Condenser 30a can be conventionally
designed and positioned such that it receives the output from the
first rotary valve 40, such that the, heated and pressurized
refrigerant from concentrators 20 can go directly to first rotary
valve 40 and then to condenser 30a and then to the expansion valve
90 in the evaporator 80. The rotary valves 40 and 110 are shown in
diagrammatic form. Though two solar concentrators 20 are shown,
such is for illustrative purposes only and in use it is expected
that the actual number of solar concentrators 20 would exceed more
than the number shown in the FIG. 22.
[0091] A plurality of motors and clutch can be provided, separately
and together can be computer controlled to maintain circulation of
the refrigerant, as the solar energy varies. The motors may at
times add rotational energy so that the refrigerant moves as
desired or they may add a retarding force to maintain desired
pressures within the circuit.
[0092] Sensors can be provided throughout the system to provide
pressure information to the computer.
[0093] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate non-limiting versions of the
circuit of the present invention, and for FIG. 23 in connection
with a dwelling 501 showing the solar concentrators 509 disposed on
roof 507 and a condenser coil (heat dissipator) 503 mounted
(preferably vertically) to a wall 505 of dwelling 501. Rotary
valves 40 and 110 are shown in schematic/diagrammatic for FIG. 22
and in a non-limiting representative form for FIG. 23.
[0094] A novel aspect of the two-valve configuration of the present
invention is the uniqueness of both valves being mechanically
coupled to each other in view of the offset shaft, which supports
the vanes, can be supported by bearings in an endplate and which
can be flush with the endplate. As a non-limiting example, to mate
the two rotational valves together, or the motor to a valve, each
shaft could employ a square hole in which is fitted a square
joining pin, or a splined pin or shaft segment. This configuration
can be used for joining the offset shafts of the valves or a motor
to a valve. The end of each respective shaft can be correspondingly
fitted with splined openings. Other conventional methods for
joining the two rotating shafts can also be employed and are also
considered within the scope of the invention. Rotation of the
valves can be as a result of an electric motor incorporated in the
valve pair unit and the raised pressure from the solar
concentrators.
[0095] The valves are preferably part of a closed-system
refrigerant circuit (closed to the outside environment). The first
and second one way rotary valves can be mechanically coupled to
each other such that they both rotate as one and that a pressurized
circuit is maintained for the closed-system refrigerant
circuit.
[0096] In addition to the above discussion regarding a two-valve
configuration, another novel configuration for the present
invention actually removes one of the positive displacement valves,
which preferably is the valve on the left that was used for feeding
the expansion valve. In this alternative embodiment, the high side
of the refrigerant cycle containing the solar
concentrators/refrigerant and condenser can be confined between the
valve on the right side and the expansion valve. When the pressure
from the heated refrigerant is sufficient to open the expansion
valve (i.e. spring loaded dosed expansion with the pressure
overcoming the spring pressure for opening the valve) the
refrigerant passes into the evaporator giving up heat in the
expansion. By way of conventional sensors provided in the closed
circuit, the motor on the remaining valve can be activated at this
time and used to circulate refrigerant from the low side
(evaporator in the tank). Therefore, the refrigerant is cycled into
the high side to continue the cycle (i.e. absorb solar
energy--heat/pressure, etc.).
[0097] Furthermore, the condenser can be in the high side part of
the circuit and serves to remove heat from the refrigerant. The
condenser could be fitted with a fan or a circulating ground water
system or simply by a design of very large area to dissipate the
heat.
[0098] The above-described systems of the present invention can
also be used for or applicable to large area coolers or
refrigerators and provides a device which can provide refrigeration
to areas where electricity is not present or available.
[0099] It should be recognized that certain features of one
embodiment of the present invention system can be combined with
other features of another embodiment of the present invention
system to form a further embodiment of the present invention
system.
[0100] While the invention has been described and disclosed in
certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or
modifications, persons skilled in the art who have acquainted
themselves with the invention, will appreciate that it is not
necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments
and modifications disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of
alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced
without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rights to
such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *