U.S. patent application number 13/743294 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for dual-stage cyclonic air separator.
This patent application is currently assigned to Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited. Invention is credited to Dennis Lamb, Jeff Morgan.
Application Number | 20140196605 13/743294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51164187 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140196605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan; Jeff ; et
al. |
July 17, 2014 |
DUAL-STAGE CYCLONIC AIR SEPARATOR
Abstract
A dual-stage cyclonic separator is provided for separating
debris from air in a bagless surface cleaning apparatus, along with
a bagless surface cleaning apparatus incorporating such a cyclonic
separator. A debris collection device used with a bagless surface
cleaning apparatus is also provided, along with a method of
separating debris from air using a bagless surface cleaning
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Morgan; Jeff; (Pineville,
LA) ; Lamb; Dennis; (Cookeville, TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited |
Road Town |
|
VG |
|
|
Assignee: |
Techtronic Floor Care Technology
Limited
Road Town
VG
|
Family ID: |
51164187 |
Appl. No.: |
13/743294 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
95/271 ; 15/353;
55/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/1683 20130101;
A47L 9/1633 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
95/271 ; 15/353;
55/345 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/16 20060101
A47L009/16 |
Claims
1. A dual-stage cyclonic separator for separating debris from air
in a bagless surface cleaning apparatus, comprising: a cyclonic
frustum comprising: a frustum wall having an outer frustum wall for
directing a preliminary centrifugal airflow thereabout and an inner
frustum wall for directing a ultimate centrifugal airflow therein,
with the frustum wall tapering generally inwardly from a frustum
extent disposed adjacent a frustum extent opening toward an opposed
frustum extent disposed adjacent a frustum egress; a cylindrical
wall depending upwardly from an interface with the frustum extent
opening and terminating in a cylindrical ingress; and an airflow
turret provided at the cylindrical ingress that facilitates
transition of the preliminary centrifugal airflow to the ultimate
centrifugal airflow; a debris collection cup comprising: a cup wall
having an outer cup wall that, together with a debris collection
device and the outer frustum wall, provides a coarse debris
collection area within which debris is deposited by the preliminary
centrifugal airflow, and an inner cup wall that provides a fine
debris collection area within which debris is deposited by the
ultimate centrifugal airflow, with at least a portion of the
opposed frustum extent depending inwardly into the debris
collection cup such that the ultimate centrifugal airflow deposits
debris directly within the fine debris collection area; a cyclonic
sieve having a sieve wall coextensive with a turret extent for
placement adjacent the airflow turret and an opposed debris
restriction extent, with the sieve wall having a continuous portion
for directing the preliminary centrifugal airflow about the frustum
wall and a louvered portion for delivering airflow to the airflow
turret, and with the louvered portion including a plurality of
apertures; and an airflow outlet configured to deliver air from the
debris collection device after depositing debris in the fine debris
collection area.
2. The cyclonic separator of claim 1, wherein the airflow turret
comprises at least two similarly configured and evenly spaced sails
that are circumferentially arranged relative to the cylindrical
ingress, with each sail having a guide surface to guide incoming
air from the preliminary centrifugal airflow toward the cylindrical
ingress.
3. The cyclonic separator of claim 2, wherein the airflow turret
comprises five sails and the guide surface of each sail exhibits a
generally radial profile that includes an impact surface of
predetermined concavity against which the incoming air strikes and
a terminal restraining edge for piloting the incoming air toward
the cylindrical ingress.
4. The cyclonic separator of claim 3, wherein the terminal
restraining edge includes a lead surface that leads the incoming
air toward the impact surface, and a trail surface that pilots the
incoming air toward the cylindrical ingress during the transition
of the preliminary centrifugal airflow to the ultimate centrifugal
airflow.
5. The cyclonic separator of claim 4, wherein the lead surface of
the terminal restraining edge leads the incoming air that enters
through an adjacent velocity slot provided between adjacent sails,
with the velocity slot including an entry ramp of predetermined
camber configured to deliver the preliminary centrifugal airflow
from the coarse debris collection area toward the cylindrical
ingress.
6. The cyclonic separator of claim 5, wherein the airflow turret
includes a turret seating flange having an upper turret seat and a
lower turret seat, and the cyclonic sieve includes a sieve seating
flange having an upper sieve seat and a lower sieve seat, with the
cyclonic sieve positioned relative to the cyclonic frustum such
that the upper sieve seat is disposed adjacent the lower turret
seat.
7. The cyclonic separator of claim 5, wherein the sieve wall is
positioned relative to the debris collection device such that dirty
air that enters the debris collection device tangentially impinges
the continuous portion of the sieve wall.
8. The cyclonic separator of claim 7, wherein: each guide surface
exhibit s a radius of about 38.degree.; each lead surface exhibits
a radius of about 14.degree.; each trail surface exhibits a radius
of about 14.degree.; each velocity slot exhibits a cross-sectional
area in a range from about 120 mm.sup.2 to about 130 mm.sup.2; and
each entry ramp exhibits a grade of about 48.degree..
9. The cyclonic separator of claim 8, wherein at east one of the
apertures in the louvered portion of the sieve wall has at least
one of a rounded upstream edge and a rounded downstream edge past
which the preliminary centrifugal airflow is delivered to the
velocity slot.
10. The cyclonic separator of claim 9, wherein the sieve wall
exhibits a generally frustoconical geometry and the apertures are
provided in a predetermined pattern along the louvered portion
thereof.
11. The cyclonic separator of claim 8, wherein debris that is not
deposited in the coarse debris collection area by the preliminary
centrifugation airflow is deposited by the ultimate centrifugal
airflow into the fine debris collection area through the frustum
egress.
12. The cyclonic separator of claim 11, wherein an optional sifter
is disposed near the frustum egress and configured to direct debris
that is deposited from the frustum through the frustum egress into
the fine debris collection area.
13. The cyclonic separator of claim 8, wherein the airflow outlet
is provided in a support member that is disposed adjacent the upper
turret seat and configured to direct outgoing air from the cyclonic
separator.
14. The cyclonic separator of claim 8, further comprising a debris
restriction flange provided adjacent the debris restriction extent
of the cyclonic sieve and configured to deflect debris in the
preliminary centrifugal airflow into the course debris collection
area.
15. A bagless surface cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base
suction unit; an apparatus handle; and a main body provided
intermediate the base suction unit and the apparatus handle and
operably supporting a debris collection device thereby; and the
cyclonic separation system of claim 1 with the sieve wall
positioned relative to the debris collection device such that dirty
air that enters the debris collection device tangentially impinges
the continuous portion of the sieve wall.
16. The bagless surface cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein at
least two similarly configured and evenly spaced sails are provided
in the turret, with each sail comprising: a guide surface to guide
incoming air from the preliminary centrifugal airflow toward the
cylindrical ingress, with the guide surface of each sail including
an impact surface of predetermined concavity against which the
incoming air strikes and a terminal restraining edge for piloting
the incoming air toward the cylindrical ingress, and with the
terminal restraining edge including a lead surface that leads the
incoming air toward the impact surface, and a trail surface that
pilots the incoming air toward the cylindrical ingress during the
transition of the preliminary centrifugal airflow to the ultimate
centrifugal airflow.
17. The bagless surface cleaning apparatus of claim 16, wherein the
lead surface of the terminal restraining edge leads the incoming
air that enters through an adjacent velocity slot provided between
adjacent sails, with the velocity slot including an entry ramp of
predetermined camber configured to deliver the preliminary
centrifugal airflow from the coarse debris collection area toward
the cylindrical ingress.
18. A debris collection device used with a bagless surface cleaning
apparatus to separate debris from air, comprising: a debris
collection canister; a debris collection cover coupled with the
debris collection canister; a centrifugal separation system
according to claim 1
19. The debris collection device of claim 18, further comprising at
least one of: a handle formed on at least one of the debris
collection canister and the debris collection cover, with the
handle configured to be grasped by a user for removal of the debris
collection device from, and replacement of the debris collection
device in, the cleaning apparatus and for carrying the debris
collection device upon removal from the cleaning apparatus; an
actuatable flapper provided at or adjacent a collective debris
release outlet from which accumulated debris is released from the
course debris collection area and the fine debris collection area;
and a controlled tension apparatus that controls an angular range
of movement of the flapper for controllable release of accumulated
debris from the collective debris release outlet.
20. A method of separating debris from air using a bagless surface
cleaning apparatus, comprising: providing the cyclonic separator of
claim 1 in a debris collection device operably mounted in the
cleaning apparatus; positioning the cyclonic separator so that
dirty air that enters the debris collection device tangentially
impinges the continuous portion of the sieve wall; positioning the
cyclonic sieve so that the preliminary centrifugal airflow
traverses the louvered portion of the sieve wall toward the
cylindrical ingress during the transition of the preliminary
centrifugal airflow to the ultimate centrifugal airflow; and
configuring the airflow outlet to direct separated air from the
cyclonic separator.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to bagless vacuum cleaners and
cyclonic air separators used therewith.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Numerous configurations for bagless cleaning devices have
been developed that effectively separate debris from an airflow
when such cleaning devices are used with respect to a cleaning
surface or medium. Such devices include a variety of bagless vacuum
cleaners that successfully ensure enhanced suction levels. Inherent
in the obviation of bags is the difficulty in disposing collected
particulates and debris. Such particulates and debris include, but
are not limited to, dust, dirt, fibers, food particles, buttons,
small lids and caps (such as bottle caps), fur, hair, epidermis
particles and the like.
[0003] Certain cyclonic separator devices have been developed for
such vacuum cleaners, as is known in the art. Such devices create
centrifugal airflow so that inherent centrifugal forces separate
debris within that airflow for eventual disposal from a debris
collection device (including, but not limited to debris collection
devices that incorporate dust-collecting chambers such as dirt
cups.
[0004] Despite these known devices, a need persists to effectively
separate both coarse debris and fine debris from dirty air prior to
expelling separated air from a surface cleaning device. For
example, many existing devices effect coarse debris accumulation
while neglecting efficient fine debris accumulation, thereby
resulting in vacuum devices that have poor functionality. At least
these deficiencies are overcome, and additional attributes are
imparted, by the devices presently disclosed herein.
SUMMARY
[0005] A dual-stage cyclonic separator is provided for separating
debris from air in a bagless surface cleaning apparatus. The
cyclonic separator includes a cyclonic frustum having a frustum
wall with an outer frustum wall for directing a preliminary
centrifugal airflow thereabout and an inner frustum wall for
directing ultimate centrifugal airflow therein. The frustum wall
tapers generally inwardly from a frustum extent disposed adjacent a
frustum extent opening toward an opposed frustum extent disposed
adjacent a frustum egress. The cyclonic frustum also includes a
cylindrical wall depending upwardly from an interface with the
frustum extent opening and terminating in a cylindrical ingress. An
airflow turret is provided at the cylindrical ingress that
facilitates transition of the preliminary centrifugal airflow to
the ultimate centrifugal airflow.
[0006] The airflow turret incorporates at least two similarly
configured and evenly spaced sails that are circumferentially
arranged relative to the cylindrical ingress. Each sail has a guide
surface to guide incoming air from the preliminary centrifugal
airflow toward the cylindrical ingress. In preferred embodiments,
the airflow turret comprises five sails and the guide surface of
each sail exhibits a generally radial profile. Such profile
includes an impact surface of predetermined concavity against which
the incoming air strikes, and a terminal restraining edge for
piloting the incoming air toward the cylindrical ingress. The
terminal restraining edge includes a lead surface that leads the
incoming air toward the impact surface. The terminal restraining
edge also includes a trail surface that pilots the incoming air
toward the cylindrical ingress during the transition of the
preliminary centrifugal airflow to the ultimate centrifugal
airflow.
[0007] The lead surface of the terminal restraining edge leads the
incoming air that enters through an adjacent velocity slot provided
between adjacent sails. The velocity slot includes an entry ramp of
predetermined camber that is configured to deliver the preliminary
centrifugal airflow from the coarse debris collection area toward
the cylindrical ingress. In exemplary embodiments, each guide
surface exhibits a radius of about 38.degree.; each lead surface
exhibits a radius of about 14.degree.; each trail surface exhibits
a radius of about 14.degree.; each velocity slot exhibits a
cross-sectional area in a range from about 120 mm.sup.2 to about
130 mm.sup.2; and each entry ramp exhibits a grade of about
48.degree..
[0008] In addition, the cyclonic separator includes a debris
collection cup having a cup wall with an outer cup wall that,
together with a debris collection device and the outer frustum
wall, provides a coarse debris collection area within which debris
is deposited by the preliminary centrifugal airflow. An inner cup
wall provides a fine debris collection area within which debris is
deposited by the ultimate centrifugal airflow. At least a portion
of the opposed frustum extent depends inwardly into the debris
collection cup such that the ultimate centrifugal airflow deposits
debris directly within the fine debris collection area.
[0009] The cyclonic separator further includes a cyclonic sieve
having a sieve wall coextensive with a turret extent for placement
adjacent the airflow turret and an opposed debris restriction
extent. A debris restriction flange may be provided adjacent the
debris restriction extent of the cyclonic sieve and configured to
deflect debris in the preliminary centrifugal airflow into the
course debris collection area.
[0010] The sieve wall has a continuous portion for directing the
preliminary centrifugal airflow about the frustum wall wherein the
sieve wall is positioned relative to the debris collection device
such that dirty air that enters the debris collection device
tangentially impinges the continuous portion of the sieve wall. The
sieve wall also includes a louvered portion incorporating a
plurality of apertures for delivering airflow to the airflow
turret. At least some of the apertures have rounded upstream edges
and rounded downstream edges past which the preliminary centrifugal
airflow is delivered to the velocity slot. The sieve wall exhibits
a generally frustoconical geometry, and in some embodiments, the
apertures are provided in a predetermined pattern along the
louvered portion of the sieve wall.
[0011] In some embodiments, the airflow turret includes a turret
seating flange having an upper turret seat and a lower turret seat.
The cyclonic sieve may incorporate a corresponding sieve seating
flange having an upper sieve seat and a lower sieve seat. In such
embodiments, the cyclonic sieve is positioned relative to the
cyclonic frustum such that the upper sieve seat is disposed
adjacent the lower turret seat.
[0012] The cyclonic separator also includes an airflow outlet
configured to deliver air from the debris collection device after
depositing debris in the fine debris collection area. The airflow
outlet may be provided in a support member that is disposed
adjacent the upper turret seat and configured to direct outgoing
air from the cyclonic separator.
[0013] In operation of the presently disclosed cyclonic separator,
debris that is not deposited in the coarse debris collection area
by the preliminary centrifugation airflow is deposited by the
ultimate centrifugal airflow into the fine debris collection area
through the frustum egress. In some embodiments, an optional sifter
is disposed near the frustum egress and configured to direct debris
that is deposited from the frustum through the frustum egress into
the fine debris collection area.
[0014] A bagless surface cleaning apparatus is also provided that
includes a base suction unit, an apparatus handle and a main body
provided intermediate the base suction unit and the apparatus
handle and operably supporting a debris collection device thereby.
The cleaning apparatus incorporates a cyclonic separation system as
presently disclosed such that dirty air that enters the debris
collection device tangentially impinges the continuous portion of
the sieve wall.
[0015] A debris collection device is also provided that is used
with a bagless surface cleaning apparatus to separate debris from
air. The debris collection device includes a debris collection
canister, a debris collection cover coupled with the debris
collection canister and a centrifugal separation system as
presently disclosed.
[0016] A method of separating debris from air is provided that uses
a bagless surface cleaning apparatus. The method includes providing
a cyclonic separator as presently disclosed in a debris collection
device that is operably mounted in the cleaning apparatus. The
cyclonic separator is positioned so that dirty air that enters the
debris collection device tangentially impinges the continuous
portion of the sieve wall. The cyclonic sieve of the cyclonic
separator is positioned so that the preliminary centrifugal airflow
traverses the louvered portion of the sieve wall toward the
cylindrical ingress during the transition of the preliminary
centrifugal airflow to the ultimate centrifugal airflow. The
airflow outlet is configured to direct separated air from the
cyclonic separator.
[0017] Additional aspects of the presently disclosed methods,
devices and systems will be made apparent from the following
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The nature and various advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts
throughout, and in which:
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 1A show respective front and rear perspective
views of an exemplary embodiment of a bagless surface cleaning
apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section along a longitudinal extent of
an exemplary debris collection device used with the bagless surface
cleaning apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 1A and having an exemplary
dual-stage cyclonic separator incorporated therewith.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the dual-stage cyclonic
separator of FIG. 2 apart from the debris collection device.
[0022] FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of the exemplary dual-stage
cyclonic separator of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0023] FIG. 3B a cross-section of the exemplary dual-stage cyclonic
separator of FIG. 3 along line A-A.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary airflow
turret incorporated with the dual-stage cyclonic separator of FIGS.
2 and 3.
[0025] FIG. 4A shows a perspective cross-section of the airflow
turret of FIG. 4 taken along line B-B.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary path for preliminary and ultimate
centrifugal airflow realized by the dual-stage cyclonic separator
of FIGS. 2 and 3 within a debris collection device.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a side perspective view of the debris
collection device of FIG. 2 in a state on as to at least partially
release collected debris from a collective debris release outlet of
the debris collection device.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a side perspective view of the debris
collection device of FIG. 6 in a state so as to release all or
almost all collected debris from the collective debris release
outlet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Now referring to the figures, wherein like numbers represent
like elements, FIGS. 1 and 1A show an exemplary bagless surface
cleaning apparatus 10 having a main body 12, a base suction unit 14
for cleaning a surface or medium and an apparatus handle 16
provided on main body 12 for propelling and maneuvering main body
12 and base suction unit 14 thereby. While cleaning apparatus 10 is
shown generally as an upright vacuum cleaner as depicted, it is
contemplated that the presently disclosed invention is amenable for
use with other vacuum cleaner types, including but not limited to
other upright vacuum cleaner configurations, hand-held vacuums,
central particulate cleaner systems, steam cleaners, wet and
wet-dry vacuums, and equivalent and complementary devices.
[0030] Main body 12 includes apparatus handle 16 that facilitates
grasping and maneuvering of cleaning apparatus 10 by a user. Handle
16 may include at least a power button 18 integral therewith and in
operational communication with a power source that actuates a
vacuum motor (not shown). Such a power source, for example, may be
electricity provided through a power cord 19 (shown in partial view
in FIGS. 1 and 1A) in electrical communication with cleaning
apparatus 10. When a user depresses power button 18, cleaner
apparatus 10 is correspondingly activated or deactivated (or
alternatively subject to a change in cleaning function selection)
during a cleaning operation. One or more other actuators may be
incorporated with handle 16 to execute one or more additional
functions, including but not limited to buttons, dials or touch
displays for optional speed settings and cleaning surface settings
(e.g., wood and laminate floor settings, low-, medium- and
high-pile carpet settings, upholstery and drapery settings,
etc.).
[0031] As used herein, "cleaning surface", "surface" and "cleaning
medium" are used interchangeably to include any area, region,
substrate, surface and other medium that can be acted upon by
cleaning apparatus 10. Examples of "cleaning surfaces" and
"cleaning media" include, but are not limited to, carpets, floors
(including floors fabricated from hardwood, linoleum, ceramic,
marble and other complementary and equivalent materials),
mattresses (including mattresses for humans and pets), furniture
(including fully or partially upholstered furniture, wooden
furniture, metal furniture, patio and sunroom furniture and the
like), accessories (including textile accessories such as pillows,
throw pillows and seat cushions), drapery, walls and ceilings
(including walls and ceiling made from drywall, having textured
and/or painted surfaces, incorporating wainscoting and having a
covering secured thereon), stuffed animals, textiles and other
surfaces and media. The term "carpet" as used herein includes all
textile floor coverings, including but not limited to those having
fibers (e.g., whether looped, tufted, hooked, needlefelt, woven or
of other design), indoor or outdoor, of natural or synthetic
materials, wall-to-wall textiles or roll goods.
[0032] One or more visual, tactile, audio and other indices may be
provided with power button 18 (and/or any other actuator provided
on handle 16) not only to help a user identify the power source
activation means for cleaning apparatus 10, but also to indicate a
current state of cleaning apparatus 10 (e.g., "on" or "off"). Such
indices may include visual indices, such as one or more LED lights
or other illumination means provided proximate power button 18.
Other visual indices may include one or more letters, numbers,
symbols and combinations that readily identify power button 18.
Still other indices may include raised protrusions (or
indentations) providing tactile guidance of the activation source
for cleaning apparatus 10.
[0033] In some embodiments, handle 16 may include at least one cord
retention member 20 that enables retention of power cord 19
thereby. Cord retention member 20 may be provided as a hook member
as shown in the figures or alternatively provided as a retractable
element extendable relative to handle 16. At least one
supplementary cord retention member 20a may be incorporated
anywhere along main body 12, and the disposition of such
supplementary cord retention members is not limited to that
illustrated herein (for example, a supplementary cord retention
member may be disposed at or near a motor shroud 29 instead of, or
in addition to, supplementary cord retention member 20a shown in
FIGS. 1 and 1A). Overall, the various electrical components of
cleaning apparatus 10 (including the motor thereof) can be powered
by power cord 19, which is configured for receipt by a
complementary electrical outlet or other suitable external power
source. In addition to, or in place of external power sources,
cleaning apparatus 10 may also be powered through the use of
various battery pack systems as is known in the art, including but
not limited to hybrid rechargeable power systems.
[0034] A hose connector 22 may be formed on at least a portion of
main body 12 that communicates with a suction port 24 and
facilitates removable fastening of an extendable hose 26. Main body
12 may have a hose carrier 28 provided thereon that permits storage
of hose 26 when either the hose or the cleaning apparatus is not in
use. At least one of hose connector 22 and hose carrier 28 may be
integral with at least a portion of main body 12 or detachably
mounted thereto by one or more fastening means as known in the art.
Optional accessories for hose 26 may also be removably fastened to
corresponding structure on main body 12, including but not limited,
to, a brush 30, a crevice tool 32 and a hose wand 34 that permits a
user to guide the hose for removal of particulates from a variety
of cleaning surfaces. Additional tools may include one or more
brushes, squeegees, beater bars, nozzles, etc. It is understood
that the incorporation of accessories and tools as shown and
described herein is purely optional and does not limit the scope of
the presently disclosed invention.
[0035] Main body 12 is at least supportable by abuse suction unit
14 that may include fascia 40 having a leading edge 40a and one or
more side edges 40b. One or more of fascia 40, leading edge 40a and
side edges 40b may have one or more designs, colors, textures
and/or embellishments incorporated therewith to enhance the
aesthetic features of main body 12. Alternatively, one or more of
fascia 40, leading edge 40a and side edges 40b may be fabricated
from one or more materials having an antimicrobial additive for
treatment of infestation agents during a cleaning operation. Such
materials may alternatively, or also, incorporate additives that
impart easy-clean characteristics to base suction unit 14.
[0036] Leading edge 40a may include a bumper 42 thereon (or
integral therewith) to protect cleaning apparatus 10 and floor and
wall surfaces from inadvertent marks and impacts. One or more of
fascia 40, leading edge 40a, side edges 40b and bumper 42 may
include optional indicia for indicating a steering direction of
base suction unit 14. For example, one or more illumination means
(such as LED or fiber optic lights, not shown) may be used to
illuminate at least a portion of base suction unit 14 and thereby
direct a path along which cleaning apparatus 10 may be guided.
Illumination means may also be used to indicate a state of cleaning
apparatus 10 (e.g., "on" or "off", "carpet mode", "floor mode",
"need to empty debris collection cup", etc.).
[0037] Base suction unit 14 may support an agitation member such as
a beater bar (not shown) for lifting debris from a surface being
cleaned. Such a beater bar may be selected from numerous beater bar
embodiments, including but not limited to those beater bar
embodiments disclosed by co-owned U.S. Ser. No. 10/646,233, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The
beater bar may be positioned within base suction unit 14 and
configured to rotate during a beater bar operational mode of
cleaning apparatus 10. The beater bar (or equivalent agitation
member) may be in operative communication with a drive motor (not
shown), such as through a belt drive (not shown) to enable rotation
of the beater bar. It is contemplated that an agitation member such
as a beater bar can be configured to rotate with sufficient speed
to effectively impact the cleaning surface on which cleaning
apparatus 10 is employed. For example, one or more actuators may be
incorporated with handle 16 (as described hereinabove to control
the agitation member (or associated drive motor) for effective
agitation of carpet fibers in both higher knap and lower knap
carpeting.
[0038] Equivalent structure to a beater bar may be suitable for
lifting debris from a cleaning surface for delivery of the lifted
debris through a suction port (not shown) supported by base suction
unit 14. In some embodiments, additional particulate removal
features may complement the beater bar or agitation member. Such
features may include, but are not limited to, one or more brushes
(not shown) along an undercarriage of fascia 40. Such features may
also include corrugations (not shown) provided along at least a
portion of bumper 42 for disrupting particulates from a cleaning
surface and eventual collection of the disrupted particulates in
cleaning apparatus 10 (as further described herein).
[0039] In an embodiment where cleaning apparatus 10 is a steerable
vacuum cleaner, a coupling may be provided between main body 12 and
base suction unit 14. Wheels 46 can be disposed on (or in steerable
communication with) the coupling to facilitate linear and
non-linear travel paths that cleaning apparatus may traverse during
use. In some embodiments, the coupling may comprise a yoke having
wheels disposed thereon (an example of which is disclosed by
co-owned U.S. Ser. No. 12/771,865, the entire disclosure of which
is incorporated by reference herein). In some embodiments, the
coupling may comprise a swivel joint (shown generally as swivel
coupling 48 in FIG. 1A) at the junction of the base suction unit
and the main body. In such embodiments, the swivel joint causes
base suction unit 14 to turn right with a clockwise twist of the
handle and turn left with a counter-clockwise twist of the handle.
Cleaning apparatus 10 may therefore exhibit optional
maneuverability such that base suction unit 14 is responsive to the
user and achieves a turning effect, rather than a sliding effect,
during use. In such a configuration, a user need only maneuver
apparatus handle 16 to propel base suction unit 14 relative to the
cleaning surface and thereby direct cleaning apparatus 10 as
desired to optimize particulate suction over a cleaning
surface.
[0040] Main body 12 incorporates a carapace 50 having a base extent
50a proximate base suction unit 14 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A). Base
extent 50a may include structure for communicating engagement with
base structure 14 as known in the art. Base extent 50a may include
further housing structure for housing vacuum motor features therein
as shown generally by motor shroud 29. Motor shroud 29 may
optionally incorporate a filter access door 51 (see FIG. 1A) that
permits access to an exhaust filter (not shown). Such exhaust
filter may be a HEPA filter or any comparable or equivalent
filtering means. One or more exhaust vents 53 may be incorporated
in at least a portion of base extent 50a to facilitate egress of
clean air from cleaning apparatus 10.
[0041] Carapace 50 also includes a handle extent 50b proximate
handle member 16 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A). Handle extent 50b
may include structure for engagement with handle member 16 as shown
herein (e.g., a ferrule that facilitates removable securement of
handle member 16 with main body 12 by snap-tight engagement,
snap-click engagement, thread-fit engagement and any complementary
and equivalent engagement means amenable to practice of the
presently disclosed cleaning apparatus). It is understood that
structure for removable securement of handle member 16 with main
body 12 may incorporate one or more complementary and equivalent
fastening systems, either known or hereafter derived.
[0042] Referring further to FIGS. 2, 3, 3A and 3B an exemplary
dual-stage cyclonic separator 200 is provided as an operative
feature with a debris collection device 100 used with a cleaning
apparatus 10. Debris collection apparatus 100 is removably mounted
in a chamber in main body 12 during use or storage of cleaning
apparatus 10. The chamber includes a seat that supports debris
collection device 100 thereon, which seat may include optional
engagement means for removable retention of debris collection
device 100. It is contemplated that successful operation of
cyclonic separator 200 is not limited to the debris collection
device shown and that the presently disclosed separator is amenable
for use with a plurality of debris collection device
configurations.
[0043] Debris collection device 100 may include a device handle 102
that is readily grasped by a user for removal of the debris
collection device from, and insertion of the debris collection
device into, main body 12. Handle 102 may be an integral component
or an assembly of interchangeable components that may be thrilled
on or coupled with at least one of a debris collection canister 106
and a debris collection cover 107. In an embodiment where handle
102 is incorporated with cover 107, a user may grasp handle 102 to
effect separation and coupling of the debris collection cover
relative to canister 106 (e.g., via frictional fit, complementary
threaded engagement and the like). Although debris collection
device handle 102 is shown as a generally arcuate member, it is
understood that such handle may assume any geometry amenable to
practice of the presently disclosed invention.
[0044] A user may grasp handle 102 to remove debris collection
device 100 from main body 12 and carry the debris collection device
and its contents to another location (e.g., for disposal of
accumulated debris into a disposal vessel such as a dustbin or
trash receptacle). Debris collection device 100 (and therefore
cyclonic separator 200) may alternatively be carried and inserted
into a chamber of another cleaning apparatus that operatively
receives debris collection device 100 (and therefore separator 200)
thereby. In exemplary embodiments where debris collection device
100 is removably secured with complementary engagement structure
(e.g., one or more engagement teeth), a user may remove debris
collection device 100 from main body 12 simply by grasping debris
collection device handle 102 and applying a pulling force
sufficient to overcome the retention force between the engagement
structure and the debris collection device. Instead of, or in
addition to, engagement structure that releasably secures debris
collection device 100 in main body 12, handle 102 may include one
or more retractable pins (not shown) that cooperate with
corresponding recesses (not shown) in a chamber wall of main body
12 Such pins retract from their corresponding recesses upon
depression of one or more optional actuators, such as an optional
actuator button 104 provided on handle 102.
[0045] Further referring to FIG. 2, debris collection device 100
includes a canister 106 having a top extent opening 106a, a bottom
extent opening 106b and a coextensive side wall 106c. Canister side
wall 106c includes an outer surface 106c' and an inner surface
106c'' with a predetermined thickness delineated therebetween.
Cyclonic separator 200 is disposed in a recess defined by inner
canister surface 106c''. Although an exemplary debris collection
device is shown and described herein, it is contemplated that a
plurality of exemplary debris collection configurations are
amenable for use with the presently disclosed cyclonic
separator.
[0046] At least one air ingress 105 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) may be
provided that depends generally normally relative to canister side
wall 106c and defines a lumen therethrough. The lumen of air
ingress 105 may facilitate communication of dirty air from a
conduit (such as hose 26 shown in FIG. 1A) to debris collection
device 100. Air ingress 105 may communicate with hose 26 that is in
fluid communication with a suction source (not shown) as generally
known for delivering suction to a cleaning surface. Debris-laden
air is delivered through the air ingress and tangentially impinges
separator 200 (as further described herein). The debris is thereby
subject to a dual-stage centrifugal separation, such that the
particles separate from the air and accumulate in debris collection
device 100, as further described herein.
[0047] Referring additionally to FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, cyclonic
separator 200 includes a cyclonic frustum 208 that exhibits a
generally frustoconical wall 208a. Frustum wall 208a has an outer
wall surface 208a' for directing a preliminary centrifugal airflow
thereabout. Frustum wall 208a also includes an inner wall surface
208a'' for directing an ultimate centrifugal airflow in a region
209 delineated by the inner wall surface. Frustum wall 208a tapers
generally inwardly from a frustum extent 208b disposed adjacent a
frustum extent opening 208c and toward an opposed frustum extent
208d disposed adjacent a frustum egress 208e. As shown herein,
cyclonic frustum 208 further incorporates a cylindrical wall 208f
depending upwardly from an interface 208g with frustum extent
opening 208c and terminating in a cylindrical ingress 208h. Frustum
wall 208a and cylindrical wall 208f together exhibit a collective
frustum height H.
[0048] Cyclonic separator 200 also includes an airflow turret 212,
the details of which are further shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A. Airflow
turret 212 facilitates transition of the preliminary centrifugal
airflow to the ultimate centrifugal airflow (as further described
herein). Airflow turret 212, which is provided in a region
proximate cylindrical ingress 208h, includes two or more similarly
configured and evenly spaced sails 214 that are circumferentially
arranged relative to cylindrical ingress 208h. As presently shown
herein, a preferred embodiment of airflow turret 212 incorporates
five sails 214 to effect the transition of the preliminary
centrifugal airflow to the ultimate centrifugal airflow. It is
contemplated that an alternative number of sails may be employed
that accommodate the dual-stage separation of coarse and fine
particles. When an alternative number of sails are utilized, each
sail should incorporate the additional features presented herein
and shown in further detail in FIGS. 4 and 4A.
[0049] Each sail 214 includes a guide surface 214a to guide
incoming air from the preliminary centrifugal airflow toward
cylindrical ingress 208h. Guide surface 214a of each sail 214
includes an impact surface 214a' of predetermined concavity against
which the incoming air strikes (for example, as shown by arrows I
in FIG. 4A). Each guide surface 214a also includes a terminal
restraining edge 214a'' for piloting the incoming air toward
cylindrical ingress 208h. In an exemplary embodiment, each guide
surface 214a exhibits a generally radial profile which is
particularly suitable for accelerating the incoming air during the
transition from the preliminary centrifugal airflow to the ultimate
centrifugal airflow. In some embodiments, such a radial profile
exhibits a radius of about 38.degree..
[0050] Each terminal restraining edge 214a'' includes a lead
surface 214b that leads the incoming air (for example, in the
direction of arrows I' shown in FIG. 4) toward impact surface
214a'. In some embodiments, each lead surface 214b exhibits a
radius of about 14.degree.. A trail surface 214c opposed to lead
surface 214b pilots the incoming air toward cylindrical ingress
208h (for example, in the direction of arrow II in FIG. 4) during
the transition of the preliminary centrifugal airflow to the
ultimate centrifugal airflow. In some embodiments, each trail
surface 214c exhibits a radius of about 14.degree.. Lead surface
214b of terminal restraining edge 214a'' leads the incoming air
that enters through an adjacent velocity slot 216 provided between
adjacent sails 214. In a preferred embodiment, each velocity slot
exhibits a cross-sectional area in a range from about 120 mm.sup.2
to about 130 mm.sup.2.
[0051] Each velocity slot 216 conveys the incoming air that is
delivered along an entry ramp 218 of predetermined camber. In some
embodiments, each entry ramp 218 exhibits a grade of about
48.degree.. Each entry ramp 218 is configured to deliver the
preliminary centrifugal airflow from a coarse debris collection
area 300 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 and further described herein)
toward cylindrical ingress 208h. In some embodiments, entry ramp
218 at least partially envelops an airflow conduit through which
the incoming airflow traverses for delivery to airflow turret 212
via velocity slot 216. In some embodiments, the airflow conduit
provides an airflow path through a turret seating flange 225 having
an upper turret seat 225a and a lower turret seat 225b (see FIG.
3A).
[0052] Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3, 3A and 3B, a cyclonic sieve
228 incorporated in cyclonic separator 200 is slidingly positioned
relative to outer frustum wall surface 208a' so that a sieve wall
228a coextensive with a turret extent 228b is placed adjacent
airflow turret 212. A sieve seating flange 230 having an upper
sieve seat 230a and a lower sieve seat 230b may be provided at or
near turret extent 228b such that cyclonic sieve 228 is
positionable relative to cyclonic frustum 208 with upper sieve seat
230a disposed adjacent lower turret seat 225b.
[0053] At least a portion of sieve wall 228a is a continuous
portion 228a' (i.e., having no apertures therein) for directing the
preliminary centrifugal airflow about frustum wall 208a and
depositing debris into coarse debris collection area 300. When
sieve wall 228a is positioned in debris collection device 100,
continuous portion 228a' is disposed relative to air ingress 105
such that dirty air entering the debris collection device
tangentially impinges the continuous portion of the sieve wall.
This striking trajectory initiates the preliminary centrifugal
airflow along outer frustum wall 208a that carries unseparated
debris and air and deposits debris in coarse debris collection area
300.
[0054] Sieve wall 228a includes an opposed debris restriction
extent 228d at which a debris restriction flange 233 is electively
provided to deflect debris in the preliminary centrifugal airflow
into course debris collection area 300. Debris restriction flange
233 may be integral with frustum wall 208a or sieve wall 228a and
have a flange lip 233a that helps to deflect debris into course
debris collection area 300. Flange lip 233a may be rounded along a
periphery thereof to guide debris into course debris collection
area 300 after impingement against continuous portion 228a' of
sieve wall 228a. Debris that remains unseparated from the
preliminary centrifugal airflow strikes a deflection surface 233b
of debris restriction flange 233 for deflection into coarse debris
collection area 300. A predetermined clearance 235 between flange
lip 233a and inner canister wall surface 106c'' (see FIG. 2)
inhibits delivery of residual coarse particulates from coarse
debris collection area 300 while permitting unimpeded airflow
toward sieve 228.
[0055] A remaining louvered portion 228a' of sieve wall 228a
incorporates a plurality of apertures 240 for delivering airflow to
toward airflow turret 212. Each aperture 240 includes a rounded
upstream edge 240a and a rounded downstream edge 240b past which
the preliminary centrifugal airflow is generally directed toward
each airflow entrance 216. In some embodiments, sieve wall 228a
exhibits a generally frustoconical geometry along which apertures
240 are provided in a predetermined pattern along louvered portion
228a''. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, multiple
sets of apertures 240 are provided in which each set comprises a
pair of aperture rows having equal numbers of apertures 240. One or
more apertures 241 may be provided at a predetermined inclination
(see FIG. 3) as determined to effectively transition the
preliminary centrifugal airflow to the ultimate centrifugal
airflow.
[0056] In some embodiments, locking structure is provided along or
near debris restriction extent 228d for engagement with
corresponding locking structure presented along frustum wall 208a,
such locking structure may include one or more locking teeth (not
shown) provided as diametrically opposed members that engage at
least a portion of a securement flange 245 provided around at least
a portion of frustum outer wall 208a'. In such embodiments, a gap
may remain when cyclonic sieve 228 and cyclonic frustum 208 are in
locking engagement that permits an additional opportunity for the
deposit of debris into coarse debris collection area 300 prior to
transition to the secondary centrifugal airflow.
[0057] Cyclonic separator 200 additionally includes a debris
collection cup 250 that collects debris remaining after the
preliminary and ultimate centrifugal airflows. Debris collection
cup 250 includes a generally frustoconical or annular cup wall 250a
having an outer wall surface 250a' that, together with debris
collection device 100 and outer frustum wall surface 208a',
provides coarse debris collection area 300 within which debris is
deposited by the preliminary centrifugal airflow. Debris collection
cup wall 250a also includes an inner wall surface 250a'' within
which debris is deposited by the ultimate centrifugal airflow in a
fine debris collection area 350.
[0058] A frustum extent 250a of debris collection cup wall 250a has
an aperture 252 that accommodates removable insertion of at least a
portion of opposed frustum extent 208d therein. As shown in FIG.
3B, opposed frustum extent 208d depends inwardly into debris
collection cup 250 such that frustum egress 208e is enveloped by
inner cup wall surface 250a''. An optional sifter 255 may be
disposed a predetermined distance from frustum egress 208e so as to
direct the ultimate centrifugal airflow (and any fine debris
therein) from region 209 directly into fine debris collection area
350. Sifter 255 is depicted as a generally frustoconical element
having an axis generally coincident with the longitudinal axes of
cyclone frustum 208 and debris collection cup 250 to ensure that
the ultimate centrifugal airflow deposits debris directly within
fine debris collection area 350. It is contemplated that sifter 255
may incorporate various other geometries that facilitate deposit of
captured particulates to fine debris collection area 350. An
optional gasket 259 may be provided at or near a support extent
250c of debris collection cup 250 for sealing fine debris
collection area 350 until release of accumulated debris
therefrom.
[0059] Securement structure may be selectively provided on at least
one or both of debris collection cup 250 and cyclonic frustum 208
to preserve both portions of the centrifugal airflow during
operation of cleaning apparatus 10. Such securement structure may
include diametrically opposed locking slots (not shown) disposed at
or near aperture 252 of debris cup wall 250a. Such locking slots
engage corresponding locking tabs 265 disposed at or near frustum
egress 208e at a predetermined distance above optional sifter 255.
A circumferential seating flange 267 may be provided at or near
locking tabs 265 that engages a complementary frustum seat 269
provided at a periphery of aperture 252. When seating flange 267 is
positioned adjacent frustum seat 267, locking tabs 265 may contact
a locking guide groove in debris collection cup 250 that guides
locking tabs 265 into engagement with the corresponding locking
slots. Additional indicia, including but not limited to visual
indicia (e.g., arrows 275 in FIG. 3A) may be provided to indicate
the proper alignment of cyclonic frustum 208 and debris collection
cup 250.
[0060] Debris collection device 100 includes a platform that
supports debris collection cup 250 and provides at least a partial
boundary for each of coarse debris collection area 300 and fine
debris collection area 350. Such a platform can help control the
collective release of debris from both collection areas through a
collective release outlet 375 at open canister extent 106b. An
exemplary platform may be a flapper 380 rotatably coupled with
debris collection canister 208 (see FIG. 2). An exemplary
embodiment of debris collection device 100 and a flapper used
therewith to control the release of debris through a collective
debris release outlet is shown and described in co-owned and
co-pending U.S. Ser. No. ______, entitled DEBRIS COLLECTION DEVICE
FOR BAGLESS VACUUM CLEANERS, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0061] Cyclonic separator 200 includes an airflow outlet 400
configured to deliver air from debris collection device 100 after
depositing debris in fine debris collection area 350. Airflow
outlet 400 may be provided as a duct or conduit in a support member
402 that is disposed adjacent upper turret seat 230a. Support
member 402 is configured to direct outgoing air from cyclonic
separator 200 and includes one or more optional gaskets 404, 406
positioned in sealing relationship therewith. Support member 402
may incorporate a finger grip 403 (see FIG. 3) or similar structure
to facilitate removal of the support structure by a user (for
example, to remove and clean cyclonic separator 200). Support
member 402 may optionally support a filter 410 thereon that is
housed intermediate canister 106 and debris collection cup cover
107. Air that has travelled through canister 106 and has deposited
debris in course debris collection area 300 and fine debris
collection area 350 can also be subject to additional filtering by
filter 410. The resulting clean and filtered airflow departs debris
collection device 100 through an airflow egress 412 (see FIGS. 6
and 7) provided in cover 107, which cover may include an optional
bleed valve 415 as known in the art.
[0062] During operation of cleaning device 10, cyclonic separator
200 is housed in debris collection device 100 that is supported
within main body 12. Upon actuation of cleaning apparatus 10, a
suction source inhales a combination of air and debris ("dirty
air") into an intake conduit (not shown) for delivery through air
ingress 105. Referring to FIG. 5, dirty air departing the lumen of
air ingress 105 tangentially impinges continuous portion 228a' of
sieve wall (see arrow A of FIG. 5), thereby forcing the air
downward along a generally centrifugal path about outer frustum
wall surface 208a' (see arrows B in FIG. 5). During this
preliminary centrifugal airflow, air speed increases with the
tapering of frustum wall 208a. Coarse particulates and debris that
lose momentum toward opposed frustum extent 208d are deposited into
coarse debris collection area 300 (see arrows C in FIG. 5). Deposit
of debris is at least partially assisted by flange lip 233a. With
the continuing preliminary centrifugal airflow, the once-separated
air is directed toward cyclonic sieve 228 (see arrow D in FIG. 5).
Debris in the continuing airflow that has not been deposited in
coarse debris collection area 300 strikes deflection surface 233b
of debris restriction flange 233 for deflection back into coarse
debris collection area 300.
[0063] Separated air thereafter traverses clearance 235 for
delivery through apertures 240 of louvered portion 228a'' (see
arrow E of FIG. 5). This continuing preliminary centrifugal airflow
traverses rounded edges 240a, 240b of apertures 240 toward entry
ramps 218 of airflow turret 212. Each entry ramp 218 has a
predetermined camber that ensures unimpeded delivery of incoming
airflow through corresponding velocity slots 216 disposed between
adjacent sails 214. As shown in the exemplary embodiment herein,
incoming air is delivered through five separate entrances 216 and
undergoes a transition to the ultimate centrifugal airflow upon
striking impact surface 214a' of each sail. As delivery of incoming
air continues through velocity slots 216, terminal restraining
edges 214a'', including lead surfaces 214b, continue to lead the
incoming air toward impact surfaces 214a'.
[0064] Lead surfaces 214b guide the incoming air that enters
through an adjacent velocity slot 216 toward cylindrical ingress
208h. The ultimate centrifugal airflow is piloted from cylindrical
ingress 208h in region 209 along inner frustum wall surface 208a''.
The ultimate centrifugal airflow is generally a vortex that rotates
through region 209 and thereby accelerates any residual debris for
delivery through frustum egress 208e and eventual deposit in fine
debris collection area 350. Thus, debris that is not deposited in
coarse debris collection area 300 by the preliminary centrifugation
airflow is deposited by the ultimate centrifugal airflow into fine
debris collection area 350 through the frustum egress.
[0065] As the ultimate centrifugal airflow continues to accelerate
along inner frustum wall surface 208a'' (see arrow F of FIG. 5),
the airflow impacts a shelf (e.g., sifter 255 or any comparable or
equivalent structure) and travels along a return path through
region 209 toward cylindrical ingress 208h (see arrow G of FIG. 5).
Air departs separator 200 through airflow outlet 400 of support
member 402 for eventual delivery through optional filter 410 and
expulsion of twice-separated and filtered air through air egress
412. In some embodiments, a baffle (not shown) may be incorporated
in the airflow outlet to aid the reduction of air speed and
rotation as the ultimate centrifugal airflow expires.
[0066] When disposal of the accumulated debris within debris
collection device 100 is needed, a user may execute an operation by
which at least a portion of the accumulated debris is released
through collective debris release outlet 375. Referring to FIG. 6,
such an operation is depicted with respect to some embodiments, in
which a user lifts a pull lever body 500 in the direction of arrow
III. Actuation of pull lever body 500 places flapper 380 in an
articulation state, the initiation of which results in at least the
partial release of accumulated debris 600 from coarse debris
collection area 300 and fine debris collection area 350. Referring
to FIG. 7, further actuation of pull lever body 500 articulates
flapper 380 into a release state in which all or almost all of
accumulated debris 600 is released through collective debris
release outlet 375. Lowering of pull lever body 500 in the
direction of arrow III' will correspondingly return flapper 380 to
a stationary state whereby the flapper obstructs collective debris
release outlet 375. Upon disposal of debris 600, cyclonic separator
200 is easily removed from canister 106 and cleaned as needed
without the need for the user to contact either the flapper or the
debris.
[0067] One or more of cyclonic frustum 208, cyclonic sieve 228 and
debris collection cup 250 may be fabricated from materials that are
amenable to repeated use and also to related assembly and
disassembly. Such materials should also be amenable to being held
and cleaned by users. Such materials may be selected from a variety
of materials, including but not limited to plastics and composites
that are well known for use in temporally and fiscally efficient
manufacturing processes
[0068] As used herein, a "user" or an "operator" may be a single
user or operator or multiple users and operators (for example,
multiple users within a shared residence or multiple members of a
cleaning service sharing use of one or more devices incorporating
the presently disclosed invention). As used herein, the term
"process" or "method" may include one or more steps performed at
least by one user or operator. Any sequence of steps is exemplary
and is not intended to limit methods described herein to any
particular sequence, nor is it intended to preclude adding steps,
omitting steps, repeating steps, or performing steps
simultaneously.
[0069] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value as well as equivalent units
of that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is
intended to mean "about 40 mm" as well as "1.58 inches". The
disclosure of such dimensions and values, however, shall not
preclude use of any of disclosed devices having dimensions and
values outside of the prescribed ranges.
[0070] Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced
or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0071] While the presently disclosed invention has been described
in a preferred form, it will be understood that changes, additions,
and modifications may be made to the respective articles forming
the invention. Accordingly, no limitation should be imposed on the
scope of this invention, except as set forth in the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *