U.S. patent application number 13/955124 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for system for gaseous fuel ignition for a cooking appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Paul Bryan Cadima, John Thurl Pottenger.
Application Number | 20150037737 13/955124 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52427979 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150037737 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pottenger; John Thurl ; et
al. |
February 5, 2015 |
SYSTEM FOR GASEOUS FUEL IGNITION FOR A COOKING APPLIANCE
Abstract
An improved ignition system is provided for use with a gaseous
fuel burner on a cooktop of an appliance. A flame sensor is used to
detect the presence of a flame at the gaseous fuel burner. When the
flame is detected as absent for at least a certain predetermined
period of time, the ignition system attempts to reignite the flame.
During the predetermined time period, the ignition system does not
attempt to reignite the flame even though the flame is not
detected. As such, the flame has an opportunity to restore itself
fully around the burner during the predetermined time period before
the ignition system is activated.
Inventors: |
Pottenger; John Thurl;
(Mount Washington, KY) ; Cadima; Paul Bryan;
(Prospect, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
52427979 |
Appl. No.: |
13/955124 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/6 ; 431/43;
431/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23N 2227/02 20200101;
F24C 3/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/6 ; 431/43;
431/74 |
International
Class: |
F24C 3/12 20060101
F24C003/12; F23N 5/26 20060101 F23N005/26; F24C 3/10 20060101
F24C003/10 |
Claims
1. A method for igniting a gas burner, the steps comprising:
providing a gaseous fuel to the burner; operating an ignition
system to ignite the gaseous fuel to the burner; detecting whether
a flame is present at the burner over at least a first time period
.DELTA.t.sub.1 and, if so, then determining, after a flame has been
detected at the burner for a first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1,
whether a flame is absent from at least a portion of the burner
over at least a second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2, and, if so, then
repeating the steps of operating and detecting.
2. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, further
comprising the step of detecting whether a valve controlling gas
flow to the burner has been activated so as to provide a gaseous
fuel to the burner.
3. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, further
comprising the step of detecting whether the ignition system has
been activated.
4. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, wherein the
first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1 is about one second.
5. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, wherein the
first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1 is in the range of about 0.5
second to about 1.5 seconds.
6. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, wherein the
second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 is about 3 seconds.
7. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, wherein the
second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 is about 2.5 seconds to about 3.5
seconds.
8. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, further
comprising the steps of: stopping the flow of gaseous fuel to the
burner; and ceasing the step of determining whether a flame is
present at the burner.
9. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, wherein the
step of detecting whether a flame is present comprises monitoring a
signal from a flame sensor positioned at the burner.
10. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, wherein the
step of determining whether a flame is absent from at least a
portion of the burner comprises monitoring a signal from a flame
sensor positioned at the burner.
11. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, further
comprising the steps of: determining whether gaseous fuel is
provided to the burner and whether the ignition system is operating
and, if so, then executing said step of detecting whether a flame
is present at the burner over at least a first time period
.DELTA.t.sub.1.
12. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, further
comprising the step of deactivating the ignition system if a flame
is present at the burner.
13. A method for igniting a gas burner as in claim 1, further
comprising the step of continuing to operate the ignition system
during the first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1.
14. An ignition system for a cooking appliance using a gaseous
fuel, comprising: a gas burner configured for the receipt of
gaseous fuel; a valve connected to a gas supply and configured for
controlling the flow of gaseous fuel to the gas burner; an ignition
system configured for igniting the gaseous fuel supplied to the gas
burner; a flame sensor configured for detecting the presence of a
flame at the gas burner; at least one controller configured for
activating the ignition system to light the gaseous fuel at the
burner; detecting whether a flame is present at the burner over at
least a first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1 and, if so detected, then
determining, after a flame has been detected at the burner for a
first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1, whether a flame is absent from at
least a portion of the burner over at least a second time period
.DELTA.t.sub.2, and, if so, then repeating the steps of activating,
detecting, and determining.
15. An ignition system for a cooking appliance using a gaseous fuel
as in claim 14, wherein the at least one controller is further
configured for continuing operation of the ignition system during
the step of detecting whether a flame is present at the burner over
at least the first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1.
16. An ignition system for a cooking appliance using a gaseous fuel
as in claim 14, wherein the first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1 is
about one second.
17. An ignition system for a cooking appliance using a gaseous fuel
as in claim 14, wherein the first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1 is
about 0.5 second to about 1.5 seconds.
18. An ignition system for a cooking appliance using a gaseous fuel
as in claim 14, wherein the second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 is
about 3 seconds.
19. An ignition system for a cooking appliance using a gaseous fuel
as in claim 14, wherein the second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 is
about 2.5 seconds to about 3.5 seconds.
20. An ignition system for a cooking appliance using a gaseous fuel
as in claim 14, wherein the second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 is
about 5 seconds.
Description
[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates
generally to a system for igniting a gaseous fuel burner of an
appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cooking appliances are available that use a gaseous fuel in
order to create heat for cooking food items. Such appliances
include ovens, ranges, cook-tops, and others. Certain consumers may
prefer the use of gaseous fuel over the use of e.g., electrically
powered heating elements. Gaseous fuels that are commonly used
include natural gas and propane.
[0003] For cooktop appliances that use gaseous fuel, typically at
least one burner is provided with means for supporting a cooking
utensil over the burner. Gas flow is controlled by a valve and an
igniter is used to provide a spark so as to initiate combustion of
the gaseous fuel. Conventionally, the user turns a knob to a
position that opens the valve for gas flow through the burner and,
at the same time, causes the igniter to begin emitting sparks at a
location adjacent to the burner. Once the gaseous fuel is ignited,
the user turns the knob to the desired heat setting and the igniter
stops generating sparks.
[0004] Certain problems can occur when the gas burner is placed at
its lowest heat setting. Typically, such low heat setting
substantially reduces the flow of gaseous fuel and, therefore, the
size of the flame at the burner. The flame is particularly
susceptible to wafting and disturbances from local air currents
while at the lower heat settings. For example, opening or closing a
door on the appliance, the movement of air currents through the
kitchen, and/or other events can cause the flame to fluctuate or
flicker more readily at low gas flow. Even without such
disturbances, at low gas flow the flame can be prone to wafting at
one or more locations around the burner.
[0005] Sometimes one or more of these disruptive events may cause
the flame to be extinguished at all locations around the burner.
For certain cooking appliances, when the flame goes out completely
while the burner is still supplied with fuel, the appliance may be
equipped to restart the igniter. This automatic restart provides
one or more sparks that will relight and restore the flame around
the burner.
[0006] However, sometimes the flame may not be completely
extinguished at all locations around the burner. Instead,
particularly when the burner is at a low heat setting, only a
portion of the desired flame around the burner may be absent due to
wafting or other disturbances previously mentioned. In such
situations, the absence of a portion of the flame may be only
temporary, and the flame may eventually fully restore itself around
the burner without the need for additional sparking from the
igniter.
[0007] Nevertheless, with certain conventional systems, even the
temporary absence of only a portion of the flame may cause the
igniter to begin sparking until the flame is fully restored.
Sparking provided by the igniter typically generates a sound that
is perceptible to a user of the appliance. The sparking will repeat
until the flame is fully restored. Because the flame is more
susceptible to disruption at low gas flow as previously mentioned,
such unnecessary sparking can become particularly bothersome or
annoying to a user attempting to use the low heat settings. Such
unwanted sparking is referred to herein as "nuisance sparking."
[0008] Accordingly, an improved ignition system for a gaseous fuel
burner of an appliance is needed. More particularly, an ignition
system for a gaseous fuel burner of a cooktop appliance that can
reduce or eliminate nuisance sparking would be beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an improved ignition system
for use with a gaseous fuel burner on a cooktop of an appliance. A
flame sensor is used to detect the presence of a flame at the
gaseous fuel burner. When the flame is detected as absent for at
least a certain predetermined period of time, the ignition system
attempts to reignite the flame. During the predetermined time
period, the ignition system does not attempt to reignite the flame
even though the flame is not detected. As such, the flame has an
opportunity to restore itself fully around the burner during the
predetermined time period before the ignition system is activated.
The length of the predetermined time period is selected to minimize
re-ignition attempts when the flame is only partially extinguished
and, therefore, likely to restore itself. Additional aspects and
advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the
following description, or may be apparent from the description, or
may be learned through practice of the invention.
[0010] In one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a
method for igniting a gas burner. This exemplary method includes
the steps of providing a gaseous fuel to the burner; operating an
ignition system to ignite the gaseous fuel to the burner; detecting
whether a flame is present at the burner over at least a first time
period .DELTA.t.sub.1. If so detected, then this exemplary method
includes determining, after a flame has been detected at the burner
for a time period .DELTA.t.sub.1, whether a flame is absent from at
least a portion of the burner over at least a second time period
.DELTA.t.sub.2, and, if so, then repeating the steps of operating
and detecting.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides an ignition system for a cooking appliance using a gaseous
fuel. The system includes a gas burner configured for the receipt
of gaseous fuel. A valve is connected to a gas supply and is
configured for controlling the flow of gaseous fuel to the gas
burner. An ignition system is configured for igniting the gaseous
fuel supplied to the gas burner. A flame sensor is configured for
detecting the presence of a flame at the gas burner. At least one
controller is configured for activating the ignition system to
light the gaseous fuel at the burner; detecting whether a flame is
present at the burner over at least a first time period
.DELTA.t.sub.1. If so detected, then the at least one controller is
configured for determining, after the flame has been detected at
the burner for the time period .DELTA.t.sub.1, whether a flame is
absent from at least a portion of the burner over at least a second
time period .DELTA.t.sub.2, and, if so, then repeating the steps of
activating, detecting, and determining
[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a cooktop appliance as may be used with the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 provides a schematic of an exemplary system for
gaseous fuel ignition for a burner of a cooking appliance.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cooktop
appliance 100 as may be employed with the present subject matter.
The present invention is not limited to use with a cooktop
appliance such as that shown in FIG. 1, however. More particularly,
cooktop appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter. The present subject
matter may be used in cooktop appliances having other
configurations, e.g., a cooktop appliance with one, two, or more
additional burner assemblies. Similarly, the present subject matter
may be used in cooktop appliances that are part of a range or oven
appliance as well as other cooking appliance configurations having
a gas burner on a cooktop as well.
[0019] Cooktop appliance 100 includes a top panel 104. By way of
example, top panel 104 may be constructed of glass, ceramics,
enameled steel, and combinations thereof. For cooktop appliance
100, a utensil holding food and/or cooking liquids (e.g., oil,
water, etc.) may be placed onto grates 116 at the location of any
of burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110. Burners assemblies
106, 108, 109, and 110 can be configured in various sizes so as to
provide e.g., for the receipt of cooking utensils (i.e., pots,
pans, etc.) of various sizes and configurations and to provide
different heat inputs for such cooking utensils. Grates 116 are
supported on a top surface 118 of top panel 104.
[0020] Burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110 provide thermal
energy to cooking utensils on grates 116. In particular, burner
assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110 extend through top panel 104
below grates 116. Burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110 can also
be mounted to top panel 104.
[0021] A user interface panel 112 is located within convenient
reach of a user of cooktop appliance 100. For this exemplary
embodiment, panel 112 includes knobs 114 that are each associated
with one of burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110. Knobs 114 are
rotatable so as to allow the user to activate each burner assembly
and determine the amount of heat input provided by each burner
assembly 106, 108, 109, and 110 to a cooking utensil located
thereon. Panel 112 may also be provided with one or more graphical
display devices that deliver certain information to the user such
as e.g., whether a particular burner assembly is activated and/or
the level at which the burner assembly is set.
[0022] Although shown with knobs 114, it should be understood that
knobs 114 and the configuration of cooktop appliance 100 shown in
FIG. 1 are provided by way of example only. More specifically, user
interface 112 may include various input components, such as one or
more of a variety of touch-type controls, electrical, mechanical or
electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push
buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 112 may include other
display components, such as a digital or analog display device
designed to provide operational feedback to a user.
[0023] An exemplary embodiment of a system 200 for gaseous fuel
ignition of the present invention is illustrated schematically in
FIG. 2. As shown, knob 114 is used to manipulate a valve 220 that
controls the flow 216 of a gaseous fuel from supply 222. For
example, knob 114 may be connected mechanically with valve 220 by a
rod or shaft whereby the rotation of knob 114 determines the
position of valve 220 between off, ignite, low, medium, and high
settings. Alternatively, valve 220 may be continuously adjustable
between a low and high setting so as to include multiple positions
therebetween. Other configurations may be used as well. Gas flows
from valve 220 to a gaseous fuel burner 202 (which could be e.g.,
any one of burners 106, 108, 109, or 110) through flow path 218.
One or more features for combining air with the gaseous fuel in the
proper ratio for combustion may be provided along flow path 218
and/or at gas burner 202.
[0024] An ignition system 204 is provided for initiating combustion
of the gaseous fuel when flowing from burner 202. A variety of
configurations may be used for ignition system 204. For example,
ignition system 204 may include an electrode positioned near a
metal component of burner 202 proximate to where gaseous fuel exits
one or more openings in burner 202. The electrode can be caused to
generate a spark between the electrode and metal component. The
spark can ignite the flow of gaseous fuel flowing from burner 202
if in the proper ratio with air for combustion.
[0025] Indicia 120 (FIG. 1) may be provided near knob 114 to
indicate a "light" or "ignition" position into which knob 114 can
be rotated from an off position so as to cause the electrode to
continuously spark while gas is allowed to flow through valve 220.
Once a flame is established at burner 202, knob 114 can be rotated
to the desired heat setting.
[0026] Other configurations for the ignition system 204 of system
200 may also be used and are within the scope of the present
invention. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the user
can rotate the knob 114 from an off position directly to the
desired heat setting without having to position knob 114 at a
"light" or "ignition" position. With knob 114 positioned at the
desired heat setting, the ignition system 204 automatically begins
to spark and continues sparking until a flame is established at
burner 202 as discussed more fully below.
[0027] System 200 also includes a flame sensor 206 that can be used
to determine the presence of a flame at burner 202. A variety of
configurations can be used for flame sensor 206. For example, flame
sensor 206 may include an electrode positioned in proximity to
burner 202. Upon the presence of a flame, sensor 206 provides a
signal that can be received e.g., by a controller 208. Other
configurations for flame sensor 206 can be used as well.
Alternatively, or in addition thereto, flame sensor 206 can provide
a signal indicating the absence of a flame from at least a portion
of burner 202.
[0028] At least one controller 208 is also provided as part of
system 200. Controller 208 may include one or more memory devices
and one or more microprocessors, such as a general or special
purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions
or micro-control code associated with the operation of cooktop
appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such
as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one
embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored
in memory. Such instructions may implement one or more exemplary
methods as described herein. The memory may be a separate component
from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
Controller 208 may be connected with one or more power sources.
Although shown as a separate feature in FIG. 2, it should be
understood that controller 208 and ignition system 204 could be
constructed integrally in the unit or package.
[0029] As shown, for this exemplary embodiment of system 200,
controller 208 can be e.g., placed into communication with, or
receive signals from valve 220, ignition system 204, flame sensor
206, knob 114, or combinations thereof. For example, lines 210 and
224 represent one or more signals between valve 220, knob 114, and
controller 208 whereby controller 208 can determine the position of
valve 220. Consequently, controller 208 can thereby detect whether
gas flow to burner 202 has been activated so as to provide a flow
of gaseous fuel thereto.
[0030] Similarly, line 212 represents one or more signals between
controller 208 and ignition system 204 whereby e.g., controller 208
may activate or cause ignition system 204 to operate so to provide
a spark at burner 202. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, line
212 may represent a signal that can be provided to controller 208
when ignition system 204 has been activated.
[0031] Line 214 represents one or more signals whereby e.g.,
controller 208 can detect whether a flame is present at burner 202.
For example, flame sensor 206 can provide such signal upon flame
detection. While only one flame sensor 206 is shown, multiple flame
sensors may be used about burner 202 to detect the presence of
flame at more than one location around the burner.
[0032] As will be understood by one of skill in the art using the
teachings disclosed herein, lines 210, 212, 214, and/or 224 can
represent electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical means by
which such signals are provided between the respective devices. For
example, each line may represent one or more wires as needed to
provide a signal.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 350 of the present
invention that may be used with e.g., cooktop appliance 100
equipped with system 200. Method 350 is provided by way of example
only. Other methods may be used as well--as will be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art using the teachings disclosed
herein.
[0034] Continuing with FIG. 3, step 300 represents an off condition
from which a user may start using appliance 100. Accordingly, from
step 300, the user rotates knob 114 to a position that provides a
gaseous fuel flow through lines 216 and 218 to burner 202 as
indicated in step 302. Upon rotating knob 114 out of an off
position to a desired heat setting (or an "ignition" setting), such
is detected by controller 204, which can then activate or operate
ignition system 204 (step 304) so as to provide a spark that
ignites gaseous fuel at burner 202.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment for step 304, the rotation of
knob 114 that is connected with valve 220 may activate ignition
system 204 directly. Controller 208 can then detect whether
ignition system 204 has been activated through one or more signals
as indicated by line 212. Steps 302 and 304 may occur
simultaneously.
[0036] Next, in step 306, controller 208 detects or monitors for
the presence of a flame at burner 202 using flame sensor 206. As
indicated by step 306, controller 208 detects whether a flame is
present at burner 202. Once detected, controller 208 can then
deactivate ignition system 204 as indicated by step 308.
[0037] In steps 310 and 312, controller 208 determines whether the
flame has been present at burner 202 for at least a first time
period .DELTA.t.sub.1. Stated alternatively, controller 208 detects
or determines whether a flame has been sustained at burner 202
continuously for at least a first time period .DELTA.t.sub.1. Time
period .DELTA.t.sub.1 is selected e.g., as a time period sufficient
to ensure that a flame is ignited and established at burner 202.
For example, in one exemplary aspect of the invention, first time
period .DELTA.t.sub.1 is in the range of 0.5 second to 1.5 seconds.
In another exemplary aspect of the invention, first time period
.DELTA.t.sub.1 is about 1 second. Other time periods may be used as
well. Steps 306, 308, 310, and/or 312 may occur simultaneously or
nearly so. In another exemplary aspect of the invention, controller
208 may not deactivate ignition system 204 until a flame has been
detected at burner 202 for at least the first time period
.DELTA.t.sub.1.
[0038] If, before time period .DELTA.t.sub.1 has elapsed,
controller 208 determines that the flame is no longer detected at
burner 202, then the controller 208 returns to step 304 to
reactivate the ignition system and repeat the method.
[0039] Alternatively, if controller 208 does detect a flame at
burner 202 for at least a time period .DELTA.t.sub.1, then in step
314 controller 208 continues monitoring the presence of a flame at
burner 202. For example, in step 314, controller 208 uses flame
sensor 206 to monitor the flame previously established at burner
202 while burner 202 is used to heat or cook food. During such
time, as previously described, the flame may be subject to
disruption from e.g., air currents, wafting, etc. For example, as
part of such cooking operations, the user may use knob 114 to
adjust valve 220 so as to select a low heat setting requiring a low
flow of gaseous fuel to burner 202. At this setting, the flame at
burner 202 can be particularly subject to disruption as previously
described.
[0040] Accordingly, in order to minimize or prevent nuisance
sparking, in steps 314 and 316 the controller 208 continues to
monitor or determine whether a flame is present at gas burner 202.
If the flame sensor 206 indicates that a flame is no longer being
detected over at least a portion of burner 202, then as part of
step 316 the controller 208 is programmed to determine whether the
flame is absent from the burner 202 for at least a predetermined
second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2. It should be understood that
even though flame sensor 206 indicates a flame is no longer
detected, the flame may only be partially absent around burner 202.
Nevertheless, such partial absence can cause flame sensor 206 to
provide a signal indicative of the absence of the flame. However,
rather than immediately causing ignition system 204 to begin
sparking, upon determining the absence of a flame, controller 208
initiates a timer (e.g., starting at time t.sub.o) to determine how
long the flame is detected as absent.
[0041] If, after time t.sub.o, the flame sensor 206 detects the
presence of a flame within a time period after t.sub.o that is less
than the predetermined second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2, then
controller 208 continues monitoring the flame as in step 314.
However, if after time t.sub.o, the flame sensor 206 does not
detect the flame for at least a time period .DELTA.t.sub.2, then
controller 202 returns to step 304 and activates or operates
ignition system 204 to relight burner 202 and repeat steps 306
through 316.
[0042] By providing the second time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 before
attempting to reignite, system 350 provides an opportunity for the
flame to fully restore itself at burner 202 without operating
ignition system 204. As such, system 350 can prevent or minimize
nuisance sparking. In one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, predetermined time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 may be in the
range of about 2.5 seconds to about 3.5 seconds. In another
exemplary embodiment, predetermined time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 may
be about 3 seconds. In still another exemplary embodiment,
predetermined time period .DELTA.t.sub.2 may be about 5 seconds.
Other time periods for .DELTA.t.sub.2 may be used as well.
[0043] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *