U.S. patent application number 14/211849 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for tooth assembly and cutting bits for stump grinder.
This patent application is currently assigned to LEONARDI MANUFACTURING CO., INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is LEONARDI MANUFACTURING CO., INC.. Invention is credited to Bruce C. Jordan, Joseph A. Leonardi.
Application Number | 20160205875 14/211849 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41695219 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160205875 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Leonardi; Joseph A. ; et
al. |
July 21, 2016 |
Tooth Assembly and Cutting Bits For Stump Grinder
Abstract
A stump grinding wheel tooth assembly having a mounting block
positioned around the periphery of the wheel and a cutting bit
attached to the mounting block by a pin passing through a hole in
the cutting bit and a corresponding hole in the mounting block and
capped by a nut. The mounting block may support multiple cutting
bits arranged into a predetermined patterns based on the location
of the holes, such as pairs of cutting bits or even a quad
formation. The cutting bits may be provided in various geometric
configurations, such as round, triangular, square, rectangular,
pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal.
Inventors: |
Leonardi; Joseph A.;
(Auburn, NY) ; Jordan; Bruce C.; (Auburn,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEONARDI MANUFACTURING CO., INC. |
Weedsport |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LEONARDI MANUFACTURING CO.,
INC.
Weedsport
NY
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140196819 A1 |
July 17, 2014 |
|
|
Family ID: |
41695219 |
Appl. No.: |
14/211849 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12544146 |
Aug 19, 2009 |
8672001 |
|
|
14211849 |
|
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61156654 |
Mar 2, 2009 |
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61090078 |
Aug 19, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 23/067
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 23/06 20060101
A01G023/06 |
Claims
1-26. (canceled)
27. A bit assembly for use in a disc of a for a stump grinding
machine, the disc comprising a peripheral edge and defining a
central axis, a radial direction and an angular direction, the bit
assembly comprising: a first bit holder sized and shaped to be
mechanically connected to the disc at the peripheral edge of the
disc; a first bit; and a first connection hardware set structured
and located to detachably mechanically connect the first bit to the
first bit holder; wherein: the first bit extends beyond the first
bit holder in the axial direction by a side clearance amount which
side clearance amount is at least sufficient so that the stump
grinding machine can perform the axial direction cutting
characteristic of stump grinding machines.
28. The assembly of claim 27 wherein the first bit extends beyond
the first bit holder in the radial direction by a top clearance
amount.
29. The assembly of claim 27 wherein: the first bit holder is
sized, structured and/or shaped to be at least partially received
in a recess formed in the peripheral edge of the disc.
30. A bit assembly for use in a tool including a rotating disc, the
assembly comprising: a bit; a bit holder; a connection hardware
set; and a shock absorber; wherein: the connection hardware set
includes an elongated member that extends through the shock
absorber and the bit holder and detachably mechanically connects
the shock absorber and the bit to the bit holder; and the shock
absorber is structured to absorb shocks imparted to the bit in
operation of the tool.
31. The assembly of claim 30 wherein: the bit defines a transverse
cross-sectional profile; the shock absorber defines a transverse
cross-sectional profile; and the transverse cross-sectional profile
of the shock absorber is at least substantially co-extensive with
the transverse cross-sectional profile of the bit.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/544,146 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,001),
which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.
61/090,078, filed on Aug. 19, 2008, and U.S. patent application No.
61/156,654, filed on Mar. 2, 2009; all of the foregoing
patent-related document(s) are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their respective entirety(ies).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to grinding tools (see
DEFINITIONS section), more particularly to outdoor grinding tools
(see DEFINITIONS section), and also more particularly to rotating
disc assemblies (including a disc and bit sub-assembly(ies)) for
grinding tools.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various types of stump grinders exist in the prior art.
These machines typically include: a chassis; a motor; a stump
grinding wheel; and teeth. The stump grinding wheel is mechanically
connected to the chassis and motor so that the motor rotates the
wheel about its central axis. The stump grinding teeth are mounted
to the wheel at angular intervals about the central axis. The teeth
are mounted either to: (i) the side surfaces of the wheel; or (ii)
the peripheral edge of the wheel. A mounting mechanism is used to
rigidly mechanically constrain each tooth to the wheel.
[0006] In some prior art stump grinder designs, a pocket clamps a
tooth having a cutting bit to the wheel and a pair of bolts fixes
the pocket to the wheel. In prior art stump grinder designs where
the tooth is mounted around the peripheral edge of the wheel, an
O-ring or similar type of fastening mechanism is used to fix the
tooth to the mounting block which in turn may be brazed or
otherwise affixed to the wheel. Regardless of the type of mounting
mechanism used, it takes a bit of time and tools to detach a worn
or broken tooth from a mounting mechanism, and replace it with a
new tooth.
[0007] The cutting bit portions of the teeth are worn (or
"degrade") by coming into contact with the wood of the stump being
ground. Also, the cutting bit portions may come into contact with
foreign objects embedded in the wood, such as rock, nails, or other
hard substances. The impact with these harder objects greatly
increases the degradation of the cutting bits. Once the edge is
worn beyond an acceptable limit, the tooth or teeth must be
changed.
[0008] Traditionally, changing the teeth required the operator to
use a drill or other tool to remove bolts that fasten a pocket to
the wheel. The teeth, in turn, are clamped to the wheel by the
pockets. This process is laborious and, with conventional teeth,
the entire tooth has to be discarded and replaced with a new tooth.
Thus, in addition, to the downtime associated with changing the
teeth, the teeth themselves raise the expense associated with the
grinding operation.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,652 ("Ashby") discloses a land clearing
apparatus that includes a rotating rasp used to shred trees, brush
and debris. More specifically, rasp 20 includes drum 22, guard 26,
removable impact structures 34 and adaptors 48. As shown in FIG. 2
of Ashby, the removable impact structures and respectively
associated are located at regular angular intervals around the
rotating drum.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,657 ("Riesselman") discloses a stump
cutter including a rotatable disk having multiple cutting tool
holders. The cutting tool holders each have a cutting tool bit
cantilevered therefrom to engage a stump brought into contact with
the cutting tool. The cutting tool holder/bit sub-assemblies
alternate in the angular direction with subassemblies that
Riesselman refers to as non-cutting protectors. As shown in Figure
I of Riesselman, each bit extend in the radial direction beyond the
outermost radial edge of the protectors by a distance of LI. With
respect to its protectors and bits Riesselman discloses the
following: "In the embodiment shown, the protector 20 is spaced
sufficiently far out so that cutting tool bites into an object only
to the depth LI of the hardened cutting tip 16. With traditional
stump cutters, no leading protector is provided and the cutter
wheel could inadvertently overbite and cause wheel hang-up. I have
found that with use of a protector with a massive non-cutting
leading edge which is placed ahead of the lead cutting tool a
distance denoted by PI, the problem of broken cutting tools is
substantially eliminated. That is, the non-cutting leading edge of
the protector can be spaced rotationally ahead of the cutting tool
to provide protection to the cutting tool. I have found that even
with P1 distances of six or seven inches I can still provide
protection for the first stage cutter and holder located behind the
protector . . . . By having a massive protector that has a greater
mass than the cutting tool and is not cantilevered outward as the
cutting tool is, the protector can absorb shocks and impacts
through gradual abrasion of the protector while the first stage
cutting teeth of a row of cutting teeth can be protected."
Riesselman does not seem to disclose how large its dimension LI is
supposed to be.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,725 ("Leonardi 1") discloses various
operating angles and/or angles between components associated with a
stump grinding tool rotating disc.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,445 ("Shinn") discloses a cutter tooth
located on the outer peripheral surface of a rotatable cutter
adapted for clearing, mulching and grinding trees.
[0013] Other published documents which may be of interest include:
(i) U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,314 ("Puch"); (ii) U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,541
("Green"); and (iii) US patent application 2008/0149224
("Kappel").
[0014] Description Of the Related Art Section Disclaimer: To the
extent that specific publications are discussed above in this
Description of the Related Art Section, these discussions should
not be taken as an admission that the discussed publications (for
example, published patents) are prior art for patent law purposes.
For example, some or all of the discussed publications may not be
sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter
developed early enough in time and/or may not be sufficiently
enabling so as to amount to prior art for patent law purposes. To
the extent that specific publications are discussed above in this
Description of the Related Art Section, they are all hereby
incorporated by reference into this document in their respective
entirety(ies).
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Some embodiments of the present invention (see DEFINITIONS
section) are directed to a tooth assembly for a stump grinding
wheel including a mounting block having a shoulder formed therein,
and a cutting bit that may be engaged with shoulder and removably
attachable to the mounting block. In a preferred embodiment, the
cutting bit is mounted to the mounting block using a bolt that
passes through a hole formed through the cutting bit and a
corresponding hole formed in mounting block. The bolt is affixed in
position through cutting bit and block by a nut. The tooth assembly
may optionally include a shock absorber positioned between the
cutting bit and the mounting block.
[0016] Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
stump grinding wheel provided with a series of slits formed
entirely through one side of wheel to the opposing side. The
mounting block may support multiple cutting bits, such as a two,
three, or even four cutting bits. Each bit is attached to the
mounting block via a pin and hole. The front face of the cutting
bits may be configured into a variety of geometric shapes, such as
round, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal,
octagonal or decagonal, and may have rounded edges. Some preferred
cutting bits according to the present invention are generally
triangular (for example, triangular with rounded corners) and
"indexable." More specifically, in some embodiments of the present
invention a triangular bit will wear most quickly in the vicinity
of a corner of the triangle positioned to extend from the disc in
the disc's radial or longitudinal direction. By detaching the
cutting bit and repositioning it in an orientation displaced 120
degrees, about the central axis of the bit, from its previous
position, a different corner is "indexed" to extend from the disc.
This indexing extends the life of the bit.
[0017] One aspect of the present invention is a rotating disc
assembly where the bit extends past the disc by a relatively small
amount in the radial and/or axial directions. Preferably, these
extensions are less than 3/16 inch. Even more preferably, they are
about 1/8 inch.
[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is a disc that
includes a radial direction ramp edge extending along the angular
direction of the disc from each bit sub-assembly (see FIG. 1 at
ramping portion 33 including first flat portion 37, curved portion
35, second flat portion 32 and ramp-meets-receiving-recess portion
34).
[0019] Various embodiments of the present invention may exhibit one
or more of the following objects, features and/or advantages:
[0020] (i) reduction of mechanical shocks due to square impacts
between bits and hard debris in the soil (for example rocks);
[0021] (ii) reduction of equipment breakage due to square impacts
between bits and hard debris in the soil (for example rocks);
[0022] (iii) reduction of flying debris occasioned by stump
grinding due to square impacts between bits and hard debris in the
soil (for example rocks);
[0023] (iv) use of rock stop prevents and/or reduces damage caused
by physical interference with hard debris;
[0024] (v) use of rock stop prevents and/or reduces groove from
being worn into the disc in the vicinity of the leading edge of a
well and associated bit assembly;
[0025] (vi) use of rock stop made of a soft/hard material matrix
collects dirt in operation and provides a helpful dirt/dirt
interface between the disc and the dirt within which it is rotating
and grinding;
[0026] (vii) it is a principal object and advantage of the present
invention to provide a tooth assembly that allows the cutting bits
to be easily replaced;
[0027] (viii) it is another object and advantage of the present
invention to provide a tooth assembly that supports multiple
cutting bits;
[0028] (ix) it is a further object and advantage of the present
invention to provide cutting bits having various applications;
and
[0029] (x) other objects and advantages of the present invention
may, in part, be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
relevant art and, in part, may be explicitly stated
hereinafter.
[0030] According to an aspect of the present invention, a disc
assembly for a grinder includes a disc, a first bit holder, a first
bit and a first connection hardware set. The disc defines a central
axis, a radial direction and an angular direction. The disc
includes a peripheral edge and has at least one receiving recess
defined in its peripheral edge. The first bit holder is
mechanically connected to the disc and at least partially received
in the at least one receiving recess. The first bit holder defines
a first bit holder hole. The first bit defines a first bit hole.
The first connection hardware set is structured and located to
mechanically connect the first bit to the first bit holder. The
first connection hardware set includes an elongated member located
to extend at least partially through the first bit holder hole and
the first bit hole.
[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a disc
assembly for a grinder includes a disc, a first bit holder, a first
bit and a first connection hardware set. The disc defines a central
axis, a radial direction and an angular direction. The first bit
holder is mechanically connected to the disc. The first bit holder
includes a front surface generally facing a direction of rotation
of the disc. The first bit includes a front surface generally
facing a direction of rotation of the disc. The first connection
hardware set is structured and located to mechanically connect the
first bit to the first bit holder so that the front surface of the
first bit holder is at least substantially aligned with the front
surface of the first bit holder.
[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a disc
assembly for a grinder includes a disc, a first bit holder, a first
bit and a first connection hardware set. The disc defines a central
axis, a radial direction and an angular direction. The first bit
holder is mechanically connected to the disc. The first connection
hardware set is structured and located to mechanically connect the
first bit to the first bit holder. The disc includes a peripheral
edge that defines at least one receiving recess. The first bit
holder is at least partially received in the receiving recess. The
first bit holder is substantially L-shaped in a plane perpendicular
to the central axis of the disc, with one arm of the "L" being a
received portion of the first bit holder and the other arm of the
"L" being a bit securing portion of the first bit holder. The
received portion of the first bit holder is at least partially
received in the receiving recess. The received portion of the first
bit holder includes a bit facing surface that faces the direction
of extension of the bit securing portion. The first connection
hardware set is structured and located to mechanically connect the
first bit to the bit securing portion of the first bit holder in a
position so that the bit facing surface of the received portion of
the first bit holder at least substantially faces the first
bit.
[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, a disc
assembly for a grinder includes a disc, a first bit assembly and a
second bit assembly. The disc defines a central axis, a radial
direction and an angular direction. The disc includes a peripheral
edge and has a first receiving recess and a second receiving recess
defined therein. A first ramping portion of the peripheral edge
extends along the angular direction from the first receiving recess
to the second receiving recess. The first bit assembly is
mechanically connected to the disc and at least partially received
in the first receiving recess. The second bit assembly is
mechanically connected to the disc and at least partially received
in the second receiving recess. The first ramping portion increases
in it radial size as it extends from the first receiving recess to
the second receiving recess.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0034] The present invention will be more fully understood and
appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a stump grinding
wheel according to the present invention.
[0036] FIGS. 2A-2C are schematics of a tooth assembly according to
the present invention.
[0037] FIGS. 3A-3D are schematics of various embodiments of tooth
assembly according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative tooth
assembly according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a
tooth assembly according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in Figure I
a stump grinding wheel 10 according to the present invention. Wheel
10 includes a series of tooth assemblies 12 mounted thereon. As
seen in FIG. 1, tooth assemblies 12 are spaced annularly around the
periphery of wheel 10, but those of skill in the art will recognize
that tooth assemblies 12 may be positioned on either side of wheel
10. For example, Applicant's co-pending applications Ser. Nos.
11/926,886 and 11/927,040, hereby incorporated by reference,
discloses various tooth assembly configurations.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, tooth assembly 12 comprises a
mounting block 14, a shoulder 16 and a cutting bit 18 that may be
engaged with shoulder (or bit base) 16 and removably attachable to
shoulder piece 16 and block (or bit holder) 14. In a preferred
embodiment, cutting bit 18 is mounted to block 14 using an
elongated member in the form of bolt 20 that passes through a hole
22 formed through cutting bit 18 and a corresponding hole 24 formed
in block 14. Bolt 20 is affixed in position through cutting bit 18
and block 14 by a nut 26. Bolt 20 may be countersunk or comprise a
half-round head so that it could be angled relative to cutting bit
18 to provide the additional clearance needed on large diameter
wheels 10. As seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C (upper bit), 3D, 4 (last bit
in the series shown) and 5, cutting bit 18 may be made generally
triangular in in shape (that is, the peripheral edge of the cutting
bit has three flat portions 18a, 18b, 18c (see FIG. 5)) and
positioned such that one base of the triangular shape is positioned
proximately to wheel 10 and an apex of the triangle extending
outwardly. In some embodiments, a flat portion opposite the apex
will sit on a blade facing surface 23 of block (or bit holder) 14.
Because the bit has multiple flat surfaces, it can be rotated about
its central axis and "indexed" between multiple position and the
active portion(s) of the bit wears. For example, with a triangular
bit, when one apex wears, then the other apexes can be rotated into
the high wear position to extend the life of the bit.
[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, stump
grinding wheel 10 may be provided with a series of slits 28 formed
entirely through one side of wheel 10 to the opposing side, as seen
in FIG. 1. Wheel 10 further includes a series of receptacles 30
formed in its peripheral edge 32, where each receptacle 30 includes
a forward lip 34 and a rearward lip 36 that define a receiving
location 38 therebetween for affixing mounting block 14. As
described earlier, mounting blocks 14 are preferably positioned
around the periphery of wheel 10 in spaced annular relation to each
other.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, tooth assembly 12 accordingly to
the present invention may comprise a variety of configuration for
supporting multiple cutting bits 18. For example, as seen in FIG.
3A, tooth assembly 12 includes a mounting block 14 that is
configured to support four cutting bits 18, wherein each bit 18 is
attached to mounting block 14 via a pin and hole, as described
earlier with respect to FIG. 1. Alternatively, mounting block 14
may support a pair of cutting bits 18 positioned side-by-side
relative to wheel 10, as seen in FIG. 3B, or a pair of stacked
cutting bits 18, as seen in FIG. 3C. As seen in FIG. 3D, mounting
block (or bit holder) 14 may optionally support three cutting bits
18 positioned into a triangular configuration.
[0044] As seen in FIG. 4, the front face of cutting bits 18 may be
configured into a variety of geometric shapes, such as round,
triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal
or decagonal, and may have rounded edges. Referring to FIG. 5,
tooth assembly 12 may further comprise a shock absorber 40
positioned between cutting bit 18 and shoulder 16 of mounting block
14.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, bit holder 14 is generally "L" shaped,
with one arm of the "L" being a receiving portion 42, and the other
arm of the "L" being a bit securing portion 44. The bit holder
includes a front surface 46. The bit also includes a front surface
48. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 5, in some
preferred embodiments of the invention, the front surface of the
bit is at least approximately flush with the front surface of the
bit holder.
DEFINITIONS
[0046] Any and all published documents mentioned herein shall be
considered to be incorporated by reference, in their respective
entireties, herein to the fullest extent of the patent law. The
following definitions are provided for claim construction
purposes:
[0047] Present invention: means at least some embodiments of the
present invention; references to various feature(s) of the "present
invention" throughout this document do not mean that all claimed
embodiments or methods include the referenced feature(s).
[0048] First, second, third, etc. ("ordinals"): Unless otherwise
noted, ordinals only serve to distinguish or identify (e.g.,
various members of a group); the mere use of ordinals implies
neither a consecutive numerical limit nor a serial limitation.
[0049] Mechanically connected: Includes both direct mechanical
connections, and indirect mechanical connections made through
intermediate components; includes rigid mechanical connections as
well as mechanical connection that allows for relative motion
between the mechanically connected components; includes, but is not
limited, to welded connections, solder connections, connections by
fasteners (for example, nails, bolts, screws, nuts, hook-and-loop
fasteners, knots, rivets, force fit connections, friction fit
connections, connections secured by engagement added by
gravitational forces, quick-release connections, pivoting or
rotatable connections, slidable mechanical connections, latches
and/or magnetic connections).
[0050] Grinding tools: any tool for grinding any type of matter;
grinding tools include, but are not necessarily limited to: mowers,
mulchers; horizontal grinders; tub grinders and/or stump grinders;
electric motor powered grinding tools, internal combustion powered
grinding tools; man-portable grinding tools; stationary grinding
tools; and/or vehicle portable grinding tools.
[0051] Outdoor grinding tools: any grinding tool designed primary
for use in an outdoor environment typically including one or more
of the following materials: stumps, live plants, brush, soil, clay,
sand, small rocks, large rocks, medium rocks, man-made debris (for
example, sidewalk, discarded trash); outdoor grinding tools
include, but are not necessarily limited to: mowers, mulchers;
outdoor horizontal grinders; outdoor tub grinders and/or stump
grinders.
[0052] Disc: any member that defines a central axis and two major
surfaces and is shaped to be suitable for being driven into
rotation about its central axis, without regard to: (i) whether its
shape is particularly circular; (ii) flatness in the axial
direction; (iii) whether it is formed as a single piece; and/or
(iv) presence or absence of holes or apertures through the disc; it
is highly preferable for discs to be rotationally balanced with
respect to both angular distribution of mass and axial distribution
of mass, but this is not necessarily required; in some embodiments
of the present invention, the "disc" may take the form of a drum,
having multiple bit sub-assemblies along its relatively long axial
dimension.
[0053] Bit: any member suitable for being driven into rotation to
grind soil, debris and/or plant matter: (i) material used to make
the bit; (ii) number of pieces making up the bit; (iii) number of
cutting edges on the bit; (iv) whether the bit is more suitable for
grinding stumps, brush or live trees; and/or (v) specific shape of
the bit holder.
[0054] received in a recess: if a part is received in a recess, it
does not necessarily mean that the received part actually touches
the recess; there may intermediate layers or parts between the
received part and the receiving surface of the recess.
[0055] between: a first part shall be considered to be in "between"
a second part and a third part even if there are intermediate parts
between the second part and first part and/or between the first
part and third part; for example, in the character string "ABCDE,"
C is considered to be "between" A and E (and also between B and E,
and also between A and D, and also between B and D).
[0056] surface: not limited to planar surfaces, not limited to
surfaces without discontinuities.
[0057] To the extent that the definitions provided above are
consistent with ordinary, plain, and accustomed meanings (as
generally shown by documents such as dictionaries and/or technical
lexicons), the above definitions shall be considered supplemental
in nature. To the extent that the definitions provided above are
inconsistent with ordinary, plain, and accustomed meanings (as
generally shown by documents such as dictionaries and/or technical
lexicons), the above definitions shall control.
[0058] Unless otherwise explicitly provided in the claim language,
steps in method steps or process claims need only be performed in
the same time order as the order the steps are recited in the claim
only to the extent that impossibility or extreme feasibility
problems dictate that the recited step order be used. This broad
interpretation with respect to step order is to be used regardless
of whether the alternative time ordering(s) of the claimed steps is
particularly mentioned or discussed in this document--in other
words, any step order discussed in the above specification shall be
considered as required by a method claim only if the step order is
explicitly set forth in the words of the method claim itself. Also,
if some time ordering is explicitly set forth in a method claim,
the time ordering claim language shall not be taken as an implicit
limitation on whether claimed steps are immediately consecutive in
time, or as an implicit limitation against intervening steps.
* * * * *