U.S. patent application number 15/187261 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-22 for heat exchanging device and method therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KG. Invention is credited to Johann Hofer, Andreas Pleschinger.
Application Number | 20160370035 15/187261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53491278 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160370035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hofer; Johann ; et
al. |
December 22, 2016 |
HEAT EXCHANGING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR
Abstract
A heat exchanging device having a first hollow profile
configured to conduct a first medium, a second hollow profile
configured to conduct a second medium, and where at least a part of
the second hollow profile is wound around at least a part of the
first hollow profile. A nominal width of the second hollow profile
is smaller than a nominal width of the first hollow profile. An
outer surface of the first hollow profile comprises a first contact
portion, an outer surface of the second hollow profile comprises a
second contact portion, and the first contact portion and the
second contact portion are coupled by means of a soldered
connection.
Inventors: |
Hofer; Johann; (St. Georgen,
AT) ; Pleschinger; Andreas; (Schleedorf, AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KG |
Lamprechtshausen |
|
AT |
|
|
Family ID: |
53491278 |
Appl. No.: |
15/187261 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 13/00 20130101;
F28D 2021/0071 20130101; F28F 2275/04 20130101; F28D 7/024
20130101; F28D 7/0033 20130101; F28F 1/02 20130101; F28D 2021/007
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 13/00 20060101
F25B013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 19, 2015 |
EP |
15173017.3-1602 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanging device comprising: a first hollow profile
configured to conduct a first medium; a second hollow profile
configured to conduct a second medium, wherein at least a part of
the second hollow profile is wound around at least a part of the
first hollow profile; wherein a nominal width of the second hollow
profile is smaller than a nominal width of the first hollow
profile; and wherein an outer surface of the first hollow profile
comprises a first contact portion, wherein an outer surface of the
second hollow profile comprises a second contact portion, and
wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion
are coupled by means of a soldered connection.
2. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
outer surface of the second hollow profile comprises an outside
portion arranged opposite to the second contact portion, wherein
the outside portion and the second contact portion are
parallel.
3. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein a cross
section of the second hollow profile has a trapezoid shape, where
the second contact portion corresponds to a basis of the trapezoid
shape.
4. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
first hollow profile comprises a straight portion, wherein the
second hollow profile is wound around at least a part of the
straight portion.
5. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein a
central axis of the part of the second hollow profile that is wound
around the part of the first hollow profile corresponds to a helix
having a uniform pitch.
6. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein a
distance between two adjacent windings of the second hollow profile
s equal to or larger than 1.5 mm.
7. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein a
distance between two adjacent windings of the second hollow profile
is equal to or smaller than 0.3 mm.
8. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
first hollow profile comprises stainless steel.
9. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
second hollow profile comprises aluminum.
10. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
nominal width of the second hollow profile corresponds to a
distance between a first inner surface section of the second hollow
profile arranged opposite to the second contact portion and a
second inner surface section of the second hollow profile arranged
opposite to the outside portion.
11. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein at
least a part of the first hollow profile has a circular
cross-section.
12. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
nominal width of the first hollow profile is substantially 20
mm-120 mm.
13. The heat exchanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
nominal width of the second hollow profile is substantially 5 mm-25
mm.
14. A heat pump comprising the heat exchanging device according to
claim 1, wherein the heat exchanging device is employed as one of
an evaporator or a compressor.
15. A domestic applicance, comprising a heat pump according to
claim 14.
16. A method of operating a heat exchanging device according to
claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of: conducting a
first medium in a first hollow profile; conducting a second medium
in a second hollow profile, wherein at least a part of the second
hollow profile is wound around at least a part of the first hollow
profile; wherein a nominal width of the second hollow profile is
smaller than a nominal width of the first hollow profile; wherein
an outer surface of the first hollow profile comprises a first
contact portion, wherein an outer surface of the second hollow
profile comprises a second contact portion, and wherein the first
contact portion and the second contact portion are coupled by means
of a soldered connection.
17. A method of providing a heat exchanging device comprising:
providing a first hollow profile configured to conduct a first
medium; providing a second hollow profile configured to conduct a
second medium, wherein a nominal width of the second hollow profile
is smaller than a nominal width of the first hollow profile;
winding at least a part of the second hollow profile around at
least a part of the first hollow profile; providing a soldered
connection to couple a first contact portion and a second contact
portion, wherein an outer surface of the first hollow profile
comprises the first contact portion, and wherein an outer surface
of the second hollow profile comprises the second contact portion.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Technical Field
[0002] The disclosure relates to a heat exchanging device, to a
heat pump, to a domestic appliance, to a method of operating a heat
exchanging device, and to a method of providing a heat exchanging
device.
[0003] Description of the Related Art
[0004] Many domestic appliances, such as, e.g., dishwashers or
washing machines, are designed to heat water during operation of
the appliance. Heating up water requires however a substantial
amount of energy, where the domestic appliances at the same time
produce wastewater that is often still warm. Efforts have thus been
made to recover the thermal energy of wastewater in domestic
appliances.
[0005] DE2743333A1 discloses a heat recovery system recovering heat
from waste water from washing basins, sinks, bidets and showers.
These sanitary installations have hot and cold water supply and
smell trap in outlet. Heat recovered is used for fresh water
preheating. The smell trap itself or a connected vessel forms heat
exchanger with a helical hollow profile coil. Water from cold water
supply flows through this helical coil and cold water is warmed by
the waste water heat. The preheated water flows into a hot water
boiler or mixing valve. The whole waste water vessel and heat
exchanger can be built into a boiler tank.
[0006] There is however a problem with the prior art when a first
medium (e.g., wastewater) completely surrounds a hollow profile
carrying the second medium (e.g., fresh water). The material of the
hollow profile carrying the second medium then has to be chosen
appropriately, in order to avoid degradation from, e.g.,
corrosion.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an improved heat exchanging device, an improved heat pump,
an improved domestic appliance, an improved method of operating a
heat exchanging device, and an improved method of providing a heat
exchanging device.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a heat exchanging device comprising a first hollow
profile configured to conduct a first medium; a second hollow
profile configured to conduct a second medium, wherein at least a
part of the second hollow profile is wound around at least a part
of the first hollow profile; wherein a nominal width of the second
hollow profile is smaller than a nominal width of the first hollow
profile; wherein an outer surface of the first hollow profile
comprises a first contact portion, wherein an outer surface of the
second hollow profile comprises a second contact portion, and
wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion
are coupled by means of a soldered connection.
[0009] The term hollow profile, as used herein, shall not be
limited to a hollow cylinder for conducting fluids. Specifically,
the cross section of the first and second hollow profiles is not
limited to a circular shape, but the term hollow profile shall
include other hollow profiles suitable for conducting fluids as
well.
[0010] The second medium may be, e.g., a refrigerant, or more
generally a phase-changing, pure, non-polluted fluid. By conducting
the second medium in the second hollow profile which is wound
around the first hollow profile, the second hollow profile does not
get into contact with the first medium. The first medium is
typically a fluid, more specifically a fluid carrying dirt
particles, even more specifically wastewater. If the first medium
is water, such as, e.g., wastewater, the material of the second
hollow profile therefore does not have to be adapted to provide
sufficient protection from corrosion.
[0011] In order to ensure a sufficient thermal exchange between the
first medium and the second medium to recover the heat from, e.g.,
wastewater in a domestic appliance, the first contact portion and
the second contact portion are coupled by means of a soldered
connection. Consequently, by providing soldering connections
between the first and second hollow profiles, the present invention
achieves an improved thermal contact between first medium and
second medium.
[0012] In an embodiment, the outer surface of the second hollow
profile comprises an outside portion arranged opposite to the
second contact portion, wherein the outside portion and the second
contact portion are parallel. By arranging the outside portion and
the second contact portion in a parallel manner, the present
embodiment achieves the effect of maintaining a small nominal width
of the second hollow profile. In particular, when considering a
cross section of the second hollow profile, a convex curving of the
second hollow profile is avoided. Thereby, the present embodiment
further improves on suppressing significant thermal differences
along the cross section profile.
[0013] In a further embodiment, a cross section of the second
hollow profile has a trapezoid shape, preferably a uniform
trapezoid shape, where the second contact portion corresponds to a
basis of the trapezoid shape. By providing a second hollow profile
having a trapezoid shape, the present embodiment ensures that the
outside portion and the second contact portion are arranged in a
parallel manner, where the second hollow profile's cross section
comprises a very simple shape, which is easier to manufacture.
[0014] In a further embodiment, the first hollow profile comprises
a straight portion, wherein the second hollow profile is wound
around at least a part of the straight portion. By providing at
least a part of the first hollow profile in a straight manner, the
second hollow profile can be provided in a cheaper and more
straightforward way. This is because winding a hollow profile
around a straight hollow profile is of course easier than adapting
the winding to a complex shape.
[0015] In a further embodiment, a central axis of the part of the
second hollow profile that is wound around the part of the first
hollow profile corresponds to a helix having a uniform pitch.
Choosing a uniform pitch is one possibility to have a uniform work
piece. It further enables the manufacturer to prepare second hollow
profiles of differing lengths without having to decide on the
respective lengths during winding of a basic hollow profile work
piece. In other words, it is possible to first prepare a wound
hollow profile of a given standard length and to subsequently,
depending on the desired respective lengths of second hollow
profiles, cut the basic work piece into a number of second hollow
profiles of desired lengths.
[0016] In a further embodiment, a distance between two adjacent
windings of the second hollow profile is equal to or larger than
1.5 mm. By keeping adjacent windings of the second hollow profile
at least 1.5 mm apart, it can be assured that the soldering
connection remains between the first and second contact portions
rather than distributing between the windings as well so that a
soldering connection would be provided between adjacent windings.
In other words, the proposed minimum distance between adjacent
windings ascertains that no soldering connection between adjacent
windings occurs.
[0017] In a further embodiment, a distance between two adjacent
windings of the second hollow profile is equal to or smaller than
0.3 mm. By keeping adjacent windings of the second hollow profile
closer than 0.3 mm together, a soldering connection between the
windings may be provided as well. In other words, the proposed
maximum distance between adjacent windings enables to provide a
soldering connection between adjacent windings.
[0018] In a further embodiment, the first hollow profile comprises
stainless steel, wherein the first hollow profile preferably
consists of stainless steel. Stainless steel has superior
properties in suppressing corrosion, rust or water stains.
Preferably, the first medium conducted in the first hollow profile
corresponds to water, specifically wastewater from a domestic
appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine. By choosing the
first hollow profile to comprise stainless steel, the first hollow
profile's lifetime can thus be increased in view of its frequent
contact with water.
[0019] In a further embodiment, the second hollow profile comprises
aluminum, wherein the second hollow profile preferably consists of
aluminum. Due to its excellent thermal conductivity, aluminum is
well-suited as a heat sink material. Preferably, the second medium
conducted in the second hollow profile corresponds to a
refrigerant, specifically, a refrigerant configured to regain the
heat of wastewater in a domestic appliance, such as a dishwasher or
washing machine. By choosing the second hollow profile to comprise
aluminum, it improves the thermal contact between the first medium
and the second medium.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the nominal width of the second
hollow profile corresponds to a distance between a first inner
surface section of the second hollow profile arranged opposite to
the second contact portion and a second inner surface section of
the second hollow profile arranged opposite to the outside portion.
By limiting the radial width of the second hollow profile in the
above-described manner, the present invention provides a second
hollow profile of lesser height, where thermal differences along
the cross section of the second hollow profile are avoided or at
least suppressed.
[0021] In a further embodiment, at least a part of the first hollow
profile has a circular cross section. Choosing a circular cross
section for the first hollow profile simplifies the manufacturing
process for the second hollow profile, since the second hollow
profile is wound around the first hollow profile and thus follows
the first hollow profile's periphery.
[0022] In a further embodiment, the nominal width of the first
hollow profile is equal to or larger than 20 mm and smaller than
120 mm. By providing a minimum nominal width of 20 mm, the present
embodiment ensures a sufficiently fast flow rate of the first
medium. Keeping the nominal width of the first hollow profile below
120 mm ascertains that the first medium flows slow enough to
provide sufficient thermal coupling between the first medium and
the second medium.
[0023] In a further embodiment, the nominal width of the second
hollow profile is equal to or larger than 5 mm and smaller than 25
mm. By keeping the nominal width of the second hollow profile at a
small value (e.g., 25 mm), the present embodiment provides a small
height of the cross section profile, thereby leading to avoiding
significant thermal differences along the second hollow profile's
cross section profile.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a heat pump comprising the heat exchanging device
according to the present invention, wherein the heat exchanging
device is employed as one of an evaporator or a compressor.
[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a domestic appliance, preferably one of a washing
machine or a dishwasher, comprising a heat pump according to the
present invention.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of operating a heat exchanging device
according to the present invention. The method comprises the steps
of: conducting a first medium in a first hollow profile; conducting
a second medium in a second hollow profile, wherein at least a part
of the second hollow profile is wound around at least a part of the
first hollow profile; wherein a nominal width of the second hollow
profile is smaller than a nominal width of the first hollow
profile; wherein an outer surface of the first hollow profile
comprises a first contact portion, wherein an outer surface of the
second hollow profile comprises a second contact portion, and
wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion
are coupled by means of a soldered connection.
[0027] It shall be understood that the heating system component of
claim 1 and the method of providing a heating system component of
claim 14 have similar and/or identical preferred embodiments as
defined in the dependent claims.
[0028] It shall be understood that the heat exchanging device of
claim 1, the heat pump of claim 14, the domestic appliance of claim
15, the method of operating a heat exchanging device of claim 16,
and the method of providing a heat exchanging device of claim 17
have similar and/or identical preferred embodiments as defined in
the dependent claims.
[0029] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] In the following drawings:
[0031] FIG. 1 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment of
a heat exchanging device;
[0032] FIG. 2 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment of
a heat exchanging device;
[0033] FIG. 3 provides a more detailed view of the second hollow
profile shown in FIG. 2;
[0034] FIG. 4 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment of
a heat exchanging device;
[0035] FIG. 5 provides a more detailed view of the second hollow
profile shown in FIG. 4; and
[0036] FIG. 6 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment
of
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] FIG. 1 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment of
a heat exchanging device 100 in accordance with the present
invention. Heat exchanging device 100 comprises a first hollow
profile 110 configured to conduct a first medium. In an example,
the first medium may be water, in particular wastewater from a
dishwasher, a washing machine, or other domestic appliance. The
flow direction of the first medium is indicated by arrow 130. Heat
exchanging device 100 further comprises a second hollow profile 120
configured to conduct a second medium. In an example, the second
medium may be a refrigerant. The flow direction of the second
medium is indicated by arrow 140. As illustrated in FIG. 1, at
least a part of second hollow profile 120 is wound around at least
a part of first hollow profile 110. The present invention proposes
to select a nominal width of second hollow profile 120 to be
smaller than a nominal width of first hollow profile 110. The
nominal width of second hollow profile 120 corresponds to a
distance between a first inner surface section of second hollow
profile 120 arranged opposite to the second contact portion and a
second inner surface section of second hollow profile 120 arranged
opposite to the outside portion.
[0038] In the heat exchanging device 100 of FIG. 1, first hollow
profile 110 and second hollow profile 120 are coupled by means of a
soldered connection. Specifically, an outer surface of first hollow
profile 110 comprises a first contact portion, and an outer surface
of second hollow profile 120 comprises a second contact portion.
The first contact portion and the second contact portion are then
coupled by means of a soldered connection. Second hollow profile
120 further comprises optional second hollow profile straight
sections 120a, 120b, configured to connect second hollow profile
120 to respective inlets and outlets. In an example, first hollow
profile 110 comprises stainless steel. In an example, second hollow
profile 120 comprises aluminum.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment of
a heat exchanging device 200 in accordance with the present
invention. Heat exchanging device 200 comprises a first hollow
profile 210 configured to conduct a first medium. In an example,
the first medium may be water, in particular wastewater from a
dishwasher, a washing machine, or other domestic appliance. Heat
exchanging device 200 further comprises a second hollow profile 220
configured to conduct a second medium. In an example, the second
medium may be a refrigerant. At least a part of second hollow
profile 220 is wound around at least a part of first hollow profile
210. In the heat exchanging device 200 of FIG. 2, first hollow
profile 210 and second hollow profile 220 are coupled by means of a
soldered connection. Specifically, an outer surface of first hollow
profile 210 comprises a first contact portion, and an outer surface
of second hollow profile 220 comprises a second contact portion.
The first contact portion and the second contact portion are then
coupled by means of a soldered connection. Second hollow profile
220 further comprises optional second hollow profile straight
sections 220a, 220b, configured to connect second hollow profile
220 to respective inlets and outlets. In an example, first hollow
profile 210 comprises stainless steel. In an example, second hollow
profile 220 comprises aluminum.
[0040] FIG. 3 provides a more detailed view of second hollow
profile 220. As is illustrated in FIG. 3, a cross section of second
hollow profile 220 has the shape of a rounded uniform trapezoid.
The second contact portion corresponds to a basis of the
trapezoid.
[0041] A nominal width w of second hollow profile 220 is smaller
than a nominal width of first hollow profile 210. In an example, a
typical value for the nominal width w of second hollow profile 220
is in the range of 5 to 25 mm. In an example, a typical value for
the nominal width of first hollow profile 210 is in the range of 20
to 120 mm.
[0042] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, a distance d between two
adjacent windings of second hollow profile 220 is equal to or
larger than 1.5 mm. By keeping adjacent windings of second hollow
profile 220 at least 1.5 mm apart, it can be assured that the
soldering connection remains between the first and second contact
portions rather than distributing between the windings as well so
that a soldering connection would be provided between adjacent
windings. In other words, the proposed minimum distance between
adjacent windings ascertains that no soldering connection between
adjacent windings occurs.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment of
a heat exchanging device 400 in accordance with the present
invention. Heat exchanging device 400 comprises a first hollow
profile 410 configured to conduct a first medium. In an example,
the first medium may be water, in particular wastewater from a
dishwasher, a washing machine, or other domestic appliance. Heat
exchanging device 400 further comprises a second hollow profile 420
configured to conduct a second medium. In an example, the second
medium may be a refrigerant. At least a part of second hollow
profile 420 is wound around at least a part of first hollow profile
410. In the heat exchanging device 400 of FIG. 4, first hollow
profile 410 and second hollow profile 420 are coupled by means of a
soldered connection. Specifically, an outer surface of first hollow
profile 410 comprises a first contact portion, and an outer surface
of second hollow profile 420 comprises a second contact portion.
The first contact portion and the second contact portion are then
coupled by means of a soldered connection. Second hollow profile
420 further comprises optional second hollow profile straight
sections 420a, 420b, configured to connect second hollow profile
420 to respective inlets and outlets. In an example, first hollow
profile 410 comprises stainless steel. In an example, second hollow
profile 420 comprises aluminum.
[0044] FIG. 5 provides a more detailed view of second hollow
profile 420. As is illustrated in FIG. 5, a cross section of second
hollow profile 420 has the shape of a flattened and rounded uniform
trapezoid. The second contact portion corresponds to a basis of the
trapezoid.
[0045] A nominal width w of second hollow profile 420 is smaller
than a nominal width of first hollow profile 410. In an example, a
typical value for the nominal width w of second hollow profile 420
is in the range of 5 to 25 mm. In an example, a typical value for
the nominal width of first hollow profile 410 is in the range of 20
to 120 mm.
[0046] As further illustrated in FIG. 5, a distance d between two
adjacent windings of second hollow profile 420 is equal to or
smaller than 0.3 mm. By keeping adjacent windings of second hollow
profile 420 closer than 0.3 mm together, a soldering connection
between the windings may be provided as well. In other words, the
proposed maximum distance between adjacent windings enables to
provide a soldering connection between adjacent windings.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows schematically and exemplarily an embodiment of
a refrigeration cycle 6000 comprising an evaporator 6100, a
condenser 6200, a compressor 6300, and a thermal expansion valve
6400. In an example, evaporator 6100 and condenser 6200 comprise
heat exchanging devices in accordance with the present invention.
Evaporator 6100 comprises a first hollow profile 6110 and a second
hollow profile 6120 that is wound around first hollow profile 6110.
Condenser 6200 comprises a first hollow profile 6210 and a second
hollow profile 6220 that is wound around first hollow profile 6210.
The flow directions of the medium flowing through first hollow
profile 6110 are indicated by arrows 6130. The flow directions of
the medium flowing through first hollow profile 6210 are indicated
by arrows 6230. The flow direction of the second medium flowing
through second hollow profiles 6120, 6220, compressor 6300 and
thermal expansion valve 6400 is indicated by arrows 6340 and 6440.
In an example, the second medium corresponds to a refrigerant.
[0048] The circulating refrigerant enters compressor 6300 as a
saturated vapor. The vapor is then compressed and exits compressor
6300 as a superheated vapor. Next, the vapor travels through part
of condenser 6200 which removes the superheat by cooling the vapor.
Having travelled through the remainder of condenser 6200, the vapor
is condensed into a saturated liquid. The saturated liquid
refrigerant passes through expansion valve 6400 and undergoes an
abrupt decrease of pressure. The cold and partially vaporized
refrigerant then travels through second hollow profile 6120 of
evaporator 6100 where it is totally vaporized by the warm first
medium. The resulting refrigerant vapor returns to an inlet of
compressor 6300.
[0049] By means of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6, it is
possible to regain thermal energy from a medium flowing through
first hollow profile 6110 and to then use this energy to heat up a
medium flowing through first hollow profile 6210.
[0050] An example application of the invention generally relates to
heat exchanging devices in refrigeration cycles of domestic
appliances, such as, e.g., dishwashers, washing machines, etc.
[0051] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be
understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing
the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the
disclosure, and the appended claims.
[0052] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other
elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not
exclude a plurality.
[0053] A single unit or device may fulfill the functions of several
items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures
are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not
indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to
advantage.
[0054] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as
limiting the scope.
[0055] The invention relates to a heat exchanging device, to a heat
pump, to a domestic appliance, and to a method of operating a heat
exchanging device. A first hollow profile is configured to conduct
a first medium. A second hollow profile is configured to conduct a
second medium. At least a part of the second hollow profile is
wound around at least a part of the first hollow profile. A nominal
width of the second hollow profile is smaller than a nominal width
of the first hollow profile. An outer surface of the first hollow
profile comprises a first contact portion, an outer surface of the
second hollow profile comprises a second contact portion, and the
first contact portion and the second contact portion are coupled by
means of a soldered connection.
[0056] The various embodiments described above can be combined to
provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent
application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign
patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications
referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application
Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ
concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to
provide yet further embodiments.
[0057] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in
light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the
following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit
the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification and the claims, but should be construed to include
all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not
limited by the disclosure.
* * * * *