U.S. patent application number 17/589271 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-19 for air filter.
This patent application is currently assigned to K&N Engineering, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is K&N Engineering, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jere James Wall, Steve Williams.
Application Number | 20220152539 17/589271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220152539 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Steve ; et
al. |
May 19, 2022 |
AIR FILTER
Abstract
An air filter including a base and a first and second frame
element is disclosed. Each frame element is coupled to the base.
The frame elements have an oscillating shape having a first portion
relatively close to the base and a second portion relatively
farther from the base. A filter element generally follows the
oscillating shape of the frame elements. An air filter system is
also disclosed. The air filter system can include the air filter
and an air filter container. The air filter container contains the
air filter and directs air through the air filter in a
predetermined direction. An air filter is disclosed including a
support structure and an oscillating shaped filter element attached
to the support structure. The oscillating shape increases the air
filter surface area for a given volume.
Inventors: |
Williams; Steve; (Cherry
Valley, CA) ; Wall; Jere James; (Helendale,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
K&N Engineering, Inc. |
Riverside |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
K&N Engineering, Inc.
Riverside
CA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/589271 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15619320 |
Jun 9, 2017 |
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17589271 |
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13460518 |
Apr 30, 2012 |
9682341 |
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15619320 |
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International
Class: |
B01D 46/00 20060101
B01D046/00; B01D 46/52 20060101 B01D046/52; B01D 46/10 20060101
B01D046/10; B01D 46/121 20060101 B01D046/121 |
Claims
1. An air filter comprising: a base; a first and second frame
element, each frame element coupled to the base and having an
oscillating shape having a first portion relatively close to the
base and a second portion relatively farther from the base; and a
filter element that generally follows the oscillating shape of the
frame elements.
2. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the frame elements are curved
between the first and second portion.
3. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the frame elements have a
generally sinusoidal shape.
4. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the frame elements are the
same size and shape.
5. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the frame elements and the
base are formed as a single assembly.
6. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the filter element comprises
of a pleated paper filter element.
7. The air filter of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing
device.
8. The air filter of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing device
comprises a pair of wire screens on opposite sides of the filter
element.
9. An air filter system comprising: an air filter including: a
base; a first and second frame element, each frame element coupled
to the base and having an oscillating shape having a first portion
relatively close to the base and a second portion relatively
farther from the base; a filter element that generally follows the
oscillating shape of the frame elements; and an air filter
container, containing the air filter, the air filter container
configured to direct air through the air filter in a predetermined
direction.
10. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the frame elements
are curved between the first and second portion.
11. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the frame elements
have a generally sinusoidal shape.
12. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the frame elements
are the same size and shape.
13. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the frame elements
the base and the frame elements are formed as a single
assembly.
14. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing
device comprises a pair of wire screens on opposite sides of the
filter element.
15. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the air filter
container directs air through the air filter in a direction
perpendicular to a flat base, the air entering from the base side
and exiting the filter assembly in a direction through the filter
element.
16. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the air filter
container directs air through an air filter in a direction
perpendicular to a flat base, the air entering through the filter
element and exiting from the base side.
17. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the air filter
container flows through the air filter in a direction parallel to a
flat base such that air is filtered by the filter element multiple
times.
18. The air filter system of claim 9, wherein the air filter
container directs air through an air filter at an angle to a flat
base such that air is filtered by the filter element multiple
times.
19. An air filter comprising: a support structure; and an
oscillating shaped filter element attached to the support
structure, the oscillating shape increasing the air filter surface
area for a given volume.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/619,320 filed on Jun. 9, 2017 and continuation-in-part
of U.S. Patent Application, entitled "Air Filter," filed on Apr.
30, 2012, and having application Ser. No. 13/460,518, issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 9,682,341, the entirety of the application is being
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is generally related to filter
devices. More specifically, the field of the invention is related
to air filters.
BACKGROUND
[0003] An air filter designed to remove particulate is generally a
device composed of fibrous materials. These fibrous materials may
remove solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria
from the air. Air filters are used in applications where air
quality is important, notably in building ventilation systems and
in engines.
[0004] Air filters may be used in automobiles, trucks, tractors,
locomotives and other vehicles that use internal combustion
engines. Air filters may be used with gasoline engines, diesel
engines, or other engines that run on fossil fuels or other
combustible substances. Air filters may be used with engines in
which combustion is intermittent, such as four-stroke and
two-stroke piston engines, as well as other types of engines that
take in air so that a combustible substance may be burned. For
example, air filters may be used with some gas turbines. Filters
may also be used with air compressors or in other devices that take
in air.
[0005] Filters may be made from pleated paper, foam, cotton, spun
fiberglass, or other known filter materials. Generally the air
intakes of internal combustion engines and compressors tend to use
either: paper, foam, or cotton filters. Some filters use an oil
bath. Air filters for internal combustion engines prevents abrasive
particulate matter from entering the engine's cylinders, where it
would cause mechanical wear and oil contamination. In many fuel
injected engines you may find a flat panel pleated paper filter
element. This filter is usually placed inside a plastic box
connected to the throttle body with ductwork. Vehicles that use
carburetors or throttle body fuel injection typically use a
cylindrical air filter positioned above the carburetor or throttle
body.
[0006] Air filters may also be used to filter cabin air filter, for
example, a vehicle such as a car, truck, airplane, bus, train,
tractor, etc. These air filters may typically be a pleated-paper
filter that brings in outside-air and filters it for the vehicle's
passenger compartment. Some of these filters are rectangular and
similar in shape to the combustion air filter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides an air filter. Additionally,
the present invention may provide an air filter system and methods
of using the air filter.
[0008] To this end, the embodiment can be shaped to increase
surface area for a given volume.
[0009] To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, an air filter comprising: a base; a first and second
frame element, each frame element coupled to the base and having an
oscillating shape having a first portion relatively close to the
base and a second portion relatively farther from the base; and a
filter element that generally follows the oscillating shape of the
frame elements.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame elements are curved
between the first and second portion.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the frame elements have
a generally sinusoidal shape.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame elements are the same
size and shape.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, frame elements and the base are
formed as a single assembly.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the filter element comprises of
a pleated paper filter element.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, further comprising a reinforcing
device.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, reinforcing device comprises a
pair of wire screens on opposite sides of the filter element.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, an air filter system comprising:
an air filter including: a base; a first and second frame element,
each frame element coupled to the base and having an oscillating
shape having a first portion relatively close to the base and a
second portion relatively farther from the base; and a filter
element that generally follows the oscillating shape of the frame
elements; an air filter container, containing the air filter, the
air filter container configured to direct air through the air
filter in a predetermined direction.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame elements are curved
between the first and second portion.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame elements have a
generally sinusoidal shape.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame elements are the same
size and shape.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the frame elements the base and
the frame elements are formed as a single assembly.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing device comprises
a pair of wire screens on opposite sides of the filter element.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the air filter container directs
air through the air filter in a direction perpendicular to a flat
base, the air entering from the base side and exiting the filter
assembly in a direction through the filter element.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the air filter container directs
air through an air filter in a direction perpendicular to a flat
base, the air entering through the filter element and exiting from
the base side.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the air filter container flows
through the air filter in a direction parallel to a flat base such
that air is filtered by the filter element multiple times.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the air filter container
directs air through an air filter at an angle to a flat base such
that air is filtered by the filter element multiple times.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, an air filter comprising: a
support structure; and an oscillating shaped filter element
attached to the support structure, the oscillating shape increasing
the air filter surface area for a given volume.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
curved in an oscillating shape when viewed from the side. As used
herein, the phrase "oscillating shape" refers to a generally curved
shape that at least one point is generally more near a base and
another point is further from the base or, more generally, a
curving shape that provides a relatively large surface area in a
given volume of the filter. As used herein "oscillating" does not
imply movement of the filter.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
curved in a generally sinusoidal shape when viewed from the side.
For purposes of this application "sinusoidal shape" should not be
interpreted to only mean a shape that strictly follows a cosine or
sine function, but rather any shape that generally oscillates from
a low area to a high area (when viewed from a side of the filter)
in a generally curved or circular fashion.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may have a
frame with a flat base and generally sinusoidal shaped frame
attached to the generally flat base.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, an example filter includes a
filter element held by a generally sinusoidal shaped frame attached
to a generally flat base.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, an example filter includes a
generally flat base that is wider that the rest of the filter
assembly, including a generally sinusoidal shaped frame and a
filter element held by the frame.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, an example filter system directs
air through an air filter in a direction perpendicular to a flat
base, the air entering from the base and exiting the filter
assembly in a direction through the filter element.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, an example filter system directs
air through an air filter in a direction perpendicular to a flat
base, the air entering through the filter element and exiting from
the base.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, an example filter system directs
air through an air filter in a direction parallel to a flat base
such that air is filtered by the filter element multiple times.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, an example filter system directs
air through an air filter at an angle to a flat base such that air
is filtered by the filter element multiple times.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter further
includes a support that holds the filter element against the flow
of air. For example, a wire screen may generally follow the contour
of the filter and be located on the side of the filter opposite the
frame for filters designed to be used in filter systems that
directs air through an air filter in a direction perpendicular to a
flat base and entering at the base and exiting the filter assembly
in a direction through the filter element. The wire screen or other
known filter reinforcing device can generally be placed against the
filter element opposite the flow of air.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the side of the filter element
that a filter reinforcing device such as a wire screen is placed on
an alternate from side to side to reinforce against air as it flows
through a filter multiple times in a direction parallel to the
base.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, a filter reinforcing device such
as a wire screen can be placed on both sides of the filter element
to allow for different air flow directions.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed to remove particulate from the air.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
composed of fibrous materials that may remove solid particulates
such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
used in applications where air quality is important such as
building ventilation systems and engines.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed to be used in automobiles, trucks, tractors, locomotives
and other vehicles that use internal combustion engines.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed to be used with gasoline engines, diesel engines, or other
engines that run on fossil fuels or other combustible
substances.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed to be used with engines in which combustion is
intermittent, such as four-stroke and two-stroke piston engines, as
well as other types of engines that take in air so that a
combustible substance may be burned.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed to be used with some gas turbines.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed to be used with air compressors or in other devices that
take in air.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed to be made from pleated paper, foam, cotton, spun
fiberglass, or other known filter materials.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed to prevent abrasive particulate matter from entering the
device using the air filter.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be a
curving panel of a pleated paper filter element.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
designed for use to filter cabin air in, for example, a vehicle
such as a car, truck, airplane, bus, train, tractor, etc.
[0052] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention,
along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 2 is a top view of a filter in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a frame side view of a filter in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a filter element side view of a filter in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a filter in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a frame side view of a filter system in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 7 is a frame side view of a filter system in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 8 is a frame side view of a filter system in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0061] It will be understood that the terms "top," "side," and
"bottom" used to describe FIGS. 1-5 are intended to provide a frame
of reference for purposes of describing embodiments of the air
filter. The actual orientation of the air filter in use and the
direction of air flow may vary.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0062] In the following description of preferred embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration of specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments can be used and structural
changes can be made without departing from the scope of the
embodiments of this invention.
[0063] Although embodiments of the invention may be described and
illustrated herein in terms of a single example air filter, it
should be understood that embodiments of this invention are not
limited to the exact shape illustrated, but rather, include a wide
variety of generally curved shapes, generally sinusoidal shapes, or
generally curving shapes that provides a relatively large surface
area in a given volume of the filter.
[0064] An air filter including a base and a first and second frame
element is disclosed. Each frame element is coupled to the base.
The frame elements have an oscillating shape having a first portion
relatively close to the base and a second portion relatively
farther from the base. A filter element generally follows the
oscillating shape of the frame elements. An air filter system is
also disclosed. The air filter system can include an air filter and
an air filter container. The air filter container contains the air
filter and directs air through the air filter in a predetermined
direction.
[0065] An air filter is disclosed including a support structure and
an oscillating shaped filter element attached to the support
structure. The oscillating shape provides for an increased air
filter surface area for a given volume.
[0066] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter 100 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the systems and methods described
herein. The air filter 100 includes a base 102 which may be a
generally straight, flat portion of the filter. It will be
understood, however, that other shapes for the base 100 are
possible. For example, in another embodiment, a base might
generally follow the curvature of the frame.
[0067] Filter 100 further includes a first frame element 104 and a
second frame element 106. Each frame element 104, 106 is coupled to
the base 102. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame elements 104, 106
each have an oscillating shape having first portions 108 relatively
close to the base and second portions 110 relatively farther from
the base. The frame elements 104, 106 are curved between the first
and second portion. For example, the frame elements can have a
generally sinusoidal shape. Additionally, the frame elements 104,
106 may generally be the same size and shape as illustrated in FIG.
1. In another embodiment, the frame elements 104, 106 and the base
102 are formed as a single assembly.
[0068] Filter 100 also includes a filter element 112 that generally
follows the oscillating shape of the frame elements 104, 106.
Filter 100 can further include a reinforcing device such as a wire
screen. A pair of wire screens on opposite sides of the filter
element 112 might be used in some embodiments, to allow for
airflows in a variety of directions using the same filter. Other
embodiments might include a reinforcing device designed for a
specific air flow. The filter element 112 can include a pleated
paper filter element or other filter materials, such as foam,
cotton, spun fiberglass, other known filter materials, or
combinations of such materials.
[0069] FIG. 2 is a top view of a filter 100 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. The view illustrates pleats 114, 116, 118 in
the filter material 112. Frame elements 104, 106 are also
illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may
be curved in an oscillating shape when viewed from the side. An
example air filter may be curved in a generally sinusoidal shape
when viewed from the side. Additionally, an example air filter may
have a frame with a flat base and generally sinusoidal shaped frame
attached to the generally flat base. A filter can include a filter
element held by a generally sinusoidal shaped frame attached to a
generally flat base.
[0070] FIG. 3 is a frame side view of a filter 100 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated the frame elements
104, 106 of filter 100 may be curved in an oscillating shape when
viewed from the side. As used herein, the phrase "oscillating
shape" refers to a generally curved shape that at least one point
is generally more near a base and at another point is further from
the base or, more generally, a generally curving shape that
provides a relatively large surface area in a given volume of the
filter. As used herein "oscillating" does not imply movement of the
filter.
[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, an example air filter may be
curved in a generally sinusoidal shape when viewed from the side.
For purposes of this application "sinusoidal shape" should not be
interpreted to only mean a shape that strictly follows a cosine or
sine function, but rather any shape that generally oscillates from
a low area to a high area (when viewed from a side of the filter)
in a generally curved or circular fashion.
[0072] FIG. 4 is a filter element 112 side view of a filter 100 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of
a filter 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Note that
the base 102 is open to allow for air flow.
[0073] FIG. 6 is a frame side view of a filter system 600 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. An air filter system can
include an air filter 604 as described with respect to FIGS. 1-5.
The filter system 600 can also include an air filter container 602,
containing the air filter 604. The air filter container 602 is
configured to direct air through the air filter in a predetermined
direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the system 600
directs air through an air filter 604 in a direction perpendicular
to a flat base 606, the air entering from the base 606 side and
exiting the filter assembly in a direction through the filter
element 608.
[0074] FIG. 7 is a frame side view of a filter system 700 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated
embodiment, an air filter container 702 directs air through an air
filter 704 in a direction perpendicular to a flat base 706. The air
enters through the filter element 708 and exiting through base 706
side.
[0075] FIG. 8 is a frame side view of a filter system 800 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the air
filter assembly 800 includes a container 802 that directs air
through the air filter 804 in a direction parallel to a flat base
802 such that air is filtered by the filter element 808 multiple
times.
[0076] A system using a set up that filters the air multiple times
may be useful in applications where air quality is important such
as building ventilation systems and engines. In an exemplary
embodiment, an example air filter may be designed to be used in
automobiles, trucks, tractors, locomotives and other vehicles that
use internal combustion engines. In an exemplary embodiment, an
example air filter may be designed for use to filter cabin air, for
example, a vehicle such as a car, truck, airplane, bus, train,
tractor, etc.
[0077] For example, an air filter may be designed to be used with
gasoline engines, diesel engines, or other engines that run on
fossil fuels or other combustible substances. Another example air
filter may be designed to be used with engines in which combustion
is intermittent, such as four-stroke and two-stroke piston engines,
as well as other types of engines that take in air so that a
combustible substance may be burned. The systems and methods
described herein might be applied for use with some gas turbines,
air compressors, or in other devices that take in air. The systems
and methods can be designed to prevent abrasive particulate matter
from entering the device using the air filter. In an exemplary
embodiment, an example air filter may be a curving panel of a
pleated paper filter element. Other filters may use different
materials or combinations of materials.
[0078] As discussed herein, the air filter system may further
include a reinforcing device such as a wire screen. For example,
the reinforcing device may include a pair of wire screens on
opposite sides of the filter element to allow the air filter to
operate with air flows in a variety of directions. It will be
understood that the reinforcing device can generally be placed on a
side where the air exits the filter material. For example,
referring back to FIG. 6, the reinforcing device (e.g., wire
screen) can be on the same side as reference character 600. As
another example, referring back to FIG. 7, the reinforcing device
(e.g., wire screen) can be on the opposite side as reference
character 700. As can be seen by observing the air flow in FIG. 8,
it might be advantageous to use a reinforcing device (e.g., wire
screen) on both sides. Alternatively, reinforcing devices might
alternate from side to side, generally being located around 850,
852, 854, and 856.
[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 the air filter containers
602, 702 direct air through the air filters 604, 704 in a direction
perpendicular to a flat base. FIG. 8 illustrates a container 802
that directs air through the air filter 804 in a direction parallel
to a flat base 802. It will be understood, however, that filter
containers may be configured to provide for a variety of air flow
angles for use with various embodiments of the air filters
described herein. For example, another embodiment may include an
air filter container that directs air through an air filter at an
angle to a flat base such that air is filtered by the filter
element multiple times.
[0080] In an embodiment of the systems and methods described herein
an air filter can include a support structure and an oscillating
shaped filter element attached to the support structure, the
oscillating shape increases the air filter surface area for a given
volume. Referring back to FIG. 1, a support structure might include
a base 102 and frame elements 104, 106 with filter element 112
attached. It will be understood, however, that a wide variety of
support structures might be used to provide support for the filter
element.
[0081] Embodiments provide an air filter. Additionally, other
embodiments may provide an air filter system and methods of using
the air filter. In an example method air might be directed through
an air filter shaped to increase surface area for a given volume.
The air might be directed perpendicular to the base of the air
filter, parallel to the base of the air filter, or some angle in
between.
[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, an example filter includes a
generally flat base that is wider that the rest of the filter
assembly, including a generally sinusoidal shaped frame and a
filter element held by the frame.
[0083] It will be understood that the terms "top," "side," and
"bottom" used to describe FIGS. 1-5 are intended to provide a frame
of reference for purposes of describing embodiments of the air
filter. The actual orientation of the air filter in use and the
direction of air flow may vary.
[0084] Although embodiments of this invention have been fully
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be
noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent
to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to
be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of
this invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0085] Thus, specific embodiments and applications of modular
overhead storage have been disclosed. It should be apparent,
however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from
the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter,
therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the
appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification
and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest
possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the
terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as
referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive
manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or
steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements,
components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the
specification claims refers to at least one of something selected
from the group consisting of A, B, C, . . . and N, the text should
be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A
plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *