U.S. patent application number 17/188539 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for washing appliance with additive dispensing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas Holzen.
Application Number | 20220275559 17/188539 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005443424 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220275559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holzen; Thomas |
September 1, 2022 |
WASHING APPLIANCE WITH ADDITIVE DISPENSING SYSTEM
Abstract
A washing appliance with an additive dispensing system can
include an additive dispenser and an additive tray with an additive
conduit extending therebetween. The additive conduit can use a
nozzle to deliver additives into a space between a wash drum and a
wash basket without applying the additive directly to the exterior
of the wash basket.
Inventors: |
Holzen; Thomas; (Louisville,
KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005443424 |
Appl. No.: |
17/188539 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/12 20130101;
D06F 39/022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02; D06F 39/12 20060101 D06F039/12 |
Claims
1. A washing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub
positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber, the wash tub
defining an interior surface; a wash drum rotatably mounted within
the wash chamber and configured for receiving articles for washing,
the wash drum having an exterior surface, the wash drum and wash
tub forming an annular space therebetween; an additive dispenser
positioned adjacent to the wash tub and configured for receipt of
liquid additives to be applied to the articles; and an additive
conduit having a first end connected with the additive dispenser
and extending vertically downward to a second end, the second end
located between the wash drum and the wash tub and positioned to
deliver liquid additives into the annular space from the additive
dispenser.
2. The washing appliance of claim 1, further comprising: an
additive nozzle positioned below the additive dispenser and
supported by the wash tub, the additive nozzle connected with the
second end of the additive conduit, the additive nozzle configured
for releasing liquid additives from the additive conduit into the
annular space.
3. The washing appliance of claim 2, further comprising: an
additive tray positioned below the additive dispenser and
configured for the receipt of liquid additives therefrom, the
additive tray supporting the additive nozzle.
4. The washing appliance of claim 3, wherein the additive nozzle
extends vertically upward from the additive tray.
5. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash tub comprises
a wash tub cover and a wash tub main body, and wherein the additive
tray is defined by the wash tub cover.
6. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive dispenser
is supported by the cabinet.
7. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive conduit
comprises a flexible hose.
8. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive conduit
is positioned wholly in the annular space between the wash drum and
wash tub.
9. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash tub comprises
a wash tub cover and a wash tub main body, and wherein the additive
tray is defined by the wash tub cover, and wherein the wash tub
cover defines a plurality of apertures positioned below the
additive dispenser.
10. A washing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub
positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber, the wash tub
defining an interior surface; a wash drum rotatably mounted within
the wash chamber and configured for receiving articles for washing,
the wash drum having an exterior surface, the wash drum and wash
tub forming an annular space therebetween; an additive dispenser
positioned on the cabinet and configured for receipt of liquid
additives to be applied to the articles; and an additive conduit
having a first end connected with the additive dispenser and
extending to a second end, the second end located between the wash
drum and the wash tub and positioned to deliver liquid additives
into the annular space from the additive dispenser.
11. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the additive conduit
extends vertically between the additive dispenser and the additive
conduit.
12. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising: an
additive nozzle positioned below the additive dispenser and
supported by the wash tub, the additive nozzle connected with the
second end of the additive conduit, the additive nozzle configured
for releasing liquid additives from the additive conduit into the
annular space.
13. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising: an
additive tray positioned below the additive dispenser and
configured for the receipt of liquid additives therefrom, the
additive tray supporting the additive nozzle.
14. The washing appliance of claim 13, wherein the additive nozzle
extends vertically upward from the additive tray.
15. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash tub
comprises a wash tub cover and a wash tub main body, and wherein
the additive tray is defined by the wash tub cover.
16. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the additive conduit
comprises a flexible hose.
17. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the additive conduit
is positioned wholly in the annular space between the wash drum and
the wash tub.
18. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash tub
comprises a wash tub cover and a wash tub main body, and wherein
the additive tray is integrally formed with the wash tub cover, and
wherein the wash tub cover defines a plurality of apertures
positioned below the additive dispenser.
19. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, further comprising a
door for selectively closing access to the additive dispenser.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates
generally to a washing appliance with an additive dispensing
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing appliances (also referred to as "washing machines"
or "washing machine appliances") typically include a drum or basket
for receipt of articles to be washed. This drum is placed within a
wash bin or wash tub that serves as a container for various fluids
applied to the articles during a cleaning cycle. The drum typically
includes small openings or holes for the passage of fluid in and
out of the basket during the cleaning cycle.
[0003] The fluids used during a cleaning cycle typically include
water that may be combined with e.g., detergent, fabric softener,
bleach, and combinations thereof. Depending upon the origin of
water supplied to the appliance, various minerals, particulates,
and other materials may also be present in the fluids used during a
cleaning cycle. Other substances including e.g., dirt, dyes, and
textile particulates may also be released into the fluids from the
laundry articles during the cleaning process.
[0004] In a typical cleaning cycle, fluids are added and later
removed from the wash bin during various stages or modes of washing
and rinsing. As these fluids come into contact with the wash drum,
materials may be deposited onto the wash drum. Such materials may
form a film or residue--particularly on the exterior of the wash
drum where direct contact with the laundry articles does not occur.
The residue may be removed by e.g., contact with fluid during the
same or a subsequent cleaning cycle.
[0005] However, the residue can also dry and/or remain in place on
the drum--particularly during periods of non-use between cycles. If
the residue is deposited above the average fluid level placed into
the wash bin or the fluid level used during a self-cleaning cycle,
the chances of such being removed by fluid during a cleaning cycle
is significantly diminished. As the appliance is used repeatedly
over various cleaning cycles, such residue may accumulate.
[0006] Although largely not visible to a user of the appliance
during normal operation, residue on the exterior of the wash drum
is undesirable. Further, a typical user will not be able to access
the exterior of the wash drum to wash the residue away. The residue
may also not be removed by a self-cleaning cycle of the
appliance--particularly if the residue is located higher on the
wash drum than the fluid level typically used during such a
cycle.
[0007] As mentioned, various fluids contact the exterior of the
wash drum during use and such may include detergent, bleach, other
additives, or combinations thereof, which may also be combined with
water and/or other liquids. By way of example, bleach may be useful
for cleaning articles such as clothing formed from white or lighter
colored textiles and may also be useful for sanitization of the
articles being washed. Other additives may assist with e.g.,
softening of articles being washed such as clothes. Some washing
machine appliances may introduce additives like bleach into the
wash bin or wash tub using a dispenser in a way that may deposit
such additives onto the exterior surface of the wash drum. As
stated, this can contribute to an undesirable residue or other
effect on the exterior surface of the wash drum that may not be
readily removable.
[0008] Accordingly, a washer appliance having features to introduce
additives such as bleach into the wash bin during a cleaning cycle
would be useful. More particularly, such a washer appliance having
a system to introduce additives or fluids containing such additives
without depositing such on the exterior surface of the wash drum
would be beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent
from the description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides
a washing appliance that includes a cabinet and a wash tub
positioned in the cabinet. The wash tub defines a wash chamber and
an interior surface. The wash drum is rotatably mounted within the
wash chamber and is configured for receiving articles for washing.
The wash drum has an exterior surface. The wash drum and wash tub
form an annular space therebetween. An additive dispenser can be
positioned adjacent to the wash tub and configured for receipt of
liquid additives to be applied to the articles. An additive conduit
may have a first end connected with the additive dispenser and
extend vertically downward to a second end. The second end can be
located between the wash drum and the wash tub and positioned to
deliver liquid additives into the annular space from the additive
dispenser. A nozzle may be positioned at the second end of the
additive conduit.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides a washing appliance that includes a cabinet. A wash tub is
positioned in the cabinet and defines a wash chamber. The wash tub
defines an interior surface. A wash drum can be rotatably mounted
within the wash chamber and configured for receiving articles for
washing, the wash drum having an exterior surface. The wash drum
and wash tub can form an annular space therebetween. An additive
dispenser may be positioned on the cabinet and configured for
receipt of liquid additives to be applied to the articles. The
additive conduit may have a first end connected with the additive
dispenser and extend to a second end. The second end may be located
between the wash drum and the wash tub and positioned to deliver
liquid additives into the annular space from the additive
dispenser.
[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 provides a partial perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 provides a front, cross-sectional view taken along
line 2-2 of the exemplary washing machine of FIG. 1
[0016] FIG. 3 provides another front, cross-sectional view of the
top portion of the exemplary washing machine taken along line 3-3
of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the top portion of
the exemplary washing machine taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the top portion of
the exemplary washing machine taken along line 5-5 FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a tub cover
from the exemplary washing machine of FIGS. 1-3 and illustrates the
exemplary dispenser.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary
dispenser if FIG. 6.
[0021] The use of the same or similar reference numerals in the
figures denotes the same or similar features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
vertical axis washing appliance 100 of the present invention, which
is also sometimes referred to as a top loading or vertical axis
washing machine. In FIG. 1, a door 102 (shown in FIG. 2) has been
removed for purposes of illustrating other features of the
invention. Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 104 that
extends between a top portion 106 and a bottom portion 108 along
the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) 110 and a
second side (right) 112 along the lateral direction L, and between
a front 114 and a rear 116 along the transverse direction T.
[0024] As best shown in FIG. 2, a wash tub 118 is positioned within
cabinet 102, defines a wash chamber 120, and is generally
configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. A
wash drum 122 is rotatably mounted within wash chamber 120 of wash
tub 118. For this exemplary embodiment, wash tub 118 includes a
main body portion 170 and a wash tub cover 168 attached thereto
(FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0025] Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a fluid
outlet 124 for dispensing wash fluid (arrows D) into wash tub 118.
Appliance 100 may include one or more additional outlets for
directing fluid into wash tub 118 and each outlet may be separately
controlled by one or more valves controlling flow to each outlet
independently of the others. As used herein, the term "cleaning
fluid" refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing articles
during an operating cycle and may include water alone or any
combination of water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and other
wash additives or treatments. As used herein, the term "cleaning
cycle" includes a wash cycle, rinse cycle, spin cycle, or
combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "additive" includes
bleach, fabric softener, and other substances that may be used
during a cleaning cycle and may be added to the cleaning fluid
and/or combined with water.
[0026] Wash drum 122 and cabinet 104 generally define an opening
126 (accessible through door 102) for receipt of articles for
washing. Wash basket 122 rotates about an axis of rotation A (FIG.
2) powered by motor assembly 128. According to the illustrated
embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the
vertical direction V. As used herein, terms of approximation, such
as "approximately," "substantially," or "about," refer to being
within a ten percent margin of error or being within ten percent of
the stated parameter.
[0027] As illustrated, cabinet 104 of washing machine appliance 100
has a top panel 130. Top panel 130 defines opening 126 (FIG. 1)
that coincides with opening 126 of wash basket 118 to permit a user
access to wash drum 122. Door 102 is rotatably mounted to top panel
130 to permit selective access to opening 126. In particular, door
102 selectively rotates between a closed position and an open
position. In the closed position, door 102 inhibits access to wash
drum 122. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash
drum 122. Although door 102 is illustrated as mounted to top panel
130, door 102 may alternatively be mounted to cabinet 104 or any
other suitable support.
[0028] As best shown in FIG. 2, wash drum 122 further defines a
plurality of perforations 132 to facilitate fluid communication
between an interior of wash drum 122 and wash tub 118. In this
regard, wash drum 122 is spaced apart from the interior surface 190
of wash tub 118 to define an annular space 180 for wash fluid to
escape wash chamber 120. During a spin cycle, wash fluid within
articles being washed (e.g., clothing) and within wash chamber 120
is urged through perforations 132 wherein it may collect in a sump
134 defined by wash tub 118. Washing machine appliance 100 further
includes a pump assembly 148 (FIG. 2) that is located beneath wash
tub 118 and wash drum 122 for gravity assisted flow when draining
wash tub 118. Pump assembly 148 can, for example, provide for the
flow of cleaning fluid D into wash bin 118 and for the removal of
spent cleaning fluid from appliance 100.
[0029] An impeller 136 is rotatably mounted within wash drum 122 to
impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash drum
122. More specifically, impeller 136 extends into wash drum 122 and
assists agitation of articles disposed within wash drum 122 during
operation of washing appliance 100, e.g., to facilitate improved
cleaning. In different embodiments, impeller 136 includes a single
action element (i.e., oscillatory only), a double action element
(oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the
other end) or a triple action element (oscillatory movement plus
single direction rotation at one end, single direction rotation at
the other end). Impeller 136 and wash drum 122 are oriented to
rotate about axis of rotation A (which is substantially parallel to
vertical direction V). For this exemplary embodiment, impeller 136
is equipped with radial vanes 150 that assist in imparting movement
to articles during operation of appliance 100. Other features, such
as a vane agitator, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some
combination thereof, may also be used to impart motion to the
articles during washing.
[0030] As stated, washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor
assembly 128 in mechanical communication with wash drum 122 to
selectively rotate wash drum 122 (e.g., during a wash cycle or a
rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). In addition, motor
assembly 128 may also be in mechanical communication with impeller
136. In this manner, motor assembly 128 may be configured for
selectively and independently rotating or oscillating wash drum 122
and/or impeller 136 during various operating cycles of washing
machine appliance 100.
[0031] A balancing ring assembly 154 is positioned at a top portion
166 of wash drum 122. During cycles where wash drum 122 is revolved
or spun at high speeds to wring fluid from the wash articles,
balancing ring assembly 154 helps maintain the balance of weight in
wash drum 122, particularly when the load from articles being
washed is not uniformly distributed. Typically, the level of fluid
placed in wash tub 118 may reach top portion 166 of wash drum 122
but does not rise vertically to the level of balancing ring
assembly 154.
[0032] Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, a control panel 138 with
at least one input selector 140 (FIGS. 1 and 2) extends from top
panel 130. Control panel 138 and input selector 140 collectively
form a user interface input for operator selection of machine
cycles and features of washing appliance 100. A display 142 of
control panel 138 indicates selected features, operation mode, a
countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users
regarding operation.
[0033] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by
at least one controller or processing device 146 that is
operatively coupled to control panel 138 for user manipulation to
select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user
manipulation of control panel 138, controller 146 operates the
various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute
selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary
embodiment, controller 146 may include a memory and microprocessor,
such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to
execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated
with methods described herein. Alternatively, controller 146 may be
constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a
combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such
as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND
gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of
relying upon software. Control panel 138 and other components of
washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with
controller 146 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses.
[0034] During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry
items are loaded into wash drum 122 through opening 126, and
washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of
input selector 140. Water, bleach, detergent and/or other additives
can be added to wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 through fluid outlet
124 and/or other dispensers such as additive dispenser 156. For
this exemplary embodiment, additive dispenser 156 is positioned
adjacent to wash tub 118 and is supported on wash tub cover 168.
For example, a user can place liquid additives into receptacle 192
or other receptacles (FIG. 5) for application of such additive to
the articles during a cleaning cycle. Different receptacles can be
provided in additive dispenser 156 for various additives. Additive
dispenser 156 can also be positioned in other locations on
appliance 100 and have different configurations as well. One or
more doors can also be provided for closing the receptacles of
dispenser 156.
[0035] Controller 146 can operate one or more valves of washing
appliance 100 to provide for filling wash tub 118 and wash drum 122
to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed
and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash drum
122 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash drum 122
can be agitated (e.g., with impeller 136 as discussed previously)
for washing of laundry items in wash drum 122. The specific
operation of wash appliance 100 by controller 146 will depend on
various inputs including the cycle and other settings that may be
selected by the user, the amount of article placed in wash chamber
120, and other variables as will be understood by one of skill in
the art using the teachings disclosed herein.
[0036] By way of continuing example, after wash tub 118 is filled
and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub
118 and drum 122 can be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly 148.
Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding cleaning fluid
to wash drum 122 and tub 118 again depending on the specifics of
the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation
element 136 may also provide agitation within wash drum 122. One or
more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process.
In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle
and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the
articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash drum 122 is
rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the
laundry articles through perforations 132. After articles disposed
in wash drum 122 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the
articles from wash drum 122, e.g., by reaching into wash drum 122
through opening 126.
[0037] As previously discussed, during normal operations of washing
appliance 100, various materials may be deposited onto the exterior
surface 152 of wash drum 122, which ultimately can leave a film or
residue. Without undesirable disassembly of the washing appliance
100, a user cannot readily access exterior surface 152 for purposes
of cleaning. In one exemplary aspect, the present invention
provides an additive dispensing system for a washing machine
appliance that facilitates the dispensing of additives in a manner
than avoids depositing such onto exterior surface 152 of wash drum
122.
[0038] More particularly, referring to an exemplary embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, an additive dispensing system 164
can include an additive conduit 162 to deliver liquid additives
into the annular space 180 between wash drum 122 and wash tub 116.
Additive conduit 162 has a first send 172 fluidly connected with
additive receptacle 192 of additive dispenser 156 and a second end
connected with an additive nozzle 178. As such, by operation of
gravity, liquid additives can flow vertically from one or more
compartments of additive dispenser 156 to nozzle 178 for delivery
into annular space 180 without being directly applied onto the
exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122.
[0039] For this exemplary embodiment, additive conduit 162 is
constructed from a hose, which may be flexible or rigid depending
on the materials of construction such as rubber or polyethylene.
One or more connectors may be used to attached ends 172, 174 of
additive conduit 162 or such may be attached using an interference
type fit. Additionally, while second end 174 is attached to a tip
188 (FIG. 6) of nozzle 178, in other embodiments second end 174 is
not connected to a nozzle--provided that the second end 174 has a
position that is fixed to ensure delivery of liquid additives into
annular space 180 without direct application onto wash drum 122.
For this embodiment, additive conduit 162 is illustrated as wholly
or entirely located within annular space 180. Other constructions
may be used as well depending upon e.g., the relative location of
additive dispenser 156 and the desired location for second end
174.
[0040] An additive tray 176 is positioned vertically below additive
dispenser 156. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, for this exemplary
embodiment, additive nozzle 178 is integrally formed with additive
tray 176 and extends vertically upward from tray 176. In turn,
additive tray 186 is defined by, or integrally formed with, wash
tub cover 168. For example, nozzle 178, tray 186, and wash tub
cover 168 may be molded as single piece constructed from a plastic
material. Other constructions and materials may be used as
well.
[0041] Tray 176 defines a pair of compartments 182 and 184
positioned on either size of nozzle 178. As stated, tray 176 is
located below additive dispenser 156, which may have additional
receptacles for other liquid additives aside from receptable 192.
Liquid additives from such other receptacles may pour or drip onto
wash tub cover 168 and flow into one or more of a plurality of
apertures 194 defined by cover 168. Compartments 182 and 184 can be
used to capture liquid additives that do not otherwise flow through
apertures 194. Other constructions for tray 176 may also be used
including e.g., additional compartments, no compartments, and
different placement relative to the nozzle.
[0042] Several aspects of dispensing system 164 can be modified in
order control the flow of liquid additives into annular space 180
from additive dispenser 156. For example, the interior diameter of
additive conduit 162 through which liquid additive flows can be
increased or decreased to consequently control flow rate depending
upon the viscosity of the liquid additive. Similarly, the interior
diameter and vertical length of nozzle 178 may also be selected to
control the rate of flow.
[0043] Accordingly, dispensing system 164 allows for the addition
of liquid additives such as bleach during a cleaning cycle while
avoiding direct deposition onto the exterior surface 152 of wash
drum 122. Using the teaching disclosed herein, one of skill in the
art will understand that while one additive conduit is illustrated,
multiple additive conduits extending from various receptacles of an
additive dispenser could also be utilized in still other
embodiments of the invention. The present invention is advantageous
in protecting the exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122 from
residues, stains, and other undesirable deposits.
[0044] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *