Abstract:
A method and apparatus for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel utilizes control of cord length, rather than cord tension, as the control parameter. The apparatus includes a mandrel with an inflatable diaphragm mounted on an outer surface of the mandrel. The diaphragm is selectively inflatable via a control valve and source of pressurized fluid for dynamically adjusting a circumference of the mandrel in response to a control input. The control input reads a tension in the cord being wound. The cord is positively fed to the mandrel according to a defined algorithm based on the mandrel&#39;s shape, circumference and rotational speed, rather than by demand feed of the cord. The apparatus includes a positive feed control capstan which is electronically geared. The apparatus further includes a cord-laying wheel which isolates radially directed forces from circumferentially-directed forces. A second embodiment of the invention includes the belt being rotated on first and second pulleys while the cord is applied. A center distance between the first and second pulleys is selectively adjustable to control cord tension in the cord.

Description:
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/573,342 filed Dec. 15, 1995 now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention pertains generally to the art of apparatus and methods for applying cords to a rotating structure, and more specifically to apparatus and method for producing elastomeric belts with precise cord length and cord tension. 
     Traditional methods of applying cords to a rotating mandrel involved a cylindrical mandrel of minimal compliance, meaning the dimensions of the mandrel, especially the diameter and circumference, are essentially constant. The mandrel may be a rigid cylinder, in which case the cord length is controlled by selecting a cylindrical mandrel with the correct circumference. Other mandrels are not cylinders, and the invention disclosed herein applies to such mandrels as well. 
     In some prior art mandrels, the mandrel circumference is adjusted by applying or removing layers of material from its surface. Other mandrels have radially telescoping elements which form a series of arcs approximating a circle. In all of these, the cord is applied using a guide wheel which controls the cord tension as accurately as practical in a demand feed mode. The length of cord per revolution of the mandrel is dependent on the cylinder circumference and, therefore, on the manufacturing tolerances of the cylinder. 
     Mandrels are often used in the construction of elastomeric belt products, such as timing or drive belts for automotive applications. Most belt designs also require layers of other belt materials be wound onto the cylinder before the cord. The thickness, hardness, and temperature tolerances of these materials may also affect cord length. 
     The present invention controls cord length independently of the tolerances of the cylinder or the underlying layers. Furthermore, the present invention is capable of controlling cord length in a highly accurate manner, with accuracies to 30 parts per million possible. This is of particular importance in making toothed timing belts where a cord length error will result in improper meshing of teeth and premature tooth or belt failure. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the helical cord structure made by the present invention can be removed easily from the cylinder without loss of length accuracy or distortion of the helix dimensions. This allows the belt containing the cord to be formed by internal pressure in an external mold like a tire mold, or in a press, rotocure, or sectional cure device. The belt is easily removable due to the collapsibility of the mandrel. Allowing the mandrel to collapse releases tension in the cord and provides enough clearance for easy removal of the belt from the mandrel. 
     Timing belts are traditionally made on cylindrical molds having tooth forms on the outer surface which are parallel to the cylinder axis. A layer of fabric, rubber, plastic, or other flexible material is placed over the cylinder. The cord is wound over the outside of the assembly. Additional materials may be placed over the cord. The belt is formed by applying inwardly radial pressure from a diaphragm during the curing process. The finished product is removed by sliding it axially to disengage the mold teeth from the belt teeth. This process can work for belts with axial teeth or belts with a single set of helical teeth, but it cannot work for an interrupted tooth such as a herringbone, dual helical, or zigzag tooth because belts with these forms of teeth cannot slide axially off the mandrel. 
     The present invention allows these products to be made with an external rather than an internal mold, while still retaining cord length accuracy. It also allows these products to be made with flat sectional molds while retaining cord length accuracy. Both of these methods allow the belt teeth to be disengaged from the mold by motion approximately perpendicular to the mold surface. This allows the interrupted tooth forms to be removed from the mold. 
     The present invention contemplates a new and improved method of producing belts with precise cord length and tension which is simple in design, effective in use, and overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved method of producing belts with precise cord length and tension is provided. 
     The invention is a method and apparatus for applying accurate lengths of cord to a rotating mandrel by using a geared feed capstan. The geared feed capstan measures and meters out a selected length of cord for each revolution of the mandrel. All real materials suitable for winding, including cords or wires, are elastic or stretchable, so that an accurate description of the length of the cord to be applied must also specify the tension in the cord when its length is measured. The feed capstan measurement and metering accuracy is affected by the tension of the cord entering and exiting the feed capstan. This necessitates measuring and controlling the cord tension. The exiting tension is controlled by the expansion of the mandrel. The entering tension is held constant by a tension control capstan, but any other means that maintains accurate entering tension is also suitable. In the disclosure, the exiting cord tension control is achieved by the expanding mandrel and the tension sensing load cells which in part control the expansion. The concept of primarily controlling cord length and secondarily controlling cord tension is a key element of the invention. 
     For example, other cord winding machines use cord tension as the control parameter. As the mandrel rotates, the length of cord is determined by the mandrel circumference, a procedure called “demand feed” for the purposes of this disclosure. The length of the cord is dependent on the mandrel circumference and the tolerances of that circumference. There is no means of accurately determining the length of cord so applied. 
     The function of the apparatus disclosed herein may be inverted (so that the cord length is secondarily controlled and cord tension is primarily controlled) and the apparatus will still provide improvements and benefits over the prior art. The load cells which control the expansion of the flexible diaphragm can instead be used to control cord tension directly, and the feed capstan can be used as an accurate length measuring device rather than as a measuring and metering device. The length measured at the feed capstan can then be used to control the mandrel inflation to obtain the desired metered length of cord. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for applying a cord to a rotating structure, the apparatus including a capstan for regulating the length of the cord; supplying means for supplying the cord to the capstan; holding means for holding and rotating the rotating structure; and applying means for applying the cord from the capstan to the rotating structure on the holding means. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus for applying a cord to a rotating structure further includes a first capstan between the supplying means and the applying means; and, a second capstan between the first capstan and the applying means. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, the applying means includes a laying wheel and, a second tension sensor, the second tension sensor being located between the laying wheel and the second capstan. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for applying a cord to a rotating structure is provided. The method includes the steps of supplying the cord to a capstan via supplying means; positioning the cord around the capstan, thereby applying tension to the cord; feeding the cord to an applying means; and, applying the cord around the rotating structure, the rotating structure being connected to a mandrel means. The rotating structure is expandable. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the method further includes the cord being positively fed to the mandrel according to a defined algorithm where said algorithm is based on a shape, circumference and rotational speed of said mandrel. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel includes means for dynamically adjusting the circumference of the mandrel in response to a control input. The means for adjusting is an inflatable diaphragm mounted on an outer surface of the mandrel. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further includes control means which includes a control valve capable of dynamically adjusting the mandrel circumference by selectively inflating or deflating the diaphragm in response to feedback control input of a measured cord tension. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes control means which includes a control valve and tension control means wherein the tension control means is an electronically geared tension control capstan. 
     According to another aspect of the invention a cord-laying means for laying the cord on said mandrel includes a cord-laying wheel which isolates radially directed forces from said mandrel. 
     According to another aspect of the invention the belt can be corded on first and second pulleys. The first and second pulleys being spaced a center distance apart, and the center distance being selectively adjustable to control cord tension in the cord. The center distance between the first and second pulleys is dynamically adjustable to control cord tension in the cord during said positive-feeding of the cord onto the mandrel. 
     According to another aspect of the invention a position-determining means, namely an encoder, is operatively associated with the motor and shaft which rotates the mandrel. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a method of accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel is provided. The comprising the steps of rotating a mandrel, the mandrel having means for dynamically adjusting a circumference of the mandrel in response to a control input, the means being an inflatable diaphragm mounted on an outer surface of said mandrel, and sending the control input to the means to adjust the circumference of said mandrel in order to maintain a desired cord tension. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a method of accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel is provided. The comprising the steps of rotating a mandrel, feeding cord to said mandrel, laying the cord on said mandrel, and, isolating radially directed forces from circumferentially-directed forces. 
     One advantage of the present invention is its ability to apply a cord at a known length and tension to a rotating structure according to a defined algorithm, such application being made independently of the shape, size, and speed of the rotating structure. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is its use of an accurate feed capstan in conjunction with a means of accurately controlling tension into and out of the capstan. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the use of a tension capstan to control the tension of a cord into the feed capstan. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is its control of the tension from the feed capstan to the rotating structure by making the rotating structure radially compliant to the cord being wound. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is its ability to dynamically adjust the radius of the mandrel as it rotates using measured tension feedback to adjust the radius to achieve desired cord tension. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the use of a rigid cord laying wheel to accurately control the cord position on the mandrel and to separate the radial forces that arise from laying the cord from the desired forces which result from the tension in the cord. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the use of timing belt or chains to positively feed a cord onto a belt slab which is rotating on two or more pulleys. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is its ability to adjust the center-to-center distance between pulleys to control cord tension during positive feeding of the cord. 
     Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts. A preferred embodiment of these parts will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention used to produce belts with precise cord length; and, 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention featuring two pulleys rather than a single mandrel. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the invention, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus  10  for applying cords  12  to a rotating mandrel  14 . The mandrel  14  illustrated is cylindrical but the herein disclosed methods and apparatus are equally applicable to noncylindrical mandrels and such applications are equally within the claimed subject matter. 
     The invention is conveniently disclosed with reference to three areas or spans associated with the inventive apparatus where the cord  12  is under tension. In a first span  12 C the cord  12  is under a tension T 1 . The first span  12 C is the path of the cord  12  from a feed capstan  18  to a mandrel  14 . In a second span  12 B the cord  12  is under a tension T 2 . The second span  12 B is the path of the cord  12  from an electronically-geared tension capstan  16  to an inlet of the feed capstan  18 . In a third span  12 A the cord  12  is under a tension T 3 . The third span  12 A is the path of the cord  12  from the tension capstan  16  to the supply source of the cord  12 . 
     Tension capstan  16  is a demand feed, tension control device which changes tension in the cord  12  from a tension T 3  in the first section of the cord path  12 A to tension T 2  in the second section of the path  12 B. This change in cord tension occurs while the apparatus  10  is operating at a variable cord speed in a second section  12 B of the cord path. The variable cord speed is determined by the speed required for the cord  12  to enter a feed capstan  18 . The cord tension in the second path section  12 B is measured by a tension sensor  20  of conventional design. Any tension sensor  20  chosen with sound engineering judgment for the particular application in question will suffice. The tension sensor  20  controls the speed of the tension capstan  16  relative to the speed of the feed capstan  18  to compensate for any change in the length of the second path section  12 B and to maintain the tension T 2  in the second path section  12 B at a desired level. 
     The tension capstan  16  is preferably of a conventional design, meaning it depends on the coefficient of friction and the arc of contact between the tension capstan  16  and the cord  12 . The tension capstan  16  further depends on T 3  and T 2  both being greater than zero to create a difference between T 3  and T 2  which is relatively independent of variations in T 3  and where T 2  can be greater than or less than T 3 . The allowable tension T 3  is determined by the characteristics of the cord  12  and cord package design for the belt in question. The allowable tension T 3  can vary from a few grams to several hundred pounds by scaling the size of several components described. 
     The control system for the motor  22  which turns the tension capstan  16  can use feedback from the tension sensor  20  and positional and rotational data from a feed capstan encoder  24  to accurately control tension T 2 . 
     The feed capstan  18  preferably can accommodate one, two, or more cords  12  entering the feed capstan  18  from one or more similar cord paths  12 B containing the features described. The feed capstan  18  is preferably of a conventional design and is similar to tension capstan  16  in that it depends on a coefficient of friction and arc of contact between the cord  12  and the feed capstan  18  and further depends on T 2  and T 1  both being greater than zero to propel a cord  12  from the second portion of the path  12 B to the third portion of the path  12 C. The ratio T 1 /T 2  can typically range from 0.05 to 20, and preferably is 0.5 or 2.0, during operation of the apparatus. 
     The feed capstan  18  preferably has a cylindrical outer surface of an accurately known circumference on which the cord  12  rests when in contact with the feed capstan  18 . The feed capstan  18  is connected to a servomotor  26  which can apply clockwise or counterclockwise torque to the feed capstan  18 . The torque so supplied is of sufficient magnitude to cause the feed capstan  18  and the cord  12  to move a desired feed distance along the path  12 B,  12 C relatively independent of tension T 2  and T 1 . 
     The feed capstan  18  is electronically geared so that the length of cord  12 , rather than its tension, can be controlled. In other words, the feed capstan  18  “positively feeds” the cord  12  in regards to its length, rather than “demand feeds” the cord  12  in regards to tension in the cord  12 . The expanding mandrel  54  controls the tension in the cord  12 . 
     An alternate method of accurately winding cord  12  onto a rotating surface might be used if the cord  12  has a well-defined and highly uniform modulus of elasticity. In such case, the algorithm used to electronically gear the feed capstan  18  to the mandrel rotation can include consideration of both the desired length at some specified tension, and the actual tension sensed by the load cells in the third cord span (tension T 1 ). The algorithm can adjust the actual length applied at the actual tension T 1  to correspond according to the cord elastic modulus to the desired length at the desired cording tension. This method depends on the mandrel having an elastic compliance similar to the elastic modulus of the cord and is applicable over a very small range of adjustment. This method may eliminate the need for an expanding mandrel. However, the algorithm is much more difficult to implement and the actual modulus of the cord can vary over time, making this method less desirable than the preferred method described herein. 
     The feed capstan  18  is connected to an encoder  24  which accurately detects the position and rotation of the feed capstan  18 , and thereby accurately measures the movement of the cord  12  from the second path section  12 B into the third path section  12 C. 
     The third cord path section  12 C extends from the feed capstan  18  to the mandrel  14  onto which the cord  12  is to be wound. Contained within cord path section  12 C is a tension measuring device  28  for each cord  12  passing through section  12 C, and at least one cord laying wheel  30 . The cord laying wheel  30  contains circumferential grooves  72 . Each circumferential groove  72  can guide one or more cords  12  onto the circumference of the mandrel  14 . 
     The cord laying wheel  30 , tension measuring device  28 , and feed capstan  18  are mounted rigidly with respect to one another to form an assembly  32  to maintain a constant length in the third cord path section  12 C. The assembly  32  is mounted on a radial positioning system  34  to form a radial assembly  36  which can accurately bring the perimeter of the cord laying wheel  30  to a desired radial distance from the center of rotation of the mandrel  14 . The radial positioning system  34  includes linear bearings or slides mounted on an axial positioning system  38 . The linear bearings have only one degree of freedom, which is linear motion in the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the mandrel  14 . 
     The radial assembly  36  is mounted on the axial positioning system  38  which can move the radial assembly  36  parallel to the axis of rotation of the mandrel  14 . The axial positioning system  38  includes a linear bearing or slide which supports the radial positioning system  34 . The linear bearings of the axial positioning system  38  have only one degree of freedom, which is linear motion in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the mandrel  14 . The axial positioning system  38  is strong, stiff and rigid enough to prevent linear motion in any undesired direction or rotation of the radial positioning system  34  about any axis. 
     The combined motion of the radial and axial positioning systems  34 ,  38  defines a plane containing the axis of rotation of the mandrel  14  and the centerline of the cord laying wheel  30 . This configuration allows for easy control of the radius at which the cord is laid on the mandrel  14 . These systems can be made to the degree of accuracy presently existing in the known art of winding cord at a controlled tension in a demand-feed mode. The accuracy and stiffness of the axial and radial positioning systems  34 ,  38  is critical to enable the cord-laying device to separate radial and circumferential forces. 
     The mandrel  14  is rigidly coupled to and rotates with a mandrel support shaft  42  which has a first end  78  connected to a drive motor  44 , so that the drive motor  44  rotates the shaft  42  and mandrel  14 . A second end  80  of the shaft  42  is attached to the mandrel  14 . The shaft  42  is also connected to a position-determining means accurately determining the position of said mandrel. In the preferred embodiment, the position-determining means is an encoder  46  which accurately measures the position and rotation of the shaft  42  and mandrel  14 . 
     The shaft  42 , radial positioning system  34 , and axial positioning system  38  are connected for coordinated motion in a conventional manner, particularly similar to a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool with the shaft  42  representing a typical rotary “C” axis. Such a system allows the shaft  42  and axial support  38  to move concurrently in a way that cause the cord laying wheel  30  to move in a helical or any other specified path along the outer cylindrical surface of the mandrel  14 . 
     If the radial positioning system  34  is also controlled to move concurrently with the shaft  42  and the axial positioning system  38 , the cord laying wheel  30  can move along any definable path on a three dimensional surface of revolution which is rotating about the shaft  42 . The three dimensional shape could be a familiar filament wound object, such as a torus, a tire, a convoluted air spring, a cylindrical air spring with helical or variable angle winding, a bead setting bladder, tire curing bladder, a pressure vessel, or a missile casing. 
     The rotation of the mandrel  14  is measured by an encoder  46  attached to the mandrel support shaft  42 . The rotation of the feed capstan  18  is measured by an encoder  24 . The control system (not shown) must control the rotation speed and angular acceleration of either the mandrel  14  or the feed capstan  18 , and must contain an algorithm defining the desired relative motion of the mandrel  14  and the feed capstan  18 . For example, in the case of a cord  12  wound at constant helical pitch on a cylindrical mandrel  14 , the relative motion is a constant gear ratio matching the speed of the cord  12  on the feed capstan  18  to the theoretical surface speed required to create path  12 D at the proper tension T 1  on the mandrel  14 . 
     Although mechanical means can be used to control the relative motion of the feed capstan  18  and the mandrel  14 , a much more flexible and cost effective system is achieved when electronic controls are used. The encoders  24 ,  46  can detect errors in the relative motion or speed of the feed capstan  18  and the mandrel  14 . Conventional motor speed control systems can be used to maintain the correct relative speeds of the motors  26 ,  44 , but controlling the relative speeds can result in the accumulation of small speed errors which result in increasingly large positional errors. The preferred control system is electronic and uses the encoders  24 ,  46  to measure the relative position of the mandrel  14  and the feed capstan  18 , and thereby detect errors in their relative position. The preferred control system adjusts the speed of either motor  26  or motor  44 , creating an intentional small velocity error which returns the positional error near zero and prevents the accumulation of small positional errors which would result in an unacceptable large positional error. 
     The mandrel  14  has an outer surface  86  onto which the cord  12  is wound along cord path  12 D. Layers of other belt materials  50  may be placed on the mandrel  14  prior to winding of the cord  12 . These layers  50  may include discrete components, sheet material, or previously applied wound cord. The circumference of the mandrel  14  and these underlying layers  50  must be at least large enough to maintain the minimum required tension T 1  in cord path section  12 C, and must be no larger than circumference required to maintain the maximum allowed tension in path  12 C. If the mandrel  14  and the underlying layers  50  have sufficiently accurate dimensions, or have compressibility or compliance which keep tension T 1  within an acceptable tolerance range, the mandrel  14  can be of a conventional design. 
     To obtain greater precision in the control of tension T 1 , the mandrel  14  may contain circumference means for dynamically adjusting the circumference of the mandrel  14 . In the preferred embodiment the circumference means is a layer  53  with an adjustable radius. The preferred construction of this layer  53  consists of a flexible diaphragm  54  attached to the rigid structures of the mandrel  14 , forming a fluid tight cavity between the mandrel  14  and the diaphragm  54 . Fluid is introduced to the diaphragm  54  by a control means for controlling the circumference of the mandrel  14 . In the preferred embodiment the control means is a control valve  58  which enables the diaphragm  54  to expand radially, thereby adjusting the radius or circumference of the underlying layers  50  of the in-process belt to the size required to achieve the desired tension T 1 . Tension capstan  16  controls the tension into the feed capstan  18 , while the tension out of the feed capstan  18  is controlled by the expanding diaphragm  54 . The tension sensor  28  in cord path  12 C can be used as a feedback element to the control system which uses the valve  58  to adjust the amount of fluid in the cavity between mandrel  14  and the diaphragm  54 . 
     A further improvement in the control of tension T 1  is achieved by positioning the cord laying wheel  30  at the exact required cord laying radius so that radial forces associated with laying cord are supported by the cord laying wheel  30 , the positioning systems  34 ,  38 , and the frame of the machine. This allows tension T 1  to depend only on circumferential forces. 
     The above-described mandrel  14  and diaphragm  54  provide for a very small adjustment in the length of the timing belts made on the mandrel  14 . Mandrels  14  with different radii can be attached to the mandrel support shaft  42  to make timing belts with a wide range of timing belt length or circumference. The mandrel  14  must have a large diameter and weight to make a long timing belt. 
     With reference to FIG. 2, an alternate embodiment of the invention is disclosed. It is often desirable to make belts of various length, some being long belts, without having a large inventory of mandrels  14 . FIG. 2 shows a machine having two parallel shafts  42 A and  42 B supporting pulleys or sprockets  14 A and  14 B which are placed at a specified center-to-center distance E to make timing belts of varying lengths. The timing belt is built around the pulleys  14 A, 14 B with the belt length being determined by the circumference of a pulley  14 A, 14 B plus two times the center-to-center distance E between the pulleys  14 A, 14 B. 
     The positive feed system described previously can be applied to such a building machine only if the belt motion can be accurately measured. Since the underlying belt structures are no longer attached to the mandrel (see FIG.  1 ), this position cannot be measured by detecting position of the pulley  14 A, 14 B or shaft  42 A, 42 B rotation. A leader chain or timing belt  62  running in sprockets  64  on the pulleys  14 A, 14 B can be used to guide the end of the cord  12  around the pulleys  14 A, 14 B at a known position. The tension T 1  is adjusted by either changing the center-to-center distance E of the pulleys  14 A, 14 B, or by making one of the pulleys  14 A or  14 B with an expandable diaphragm  54  (see FIG. 1) as described above. 
     In the case of an expandable diaphragm  54 , the control system as described above, of course, would also be used. The lead belt or chain  62  must change in length as the center-to-center distance E is adjusted. This can be achieved with proper selection of the belt elastic modulus or by using a tooth pressure angle which allows the belt or chain  62  to change effective radius on the sprockets  64 . (The “tooth pressure angle” for a belt or chain is the angle between a radial line of the sprocket passing from the center of the sprocket through the tooth contact point, and a normal line at the tooth contact point. If these lines are perpendicular, the pressure angle is zero, and the forces between the belt and sprocket are only tangential. The belt can transmit torque without a radial component to the normal forces. When the pressure angle is greater than zero, the normal force between the belt and sprocket contains a radial component which can push the belt radially outwardly. This outward motion allows the belt to operate at a constant circumferential length even when the center-to-center distance of the sprocket is varied by a small amount.) The control system would use feedback from the tension measuring device  28  to control the expanding diaphragm, and therefore, cord tension. If the cord tension is to be controlled by varying the center-to-center distance E, the tension measuring device  28  would provide feedback to the center-to-center adjusting mechanism and therefore control cord tension. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended by applicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.