English:
[0001] Some fluid distributors, such as, but not limited to showerheads, faucet attachments, and/or water hose attachments are configured to allow selection between two or more fluid output patterns. In some cases, selection between two fluid output patterns requires pushing and/or pulling a portion of the fluid distributor generally along an output direction of the fluid distributor. In other cases, selection between a first fluid output pattern and a second fluid output pattern requires rotating a portion of the fluid distributor generally about an output direction of the fluid distributor in only one of two directions. For example, switching from a first fluid output pattern to a second fluid output pattern may require twisting a portion of the fluid distributor in a first direction as opposed to in a second direction opposite the first direction.
[0002] In some embodiments, a fluid distributor is disclosed as comprising a component configured for selective rotation about a central axis of the fluid distributor, a fluid input, a first fluid output in selective fluid communication with the fluid input, and a second fluid output in selective fluid communication with the fluid input, wherein rotation of the component in a first direction about the central axis alternates selection between the first fluid output and the second fluid output and at least one of (1 ) the component is configured to rotate about the central axis by at least 360° in the first direction and such rotation of the component about the central axis by at least 360° provides at least four alternations between selection of the first fluid output and the second fluid output and (2) selection of the second fluid output is the next available fluid output for selection in response to rotating the component about the central axis away from a position of the component in which the first fluid output is selected.
[0003] In other embodiments, a method of selectively distributing a fluid is disclosed as comprising providing a fluid to a fluid input and providing a component that allows selection between a first fluid output and a second fluid output in response to rotation of the component about an axis, wherein when the component is in a position in which the first fluid output is selected (1 ) the next available fluid output selection in response to rotation of the component about the axis in a first direction is the second fluid output and (2) the next available fluid output selection in response to rotation of the component about the axis in a second direction is the second fluid output.
[0004] In yet other embodiments, a fluid distributor is disclosed as comprising a fluid flow divider plate comprising a plurality of first internal passages a plurality of second internal passages wherein the plurality of first internal passages and the plurality of second passages are alternatingly disposed next to each other about the central axis so that each of the first internal passages is substantially angularly bounded in both directions by second internal passages and so that each of the second internal passages is substantially angularly bounded in both directions by first internal passages. The fluid distributor further comprises a plurality of fluid flow selection seals disposed upstream relative to the fluid flow divider plate and a fluid distribution plate disposed between the plurality of fluid flow selection seals and the fluid flow divider plate, wherein the fluid distribution plate comprises a plurality of fluid distribution apertures configured for selective angular alignment with the plurality of fluid flow selection seals in response to rotation of the component about the central axis.
[0006] Figure 1 is an orthogonal side view of a fluid distributor according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0008] Figure 3 is an orthogonal exploded side view of the fluid distributor of Figure 1 ;
[0009] Figure 4 is an oblique view of a fluid flow divider plate of the fluid distributor of Figure 1 ;
[0010] Figure 5 is an orthogonal top view of the fluid flow divider plate of Figure 4;
[0012] Figure 7 is an orthogonal cross-sectional side view of the fluid distributor of Figure 1 configured to flow fluid through a second fluid output; and
[0013] Figure 8 is an orthogonal cross-sectional side view of the fluid distributor of Figure 1 configured to flow fluid through a first fluid output.
[0014] This disclosure provides, in some embodiments, systems and methods for (1 ) selectively outputting a fluid flow in a first fluid output pattern as opposed to a second output pattern by rotating a portion of a fluid distributor in either of a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction, (2) repeatedly alternating between a first fluid output pattern and a second fluid output pattern by repeatedly rotating a portion of a fluid distributor in a first direction, and (3) selectively outputting a fluid flow in a first fluid output pattern as opposed to a second output pattern in response to selectively directing fluid through a first interior opening of a switching plate as opposed to selectively directing fluid through a second interior opening of the switching plate that is angularly offset relative to the first interior opening about an axis of the switching plate.
[0015] Referring now to Figure 1 , an orthogonal side view of a fluid distributor 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The distributor 100 may be referred to as comprising a top 102, a bottom 104, and a central axis 106 that generally extends between the top 102 and the bottom 104. It will be appreciated that the top 102 and the bottom 104 are provided to serve as a basis for consistent reference to the distributor 100 and are not to be interpreted as a limitation of any application and/or manner of use of the distributor 100. The distributor 100 generally comprises a fluid input 108, a first fluid output 1 10, and a second fluid output 1 12. In this embodiment, the fluid input 108 may generally be configured to receive water from a water supply such as, but not limited to, a sink faucet, a shower faucet, a water hose, and/or any other suitable water supply. The first fluid output 1 10 may comprise an array of needle spray holes 1 14 configured in an angular array about the central axis 106 to generally selectively provide a plurality of separate and/or individual fluid flows and/or streams. The second fluid output 1 12 may comprise a generally centrally located hole, aperture, collection of apertures, and/or an opening 1 16 that may generally selectively provide an aerated, turbulent, and/or substantially singular flow of fluid. In alternative embodiments, a first fluid output and a second fluid output may be configured to provide any other suitable fluid flow type, such as, but not limited to, fluid flows comprising other turbulence, aeration, pressure, flow rate, pattern, array, and/or directionality characteristics. In this embodiment, the distributor 100 is configured to allow selective direction of fluid that enters the distributor 100 through the fluid input 108 to exit a selected one of the first fluid output 1 10 and the second fluid output 1 12 substantially to the exclusion of the other. In some embodiments, the fluid may be forced by physical seals that prevent fluid from continuously exiting both the first fluid output 1 10 and the second fluid output 1 12 while in other embodiments, fluid may be directed out a selected one of the first and second fluid outputs 1 10, 1 12 at least partially as a function of the fluid seeking a path of least resistance although paths to each of the first and second fluid outputs 1 10, 1 12 remain open. In other words, in some embodiments, fluid may be absolutely directed to one of the first and second fluid outputs 1 10, 1 12 is a function of purely structural flow paths while in other embodiments, fluid may be directed to one of the first and second fluid outputs 1 10, 1 12 at least partially as a function of a fluid dynamic flow characteristic of the fluid itself.
[0016] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the distributor 100 generally comprises an outer shell comprising an input ring 1 18, an output ring 120, and an intermediate ring 122 generally disposed between the input ring 1 18 and the output ring 120. Most generally, the intermediate ring 122 may be angularly and longitudinally fixed relative to the input ring 1 18. However, the output ring 120 may be angularly rotated about the central axis 106 relative to at least one of the input ring 1 18 and intermediate ring 122. While components of the distributor 100 that are generally enveloped by the input ring 1 18, the output ring 120, and the intermediate ring 122 are discussed in greater detail below, an understanding of some embodiments of the disclosure may be generalized by noting that the above-described rotation of the output ring 120 relative to at least one of the input ring 1 18 and the intermediate ring 122 may contribute to selectively directing a fluid flow to exit the distributor 100 via the first fluid output 1 10 as opposed to the second fluid output 1 12 and/or selectively directing a fluid flow to exit the distributor 100 via the second fluid output 1 12 as opposed to the first fluid output 1 10. In some embodiments, the output ring 120 may be rotated relative to at least one of the input ring 1 18 and the intermediate ring 122 about the central axis 106 by at least about 360° thereby alternating selection between the first fluid output 1 10 and the second fluid output 1 12 at least one time as a result of the at least about 360° rotation. In some embodiments, the at least about 360° rotation may alternate selection between the first fluid output 1 10 and the second fluid output 1 12 more than once as a result of the at least about 360° rotation. In this embodiment, the above-described 360° rotation of the output ring 120 causes six alternations between fluid flow being directed out of the distributor 100 via the first fluid output 1 10 and the second fluid output 1 12. In alternative embodiments, a distributor substantially similar to distributor 100 may be configured to provide more or fewer than six alternations between fluid flow being directed out of the distributor 100 via the first fluid output 1 10 and the second fluid output 1 12.
[0017] Referring now to Figure 3, an orthogonal exploded side view of the distributor 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The distributor 100 further comprises a plurality of sealing devices, such as, but not limited to, a plurality of washers 124 and a plurality of circumferential seals 126. The distributor 100 further comprises flow compensator components 128, aerator components 130, and mounting components 132. The distributor 100 further comprises a body 134 configured to receive at least one fluid flow selection seal 136 into a downward facing concavity of the body 134. In some embodiments, the fluid flow selection seals 136 (which may be integrally formed as a ring or other integral shape) may interface with an upward facing surface of a fluid distribution plate 138 that comprises fluid distribution apertures 140 disposed in an angular and/or radial array about the axis 106. In some embodiments, the fluid flow selection seal 136 may be configured so that when properly angularly aligned with the fluid distribution plate 138, alternating and/or selected ones of the fluid distribution apertures 140 are sealed by the fluid flow selection seal 136. The fluid distribution plate 138 may further comprise detents 141 configured to interact with a biased component 143 that serves to indicate a correct angular positioning of the rotatable components of the distributor 100. The distributor 100 further comprises a fluid flow divider plate 142 that is generally located downstream relative to the fluid distribution plate 138. The fluid flow divider plate 142 may comprise a plurality of first internal passages 144 selectively in fluid communication with the fluid input 108 and the first fluid output 1 10 and a plurality of second internal passages 146 selectively in fluid communication with the fluid input 108 and the second fluid output 1 12. The plurality of first internal passages 144 and the plurality of second internal passages 146 are alternatingly disposed next to each other about the central axis 106 so that each of the first internal passages 144 is substantially angularly bounded in both directions by second internal passages 146 and so that each of the second internal passages 146 is substantially angularly bounded in both directions by first internal passages 144. In some embodiments, the first internal passages 144 may direct fluid flow relatively more radially outward from the central axis 106 as compared to fluid flow directed by the second internal passages 146. The distributor 100 may further comprise a faceplate 148 and a fluid delivery ring 150 that receives water from the fluid flow divider plate 142. The first fluid flow output 1 10 may be associated with a nozzle 152 that comprises the needle spray holes 1 14. A screw 154 may be used to retain the rotatable components to the body 134.
[0018] Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, oblique and orthogonal views of the fluid flow divider plate 142 are shown, respectively. The first internal passages 144 and second internal passages 146 may be configured to angularly segregate fluid paths associated with the first fluid output 1 10 and the second fluid output 1 12. While the fluid flow divider plate 142 and other associated components for angularly segregating fluid flow paths for the first fluid output 1 10 and the second fluid output 1 12 are shown as being divided into six angular sections about central axis 106, other numbers of angular divisions may be utilized in alternative embodiments.
[0019] Referring now to Figure 6, an oblique view of the fluid distribution plate 138 is shown. While there are six fluid distribution apertures 140 disposed about central axis 106, other numbers of fluid distribution apertures 140 may be utilized in alternative embodiments. In some cases, the number of fluid distribution apertures 140 may equal the total number of first internal passages 144 and second internal passages 146.
[0020] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, orthogonal cross-sectional side views of the distributor 100 are shown as configured for flowing fluid from the fluid input 108 to the first fluid output 1 10 and as configured for flowing fluid from the fluid input 108 to the second fluid output 1 12, respectively.
[0021] Most generally, in operation, the distributor 100 and substantially similar distributors may be used to select between a needle spray mode and a centralized aerated fluid output mode without pushing up or down on the distributor 100. Further, regardless of which mode the distributor 100 is initially operating, a user may simply turn twist the output ring 120 in either direction about the central axis 106 thereby causing the other available fluid output mode to be the next selected mode.
[0022] At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations, and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of the embodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.1 1 , 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, R|, and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=R| +k*(Ru-Ri), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent,...50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent,..., 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term "optionally" with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention.

中文:
[0001]一些流体分配器,诸如但不限于淋浴喷头、龙头附件和/或水管附件,被配置成允许在两种或更多种流体输出模式之间进行选择。在一些情况下,在两种流体输出模式之间的选择需要大体上沿着流体分配器的输出方向推动和/或拉动流体分配器的一部分。在其它情况下,在第一流体输出模式和第二流体输出模式之间的选择需要在两个方向中的仅一个方向上大体上围绕流体分配器的输出方向旋转流体分配器的一部分。例如,从第一流体输出模式切换到第二流体输出模式可能需要在第一方向上(在与第二方向相反的方向上)扭转流体分配器的一部分,该第二方向与第一方向相反。
[0002]在一些实施例中,流体分配器被公开为包括:配置成围绕流体分配器的中心轴线选择性旋转的部件、流体输入、与流体输入选择性流体连通的第一流体输出,以及与流体输入选择性流体连通的第二流体输出,其中部件在第一方向上围绕中心轴线的旋转交替在第一流体输出与第二流体输出之间的选择以及以下至少之一:(1)部件配置成在第一方向上围绕中心轴线旋转至少360°,并且部件的这种围绕中心轴线至少360°的旋转提供了在第一流体输出和第二流体输出之间的选择的至少四次交替,以及(2)第二流体输出的选择是响应于围绕中心轴线将部件旋转远离第一流体输出被选择的部件位置而用于选择的下一个可用流体输出。
[0003]在其它实施例中,一种选择性地分配流体的方法被公开为包括:向流体输入提供流体,且提供响应于部件围绕轴线的旋转而允许在第一流体输出与第二流体输出之间进行选择的部件,其中,当部件处于第一流体输出被选择的位置时,(1)响应于部件在第一方向上围绕轴线旋转的下一个可用流体输出的选择是第二流体输出,以及(2)响应于部件在第二方向上围绕轴线旋转的下一个可用流体输出的选择是第二流体输出。
[0004]在又一些其它实施例中,流体分配器被公开为包括:流体流分隔板,该流体流分隔板包括多个第一内部通道和多个第二内部通道,其中,多个第一内部通道和多个第二通道围绕中心轴线彼此邻近地交替设置,从而使得每个第一内部通道被第二内部通道在两个方向上大致成角度地界定,并且使得每个第二内部通道被第一内部通道在两个方向上大致成角度地界定。流体分配器进一步包括相对流体流分隔板设置于上游的多个流体流选择密封件,以及设置在多个流体流选择密封件与流体流分隔板之间的流体分配板,其中,流体分配板包括多个流体分配孔,该流体分配孔配置成响应于部件围绕中心轴线的旋转而与多个流体流选择密封件选择性地成角度对准。
[0006]图1是根据本公开一实施例的流体分配器的正交侧视图;
[0008]图3是图1的流体分配器的正交分解侧视图;
[0009]图4是图1的流体分配器的流体流分隔板的斜视图;
[0010]图5是图4的流体流分隔板的正交俯视图;
[0012]图7是配置成使流体流经第二流体输出的图1的流体分配器的正交横截面侧视图;以及
[0013]图8是配置成使流体流经第一流体输出的图1的流体分配器的正交横截面侧视图。
[0014]在一些实施例中,本公开提供了用于以下的系统和方法:(1)通过以第一方向或以与第一方向相反的第二方向旋转流体分配器的一部分而选择性地以与第二输出模式相反的第一流体输出模式来输出流体流,(2)通过反复地以第一方向旋转流体分配器的一部分而反复地在第一流体输出模式和第二流体输出模式之间交替,以及(3)响应于选择性地将流体引导通过切换板的第一内部开口(其与选择性地将流体引导通过切换板的第二内部开口相反)而选择性地以与第二输出模式相反的第一流体输出模式来输出流体流,该第二内部开口围绕切换板的轴线相对于第一内部开口成角度偏移。
[0015]现在参照图1,示出了根据本公开一实施例的流体分配器100的正交侧视图。分配器100可以被描述为包括顶部102、底部104和一般在顶部102与底部104之间延伸的中心轴线106。应当注意的是,提供顶部102和底部104作为对分配器100的一致参考基础,而不解释为对分配器100的任何应用和/或使用方式的限定。分配器100一般包括流体输入108、第一流体输出110和第二流体输出112。在该实施例中,流体输入108一般可以配置为接收来自供水系统(诸如但不限于,水槽龙头、喷淋龙头、水管和/或任何其他适合的供水系统)的水。第一流体输出110可以包括针喷射孔114的阵列,该针喷射孔114的阵列配置在围绕中心轴线106的角阵列中,以大致选择性地提供多个分开的和/或独立的流体流和/或股。第二流体输出112可以包括大致位于中央位置的孔洞、孔、孔的集合和/或开口116,其一般可以选择性地提供充气的、湍急的和/或基本单一的流体流。在替代实施例中,第一流体输出和第二流体输出可配置成提供任何其它适合的流体流类型,诸如但不限于,包括其他湍流、充气、压力、流速、模式、阵列和/或方向性特性的流体流。在该实施例中,分配器100配置成允许选择性引导通过流体输入108进入分配器100的流体从第一流体输出110和第二流体输出112中所选择的一者离开而基本将另一者排除在外。在一些实施例中,可以通过防止流体持续地离开第一流体输出110和第二流体输出112二者的物理密封件来压迫流体,而在其他实施例中,即使通向第一流体输出和第二流体输出110、112中每一者的路径保持开放,仍可以引导流体至少部分地应变于流体寻找最小阻力的路径而从第一流体输出110和第二流体输出112中所选择的一者离开。换句话说,在一些实施例中,流体可以被完全地引导到第一流体输出和第二流体输出110、112其中之一纯粹取决于在结构上的流动路径,但在其他实施中,流体可以被引导到第一流体输出和第二流体输出110、112其中之一至少部分地取决于流体自身的流体动力学流动特性。
[0016]现在参照图1和图2,分配器100一般包括外壳,该外壳包括输入环118、输出环120以及一般置于输入环118与输出环120之间的中间环122。最常见的情况下,中间环122可以相对于输入环118被成角度地且纵向地固定。然而,输出环120可至少相对于输入环118和中间环122其中之一围绕中心轴线106成角度地旋转。尽管下面更详细地讨论了一般被输入环118、输出环120和中间环122包封的该分配器100的部件,对本公开的一些实施例的理解可以被概括为:上述的输出环120相对于输入环118和中间环122中至少之一的旋转可有助于选择性地引导流体流通过与第二流体输出112相反的第一流体输出110离开分配器100,和/或选择性地引导流体流通过与第一流体输出110相反的第二流体输出112离开分配器100。在一些实施例中,输出环120可相对于输入环118和中间环122中至少之一围绕中心轴线106旋转至少约360°,由此交替在第一流体输出110和第二流体输出112之间的选择至少一次(作为至少旋转约360°的结果)。在一些实施例中,至少约360°的旋转可以交替在第一流体输出110和第二流体输出112之间的选择不止一次(作为至少旋转约360°的结果)。在该实施例中,上述的输出环120的360°的旋转引起流体流在通过第一流体输出110被引导离开分配器100和通过第二流体输出112被引导离开分配器100之间的六次交替。在替代实施例中,与分配器100基本上类似的分配器可以配置成提供流体流在通过第一流体输出110被引导离开分配器100和通过第二流体输出112被引导离开分配器100之间多于或少于六次的交替。
[0017]现在参考图3,示出了根据本公开一实施例的分配器100的正交分解侧视图。分配器100进一步包括多个密封装置,诸如但不限于,多个垫圈124和多个圆周密封件126。分配器100进一步包括流量补偿器部件128、曝气器部件130和安装部件132。分配器100进一步包括主体134,该主体134配置成接纳至少一个流体流选择密封件136进入主体134的朝下的凹陷。在一些实施例中,流体流选择密封件136(其可一体成形为环状或其他一体形状)可与流体分配板138的朝上的表面对接,该流体分配板138包括围绕轴线106以角度阵列和/或径向阵列方式设置的流体分配孔140。在一些实施例中,流体流选择密封件136可以配置成当其与流体分配板138适当地成角度地对齐时,流体分配孔140的交替的和/或被选择的孔被流体流选择密封件136密封。流体分配板138可进一步包括配置成与偏置部件143相互作用的制动件141,该偏置部件143用于指示分配器100的可旋转部件的正确角定位。分配器100进一步包括流体流分隔板142,该流体流分隔板142通常相对于流体分配板138位于下游的。流体流分隔板142可以包括可选择地与流体输入108及第一流体输出110流体连通的多个第一内部通道144;以及可选择地与流体输入108及第二流体输出112流体连通的多个第二内部通道146。多个第一内部通道144和多个第二内部通道146围绕中心轴线106彼此邻近地交替设置,从而使每个第一内部通道144被第二内部通道146在两个方向上大致成角度地界定,并且使每个第二内部通道146被第一内部通道144在两个方向上大致成角度地界定。在一些实施例中,与第二内部通道146引导的流体流相比,第一内部通道144可距中心轴线106相对更加径向向外地引导流体流。分配器100可以进一步包括面板148和接收来自流体流分隔板142的水的流体输送环150。第一流体流输出110可与包括针喷射孔114的喷嘴152相关联。螺钉154可被用于将可旋转部件保持于主体134上。
[0018]现在参考图4和5,它们分别示出流体流分隔板142的斜视图和正交视图。第一内部通道144和第二内部通道146可以配置成将与第一流体输出110和第二流体输出112相关联的流体路径成角度地分离。尽管用于成角度地分离第一流体输出110和第二流体输出112的流体流路径的流体流分隔板142和其他关联部件以围绕中心轴线106分成六个斜剖面示出,但在替代实施例中可以采用其他数量的角度分割。
[0019]现在参考图6,示出流体分配板138的斜视图。尽管围绕中心轴线106设置有六个流体分配孔140,但在替代实施例中可以采用其他数量的流体分配孔140。在一些情况下,流体分配孔140的数量可以等于第一内部通道144和第二内部通道146的总数量。
[0020]现在参考图7和8,示出分配器100的正交横截面侧视图,该分配器分别配置成使流体从流体输入108流至第一流体输出110和配置成使流体从流体输入108流至第二流体输出112。
[0021]在最常见情况下,在操作中,分配器100和基本上类似的分配器可用于在针喷射模式和经集中曝气的流体输出模式之间选择,而无需在分配器100上的上下推动。此外,无论分配器100起初以何种模式运行,用户都可以简单地围绕中心轴线106在任一方向上扭转输出环120,从而使得另一个可用流体输出模式成为下一个被选择的模式。
[0022]本公开公开了至少一个实施例,并且本领域普通技术人员所做的关于(诸)实施例和/或(诸)实施例的特征的变体、组合和/或修改均在本公开的范围以内。通过组合、合并和/或省略(诸)实施例的特征而得到的替代实施例也在本公开的范围以内。在文中明确陈述了数值范围或边界的情况下,应将其理解为包括落入所明确陈述的范围或边界以内的近似量值的迭代范围或边界(例如,从约1至约10包括2、3、4等;大于0.10包括0.11、0.12、0.13等)。例如,每当公开一具有下限Rl和上限Ru的数值范围时,则具体公开了任何落入该范围内的数值。特别地,具体公开了该范围内的以下数值:R=Rl+k*(Ru-Rl),其中,k为从1%至100%变动的增量为1%的变量,即k是1%、2%、3%、4%、5%、.......、50%、51%、52%、.......、95%、96%、97%、98%、99%或100%。此外,还具体公开了由两个如上限定的R值所限定的任意的数值范围。针对权利要求的任何元件使用术语“可选地”意指该元件是需要的或者该元件是不需要的,并且这两种替代方案均在权利要求的范围之内。诸如“包括”、“包含”和“具有”之类的广义术语的使用应当理解为对诸如“由......组成”、“主要由......组成”和“基本包括”等狭义术语提供支持。因此,保护范围不由上面给出的描述进行限制,而是由接下来的权利要求来限定,该范围包括权利要求所保护主题的所有等同。将每一个权利要求作为进一步的公开内容纳入说明书中,且权利要求有本公开的(诸)实施例。