Patent Publication Number: US-11642713-B2

Title: Reflex angle capable tube bending systems

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Application, Ser. No. 63/130,476, filed on Dec. 24, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to tube bending systems. In particular, tube bending systems capable of bending tubes 180 degrees or more in a single operation are described. 
     Known tube bending systems are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. One challenge facing machine shops currently is bending tubes over reflex angles; that is, over angles of 180 degrees or more. Many conventional tube bending systems are not capable of effectively bending tubes 180 degrees or more in a single operation. For example, most existing tube bending systems are limited to bending tubes well below 90 degrees and require an operator to mechanically adjust the system to bend the tube further. 
     Certain existing tube bending systems are capable of bending tubes 180 degrees or more in a single operation, such as chain or gear driven systems. However, chain and gear driven systems tend to be complex and prohibitively expensive for many machine shops. The excessive expense of these conventional systems can derive from the systems&#39; complexity, maintenance requirements, duty ratings, materials and components, and interoperability with other tube bending assemblies. For example, existing tube bending systems that are capable of bending tubes 180 degrees or more in a single operation tend to not be compatible with mandrel assemblies that would help affordably reduce defects when bending tubes. 
     Thus, there exists a need for tube bending systems that improve upon and advance the design of known tube bending systems. Examples of new and useful tube bending systems relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
     Disclosure relevant to the tube bending systems described herein is provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,269,054, 4,201,073, 7,269,988, 6,976,378, 7,743,636, 7,380,430, and 4,750,346. The complete disclosures of these listed patents are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to tube bending systems for bending a tube. The tube bending systems include a tube bending device, a frame, a wiper die assembly, and a mandrel assembly. The tube bending device includes an actuator, a crank, a bending die, and a clamp assembly. The crank is mechanically coupled to the actuator. The bending die is mechanically coupled to the crank. The clamp assembly is operatively coupled to the bending die and configured to selectively secure the tube to the bending die. The actuator selectively drives the crank. The crank selectively rotates the bending die. The crank is configured to rotate the bending die over at least 180 degrees. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a first example of a tube bending system in a start position. 
         FIG.  2    is a side perspective view of the tube bending system shown in  FIG.  1    in an intermediate position. 
         FIG.  3    is a side perspective view of the tube bending system shown in  FIG.  1    in a finished position. 
         FIG.  4    is a sectional view of the tube bending system shown in  FIG.  1    in the start position. 
         FIG.  5    is a sectional view of the tube bending system shown in  FIG.  1    in the finished position. 
         FIG.  6    is a front elevation view of the tube bending system shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a top plan view of the tube bending system shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed tube bending systems will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
     Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various tube bending systems are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
     Definitions 
     The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated. 
     “Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. 
     “Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited. 
     Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation. 
     “Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components. 
     “Communicatively coupled” means that an electronic device exchanges information with another electronic device, either wirelessly or with a wire-based connector, whether directly or indirectly through a communication network. 
     “Controllably coupled” means that an electronic device controls operation of another electronic device. 
     Reflex Angle Capable Tube Bending Systems 
     With reference to the figures, reflex angle capable tube bending systems will now be described. The tube bending systems discussed herein function to bend tubes over reflex angles; that is, over angles of 180 degrees or more in a single operation. Some examples of the tube bending systems discussed in this application are operable to bend tubes 228 degrees in a single operation. The novel tube bending systems described below are also capable of bending tubes by approximately −2 degrees, that is, in the opposite direction of the ultimate bend, for loading purposes. 
     The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed tube bending systems address many of the shortcomings of conventional tube bending systems. For example, the novel tube bending systems discussed herein are capable of bending tubes effectively 180 degrees or more in a single operation. The bending capabilities of the novel systems discussed below improve upon tube bending systems that are limited to bending tubes less than 90 degrees before an operator must mechanically adjust the system to bend the tube further. 
     The novel tube bending systems discussed herein also improve over existing tube bending systems that are capable of bending tubes 180 degrees or more in a single operation. Unlike chain or gear driven systems, which tend to be complex and prohibitively expensive for many machine shops, the novel systems in this document are significantly more cost effective. The novel systems avoid the excessive expense of conventional systems by being less complex, requiring less maintenance, utilizing less expensive materials and components, and/or being more interoperable with other tube bending assemblies. For example, the novel systems discussed herein are compatible with mandrel assemblies that help affordably reduce defects when bending tubes. 
     Contextual Details 
     Ancillary features relevant to the tube bending systems described herein will first be described to provide context and to aid the discussion of the tube bending systems. 
     Tube 
     The tube bending systems described below are used to bend tubes. One example of a tube, a tube  101 , is depicted in the figures. 
     Tube  101  is an elongate member bent to defined parameters by the tube bending systems described below. The reader should understand that the tube need not be tubular in all examples. For example, the tube bent by the tube bending systems described herein may be a solid bar, a shaft, or a rod. For simplicity, this disclosure discusses in detail only tubular tubes, but the tube bending systems described herein should be understood to bend other elongate members beyond tubular tubes as well, such as solid bars. 
     The elongate member may be any currently known or later developed type of elongate member. The reader will appreciate that a variety of elongate member types exist and could be used in place of the tube shown in the figures. In addition to the types of elongate members existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could bend new types of elongate members developed in the future. 
     The size of the tube may be varied as needed fora given application. In some examples, the tube is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the tube is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the tube and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The tube may be any of a wide variety of currently known or later developed metals and effectively bent by the tube bending systems described below. Suitable tube materials include carbon steels (1010, 1020, 1026, and 4130 steel), stainless steels, aluminum (6061 and 6063 up to T6 temper), titanium in CWSR (cold worked stress relieved) and annealed condition (2.5AL-3V, CP2, others), as well as copper and its alloys. 
     Tube Bending System Embodiment One 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , a first example of a tube bending system, tube bending system  100 , will now be described. Tube bending system  100  functions to bend tube  101  up to 228 degrees in a single operation. Other tube bending system examples may bend tubes to greater or smaller degrees, such as up to 180 degrees, 220 degrees, or 260 degrees or more, including bending amounts in between, such as 181 degrees, 182 degrees, etc. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , tube bending system  100  includes a tube bending device  102 , a frame  103 , a wiper die assembly  115 , and a mandrel assembly  110 . In other examples, the tube bending system includes fewer components than depicted in the figures, such as not including a wiper die assembly and/or a mandrel assembly. In certain examples, the tube bending system includes additional or alternative components than depicted in the figures, such as an extension frame and/or a lubrication system. 
     Tube Bending Device 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , tube bending device  102  serves to bend tube  101  into a desired shape. In the present example, with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , tube bending device  102  is configured to bend tube  101  up to 228 degrees in a single operation. Tube bending device  102  is also configured to bend tube  101  by approximately −2 degrees, that is, in the opposite direction of the ultimate bend, for loading purposes. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , tube bending device  102  is mounted to frame  103 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , tube bending device  102  includes a bending die  105 , an actuator  180 , a clamp assembly  183 , a pressure die assembly  187 , and a crank  170 . 
     Bending Die 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , bending die  105  cooperates with pressure die assembly  187 , clamp assembly  183 , crank  170 , and actuator  180  to bend tube  101  when actuator  180  rotates bending die  105 . With reference to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , tube  101  is fixed to bending die  105  by clamp assembly  183 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , bending die  105  is circular and includes a curved outer circumference around which tube  101  bends as bending die  105  rotates. The curved shape of bending die  105  is configured to impart bends into tube  101  when actuator  180  rotates bending die  105  and tube  101 , in turn, is pulled over and around bending die  105 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , bending die  105  includes an axle  106  coupled to crank  170 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , bending die  105  is a partial circle and defines a missing circle portion  199  when viewed from an axis about which bending die  105  rotates. As shown in  FIG.  4   , clamp  181  and link plate  184  of clamp assembly  183  couple together in missing circle portion  199 . In the particular example shown in the figures, the curved outer circumference of bending die  105  has a central angle of 270 degrees. Accordingly, the partial circle is approximately three quarters of a full circle and missing circle portion  199  is approximately one quarter of a full circle. 
     The size of the bending die may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the bending die is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the bending die is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the bending die and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The bending die may be any currently known or later developed type of bending die. The reader will appreciate that a variety of bending die types exist and could be used in place of the bending die shown in the figures. In addition to the types of bending dies existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could incorporate new types of bending dies developed in the future. 
     In the present example, the bending die is composed of metal. However, the bending die may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for bending tubes. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     Actuator 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  6 , and  7   , actuator  180  functions to rotate bending die  105  via crank  170 . The reader can see in  FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  6 , and  7    that actuator  180  selectively drives crank  170 . With tube  101  fixed to bending die  105  via clamp assembly  183 , actuator  180  rotating bending die  105  pulls tube  101  over and around bending die  105 . 
     The size of the actuator may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the actuator is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the actuator is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the actuator and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     In the examples shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , actuator  180  is a linear actuator. In particular, actuator  180  is a hydraulic ram. However, the actuator may be any currently known or later developed type of actuator, such as electric linear actuators, pneumatic actuators, power screws, hydraulic rams, or combinations of actuators, rams, and/or screws. The reader will appreciate that a variety of actuator types exist and could be used in place of the hydraulic ram shown in the figures. In addition to the types of actuators existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could incorporate new types of actuators developed in the future. 
     Clamp Assembly 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , clamp assembly  183  functions to fix tube  101  to bending die  105 . In the example shown in the figures, clamp assembly  183  includes a link plate  184  and a clamp  181 . With reference to  FIGS.  2 - 5   , the reader can see that link plate  184  is coupled to bending die  105 . 
       FIGS.  2 - 5    further depict that clamp  181  is coupled to link plate  184  partially in missing circle portion  199  of bending die  105 . As can be seen in  FIGS.  2 - 5   , clamp  181  is disposed proximate a terminal end of the curved outer circumference of bending die  105  when coupled to link plate  184 . 
     Clamp assembly  183  cooperates with bending die  105 , pressure die assembly  187 , and actuator  180  to bend tube  101  when actuator  180  rotates bending die  105 . As depicted in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , clamp  181  is configured to selectively couple to tube  101 . Tube  101  being clamped to bending die  105  with clamp  181  causes tube  101  to be pulled over and around bending die  105  when actuator  180  rotates bending die  105 . 
     The size of the clamp may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the clamp is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the clamp is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the clamp and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The clamp may be any currently known or later developed type of clamp. The reader will appreciate that a variety of clamp types exist and could be used in place of the clamp shown in the figures. In addition to the types of clamps existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could incorporate new types of clamps developed in the future. 
     In the present example, the clamp is composed of metal. However, the clamp may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for securing tubes. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, and composite materials. 
     Pressure Die Assembly 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , pressure die assembly  187  functions to support tube  101  against bending die  105 . Pressure die assembly  187  cooperates with bending die  105 , clamp  181 , crank  170 , and actuator  180  to bend tube  101  when actuator  180  rotates bending die  105 . 
     In the present example, pressure die assembly  187  includes a pressure die  182  and rotating shafts  188 . In other examples, the pressure die assembly includes additional or alternative components. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , pressure die assembly  187  is mounted to frame  103  proximate bending die  105  in a position to support tube  101 . In particular, pressure die assembly  187  supports tube  101  between bending die assembly  105  and pressure die  182 . 
     In the present example, as depicted in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , pressure die  182  translates over rotating shafts  188  in line with the longitudinal axis of tube  101  as bending die  105  bends tube  101 . In other examples, the pressure die is fixed and does not translate. Pressure die  182  translating reduces tube wall thinning and improves the quality of the resulting bend by reducing or removing tension in tube  101  when bending it. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , pressure die  182  is supported on two rotating shafts mounted on bearings, which are supported on frame  103 . The two rotating shafts mounted on bearings define rotating shifts  188 . Rotating shafts  188  are configured to freely rotate as pressure die  182  translates to facilitate pressure die  182  translating. 
     In the present example, pressure die  182  translates by being pulled forward by tube  101  as tube  101  is pulled around pressure die  105 . Pressure die  182  frictionally engages tube  101 . In other examples, the pressure die translates by various additional or alternative means. For example, the pressure die may translate by pneumatics, hydraulics, a motor, a screw, gears, or a chain. In some examples, the pressure die exerts forward translational force on tube  101 , sometimes referred to as a boost, to improve bend quality and reduce wall thinning. 
     The size of the pressure die assembly may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the pressure die assembly is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the pressure die assembly is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the pressure die assembly and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The pressure die assembly may be any currently known or later developed type of pressure die assembly. Suitable alternatives include static systems, such as a rotating round pressure die or a static friction pressure die. The reader will appreciate that a variety of pressure die assembly types exist and could be used in place of the pressure die assembly shown in the figures. In addition to the types of pressure die assemblies existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could incorporate new types of pressure die assemblies developed in the future. 
     In the present example, the pressure die is composed of metal. However, the pressure die may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for supporting tubes. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     In the present example, the pressure die defines a curved channel to complement the round outer profile of tube  101 . However, the shape of the channel defined by the pressure die and the overall shape of the pressure die may be varied to suit the needs of a given application. For example, some pressure dies define rectilinear channels when the tubes being bent are square or rectilinear. 
     Crank 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  6 , and  7   , crank  170  serves to convert linear motion from actuator  180  into rotational motion acting on bending die  105 . Crank  170  is coupled to actuator  180  on an input end and to bending die  105  on an output end. Crank  170  is further pivotally coupled to frame  103 . 
     In the present example, crank  170  includes a first link  171 , a second link  172 , and a third link  173  and thus may be referred to as a multi-link crank. However, the crank may include more or fewer links as needed to effectuate a desired manner of linear to rotational motion conversion. Each link in crank  170  is pivotally connected to one another. First link  171  is pivotally connected to frame  103  and to second link  172 . 
     Actuator  180  is pivotally coupled to first link  171 , which is pivotally connected to second link  172 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  6 , and  7   , first link  171  includes three pivots whereas the other links each include two pivots. Actuator  180  presses and retracts first link  171  to linearly act on crank  170 . 
     Second link  172  is pivotally connected to third link  173 . Third link  173  is fixed to axle  106  of bending die  105 . Second link  172  driving third link  173  causes third link  173  to rotate axle  106  of bending die  105 . Thus, crank  170  selectively rotates bending die  105  when driven by actuator  180 . 
     In particular, crank  170  is configured to rotate bending die  105  from −2 degrees to at least 180 degrees. In some examples, crank  170  is configured to rotate bending die  105  from −2 degrees to 228 degrees in a single operation. 
     The size of the crank may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the crank is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the crank is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the crank and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The crank may be any currently known or later developed type of crank, including bell cranks. In some examples, the torque transmitting components include a square shaft, a D-shaped shaft, a splined shaft, a bolted assembly, a cross pin, and/or a friction coupling, such as a compression collar or a conical interface. The reader will appreciate that a variety of crank types exist and could be used in place of the crank shown in the figures. In addition to the types of cranks existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could incorporate new types of cranks developed in the future. 
     In the present example, the crank is composed of metal. However, the crank may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for converting linear motion into rotational motion. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     Frame 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , the role of frame  103  is to support components of tube bending system  100 , including tube bending device  102 , mandrel assembly  110 , and wiper die assembly  115 . The frame may be any currently known or later developed type of frame. The reader will appreciate that a variety of frame types exist and could be used in place of the frame shown in the figures. In addition to the types of frames existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could incorporate new types of frames developed in the future. 
     In the present example, frame  103  is composed of steel. However, the frame may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for supporting components of the tube bending system. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     The size of the frame may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the frame is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the frame is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the frame and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     Mandrel Assembly 
     The reader can see in  FIGS.  4  and  5    that mandrel assembly  110  is disposed in tube  101  with a mandrel  111  proximate bending die  105 . Mandrel assembly  110  functions to support tube  101  from inside tube  101  as tube  101  is being bent by tube bending device  102 . Mandrel assembly  110  includes mandrel  111  and rod  114 . In some examples, the mandrel assembly includes an onboard lubrication system. 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , mandrel  111  is mounted to rod  114 . Rod  114  extends from mandrel  111  away from tube bending device  102  and is used to remove mandrel  111  from inside tube  101  after tube  101  is bent by tube bending device  102 . 
     The size of the mandrel may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the mandrel is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the mandrel is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the mandrel and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The shape of the mandrel may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. For example, the mandrel may include a face having the shape of a regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the mandrel may include a face having an irregular shape. In three dimensions, the shape of the mandrel may be a sphere, a pyramid, a cone, a cube, and variations thereof, such as a hemisphere or a frustoconical shape. 
     The mandrel may be any currently known or later developed type of mandrel. In the present example, mandrel  111  is a unitary piece whereas in other examples the mandrel includes two or more links that articulate. The reader will appreciate that a variety of mandrel types exist and could be used in place of the mandrel shown in the figures. In addition to the types of mandrels existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could incorporate new types of mandrels developed in the future. 
     In the present example, mandrel  111  is comprised in part of bronze. However, the mandrel may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials. 
     Wiper Die Assembly 
     Wiper die assembly  115  functions to support the outside of tube  101  as it is being bent by tube bending device  102 . Supporting the outside of tube  101  reduces wrinkles and other defects forming in tube  101  as it is bent. 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , wiper die assembly  115  is mounted to frame  103  proximate tube bending device  102  and outside of tube  101 . The wiper die assembly may be any currently known or later developed type of wiper die assembly. The reader will appreciate that a variety of wiper die assemblies exist and could be used in place of the wiper die assembly shown in the figures. In addition to the types of wiper die assemblies existing currently, it is contemplated that the tube bending systems described herein could incorporate new types of wiper die assemblies developed in the future. 
     The size of the wiper die assembly may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the wiper die assembly is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the wiper die assembly is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the wiper die assembly and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions. 
     The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
     Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.