Patent Abstract:
A boiler unit comprises an enclosure including: a first circuit of a first fluid heat exchange medium, the first circuit N having a heating device to heat the first medium, a boost heat exchanger, a valve and a first manifold; a second circuit of a second heating system fluid heat exchange medium, the second circuit having a flow and return port of the boiler unit, a second manifold and said boost heat exchanger for exchange of heat between said first and second heat exchanger media when said valve is open; a space in the enclosure receiving an auxiliary unit to be driven substantially exclusively by said first fluid heat exchange medium; and a boiler control unit to control operation of the heating device according to heat demand of the heating device and otherwise irrespective of the auxiliary unit when connected; and an organic rankine cycle (ORC) unit comprising: a third fluid heat exchange medium circuit, the circuit including a condenser adapted for connection to said second manifold to provide heat to said second circuit, a pump to circulate said third medium, an evaporator adapted for connection to said first manifold to heat said third medium and a rotary expander connected to an electricity generator; and an auxiliary control unit to control the ORC unit and operate said valve.

Full Description:
[0001]    This invention relates to a modular heating system. In particular to a domestic heating system, or a system of generally small capacity, that has the capability of performing additional functions. It also relates to a mounting arrangement for a vibratory component, especially of a pump or motor in a domestic heating system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Domestic heating systems generally involve a unit that is euphemistically described as a boiler, and which may be wall mounted or self-standing. It is generally the central unit of the heating system, and the output is generally hot water that is used either indirectly for heating a hot water circuit (for hot water dispensed from taps and showers), usually referred to as DHW, and directly, for space, or central, heating of the building in which the boiler is located, usually referred to as CH. Of course, direct supply of DHW is also possible in “combi” arrangements. 
         [0003]    The source of power for such boilers may be gas or another fuel or another source. 
         [0004]    Increasingly there is a demand for local electricity generation and the economics of such generation are beginning to make sense. WO-A-2003/014534 describes an integrated micro combined heat and power (CHP) system, in which a conventional boiler is provided with a steam circuit that provides heat to an organic rankine cycle (ORC) machine that employs a scroll as the expander, the scroll driving a generator to generate electricity. The present invention relates especially, although not exclusively, to such an arrangement. 
         [0005]    However, there are also other potential capabilities required of a boiler such as provision within the appliance of a thermal store, or of an air conditioning unit, for example. Also, it is desirable to render boilers adaptable. 
         [0006]    WO-A-2010/061190 discloses a boiler unit housed in an enclosure configured to receive a solid state combined heat and power unit or a rankine or stirling engine (CHP device), wherein the boiler unit comprises a heat generating device and a control unit to independently control the heat generating device and the CHP device, wherein the boiler unit is operable without the CHP device being present. 
         [0007]    GB-A-2376271 discloses a similar arrangement. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0008]    In accordance with the present invention there is provided a boiler unit comprising an enclosure including:
       a first circuit of a first fluid heat exchange medium, the first circuit having a heating device to heat the first medium, a boost heat exchanger, a valve and a first manifold;   a second circuit of a second heating system fluid heat exchange medium, the second circuit having a flow and return port of the boiler unit, a second manifold and said boost heat exchanger for exchange of heat between said first and second heat exchanger media when said valve is open;   a space in the enclosure receiving an auxiliary unit to be driven substantially exclusively by said first fluid heat exchange medium and comprising a heat drain; and   a boiler control unit to control operation of the heating device according to heat demand of the heating device and otherwise irrespective of the auxiliary unit when connected.       
 
         [0013]    Said auxiliary unit being “driven substantially exclusively by said first fluid heat exchange medium” means that no additional power beyond any control of the auxiliary unit is employed by the auxiliary unit, which derives its energy required to perform its substantive purpose exclusively from said first fluid heat exchange medium. Thus the present invention employs a single source of heat for both the second circuit, which might conveniently be the domestic hot water and central heating circuit of a residence or building, and the auxiliary unit. This renders control of the appliance relatively very simple, requiring only traditional boiler heating controls with which an existing skilled person (for example a CORGI registered fitter in the United Kingdom) would be familiar. 
         [0014]    Said auxiliary unit may comprise an organic rankine cycle (ORC) unit comprising:
       a third fluid heat exchange medium circuit, the circuit including a condenser adapted for connection to said second manifold to provide heat to said second circuit, a pump to circulate said third medium, an evaporator forming said heat drain and adapted for connection to said first manifold to heat said third medium and a rotary expander connected to an electricity generator; and   an auxiliary control unit to control the ORC unit and operate said valve.       
 
         [0017]    In this mode, a boiler incorporating an ORC unit is a micro CHP unit where all the energy delivered (ie heat and electricity) is provided by said heating device. In one arrangement, the heating device is a combustion chamber incorporating a heat exchange coil for transmitting heat from combustion products to said first heat exchange medium. A feature of the present invention can be that the boost heat exchanger is sufficient to transfer substantially all of the heat delivered by the first heat exchange medium to the second heat exchange medium. This means that, when the ORC unit is not connected, there is no loss of heat capacity of the system. 
         [0018]    The auxiliary unit is simply another heat load on the system, so the boiler control is unaffected by its inclusion. Of course, whatever unit is installed has its own control, which does integrate with the first and second circuits to some extent in operating the boost exchanger valve in the first circuit. 
         [0019]    Moreover, when the auxiliary unit, whatever it is, is not connected, the valve is normally open, the auxiliary control unit serving to close the valve so that heat of the first heat exchange fluid can transfer to the third heat exchange medium. Preferably, when the auxiliary unit is an ORC unit and it is connected in the boiler unit, the valve is closed until the ORC unit cannot meet all the heat demand of the second heat exchanger. 
         [0020]    Thus, the system is heat-led. When started, the boiler transfers all heat called for by the second circuit to the first heat exchange fluid and then to the third heat exchange fluid, said valve being closed by the ORC control unit. Indeed, more heat is generated than necessary for the second circuit, the excess being used by the ORC unit to generate electricity. The ORC unit is rated to deliver the anticipated average functioning heat load of the second circuit. This means that during peak load, the ORC unit cannot deliver sufficient heat. In this circumstance, the heat output of the heating device is increased towards its maximum output and at the same time the valve is opened to divert some of the first heat exchange fluid to the boost heat exchanger, so that further heat can be delivered to the third heat exchange fluid. 
         [0021]    Alternatively, said auxiliary unit may comprise a thermal store comprising a tank to include said second heating system fluid heat exchange medium and adapted for connection to said second manifold. Optionally, said tank includes a tank heat exchanger forming said heat drain and adapted for connection to said first manifold and a thermal control unit comprising a thermostat to monitor the temperature of the second medium in the tank and a valve to limit flow of said first heat medium in the tank heat exchanger. 
         [0022]    Alternatively, said auxiliary unit may comprise an absorption driven air conditioning unit comprising a heat pump forming said heat drain and adapted for connection to said first manifold and to be driven by said first heat exchange medium, and a source of refrigerant to be cooled by said heat pump. 
         [0023]    Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a boiler unit can be supplied with or without an auxiliary unit, which can be supplied and fitted subsequently. 
         [0024]    Indeed, in one arrangement, multiple slots or spaces could be provided in the boiler unit to accept multiple auxiliary units, each adapted to be driven by heat from the first circuit. Alternatively, one slot may be adapted to receive an ORC unit as described above and a second slot be adapted to receive an additional heat generation auxiliary unit, such as an ambient source heat pump, or a solar heat source, whereby the energy required to drive the ORC unit may be shared between the additional heat generation auxiliary unit and the first circuit. 
         [0025]    Preferably, said boiler unit comprises a mount for fitment of said auxiliary control unit separate from said space. 
         [0026]    Preferably, said first fluid heat exchange medium is water and steam operating under pressure and being gravity driven. Thus said boost heat exchanger, and the heat drain of said auxiliary unit when present, are above the heating device so that water in the heating device boils and turns to steam which rises to said boost exchanger where the steam condenses and falls back to the heating device as water. The pressure may be in the region of 6 or 7 Bar and the temperature of operation peaking at about 150° C. 
         [0027]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided and organic rankine cycle module comprising a control unit and a frame in which frame is mounted:
       a third fluid heat exchange medium circuit, the circuit including a condenser adapted for connection to said second manifold to provide heat to said second circuit, a pump to circulate said third medium, an evaporator having ports connection of a source of a first fluid heat exchange medium to heat said third medium and a rotary expander connected to an electricity generator.       
 
         [0029]    In accordance with a different aspect, there is provided a mounting in a frame for a vibrating unit having a longitudinal axis, the mounting comprising mounts on either side of said longitudinal axis in an axis plane and each mount lying in a mount plane substantially perpendicular said axis plane, wherein at least one mount comprises a pair of brackets, one unit bracket for fixed connection to the unit and the other frame bracket for connection in the frame, each bracket defining mounting faces that lie in bracket planes parallel said mount plane but spaced from one another, resilient blocks disposed between facing mounting faces the unit and frame brackets to support the unit in the frame when connected therein, wherein said mounting faces are inclined with respect to said mount frame and to said axis frame, whereby pairs of said resilient blocks on either side of said axis plane are inclined oppositely with respect to one another. 
         [0030]    Preferably, the mounts are substantially identical on either side of an orthogonal axis plane being orthogonal said axis plane and containing said longitudinal axis, wherein pairs of said resilient blocks on either side of orthogonal said axis plane are inclined oppositely with respect to one another. 
         [0031]    Preferably, there are pairs of said resilient blocks in a said mount on either side of a gravity plane being a plane orthogonal to each of said axis plane and orthogonal axis plane, said gravity plane being arranged to be substantially horizontal when the unit is mounted in the frame, wherein said pairs of said resilient blocks on either side of said gravity plane are parallel inclined. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a fluid circuit diagram of a system according to the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 2   a, b  and  c  are views of a boiler unit incorporating the circuit of  FIG. 1 , with various panels removed; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a further view with more panels removed 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is another view with an ORC unit detached from the boiler unit; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 5   a  and  b  are views of the ORC unit with some frame elements removed; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 6   a, b  and  c  are views of a scroll expander generator arrangement in the ORC unit of  FIG. 5  showing the mounting arrangements thereof; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of an alternative arrangement; And 
           [0040]      FIGS. 8   a  and b are schematic diagrams of alternative arrangements in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 2   a , an embodiment  10  of a boiler in accordance with the present invention is a wall-mounted unit comprising a housing  12  in the form of a frame  12   a  and connected panels  12   b,  preferably forming a sealed enclosure when complete (some panels are not shown, including a front cover panel). Preferably, the boiler is gas fired, having a gas supply  14  to a combustion chamber  16  via a gas control vale  18 . A balanced flue  20 , driven by a fan  22 , supplies combustion air to, and exhausts combustion gases from the combustion chamber  16 . 
         [0042]    The combustion chamber includes a primary heat exchanger HX (see  FIG. 1 ) in the form of a coiled pipe inside the combustion chamber  16  that has a first heat exchange medium, most conveniently of water, which may be boiled and evaporated by the combustion process. 
         [0043]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , the boiler  10  comprises three fluid circuits, a first steam circuit  100 , a second central heating (CH) and/or domestic hot water (DHW) circuit  200  and a third organic rankine cycle (ORC) circuit  300 . 
         [0044]    First circuit  100  comprises pipes  31   a - f , which lead from the heat exchanger HX and complete the circuit through a boost heat exchanger  33 . An expansion vessel E controls pressure in the first circuit. Motive force for the circuit is gravitational, since the steam rises from the combustion chamber  16  and condenses in the boost exchanger  33  which is at the top of the unit. In the embodiment shown, a branch  35   a  of steam pipe  31  a leads to an evaporator  49  of an organic rankine cycle unit  50 , described further below. A return branch  35   b  reconnects to the water return pipe  31   e.  A boost valve  36  controls flow through the boost exchanger  33 . A recuperator  38  warms return water and cools exhaust gases exiting the base of the combustion chamber and exiting through flue root  20   a.    
         [0045]    Second circuit  200  comprises the boost exchanger  33  being supplied with a central heating (CH) and/or domestic hot water (DHW) from return pipe  41   a . This first enters a recuperator  42  where exhaust gases leaving the combustion chamber  16  are finally cooled for exit through flue root  20   a  and some initial warmth is given to the return flow in pipe  41   a . After exit from the recuperator, the return flow is in pipe  41   c,  which is connected to a condenser  52  in an ORC unit  50 , described further below, assuming that is connected. When the ORC unit is not connected, instead, a bypass pipe  41   b  is connected to the exit of the recuperator  42 , which bypass is also connected to the boost heat exchanger  33 . If the ORC unit is present, exit pipe  41   d  from the condenser  52  connects instead to the boost heat exchanger  33 . In either case, the circuit is completed by pipe  41   f  becoming the flow pipe of the central heating and/or how water system. 
         [0046]    ORC unit  50  is a replaceable module having a frame  54  in which its components are mounted. The third ORC circuit consists of pipes  44   a - f . Pipe  44   a  exits a pump  46  that delivers liquid organic heat exchange fluid (of which there are many available, although pentane is a suitable choice) to a regenerator  48  that heats the fluid a first stage. Exit pipe  44   b  delivers the warmer fluid to an evaporator  49  which adds further heat and boils the organic fluid under the influence of steam passing through the other side of the evaporator  49  in the steam circuit  100 . The now vaporous organic fluid passes through pipe  44   c  to an expander  47 , conveniently in the form of a scroll. The scroll may be connected to a generator  45 . Indeed, the generator and scroll expander  47  may be integrated in a single unit  45 / 47 , as it is in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2 to 6 . Pipe  44   d  carries still superheated but nevertheless expanded organic fluid vapour to the regenerator  48 , giving up more heat before passing through pipe  44   e  to condenser  52  where its heat is largely given up to the central heating/hot water circuit  200  in condenser  52 . 
         [0047]    Thus the mode of operation and major transport of heat is from the combustion chamber to the steam circuit  100 ; from there to the ORC circuit  300  by exchange in the evaporator  49 ; and from the ORC circuit  300  to the central heating circuit  200  via the condenser  52 . The bridge that circuit  300  represents between the steam circuit  100  and central heating circuit  200  is limited in its heat capacity. It may be limited by any of a number of the different components. The capacity of the circuit needs to be rated at a typical level that provides a) a useful quantity of electricity from the expander/generator  45 / 47  and b) provides most of the heat requirement for the CH/DHW circuit  200 . However, it should not have any greater capacity than that, however, as efficiency is thereby compromised. However, in the event that more heat than the circuit  300  can provide is needed by the CH/DHW circuit, a boiler control unit  70  (discussed further below) opens the valve  36  and permits steam also to enter the boost heat exchanger  33  so that direct connection between the circuits  100 , 200  is achieved, as well as via the bridge circuit  300 . Of course, as discussed above, if the ORC unit is not employed, then the boost heat exchanger is the only link between the steam and CH/DHW circuits  100 , 200 . 
         [0048]    Returning to  FIGS. 2   a, b  and  c , boiler control unit  70  is a typical such unit, controlling the operation of fan  22  and gas valve  18 , as well as sensing various parameters to check for correct operation. It has a typical connection to a central heating system control unit (not shown) that is user operated to control on and off times and provide switching commands, responsive to room and water thermostats etc., to the control  70 . However, when ORC unit  50  is installed, a separate ORC control unit  80  is provided and mounted in isolation unit  90 . Isolation unit  90  is simply a location of the boiler  12  that is isolated from the combustion chamber  16  and ORC unit  50 , whereby the electrical components of the boiler can be protected from the effects of both components. The isolation unit  90  is simply a surrounding wall  92  that divides the space inside the boiler enclosure  12 . Pipes and electrical connections passing through the wall  92  pass through rubber grommets or the like. Control unit  80  controls the pump  46  and also distributes electricity generated by the generator  45 . 
         [0049]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , the ORC unit  50  is a separate and separable component that simply plugs into the space  51  provided within the housing  12 . As discussed above, the boiler  10  can be operated without the ORC unit in place. For that purpose, there needs to be connection and break possibilities between the circuits  100 , 200  and the ORC circuit  300 . Thus, pipe  41   c  has connection A that is separable, as does pipe  41   d  at B. When the ORC is not present. Connections A,B on the boiler side are simply interconnected by pipe  41   b  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). Pipes  35   a,b  that connect to the evaporator  49  simply use the connections C,D thereto as the beak points. In the event that the ORC is not present, these pipes are simply capped. 
         [0050]    It is to be noted that a micro CHP unit such as disclosed in  FIG. 1  has the capacity to function with or without the ORC unit. If it is not connected at all, the valve  36  is permanently open, and the combustion unit  16  can deliver all of its heat to the CH/DWH circuit  200  through the boost heat exchanger  30  which has sufficient capacity itself for this. When the ORC unit  50  is connected, the valve  36  is controlled by the ORC control unit  80  to close, whereby the heat is passed to the ORC unit where a proportion of its energy is converted to electricity. With the system being heat-led, the amount of electricity to be generated, which is generally in the ratio of 10:1 (heat:electricity), is entirely dependent on the heat load demanded by the CH/DHW circuit  200 . However, should the demand reach the maximum capable of being delivered by the condenser  52 , the ORC control unit begins to open the boost valve  36 . This condition can simply be detected by measuring the temperature of the CH flow in pipe  41   f  when the ORC unit is fully operational. If this is less than required, then the valve  36  is progressively opened, diverting steam to the boost heat exchanger  33  and supplementing the heating of the CH/DHW circuit  200  from the condenser  52 . For example, the heat capacity of the combustion chamber may be 18 KW. The rating of the ORC unit may be 12 KW, of which 10 KW is supplied to the condenser  52 , 1 KW is lost as conversion losses, and 1 KW is generated as electricity. If, however, the heat demand of the CH/DHW circuit exceptionally exceeds 10 KW, then the valve  36  progressively opens. Thus, if the demand is 13 KW, then the combustion chamber may produce 15 KW, of which 3 KW is added directly at the boost heat exchanger and 10 KW at the condenser with 1 KW of electricity still generated. Also, the ORC control unit  80  is configured to open the valve  36  (or, rather, not prevent it from opening) when an error condition in the ORC unit  50  develops. Such may occur if, for example, the electricity grid faults and there is a requirement for the generation of electricity to cease. In the case of such a situation, the boiler can continue to function. This would have the effect of allowing the evaporator  49  to heat up by the passage of steam through it, with the result that there would be no steam condensation therein because of the lack of flow in the ORC circuit. Consequently, flow of water/steam (which is gravity driven as stated above) would cease in the pipes  35   a,b  and the ORC circuit  300  would be taken out of service. 
         [0051]    Turning to  FIGS. 6   a,b  and  c , the expander/generator unit  45 / 47  is mounted in the frame  54  through a resilient mounting arrangement. The expander is subject to periodic vibration caused by opening of each scroll leaf on each rotation. Such vibration cannot easily be avoided and needs damping. Moreover, the nature of the vibrations is not symmetrical. 
         [0052]    Finally, the unit  45 / 47  is relatively heavy and requires vibrational isolation from the remainder of the boiler unit to reduce noise and vibration transmission to the environment. 
         [0053]    Accordingly, a mount  110  (see  FIG. 6   c ) comprises first and second brackets  112 , 114 , bracket  112  being essentially parallel a central axis  120  of the unit  45 / 47 , which axis is that passing through the centre of gravity of the unit. A second mount (of two mounts  110 , a,b  in 
         [0054]      FIG. 6   a ) is arranged on the opposite side of the unit so that its bracket  112  is also parallel the axis  120  and substantially on the opposite side of it to the other mount. First bracket  114  is preferably that which is connected to the unit  45 / 47 , whereas the second bracket is fixed to the frame  54 . Each bracket  112 , 114  presents four mounting faces  115 , each one disposed to be spaced from a corresponding face  117  on the other bracket and between which a progressive reaction rubber mount  116  can be arranged. The mounting  116  is well known and has a longitudinal  118  axis and a threaded stud  122  at each end that extends from a plate  124 , the rubber  126  being adhered to each plate and extending between the plates  124 . 
         [0055]    Using the x,y,z co-ordinate system, where the z axis contains the axis  120  and the mounts  110   a,b  are spaced from each other in the z,y plane, the arrangement is such that the intersections of the axes  118  with the faces  115  of the bracket  114  all lie in a plane parallel the x,z plane. The same is true of the faces  117  of the bracket  112 . However, such planes of intersection of the faces  115 , 117  (in respect of a given mount  110   a,b ) are spaced from each other in the y direction. Moreover, the faces  117  are in pairs on either side of the z,y plane, in a direction parallel the z axis. They are also in pairs on opposite sides of the z,y plane, in a direction parallel the x axis. Finally, the axis  118  of each pair of facing faces  115 , 117  is inclined with respect to all three planes, ie the zy, z,x and x,y planes. Indeed, preferably, they lie along lines parallel the line given by the equation x=y=z or in directions perpendicular thereto. 
         [0056]    The arrangement is such that the unit  45 / 47  is not rigidly mounted in any direction but has freedom of movement, that is to say is reliantly supported, in all directions in the x,y,z space. Thus considering any given orthogonal plane, x,y, x,z or zy, the mounting arrangement permits translational movement in the x, y or z direction, or rotational movement about the x, y or z axis in each plane, each movement leading to compression or extension of the rubber blocks  116 . 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , the ORC unit of the previous embodiments is here replaced by a thermal store  250 . Connection A of pipe  41   c  of the second CH/DHW circuit  200  is here connected to an inlet of the store  250  and connection B of pipe  41   d  is connected to the outlet of the store. Pipes  35   a,b  of the steam circuit  100  are connected to the ports C,D of a heat exchanger  252  in the store  250 . If the temperature of the store falls below a set value, a thermal store control unit  80 ′ opens a valve  82  to permit steam to heat the store  250 . 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 8   a  boiler unit  10 ′ includes the boiler circuits  100 , 200  discussed above and a slot to receive ORC unit  50 , also as discussed above. However, a third “slot”  75  is provided. In this slot is disposed a thermal store unit in the form of a tank  250 ′ which is supplied with connections  76   a,b  to the return and flow pipes  41   a,f  respectively. Moreover, the exchanger  252 ′ has direct connections  78   a,b  to the steam circuit  100 , a valve  79  controlling delivery of heat to the store  250 ′. Of course, if preferred, the heat exchanger  252 ′ could simply be put in series with the condenser, in a diversion of pipe  41   d.    
         [0059]    In  FIG. 8   b , the third slot  75 ′ is here occupied by a solar heat generator. A solar panel  260  delivers hot solar heat exchange medium to a heat exchanger  262  which itself is arranged to deliver heat to a modified evaporator  49 ′ that is capable to delivering heat to the ORC medium either from the steam circuit  100  through pipes  35   a,b , as described above, or from the solar medium through extra panel  49   a  of the exchanger  49 ′. Alternatively, if the solar medium is hot enough, the heat exchange in exchanger  262  could be with water in branches of the pipes  35   a,b  in the water/steam circuit  100 , whereby the exchanger  49 ′ would be as described with reference to  FIG. 1  or  8   a . 
         [0060]    Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. 
         [0061]    Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 
         [0062]    The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8