Patent Application
20240240799
The present subject matter relates generally to cooking appliances, and more particularly to cooktop appliances and griddle assemblies therefor.
Cooking appliances, e.g., cooktops or ranges (also known as hobs or stoves), generally include one or more heated portions for heating or cooking food items within or on a cooking utensil placed on the heated portion. For instance, each heated portion may be provided as burners, resistive heating elements, inductive heating elements, or radiant heaters may be included with each heated portion. The heated portions utilize one or more heating sources to output heat, which is transferred to the cooking utensil and thereby to any food item or items that are positioned on or within the cooking utensil. For instance, a griddle may be provided to extend across one or more heated portions. When positioned above the heated portion, the griddle generally provides a substantially flat cooking surface.
Notably, when the griddle extends over multiple heating elements, each element must be activated and controlled to provide uniform heat to the griddle. Many gas cooktops have individual control inputs for each heating element, e.g., such as control knobs or dials utilizing analog inputs to adjust heat output or flame size. Thus, identically controlling two or more heating elements with independent analog inputs to provide even heating is difficult.
Additionally or alternatively, it may frequently be desirable to facilitate a closed loop cooking cycle with removable cooking utensils such as a griddle, e.g., by monitoring the temperature of the griddle and adjusting the heating elements to maintain the desired griddle temperature. Although some assemblies have incorporated temperature sensors directly into a griddle, such assemblies may be difficult to clean and have difficulties in ensuring precise or accurate temperature measurements. If connected wirelessly, the assembly cost and complexity may be greatly increased. Other assemblies have attempted to mount temperature sensors in or near a heating element, but convective heat transfer can significantly harm precision or accuracy of the temperature sensors. Moreover, high heat caused by proximity to the heating element can cause damage. In turn, most griddles with temperature detection features are often non-removable from the appliance. Moreover, user removable griddles are commonly not placed or aligned perfectly by users of the cooktop, thereby potentially positioning any removable temperature probe such that electronics and heat sensitive parts are in a direct heating path of the heating assemblies.
Accordingly, a cooktop including a user removable griddle with temperature measuring capabilities would be useful. More specifically, a temperature probe that may be conveniently used with a removable griddle on a gas cooktop while avoiding excessive temperature exposure would be particularly beneficial.
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance may include a top panel, a heating element, a temperature probe, a griddle plate, and a support post. The heating element may be attached to the top panel. The temperature probe may be attached to the top panel and be horizontally spaced apart from the heating element. The griddle plate may be selectively disposable in a griddle-cook position above the top panel along a vertical direction. The griddle plate may have a top cooking surface and a bottom heating surface. The top cooking surface may extend perpendicular to the vertical direction in the griddle-cook position to receive a cooking item thereon. The bottom heating surface may be disposed beneath the top cooking surface and face the top panel in the griddle-cook position to receive a thermal output from the heating element. The support post may extend downward from the griddle plate in conductive thermal communication with the temperature probe in the griddle-cook position.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a cooktop appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance may include a top panel, a heating element, a temperature probe, a griddle plate, and a support post. The heating element may be attached to the top panel. The temperature probe may be attached to the top panel and be horizontally spaced apart from the heating element. The temperature probe may be spring-loaded away from a top surface of the top panel. The griddle plate may be selectively disposable in a griddle-cook position above the top panel along the vertical direction. The griddle plate may have a top cooking surface and a bottom heating surface. The top cooking surface may be perpendicular to the vertical direction in the griddle-cook position to receive a cooking item thereon. The bottom heating surface may be disposed beneath the top cooking surface and face the top panel in the griddle-cook position to receive a thermal output from the heating element. The support post may extend downward from the griddle plate in conductive thermal communication with the temperature probe in the griddle-cook position. The support post may define a probe notch within which the temperature probe is received in the griddle-cook position.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Generally, the present disclosure may include a cooktop appliance that has a griddle assembly that can be removably placed over one or more heating assemblies. For instance, the griddle assembly may be placed on a top panel in place of a removable grate assembly. A temperature sensor fixed to the top panel may contact the griddle assembly and detect the temperature at the same. Notably, the temperature sensor may be protected from excessive heat or heat that might otherwise harm accuracy or precision. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be prevented from contacting or detecting temperature readings for the removable grate assembly, even when the grate assembly replaces the griddle assembly on the top panel.
Turning now to the figures,
Cooktop appliance 100 generally includes one or more heating elements, e.g., heating elements 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B. Although heating elements 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B are shown as being gas burners, other embodiments may include radiant heating elements, induction heating elements, resistive heating elements, or other suitable heating elements. When assembled, cooktop appliance 100 may be installed at any suitable location. For example, cooktop appliance 100 may be mounted to a countertop and used as a standalone cooktop appliance in certain embodiments. In other exemplary embodiments, cooktop appliance 100 may be utilized in a range appliance. In addition, while described in greater detail below in the context of cooktop appliance 100, it should be understood that the present subject matter may be used in any other suitable cooktop appliance in alternative exemplary embodiments. Thus, cooktop appliance 100 is provided by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular arrangement or configuration.
As shown, cooktop appliance 100 includes top panel 102 with an outer surface 112. Top panel 102 may be constructed of or with any suitable material. For example, top panel 102 may be constructed of or with enameled steel or ceramic. Top panel 102 may also have any suitable shape. For example, top panel 102 may be rectangular or square, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V.
A plurality of heating elements 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B (e.g., as a plurality of gas burners) is attached to top panel 102. For instance, one or more of heating elements 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B may be mounted to top panel 102 and positioned at outer surface 112 of top panel 102. Each heating element of heating elements 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B may have any suitable shape and size, and a combination of variously sized or shaped heating elements may be provided in order to facilitate heating of a variety of cooking utensils.
As shown, the cooktop appliance 100 may include a first heating element 110A disposed on the top panel 102 and a second heating element 110B spaced apart from the first heating element 110A on the top panel 102. For example, as illustrated, the first heating element 110A and the second heating element 110B may be aligned along the transverse direction T. The top panel 102 may also include a recessed portion, e.g., which extends downward along the vertical direction V. The first heating element 110A and the second heating element 110B may be positioned within the recessed portion. The recessed portion may collect spilled material, e.g., foodstuffs, during operation of the cooktop appliance 100.
According to the illustrated example embodiment, a user interface panel or control panel 130 is located within convenient reach of a user of cooktop appliance 100. For this example embodiment, control panel 130 includes control knobs 132 that are each associated with one of heating elements 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B. Control knobs 132 allow the user to activate each heating element 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B and regulate the amount of heat input that each heating element 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B provides (e.g., to a cooking utensil located thereon). Although cooktop appliance 100 is illustrated as including control knobs 132 for controlling heating elements 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B, it will be understood that control knobs 132 and the configuration of cooktop appliance 100 shown in
According to the illustrated embodiment, control knobs 132 are located within control panel 130 of cooktop appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated that this location is used only for the purpose of explanation, and that other locations and configurations of control panel 130 and control knobs 132 are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. Indeed, according to alternative embodiments, control knobs 132 may instead be located directly on top panel 102 or elsewhere on cooktop appliance 100, e.g., on a backsplash, front bezel, or any other suitable surface of cooktop appliance 100. Control panel 130 may also be provided with one or more graphical display devices, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user.
Referring again to
As used herein, the terms “processing device,” “computing device,” “controller,” or the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing units (GPUs), processing units performing other specialized calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these “controller” are not necessarily restricted to a single element but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate appliance operation. Alternatively, controller 140 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, OR gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
Controller 140 may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, or other suitable memory devices (including combinations thereof). These memory devices may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. In addition, these memory devices can store information or data accessible by the one or more processors, including instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors. It should be appreciated that the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions can be executed logically or virtually using separate threads on one or more processors.
For example, controller 140 may be operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle of cooktop appliance 100. In this regard, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that controller 140 as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any methods, method steps, or portions of methods as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by controller 140.
The memory devices may also store data that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processors or portions of controller 140. The data can include, for instance, data to facilitate performance of methods described herein. The data can be stored locally (e.g., on controller 140) in one or more databases or may be split up so that the data is stored in multiple locations. In addition, or alternatively, the one or more database(s) can be connected to controller 140 through any suitable network(s), such as through a high bandwidth local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). In this regard, for example, controller 140 may further include a communication module or interface that may be used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of cooktop appliance 100, controller 140, an external appliance controller, or any other suitable device (e.g., via any suitable communication lines or network(s) and using any suitable communication protocol). The communication interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.
In some embodiments, controller 140 is in operative (e.g., wired) communication with temperature probe 142. As shown, temperature probe 142 is mounted (e.g., fixedly mounted) on or relative to top panel 102. For instance, temperature probe 142 may be attached to a peripheral rim 102A of top panel 102. Thus, temperature probe 142 may be horizontally spaced apart from each of the heating elements 106A, 106B, 108A, 108B, 110A, 110B. Additionally or alternatively, temperature probe 142 may be mounted outside (e.g., horizontally apart from) or above the recessed portion of top panel 102. Optionally, temperature probe 142 may be disposed at a rear portion of top panel 102 (e.g., opposite from the control panel 130 relative to the transverse direction T).
Generally, temperature probe 142 is operable to measure a temperature of the cooking utensil on griddle assembly 200. To that end, temperature probe 142 may be provided as any suitable temperature-detecting element. For instance, temperature probe 142 may include or be provided as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc. During use, temperature probe 142 may output a signal, such as a voltage, to controller 140 that is proportional to or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of a temperature probe is described herein, it should be appreciated that cooktop appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature probes according to alternative embodiments.
As shown, temperature probe 142 may include a conductive rod 144 extending (e.g., vertically) above top panel 102. In some embodiments, temperature probe 142 is spring-loaded away from the top surface of top panel 102 (e.g., upward). In particular, a compression spring 146 mounted within the sensor body of temperature probe 142 (e.g., as is generally understood) may bias the conductive rod 144 upward. Moreover, temperature probe 142 may be vertically movable relative to the top surface of top panel 102 between a relatively low, compressed position (e.g.,
As will be explained in greater detail below, griddle assembly 200 may be selectively disposed on top panel 102 over one or more heating elements, such as 110A, 110B. Separate from or in addition to griddle assembly 200, however, one or more grates (e.g., 120) may be positioned on top panel 102 at outer surface 112 of top panel 102 (e.g., in place of griddle assembly 200). Turning briefly to
As noted above, cooktop appliance 100 includes a griddle assembly 200. Griddle assembly 200 is generally removable from top panel 102. For instance, during use (e.g., in a griddle-cook position), griddle assembly 200 may rest (or be disposed) directly on top panel 102 (e.g., such that grate 120 and griddle assembly 200 are interchangeable on top panel 102).
Generally, griddle assembly 200 defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction defined by griddle assembly 200 are all mutually perpendicular and form a secondary orthogonal direction system. When griddle assembly 200 is disposed on top panel 102, the secondary orthogonal system may be considered parallel to the orthogonal system, including vertical direction V, later direction L, and transverse direction T. Thus, although the orientation of griddle assembly 200 may vary with respect to the rest of cooktop appliance 100, griddle assembly 200 will be described as positioned during use and with respect to vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T.
Griddle assembly 200 includes an upper griddle plate 210 that may be positioned over top panel 102, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Griddle plate 210 defines a top cooking surface 212 and a bottom heating surface 214 below and beneath top cooking surface 212. As shown, griddle plate 210 (and griddle assembly 200 generally) extends along the transverse direction between a rear griddle end 216 and a front griddle end 218 and along the lateral direction between a first griddle side 220 and a second griddle side 222. In example embodiments, griddle plate 210 is a generally planar member. In turn, top cooking surface 212 may be a substantially flat surface. Moreover, one or both of top cooking surface 212 and bottom heating surface 214 may extend perpendicular to the vertical direction V. Griddle plate 210 may have any suitable shape. For example, griddle plate 210 may be substantially rectangular or square, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V.
As shown, griddle assembly 200 may be selectively positioned above one or more of the heating elements 110A, 110B. For instance, griddle assembly 200 may be placed on top panel 102 above heating elements 110A, 110B. During use, top cooking surface 212 faces away from top panel 102 to receive a cooking item thereon. By contrast, bottom heating surface 214 may be opposite from top cooking surface 212 and faces top panel 102 during use. Thus, bottom heating surface 214 may face top panel 102 to receive a thermal output, e.g., flame or heated air, from heating element 110A, 110B.
In certain embodiments, a containment rim 232 extends along at least a portion of the perimeter of griddle plate 210. For instance, containment rim 232 may extend (e.g., continuously or uninterrupted) vertically upward (e.g., from top cooking surface 212) and horizontally along the first griddle side 220, rear griddle end 216, second griddle side 222, or front griddle end 218. Containment rim 232 may shield or at least partially enclose top cooking surface 212. Optionally, containment rim 232 may be formed integrally (i.e., as a monolithic unitary member) with griddle plate 210 or another portion of griddle assembly 200. For instance, griddle assembly 200, including containment rim 232 and griddle plate 210, may be integrally formed from a suitable conductive metal.
Separate from or in addition to containment rim 232, griddle assembly 200 may include one or more support posts 234, 236 extending downward (e.g., along the vertical direction V) from griddle plate 210 (e.g., at bottom heating surface 214). For instance, multiple passive posts 234 may extend downward to rest on top panel 102 and hold griddle plate 210 above the same. In certain embodiments, at least one support post is provided as an active post 236 in selective contact or conductive thermal communication with the temperature probe 142 (e.g., in the griddle-cook position). For instance, active post 236 may be located at a periphery of griddle plate 210. In other words, active post 236 may be disposed at a horizontal perimeter of the griddle plate 210 (e.g., at rear griddle end 216 or directly beneath a portion of containment rim 232). Optionally, the griddle plate 210 (or griddle assembly 200 generally) may define a lateral width WL having a lateral midpoint WP at which the active post 236 is generally aligned relative to the lateral direction L (e.g., for even or consistent heat distribution to active post 236).
In the griddle-cook position, active post 236 may be vertically aligned with temperature probe 142. Advantageously, at least a portion of the active post 236 may extend over and above temperature probe 142 when griddle assembly 200 is properly received on top panel 102. In some embodiments, active post 236 defines a probe notch 238 within which the temperature probe 142 is received (e.g., in the griddle-cook position). Thus, temperature probe 142 may be at least partially enclosed. An upper notch wall 238A defining or otherwise disposed directly above probe notch 238 may cover or contact temperature probe 142. Specifically, upper notch wall 238A may contact conductive rod 144 (e.g., to motivate temperature probe 142 to the compressed position and maintain conductive thermal communication between the temperature probe 142 and active post 236). Thus, in the griddle-cook position, upper notch wall 238A may compress or rest on temperature probe 142, advantageously providing a detectable indication of griddle assembly 200 in the griddle-cook position.
In certain embodiments, active post 236 forms a C-shaped profile (e.g., at the bottom end thereof to contact top panel 102) that defines probe notch 238. As shown, the C-shaped profile may be open proximal to rear griddle end 216 and face away from the heating elements 110A, 110B. In other words, the open segment of the “C” may be directed outward, away from the region in which heat is generated. Put another way, the probe notch 238 may be transversely open towards the rear griddle end 216. Advantageously, during assembly, the rear griddle end 216 may be placed on top panel 102 first, allowing front griddle end 218 to pivot downward onto top panel 102 without risking damage to temperature probe 142.
In the griddle-cook position, at least one grate (e.g., swappable grate 120) may be spaced apart from top panel 102 (e.g., removed therefrom, such as for storage in another room from the rest of cooktop appliance 100). By contrast, in the grate-cook position, the swappable grate 120 may be disposed in the same region previously or otherwise occupied by the griddle assembly 200. Thus, in the grate-cook position, the griddle assembly 200 may be spaced apart from top panel 102 (e.g., removed therefrom, such as for storage in another room from the rest of cooktop appliance 100).
Turning especially to
In the grate-cook position, mated post 126 may be vertically aligned with temperature probe 142. Advantageously, at least a portion of the active post 236 may extend over and above temperature probe 142 when swappable grate 120 is properly received on top panel 102. In some embodiments, mated post 126 defines a mated notch 128 within which the temperature probe 142 is received (e.g., in the grate-cook position). Thus, temperature probe 142 may be at least partially enclosed. An upper notch portion or wall 128A defining or otherwise disposed directly above mated notch 128 may be vertically spaced apart from temperature probe 142. Specifically, upper notch wall 128A may be provided as a lower surface defining a vertical gap G with the temperature probe 142 in the grate-cook position. The vertical gap G may prohibit conductive thermal communication between the cooktop grate 120 and the temperature probe 142. Thus, mated post 126 (and swappable grate 120 generally) may be prevented from contacting conductive rod 144 (e.g., to permit temperature probe 142 to the uncompressed position and prevent conductive thermal communication between the temperature probe 142 and mated post 126, or swappable grate 120 generally). The rest of the mated post 126 may hold upper notch wall 128A above the temperature probe 142. As a result, in the grate-cook position, upper notch wall 128A may be prevented from compressing or resting on temperature probe 142.
In certain embodiments, mated post 126 forms a C-shaped profile (e.g., at the bottom end thereof to contact top panel 102) that defines mated notch 128. As shown, the C-shaped profile may be open proximal to the rear end of swappable grate 120 and face away from the heating elements 110A, 110B. In other words, the open segment of the “C” may be directed outward, away from the region in which heat is generated. Put another way, the mated notch 128 may be transversely open towards the rear end of the grate 120. Advantageously, during assembly, the rear end of the swappable grate 120 may be placed on top panel 102 first, allowing the front end of the swappable grate 120 to pivot downward onto top panel 102 without risking damage to temperature probe 142.
Notably, the exemplary appliances and griddle assemblies described herein may shield a temperature probe from damage or convective heat transfer (e.g., from the heat elements) while maintaining conductive communication with the temperature probe. Advantageously, consistent and accurate temperature measurements may be obtained for the griddle assembly during use. Additionally or alternatively, a griddle assembly may be selectively removed (e.g., to be replaced by a swappable grate for which temperature measurements are not obtained). Further additionally or alternatively, the above-described cooktop appliance (e.g., having a fixed temperature sensor with a removable griddle assembly) may be relatively easy to clean and ensure proper functioning or alignment (e.g., for a temperature probe).
Returning generally to
In some embodiments, cooktop appliance 100 may be configured for closed-loop cooking. For example, controller 140 may be operable to receive a set temperature (such as from a user input of the cooktop appliance 100 or wirelessly from a remote device such as a smartphone) and compare the set temperature to temperature measurements from temperature probe 142, which may detect the temperature of griddle assembly 200 as generated by one or more heating elements (e.g., 110A, 110B). Controller 140 may be further programmed to automatically adjust each corresponding heating element 110A, 110B, such as a fuel flow rate to each burner, based on the comparison of the corresponding temperature measurement to the set temperature.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
