The present application also is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/331,270, titled “Pre-Filtration and Maintenance Sensing For Explosion-Proof Enclosures,” filed Dec. 20, 2011 in the names of Joseph Michael Manahan and Graig E. DeCarr, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure relates generally to filter assemblies and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for controlling air passing through the filter assembly using a structural reinforcement coupled to a housing of the filter assembly.
Explosion-proof receptacle housings and enclosure systems are used in many different industrial applications. Such explosion-proof receptacle housing and enclosure systems may be used, for example, in military applications, onboard ships, assembly plants, power plants, oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and other harsh environments. At times, the equipment located inside such explosion-proof receptacle housing and enclosure systems are used to control motors and other industrial equipment.
Traditional motor starters and related equipment fail to provide adequate torque control and result in excessive wear on the motor and associated equipment. Instead, variable frequency drives (VFDs) are often used in place of traditional motor starters. However, VFDs tend to generate heat and are subject to failure when exposed to excessive temperatures caused by the heat loss. A common practice to reduce heat-related problems is to remove the VFD to a remote location so that an explosion-proof receptacle housing and enclosure system is not required, allowing proper cooling of the VFD during operation. However, installation costs may increase and operational problems may result from increased line losses from the added distance that signals between the VFD and the related equipment must travel. Accordingly, improved enclosures for VFDs and other equipment are needed.
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a filter assembly for controlling the air passing therethrough. The filter assembly can include a housing comprising a cavity formed therein. The filter assembly can also include a filter positioned within the cavity and coupled to the housing. Further, the filter assembly can include a reinforcement structure coupled to an end of the housing and adjacent to a top end of the filter.
In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a method for controlling air passing through a filter assembly. The method can include receiving the air at a first filter assembly end. The method can also include passing the air through the filter assembly to generate controlled air. Further, the method can include passing the controlled air through a second filter assembly end. The filter assembly used to perform the method can include a housing comprising a cavity formed therein, a filter positioned within the cavity and coupled to the housing, and a reinforcement structure coupled to a housing end and adjacent to a filter end.
These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.
In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Further, certain descriptions (e.g., top, bottom, side, end, interior, inside) are merely intended to help clarify aspects of the invention and are not meant to limit embodiments of the invention.
In general, embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, and devices for filter assemblies used with enclosures. Specifically, embodiments of the invention provide for controlling air passing through a filter assembly coupled to an enclosure. A filter assembly may be used to control air passing from outside the enclosure to inside the enclosure. A filter assembly may also, or in the alternative, be used to control air passing from inside the enclosure to outside the enclosure.
While the exemplary embodiments discussed herein are with reference to explosion-proof enclosures, other types of non-explosion-proof enclosures (e.g., junction boxes, control panels, lighting panels, motor control centers, switchgear cabinets, relay cabinets) or any other type of enclosure may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention.
A user may be any person that interacts with the enclosure or equipment controlled by one or more components of the enclosure. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, an engineer, an electrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, a mechanic, an operator, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer's representative.
In one or more exemplary embodiments, an explosion-proof enclosure (also known as a flame-proof enclosure) is an enclosure that is configured to contain an explosion that originates inside the enclosure. Further, the explosion-proof enclosure is configured to allow gases from inside the enclosure to escape across joints of the enclosure and cool as the gases exit the explosion-proof enclosure. The joints are also known as flame paths and exist where two surfaces meet and provide a path, from inside the explosion-proof enclosure to outside the explosion-proof enclosure, along which one or more gases may travel. A joint may be a mating of any two or more surfaces. Each surface may be any type of surface, including but not limited to a flat surface, a threaded surface, and a serrated surface.
In one or more exemplary embodiments, an explosion-proof enclosure is subject to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, the NEMA sets standards by which an enclosure must comply in order to qualify as an explosion-proof enclosure. Specifically, NEMA Type 7, Type 8, Type 9, and Type 10 enclosures set standards by which an explosion-proof enclosure within a hazardous location must comply. For example, a NEMA Type 7 standard applies to enclosures constructed for indoor use in certain hazardous locations. Hazardous locations may be defined by one or more of a number of authorities, including but not limited to the National Electric Code (e.g., Class 1, Division I) and Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL) (e.g., UL 698). For example, a Class 1 hazardous area under the National Electric Code is an area in which flammable gases or vapors may be present in the air in sufficient quantities to be explosive.
As a specific example, NEMA standards for an explosion-proof enclosure of a certain size or range of sizes may require that in a Group B, Division 1 area, any flame path of an explosion-proof enclosure must be at least 1 inch long (continuous and without interruption), and the gap between the surfaces cannot exceed 0.0015 inches. Standards created and maintained by NEMA may be found at www.nema.org/stds and are hereby incorporated by reference.
Referring now to
The enclosure cover 102 and the enclosure body 124 may be made of any suitable material, including metal (e.g., alloy, stainless steel), plastic, some other material, or any combination thereof. The enclosure cover 102 and the enclosure body 124 may be made of the same material or different materials.
In one or more embodiments, on the end of the enclosure body 124 opposite the enclosure cover 102, one or more mounting brackets 120 are affixed to the exterior of the enclosure body 124 to facilitate mounting the enclosure 100. Using the mounting brackets 120, the enclosure 100 may be mounted to one or more of a number of surfaces and/or elements, including but not limited to a wall, a control cabinet, a cement block, an I-beam, and a U-bracket.
The enclosure cover 102 may include one or more features that allow for user interaction while the enclosure 100 is sealed in the closed position. As shown in
In one or more embodiments, the enclosure cover 102 may also include a switch handle 112 that allows a user to operate a switch (not shown) located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 while the explosion-proof enclosure 110 is closed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the switch handle 112 may be used for any type of switch. Each position (e.g., OFF, ON, HOLD, RESET) of the switch may be indicated by a switch position indicator 114 positioned adjacent to the switch handle 112 on the outer surface of the enclosure cover 102. A switch associated with the switch handle 112 and the switch position indicator 114 may be used to electrically and/or mechanically isolate, and/or change the mode of operation of, one or more components inside or associated with the explosion-proof enclosure 100. For example, the switch handle 112 may point to “OFF” on the switch position indicator 114 when a disconnect switch located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 is disengaged. In such a case, all equipment located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100, as well as the equipment (e.g., a motor) controlled by the equipment located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100, may be without power.
Referring now to
As described above with respect to
In one or more embodiments, the explosion-proof enclosure 100 of
In one or more embodiments, a VFD 206 is affixed to the mounting plate 202 inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. The VFD 206 may include any components used to drive a motor and/or other device using variable control signals for controlled starts, stops, and/or operations of the motor and/or other devices. Examples of components of a VFD include, but are not limited to, discrete relays, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable logic relay (PLR), an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and a distributed control system (DSC). In one or more exemplary embodiments, one or more components of the VFD may replace the VFD. For example, the VFD may be substituted by one or more PLCs, one or more PLRs, one or more UPSs, one or more DCSs, and/or other heat-generating components.
In one or more embodiments, a switch 208 is affixed to the mounting plate 202 inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. The switch 208 may be configured to electrically and/or mechanically isolate, and/or change the mode of operation of, one or more components located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 and/or one or more components located outside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. The switch 208 may be any type of switch, including but not limited to a disconnect switch, a test switch, a reset switch, an indicator switch, and a relay switch. For example, the switch 208 may be a disconnect switch that is used to cut off power to all components in the explosion-proof enclosure 100 and all devices located outside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 that are controlled by the components inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. As another example, the switch 208 may be a bypass switch that is used to deactivate a protection scheme (e.g., a relay) or some other particular component or group of components located inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100.
The switch 208 may further be configured to receive, through mechanical and/or electrical means, a directive to change states (e.g., open, closed, hold) from a component located on the enclosure cover. For example, if the enclosure cover includes a switch handle (as described above with respect to
In one or more embodiments, one or more relays (e.g., relay 212) are affixed to the mounting plate 202 inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. A relay 212 may be configured to control one or more operations of one or more components located in, or associated with, the explosion-proof enclosure 100. Specifically, a relay 212 may, through one or more relay contacts, allow electrical current to flow and/or stop electrical current from flowing to one or more components in the enclosure 100 based on whether a coil of the relay 212 is energized or not. For example, if the coil of the relay 212 is energized, then a contact on the relay may be closed to allow current to flow to energize a motor. The relay 212 may be activated based on a timer, a current, a voltage, some other suitable activation method, or any combination thereof. The relay 212 may also be configured to emit a signal when a condition has occurred. For example, the relay 212 may flash a red light to indicate that the VFD 206 is in an alarm state.
In one or more embodiments, wiring terminals 214 are affixed to the mounting plate 202 inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. Wiring terminals 214 are a series of terminals where one terminal is electrically connected to at least one other terminal in the series of terminals while remaining electrically isolated from the remaining terminals in the series of terminals. In other words, two or more terminals among the series of terminals act as a junction point where multiple wires may be electrically connected through the joined terminals.
In one or more embodiments, one or more entry holes 216 may extend through one or more sides (e.g., bottom) of the enclosure body 124. Each entry hole 216 may be configured to allow cables and/or wiring for power, control, and/or communications to pass through from outside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 to one or more components inside the explosion-proof enclosure 100. An entry hole 216 may be joined with a conduit and coupling from outside the explosion-proof enclosure 100 to protect the cables and/or wiring received by the entry hole 216 and to help maintain the integrity of the explosion-proof enclosure 100 through the entry hole 216.
In
In one or more exemplary embodiments, the filter assembly 300 is configured to allow air to pass between the outside of the explosion-proof enclosure and the inside of the explosion-proof enclosure. When ambient air passes from outside the explosion-proof enclosure to inside the explosion-proof enclosure, the ambient air passes through an intake air filter assembly. When exhaust air passes from inside the explosion-proof enclosure to outside the explosion-proof enclosure, the exhaust air passes through an exhaust air filter assembly. The intake air filter assembly and the exhaust air filter assembly may be located on opposite sides (e.g., bottom and top, respectively) of the explosion-proof enclosure. The intake air filters assemblies may be positioned to increase or optimize the cooling effects of the intake air on the heat-generating components. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the intake air filter assemblies are positioned at the bottom of the explosion-proof enclosure, as shown below in
In one or more exemplary embodiments, the filter assembly 300 is further configured to control the air that passes through the filter assembly 300. Specifically, the filter assembly 300 may further be configured to contain a fire, suppress a fire, remove dust and other particles from the air, remove moisture from the air, and/or cool the air that enters and/or exits the explosion-proof enclosure. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the filter 302 is shaped in a manner to fit snugly inside the cavity (not shown) of the housing 304 and underneath the reinforcement structure 350 without significant gaps between the filter 302 and the housing 304. Any such gaps between the filter 302 and the housing 304 may be required to comply with one or more standards for explosion-proof joints. The filter 302 may be made of one or more materials, including but not limited to sintered material, paper, ceramic, rubber, steel, aluminum, plastic, an alloy metal, some other suitable material, or any combination thereof.
The filter 302 may have a density sufficient to allow a minimal amount of air to pass through the filter assembly 300. For example, the filter 302 may have a density sufficient to allow at least 0.01 cubic feet per minute of the air to pass through the filter assembly 300. Further, the filter 302 may be able to withstand high temperatures and occasional situations where a fire exists in an area proximate to the filter 302.
The reinforcement structure 350 of the filter assembly 300 shown in
In
In addition, in the configuration of the reinforcement structure 350 shown in
The boss 320 shown in
In one or more embodiments of the invention, the reinforcement structure 350 is configured to prevent or significantly reduce deformation of the filter 302. Specifically, the reinforcement structure 350 may prevent filter deflection in the event of an explosion inside the explosion-proof enclosure. As a result, the reinforcement structure 350 may be positioned on the opposite side of the filter from where a pressure and/or force is generated (e.g., facing away from the explosion-proof enclosure to minimize the effects of an explosion inside the explosion-proof enclosure). The reinforcement structure 350 may be constructed of any material suitable for performing such a task, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, plastic, an alloy metal, some other material, or any combination thereof.
The filter 302, when coupled with the reinforcement structure 350, may be configured to withstand a minimal amount of pressure for a period of time. For example, the filter 302 combined with the reinforcement structure 350 may be able to withstand a pressure of up to 560 pounds per square inch (psi) for at least three seconds. As another example, in compliance with UL standards, the filter 302 combined with the reinforcement structure 350 may be able to withstand a pressure of at least 1,777 psi (compared to a target pressure of 280 psi) for at least ten seconds.
Further, the filter 302, when coupled with the reinforcement structure 350 and the housing 304, may be configured to withstand a minimal temperature. For example, the filter 302 combined with the reinforcement structure 350 and the housing 304 (i.e., the filter assembly 300) may be configured to operate in a steady-state temperature of up to 421° C. and in an instantaneous temperature of up to 550° C. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of a number of variables (e.g., explosive gas present, filter assembly configuration, filter assembly material, filter material) may contribute to increasing or decreasing the steady-state and instantaneous operating temperatures of the filter assembly.
In one or more embodiments of the invention, the reinforcement structure 350 is securely coupled to the housing 304. The reinforcement structure 350 may be coupled to the housing 304 using one or more of a number of methods, including but not limited to welding, using epoxy, brazing, press fitting, mechanically connecting, threading, using a flat joint, and using a serrated joint. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the reinforcement structure 350 and the housing 304 are a single piece.
The reinforcement structure 350 may be configured to have outer dimensions (e.g., diameter) that are slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the housing 304, so that the reinforcement structure 350 appears to protrude slightly from the housing 304 when looking at a side view of the filter assembly 300. Alternatively, the reinforcement structure 350 may be configured to have substantially the same outer dimensions as the housing 304, so that the reinforcement structure 350 and the housing 304 appear flush from a side view of the filter assembly 300.
A cross-sectional side view of the filter assembly 300 of
The reinforcement structure 350 in
Further,
In addition, a shroud 340 is shown coupled to the boss 320 of the reinforcement structure 350 by a fastening device 322 and a washer 324. The shroud 340 may be configured to protect the reinforcement structure 350 of the filter assembly 300 from water, dirt, and/or other elements outside the explosion-proof enclosure while still allowing air to flow into and/or out of the filter assembly 300.
In addition, the filter 302 is shown inside the housing 304. Specifically, the filter 302 is affixed to the housing 304 by a coupling 360. In this case, the coupling 360 is welding that runs along the entire perimeter of the bottom end (i.e., the portion of the filter 302 that is exposed to the cavity 308 in the housing 304) of the filter 302 where the filter 302 meets the inner surface of the housing 304. The filter may be coupled to the housing in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to welding, using epoxy, brazing, press fitting, mechanically connecting, threading, using a flat joint, and using a serrated joint.
In
In Step 502, air is received at the bottom end of the filter assembly. In one or more embodiments, the filter assembly is coupled to an enclosure. The enclosure may be explosion-proof. The air received may be ambient air. The ambient air may be received in one of a number of ways, including but not limited to blowing (using, for example, a fan located outside the enclosure and bottom end of the filter assembly) the air toward the filter assembly, inducing air (using, for example, a fan located inside the enclosure and top end of the filter assembly) the air through the filter assembly, and inducing the air based on a pressure differential between the bottom end of the filter assembly and the top end of the filter assembly.
In Step 504, the air is passed through the filter assembly to generate controlled air. When the air passes through the filter assembly, the air is controlled. The air may be controlled in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to containing a fire, suppressing a fire, removing dust and other particles from the air, removing moisture from the air, and/or cooling the air. The air may be controlled by a filter within the filter assembly. The filter may control the air based on one or more features of the filter, including but not limited to the thickness of the filter, the density of the filter, and the material used for the filter.
In Step 506, the controlled air is passed through the top end of the filter assembly. The filter assembly may include, in addition to the filter, a housing that has a cavity. In such a case, the filter is positioned within the cavity and coupled to the housing. The filter assembly may also have a reinforcement structure coupled to the top end of the housing and adjacent to the top end of the filter.
The following description (in conjunction with
Consider the following example, shown in
In
The bottom end of the enclosure also is coupled to two filter assemblies, filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650. Filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650 are each substantially similar to the filter assembly described above with respect to
The reinforcement structure of filter assembly 1640 includes six reinforcement ribs (i.e., reinforcement ribs 1646) that are joined in the center of the perimeter of the reinforcement structure atop filter 1643. Further, a boss (i.e., boss 1648) is positioned at the top center of the reinforcement structure where reinforcement ribs 1646 join. The reinforcement structure also includes notches (i.e., notches 1644) located along the perimeter of the reinforcement structure between two adjacent reinforcement ribs of reinforcement ribs 1646. Each reinforcement rib of the reinforcement structure in filter assembly 1640 has a number of rib contacts (i.e., rib contacts 1645) that alternate with air gaps (i.e., air gaps 1647).
Similarly, filter assembly 2650 includes threads 2652 on the outer surface of the housing, filter 2653, and a reinforcement structure that includes reinforcement ribs 2656 with rib contacts 2655 alternating with air gaps 2657, boss 2658, and notches 2654.
In this example, a pressure differential between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior of the enclosure induces air to be drawn from outside the enclosure through the filter assemblies (i.e., filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650) to the interior of the enclosure. Consequently, in one or more embodiments of the invention, filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650 are intake air filter assemblies, as described above. Filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650 are shown protruding from the exterior of the bottom of the enclosure body 624. In one or more embodiments of the invention, filter assembly 1640 and/or filter assembly 2650 may be coupled flush with the exterior wall of the enclosure body 624. Likewise, inside the enclosure, filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650 may each be coupled flush with the interior wall of the enclosure body 624 or protrude into the interior of the enclosure.
Further, as shown in
By passing through filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650, the contaminants (e.g., dust, moisture) may be removed from the intake air by passing through filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650. Filter assembly 1640 and filter assembly 2650 may also prevent a fire or contain a fire within and/or outside the enclosure. Further, when one or more cooling mechanisms (e.g., heat exchanger) are added, the intake air may be cooled.
In
Similarly, filter assembly 4670 includes threads 4672 on the outer surface of the housing, filter 4673 (not shown), and a reinforcement structure that includes notches 4674. In addition, a shroud 622 is coupled to the enclosure body 624 using one or more fastening devices (e.g., fastening device 699).
In this example, pressure differential forces exhaust air to pass through filter assembly 3660 and filter assembly 4670 from the interior of the enclosure to the exterior of the enclosure. Consequently, in one or more embodiments of the invention, filter assembly 3660 and filter assembly 4670 may be called exhaust air filter assemblies, as described above. Filter assembly 3660 and filter assembly 4670 are shown protruding from the exterior of the bottom of the enclosure body 624. In one or more embodiments of the invention, filter assembly 3660 and filter assembly 4670 may be coupled flush with the exterior wall of the enclosure body 624. Likewise, inside the enclosure, filter assembly 3660 and filter assembly 4670 may each be coupled flush with the interior wall of the enclosure body 624 or protrude into the interior of the enclosure.
Further, as shown in
By passing through filter assembly 3660 and filter assembly 4670, the exhaust air may be cooled. Further, the contaminants (e.g., dust, moisture) may be removed from the exhaust air by passing through filter assembly 3660 and filter assembly 4670. Filter assembly 3660 and filter assembly 4670 may also prevent a fire or contain a fire within and/or outside the enclosure.
Embodiments of the present invention provide for improving the effectiveness and longevity of filter assemblies used with enclosures. Specifically, embodiments of the invention are configured to filter air in extreme conditions. The extreme conditions may be associated with, for example, temperature, pressure, moisture, fire, and/or air flow. The reinforcement structure disclosed herein helps the filter and other components of the filter assembly to retain their shape and operating effectiveness under one or more extreme conditions. In such extreme conditions, the enclosure may be an explosion-proof enclosure that is used with embodiments of the invention.
Although the inventions are described with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an embodiment of the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments of the present invention will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited herein.
The present application also is related to U.S. patent application No. 13/331,270, titled “Pre-Filtration and Maintenance Sensing For Explosion-Proof Enclosures, ” filed Dec. 20, 2011, in the names of Joseph Michael Manahan and Graig E. DeCarr, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1839655 | Dobbins | Jan 1932 | A |
2068421 | Long et al. | Jan 1937 | A |
2772120 | Olson | Nov 1956 | A |
2801768 | Immel | Aug 1957 | A |
3001606 | Bierwirth et al. | Sep 1961 | A |
3898063 | Gazan | Aug 1975 | A |
4113627 | Leason | Sep 1978 | A |
4229306 | Hein et al. | Oct 1980 | A |
D260175 | Hein et al. | Aug 1981 | S |
4328901 | Gunderman et al. | May 1982 | A |
4414172 | Leason | Nov 1983 | A |
4484690 | Nash | Nov 1984 | A |
5032156 | Luder et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
RE34308 | Thompson et al. | Jul 1993 | E |
5415233 | Roussakis et al. | May 1995 | A |
5741351 | Beal et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
6143174 | Graus | Nov 2000 | A |
6155334 | Steele | Dec 2000 | A |
6217638 | Van de Velde | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6331674 | Zolock et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6383241 | Janus et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6440190 | Goyetche | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6447565 | Raszkowski et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6527837 | Kurosawa et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
6646867 | Tuttle et al. | Nov 2003 | B1 |
6708834 | Hagerman, III | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6817940 | Pfannenberg | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6852141 | Bishop et al. | Feb 2005 | B2 |
6882523 | Turner et al. | Apr 2005 | B2 |
7323025 | Weidner | Jan 2008 | B2 |
7413089 | Tidwell | Aug 2008 | B1 |
7625277 | Palmer | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7819935 | Austin, Jr. et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7931725 | Wydeven et al. | Apr 2011 | B2 |
7959701 | Merritt | Jun 2011 | B2 |
8087980 | Palmer | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8172920 | Merritt | May 2012 | B2 |
8246707 | Xu et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
20030079448 | How et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
20030097935 | Burkhart | May 2003 | A1 |
20030126843 | Hsu | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20050013711 | Goyetche | Jan 2005 | A1 |
20050160911 | Friday et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20070193236 | Merritt | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20080053906 | Kawai et al. | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20090165651 | Burgess et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090284381 | Manahan | Nov 2009 | A1 |
20100148643 | Fauveau | Jun 2010 | A1 |
20100258331 | Dahlgren et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20100284150 | Manahan et al. | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20110197767 | Seitz | Aug 2011 | A1 |
20110308213 | Gillispie et al. | Dec 2011 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
19904981 | Aug 2000 | DE |
7068114 | Mar 1995 | JP |
7068114 | Jul 1995 | JP |
2003294285 | Oct 2003 | JP |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20120160105 A1 | Jun 2012 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61426427 | Dec 2010 | US |