Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02876398 2014-12-30
Insulation System
CROSS- REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of
the [U.S.
provisional application for patent serial number 61/964,243 entitled
"Preventing Thaw
Settlement of Pipelines Buried in Permafrost", filed December 30, 2013 and US
non-
provisional application for patent serial number 14/582,058 filed December 23,
2014
under 35 U.S.C. 119(e).
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is
subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile
reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it
appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves
all copyright
rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to an
insulation
system for a conduit. More particularly, the invention relates to an
insulation system that
insulates a carrier conduit with multiple layers of insulation and conduits
and leaves a gap
in the insulation to enable free expansion and contraction of the main carrier
conduit, and
also directional dispersion of heat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The following background information may present examples of
specific
aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or
common wisdom)
that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to
additional aspects of
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or
any embodiments
thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
[0005] The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art
that, while
expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects
of the prior
art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any
embodiments thereof,
to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of
educational
background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is
that a pipe is
a long conduit used to transport liquids or gases.
[0006] In many instances, pipelines are used to transport hydrocarbons,
such as
crude and refined petroleum, fuels, and other fluids including sewage, slurry,
water, and
beer. Typically, pipeline transport is the transportation of goods through the
pipeline. The
liquids and gases that are transported in pipelines and any chemically stable
substance
can be sent through a pipeline. Often the pipelines are placed subsurface.
Often the
subsurface includes permafrost.
[0007] It is known that thermal insulation reduces the transfer of thermal
energy
between objects of differing temperature, such that heat transfer between
objects in
thermal contact or in range of radiative influence is minimized. Thermal
insulation can be
achieved with specially engineered methods or processes, as well as with
suitable object
shapes and materials. Common insulation material includes foam, wool, and
materials
that are porous.
[0008] It is also known that when heated liquid or gas is transported
through an
insulated pipeline buried in permafrost, some heat may slowly escape through
the
insulation and thaw the underlying permafrost. Some permafrost may settle on
thawing
and this can be detrimental to the integrity of the pipeline.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional
techniques are not
perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by
way of
limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like
reference
numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary insulation
system
positioned beneath an exemplary ground surface, in accordance with an
embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of an exemplary
insulation
system taken along line 2-2 of FIG.1, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0013] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not
necessarily
drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
detailed figures
and description set forth herein.
[0015] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to
the
Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
detailed
description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory
purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be
appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of
the present
invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches,
depending upon
the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any
given detail
described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the
following
embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and
variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all
fit within the
scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice
versa and
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative
embodiments do
not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
[0016] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not
limited to the
particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses,
and
applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood
that the
terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments
only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must
be noted that
as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" include
the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for
example, a
reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes
equivalents
thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a
reference to "a
step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may
include sub-
steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the
most
inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having
the
definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or"
unless the context
clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be
understood also to
refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be
construed to
express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly
dictates
otherwise.
[0017] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have
the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
to which
this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials
are
described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or
equivalent
to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the
present invention.
Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional
equivalents of
such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to
embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0018] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and
modifications will
be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications
may involve
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which
may be used
instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
[0019] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to
particular
combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the
disclosure of the
present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of
features
disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization
thereof, whether or
not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and
whether or not
it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present
invention.
[0020] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments
may
also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various
features
which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may
also be
provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. The Applicants hereby
give
notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations
of such
features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further
Application
derived therefrom.
[0021] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example
embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s)
of the
invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic, but
not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure,
or
characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or
"in an
exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment,
although they
may.
[0022] Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken
as
limiting the disclosure in any way.
[0023] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of
the items
are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0024] It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or
parameter
names are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the
invention. The
invention may thus be implemented with different nomenclature/terminology
utilized to
CA 02876398 2014-12-30
describe the mechanisms/units/structures/components/devices/parameters herein,
without
limitation. Each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest
interpretation given the
context in which that term is utilized.
[0025] Terminology. The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or
context
for terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims):
[0026] "Comprising." This term is open-ended. As used in the appended
claims,
this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim
that recites: "A
memory controller comprising a system cache. . . ." Such a claim does not
foreclose the
memory controller from including additional components (e.g., a memory channel
unit, a
switch).
[0027] "Configured To." Various units, circuits, or other components may be
described or claimed as "configured to" perform a task or tasks. In such
contexts,
"configured to" or "operable for" is used to connote structure by indicating
that the
mechanisms/units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry and/or
mechanisms) that performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the
mechanisms/unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to (or be
operable) for
perform(ing) the task even when the specified
mechanisms/unit/circuit/component is not
currently operational (e.g., is not on). The
mechanisms/units/circuits/components used
with the "configured to" or "operable for" language include hardware--for
example,
mechanisms, structures, electronics, circuits, memory storing program
instructions
executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a
mechanism/unit/circuit/component is "configured to" or "operable for"
perform(ing) one
or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth
paragraph, for
that mechanism/unit/circuit/component. "Configured to" may also include
adapting a
manufacturing process to fabricate devices or components that are adapted to
implement
or perform one or more tasks.
[0028] "Based On." As used herein, this term is used to describe one or
more
factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional
factors that
may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on
those factors
or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase "determine A
based on B."
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase
does not
foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other
instances, A may
be determined based solely on B.
[0029] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0030] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing conditions,
concentrations, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims
are to be
understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about."
Accordingly, unless
indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following
specification
and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upon a
specific
analytical technique.
[0031] The term "comprising," which is synonymous with "including,"
"containing," or "characterized by" is inclusive or open-ended and does not
exclude
additional, unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is a term of art
used in
claim language which means that the named claim elements are essential, but
other claim
elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the
claim.
[0032] As used herein, the phase "consisting of' excludes any element,
step, or
ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase "consists of' (or
variations thereof)
appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following
the
preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements
are not
excluded from the claim as a whole. As used herein, the phase "consisting
essentially of'
limits the scope of a claim to the specified elements or method steps, plus
those that do
not materially affect the basis and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed
subject matter.
[0033] With respect to the terms "comprising," "consisting of," and
"consisting
essentially of," where one of these three terms is used herein, the presently
disclosed and
claimed subject matter may include the use of either of the other two terms.
Thus in some
embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited, any instance of "comprising" may
be
replaced by "consisting of' or, alternatively, by "consisting essentially of."
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
[0034] Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication
with
each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless
expressly
specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at
least general
communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through
one or
more intermediaries.
[0035] A description of an embodiment with several components in
communication
with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the
contrary a
variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of
possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful
considerations and
compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture
of a
commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of
the
present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit
and
teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of
the particular
application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s),
component(s),
approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment
of the
present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and
matched, or
improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average
skills and
known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the
needs of the
particular application.
[0037] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference
to
embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0038] There are various types of insulation systems for conduits that may
be
provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment
of the
present invention, an insulation system to prevent thawing of the permafrost
may use
multiple layers of insulation over a hot conduit, and directionally disperse
heat from the
casings to regulate the thawing of the permafrost. In some embodiments, the
system may
help insulate a carrier conduit that is carrying a hot gas or liquid while in
a relatively
colder medium or in a relatively colder environment. Those skilled in the art,
in light of
the present teachings, will recognize that in colder environment the hot
liquid in the
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
carrier conduit need to maintain its temperature at a certain level for ease
of pumping,
and thus optimal insulation is necessary. Additionally, the carrier conduit
must be able to
expand and contract freely to minimize damage to the material composition of
the carrier
pipe. In one embodiment, the uniquely configured insulation on the system may
create
directional dispersion of heat in a way so that any heat coming out of the
carrier conduit
will escape in the soil above the buried pipe, thus protecting the permafrost
underneath.
[0039] An outer conduit encases the insulation around the carrier conduit,
which
may be called carrier insulation. In some embodiments, an outer insulation may
partially
encase the outer conduit. The said outer insulation covers only the bottom
portion and the
two sides of the outer conduit. As such, the top portion of the outer conduit
remains
uncovered and does not receive insulation. Two symmetrical flanges are
integrally
formed on two sides of the uncovered top portion of the outer conduit.
[0040] The system may further include a casing that encases the outer
insulation.
The outer conduit may be substantially concentric to the casing. In some
embodiments,
the casing may have a low thermal conductivity. Said two symmetrical flanges
are
configured to anchor on said casing.
[0041] In some embodiments, a thin film having a substantially moisture
impermeable composition and having very low thermal conductivity may wrap
around
the whole assembly of carrier conduit, carrier insulation, outer conduit,
outer insulation,
and the casing. The film may help inhibit moisture intrusion thereby
minimizing
corrosion and rust.
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary insulation
system
100 positioned beneath an exemplary ground surface, in accordance with an
embodiment
of the present invention. In one aspect, an insulation system 100 may use
multiple layers
of insulation over a hot conduit, and directionally disperses heat
implementations. In
some embodiments, the system may help insulate a carrier conduit 102 that is
carrying a
hot gas or liquid while in a relatively colder medium or in a relatively
colder
environment. In another aspect, the insulation system 100 may act as a passive
thermo
siphon.
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
[0043] The gas may include, without limitation, a natural gas. The liquid
may
include, without limitation, oil. The system may be effective for carrying
heated gas or
liquid through a conduit buried in an exemplary ground, including, without
limitation, a
permafrost 138 or ice. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present
teachings, will
recognize that in colder environment the oil inside a carrier conduit need to
maintain a
certain temperature for ease of pumping. Therefore proper insulation is
necessary.
[0044] Additionally, the system enables the carrier conduit to expand and
contract
freely to minimize damage to the material composition of the carrier pipe.
Thus, the
system provides multiple layers of insulation and conduits, strategically
encasing the
carrier pipe, such that the carrier conduit expands and contracts freely. In
one
embodiment, the uniquely configured insulation on the system may create
directional
dispersion of heat away from the underlying permafrost.
[0045] In some embodiments, the insulation system may include a carrier
conduit
that is configured to carry a gas or liquid. A carrier insulation 110 encase
the carrier
conduit. In some embodiments, the top portion of the conduit and insulation
may be more
proximal to the ground surface than the bottom portion. The carrier conduit
may include,
without limitation, a pipe, or a tube. Suitable materials for the carrier
conduit may
include, without limitation, steel, iron, and metal alloys.
[0046] The carrier insulation may be fabricated from various insulating
materials
configured to conform to the shapes and dimensions of the carrier conduit
while still
having sufficient flexibility to expand and contract freely with the carrier
conduit. The
carrier insulation material may include, without limitation, mineral wool,
glass wool,
flexible elastomeric foam, polyethylene, cellular glass, and aerogel. The
carrier insulation
may help inhibit heat flow from the liquid and gas.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of an exemplary
insulation
system taken along line 2-2 of FIG.1, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present
invention. In one aspect, an outer conduit 118 may encase the carrier
insulation. The
uncovered upper portion of the outer conduit may include flanges 134, one on
each side.
These flanges are formed integrally to the outer conduit and extend out at an
angle form
CA 02876398 2014-12-30
,
the outer conduit top portion. Suitable materials for the outer conduit may
include,
without limitation, steel, iron, and metal alloys.
[0048] In some embodiments, an outer insulation 124 may partially
encase the outer
conduit. As shown in FIG.1, there is no outer insulation over the outer
conduit top
portion, and consequently, the outer conduit top portion remains uncovered and
does not
receive insulation. Whereas, the outer conduit side and bottom portions are
insulated. The
outer insulation material may include, without limitation, mineral wool, glass
wool,
flexible elastomeric foam, polyethylene, cellular glass, and aerogel. The
outer insulation
may help inhibit heat flow from the outer conduit to the soil below and to the
soil on
either side. In this embodiment the multilayered insulation system has been
arranged in a
way so as to induce directional dispersion of heat which can help reduce
thawing of
permafrost and ice.
[0049] The system may further include a casing 130 that encases
the outer
insulation. The outer conduit may be substantially concentric to the casing.
Each end of
this casing attaches to a groove 136 of the flange 134 that forms a casing
anchor. In some
embodiments, the casing may have a low thermal conductivity.
[0050] In some embodiments, a thin film 132 having a
substantially moisture
impermeable composition and very low thermal conductivity may wrap around the
whole
assembly of carrier conduit, carrier insulation, outer conduit, outer
insulation, and the
casing to prevent moisture intrusion and thereby minimize corrosion and rust.
[0051] In some embodiments, entire system and conduits may be
fabricated in
segments prior to delivery to field locations. Each segment may be fabricated
complete
with all the components as shown in Fig.l. At each end of the segments the
carrier
conduit may protrude slightly to allow for field joints as shown in FIG.2. In
the field,
before putting the assembled conduit in the trench, each segment of the
conduit may be
oriented in such a way so that the exposed area of outer conduit 118 points
upward. The
conduit segments may then be connected to each other by welding the carrier
pipe at the
ends through the field joints 128.
[0052] There may be a gap between the ends of insulations, the
outer conduit, and
the casing; which will be filled by an insulation strip 140. After putting the
insulation
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strip, the thin film 132 of the adjoining conduit segments will be connected
to prevent
moisture intrusion. At the time of installation, both the carrier conduit and
the outer
conduit may have the same temperature. However, when heated oil or gas start
flowing
through the carrier conduit, the carrier conduit may undergo expansion while
the outer
conduit may not expand at all. As the outer conduit, and the two layers of
insulation
remain segmented because of the gaps at the field joints, the carrier conduit
may be able
to expand and contract freely.
[0053] Those skilled in the art will recognize that to prevent any moisture
intrusion
in the insulating system, the whole assembly of carrier conduit, outer
conduit, and the two
layers of insulations may need to be wrapped around by a very thin layer of
plastic or
similar film that serves as a moisture barrier. In operation, heated oil will
flow through
the carrier conduit. To maintain the oil temperature the carrier insulation is
provided. This
insulating layer will contain most of the heat within the carrier conduit.
However, some
heat will slowly escape through this carrier insulation and will reach the
outer conduit.
The heat will quickly penetrate the thickness of the outer conduit when it
will encounter
the outer insulation and will not be able to escape in a radial direction.
Because of this,
the heat may tend to move in a circumferential direction along the outer
conduit towards
the upper portion of outer conduit where the outer insulation is not present.
Therefore, the
heat which escapes through the carrier insulation will tend to escape upwards
in the soil
above the assembly of insulated conduit and ultimately in the atmosphere above
ground.
The permafrost below the conduit and to its sides will not receive much heat
and,
therefore, will not thaw significantly to cause any harm to the insulated
conduit.
[0054] In one alternative embodiment, the carrier insulation and the outer
insulation may have different thicknesses and material compositions. In
another
alternative embodiment, additional layers of casings and insulation material
may encase
the carrier conduit to provide further insulation.
[0055] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any
accompanying
abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the
same,
equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless
expressly
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic
series of
equivalent or similar features.
[0056] It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC 112 (1), all claims
must be
supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and
any material
known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However,
35 USC
112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations
interpreted under
35 USC 112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification.
Moreover, the
USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under
the
broadest interpretation of a "mean for" claim limitation implies that the
broadest initial
search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a
legally
valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of "mean
for"
claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior
art
documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are
suitable to
act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the
below claims
that are interpreted under 35 USC 112 (6) when such corresponding structures
are not
explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any
invention
element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in
the below
claims interpreted under 35 USC 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly
disclosed in the
foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent
documents
found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such
functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by
reference
for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional
means
claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims
construction
proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and
incorporate
only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest
interpretation search of 35 USC 112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least
one of the
patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO
searching
and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate
by
reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such
documents
comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material
as listed
in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS)
entered
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CA 02876398 2014-12-30
into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3rd
parties.
Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to
explicitly
include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally
corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.
[0057] Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to
functional
claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC
112 (6),
which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification,
Applicant(s)
have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the
otherwise missing
disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or
non-patent
documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of
satisfying the
disclosure requirements of 35 USC 112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the
identified
documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC 112 (6)
necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant
application,
and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant
application.
[0058] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present
invention,
other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing an insulated conduit
that
expands and contracts freely, and directionally disperses heat according to
the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the
invention
have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments
disclosed
are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The
particular
implementation of the insulated conduit that expands and contracts freely, and
directionally disperses heat may vary depending upon the particular context or
application. By way of example, and not limitation, the insulated conduit that
expands
and contracts freely, and directionally disperses heat described in the
foregoing were
principally directed to a system that uses multiple layers of insulation over
a hot conduit
and leaves gaps in the insulation to enable the carrier conduit to expand and
contract
freely, and directionally disperses heat implementations. The invention is to
cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and
scope of the
following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed
embodiments
in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the
objects,
advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.
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[0059] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or
lettered
solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and
lettering in
itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of
elements
and/or steps in the claims.
[0060] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of
all means
or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any
structure,
material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements
as specifically claimed.
[0061] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of
all means
or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any
structure,
material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements
as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been
presented for
purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive
or limited to
the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be
apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the
invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain
the
principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable
others of ordinary
skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with
various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0062] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b)
requiring
an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the
technical
disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
limit or
interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby
incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its
own as a
separate embodiment.
