FOOD OR WARE WASHING, DEGLAZING AND DEFROSTING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF DEGLAZING AND DEFROSTING FOOD ITEMS

Abstract

A system and method for deglazing or defrosting items, for cleaning wares, and/or for thermalizing/rethermalizing food items. The system includes a tank for holding fluid and a wash pump for creating a rolling washing action within the wash tank. The method includes placing items into the fluid so that as the fluid rolls within the wash tank, the items become deglazed or defrosted. The system further includes a discharge manifold with a plurality of discharge jets, a flow balancer for equalizing flow to multiple sections of the tank, and a diffuser plate for equalizing flow within a section of the tank. The various components of the system can be removed for cleaning, inspection, and/or replacement. The discharge manifold is accessible for removal and is configured to be easily cleaned.

Claims

1. A method of deglazing items within a continuous motion washing machine, the method comprising: placing an item within a wash tank of the continuous motion washing machine; creating a recirculating fluid flow path within the wash tank; allowing the item to be brought into recirculating motion within the fluid flow path; and removing the item from the wash tank, wherein the item is a chilled food item at least partially coated with ice prior to being place in the wash tank, and wherein the recirculating motion removes the ice from the chilled food item while the temperature of the chilled food item is maintained at a sub-room temperature level.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the creation of the recirculating fluid flow path includes directing a jet of fluid onto a diffuser plate, thereby creating a flow of fluid having a width that is greater than a width of the jet of fluid.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising adjusting the vertical position of the diffuser plate relative to the jet of fluid, thereby adjusting the width of the flow of fluid.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the creation of the recirculating fluid flow path includes directing a plurality of fluid jets onto a diffuser plate, thereby flattening a jet stream associated with each of the fluid jets.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one flattened jet stream extends to an adjacent flattened jet stream so as to create a single flattened jet stream from at least two fluid jets.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising inserting a flow balancer into a manifold of the washing machine so as to reduce the volume of fluid flowing through the manifold to one of the adjacent discharge jets, thereby increasing the amount of fluid flowing out of one of the jets and decreasing the amount of fluid flowing out of the other jet so that the amount of fluid flowing out of each of the jets is generally equivalent.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein a first jet directs fluid into a first section of the wash tank and a second jet directs fluid into a second section of the wash tank, the first and second sections being separated by a divider such that a first item that is placed in the first section during the placing step remains in the first section until it is removed from the first section during the removing step.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising inserting a flow balancer into a manifold of the washing machine so as to reduce the volume of fluid flowing through the manifold to the second jet, thereby increasing the amount of fluid flowing out of the first jet.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein a first jet directs fluid into a first section of the wash tank and a second jet directs fluid into a second section of the wash tank, the first and second sections being separated by a divider such that a first item that is placed in the first section during the placing step remains in the first section until it is removed from the first section during the removing step.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising inserting a flow balancer into a manifold of the washing machine so as to reduce the volume of fluid flowing through the manifold to the second jet, thereby increasing the amount of fluid flowing out of the first jet.

11. A deglazing system comprising: a wash tank for selectively holding a volume of fluid; a pump having an inlet and an outlet, said pump being in fluid communication with the volume of fluid; a discharge manifold having proximal and distal ends, said proximal end of said discharge manifold being in fluid communication with said outlet of said pump such that fluid flowing from said outlet of said pump flows into an interior area of said discharge manifold through said proximal end of said discharge manifold; first and second discharge jets extending from said discharge manifold into said wash tank, said first discharge jet being positioned between said second discharge jet and said proximal end of said discharge manifold; and a flow balancer extending into said interior area of said discharge manifold, said flow balancer having a proximal end coupled to said distal end of said discharge manifold and a distal end positioned between said first and second discharge jets, wherein each of said first and second discharge jets is configured to direct fluid from said interior area of said discharge manifold towards said wash tank, and wherein said flow balancer is configured to reduce the amount of fluid flowing through the manifold to the second jet so as to increase the amount of fluid flowing out of the first discharge jet.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said first discharge jet directs fluid into a first section of the wash tank and said second discharge jet directs fluid into a second section of the wash tank, the first and second sections being separated by a divider.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein said interior area of said discharge manifold is cylindrical in shape such that a cross section of said discharge manifold is generally the same size and shape as a cross section of tubing extending between said proximal end of said discharge manifold and said outlet of said pump.

14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a diffuser plate that is configured to extend at least partially into a jet stream created by at least one of said first and second discharge jets so as to flatten the jet stream.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said diffuser plate is moveable between first and second positions so as to selectively flatten the jet stream, wherein said diffuser plate is displaced from the jet stream when said diffuser plate is in the first position, and wherein said diffuser plate extends at least partially into the jet stream when said diffuser plate is in the second position.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said diffuser plate comprises: a top portion that is configured to selectively secure to a top of a rear wall of a wash tank when said diffuser plate is in the second position, wherein at least one of the first and second discharge jets extends through said rear wall into said wash tank; a vertical portion extending vertically downward from said top portion, said vertical portion being configured to extend along the rear wall towards the at least one discharge jet when said diffuser plate is in the second position; and an angled portion that is configured to extend downward from a bottom edge of said vertical portion and outward away from the wall of said wash tank.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein said first discharge jet directs fluid into a first section of the wash tank and said second discharge jet directs fluid into a second section of the wash tank, the first and second sections being separated by a divider.

18. A deglazing system comprising: a wash tank for selectively holding a volume of fluid; a pump having an inlet and an outlet, said pump being in fluid communication with the volume of fluid; a discharge manifold in fluid communication with said outlet of said pump such that fluid flowing from said outlet of said pump flows into an interior area of said discharge manifold; at least one discharge jet extending from said discharge manifold into said wash tank, said at least one discharge jet being configured to create a jet stream by directing fluid from said interior area of said discharge manifold towards said wash tank; and a diffuser plate that is configured to extend at least partially into the jet stream so as to flatten the jet stream.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said diffuser plate is moveable between first and second positions so as to selectively flatten the jet stream, wherein said diffuser plate is displaced from the jet stream when said diffuser plate is in the first position, and wherein said diffuser plate extends at least partially into the jet stream when said diffuser plate is in the second position.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said diffuser plate comprises: a top portion that is configured to selectively secure to a top of a rear wall of a wash tank when said diffuser plate is in the second position, said at least one discharge jet extending through said rear wall into said wash tank; a vertical portion extending vertically downward from said top portion, said vertical portion being configured to extend along the rear wall towards the at least one discharge jet when said diffuser plate is in the second position; and an angled portion extending downward from a bottom edge of said vertical portion and outward away from the wall of said wash tank.

21. A deglazing system comprising: a wash tank for selectively holding a volume of fluid; a pump having an inlet and an outlet, said pump being in fluid communication with the volume of fluid; a discharge manifold having proximal and distal ends, said proximal end of said discharge manifold being in fluid communication with said outlet of said pump such that fluid flowing from said outlet of said pump flows into an interior area of said discharge manifold through said proximal end of said discharge manifold; first and second discharge jets extending from said discharge manifold into said wash tank, said first discharge jet being positioned between said second discharge jet and said proximal end of said discharge manifold; and wherein at least some portions of said discharge manifold are selectively removable from the tank.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein said discharge manifold is located on a front surface of said wash tank.

23. The system of claim 21 wherein said discharge manifold is positioned so as to be readily accessible for disassembly and/or cleaning.

24. The system of claim 21 wherein said discharge manifold is generally cylindrical in shape.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein said discharge manifold includes relatively large radii at each corner.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a continuous motion washing machine of the prior art, components of which embodiments of the instant invention may incorporate.

[0028] FIG. 2 is front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention having a horizontal discharge manifold positioned on a front wall of a wash tank.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention having a vertical discharge manifold positioned on a front wall of a wash tank.

[0031] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an end cap of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5B is a partial sectional view of a discharge manifold of the present invention, a distal end of the discharge manifold being sealed by the end cap of FIG. 5A.

[0033] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a flow balancer of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6B is a partial sectional view of a discharge manifold of the present invention, a distal end of the discharge manifold being sealed by a proximal end of the flow balancer of FIG. 6A, a main body of the flow balancer extending into an interior area of the discharge manifold.

[0035] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a diffuser plate of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7B is a partial sectional view of a horizontal discharge manifold and wash tank of the present invention, FIG. 7B showing a top portion of the diffuser plate of FIG. 7A secured to a top of a wall of the wash tank, a vertical portion of the wash tank extending into an interior area of the wash tank, and an angled portion of the diffuser plate extending over a discharge jet of the discharge manifold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of a deglazing system 100 of the present invention includes a wash tank 110 having opposed left 112 and right 114 end walls extending between opposed rear 116 and front 118 side walls. The wash tank 110 further includes a bottom wall 119 extending from a bottom edge of each of the left 112, right 114, rear 116, and front 118 walls so as to define an interior area 115 for holding a volume of fluid. In some embodiments, a discharge manifold 160 is coupled to one or more wall of the wash tank 110. In some such embodiments, the discharge manifold 160 is secured to a front surface of the front wall 118 and one or more discharge jet 166 of the discharge manifold 160 extends through the front wall 118 into the interior area 115 of the wash tank 110.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the discharge manifold 160 is in fluid communication with a pump outlet 154 of a pump 150. Fluid is withdrawn from the wash tank 110 by the pump 150 and is discharged by the pump 150 back into the wash tank 110 through one or more discharge jet 166 of the discharge manifold 160, thereby creating a circulating action within the wash tank. In some embodiments, the fluid is drawn from the wash tank 110 to a pump inlet 152 of the pump 150 through one or more pipe 125. In other embodiments, the fluid is driven to the discharge manifold 160 through one or more pipe 125. In still other embodiments, the fluid is driven and/or drawn through a flow selector 124 so as to control the amount of flow from and/or to the wash tank 110. In yet other embodiments, one or more pipe 125 is secured to the wash tank 110, the pump inlet 152, the pump outlet 154, the discharge manifold 160, a flow selector 124, and/or another pipe 125 by way of a removable pipe clamp 126 such that the pipe 125 is removable for cleaning.

[0040] In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more sensor for determining various properties of the fluid. For instance, some embodiments include one or more temperature sensor 120 for determining whether the temperature of the fluid is within a predetermined acceptable range and/or a desired range. In some such embodiments, the system includes one or more heating element (not shown), one or more heater controller 122, and/or one or more cooling system (not shown) for selectively increasing or decreasing the temperature of the fluid.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, some embodiments include a horizontal discharge manifold 160. A horizontal discharge manifold 160 includes a plurality of spaced-apart discharge jets 166 positioned generally along a horizontal line of a horizontal plain, each discharge jet being oriented in generally the same downward angle from the horizontal plain such that each discharge jet 166 is configured to direct fluid into the wash tank 110 at a downward angle, thereby creating a circular wash action about a generally horizontal axis.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, some embodiments include a vertical discharge manifold 160. A vertical discharge manifold 160 includes a plurality of spaced-apart discharge jets 166 positioned generally along a vertical line of a vertical plain, each discharge jet being oriented in generally the same angle such that each discharge jet 166 is configured to direct fluid into the wash tank 110 in generally the same direction, thereby creating a circular wash action about a generally vertical axis.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the discharge manifold 160 includes opposed proximal 162 and distal 164 ends and a main body 163 extending therebetween. A plurality of discharge jets 166 extend from the main body 163, each discharge jet 166 defining a passageway 167 between an interior area 165 of the discharge manifold 160 and an interior area 115 of the wash tank 110. In some embodiments, the proximal end 162 of the discharge manifold is in fluid communication with the pump outlet 154 of the pump 150 such that fluid enters the interior area 165 of the discharge manifold 160 through an opening in the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 prior to exiting the discharge manifold 160 through the passageways 167 of the discharge jets 166. In some embodiments, an end cap 169 is coupled to the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 so as to prevent fluid from flowing out of the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160. In other embodiments, the end cap 169 is removable from the discharge manifold 160 so as to facilitate cleaning the interior area 165 of the discharge manifold 160. In some such embodiments, the end cap 169 is selectively secured to the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 with a pipe clamp 126.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a flow balancer 170 of the present invention includes opposed proximal 172 and distal 174 ends and a main body 173 extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the proximal end 172 of the flow balancer 170 is coupled to the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 so as to prevent fluid from flowing out of the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160. In some such embodiments, the main body 173 of the flow balancer 170 extends into the interior area 165 of the discharge manifold 160 such that at least one discharge jet 166 is positioned between the proximal 172 and distal 174 ends of the the flow balancer 170. In this way, fluid flow to such discharge jet 166 is inhibited, reducing the amount of fluid flow out of such discharge jet 166 while increasing the amount of fluid flowing out of one or more other discharge jet.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flow balancer 170 is removable from the discharge manifold 160 so as to facilitate cleaning the interior area 165 of the discharge manifold 160. In some such embodiments, the proximal end 172 of the flow balancer 170 is selectively secured to the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 with a pipe clamp 126. In other embodiments, the flow balancer 170 is removable so as to facilitate replacing the flow balancer 170 with an end cap 169 and/or a different flow balancer 170 having different dimensions. In this way, the amount of fluid flow from one or more discharge jet can be adjusted.

[0046] The flow balancer 170 separates the interior area 165 of the discharge manifold 160 into first and second portions. The first portion extends from the proximal end 162 of the discharge manifold 160 to the distal end 174 of the flow balancer 170. The second portion extends from the first portion of the discharge manifold 160 to the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160. In some such embodiments, the first portion of the interior area 165 is defined by a first cross sectional area and the second portion of the interior area 165 is defined by a second cross sectional area, the second cross sectional area being smaller than the first cross sectional area. In some such embodiments, the difference between the first and second cross sectional areas is equal to a cross sectional area of the flow balancer 170.

[0047] In some embodiments, the flow balancer 170 has a generally constant cross section. In some such embodiments, the flow balancer 170 is a cylinder and the cross section of the flow balancer 170 is defined by an exterior diameter of the cylinder regardless of whether the cylinder is hollow. In some such hollow embodiments, fluid is prevented from flowing into an interior area of the flow balancer 170. In this way, the cross section of the discharge manifold 160 is defined by a cross section for which fluid is allowed to flow. In other embodiments, a proximal end 172 of the flow balancer 170 defines a first cross section and the distal end 174 of the flow balancer 170 defines a second cross section. In some such embodiments, the first cross section is larger than the second cross section such that the flow balancer 170 is defined by a varying cross section. In some embodiments, a flow balancer 170 having a varying cross section is configured to extend past at least two discharge jets 166 so as to decrease flow to each of such discharge jets 166. In some such embodiments, the effect associated with the flow balancer 170 is greater one of the discharge jets 166 than for another of the discharge jets 166 at least in part due to the varying cross section. In some such embodiments, the varying cross section is configured such that an amount of fluid flowing out of a first discharge jet positioned along the main body 173 of the flow balancer 170 is approximately equivalent to an amount of fluid flowing out of a second discharge jet 166 positioned along the main body 173 of the flow balancer 170. In other such embodiments, an amount of fluid flowing out of a discharge jet 166 positioned along the main body 173 of the flow balancer 170 is approximately equivalent to an amount of fluid flowing out of a discharge jet 166 that is displaced from the flow balancer 170.

[0048] In some embodiments, the proximal end 172 of the flow balancer 170 is sealed to the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160, such as with a gasket. In other embodiments, the proximal end 172 of the flow balancer 170 includes a flange that is configured to interface with the distal end 164 of the discharge manifold 160 so as to prevent the flow balancer 170 from being inserted too far into the discharge manifold 160.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a diffuser plate 180 of the present invention includes an intermediate portion 184 extending between a top portion 182 and a bottom portion 186. In some embodiments the diffuser plate 180 is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the diffuser plate 180 is displaced from one or more discharge jet 166 such that a discharge stream flowing out of the one or more discharge jet 166 is not affected by the diffuser plate 180. In the second position, at least a portion of the diffuser plate 180 is positioned proximate to at least one discharge jet 166 such that a discharge stream flowing out of the at least one discharge jet 166 is affected by the diffuser plate 180.

[0050] In some embodiments, the diffuser plate 180 causes the discharge stream to widen. In some such embodiments, widening the discharge stream increases the cross-sectional area of the discharge stream and/or otherwise decreases the velocity of the circulating fluid flow, thereby decreasing impact forces associated with items circulating within the circulating fluid flow. In other such embodiments, widening the discharge stream increases the consistency of the circulating fluid flow along a width of the wash tank. In other embodiments, the diffuser plate 180 affects the height of the discharge stream and/or diverts the path of the discharge stream.

[0051] In some embodiments, the top portion 182 of the diffuser plate 180 is configured to selectively secure to a top of a wall of the wash tank 110, such as the front wall 118 of the wash tank 110 as shown in FIG. 7B. In some such embodiments, the intermediate portion 184 is configured to extend vertically along the wall of the wash tank 110 towards discharge jets 166 extending through the wall of the wash tank 110. In some such embodiments, the bottom portion 186 is configured to extend at an angle downward from a bottom edge of the intermediate portion 184 and outward away from the wall of the wash tank 110. In some embodiments, the angle of the bottom portion 186 of the diffuser plate 180 is approximately equivalent to an angle of the discharge jets 166. In other embodiments, the angle of the bottom portion 186 of the diffuser plate 180 is steeper than the angle of the discharge jets 166 such that a jet stream from such discharge jets is redirected slightly downward upon striking the bottom portion 186 of the diffuser plate 180. In still other embodiments, the angle of the bottom portion 186 of the diffuser plate 180 is less steep than the angle of the discharge jets 166 such that a jet stream from such discharge jets is redirected slightly “upward” upon striking the bottom portion 186 of the diffuser plate 180.

[0052] In some embodiments, the wash tank 110 is divided into one or more section, such as with one or more partitioning wall 130. In some such embodiments, a flow balancer 170 is used to equalize the flow of fluid in each section of the wash tank 110 by increasing the amount of fluid flow in one section while decreasing the amount of fluid flow in another section. In other such embodiments, a diffuser plate 180 is secured over at least one discharge jet 166 in at least one tank section.

[0053] In some embodiments, the diffuser plate 180 extends into two or more sections of a wash tank 110. In some such embodiments, the diffuser plate 180 defines a slot 188 that is configured to receive a portion of a partitioning wall 130 so that the diffuser plate 180 can extend from one section of the wash tank 110 to another. In some such embodiments, the slot 188 extends from a bottom edge of the bottom portion towards a bottom portion of the intermediate portion. In other such embodiments, the slot 188 extends into the intermediate portion.

[0054] The present invention further includes a method of deglazing and/or defrosting one or more chilled item that is at least partially coated with ice and/or at least partially frozen. Such method includes placing an item within a wash tank 110 of a continuous motion washing machine 100; creating a recirculating fluid flow path within the wash tank 110; and allowing the item to be brought into recirculating motion within the fluid flow path. The recirculating motion of the fluid removes any ice from the item. In some embodiments, the temperature of the water is monitored and adjusted as necessary so as to maintain the temperature of the fluid within a working temperature range. In some such embodiments, the upper limit of the working temperature range is a sub-room temperature. In other such embodiments, the lower limit of the working temperature range is slightly above a freezing temperature of the fluid and/or of water (the fluid potentially being water). In this way, the fluid is capable of maintaining the item at a relatively low temperature during the deglazing/defrosting process.

[0055] In some embodiments, the system includes a temperature sensor 120 for sensing the temperature of the fluid. In some such embodiments, the temperature sensor 120 measures the temperature of the fluid at or adjacent to the pump 150 so that any heat energy introduced into the fluid by the pump 150 is accounted for in the measured temperature value. In other such embodiments, the system includes one or more heater controller 122 for controlling a heat introduction device (such as a heating element) for introducing additional heat energy into the fluid. In this way, heat energy lost to the item, to the environment, and/or to ice or fluid associated with the item and/or the deglazing/defrosting process, can be replenished. In still other embodiments, heat is intentionally removed from the fluid and/or the average temperature of the fluid is reduced by introducing one or more additional item and/or additional fluid or ice. In this way, the temperature of the fluid can be maintained within the working temperature range during the deglazing/defrosting process.

[0056] In some embodiments, the creation of the circulating fluid flow path includes directing a flow of fluid from a pump 150 into a wash tank 110 through one or more discharge jet 166 of a discharge manifold 160. In some embodiments, fluid directed from at least one of the discharge jets 166 is directed onto a diffuser plate 180. In this way, a jet stream exiting the discharge jet 166 is transformed, such as by widening and/or flattening the jet stream. In other embodiments, a plurality of jet streams are directed onto the diffuser plate 180. In some such embodiments, at least one flattened and/or widened jet stream extends to an adjacent flattened and/or widened jet stream. In some such embodiments, the adjacent jet streams for a single jet stream.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method further includes inhibiting flow to at least one discharge jet 166. In some such embodiments, a flow balancer 170 is inserted into the fluid flow path between the pump 150 and at least one of the discharge jets 166. In this way, the cross-sectional area through which fluid can travel to such discharge jet 166 is reduced. In other such embodiments, inhibiting flow to such discharge jet 166 creates an increase in flow to one or more other discharge jet 166.

[0058] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

[0059] Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0060] Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

[0061] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. therebetween.