(51) Int Cl.: F28C 1/14 ( ) F28F 9/00 ( )

Transcription

1 (19) TEPZZ_988 _B_T (11) EP B1 (12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (4) Date of publication and mention of the grant of the patent: Bulletin 13/ (1) Int Cl.: F28C 1/14 (06.01) F28F 9/00 (06.01) (21) Application number: (22) Date of filing: (4) Cooling tower seal joint Kühlturmabdichtverbindung Joint d étanchéité de tour de refroidissement (84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE ES FR GB IT () Priority: US 8007 (43) Date of publication of application: Bulletin 08/4 (73) Proprietor: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. Jessup, MD 794 (US) (74) Representative: Davies, Christopher Robert Dehns St Bride s House Salisbury Square London EC4Y 8JD (GB) (6) References cited: JP-A US-A US-B (72) Inventor: LaGasse, Joseph C. Eldersburg, Maryland (US) EP B1 Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). Printed by Jouve, 7001 PARIS (FR)

2 1 EP B1 2 Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for connecting two adjacent cooling modules and, more particularly, a field joint for connecting two vertically adjacent evaporative cooling modules. [0002] The present invention addresses a need in connecting two vertically adjacent evaporative cooling modules in devices such as cooling towers. A concern in connecting such vertically adjacent modules is the need to seal the modules to prevent the operating liquid, which is usually water, from exiting between the two adjacent modules. [0003] Cooling towers are frequently comprised of vertically stacked components or modules. Such modules usually contain evaporative cooling equipment such as fill, which is usually referred to as a direct cooling module, or a plurality of coils through which a liquid to be cooled passes, with such a liquid being cooled indirectly by the passage of water over the outside of the coil. As the cooling liquid, which is usually water, passes vertically through the vertically adjacent cooling tower modules, it can be readily understood that it is desirable to keep the cooling water within the cooling tower itself. [0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a field joint for use between vertically adjacent cooling tower modules. [000] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a field joint for use between vertically adjacent cooling tower modules that seals the modules so as to keep the working liquid within the cooling tower. US discloses a coding tower having a joint assembly as defined in the preamble of claim 1. JP discloses a lower support mounting construct. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention provides a joint assembly for two vertically adjacent cooling tower modules. Each cooling tower module usually contains evaporative cooling equipment in the form of direct or indirect evaporative cooling assemblies. The lower module is said to include a top structural edge which itself is comprised of an outer structural component and an inner sealing component. The outer structural component has an inner facing generally flat surface and a top facing generally flat surface. The inner sealing component of the top structural edge of the lower module has an outer facing generally flat surface that abuts the inner generally flat surface of the outer structural component. The inner sealing component of the top structural edge of the lower module also has a top facing generally flat surface. [0007] The upper module of the cooling tower assembly is said to have a bottom structural edge. The bottom structural edge is comprised of an outer structural component and an inner sealing component. The outer structural component of the bottom structural edge of the upper module has an inner facing generally flat surface and a bottom facing generally flat surface. The bottom generally flat surface of the outer structural component of the bottom structural edge of the upper module is adjacent and is supported by the top facing generally flat surface of the outer structural component of the outer structural edge of the lower module. The inner sealing component of the bottom structural edge of the upper module has an outer generally flat surface that abuts the inner generally flat surface of the outer structural component of the bottom structural edge of the upper module. The inner sealing component of the bottom structural edge of the upper module also has a bottom facing generally flat surface. The bottom facing generally flat surface of the inner sealing component of the bottom structural edge of the upper module is adjacent the top generally flat surface of the inner sealing component of the top structural edge of the lower module. Further, a sealing material can be located between the bottom generally flat surface of the inner sealing component of the bottom structural edge of the upper module and the top generally flat surface of the inner sealing component of top structural edge of the lower module. [0008] The field joint or connecting assembly is seen to provide a water tight seal between the bottom structural edge of the upper module of the cooling tower and the top structural edge of the lower module of the cooling tower. Thereby the working fluid within the cooling tower, which is usually water, is kept within the cooling tower for more efficient operation of the cooling tower. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view, in partial cross section, of a field joint connection assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a cooling tower with a partial cross section showing the field joint connecting assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a detailed partial cross sectional view of a field joint connecting assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00] Referring to Fig. 2 of the drawings, a cooling tower is seen to comprise two evaporative cooling modules, the lower module 12 supporting the vertically aligned upper module 14. It is understood that a working fluid, usually water, is sprayed downwardly through upper module 14 across either a direct evaporative cooling arrangement such as fill or an indirect evaporative cooling arrangement such as a plurality of coils. The water then passes from upper module 14 into lower module 12. The 2

3 3 EP B1 4 connecting assembly or joint is shown as extending between the top structural edge 16 of lower module 12 to support the bottom structural edge of upper module 14. [0011] Referring now to Figs. 1 and 3, detailed views of the field joint connection assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is set forth. Connecting assembly is seen to be comprised of the intersection or connection between top structural edge 16 of lower cooling tower module 12 and the bottom structural edge of upper cooling tower module 14. It should first be understood that top structural edge 16 and bottom structural edge are mainly comprised of structural steel components, which can be either comprised of galvanized steel with or without an additional paint or of coating or stainless steel or a structural plastic or fiber glass. Further, it should be understood that the outer walls and other components of lower cooling tower module 12 and upper cooling tower module 14 are similarly comprised of steel sheets either of galvanized steel which may or may not be coated or painted or of stainless steel or of a structural plastic or fiber glass. [0012] Top structural edge 16 of lower cooling tower module 12 is seen to comprise outer structural component 18 and inner sealing component. Outer structural component 18 is seen to have an inner facing generally flat surface 22 and a top generally flat surface 24 which is, usually perpendicular to inner facing generally flat surface 22. Outer lip 26 is seen to extend downwardly from and perpendicular to top generally flat surface 24. Further, lower lip 28 is seen to extend from a lower portion of outer structural component 18. [0013] Inner sealing component is usually comprised of a galvanized or stainless steel or a structural plastic. Inner sealing component is seen to include an outer facing generally flat surface 32 and a top facing generally flat surface 34 that is usually perpendicular to outer facing generally flat surface 32. Further, inner lip 36 is seen to extend at an acute angle from outer facing generally flat surface 32. Fastening openings are seen to allow for bolts, rivets, spot welds or similar mechanical fixing or welding or gluing between the facing generally flat surface 32 of inner sealing component and inner facing generally flat surface 22 of outer structural component 18. [0014] Bottom structural edge is seen to be the lower structural component of upper module 14. Bottom structural edge is seen to comprise an outer structural component 42, which is usually a structural steel member or bent sheet of galvanized or stainless steel or a structural plastic which includes a bottom generally flat surface 48, an inner facing generally flat surface 46 which is usually perpendicular to bottom generally flat surface 48, and a top generally flat surface 0 which is seen to also be usually perpendicular to inner facing generally flat surface 46. Bottom structural edge is also seen to comprise an inner sealing component 44, which is usually comprised of a bent sheet of galvanized steel or stainless steel or a structural plastic. Inner sealing component 44 is seen to comprise a bottom facing generally flat surface 4, an outer facing generally flat surface 2 extending usually perpendicular to bottom facing generally flat surface 4. Outer facing generally flat surface 2 of inner sealing component 44 is seen to face and abut inner facing generally flat surface 46 of outer structural component 42. A plurality of openings 31 are seen to extend between inner facing generally flat surface 46 and outer facing generally flat surface 2 to allow rivets, bolts or other mechanical fixing mechanisms or spot welding or gluing other ways of joining inner sealing component 44 to outer structural component 42. [001] Further, bottom facing generally flat surface 4 of inner sealing component 44 of bottom structural edge of upper module 14 is seen to face and be supported on top facing generally flat surface 34 or of inner sealing component of top structural edge 16 of lower module 12. [0016] Further, sealing component 6 can be located between bottom facing generally flat surface 4 and top facing generally flat surface 34 of inner sealing component. Sealing component 6 can be comprised of a butyl tape, an appropriately chosen caulk such as an acrylic or silicon caulk, or other sealing component such as a rubber gasket. [0017] Further, it should be noted that bottom generally flat surface 48 of outer structural component 42 of bottom structural edge of upper module 14 is seen to face and be supported on top facing generally flat surface 24 of outer structural component 18 of top structural edge 16 of lower module 12. [0018] It should also be noted that the junction between top facing generally flat surface 34 of inner sealing component of top structural edge 16 of lower module 12 and bottom facing generally flat surface 4 of inner sealing component 44 of bottom structural edge of upper module 14 is located below the junction between bottom generally flat surface 48 of outer structural component 42 of bottom structural edge of upper module 14 and top facing generally flat surface of outer structural component 18 of top structural edge 16 of lower module 12. Claims 1. A joint assembly () for connecting two evaporative cooling modules, the modules comprising: a lower module (12) having evaporative cooling components and an upper module (14) having evaporative cooling components; and characterised by: the joint assembly comprising a top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12), said edge having an outer structural component (18) and 3

4 EP B1 6 an inner sealing component (); the outer structural component (18) of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12) having an inner generally flat surface and top generally flat surface; the inner sealing component () of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12) having an outer generally flat surface that abuts the inner generally flat surface of the outer structural component (18) of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12); the inner sealing component () of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12) having a top generally flat surface; the joint assembly further comprising a bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14), such edge having an outer structural component (42) and an inner sealing component (44); the outer structural component (42) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) having an inner generally flat surface and a bottom generally flat surface; the bottom generally flat surface of the outer structural component (42) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) being adjacent and supported by the top generally flat surface of the outer structural component (18) of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12); the inner sealing component (44) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) having an outer generally flat surface that abuts the inner generally flat surface of the outer structural component (42) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14); the inner sealing component (44) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) having a bottom generally flat surface; and the bottom generally flat surface of the inner sealing component (44) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) being adjacent the top generally flat surface of the inner sealing component () of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (I2). 2. The joint assembly of claim 1 wherein a sealing material (6) extends between the bottom generally flat surface of the inner sealing component (44) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) and the top generally flat surface of the inner sealing component () of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12). 3. The joint assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein the sealing material (6) is a butyl tape. 4. The joint assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein the sealing material (6) is a acrylic caulk The joint assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein the sealing material (6) is a rubber gasket. 6. The joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the outer structural component (42) of the bottom structural edge of the upper module is a channel structural member. 7. The joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the inner generally flat surface of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12) is generally perpendicular to the top generally flat surface of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12). 8. The joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the top generally flat surface of the inner sealing component () of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12) is generally perpendicular to the outer generally flat surface of the inner sealing component () of the top structural edge (16) of the lower module (12), 9. The joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the bottom generally flat surface of the outer structural component (42) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) is generally perpendicular to the inner generally flat surface of the outer structural component (42) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14).. The joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the bottom generally flat surface of the inner sealing component (44) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) is generally perpendicular to the outer generally flat surface of the inner sealing component (44) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14). 11. The joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the bottom generally flat surface of the inner sealing component (44) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14) is located below the bottom generally flat surface of the outer structural component (42) of the bottom structural edge () of the upper module (14). 12. An evaporative cooling assembly comprising two modules, the assembly comprising: a lower module (12) having a top structural edge (16); an upper module (14) having a bottom structural edge (); and wherein the modules (12,14) are connected by the joint assembly () of any preceding claim. 4

5 7 EP B1 8 Patentansprüche 1. Gelenkanordnung () zum Verbinden von zwei verdunstungskühlungsmodulen, wobei die Module Folgendes umfassen: ein unteres Modul (12) mit verdunstungskühlungsbauteilen und ein oberes Modul (14) mit verdunstungskühlungsbauteilen; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Gelenkanordnung einen oberen Strukturrand (16) des unteren Moduls (12) umfasst, wobei der Rand ein äußeres Strukturbauteil (18) und ein inneres Dichtungsbauteil () aufweist; das äußere Strukturbauteil (18) des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) eine innere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche und eine obere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche aufweist; das innere Dichtungsbauteil () des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) eine äußere, im Wesentlichen flache Oberfläche aufweist, die an die innere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des äußeren Bauteils (18) des oberen Strukturrandes(16) des unteren Moduls (12) angrenzt; das innere Dichtungsbauteil () des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) eine obere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche aufweist; die Gelenkanordnung ferner einen unteren Strukturrand () des oberen Moduls (14) umfasst, wobei der Rand ein äußeres Strukturbauteil (42) und ein inneres Dichtungsbauteil (44) aufweist; das äußere Strukturbauteil (42) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) eine innere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche und eine untere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche aufweist; die untere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des äußeren Strukturbauteils (42) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) zu der oberen, im Allgemeinen flachen Oberfläche des äußeren Bauteils (18) des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) benachbart ist und davon getragen wird; das innere Dichtungsbauteil (44) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) eine äußere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche aufweist, die an die innere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des äußeren Strukturbauteils (42) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) angrenzt; das innere Dichtungsbauteil (44) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) eine untere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche aufweist; und die untere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils (44) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) zu der oberen, im Allgemeinen flachen Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils () des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) benachbart ist. 2. Gelenkanordnung nach Anspruch 1, wobei sich ein Dichtungsmaterial (6) zwischen der unteren, im Allgemeinen flachen Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils (44) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) und der oberen, im Allgemeinen flachen Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils () des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) erstreckt. 3. Gelenkanordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das Dichtungsmaterial (6) Butylband ist. 4. Gelenkanordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das Dichtungsmaterial (6) Acrylabdichtmasse ist.. Gelenkanordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das Dichtungsmaterial (6) eine Gummidichtung ist. 6. Gelenkanordnung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei das äußere Strukturbauteil (42) des unteren Strukturrandes des oberen Moduls ein Kanalstrukturbauteil ist. 7. Gelenkanordnung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die innere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) im Allgemeinen senkrecht zu der oberen, im Allgemeinen flachen Oberfläche des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) ist. 8. Gelenkanordnung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die obere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils () des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) im Allgemeinen senkrecht zu der äußeren, im Allgemeinen flachen Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils () des oberen Strukturrandes (16) des unteren Moduls (12) ist. 9. Gelenkanordnung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die untere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des äußeren Strukturbauteils (42) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) im Allgemeinen senkrecht zu der inneren, im Allgemeinen

6 9 EP B1 flachen Oberfläche des äußeren Strukturbauteils (42) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) ist.. Gelenkanordnung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die untere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils (44) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) im Allgemeinen senkrecht zu der äußeren, im Allgemeinen flachen Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils (44) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) ist. 11. Gelenkanordnung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die untere, im Allgemeinen flache Oberfläche des inneren Dichtungsbauteils (44) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) unterhalb der unteren, im Allgemeinen flachen Oberfläche des äußeren Strukturbauteils (42) des unteren Strukturrandes () des oberen Moduls (14) angeordnet ist. 12. Verdunstungskühlungsanordnung, umfassend zwei Module, wobei die Anordnung Folgendes umfasst: ein unteres Modul (12) mit einem oberen Strukturrand (16); ein oberes Modul (14) mit einem unteren Strukturrand (); und wobei die Module (12, 14) durch die Gelenkanordnung () nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche verbunden sind. Revendications 1. Ensemble de joint () utilisable pour joindre deux modules de refroidissement par évaporation, les modules comprenant : un module inférieur (12) comportant des composants de refroidissement par évaporation et un module supérieur (14) comportant des composants de refroidissement par évaporation ; et caractérisé par le fait que : l ensemble de joint comprend un bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12), ledit bord comportant un composant structurel extérieur (18) et un composant d étanchéité intérieur () ; le composant structurel extérieur (18) du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) présentant une surface intérieure généralement plate et une surface supérieure généralement plate ; le composant d étanchéité intérieur () du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) présentant une surface extérieure généralement plate qui appuie contre la surface intérieure généralement plate du composant structurel extérieur (18) du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) ; le composant d étanchéité intérieur () du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) présentant une surface supérieure généralement plate ; l ensemble de joint comprenant en outre un bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14), ledit bord comportant un composant structurel extérieur (42) et un composant d étanchéité intérieur (44) ; le composant structurel extérieur (42) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) présentant une surface intérieure généralement plate et une surface inférieure généralement plate ; la surface inférieure généralement plate du composant structurel extérieur (42) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) étant adjacente à et supportée par la surface supérieure généralement plate du composant structurel extérieur (18) du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) ; le composant d étanchéité intérieur (44) du bord structurel supérieur () du module supérieur (14) présentant une surface extérieure généralement plate qui appuie contre la surface intérieure généralement plate du composant structurel extérieur (42) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) ; le composant d étanchéité intérieur (44) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) présentant une surface extérieure généralement plate ; et la surface inférieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur (44) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) étant adjacente à la surface supérieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur () du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12). 2. Ensemble de joint selon la revendication 1, dont le matériau d étanchéité (6) s étend entre la surface inférieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur (44) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) et la surface supérieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur () du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12). 3. Ensemble de joint selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, 6

7 11 EP B1 12 dont le matériau d étanchéité (6) est une bande de butyle. 4. Ensemble de joint selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dont le matériau d étanchéité (6) est un calfeutrage acrylique. 11. Ensemble de joint selon l une quelconque des revendications dont la surface inférieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur (44) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) est située sous la surface inférieure généralement plate du composant structurel extérieur (42) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14).. Ensemble de joint selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dont le matériau d étanchéité (6) est un joint en caoutchouc. 6. Ensemble de joint selon l une quelconque des revendications dont le composant structurel extérieur (42) du bord structurel inférieur du module supérieur est un membre structurel profilé en U. 7. Ensemble de joint selon l une quelconque des revendications dont la surface intérieure généralement plate du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) est généralement perpendiculaire à la surface supérieure généralement plate du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) Ensemble de refroidissement par évaporation comprenant deux modules, l ensemble comprenant : un module inférieur (12) comportant un bord structurel supérieur (16) ; un module supérieur (14) comportant un bord structurel inférieur () ; et lesdits modules (12,14) étant reliés l un à l autre par l intermédiaire d un ensemble de joint () selon l une quelconque des revendications précédentes. 8. Ensemble de joint selon l une quelconque des revendications dont la surface supérieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur () du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) est généralement perpendiculaire à la surface extérieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur () du bord structurel supérieur (16) du module inférieur (12) Ensemble de joint selon l une quelconque des revendications dont la surface inférieure généralement plate du composant structurel extérieur (42) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) est généralement perpendiculaire à la surface intérieure généralement plate du composant structurel extérieur (42) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14). 4. Ensemble de joint selon l une quelconque des revendications dont la surface inférieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur (44) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14) est généralement perpendiculaire à la surface extérieure généralement plate du composant d étanchéité intérieur (44) du bord structurel inférieur () du module supérieur (14). 0 7

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10 EP B1 REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard. Patent documents cited in the description US A [000] JP B [000]