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<ep-patent-document id="EP14182688B1" file="EP14182688NWB1.xml" lang="en" country="EP" doc-number="2990558" kind="B1" date-publ="20180221" status="n" dtd-version="ep-patent-document-v1-5">
<SDOBI lang="en"><B000><eptags><B001EP>ATBECHDEDKESFRGBGRITLILUNLSEMCPTIESILTLVFIROMKCYALTRBGCZEEHUPLSK..HRIS..MTNORS..SM..................</B001EP><B005EP>J</B005EP><B007EP>BDM Ver 0.1.63 (23 May 2017) -  2100000/0</B007EP></eptags></B000><B100><B110>2990558</B110><B120><B121>EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION</B121></B120><B130>B1</B130><B140><date>20180221</date></B140><B190>EP</B190></B100><B200><B210>14182688.3</B210><B220><date>20140828</date></B220><B240><B241><date>20160902</date></B241><B242><date>20161223</date></B242></B240><B250>en</B250><B251EP>en</B251EP><B260>en</B260></B200><B400><B405><date>20180221</date><bnum>201808</bnum></B405><B430><date>20160302</date><bnum>201609</bnum></B430><B450><date>20180221</date><bnum>201808</bnum></B450><B452EP><date>20170817</date></B452EP></B400><B500><B510EP><classification-ipcr sequence="1"><text>E04B   2/08        20060101AFI20150311BHEP        </text></classification-ipcr><classification-ipcr sequence="2"><text>E04C   1/39        20060101ALI20150311BHEP        </text></classification-ipcr><classification-ipcr sequence="3"><text>E04B   2/42        20060101ALI20150311BHEP        </text></classification-ipcr><classification-ipcr sequence="4"><text>E04B   2/54        20060101ALI20150311BHEP        </text></classification-ipcr></B510EP><B540><B541>de</B541><B542>Wandkonstruktionssystem und Verfahren zur Herstellung des Wandsystems</B542><B541>en</B541><B542>Wall building system and method for builing said wall system</B542><B541>fr</B541><B542>Système et procédé de fabrication de paroi</B542></B540><B560><B561><text>US-A- 738 643</text></B561><B561><text>US-A- 5 802 797</text></B561><B561><text>US-A- 5 921 046</text></B561><B561><text>US-A1- 2010 095 628</text></B561><B561><text>US-A1- 2010 236 179</text></B561></B560></B500><B700><B720><B721><snm>Abdullah, Mohammad A.H.S.H.</snm><adr><str>Al dasma block 6 
Imru Al Qais Street, House 40 
35006 Dasma</str><city>Kuwait City</city><ctry>KW</ctry></adr></B721><B721><snm>Hamad, S.H.S. Husain</snm><adr><str>Block 9, 
Street 93, House 13 
25400 Rumaithiya</str><city>Kuwait City</city><ctry>KW</ctry></adr></B721></B720><B730><B731><snm>Abdullah, Mohammad A.H.S.H.</snm><iid>101474954</iid><irf>AA 2309-01EP</irf><adr><str>Al dasma block 6 
Imru Al Qais Street, House 40 
35006 Dasma</str><city>Kuwait City</city><ctry>KW</ctry></adr></B731><B731><snm>Hamad, S.H.S. Husain</snm><iid>101479017</iid><irf>AA 2309-01EP</irf><adr><str>Block 9, 
Street 93, House 13 
25400 Rumaithiya</str><city>Kuwait City</city><ctry>KW</ctry></adr></B731></B730><B740><B741><snm>Eisenführ Speiser</snm><iid>100060034</iid><adr><str>Patentanwälte Rechtsanwälte PartGmbB 
Postfach 10 60 78</str><city>28060 Bremen</city><ctry>DE</ctry></adr></B741></B740></B700><B800><B840><ctry>AL</ctry><ctry>AT</ctry><ctry>BE</ctry><ctry>BG</ctry><ctry>CH</ctry><ctry>CY</ctry><ctry>CZ</ctry><ctry>DE</ctry><ctry>DK</ctry><ctry>EE</ctry><ctry>ES</ctry><ctry>FI</ctry><ctry>FR</ctry><ctry>GB</ctry><ctry>GR</ctry><ctry>HR</ctry><ctry>HU</ctry><ctry>IE</ctry><ctry>IS</ctry><ctry>IT</ctry><ctry>LI</ctry><ctry>LT</ctry><ctry>LU</ctry><ctry>LV</ctry><ctry>MC</ctry><ctry>MK</ctry><ctry>MT</ctry><ctry>NL</ctry><ctry>NO</ctry><ctry>PL</ctry><ctry>PT</ctry><ctry>RO</ctry><ctry>RS</ctry><ctry>SE</ctry><ctry>SI</ctry><ctry>SK</ctry><ctry>SM</ctry><ctry>TR</ctry></B840></B800></SDOBI>
<description id="desc" lang="en"><!-- EPO <DP n="1"> -->
<heading id="h0001"><b>BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</b></heading>
<heading id="h0002"><b>1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION</b></heading>
<p id="p0001" num="0001">The present invention generally relates to building construction, and particularly to a wall building system and method that includes a block for building walls and other structures without the use of mortar or other binding adhesives.</p>
<heading id="h0003"><b>2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART</b></heading>
<p id="p0002" num="0002">Most building blocks used for wall construction and the like are made of brick, concrete, terra cotta, etc. and employ an adhesive, such as mortar, to bind the blocks together to form the wall structure. The applied architectural techniques utilized in this form of construction are labor-intensive, require extensive planning, and are relatively expensive. Recently, prefabricated building blocks made of composite materials have been utilized in an effort to minimize both labor and material costs. The construction industry would certainly welcome an improved composite building block having a specifically designed profile that would enhance building techniques, lower expenses and permit easily assembled wall prototypes. This also allows, for the first time, the opportunity to prototype a full house in a showroom, for example. Thus, a wall building system according to claim 1 and method according to claim 5 solving the aforementioned problems is desired.<!-- EPO <DP n="2"> --></p>
<p id="p0003" num="0003"><patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US5802797A"><text>US 5,802,797 A</text></patcit> discloses a masonry system comprising a plurality of bricks connected vertically by sticking each brick on top of each other and connecting horizontally by placing respective bricks adjacent to each other to form the masonry system. Each brick including a core connecting a front face and a rear face, and side faces and, a top bed face, a bottom bed face and grooves extending around the respective parameter of the brick. The grooves are inwardly spaced from and extending in parallel to the front face and the rear face.</p>
<p id="p0004" num="0004"><patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US738643A"><text>US 738, 643 A</text></patcit> discloses a wall which is produced by a plurality of superimposed building blocks including upper and lower faces, corresponding end faces and inner face and an exterior face. Each building block further includes two connecting grooves extending around the perimeter of the building block and a core connecting an inner face to the exterior face.</p>
<p id="p0005" num="0005"><patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US2010236179A1"><text>US 2010/236179 A1</text></patcit> discloses a building structure bricked by a plurality of building blocks. Each building block has a first and second exterior wall, facing each other and spaced from each other in back and fourth directions. Additionally each building block comprises a connection portion connecting the first and the second exterior walls to each other and leakage preventing grooves which are respectively formed at outer peripheries of the first and second exterior walls.</p>
<p id="p0006" num="0006">Moreover, <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US2010095628A1"><text>US 2010/095628 A1</text></patcit> discloses a wall system and a single masonry block having a first block member including an outer face member and a second block member comprising an inner face member. The first and the second block member are connected to each other via a connecting element like a core member extending between the block members. Masonry block additionally comprises grooves defining horizontal and vertical portions thereof extending along the perimeter of the block members respectively. <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US5921046A"><text>US5921046A</text></patcit> discloses a further wall building system according to the state of the art.<!-- EPO <DP n="3"> --></p>
<heading id="h0004"><b>SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</b></heading>
<p id="p0007" num="0007">The wall building system is based upon a block for building walls and other structures. Although composite material is preferred, the block may be fabricated from a single material, if suitable. The block is formed with an external face member and an internal face member connected by an inner core, which has an outer surface formed with a concave profile. The block is fabricated in one piece to enhance strength and stability. Each face is provided with a continuous groove therearound. The continuous grooves are adapted to receive locking elements therein to interlock the blocks. Utilizing a locking element eliminates the need for binding compounds, such as mortar, thereby greatly reducing labor and material costs. This arrangement allows a prototype wall up to three stories high to be built without the need for any additional supporting structure. When the blocks are assembled, the configuration of the inner core will define channels and passages between the respective blocks to receive electrical wiring, plumbing conduits, and other utility items therethrough. The block is fabricated from materials that have good insulating qualities, thereby allowing the block to be effectively employed in hot, cold, and humid environments. The internal profile of the blocks is compatible for wooden, steel, or concrete skeletal structure.</p>
<p id="p0008" num="0008">Accordingly, the invention presents prefabricated construction blocks that are easy to assemble and allow the use of a dry-build method, thereby eliminating the need for adhesive binders. The blocks are sturdy and comply with international building codes. The blocks can be designed and fabricated in various shapes and sizes such that different architectural styles can be effectively accommodated. Alternative surfaces, such as wood, steel, or leather, could be applied. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in<!-- EPO <DP n="4"> --> an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.</p>
<p id="p0009" num="0009">These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.</p>
<heading id="h0005"><b>BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</b></heading>
<p id="p0010" num="0010">
<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact">
<li><figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is an environmental, perspective view of a portion of a wall constructed in accordance with a wall building system and method according to the present invention.</li>
<li><figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> is a perspective view of a partial wall constructed in accordance with a wall building system and method according to the present invention, shown partially in section to show details thereof.</li>
<li><figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> is a perspective view of a rectangular building block in a wall building system and method according to the present invention.</li>
<li><figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> is a perspective view of a partial wall constructed with triangular-shaped building blocks in accordance with a wall building system and method according to the present invention.</li>
<li><figref idref="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> is a perspective view of a partial wall constructed with curved and circular building blocks in accordance with a wall building system and method according to the present invention.</li>
<li><figref idref="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> is a perspective view of a building block having concave faces in a wall building system and method according to the present invention.</li>
<li><figref idref="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> is a perspective view of a building block having convex faces in a building system and method according to the present invention.</li>
</ul><!-- EPO <DP n="5"> --></p>
<p id="p0011" num="0011">Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.</p>
<heading id="h0006"><b>DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS</b></heading>
<p id="p0012" num="0012">Referring to <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003">Figs, 1-3</figref>, the wall building system is generally indicated at <b>10.</b> Walls in the system <b>10</b> comprise a series of prefabricated block elements <b>12</b> that are assembled layer by layer to form the wall. Each block element <b>12</b> comprises an inner face member <b>14</b> and an outer face member <b>16</b> that are connected via a profiled core member <b>18.</b> Each face member <b>14, 16</b> is provided with a continuous groove <b>20</b> around the face. The core member <b>18</b> is designed in a concave profile so that channels or passages <b>22</b> are formed in the wall when the blocks <b>12</b> are assembled. The core <b>18</b> is fabricated from materials having good insulation qualities. As indicated above, the passages <b>22</b> permit the insertion of electrical wiring, plumbing conduits and the like during the assembly process. The exposed surfaces of each face member <b>14, 16</b> can be plastered and painted before assembly. Connecting elements <b>24,</b> fabricated from steel, are inserted in the grooves <b>20</b> and interwoven between respective blocks <b>12</b> to lock the blocks <b>12</b> together.</p>
<p id="p0013" num="0013">As mentioned above, the blocks <b>12</b> may be fabricated in various shapes and sizes. Examples of such variety are illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">Figs. 4</figref> and <figref idref="f0005">5</figref>. <figref idref="f0004">Fig 4</figref> shows a wall <b>30</b> made from an assembly of triangular blocks <b>32.</b> <figref idref="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> shows a wall <b>40</b> made from an assembly of respective curved and circular blocks <b>42, 44.</b> <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> shows a block having concave faces, and <figref idref="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> shows a block having convex faces, respectively. It is emphasized that the blocks are not limited to the configurations shown and discussed above. The blocks can be designed in<!-- EPO <DP n="6"> --> almost any geometrical shape (hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) to accommodate different architectural styles and aesthetic tastes.</p>
<p id="p0014" num="0014">It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.</p>
</description>
<claims id="claims01" lang="en"><!-- EPO <DP n="7"> -->
<claim id="c-en-01-0001" num="0001">
<claim-text>A wall building system (10), comprising a plurality of building blocks (12) and a plurality of locking members (24); wherein each of the building blocks (12) having:
<claim-text>an inner face member (14) spaced from an outer face member (16), the inner face member (14) and outer face member (16) having a perimeter, each of the face members (14,16) having a groove (20) formed along the perimeter of the face members (14,16); and</claim-text>
<claim-text>a core member (18) spanning the space between and connecting the inner face member (14) to the outer face member (16);</claim-text>
<claim-text><b>characterized in that</b> said building blocks (12) are assembled in a dry-built layered pattern, each groove (20) of said building blocks (12) is continuous around each respective perimeter, and <b>in that</b></claim-text>
<claim-text>said locking members (24) are fabricated from steel and are disposed in each of the grooves (20) to interlock the building blocks (12).</claim-text></claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-en-01-0002" num="0002">
<claim-text>The wall building system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the building blocks (12) are fabricated from a composite material.</claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-en-01-0003" num="0003">
<claim-text>The wall building system (10) according to claim 1, wherein said core member (18) has a concave profile.</claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-en-01-0004" num="0004">
<claim-text>The wall building system (10) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein<br/>
the inner face member (14) is parallel to the outer face member (16).</claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-en-01-0005" num="0005">
<claim-text>A method of dry-building a wall system (10) of building blocks (12); the wall system (10) comprising a plurality of building blocks (12) and a plurality of locking members (24); wherein each of the building blocks (12) having:
<claim-text>an inner face member (14) spaced from an outer face member (16), the inner face member (14) and outer face member (16) having a perimeter, each of the face members (14,16) having a groove (20) formed along the perimeter of the face members (14,16); and<!-- EPO <DP n="8"> --></claim-text>
<claim-text>a core member (18) spanning the space between and connecting the inner face member (14) to the outer face member (16);</claim-text>
<claim-text>the method comprising the steps of:
<claim-text>positioning a plurality of the building blocks (12) in a layered array,</claim-text>
<claim-text><b>characterized in that</b> the building blocks (12) being dry-stacked to form the layered array, and by</claim-text>
<claim-text>inserting said locking members (24) fabricated from steel in each of the grooves (20) to interlock the building blocks (12), wherein each groove (20) of said building blocks (12) is continuous around each respective perimeter.</claim-text></claim-text></claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-en-01-0006" num="0006">
<claim-text>A method of dry-building a wall system (10) according to claim 5, wherein the building blocks (12) are fabricated from a composite material.</claim-text></claim>
</claims>
<claims id="claims02" lang="de"><!-- EPO <DP n="9"> -->
<claim id="c-de-01-0001" num="0001">
<claim-text>Wandbausystem (10), aufweisend eine Mehrzahl an Baublöcken (12) und eine Mehrzahl an Verschlussgliedern (24); wobei jeder der Baublöcke (12) aufweist:
<claim-text>ein inneres Flächenelement (14), das beabstandet von einem äußeren Flächenelement (16) ist, wobei das innere Flächenelement (14) und das äußere Flächenelement (16) einen Umfang aufweisen, wobei jedes der Flächenelemente (14,16) eine Nut (20), die entlang des Umfangs des Flächenelements (14,16) ausgebildet ist, aufweist; und</claim-text>
<claim-text>ein Kernelement (18), das den Raum zwischen dem inneren Flächenelement (14) und dem äußeren Flächenelement (16) überbrückt und diese verbindet;</claim-text>
<claim-text><b>dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass</b> die Baublöcke (12) in einer Trockenbauweise in einem geschichteten Muster zusammengebaut sind, wobei die Nut (20) der Baublöcke (12) kontinuierlich um jeden entsprechenden Umfang ist, und dadurch, dass</claim-text>
<claim-text>die Verschlussglieder (24) aus Stahl hergestellt und in jeder Nut (20) zum gegenseitigen verschließen der Baublöcke (12) angeordnet sind.</claim-text></claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-de-01-0002" num="0002">
<claim-text>Wandbausystem (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Baublöcke (12) aus einem Kompositmaterial hergestellt sind.</claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-de-01-0003" num="0003">
<claim-text>Wandbausystem (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Kernelement (18) ein konkaves Profil hat.</claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-de-01-0004" num="0004">
<claim-text>Wandbausystem (10) nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3, wobei das innere Flächenelement (14) parallel zum äußeren Flächenelement (16) ist.<!-- EPO <DP n="10"> --></claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-de-01-0005" num="0005">
<claim-text>Verfahren zum Trockenbauen eines Wandsystems (10) aus Baublöcken (12); wobei das Wandsystem (10), eine Mehrzahl an Baublöcken (12) und eine Mehrzahl an Verschlussgliedern (24) aufweist; wobei jeder der Baublöcke (12) aufweist:
<claim-text>ein inneres Flächenelement (14), das beabstandet von einem äußeren Flächenelement (16) ist, wobei das innere Flächenelement (14) und das äußere Flächenelement (16) einen Umfang aufweisen, wobei jedes der Flächenelemente (14, 16) eine Nut (20), die entlang des Umfangs des Flächenelements (14, 16) ausgebildet ist, aufweist; und</claim-text>
<claim-text>ein Kernelement (18), das den Raum zwischen dem inneren Flächenelement (14) und dem äußeren Flächenelement (16) überbrückt und diese verbindet;</claim-text>
<claim-text>wobei das Verfahren die Schritte aufweist:
<claim-text>Positionieren einer Mehrzahl an Baublöcken (12) in einer geschichteten Anordnung,</claim-text>
<claim-text><b>dadurch gekennzeichnet dass</b> die Baublöcke (12) trockengestapelt sind zum Bilden der geschichteten Anordnung, und durch Einsetzen der Verschlussglieder (24), die aus Stahl hergestellt sind, in jede der Nuten (20) zum gegenseitigen Verschließen der Baublöcke (12), wobei jede Nut (20) der Baublöcke (12) kontinuierlich um den entsprechenden Umfang ist.</claim-text></claim-text></claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-de-01-0006" num="0006">
<claim-text>Verfahren zum Trockenbauen eines Wandsystems (10) nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Baublöcke (12) aus einem Kompositmaterial gebildet sind.</claim-text></claim>
</claims>
<claims id="claims03" lang="fr"><!-- EPO <DP n="11"> -->
<claim id="c-fr-01-0001" num="0001">
<claim-text>Système (10) de construction de paroi, comportant une pluralité de blocs (12) de construction et une pluralité d'éléments (24) de verrouillage, dans lequel chacun des blocs (12) de construction comporte :
<claim-text>un élément (14) de face intérieure à distance d'un élément (16) de face extérieure, l'élément (14) de face intérieure et l'élément (16) de face extérieure ayant un périmètre, chacun des éléments (14, 16) de face ayant une rainure (20) formée le long du périmètre des éléments (14, 16) de face; et</claim-text>
<claim-text>un élément (18) formant coeur s'étendant dans l'espace entre l'élément (14) de face intérieure et l'élément (16) de face extérieure et reliant l'élément (14) de face intérieure à l'élément (16) de face extérieure;</claim-text>
<claim-text><b>caractérisé en ce que</b> les blocs (12) de construction sont assemblés suivant une configuration en couche à construction à sec, chaque rainure (20) des blocs (12) de construction étant continue autour de chaque périmètre respectif, et <b>en ce que</b></claim-text>
<claim-text>les éléments (24) de verrouillage sont fabriqués à partir d'acier et sont disposés dans chacune des rainures (20) pour interverrouiller les blocs (12) de construction.</claim-text></claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-fr-01-0002" num="0002">
<claim-text>Système (10) de construction de paroi suivant la revendication 1, dans lequel les blocs (12) de construction sont fabriqués à partir d'un matériau composite.</claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-fr-01-0003" num="0003">
<claim-text>Système (10) de construction de paroi suivant la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément (18) formant coeur a un profil concave.</claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-fr-01-0004" num="0004">
<claim-text>Système (10) de construction de paroi suivant les revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel l'élément (14) de face intérieure est parallèle à l'élément (16) de face extérieure.</claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-fr-01-0005" num="0005">
<claim-text>Procédé pour construire à sec un système (10) de paroi de blocs (12) de construction; le système (10) de paroi comportant une pluralité de blocs (12)<!-- EPO <DP n="12"> --> de construction et une pluralité d'éléments (24) de verrouillage, chacun des blocs (12) de construction ayant :
<claim-text>un élément (14) de face intérieure à distance d'un élément (16) de face extérieure, les éléments (14) de face intérieure et (16) de face extérieure ayant un périmètre, chacun des éléments (14, 16) de face ayant une rainure (20) formée le long du périmètre des éléments (14, 16) de face; et</claim-text>
<claim-text>un élément (18) formant coeur s'étendant dans l'espace entre l'élément (14) de face intérieure et l'élément (16) de face extérieure et reliant l'élément (14) de face intérieure à l'élément (16) de face extérieure;</claim-text>
<claim-text>le procédé comportant les étapes dans lesquelles :
<claim-text>on positionne une pluralité de blocs (12) de construction suivant un réseau en couche,</claim-text>
<claim-text><b>caractérisé en ce que</b> les blocs (12) de construction sont empilés à sec pour former le réseau en couche et par le fait d'insérer les éléments (24) de verrouillage fabriqués à partir d'acier dans chacune des rainures (20) pour interverrouiller les blocs (12) de construction, chaque rainure (20) des blocs (12) de construction étant continue autour de chaque périmètre respectif.</claim-text></claim-text></claim-text></claim>
<claim id="c-fr-01-0006" num="0006">
<claim-text>Procédé de construction à sec d'un système (10) de paroi suivant la revendication 5, dans lequel les blocs (12) de construction sont fabriqués à partir d'un matériau composite.</claim-text></claim>
</claims>
<drawings id="draw" lang="en"><!-- EPO <DP n="13"> -->
<figure id="f0001" num="1"><img id="if0001" file="imgf0001.tif" wi="144" he="193" img-content="drawing" img-format="tif"/></figure><!-- EPO <DP n="14"> -->
<figure id="f0002" num="2"><img id="if0002" file="imgf0002.tif" wi="141" he="198" img-content="drawing" img-format="tif"/></figure><!-- EPO <DP n="15"> -->
<figure id="f0003" num="3"><img id="if0003" file="imgf0003.tif" wi="132" he="180" img-content="drawing" img-format="tif"/></figure><!-- EPO <DP n="16"> -->
<figure id="f0004" num="4"><img id="if0004" file="imgf0004.tif" wi="141" he="188" img-content="drawing" img-format="tif"/></figure><!-- EPO <DP n="17"> -->
<figure id="f0005" num="5"><img id="if0005" file="imgf0005.tif" wi="149" he="190" img-content="drawing" img-format="tif"/></figure><!-- EPO <DP n="18"> -->
<figure id="f0006" num="6"><img id="if0006" file="imgf0006.tif" wi="142" he="171" img-content="drawing" img-format="tif"/></figure><!-- EPO <DP n="19"> -->
<figure id="f0007" num="7"><img id="if0007" file="imgf0007.tif" wi="127" he="151" img-content="drawing" img-format="tif"/></figure>
</drawings>
<ep-reference-list id="ref-list">
<heading id="ref-h0001"><b>REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION</b></heading>
<p id="ref-p0001" num=""><i>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.</i></p>
<heading id="ref-h0002"><b>Patent documents cited in the description</b></heading>
<p id="ref-p0002" num="">
<ul id="ref-ul0001" list-style="bullet">
<li><patcit id="ref-pcit0001" dnum="US5802797A"><document-id><country>US</country><doc-number>5802797</doc-number><kind>A</kind></document-id></patcit><crossref idref="pcit0001">[0003]</crossref></li>
<li><patcit id="ref-pcit0002" dnum="US738643A"><document-id><country>US</country><doc-number>738643</doc-number><kind>A</kind></document-id></patcit><crossref idref="pcit0002">[0004]</crossref></li>
<li><patcit id="ref-pcit0003" dnum="US2010236179A1"><document-id><country>US</country><doc-number>2010236179</doc-number><kind>A1</kind></document-id></patcit><crossref idref="pcit0003">[0005]</crossref></li>
<li><patcit id="ref-pcit0004" dnum="US2010095628A1"><document-id><country>US</country><doc-number>2010095628</doc-number><kind>A1</kind></document-id></patcit><crossref idref="pcit0004">[0006]</crossref></li>
<li><patcit id="ref-pcit0005" dnum="US5921046A"><document-id><country>US</country><doc-number>5921046</doc-number><kind>A</kind></document-id></patcit><crossref idref="pcit0005">[0006]</crossref></li>
</ul></p>
</ep-reference-list>
</ep-patent-document>
