AU3012100A

AU3012100A - Gas control assembly

Info

Publication number: AU3012100A
Application number: AU30121/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dale Peter James
Original assignee: BRIEN TANYA MARIA O
Current assignee: O'brien Tanya Maria
Priority date: 1999-02-23
Filing date: 2000-02-23
Publication date: 2000-09-21
Also published as: WO2001073326A1

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: GAS CONTROL ASSEMBLY Applicant: Debra Marie James and Tanya Maria O'Brien The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 Document 1 GAS CONTROL ASSEMBLY The present invention relates generally to an assembly for control of gas flow.

More particularly the present invention relates to an assembly for controlling or regulating the flow of fuel gas to a gas burner, as well as to particular components of that assembly, including the control valve of the gas control assembly and the housing of the control valve.

The present invention has particular application for use in providing a new and improved manifold or rail assembly for a gas fuelled barbecue, stove, cooker or cook-top and the invention is herein described in this context. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to these particular uses but may be used for controlling gas flow to burners in various types of apparatus.

15 In gas fuelled barbeques, stoves, cook-tops and the like, the gas flow control o ***assembly typically includes a tubular manifold or rail through which the gas fuel is supplied to the apparatus and at least one control valve, i.e. gas cock, connected to or mounted on the manifold for regulating the supply of gas to :i particular burners. Generally, a separate gas cock is provided for each o individual burner. Each gas cock typically includes a body with a valve chamber, and a cap member covering an opening to the valve chamber, with the cap member secured to the body by fastening elements such as screws extending through the top of the cap member and screwing into the body. This fastening arrangement generally requires the body to be formed with either a substantial thickness to accommodate laterally positioned screws, or (ii) an outwardly extending flange into which the fastening elements can be screwed.

In the present case it has been found to be advantageous to fabricate the body of the gas cock by machining aluminium bar stock. The known arrangement described above for securing the gas cock cap member to the body requires either an excessively large body for the gas cock or time consuming machine operations and wasted material to form the outwardly extending flange.

Accordingly, disadvantages of this gas cock configuration include excessive material requirements and fabrication times for manufacture.

W:MatekSPECN~ames&OBden,doc According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing of a control valve for controlling supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, the housing including: a body having a valve chamber with an access opening for receiving a flow-regulating member for rotatable movement on a valve axis in order to control gas flow through the valve; a cap member fitted to the body over the access opening; an inlet to the valve chamber for gas flow communication with the tubular manifold; an outlet from the valve chamber for directing regulated flow of gas from the manifold to a burner; and, securing means securing the cap member to the body, wherein the securing means extends in a direction at an angle to the valve axis in order to effect securement of the cap member to the body.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing of a control valve for mounting externally on to a tubular manifold in order to 15 control supply of fuel gas from the tubular manifold to a gas burner, the housing including a body having a valve chamber with an access opening for receiving a flow-regulating member for rotatable movement on a valve axis in order to control gas flow through the valve; a cap member fitted to the body over the 0% access opening; an inlet to the valve chamber for gas flow communication with the tubular manifold; an outlet from the valve chamber for directing regulated flow of gas from the manifold to a burner; and, securing means securing the cap .I member to the body, wherein the valve chamber and inlet are positioned on the valve axis.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a control valve for controlling supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, the control valve including: a body having a valve chamber with an access opening; a cap member fitted to the body so as to close the access opening; an inlet to the valve chamber for gas flow communication with the tubular manifold; an outlet from the valve chamber for directing regulated flow of gas from the manifold to a burner; a flow regulating member in the valve chamber for rotatable movement on a valve axis in order to control gas flow from the inlet to the outlet; and, securing means securing the cap member to W:.kate\SPECAUame&OBien.doc the body, wherein the securing means extends in a direction at an angle to the valve axis in order to effect securement of the cap member to the body.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a control valve mountable externally on to a tubular manifold in order to control supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, the control valve including: a body having a valve chamber with an access opening; a cap member fitted to the body so as to close the access opening; an inlet to the valve chamber for gas flow communication with the tubular manifold; an outlet from the valve chamber for directing regulated flow of gas from the manifold to a burner; a flow regulating member in the valve chamber for rotatable movement .I on a valve axis in order to control gas flow from the inlet to the outlet; and, securing means securing the cap member to the body, wherein the valve chamber and inlet are positioned on the valve axis.

S" ***According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a gas flow control assembly for controlling supply of fuel gas to at least one fuel burner, the assembly including: a tubular manifold defining a passage for supply of gas therethrough, the manifold having an opening from the passage for flow of gas therethrough; and, at least one above control valve, the control valve being mounted externally on the tubular manifold with the inlet in fluid communication with the manifold opening.

In one embodiment the securing means includes an elongate clip. That clip preferably extends at least substantially transversely of the valve axis and engages the cap member and body to effect securement of the cap member to the body.

The clip preferably includes a pair of opposed jaw members resiliently biased toward one another. Each jaw member engages a respective one of the cap member and body, and biases the cap member and the body into engagement with one another. Preferably, at least one jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart prong elements. The body preferably has a recess into which the prong elements of that jaw member are received in order to connect the clip to W:Aate\SPEClJames&OBrien.doc the body. The other jaw member preferably extends over and engages upon an outer surface of the cap member to press the cap member into securing engagement with the body.

In one embodiment, the clip is a generally U-shaped spring clip with each jaw member forming a leg of the U.

In an alternative embodiment, the securing means includes at least one elongate fastener. That fastener preferably extends longitudinally through the cap member into the body at least substantially transverse of the valve axis in order to fasten the cap member to the body.

0.i Preferably, a pair of fasteners are provided. Those fasteners are positioned on opposite sides of the valve axis. In one embodiment, the fastener includes 15 screws.

Preferably, the body has an outer side adjacent the access opening. Moreover, the cap member preferably includes a flange portion extending over the outer side to locate the cap member on the body. The flange portion preferably extends continuously about the outer side. In one embodiment, the cap member includes a cover portion extending over the access opening, and the .oo.

flange portion depends from the cover portion.

In one embodiment, the inlet is elongate and has a central longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending co-axially of the valve axis.

In at least one embodiment, the valve chamber is elongate and has a central longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the valve chamber extending co-axially of the valve axis.

In one embodiment, the body has opposed ends and the inlet opens through a face on one body end. In another embodiment, the outlet opens through that face. In these embodiments, the access opening is preferably located in a face on an opposite end of the body.

W: kateSPECPJames&OBrien.doc 6 Preferably, the body has a seating surface surrounding an opening to the inlet for seating engagement with a wall surface surrounding an opening from the tubular manifold for sealed communication between the tubular manifold and the valve chamber.

In one embodiment, the body has an outer side extending between opposite ends of the body, and the inlet opens through a face on the outer side of the body. In another embodiment, the outlet opens through that face. In these embodiments, the access opening is again located in a face on one body end.

.i Preferably, the control valve includes an elongate control key operatively associated with the flow regulating member and operable to rotate the flow regulating member in order to control gas flow through the valve chamber. The 15 control key preferably extends longitudinally parallel with the valve axis. In at least one embodiment, the control key extends co-axially of the valve axis.

The following description refers to preferred embodiments of the gas flow control assembly of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompany drawings where the assembly and its components are illustrated in some of the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the assembly and components are not limited to the preferred embodiments as hereinafter described and as illustrated in the drawings.

In the drawings, where the same reference numerals identify the same or like components: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a gas control assembly according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the gas control assembly shown in Fig. 1.

W:\kateSPECIames&OBrien.doc Fig. 3 is a side view of the assembly shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a gas control assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a side view of the assembly shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an end view of the assembly shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a gas control assembly according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; i Fig. 8 is a side view of the assembly shown in Fig. 7; 9**9 S" 15 Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a gas control assembly according to yet another 0 **,preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a side view of the assembly shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the gas cock shown in Fig. 10 taken through Section X-X; and Fig. 12 is the same side view of the assembly shown in Fig. 11 with the assembly mounted on a tubular gas manifold.

Referring initially to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is generally shown an assembly 1 for controlling supply of fuel gas to at least one burner in a stove or cook-top (not shown).

The assembly 1 includes a manifold 2 which is of tubular construction and has a rectangular cross-section. The manifold 2 has side walls 3 which define a passage 4 for the supply of gas therethrough.

W:kte\SPECnJames&OBrIen.doc 8 The assembly 1 also includes a control valve or gas cock 5 which is mounted on one side wall 3 externally to the manifold tube 2 in order to regulate or control the volume rate of gas flow to a burner.

The control valve 5 includes a housing 6. Housing 6 includes a substantially cylindrically shaped body 7. The body 7 is elongate with opposite ends 8 and 9 and a peripheral side 10 extending between the ends 8,9. The body 7 provides an elongate valve chamber 11 with an access opening 12 opening on to a face at the body end 8.

The body 7 also provides an inlet 13 opening on to the opposite end 9 for fluid communication with the manifold 2, and an outlet 14 opening on to the side for directing a regulated gas flow to the burner.

o 15 The inlet 13 and outlet 14 are in the form of elongate passages.

In this embodiment, the valve chamber 11 and inlet 13 are co-aligned on longitudinal valve axis X. Outlet 14 extends transversely to the valve axis X.

The housing 6 further includes a cap member 15 which covers the access opening 12. The cap member 15 holds an elongate rotatable control key 16 in S:operative association with a rotatable flow-regulating plug member 17 located in the valve chamber 11. The control key 16 extends along the valve axis S.

Depression of the control key 16 toward the plug member 17 against the bias of a spring 18 causes the control key 16 to engage the plug member 17 via a slot 19 in a coupling portion 20 such that rotation of the control key 16 rotates the plug member 17 to vary the volume rate of gas flow through the valve 5 to a nozzle 21 connected at the outlet 14.

This operation of the valve 5 will be readily understood by persons skilled in the art and, as such, will not be further described here. It is to be noted, however, that the body 7 is typically machined from aluminium, whilst the plug member 17 and nozzle 21 are typically machined from brass.

W:AateSPEClJames&OBrien.doc The cap member 15 includes a cover portion 22 for extending over and covering the access opening 12. The cover portion 22 has a hole 23 therethrough for passage of the control key 16.

The cap member 15 also includes a flange portion 24 extending continuously about and depending from the cover portion 22. As shown, the flange portion 24 extends over the outer surface of the side 10 of the body 7 adjacent the access opening 12 so as to neatly fit the cap member 15 to the body 7.

In the invention embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to 3 (as well as the embodiments shown in Figs. 4 to the cap member 15 of each valve 5 is releasably secured .i to the body 7 by securing means in the form of a removable clip 25. The clip includes a pair of opposed jaw members 26,27 formed of a strip of material .t such as spring steel. The clip 25 is formed as an integral or unitary construction

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15 with the jaw members 26,27 being resiliently deformable towards and away from one another. Each jaw member 26,27 includes a pair of prong elements 28. The body 7 of the control valve 5 includes a recess, such as a circumferential groove 29 formed in the side 10 of the body 7 for receiving an inner edge 30 of the prong elements 28 of the lower jaw member 26. At the oleo same time the prong elements 28 of the upper jaw member 27 extend over a top surface 31 of the cap member 15 to firmly secure the cap member 15 over the end 8 of the body 7.

As the clip 25 is slid in a direction transverse to the valve axis X into position, the jaw members 26,27 are forced slightly apart thereby creating a bias to firmly hold the cap member 15 in its correct location. It will be noted that the cap member 15 and body 7 also include registration means 32 for their correct location relative to one another. In this embodiment, the registration means 32 includes a notch 33 on the body 7 and a corresponding projection (not shown) on the cap member In one of the side walls 3 of the manifold 2 there is an aperture 34 in the form of a round hole. A seating surface 35 surrounds the aperture 34. When the valve is mounted on the manifold 2, the inlet 13 of the body 7 is aligned with the W:kateSPECJames&Oien.doc aperture 34. Alignment is facilitated by registration means 36 in the form of a notch 37 in the aperture 34 and a corresponding projection (not shown) on the side 10 of the body 7. The face at the end 9 of the body 7 surrounding the inlet 13 has a substantially flat seating surface 38 for seating and sealing against the seating surface 35 of the manifold 2.

The control valve 5 is removably mounted on the manifold 2 in fluid communication therewith by means of a clamp device 39. The clamp device 39 includes a one piece bracket 40 formed from substantially rigid strip material such as strip steel. The bracket 40 includes a pair of arm portions 41,42 spaced apart by bridge portion 43, and a slot or recess 44 in arm portion 41 for receiving and substantially surrounding the body 7. The body 7 includes a recess, such as a circumferential groove 45 for receiving and engaging with an edge region 46 of the bracket arm portion 41 defining the recess 44. The 15 bracket 40 engages with the body 7 at the groove 45 and extends around the manifold 2.

O The clamp device 39 further includes a fastening element 47, such as a screw fastener, which extends through a hole 48 in arm portion 41 and screws into a corresponding aligned and threaded hole (not shown) in arm portion 42 of the bracket 40. The fastener 47 draws the arm portions 41,42 of the bracket 40 into clamped engagement with both the control valve 5 and manifold 2 to substantially rigidly secure the assembly 1 together.

Figs. 4 to 8 of the drawings show modifications on the assembly embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 suitable for use in barbecues. In those invention embodiments securement of the cap member 15 to the body 7 of the control valve 5 is the same as in the assembly embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3.

However, the inlet 13 to the control valve 5 is positioned in the peripheral side of the body 7 and the generally cylindrical shaped body 5 is flatted in the vicinity of the opening of the inlet 13 to form seating surface 38 so that the control valve 5 can properly seat on the seating surface 35 of the manifold 2. In addition, the outlet nozzle 21 extends from the end 9 of the body 7.

W: kate\SPE Crames&OBien.doc 11 Thus, rather than seating on and extending outwardly from the manifold 2 as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, in these embodiments the housing 6 of the control valve 5 extends transversely across the manifold 2. In these modified embodiments, the valve axis X extends transversely to the central axis x of the aperture 34 in the manifold 2.

The clamp device 39 in the assembly embodiments of Figs. 4 to 8 is also different. The clamp device 39 again includes a bracket 40 formed of strip steel material into a generally U-shaped configuration. The manifold 2 is received between arm portions 41,42 of the bracket 40 and positioned adjacent the bridge portion 43 thereof. The control valve 5 extends through oval or obround openings 49 in the arm portions 41,42. The edges of the openings 49 engage with the grooves 29,45 in the body 7, and the screw fastener 47 carried in bridge portion 43 bears against a side wall 3 of the manifold 2 to substantially rigidly clamp the assembly 1 together.

4*oo Referring now to Figs. 9 to 12 of the drawings there is shown an assembly embodiment similar to the assembly shown in Figs. 4 to 6 but with an alternative securing means for releasably securing the cap member 15 of the control valve

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5 to the body 7. In this embodiment, the securing means is in the form of removable fastening elements 50, such as screw fasteners, which extend through holes 51 provided in the cap member 15 and into the body 7 in a direction substantially transverse to the valve axis X of the control valve 5. Two fasteners 50 are provided on opposite sides of the cap member 15 in this embodiment. The fasteners 50 are counter-sunk into the cap member 15 and screw into internally threaded bores 52 in the peripheral side 10 of the body 7 adjacent end 8 thereof.

It should be appreciated that the securing means in the embodiment shown in Figs. 9 to 12 for securing the cap member 15 to the body 7 can replace the securing means disclosed in the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and 7 and 8. Thus, the fastening elements 50 can replace the clip 25 and groove 29.

W:Akate\SPECIJames&OBen.doc 12 The arrangement in this embodiment for mounting the control valve 5 to the manifold 2 is substantially the same as that of the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 6 of the drawings. The peripheral side 10 of the body 7 is flatted adjacent the opening of the inlet 13 to form seating surface 38 to seat on the seating surface 35 of the manifold 2. A recess 53 extends about and adjacent the inlet 13 for receiving a nitrile rubber O-ring 54 to facilitate sealing between the seating surfaces 35,38.

Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be made to the particular construction and arrangement of parts previously described without departing from the ambit of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

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Claims

1. A housing of a control valve for controlling supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, the housing including: a body having a valve chamber with an access opening for receiving a flow-regulating member for rotatable movement on a valve axis in order to control gas flow through the valve; a cap member fitted to the body over the access opening; an inlet to the valve chamber for gas flow communication with the tubular manifold; an outlet from the valve chamber for directing regulated flow of gas from the manifold to a burner; and, securing means securing the cap member to the body, wherein the securing means extends in a direction at an angle to the valve axis in order to effect securement of the cap member to the body.

2. A housing of a control valve for mounting externally on to a tubular manifold in order to control supply of fuel gas from the tubular manifold to a gas burner, the housing including a body having a valve chamber with an access S 15 opening for receiving a flow-regulating member for rotatable movement on a valve axis in order to control gas flow through the valve; a cap member fitted to the body over the access opening; an inlet to the valve chamber for gas flow communication with the tubular manifold; an outlet from the valve chamber for directing regulated flow of gas from the manifold to a burner; and, securing o.o. means securing the cap member to the body, wherein the valve chamber and inlet are positioned on the valve axis.

3. A housing as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the securing means includes an elongate clip extending at least substantially transversely of the valve axis and engaging the cap member and body to effect securement of the cap member to the body.

4. A housing as claimed in claim 3, wherein the clip includes a pair of opposed jaw members resiliently biased toward one another, each jaw member engaging a respective one of the cap member and body and biasing the cap member and the body into engagement with one another.

5. A housing as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart prong elements, and the body has a recess into which the prong elements of the one jaw member are received in order to connect the clip to the body. W:fkateSPEClames&OBrtien.doc 14

6. A housing as claimed in claim 5, wherein the other jaw member extends over and engages upon an outer surface of the cap member to press the cap member into securing engagement with the body.

7. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 4, to 6, wherein the jaw members extend generally parallel to one another and transverse to the valve axis.

8. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the clip is a generally U-shaped spring clip with each jaw member forming a leg of the U.

9. A housing as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the securing means includes at least one elongate fastener extending longitudinally through the cap member into the body at least substantially transverse of the valve axis in order to fasten the cap member to the body.

10. A housing as claimed in claim 9, wherein a pair of fasteners are provided and the fasteners are positioned on opposite sides of the valve axis.

11. A housing as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the fastener includes screws. 0. 12. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 1 1, wherein the screws are longitudinally aligned on an axis extending transverse to the valve axis. •13. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the securing means is operable to releasably secure the cap member to the body.

14. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body has an outer side adjacent the access opening, and the cap member includes a flange portion extending over the outer side to locate the cap member on the body. A housing as claimed in claim 14, wherein the flange portion extends continuously about the outer side.

16. A housing as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the cap member includes a cover portion extending over the access opening, and the flange portion depends from the cover portion.

17. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, when appended to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the flange portion has at least one hole through which the or a respective fastener extends into the body to fasten the cap member to the body.

18. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet is elongate and has a central longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending co-axially of the valve axis.

19. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve chamber is elongate and has a central longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the valve chamber extending co-axially of the valve axis. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body has opposed ends and the inlet opens through a face on one body end.

21. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 17 when appended to claim 1, wherein the body has opposed ends and the outlet opens through a face on one body end.

22. A housing as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the access opening is located in a face on an opposite end of the body.

23. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body has a 15 seating surface surrounding an opening to the inlet for seating engagement with a wall surface surrounding an opening from the tubular manifold for sealed communication between the tubular manifold and the valve chamber.

24. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the body has an outer side extending between opposite ends of the body, and the inlet opens through a face on the outer side of the body. S* 25. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the body has an outer side extending between opposite ends of the body, and the outlet opens through a face on the outer side of the body.

26. A housing as claimed in claim 24 or 25 wherein the access opening is located in a face on one body end.

27. A housing of a control valve for controlling supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

28. A body for a control valve housing as claimed in any preceding claim.

29. A cap member for a control valve housing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27. A control valve for controlling supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, the control valve including: a body having a valve chamber W:M, e'\SPEClJames&O8dren.doc 16 with an access opening; a cap member fitted to the body so as to close the access opening; an inlet to the valve chamber for gas flow communication with the tubular manifold; an outlet from the valve chamber for directing regulated flow of gas from the manifold to a burner; a flow regulating member in the valve chamber for rotatable movement on a valve axis in order to control gas flow from the inlet to the outlet; and, securing means securing the cap member to the body, wherein the securing means extends in a direction at an angle to the valve axis in order to effect securement of the cap member to the body.

31. A control valve mountable externally on to a tubular manifold in order to control supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, the control valve including: a body having a valve chamber with an access opening; a cap member fitted to the body so as to close the access opening; an inlet to the valve chamber for gas flow communication with the tubular manifold; an outlet from the valve chamber for directing regulated flow of gas from the manifold to a 15 burner; a flow regulating member in the valve chamber for rotatable movement on a valve axis in order to control gas flow from the inlet to the outlet; and, securing means securing the cap member to the body, wherein the valve chamber and inlet are positioned on the valve axis.

32. A control valve as claimed in claim 30 or 31, and further including an elongate control key operatively associated with the flow regulating member and operable to rotate the flow regulating member in order to control gas flow through the valve chamber, the control key extending longitudinally parallel with the valve axis.

33. A control valve as claimed in claim 32, wherein the control key extends co-axially of the valve axis.

34. A control valve for controlling supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, including a housing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27. A control valve for controlling supply of fuel gas from a tubular manifold to a gas burner, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

36. A gas flow control assembly for controlling supply of fuel gas to at least one fuel burner, the assembly including: a tubular manifold defining a passage for supply of gas therethrough, the manifold having an opening from the passage for flow of gas therethrough; and, at least one control valve as claimed W:.kateSPECJames&OBrIen.doc 17 in any one of claims 30 to 35, the control valve being mounted externally on the tubular manifold with the inlet in fluid communication with the manifold opening.

37. A gas flow control assembly for controlling supply of fuel gas to at least one gas burner, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. DATED: 26 April 2000 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: DEBRA MARIE JAMES and TANYA MARIA O'BRIEN 0 S6 W:\kate\SPEC\James&OBrien.doc