US006092360A

United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 6,092,360

Hoag et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 25, 2000
54 AUXILIARY POWER UNIT PASSIVE 57 ABSTRACT
COOLING SYSTEM
A passive cooling System for an auxiliary power unit (10)
75 Inventors: Michael S. Hoag; Steven K. Plank, located in an aft compartment (20) of an aircraft is provided
both of Kent, Wash. in which cooling air is drawn into the compartment through
an aft opening (54) located in the rear of the aircraft and
73 Assignee: The Boeing Company, Seattle, Wash. discharged back to the atmosphere through an exhaust duct
(42) connecting to a rear exhaust opening (44). The aft
21 Appl. No.: 09/108,900 opening (54) is located above the exhaust opening (44).
Cooling air is drawn into the compartment using an eductor
22 Filed: Jul. 1, 1998 (46) that is connected between a turbine (14) and the exhaust
51) Int. Cl." .................................. Fo2c 706. Foc 7/14 duct (42). The eductor (46) creates a low-pressure region
52 U.S. Cl. ....................... 60/39.02; 60/39.08; 60/39.83;
244/58 S. air in unrougn
spneric Eas une a which
openingin (S.E.
). The combine
compartment air and combustion gases are exhausted out the
58 Field of Search ................................ 60/39.02, 39.08, exhaust duct (42). In auxiliary power unit embodiments in
60/39.83; 184/6.11; 244/53 B, 53 R., 65, which the compartment is located in a rear portion of the
57, 58 aircraft fuselage, the cooling System further includes an inlet
duct (50) having a forward end (56) and an aft end (52). The
56) References Cited aft S. (5) is NC to . One (54); T
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS end (56) is connected to the compartment (20). The inlet
5,987,877 11/1999 Steiner ................................... 60/39.83
duct (50) defines an airflow passage through which ambient
air is drawn into the compartment (20) for use in cooling
Primary Examiner-Charles G. Freay various auxiliary power unit components.
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Christensen O'Connor Johnson
& Kindness PLLC 17 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Jul. 25, 2000 Sheet 1 of 4 6,092,360
U.S. Patent Jul. 25, 2000 Sheet 2 of 4 6,092,360
U.S. Patent Jul. 25, 2000 Sheet 3 of 4 6,092,360
U.S. Patent Jul. 25, 2000 Sheet 4 of 4 6,092,360

N
1 /D Mo Ho No ND NM

E) (D CD C.
 6,092,360
1 2
AUXLIARY POWER UNIT PASSIVE the intake duct to Separate and route a portion of the ram-fed
COOLING SYSTEM airflow into the auxiliary power unit compartment. For
ground and flight operation, the pumping action of the
FIELD OF THE INVENTION eductor System draws the Scoop air into the compartment,
The present invention relates to cooling Systems for use 5 through the oil cooler and out the Outer exhaust nozzle. This
with auxiliary power units on aircraft. dedicated airflow is utilized for cooling various auxiliary
power unit components, Such as the oil cooler, as well as
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION maintaining an acceptable auxiliary power unit compart
Commercial aircraft often include an on-board auxiliary ment air temperature.
power unit to provide electrical power and compressed air to While the 359 system is effective in reducing the overall
various Systems. Auxiliary power units are mostly used number of moving parts, it has the disadvantage of requiring
when the aircraft is on the ground, but they may also be used a relatively large opening in order to provide Sufficient air to
to provide pneumatic and electrical power during flight. the auxiliary power unit for combustion and air to the
When the aircraft is on the ground, the auxiliary power unit auxiliary power unit compartment for cooling. The large
is a main Source of power to drive the environmental control
15 opening requires a large, operable door, which can undesir
Systems, the air-driven hydraulic pumps, and the Starters for ably cause aerodynamic drag and other performance penal
the engines. ties during flight. In addition, the overall large Size of the
Auxiliary power units require a certain amount of cooling intake duct makes it undesirably heavy.
air. In particular, auxiliary power units are lubricated with oil Thus, a need exists for a passive auxiliary power unit oil
that is cooled by an oil cooler. In Some Systems, an active fan cooling System that is lighter weight and more aerodynami
(i.e., with moving mechanical parts) pushes air across the oil cally efficient. The present invention is directed to fulfilling
cooler and through the compartment within which the aux this need.
iliary power unit is housed. The active fan is driven at high SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Speeds by a complex shaft and gear assembly operatively 25
connected to the auxiliary power unit. Because of the high In accordance with aspects of the present invention,
operating Speeds and numerous complex mechanical provided is an aircraft having an exterior rear Surface and a
components, active fans may fail after extended periods of rear exhaust opening, characterized by the combination of an
use. Fan failures have a negative impact on the reliability of aft aircraft compartment, an auxiliary power unit located in
auxiliary power units, which ultimately increases the cost of the aft aircraft compartment, and a Second opening. The
operating the aircraft. Accordingly, it has been the goal of auxiliary power unit includes a turbine, an exhaust duct
auxiliary power unit designers to configure a passive cooling extending to a rear exhaust opening in the aircraft exterior
System that reduces or eliminates the number of complex rear Surface, and an eductor. The Second opening is in the
moving mechanical parts. exterior rear Surface of the aircraft at a location above the
One known passive system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 35 rear exhaust opening. The Second opening connects to the
5,655,359. In the 359 device, a vacuum system passively auxiliary power unit compartment. During use of the aux
cools both the oil cooler and the entire auxiliary power unit iliary power unit, the eductor draws air in from the Second
compartment. The System consists of two concentric nozzles opening to cool portions of the auxiliary power unit and
positioned downstream of the auxiliary power unit turbine. expels the air out the exhaust opening. In preferred
An inner nozzle (or primary nozzle) flows high speed 40 embodiments, the Second opening is located directly above
primary exhaust gas out of the gas turbine. An outer nozzle the rear exhaust opening. Additionally, it is preferable that
is positioned about the inner nozzle and is connected to a the Second opening be unencumbered by any physical means
large circular plenum Structure. The outer nozzle and ple that restrict or prohibit airflow.
num Structure are referenced to the Static air pressure of the For embodiments in which the aft aircraft compartment is
auxiliary power unit compartment through one or more 45 located a distance from the rear Surface, the present inven
openings spaced around the plenum Structure. tion is further characterized by an inlet duct having a
The combination of concentric nozzles, radial openings, forward end and an aft end. The inlet duct forward end is
and plenum Structure functions as an aspirator, or pumping connected to the aft aircraft compartment, and the inlet duct
device, commonly called an eductor System when applied to aft end is connected to the Second opening. During use of the
auxiliary power unit installations. The outer nozzle provides 50 auxiliary power unit, the eductor draws air from the Second
a passage for expulsion of compartment air out the tail cone opening via the inlet duct. One embodiment of the inlet is
of the aircraft. The relative velocity difference between the capable of passing cooling in an amount in the range of
gas fluid in the inner and outer nozzles creates a depressed about 60 to about 100 pounds per minute.
preSSure region in the eductor. This provides a “pumping” In accordance with other aspects of this invention, pro
action to draw compartment air into the eductor and into the 55 Vided is an improvement to an aircraft auxiliary power unit
outer nozzle to combine with the primary turbine exhaust located in a compartment in an aft aircraft region and having
gas. By placing the oil cooler adjacent the eductor, com an oil cooler. The unit includes an eductor for expelling
partment air will flow through the oil cooler passages, thus compartment air out an exhaust opening located in the rear
cooling its internal oil. of the aircraft, and an oil cooler positioned near the eductor.
The 359 arrangement further includes an air intake duct 60 The improvement includes an inlet opening located in the
extending between a forward-facing ambient air opening rear of the aircraft at a position above the exhaust opening.
and the auxiliary power unit. The opening is typically closed An inlet duct extends between the inlet opening and the
when the auxiliary power unit is off and open when on. In auxiliary power unit compartment. The inlet duct defines an
the open position, a door protrudes above the aircraft skin. airflow passage through which ambient air is drawn into the
During flight, the auxiliary power unit is ram-fed combus 65 compartment by the eductor and expelled out the exhaust
tion air by the ambient airflow coming into the opening and opening. The passing of air through the compartment cools
through the intake duct. An inlet Scoop is positioned inside oil flowing through the oil cooler.
 6,092,360
3 4
In accordance with further aspects of this invention, the present invention for use with an auxiliary power unit 10.
inlet duct includes a heat resistant material formed of The auxiliary power unit includes a number of compressors
multi-ply Solid laminate fiberglass composite, titanium, 12, a turbine 14, an oil cooler 16, and an exhaust assembly
Steel, aluminum, high temperature Silicone Sealants, or 18. The auxiliary power unit is positioned in a compartment
Teflon impregnated dynamic Sealant. In one embodiment, 20 located in the aft fuselage 22 of the aircraft. The com
the inlet includes a non-Symmetrically shaped forward end partment is Sealed from the rest of the fuselage by various
connected to the compartment and a circularly-shaped aft firewalls 24 and Surfaces 26 of the craft.
end connected to the inlet opening. In another embodiment, An intake duct 28 extends between an intake opening 30
the inlet includes an inlet fairing located at the inlet opening. in the aircraft exterior Surface and the auxiliary power unit
The inlet aft end is connected to the inlet fairing via a 10. The intake duct 28 defines an airflow passage 32 through
dynamically Sealed slip-joint. In another embodiment, the which the auxiliary power unit obtains its combustion air. A
inlet includes a Statically Sealed attachment flange. The inlet door 34 is pivotally attached to the aircraft exterior surface
forward end is connected to the attachment flange which is 26 at the trailing edge of the intake opening 30. When the
further connected to compartment. door 34 is open, as shown in FIG. 1, air will flow in the
In accordance with Still other aspects of this invention, a 15 direction of the arrows under the influence of the auxiliary
method for passively cooling auxiliary power unit compo power unit itself during ground operations, and under the
nents located in an auxiliary power unit compartment posi influence of both the airstream ram force and the auxiliary
tioned in the aft region of an aircraft is provided. The method power unit during flight operations.
includes inducing an airflow from an aft opening located in Still referring to FIG. 1, the exhaust assembly 18 includes
the rear of the aircraft using an eductor and discharging the a primary nozzle 40 and an exhaust duct 42. The primary
air to the atmosphere. The inducing of airflow occurs at a nozzle 40 is attached to the turbine 14, and the exhaust duct
rear aircraft location above the discharging of air to the 42 is positioned near the nozzle 40. Combustion gases from
atmosphere. In one embodiment, the inducing of an airflow the turbine are expelled out the primary nozzle 40 into the
is accomplished at a rate in the range of about 60 to about exhaust duct 42 and out an aft exhaust opening 44 of the tail
100 pounds per minute. Depending on the particular aircraft, 25
COC.
the inducing of an airflow may include drawing air through The cooling System includes an eductor 46 located at the
an inlet duct that extends between the aft opening and the transition between the primary nozzle 40 and the exhaust
compartment. The inlet duct includes a forward end, an aft duct 42. The eductor forms a vacuum passage between the
end, and an inlet fairing at the inlet opening. The inlet aft end primary nozzle 40 and the exhaust duct 42, and may be
is preferably connected to the inlet fairing via a dynamically configured using any of a number of known Structures. In the
Sealed Slip-joint. In one embodiment, the inlet duct forward embodiment of FIG. 1, the eductor is a large circular plenum
end is connected to an attachment flange which is further Structure that forms a vacuum passage between the primary
connected to compartment. nozzle 40 and a secondary nozzle 41 that extends from the
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 35 forward end of the exhaust duct 42. The secondary nozzle 41
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advan in this embodiment is formed as an integral part of the
tages of this invention will become more readily appreciated eductor plenum Structure. The eductor 46 is connected to the
as the Same becomes better understood by reference to the aftmost outer structure of the turbine (just prior to the
following detailed description, when taken in conjunction primary nozzle).
with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 40 The eductor 46 includes an opening located in the cir
cumference of the eductor plenum. The opening and the
FIG. 1 is a topdown schematic illustration of one embodi Secondary nozzle 41 are referenced to the Static pressure of
ment of a passive cooling System formed in accordance with the auxiliary power unit compartment. The oil cooler 16 is
the present invention; located adjacent the outward opening of the eductor So that
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a 45 cooling air will be drawn across the oil cooler before
passive cooling System formed in accordance with the entering the eductor 46. In preferred embodiments, an oil
present invention; cooler first Side is an exterior Side Surface facing the com
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the system of FIG. 2; partment and an oil cooler Second Side is an interior Side
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the air intake duct of FIG. Surface facing the eductor.
3; 50 During auxiliary power unit use, combustion gases are
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the duct of FIG. 4; and exited from the turbine through the primary nozzle 40. The
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the duct of FIG. 4. combustion gases pass from the nozzle 40 to combine with
compartment air that is drawn in from the compartment
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE throught the oil cooler 16 and concentrically pumped
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 55 between the primary nozzle 40 and the secondary nozzle 41.
The present invention is a passive cooling System for The combined gases pass through the exhaust duct 42 where
auxiliary power units whereby cooling air is provided to the they are expelled out the tail cone exhaust opening 44. The
auxiliary power unit compartment from an opening located primary nozzle 40 and the secondary nozzle 41 thus control
in the aft end of the aircraft, above the exhaust opening. The the mixing contact between the combustion gases and the
cooling air is available for use in cooling the auxiliary power 60 compartment air from the eductor. By reducing the primary
unit external components and, particularly, the oil cooler. nozzle diameter, the Velocity of the turbine exhaust
The present invention may be practiced on various types of increases. AS the higher Velocity combustion gases exit the
auxiliary power units and at various unit locations. The primary nozzle, a low-pressure region or partial vacuum is
embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 are thus meant to be illustrative created in the eductor. The drawn air is entrained into and
and not limiting. 65 expelled with the combustion gases.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a Referring to FIG. 2, ambient air is supplied to the auxil
passive cooling System formed in accordance with the iary power unit compartment through a Second opening 54
 6,092,360
S 6
in the rear of the aircraft. Because the auxiliary power unit duct from having to provide cooling air to the auxiliary
compartment shown in FIG. 2 is located in the rear of the power unit compartment for use in cooling the auxiliary
fuselage, the passive cooling System includes an inlet duct power unit external components and the oil cooler. By
50 for shuttling cooling air into the compartment from the having a separate air inlet to provide cooling air to the
second opening 54. For those embodiments in which the compartment, a Smaller amount of ram air is required at the
auxiliary power unit compartment is located in the aircraft intake duct. This, in turn, permits a Smaller forward-facing
tailcone, the inlet duct may be unnecessary. intake opening and door, and correspondingly less aerody
Still referring to FIG. 2, the inlet duct 50 includes an aft namic drag (both in terms of pumping drag and form drag).
end 52 connected to the second aft opening 54. This second The smaller sizes of the intake duct and door further helps
opening 54 (also referred to herein as the inlet opening) is to reduce System weight.
preferably positioned directly above the exhaust opening 44. The present invention passive cooling System also reduces
The inlet duct 50 further includes a forward end 56 con the amount of work required by the auxiliary power unit to
nected to the auxiliary power unit compartment 20. During draw cooling air into the compartment. This is further
auxiliary power unit use, atmospheric air is drawn into the complemented by locating the inlet opening at the aft
inlet duct opening 54, passed through the inlet duct 50, and 15 exterior Surface of the fuselage tail cone and directly above
into the auxiliary power unit compartment 20. The drawn air the exhaust opening. One benefit of this location is that the
is used to continuously cool various auxiliary power unit local Static preSSure difference in-flight between the inlet
components, including, in particular, the oil cooler. opening and the exhaust opening is Small, So that the amount
This action is caused by the Suction force of the eductor of work necessary to pump air through the eductor System
46 and facilitated in-flight by the relatively high local static and expel it out the exhaust duct is minimized. Another
preSSure at the aftmost regions of the aircraft. The Suctioned benefit of this location is that there is no discernible aero
air is combined with combustion air and discharged back to dynamic drag (either form drag or pumping drag) contrib
the atmosphere at the exhaust opening 44. A further benefit uted by the eductor inlet duct.
may be realized by positioning the inlet aft opening 54 25
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
directly above the exhaust opening 44. In doing So, the Static illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
preSSure difference between the two openings is minimized, changes can be made therein without departing from the
thus reducing the amount of pumping work required by the Spirit and Scope of the invention. In particular, for those
auxiliary power unit eductor. installation of auxiliary power units that are positioned in the
The particular inlet duct embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6 aircraft tailcone, the inlet duct may be unnecessary. In Such
is for use with a Boeing 737 aircraft. The inlet duct is cases, the present invention passive cooling System is pro
preferably formed from fireproof and heat resistant vided without an inlet duct.
materials, e.g., multi-ply Solid laminate fiberglass What is claimed is:
composite, titanium, corrosion-resistant Steel sheet metal, 1. An aircraft having an exterior rear Surface and a rear
aluminum casting, high temperature Silicone Sealants, Teflon 35
exhaust opening, characterized by the combination of
impregnated dynamic Seal, etc. The inlet duct aft end is an aft aircraft compartment;
circularly shaped in cross-section and the forward end is an auxiliary power unit located in the aft aircraft
non-Symmetrically shaped to conform to the mounting area compartment, the auxiliary power unit including a
of the 737 auxiliary power unit compartment aft bulkhead turbine, an exhaust duct extending to a rear exhaust
58. For this configuration, the inlet passage extends lineally 40 opening in the aircraft exterior rear Surface, and an
approximately 60 inches. Referring to FIG. 6, the inlet duct eductor;
includes a fireproof forward sleeve 60 statically sealed to an a Second opening in the exterior rear Surface of the aircraft
attachment flange 61 which is connect to the auxiliary power at a location above the rear exhaust opening, the Second
unit compartment. An aft inlet duct fairing 62 is provided at opening connecting to the auxiliary power unit com
the aft inlet opening 54 to encourage a Smooth passage of air 45 partment; during use of the auxiliary power unit, the
entering the inlet. The inlet aft end is connected to the inlet eductor draws air in from the Second opening to cool
fairing via a dynamically Sealed slip-joint. It is preferable to portions of the auxiliary power unit and expels the air
keep the inlet opening open and unencumbered by physical out the exhaust opening, and
methods of closure (Such as a valve or similar device). an inlet duct having a forward end and an aft end, the inlet
Because the Volume of cooling air through the compart 50 duct forward end being connected to the aft aircraft
ment must be Sufficient to cool the auxiliary power unit compartment, the inlet aft end being connected to the
external components and the internal engine oil flowing Second opening; during use of the auxiliary power unit,
through the oil cooler, the size of the eductor inlet duct 50 the eductor draws air from the Second opening via the
must be sufficient to feed the eductor 46. Likewise, the inlet duct.
characteristics of the primary nozzle 40 and the Secondary 55 2. The passive cooling System according to claim 1, in
nozzle 41 must provide the requisite pressure difference to which the Second opening is located directly above the rear
form an acceptable Suction force. The amount of inlet duct exhaust opening.
air throughput will vary according to the particular type of 3. The passive cooling System according to claim 1, in
aircraft and auxiliary power unit. In the case of the Boeing which the Second opening is unencumbered by physical
737 aircraft of FIGS. 5 and 6, an Allied-Signal 131-9B) 60 means that restrict or prohibit airflow.
auxiliary power unit with concentric conical-shaped nozzles 4. The passing cooling System according to claim 1,
is used. The inlet duct and inlet opening is capable of passing wherein the inlet is capable of passing cooling in an amount
cooling air in the range of approximately 60–120 pounds per in the range of about 60 to about 100 pounds per minute.
minute, depending on the auxiliary power unit operating 5. In an aircraft auxiliary power unit located in a com
mode. 65 partment in an aft aircraft region and having an oil cooler,
AS will be appreciated from a reading of the above, the the unit including an eductor for expelling compartment air
present invention passive cooling System relieves the intake out an exhaust opening located in the rear of the aircraft, the
 6,092,360
7 8
unit further including an oil cooler positioned near the inlet forward end being connected to the attachment flange
eductor, the improvement comprising: which is further connected to compartment.
an inlet opening located in the rear of the aircraft at a 12. The improvement according to claim 5, wherein the
position above the exhaust opening, and an inlet duct inlet opening is unencumbered by physical means to restrict
extending between the inlet opening and the auxiliary or prohibit airflow.
power unit compartment; the inlet duct defining an 13. A method for passively cooling auxiliary power unit
airflow passage through which ambient air is drawn components located in an auxiliary power unit compartment
into the compartment by the eductor and expelled out positioned in the aft region of an aircraft, the method
comprising,
the exhaust opening, wherein the passing of air through (a) inducing an airflow from an aft opening located in the
the compartment cools oil flowing through the oil rear of the aircraft using an eductor, wherein the
cooler. inducing of the airflow includes drawing air through an
6. The improvement according to claim 5, wherein the inlet duct extending between the aft opening and the
inlet opening is located directly above the rear exhaust compartment;
opening. (b) discharging the air to the atmosphere; wherein the
7. The improvement according to claim 5, wherein the 15
inducing of airflow occurs at a rear aircraft location
inlet duct includes a heat resistant material from the group above the discharging of air to the atmosphere.
comprising multi-ply Solid laminate fiberglass composite, 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the
titanium, Steel, aluminum, high temperature Silicone inducing of an airflow includes inducing an amount of
Sealants, and Teflon impregnated dynamic Sealant. airflow in the range of about 60 to about 100 pounds per
8. The improvement according to claim 5, wherein the minute.
inlet includes a non-Symmetrically shaped forward end 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the aft
connected to the compartment and a circularly-shaped aft opening is unencumbered by physical means to restrict or
end connected to the inlet opening. prohibit airflow.
9. The improvement according to claim 5, wherein the 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the inlet
inlet is capable of passing cooling in an amount in the range 25 duct includes a forward end, an aft end, and an inlet fairing
of about 60 to about 100 pounds per minute. at the inlet opening, the inlet aft end being connected to the
10. The improvement according to claim 5, wherein the inlet fairing via a dynamically Sealed slip-joint.
inlet includes a forward end and an aft end, the improvement 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the inlet
further comprising an inlet fairing at the inlet opening, the duct includes a forward end, an aft end, and a Statically
inlet aft end being connected to the inlet fairing via a Sealed attachment flange, the inlet forward end being con
dynamically Sealed Slip-joint. nected to the attachment flange which is further connected to
11. The improvement according to claim 5, wherein the compartment.
inlet includes a forward end and an aft end, the improvement
further comprising a Statically Sealed attachment flange, the
 UNITED STATES PATENT ANDTRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
Page 1 of 2
PATENT NO. : 6,092,360
DATED July 25, 2000
INVENTOR(S) : M.S. Hoag et al.
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby
corrected as shown below:

ON
ten
THE TITLE PAGE
56) Refs. Cited insert the following reference in appropriate
Pg. 1, col. 1 (U.S. Patents) numerical order:
--5,655,359 8/1997 Campbell et al.--
56) Refs. Cited insert the following references in appropriate
Pg. 1, col. 1 (U.S. Patents) numerical order:
--2,706,255 1/1954 Breaux et al.
4,351,150 9/1982 Schulze
4,418,879 12/1983 Wanderleest
4,934,154 6/1990 Altoz et al.
4,999,994 3/1991 Rüd et al.
5,265,408 11/1993 Sheoran et al.
Column Line 5,284,012 2/1994 Laborie et al.--
6 62 "passing cooling" should read-passing cooling air
(Claim 4, line 2)
7 25 "passing cooling" should read-passing cooling air
(Claim 9, line 2)
8 2 before "compartment" insert --the--
(Claim 11, line 5)
 UNITED STATES PATENT ANDTRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO. : 6,092,360 Page 2 of 2
DATED : July 25, 2000
INVENTOR(S) : M.S. Hoag et al.
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby
Corrected as shown below:

COLUMN LINE
8 31 before "compartment" insert --the
(Claim 17, line 4)

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of May, 2001

NICHOLAS P. GODC

Attesting Officer Acting Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office