U.S. patent application number 09/841409 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-06 for matrix game.
Invention is credited to Horan, Michael J..
Application Number | 20010048195 09/841409 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26754732 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010048195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horan, Michael J. |
December 6, 2001 |
Matrix game
Abstract
A game which is played on a matrix having three columns and
three rows. Numbers are positioned in at least some of the
positions in the matrix. The players may select the numbers in the
matrix. A game which has similarities to BINGO or other matrix
games, but which is faster and which provides additional variables
and player participation is thereby provided.
Inventors: |
Horan, Michael J.; (Pompano
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
4801 DRESSLER RD., N.W.
SUITE 194
CANTON
OH
44718
US
|
Family ID: |
26754732 |
Appl. No.: |
09/841409 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09841409 |
Apr 24, 2001 |
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09244380 |
Feb 4, 1999 |
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6220596 |
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60073647 |
Feb 4, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2003/0017 20130101;
A63F 3/0645 20130101; A63F 3/06 20130101; A63F 2001/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/269 |
International
Class: |
A63F 003/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of playing a game comprising the steps of: (a)
providing a first matrix having an array consisting of at least two
columns of elements and at least two rows of elements, said columns
and rows being arranged such that each of said elements is
simultaneously included in one of said columns and one of said rows
and is positioned adjacent to at least one of said elements so as
to form primary predesignated sets of elements each of the elements
in said primary predesignated sets being adjacent to at least one
other of said elements in its said set and at least one of the
columns has a designation selected form a first class of
designation selected from a combination of said first class of
designations and a second class of designations wherein the
designation from the first class of designations is based on a
spatial relationship of the elements and one of the designations
used for the columns and rows; (b) causing a first player to be
associated by a physical means with said first matrix by having
said first player assigned to a first position adjacent said first
matrix; and (c) generating a random set of elements by identifying
a plurality of combinations of the first and second classes of
designations and declaring a winning combination if said random set
of elements matches any one of the primary predesignated sets of
elements and wherein if the random set of elements generated in
this step does not match either any one of the primary
predesignated sets of elements, further random sets of elements are
successively randomly generated until one of said further random
sets of elements matches any one of the primary predesignated sets
of elements and the first player wins when one of said random sets
of elements matches any one of the primary predesignated sets of
elements.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein there are three columns and three
rows.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first class of designations
comprises letters.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the letter are B, I, N, G and
O.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the letters B, I and N are used to
designate the columns.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein G and O are used to designate two
of the rows.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein one of the elements is designated
as FREE.
8. The method of claim 3 wherein the second class of designations
comprises numeral.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the second class of designations
comprises numerals.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein all of the elements except the
FREE element is designated with at least one letter and a numeral.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to games and more particularly
to bingo and games similar to bingo.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Classic bingo, as the game is commonly played is purely a
game of chance that incorporates the actual name "BINGO" as five
separate distinct letters that are aligned with an assigned to
fifteen separate numbers in and as part of each actual letter. The
name "BINGO" appears both as a work and as a separately designated
letter symbols at the top of every bingo card. Each letter is the
guide call to each vertical column of five possible numbers from
the fifteen assigned to each letter on any and all cards. The only
other constant is "FREE" space in the center of each and every
bingo card designated by the actual word symbol "FREE".
[0005] Even though the "FREE" designation space is under the letter
"N", there are still fifteen separate distinct call numbers from
thirty-one to forty-five even though only four number spaces are
useable for play.
[0006] Traditionally, a bingo caller uses a mechanical and/or
electronic draw to achieve the called letter number. The winner or
winners are determined by covering only the numbers under the
called letter in the word "BINGO" that completes or accomplishes a
designated pattern on a specific game played. Even though the
separate letters of the word "BINGO" at the top of every card along
with the "FREE" space in the center of every card are constant
(always and ever present and part of) designations and symbols used
in every game of "BINGO", they do not determine a winner. Only
combinations and patterns of numbers determine winners.
[0007] Even though bingo is a widely played and popular game,
various players may enjoy functions which could be performed by the
players and allow them to be more active participants.
[0008] There is, therefore, a need for a game which, although
similar to bingo, allows for a faster more active game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is a method of playing a game which
includes the steps of:
[0010] (a) providing a first matrix having an array consisting of
at least two columns of elements and at least two rows of elements,
said columns and rows being arranged such that each of said
elements is simultaneously included in one of said columns and one
of said rows and is positioned adjacent to at least one of said
elements so as to form primary predesignated sets of elements each
of the elements in said primary predesignated sets being adjacent
to at least one other of said elements in its said set and at least
one of the columns has a designation selected form a first class of
designation selected from a combination of said first class of
designations and a second class of designations wherein the
designation from the first class of designations is based on a
special relationship of the elements and one of the designations
used for the columns and rows;
[0011] (b) causing a first player to be associated by a physical
means with said first matrix by having said first player assigned
to a first position adjacent said first matrix; and
[0012] (c) generating a random set of elements by identifying a
plurality of combinations of the first and second classes of
designations and declaring a winning combination if said random set
of elements matches any one of the primary predesignated sets of
elements and wherein if the random set of elements generated in
this step does not match either any one of the primary
predesignated sets of elements, further random sets of elements are
successively randomly generated until one of said further random
sets of elements matches any one of the primary predesignated sets
of elements and the first player wins when one of said random sets
of elements matches any one of the primary predesignated sets of
elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The application is further described with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one matrix, which may be used
in one embodiment of the method of the present invention; and
[0015] FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic views of other matrices, which
may be used in the practice of this application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, this matrix may be used in a card or
on a video screen. In this matrix, the letters, i.e. "B", "I", "N",
"G" and "O" are used not only on the columns but also on the rows.
For example, in FIG. 1, "B", "I" and "N" are on columns and "G" and
"O" are on opposite sides of a single row. In FIG. 2, "B", "I" and
"N" are on the rows and O is on the opposite side of the middle row
from "I" and "G" is on a column. In FIG. 3, "B" and "G" are on
opposed sides of the bottom row and "N" and "O" are on other rows
with "I" being on one column.
[0017] Pick-N-Choose any two (2) numbers from any three (3)
B-I-N-G-O columns and one (1) number from each of the two (2)
remaining B-I-N-G-O columns. At the same time U-Pick numbers,
U-Choose the DOWN or ACROSS 3 BY 3 card line space (box) U wish to
place the picked numbers. The two (2) number column picks must be
placed on the same line DOWN or ACROSS. Once player picked numbers
are in place in the chosen spaces (boxes) on the 3 BY 3 card, the
bingo headings and free space appear. Players actually pick eight
(8) numbers total; two (2) numbers from three (3) B-I-N-G-O columns
and one (1) number from the remaining tow (2) B-I-N-G-O columns and
then choose the exact space (box) location each picked number is
placed on the 3 BY 3 card. No other speed bingo game lets you
Pick-N-Choose the exact bingo numbers and card's space (box)
location.
[0018] Players are unable to activate a 3 BY 3 bingo card if
improper DOWN and ACROSS number or space (box) alignment is not
chosen correctly. If a player makes a mistake selecting
Pick-N-Choose numbers and card space (box) location of numbers, the
electronic program enforces the game rules. Once the numbers and
bingo Spaces (boxes) are in proper alignment on a 3 BY 3 card, the
free space and DOWN and ACROSS headings appear. You can play the
card or drop the card to Pick-N-Choose numbers and cards by
touching the drop card button. Once players have selected their
numbers and card space (box) locations, players enter that card for
the next game by touching the play button. This activates that card
in the next gave and $0.25 is deducted at that time from players
credits. Players can play one (1) card or up to four (4) cards in
any one (1) game, for $0.25 per card. Players can also pay an
additional $0.25 progressive jackpot fee per card. If one plays the
progressive jackpot, "ALL" played cards are charged $0.25 per card,
additionally, the $0.25 per card progressive jackpot fee amount
must be available and paid for "ALL" played cards. If a player
activates the progressive jackpot in any gave "ALL" played cards
pay $0.25 per card. The money is deducted automatically for "ALL"
cards played in that game. For example, if a player is playing
three (3) cards, $0.75 has been paid to play that 3 BY 3 bingo
game, and if player elects to play progressive jackpot, an
additional $0.75 is automatically deducted from credits when the
progressive jackpot button is touched or activated in that game. If
player has only $0.50 worth of credits, the progressive jackpot
feature will not activate until enough credits are available to
play progressive jackpot on all three (3) played cards as
demonstrated in this instance.
[0019] 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose is an exciting bingo game that allows
players to pick a fixed variation of eight (8) Bingo numbers and
select the exact space (box) those picked numbers can be located on
the 3 BY 3 bingo card. The actual bingo game is played on a 3 BY 3
(grid) bingo card rather than a standard 5 by 5 (grid) bingo card
that only utilizes all DOWN headers and a center card free space.
The 3 BY 3 bingo card used DOWN and never before used ACROSS
herders (located on the side of the 3 BY 3 card) and players choose
the free space location on the 3 BY 3 card. This enables 3 BY 3
bingo participants to play high speed, consolidated three (3) spot
in-line regular bingo. Regular 3 BY 3 bingo only requires three (3)
numbers or two (2) numbers and the free space in straight line to
accomplish or go bingo. It also offers condensed special pattern
bingo games, (i.e., cover all, X pattern, corners, etc.). The
optional pari-mutual progressive jackpot is available on all 3 BY 3
bingo games. The game may be played on Super VGA touch screen
monitors displaying activated player created Pick-N-Choose 3 BY 3
cards or optional electronic Quick Pick cards. Players choose and
can activate form one (1) to four (4) cards. The displayed cards
and the bingo game real-time graphic video animation of each
separate game generated (as the game is actually being played in
cybernation from start to finish) is transmitted and networked to
card activated player terminals from a designated central location.
The system-wide cybernation program commands and functions include
and are not limited to the following automatic features:
[0020] 1. Activation or a player terminal by the insertion and
acceptance of money into the bill acceptor that post credits for
play at that player terminal.
[0021] 2. A player terminal activated with credit will not display
the transmission of a game in progress or a game not played.
Players can create (Pick-N-Choose) cards or change cards when no
bingo game is being player at that player terminal.
[0022] 3. The time count down is displayed as to when the next
available game start time is assigned.
[0023] 4. Each game is assigned a start time for the next game at
the end of a game.
[0024] 5. Each game is assigned and has its own game and session
identification number by date.
[0025] 6. The push of the play button and debit of the $0.25 fee
activate each 3 BY 3 card generated for play. The card is only then
incorporated in the next available bingo game and a paid
participating card of that game.
[0026] 7. The optional pari-mutuel progressive jackpot is available
for only ALL played cards in a game for a $0.25 per card fee.
[0027] 8. There is a one (1) minute pre-game activation cut-off to
record system wide security and register the verification of all
activated (played) cards before the start of every game.
[0028] 9. The record and accounting of the played cards in every
game are computed for pari-mutuel prizes. Each individual game
revenue and progressive jackpot revenue are pari-mutuel pooled
separately. Fees and prizes are calculated for each game separately
as well as the progressive jackpot carries over.
[0029] 10. The bingo balls are electronically mixed and separately
drawn buy a pure random number generator with no glitches. (No
predetermined or created bill mixes are possible or ever used.)
[0030] 11. The balls in each game are drawn with sound effects
every five (5) seconds. The drawn ball is displayed with B-I-N-G-O
column designation and number.
[0031] 12. The drawn number is shown while it is simultaneously
posted on the displayed bingo board and daubed (covered) on every
active game card until a winning bingo is accomplished.
[0032] 13. Accomplished bingo's are notified with sound and
flashing winner graphics with the dollar amount that has been
won.
[0033] 14. Bingo cards that accomplish a winning bingo in a game
are noticed system-wide and the amount won is credited to the
player terminal where the winning card or cards were played.
[0034] 15. Prize calculations are based on pari-mutuel prize pool
funds as well as a separate pari-mutuel progressive jackpot pool
with carryover provisions built in.
[0035] 16. When a bingo is accomplished, that game is over and the
next available game start time is posted system-wide.
[0036] The game cyberation program and process accomplishes the
following:
[0037] (a) the system-wide terminal graphic player
[0038] (b) electronic commands that complete the card acceptance
for play
[0039] (c) calculate the mathematics and the administration of both
the pari-mutuel bingo pool in each game and the ongoing pari-mutuel
progressive jackpot pool
[0040] (d) collection and pay of fee and prizes
[0041] (e) the network transmission and conducting of the real-time
actual game generated
[0042] (f) called numbers being automatically posted to the bingo
board and daubed (covering of called numbers) on active bingo
cards
[0043] (g) notification of accomplished bingo's by location and
amount won; and
[0044] (h) full security and recorded integrity of each game.
[0045] 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose Bingo may be adapted to be a cybernated
networked game engineered and systemed to generate fast play and
automatic card cover, daubing. Such a bingo game 3 BY 3 and system
provide continual exciting high speed bingo in typical venues for
such games such as Indian reservation locations or charity halls.
The game can also operate on the worldwide web via the Internet.
The electronic enhanced player terminals eliminate the need and
waste of paper and daubers while stream lining the game to one or
unlimited locations with complete accuracy and total security for
player enjoyment of high stakes pari-mutuel high speed 3 BY 3
bingo. The 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo game enforces and permits
player terminals to accomplish cybernation so players are
electronically playing bingo at a location that is different from
the actual location the game is being conducted, without paper, and
that automatically daubs or covers the exact numbers called in that
game on their cards. Players gain immediate notification of
possible and actual bingo's at their player terminal even though
the game is conducted at a different location many miles away. The
communication network of real-time interactive 3 BY 3 bingo
electronically places players in the same game from different
locations by virtue of the same cyberspace location that the actual
game is being generated or conducted. The 3 BY 3 real-time
cybernation bingo and pari-mutuel system conforms to the National
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 for operation as Class II.
Cybernation is the use of computers coupled with automatic
machinery to control and carry out complex operations.
[0046] Each game has a specific game and session number by date and
pattern (three (3) spot straight in-line bingo, corners, X-game,
cover all, etc.). All player-activated cards are recorded and
registered in each game the card participates. All player terminals
are networked and connected to a system-wide single electronic ball
drawing random number generator that allows all the players to
compete in a specific cybernation game for a common pari-mutuel
prize pool. Each and every played card is charged $)0.25 and
registered electronically in that actual game. A $0.25 per card
optional progressive jackpot is available. Every game is played on
the real-time of the location the actual game is generated or
conducted. An electronic random number generator ball drawing
system of the 75 or optional 90 bingo numbers is security activated
to accomplish the card registration and ball drawing in every
game.
[0047] 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo incorporates the latest
technology in satellite, fiber optic and high-speed
telecommunications equipment to network potentially thousands of
player terminals in multi-state bingo halls throughout the USA or
world. The pari-mutuel prize polls of the networked bingo halls
will allow the offering of large, promotionally attractive player
prizes. This will surely increase bingo attendance across the
country.
[0048] The 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo game incorporates
multi-features for player enjoyment and confidence. Cybernation
features of the network can be enhanced to customize pari-mutuel
prize poll payouts and progressive jackpots in each separate
location or target groups (i.e. clubs, fraternal organizations
specific fund raisers, Elks and Moose lodges). The game can be set
to an exact payout or hold pari-mutuel pool for a single or group
customized location hall separate form the network system. This
customized percentage payout and hold can be different than the
networked game percentages with notice and security. The
system-wide networked games are set to the same exact percentage
payout and hold to encourage cybernation conformity and larger
pari-mutuel prize pools. Customized and specific organizational
find raising pools are important to the 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose
cybernation program. Cybernation allows one (1) single game
(generated) presentation for a multitude of separate pari-mutuel
prize fund pools to stay (be located) in separate jurisdictions if
necessitated by law. Horse racing simulcasts accomplishes the
pictured race transmission but does not complete or perform the
program cybernation functions that the 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo
game invented.
[0049] Each played card for each game played is $0.25. All played
cards for a n additional $0.25 per card can enter a separate
pari-mutuel progressive jackpot pool. If a player accomplishes a
two (2) numbers called bingo, it pays a minimum $100.00 progressive
jackpot. An ongoing mini jackpot is also available out of the
progressive jackpot poll with a carryover jackpot pool. A minimum
of one (1) card and a maximum of four (4) cards can be played in a
3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo game.
[0050] 3 BY 3 Bingo plays straight three (3) in-line bingo (which
includes two (2) called numbers and the free space) or special
games with no ante losses or game drops. Every straight in-line
bingo game card is a potential winner in two (2) called numbers. 3
BY 3 bingo offers pari-mutuel progressive jackpots in every game.
Correct actual percentages of pari-mutuel bingo pool winnings are
always exact and are based on the revenue generated in each game
with built in security and system integrity.
[0051] Players can purchase from one (1) to four (4) 3 BY 3
Pick-N-Choose bingo cards in any game for a $0.25 per card cost. (A
minimum card cost is $0.25 or up to $1.00 if all four cards are
purchased for a bingo game only.) A pari-mutuel progressive jackpot
option can only by purchased for the exact number of cards
purchased in any game. (If a player purchases four (4) cards in a
game and wishes to purchase the optional jackpot enhancement,
player must purchase the jackpot feature for all four (4) cards.
The jackpot option is $0.25 per card played in that game.) Player
cannot split the jackpot feature on certain cards. It is "ALL"
cards played or none in every game covered (activated) by the
pari-mutuel progressive jackpot.
[0052] Players activate a selected terminal position by inserting
$1.00 to $100.00 in the bill acceptor. Credits in $0.25 increments
will appear on the terminal screen. Select the game you wish to
play. Depending on player terminal bingo hall locations a choice of
games may vary from time to time. If you are a new player, check
with the hall attendants for assistance and directions. When
playing 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo, the player selects two (2)
numbers from three (3) B-I-N-G-O columns and one (1) number from
each of the remaining two (2) B-I-N-G-O columns, and chooses the
placement (box) location on the 3 BY 3 bingo card. Once the player
number choices are installed on the card (boxes) properly, the free
space and Down and Across headings appear. A player can change any
card by pressing the drop button and start the Pick-N-Choose
procedure again. When the player is satisfied with the 3 BY 3 card
a touch of the play button activates that card for the next game
and deducts a $0.25 fee from the players credits posted. Player
cards remain the same on the player terminal until player drops
that card and Pick-N-Choose new numbers and card positions.
[0053] When the game is about to begin, a count down signals the
time left to Pick-N-Choose. Once the player's card is constructed,
the player depresses the play button, a $0.25 charge is debited to
players posted credits. At first it may take a few minutes to
acquaint the player with the Pick-N-Choose number and card
selection process, but it is simple once the player is familiarized
with the player terminal buttons and/or touch screen. Player also
have the option to hit the "quick pick" button on any card. The
"quick pick" will actually cause an automatic pick or random
numbers and card location for ready play. It's the same as the play
button, but player makes no selections of Pick-N-Choose numbers and
card position. The progressive jackpot feature can be activated on
"quick pick" cards the same as if the player Pick-N-Choose the card
or cards. Promotions can be used by giving free progressive jackpot
play on selected games. The no charge progressive jackpot feature
can build initial play on the game. A first two (2) ball bingo pays
a minimum $100.00 when the progressive jackpot feature is activated
on a winning card.
[0054] The 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose Bingo includes any and all possible
number and card combinations for any and all number locations and
combinations in 75 number bingo and optional 90 number bingo on the
3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose card (grid). This game a 3 BY 3 box (grid)
that allows for headings in any location or sequence of "B-I-N-G-O"
Down or Across with all the numbers 1 to 15 "B's", 16 to 30 "I's",
31-45 "N's", 46-60 "G's", 61 to 75 "O's" and one free space in a
box on the 3 BY 3 box (grid). The optional 90 number bingo game
follows the same patterns on the 3 BY 3 Pick-N-Choose bingo
card.
[0055] When the time alert clock to start a game reaches zero
seconds, the player cannot play any card in that game nor can the
optional progressive jackpot feature be activated for play. The
player can Pick-N-Choose cards for the next game. When the game
begins, the first ball is drawn and displayed. The animated
mini-ball blower on the screen shows the balls bouncing and then
the drawn ball comes up to the display tray in that game. Noise of
the ball through the tube is a suction noise to a pop blow-up of
the actual ball that was drawn. The balls are drawn every five (5)
seconds until a Bingo on the 3 BY 3 game is accomplished.
[0056] Player terminals NOT activated for a game do not display the
game. Terminals that have posted credits on screen can
Pick-N-Choose number and card layouts. Once the play button is
touched or activated that card is entered into the next game
automatically. Player continues to enter additional cards and have
the option to add the progressive jackpot to "All" the played cards
from (1) to four (4) in any game. Cards are locked in the network
for the very nest game. When the zero seconds run down to begin the
next game, whatever games the player has paid for is locked into
that game. No more cards can be played nor can the optional
progressive jackpot feature be added. There is approximately two
(2) minutes between each played game to change and drop cards.
Player must always touch the play button in every game to activate
a card. If the progressive jackpot was activated in the previous
game, it will be automatically activated and charged the $0.25 fee
per card on "All" played cards when you touch or activate the play
button. The same play is repeated from the previous game unless the
player hits the drop button. What the player played in the previous
game is automatically played in the next game unless the player
drops the card. Then the player must complete all steps on the
screen to play again. The only time players are participating in a
game is when the play button for a specific game is activated and
money is collected for that game.
[0057] Once balls have begun to appear on the drawn tray, they are
the official bingo balls and numbers drawn in that cybernation
game. The balls are drawn from the designated central location
(home site) generating the actual game, and at the same real-time
transmitting electronic program commands to each activated player
station that complete the cybernation graphic result and effect of
the drawn ball and daubing of called numbers in that game. Bingo
alignment, notification of pending Bingo's and actual Bingo's
accomplished happen in microseconds. The automatic daubing or
covering of called numbers and accumulations of winning credit is
all an automatic function of cybernation game play of the network.
The transmitted generated game to player terminals is accomplished
by displayed graphics to the exact location and player terminal the
3 BY 3 game is being played pari-mutuel prize pools are calculated
and based on the number of participating players in that game.
Minimum $25.00 per game prizes are generated. The progressive
jackpot carry-over pool climbs per game based also on number of
participants who played the optional progressive jackpots. The
actual prizes are pari-mutuel pooled and posted on each game screen
terminal for that bingo game. Players collect credits that are
accumulated by touching the print payout ticket. Each player
terminal has a ticket printer or an attendant to pay players for
the posted credits which to be cashed in. The location of the game
generation that is networked and linked by cybernation real-time is
referenced as the host site.
[0058] While the present invention has been described in connection
with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be
understood that other similar embodiments may be used or
modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment
for performing the same function of the present invention without
deviating therefrom. Therefore, the present invention should not be
limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth
and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended
claims.
* * * * *