U.S. patent application number 09/939812 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-10 for monomer delivery device for bone cement delivery system.
Invention is credited to Long, Jack F..
Application Number | 20020003146 09/939812 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23128918 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020003146 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Long, Jack F. |
January 10, 2002 |
Monomer delivery device for bone cement delivery system
Abstract
A monomer delivery device for a bone cement delivery system
having a sealed body that has and a chamber sized to receive an
ampule of monomer, a collar attached to the body having a blade
configured to sever the ampule and a spout attached to the collar
to expel the monomer.
Inventors: |
Long, Jack F.; (Warsaw,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul J. Maginot
Maginot, Addison & Moore
Bank One Center/Tower
111 Monument Circle, Suite 3000
Indianapolis
IN
46204-5115
US
|
Family ID: |
23128918 |
Appl. No.: |
09/939812 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09939812 |
Aug 27, 2001 |
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09293396 |
Apr 16, 1999 |
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6296149 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/82 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 35/713 20220101;
A61B 2050/002 20160201; A61B 2050/0054 20160201; A61F 2250/0071
20130101; A61B 2050/0083 20160201; B01F 33/5011 20220101; A61B
2050/0066 20160201; B01F 2101/20 20220101; A61B 2050/3008 20160201;
A61B 2017/8838 20130101; A61B 17/8827 20130101; A61B 17/8833
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/82 |
International
Class: |
B67D 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for breaking an ampule of monomer in a sealed structure
and dispensing monomer, the device comprising: a body providing a
chamber for receiving an ampule of monomer, and a spout for
dispensing monomer from the ampule; and a blade within the body
configured to sever the ampule allowing monomer to dispense from
the spout.
2. A device for breaking an ampule of monomer in a sealed structure
and dispensing monomer, the device comprising: a body providing a
chamber for receiving an ampule of monomer, and a spout for
dispensing monomer from the ampule; and a collar attached to the
body having a blade attached within the collar and configured to
sever the ampule.
3. The monomer dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the body
provides a plurality of chambers sized to receive a plurality of
ampules of monomer.
4. The monomer dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the collar is
rotatable relative to the body and comprises a plurality of
blades.
5. The monomer dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the plurality
of blades comprises an alternating half blade and full blade.
6. The monomer dispensing device of claim 2, further comprising a
valve attached to the spout, the valve having a valve closure that
allows monomer to flow out of the valve when the closure is
disengaged, and prevents monomer from flowing out of the valve when
the closure is engaged.
7. The monomer dispensing device of claim 2, further comprising a
funnel attached to the collar and wherein the spout attaches to the
funnel which attaches to the collar.
8. The monomer dispensing device of claim 7, further comprising a
screen fitted between the collar and the funnel, and having a
screen mesh sized to allow monomer to pass from the collar to the
funnel yet to prevent particles of the severed ampule from passing
through the mesh.
9. The monomer dispensing device of claim 2, further comprising a
flange fitted on the body between the body and the collar creating
a rotary seal between the body and the collar.
10. A device for dispensing monomer from an ampule having an ampule
cap, the device comprising: a cylindrical body having a
longitudinal axis and a longitudinal chamber defining a load end
and a cap end and disposed about the axis, the chamber for
receiving an ampule of monomer from the load end and where an
aperture is disposed through the cap end through which the ampule
cap extends; a collar mounted on the cap end to rotate about the
axis, the collar having portions thereof engageable with the ampule
cap the ampule cap when the collar is rotated; a post positioned
inside the chamber abutting the ampule thereby securing the ampule
within the chamber; an end cap attached to the load end of the body
and having a post stop limiting movement of the post; a collar
pivotally attached to the cap end of the body and positioned to
receive the ampule cap extended through the aperture, the collar
also having a blade configured to sever the ampule cap when the
collar is rotated; a funnel fitted on the collar opposite the body
such that as the blade from the collar severs the ampule cap,
monomer is released from the ampule and collects in the funnel; a
screen, placed between the collar and the funnel preventing
particles from the severed ampule cap from traveling past the
collar; and a spout attached to the funnel that expels collected
monomer.
11. The monomer dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the body
provides a plurality of chambers sized to receive a plurality of
ampules of monomer.
12. The monomer dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the collar
comprises a plurality of blades.
13. The monomer dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the
plurality of blades comprises an alternating half blade and full
blade.
14. The monomer dispensing device of claim 10, further comprising a
valve attached to the spout, the valve having a valve closure that
allows monomer to flow out of the valve when the closure is
disengaged, and prevents the monomer from flowing out of the valve
hole when the closure is engaged.
15. The monomer dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising a
luer lock configured to attach to the valve to mate with a mixing
apparatus providing a seal between the monomer dispenser and the
mixing apparatus, and preventing toxic vapors from escaping the
dispensing device.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending Application
Ser. No. 09/293,396 filed on Apr. 16, 1999
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a monomer delivery device
at for a bone cement delivery system. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a sealed monomer delivery device
having a body that has a chamber sized to receive an ampule of
monomer, a collar attached to the body having a blade configured to
sever the ampule and a spout attached to the collar to expel the
monomer.
[0003] It is well known that in many orthopedic surgical procedures
it is necessary to employ a cement or grouting type agent, such as
for attaching artificial joint implants, repairing or forming
joints in bones, or other forms of orthopedic work. The type of
cement generally used for these purposes are self-curing resins
formed from the blending of a wide variety of liquid monomers or
comonomers with powdered polymers or copolymers to form a viscous
admixture to be used as the grouting agent. The admixture of the
powder and liquid components develops a quick setting material and
preparation of the cement usually occurs directly within the
operating theater just prior to use. Monomer vapors, however, are
noxious and toxic, and are generated during the depositing of the
monomer and when mixing same with bone cement. And because making
the bone cement mixture is conducted in the operating room
environment, it is important not to allow any monomer or its vapors
to escape the monomer delivery device except for deposit into the
bone cement mixing system.
[0004] The present invention is primarily concerned with a device
that will dispense monomer into a bone cement mixing apparatus
without releasing monomer vapors into the environment. The present
invention is designed to accept ampules of monomer, break said
ampules in an encapsulated chamber, dispense monomer into a mixing
device without allowing monomer vapors to escape, and to allow the
user to either dispose or re-use the monomer dispensing device
after the monomer has been expelled.
[0005] According to other features, characteristics, embodiments
and alternatives of the present invention which will become
apparent as the description thereof proceeds below, the present
invention provides a monomer dispensing device comprising a body
having a chamber containing liquid monomer, and a spout attached to
the chamber for expelling monomer.
[0006] In one embodiment, the monomer dispensing device includes a
body having a chamber sized to receive an ampule of monomer. A
collar is attached to the body having a blade attached within the
collar configured to sever the ampule. A spout is attached to the
collar to expel the monomer.
[0007] In a further embodiment, the monomer dispensing device
includes a body having a chamber sized to receive an ampule of
monomer. The body also has a load end where the ampule is inserted
into the chamber, and a cap end where an aperture is disposed
therethrough. A cap on the ampule extends through the aperture. A
post is positioned inside the chamber and abuts the ampule thereby
securing same within the chamber. An end cap is attached to the
load end of the body and has a post stop that limits the movement
of the post. A rotating collar is pivotally attached to the cap end
of the body and is positioned to receive the ampule cap. The
rotating collar also has a plurality of blades configured to sever
the ampule cap when the collar is rotated. A funnel is fitted on
the rotating collar opposite the body such that as the monomer is
released from the ampule it collects in the funnel. A screen is
placed between the rotating collar and the funnel preventing
particles from the severed ampule cap from traveling past the
rotating collar and being deposited into the cement. A spout is
attached to the funnel that expels the collected monomer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will be described hereafter with
reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting
examples only, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an assembled monomer delivery
device embodying the invention showing a body, and an end cap, a
rotating collar with blades, a funnel, a spout, and a nozzle;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the monomer
dispensing device from FIG. 1, showing the o-rings between the
different components of the device, and including a luer lock
attached to the end of the valve;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of FIG. 2, showing
the end cap having a base, post apertures, post stops, an edging
attached to the base and a rim attached to the edging;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a post showing its plug and
its top;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a portion of the
monomer delivery device from FIG. 2, showing the body having a
plurality of apertures, a collar aperture and a flange;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the
monomer delivery device from FIG. 2, showing the body having a load
end and a cap end, a plurality of ampule chambers and the
flange;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a portion of the
monomer delivery device from FIG. 2, showing the rotating collar
having a plurality of half blades and full blades.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the
monomer delivery device from FIG. 2, showing the rotating collar
having the plurality of half blades and full blades, a collar lock
depending from the convergence of the blades, and a tab groove
formed inside the collar about the circumference of the bottom
end;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a portion of the monomer
delivery device from FIG. 1, showing the collar lock;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a portion of the
monomer delivery device from FIG. 1, showing the funnel;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the funnel from FIG.
10, showing the spout and the step structure;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the funnel
from FIG. 11, showing the stepped structure taken along cross
section A-A in FIG. 11;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the funnel from FIG. 11,
showing a guide located near the spout; and
[0022] FIG. 14 is a side view of the funnel and guide from FIG. 13
showing an extended spout attached to the funnel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention is directed to a monomer delivery
device that is part of a bone cement dispensing system for use in a
surgical operating room environment. The delivery device is
configured to sever an ampule of monomer in a sealed structure and
dispense the monomer into another container used for mixing bone
cement. The monomer delivery device is sealed to prevent toxic
fumes from escaping which could possibly endanger the operator. The
following description is but one embodiment of the monomer
dispensing device, and will be described with reference to FIGS.
1-14. While the described embodiment is considered by the inventor
to be the best mode of carrying out the invention, it should be
understood that the claims presented below are not limited to the
particular details of the described embodiment. Numerous variations
may be readily apparent to those of skill in the art which would
provide for construction of a monomer delivery device which
incorporate the principles of the present invention as claimed.
[0024] A monomer delivery device comprising a body 2 having an
ampule chamber 3 sized to hold an ampule 4 of monomer for deposit
to a quantity of bone cement, is shown in FIG. 1. It is understood
that body 2 may comprise one ampule chamber 3 or a plurality of
ampule chambers 3. End cap 5 attaches to body 2 after ampule 4 and
a post 6 have been inserted into ampule chamber 3. Post 6 comprises
a plug portion 25 and a top portion 40 (see FIG. 4) and is
configured to abut ampule 4 so that ampule 4 is securely contained
inside ampule chamber 3. It will be appreciated that the number of
posts 6 that can be fitted into body 2 may correspond with the
number of ampule chambers 3. It will also be appreciated that
closures other than illustrated posts 6 may be used to securely
hold ampule 4 in chamber 3.
[0025] One illustrated embodiment of ampule 4 may have a neck 7 on
one end having an ampule cap 8 attached thereto. Monomer liquid is
encapsulated inside ampule 4. Ampule 4 is placed inside ampule
chamber 3 from load end 9 such that ampule cap 8 extends through an
aperture 10 on cap end 11 of body 2. A collar 12 is rotatably
attached to body 2 by a collar lock 13 to depend from the
longitudinal axis of collar 12, and to extend through a collar lock
aperture 14 also located on cap end 11. Collar 12 is movable about
the longitudinal axis of body 2. A flange 15 is located on cap end
11 having substantially the same diameter as collar 12 and placed
adjacent to collar 12 creating a seal.
[0026] Collar 12 illustratively has a plurality of broad flat
bodies or blades having a length that extends along the
longitudinal axis of collar 12 and are sufficiently rigid to sever
ampule 4. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the blade lengths
alternate from a full depending blade 16 to a half depending blade
17. In this embodiment, half blade 17 depends about half the length
of full blade 16 beginning opposite cap end 11 and extending the
longitudinal axis of collar 12. (See also FIG. 7.) As collar 12
rotates, half blade 17 contacts the tip of cap 8 on ampule 4
causing a shearing force on neck 7 resulting in the shear fracture
of ampule at neck 7. Cap 8 is then completely broken and pushed
away from ampule 4 by full blade 16. This allows monomer to flow
from ampule 4 to collar 12 and eventually out of dispensing device
1. It is understood, however, that collar 12 may comprise any type,
number, or configuration of blades so long as the blades are able
to sever ampule 4. For example, collar 12 may comprise of one large
blade, or a plurality of depending full blades.
[0027] Illustratively located between collar 12 and funnel 18 is a
screen 19 to trap broken particles from ampule 4 in collar 12. The
liquid monomer passes through screen 19 into funnel 18. At the end
of funnel 18 opposite screen 19 is a spout 20. Liquid travels from
funnel 18 out through spout 20 into a mixing device (not shown) to
be combined with the bone cement. The monomer can either be
deposited and combined with the bone cement directly from spout 20,
or, in one illustrative embodiment, the monomer can be deposited
into a sealable valve 21 that attaches to spout 20. Valve 21
includes a valve closure 22 that allows the monomer to flow out of
a valve hole 23 at the discretion of the operator when closure 22
is disengaged, and prevents the monomer from flowing out of valve
hole 23 when closure 22 is engaged.
[0028] An exploded perspective view of monomer dispensing device 1
is shown in FIG. 2. When device 1 is assembled, o-rings are placed
between major components to keep the monomer and the monomer vapor
encapsulated inside device 1 and only released through valve hole
23. A medium o-ring 24 is circumferentially fitted around plug 25
(see FIG. 4) of post 6 behind abutting inner wall 26 (see FIGS. 1,
4 and 6) of ampule chamber 3. As post 6 is inserted into ampule
chamber 3, medium o-ring 24 creates a seal between post 6 and inner
wall 26 preventing any vapors from escaping at that joint (see FIG.
1). Because ampules 4 can be of varied lengths, post 6 can travel
linearly along inner chamber 3 to securely hold ampule 4.
[0029] A small o-ring 27 may be placed between collar latch 13 (see
FIG. 1) and collar latch aperture 14. Small o-ring 27 may be
circumferentially fitted around collar latch 13 and seated in an
o-ring groove 28, which itself is circumferentially formed on latch
aperture 14. This creates a seal between collar latch 13 and collar
latch aperture 14.
[0030] A large o-ring 29 may be placed between collar 12 and body
2. Large o-ring 29 may be fitted circumferentially around body 2 in
a groove 30 near flange 31. When collar 12 is attached to body 2,
both small o-ring 27 and large o-ring 29 seal any gaps between
collar 12 and body 2 so no monomer vapors or liquid can escape.
[0031] A tab 32 is illustratively shown in FIG. 2, extending from
flange 31 on cap end 11 of body 2. Tab 32 cooperates with a tab
groove 33 (see FIG. 8) in collar 12 to limit collar 12 to a
predefined, range of movement about a portion of the collar's
circumference. As shown in FIG. 8, tab groove 33 is formed within a
portion of the circumference of bottom end 42. Tab groove 33 is
approximately one quarter the circumference of collar 12. When
collar 12 is pivotally attached to body 2, tab 32 extends from
flange 31, and is fitted into tab groove 33. This restricted
movement allows only a limited number of blades to sever a
particular ampule cap 8 and once tab 32 abuts the end of groove 33,
the blades are positioned such that they are not inadvertently
covering the severed ampule restricting the flow of monomer. It is
understood, however, that collar 12 and the blades 16 and 17 may be
configured to sever ampule 4 in a variety of ways; for example, the
collar may rotate in a completely, 360 degree circumference about
the longitudinal axis, or, the collar may be moved axially inward
along the longitudinal axis.
[0032] A luer lock 34,(also shown in FIG. 2), is configured to
attach to valve 21 and then mate with a luer on a mixing apparatus
(not shown). Luer lock 34 provides a seal between the monomer
dispensing device 1 and the mixing apparatus preventing toxic
vapors from escaping into the atmosphere at this connection.
Monomer dispensing device 1, therefore, creates a closed system
whereby the monomer can safely be added to the bone cement.
[0033] Monomer dispensing device 1 can be made from a variety of
materials. Components from device 1 can be made from most types of
plastic, glass, metal, or combinations thereof. One preferred
embodiment of device 1 is that it be disposable. Plastic materials
like polypropylene or polyethylene are preferable so that after
device 1 has deposited the monomer it can be discarded. Because no
components of device 1 are disassembled, no residual monomer or
vapors will escape. It may be preferable, however, to use a plastic
material that will not degrade if it comes into contact with a
ketone. Plastics like polycarbonate will work, even though it will
eventually degrade when in contact with the monomer, as long as the
monomer is dispensed and the device 1 is discarded immediately
after severing the ampule 4.
[0034] A perspective view of illustrative end cap 5 is shown in
FIG. 3. End cap 5 comprises a post aperture 35. Monomer delivery
device 1 can comprise a plurality of ampule chambers 3 (see FIG.
6). End cap 5 will, therefore, be configured with the same number
of post apertures 35 as number of aperture chambers 3 provided in
body 2 with the shape and size of end cap 5 to conform accordingly.
In one illustrative embodiment, post aperture 35 is a cylindrical
structure extending from base 36. On the end of post aperture 35
opposite from base 36, a post stop 37 is circumferentially formed
around the inner circumference of post aperture 35. Post stop 37
limits the size of the encapsulated portion of ampule chamber 3 by
limiting range of movement of post 6. Post stop 37 also prevents
post 6 from being pushed out of ampule chamber 3 thereby breaking
the seal between post 6 and inner wall 26 (see FIG. 1). In
addition, an object can extended through end cap 5 and post
aperture 35 to push against post 6 thereby securing ampule 4 as
previously discussed.
[0035] End cap 5 also comprises an edging 38 extending from base 36
and surrounding post aperture 35 contouring the outer perimeter of
load end 9 of body 2. (See FIG. 3.) Opposite base 36, on edging 38
is a rim 39. Rim 39 attaches to load end 9 after ampule 4 and posts
6 have been inserted into ampule chambers 3. In one embodiment end
cap 5 attaches to load end 9 of body 2 by press fitting rim 39 into
body 2. In an alternative embodiment, rim 39 can attach to body 2,
after ampules 4 have been inserted into ampule chamber 3, using an
adhesive, ultrasonic welding or snap-fit.
[0036] A front perspective view of body 2 is shown in FIG. 5. Cap
end 11 comprises a plurality of apertures 10 disposed therethrough.
Each one of a plurality of apertures 10 are axially aligned along
the longitudinal axis of each of a plurality of ampule chambers 3,
and in tandem arrangement with same. Each aperture 10 is sized to
receive extending ampule cap 8 but prevent ampule 4 itself from
extending therethrough. As also shown in FIG. 7, one preferred
embodiment comprises collar aperture 14 disposed through generally
the center of cap end 11.
[0037] A rear perspective view of body 2 is shown in FIG. 6, having
a plurality of ampule chambers 3 accessible at load end 9. Ampules
4 are loaded from load end 9 and positioned through chamber 3 until
ampule cap 8 is extended through aperture 10 as previously
discussed. After ampule 4 is loaded into ampule chamber 3, post 6
with medium o-ring 24 attached, is placed inside ampule chamber 3
to seal load end 9. Finally, end cap 5 is attached to load end 9 of
body 2 in a manner previously discussed. (See FIG. 1).
[0038] A side elevation view of collar lock 13 is shown in FIG. 9.
Collar lock 13 comprises a plurality of depending prongs 43, with
protruding tongues 44 extending from the end thereof. Small o-ring
27 is placed around the plurality of prongs 43 (see FIG. 1). Collar
lock 13 then extends through collar lock aperture 14 on body 2 (see
FIGS. 1 and 2). Together, prongs 43 create substantially the same
diameter as collar aperture 14. However, prongs 43 are sufficiently
bendable, yet sufficiently elastic at the same time, and have
tongues 44 so configured that collar lock 13 can compress to fit
through collar lock aperture 14 and return to its original shape.
Tongues 44 then extend past the thickness of collar aperture 14
thereby rotatably securing collar 12 to body 2. It is understood
that collar lock 13 can be configured in any manner that rotatably
attaches collar 12 to body 2. For example, rather than using three
small bendable prongs, two larger bendable prongs might be used, or
simply one compressible prong or equivalent structure. Or a still
further example, collar 12 may movably snap fit about cap end 11 of
body 2 (not shown). With large o-ring 29 fitted into groove 30, and
small o-ring 27 fitted into groove 28, a seal is created between
collar 12 and body 2 as previously discussed. (See FIG. 2.)
[0039] A front perspective view of funnel 18 is shown in FIG. 10.
Funnel 18 has a conically shaped body concluding at spout 20. The
conical shape of funnel 18 at spout 20, in this embodiment, is
steeper than at the outer edge of funnel 18. It is understood that
funnel 18 can have any conical shape, or even none at all, or have
a variable conical shape as it concludes to spout 20. In addition,
another embodiment of the present invention can have a spout 20
located anywhere on funnel 18. Also, as illustratively shown in
FIG. 11, a step structure 45 that attaches funnel 18 to collar 12.
Around the circumference of top surface 41 of collar 12 is a ridge
46 as shown in FIG. 7. Ridge 46 corresponds to stepped structure 45
creating a seal between collar 12 and funnel 18 when ultrasonic
welded together. It is understood that collar 12 and funnel 18 can
be attached by various other means including adhesive, press fit or
snap-lock.
[0040] A cross sectional view of funnel 18 along line A-A in FIG.
11, is shown in FIG. 12, illustrating the detail of step structure
45. Step structure 45 comprises a narrowly portioned ledge 47 along
the outer perimeter of funnel 18. Step 48 forms a thicker portioned
tongue 49 with another step 47 forming a narrowly portioned screen
ledge 50. When funnel 18 is attached to collar 12, ledge 47 is
placed on ridge 46 from collar 12 as previously discussed. Tongue
19 is fitted into tongue groove 51 in collar 12, with screen 19
placed between surface end 41 of collar 12 and screen ridge 50. It
is understood that screen 19 is not limited to a particular
material or to the traditional weave netting configuration. Screen
19 merely prevents any material from traveling past collar 12. For
example, screen 19 can be a porous material filter, or a randomly
directional strand mesh.
[0041] Funnel 18 is shown in FIG. 13 having guide 52 located near
the spout 20. Guide 52 is used for certain types of cement mixing
devices (not shown). An extended spout is shown in a side view of
funnel 18 and guide 52 in FIG. 14. Extended spout 53, used in
cooperation with guide 52 is specifically suited for dispensing
monomer in longitudinal-type cement mixers (not shown). In another
embodiment (not shown), extended spout 53 may be fitted to valve 21
thereby extending the valve so it may fit either into a differently
configured bone cement mixing bowl, into luer lock 34 that mates
with the bone cement mixing bowl.
[0042] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the present invention and various
changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *