U.S. patent application number 11/479141 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for payment service method and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to First Data Corporation. Invention is credited to Keith W. Diveley, Kurt Hansen.
Application Number | 20070016524 11/479141 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25239447 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070016524 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Diveley; Keith W. ; et
al. |
January 18, 2007 |
Payment service method and system
Abstract
A payment service method and system involve a payment service
provider, a customer/payor and a client/payee. The customer/payor
enrolls in the service and is provided the unique identifier which
enables him or her to conduct all transactions with the payment
service provider. The customer/payor interfaces with the payment
service provider through various forms of communication, and can
facilitate payments to the clients/payees through the payment
service provider while remaining anonymous. Various enhancements
are provided for promoting the services of the clients and the
payment service provider to customer bases obtained from persons
enrolled in the payment service and from persons who are customers
of the clients.
Inventors: |
Diveley; Keith W.;
(Highlands Ranch, CO) ; Hansen; Kurt; (Castle
Rock, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
First Data Corporation
Greenwood Village
CO
|
Family ID: |
25239447 |
Appl. No.: |
11/479141 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09823697 |
Mar 31, 2001 |
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11479141 |
Jun 30, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/04 20130101;
G06Q 20/10 20130101; G07F 7/025 20130101; G06Q 20/12 20130101; G06Q
20/105 20130101; G06Q 30/0234 20130101; G06Q 20/385 20130101; G06Q
20/042 20130101; G06Q 20/28 20130101; G06Q 20/3821 20130101; G06Q
20/401 20130101; G06Q 20/3672 20130101; G06Q 20/383 20130101; G06Q
20/3674 20130101; G06Q 20/108 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101; G06Q
20/0855 20130101; G06Q 20/1085 20130101; G06Q 20/40 20130101; G06Q
20/3433 20130101; G06Q 20/342 20130101; G06Q 30/0615 20130101; G06Q
40/00 20130101; G06Q 20/382 20130101; G06Q 20/367 20130101; G07F
7/02 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101; G06Q 30/0273 20130101; G06Q
20/02 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101; G06Q 20/04 20130101; G06Q
20/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/040 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20060101
G06Q040/00 |
Claims
1-35. (canceled)
36. A payment service method, which comprises the steps of: a) a
payment service provider contracting with a client to provide
payment accounts to customers of the client, wherein a customer of
the client enrolls with the payment service provider and thereafter
pays funds into the payment account and uses the funds to purchase
goods or services from the client; b) the payment service provider
receiving account information for the customers from the client; c)
storing the account information in a database; d) receiving a
request from the customer to make a payment to a client account; e)
receiving identifying information from the customer; f) using the
database to verify status of the client account; g) the payment
service provider receiving a payment from the customer to purchase
goods or services; h) using a computer to establish the payment
account with the payment service provider for the customer, wherein
the computer is capable of communicating with a storage medium; i)
storing the payment account in the storage medium; j) the payment
service provider issuing and assigning a unique identifier to the
customer after enrolling with the payment service provider and for
purposes of making payments, wherein the unique identifier is
configured to provide the customer with access to the payment
account to make further payments from the payment account without
providing the identifying information; k) crediting the payment
account in an amount corresponding to the payment; and l) using a
wire transfer to transfer the funds from the payment account to the
client account upon receipt of the payment.
37. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional step of:
a) maintaining the anonymity of the customer.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the unique identifier is a
single, exclusive identifier and wherein the method includes the
additional step of utilizing the single, exclusive identifier for
the customer and associating the exclusive identifier with the
payment account.
39. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional step of
establishing an additional payment account for the customer and
associating the additional payment account with an additional
client.
40. The method of claim 37, which includes the additional step of
identifying said payment account solely by the unique
identifier.
41. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional step of
said payment service provider reporting to the client activity
associated with customers of said client.
42. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) said payment service provider maintaining an agent network; and
b) said customers communicating with said payment service provider
through said agent network.
43. The method of claim 42, which includes the additional steps of:
a) enrolling the customers with said payment service provider
through said agent network; and b) said payment service provider
paying a fee to an agent in the agent network for each of the
customers enrolled by the agent.
44. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional step of:
(a) formatting a customer database of the client for use by the
payment service provider.
45. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) establishing with said payment service provider an account group
comprising the customers of the client; and b) activating
individual accounts upon enrollment of the customers.
46. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) the client designating products for the payment service; b) the
client designating payment denominations for each of the designated
products; c) establishing payment service provider fees; d)
inputting pricing bands based on the number of the customers of the
client for the products; e) inputting principle ranges for the
products; f) inputting associated fees for the products; and g)
setting a variable fee schedule for the payment service
provider.
47. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) printing a receipt for the customer upon receipt of payment from
the customer; b) printing the unique identifier on the receipt; c)
designating a service availability value on the receipt; and d)
printing on the receipt a commercial message from the client to the
customer.
48. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional step of:
a) printing coupons for use by said customer.
49. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) setting criteria for customer eligibility for said payment
accounts; and b) excluding ineligible customers from a database of
eligible customers for said payment accounts.
50. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional step of:
a) communicating to said customer promotional information from said
client.
51. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional step of:
a) communicating to said customer commercial messages from third
parties, wherein said third parties do not compete with the
client.
52. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) activating a card for said customer; and b) storing the unique
identifier on the card.
53. The method of claim 52, which includes the additional step of:
a) concealing the unique identifier on the card.
54. The method of claim 52, wherein said card comprises one of the
group comprising: a credit card; a debit card; and a prepay
card.
55. The method of claim 36, wherein the customer interfaces with
the payment service provider by one of a method from among the
group consisting of: a) telephone with voice recognition; b)
Internet global computer network; c) mail; d) in person; e) e-mail;
and f) point-of-sale (POS) terminal with card reader.
56. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) the payment service provider tabulating advertising and coupon
impressions for the client; b) the payment service provider
tabulating coupon redemptions for the client; c) the client paying
the payment service provider for impressions; d) the client paying
the payment service provider for redemptions; e) collecting
customer data from coupon redemptions; and f) reporting coupon
redemption customer data to the client.
57. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) setting an interval for a discounted payment service; b)
counting customer payments; and c) discounting a customer payment
upon reaching said interval.
58. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) displaying a new customer screen upon enrollment of a new
customer by said payment service provider; b) capturing enrollment
information concerning said new customer; and c) promoting other
services of one of said payment service provider and said client to
said customer.
59. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) establishing a maximum permissible inactivity period; b) logging
customer transactions and comparing same to said maximum inactivity
period; c) detecting accounts which exceed said maximum allowable
inactivity period; and d) retiring said accounts which exceed the
maximum allowable inactivity period.
60. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) tracking customer transaction recurrences; b) monitoring
customer retention; c) metering future marketing and rebate
programs for the client based on transaction recurrences and
customer retention; and d) the payment service provider providing
customer transaction records to the client.
61. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) setting a required number of transactions for rebate with the
client; b) counting said transactions with the client; and c)
rebating the cost of customer cards to the client upon reaching the
number of transactions required for rebate eligibility.
62. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) the client identifying products to the payment service provider;
b) displaying the products to the customer; c) the customer
selecting one or more of the products to pay on; d) the customer
selecting one or more amounts to pay on the selected products; and
e) making said selected payments on said selected products.
63. The method of claim 36, which includes the additional steps of:
a) providing client-specific advertising; b) the payment service
provider enrolling customers for the client; and c) the customer
and the payment service provider selecting features and pricing
offered by the client.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to financial
transaction systems and methodologies, and in particular to a
method and system for making payments based on a customer
identification.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A wide variety of payment methods are available to consumers
of goods and services. In addition to currency, consumers are often
able to use their credit in making purchases. A common system for
making credit purchases involves the use of a credit card provided
by a credit card issuer, such as a commercial bank or other
financial institution. Non-credit transactions can be handled by
debit cards, which utilize funds already deposited by the consumer
for payment purposes.
[0005] Many types of payment methodologies are dependent upon
customers having relationships with financial institutions such as
banks, credit unions, etc. However, a substantial percentage of
consumers do not use such conventional financial institutions.
These consumers are often referred to as "unbanked" because they do
not maintain accounts with such institution's. Unbanked consumers
are often inconvenienced in making financial transactions. For
example, without bank accounts, they experience difficulty and
inconvenience in obtaining negotiable instruments, making purchases
on credit, etc.
[0006] Recently there have been a number of new products which
provide at least partial solutions to the problems of the unbanked
and other consumers. For example, "prepay" cards allow consumers to
pre-purchase various goods and services. An important example
relates to the use of telecommunications services, which are
available through prepaid "calling cards". Many consumers prepay on
a monthly basis for "dial tone" service. Prepaid cards can also be
reloadable whereby additional value can be added by consumers for
using their cards indefinitely.
[0007] Another prior art payment system involves the use of payment
service providers making payments on behalf of consumers over the
Internet global computer network or by negotiable instrument. Such
a payment service is available from Western Union Commercial
Services under its trademark QUICK COLLECT.RTM.. This product
allows consumers to make payments to Western Union agents who then
transfer funds either over the Internet global computer network or
issue negotiable instruments to the payees on behalf of the
customers/payors. The customers submit certain identifying
information each time they use this service.
[0008] The present invention addresses the need for a payment
service method and system which allow customers to gain access to
the service simply by providing an identifier. For example, the
payment service provider can issue the customers cards adapted for
swiping to input their identifiers. A payment service is also
needed which substantially instantaneously credits payments to
accounts as directed by the customer. For example, customers who
purchase prepaid "dial tone" telecommunications services often
intend to use such services immediately.
[0009] There is also a need for a payment service provider to
retain customer information to facilitate making a payment by
simply swiping a card to input the customer's ID and designating a
payment amount. Enrolled customers can thus remain in the system's
database indefinitly for use of the payment service on demand.
[0010] Heretofore there has not been available a payment service
method and system with the advantages and features of the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In the practice of the present invention a payment service
provider contracts with its clients to facilitate payments and
prepayments on account from their customers. The customers enroll
in the service by communicating with the payment service provider
through any one of a number of different interfaces. A unique
identifier is assigned to each customer and can consist of any
suitable character string or similar unique identifier. For
example, customers using the payment service for their telephone
bills can utilize their telephone numbers as their identifiers.
Commercial clients can pre-enroll their entire customer databases
with the payment service provider. The payment service provider
then simply issues the identifiers and processes applications for
enrollment from customers. The payment service provider, or its
agents, receive payments from the customers and process same for
payment to the clients. The invention accommodates a variety of
options and enhancements for customizing and expanding the
service.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The principle objects and advantages of the present
invention include:
[0013] 1. providing a payment method and system;
[0014] 2. providing such a payment method and system which utilize
a payment service provider with an agent network;
[0015] 3. providing such a payment method and system which
facilitate payment to clients from the clients' customers;
[0016] 4. providing such a payment method and system which enables
customers to contact and enroll in same through a variety of
different interfaces;
[0017] 5. providing such a payment method and system which
facilitate promoting the use of the payment system and method;
[0018] 6. providing such a payment method and system which promote
the products of the payment service provider's clients;
[0019] 7. providing such a payment method and system which are
adapted for promoting and cross selling other products of the
payment service provider and its clients;
[0020] 8. providing such a payment method and system which capture
transactional data for use in managing a customer database; and
[0021] 9. providing such a payment method and system which are
efficient in operation and well adapted for the proposed uses
thereof
[0022] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this
invention.
[0023] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and
illustrate various objects and features thereof
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a payment service system
embodying the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a flow chart for payments made in accordance with
the method of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a flow chart for enrolling customers.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for implementing payment
parameters.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for a dynamic client/customer
interface.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for providing advertising and coupons
on receipts for payments.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a flow chart for providing an automatic repeat
customer discount.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a flow chart for cross selling services of the
client.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a flow chart for metering transactions involving
accounts.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a flow chart for providing rebates to
clients.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a flow chart for alternative payment methods.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a flow chart for additional product support.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a flow chart for client-specific enrollment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0038] Referring the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral
2 generally designates a payment system embodying the present
invention. As shown in the block diagram FIG. 1, the system 2
includes a payment service provider 4 for facilitating payment from
a customer/payor 6 to one or more clients/payees 8.
[0039] Each customer/payor has a unique ID 10, which can comprise
any suitable identifier. Conventional identifiers such as name,
social security number, PIN, etc. are acceptable. Moreover, the
system 2 can accommodate "anonymous" customers/payors 6. Such
customers 6 can maintain their anonymity by creating their own ID's
10. The ID 10 can also comprise the customer's telephone number.
Thus, the system 2 can be used for paying for telephone services
using only the customer's telephone number for identification
purposes. The customer in this model does not even have to provide
an address or any other personal information. Similar
identification arrangements could be used with other clients 8,
i.e. accepting payments on accounts with the customers identified
by their respective account numbers. The customer 6 interfaces with
the payment service provider 4 through an interface 12. The
interface 12 can comprise any suitable form or device for
communications, including telephone (which can incorporate voice
recognition (VR)), worldwide web (Internet), mail, in-person, a
point-of-sale (POS) terminal with a card reader, e-mail or any
other suitable interface.
[0040] The payment service provider 4 can include an agent network
14 which can provide point-of-sale (POS) contact points system-wide
for convenient in-person accessibility by the customers 6. The
payment service provider 4 maintains customer accounts 16 which can
correspond to the clients/payees 8. Each client/payee can have
associated therewith a customer database 18 containing pertinent
information regarding the customers 6 and their respective accounts
17. The designation of accounts, subaccounts, master accounts, etc.
can vary from client-to-client. Thus, as used herein the terms
"account", "subaccount" and similar terms can designate either the
entire account base of a particular client 8, or the individual
account of a customer(s) 6.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a payment flow chart depicting a payment method
which commences with the enrollment of a new customer/payor at 22
whereafter an ID 10 is assigned at 24. An account 17 is established
with the payment service provider 4 at 26. Optionally a card 20 can
be issued to the customer 6 at 27. The card 20 can comprise an ID
card, a reloadable/stored value card, a credit card, a debit card,
etc. Any suitable card configuration can be utilized. For example,
preprinted cards with concealed customer ID's 10 can be inventoried
with the agent network 14 for distribution upon enrollment.
However, the system 2 can function without any cards whatsoever
simply by assigning unique customer ID's 10 for purposes of
conducting all payment transactions. A payment is made on the
account at 28. The payment is applied at 30 and the subaccount
records are updated at 32. A decision is made at a decision box 34
if another transaction is to be conducted. If so, the process
returns to the payment application step 30 whereby the customer's
payment can be applied to another account. If not, the process
ends.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a method of enrolling the customer base of a
client 8 including the step of the client creating a customer
database at 38. At 40 the database is formatted, preferably
pursuant to the standards established by the payment service
provider 4 to facilitate automation of the payment process. All of
the customers 6 in the client's customer database can automatically
be enrolled in the payment service at 42. The customers 6 can be
notified of the payment service availability at 44, whereupon the
new customer can contact the payment service provider 4 at 46 and
activate the account at 48. The customer ID 10 is assigned at 50,
the customer makes a payment on a client's account at 52 and the
client's records are updated at 54.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a methodology for establishing payment
parameters. At 58 the client designates the products for payment
service. The system and method can accommodate clients with
multiple products by allowing flexibility in establishing the
payment parameters for each and by accommodating different payment
directions from customers 6 on the various products. The client
designates its payment denominations (e.g. $5, $10, $20, etc.
increments) at 60 and applies the payment denominations to its
products at 62. The payment service plan can optionally be
configured to accept exact payments of any amount without applying
predetermined payment denominations. Payment service provider fees
are established at 64. The fees can reflect the nature of the
clients' accounts. For example, payment bands can be input at 66
wherein various bands are applicable according to the number of
customers. Pricing can also be based on the ranges of principle
payment amounts at 68. The fees associated with the transactions
are input at 70. The payment service provider 4 can set a variable
fee schedule, taking into account factors such as pricing,
principle and fee bands and ranges at 72.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a dynamic client/customer interface methodology
wherein the customer enrolls with the payment service provider at
76, makes a payment at 78 and is issued a receipt at 80. The
customer is assigned an ID at 82. Client messaging to the customer
is communicated at 83 and can include the customer service number.
The value of the available payment service is designated at 84. A
coupon is printed at 85 for eligible customers 6. Customer
eligibility is determined at 86 and ineligible customers are
excluded at 88.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows an optional methodology for utilizing the
customers' receipts for advertising and coupons. A client promotion
is initiated at 94. Alternatively, a promotion can be initiated for
a non-competitor of the client at 96. At 98 the advertising or
coupons are printed on the receipts, which are provided to the
customers at 100. The customers 6 can redeem the coupons at 102. At
104 the advertisement and coupon impressions are tabulated for each
client and the coupon redemptions are tabulated at 106. The client
pays the payment service provider at 108. Based on tabulated
redemptions, the client can also pay the payment service provider
at 110. Customer data is collected from the coupon redemptions at
111. The customer data can be manipulated in various ways and
reported to the client at 112.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a procedure for rewarding repeat customers with
discounts. At 116 the interval for the discounted payment service
is set and a number of repeat transactions N is set at 118 in order
to qualify for a discount. A customer payment count (CPC) is set to
zero at 120. A customer payment is made at 122 and increments the
customer payment count (CPC+1) at 123. At a decision box 124 the
customer payment count is compared to the number of payments
required for discount eligibility (CPC=N?). If negative, the
procedure returns to the customer payment step 122. If affirmative,
an immediate discount can be provided on the current payment charge
to the customer at 126. A congratulatory message to the customer is
printed at 128, for example on the receipt.
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a cross-selling methodology which commences
with the step of a new customer enrollment at 130. A new customer
screen is displayed at 132 for purposes of promoting other services
of the payment service provider at 134. For example, other related
money-transfer services of the payment service provider 4 can be
promoted to the customer 6 at 136. Internet-based services can be
promoted at 138 and direct telephone contact services can be
promoted at 140. The enrollment information can be captured at 142,
and can reflect the services utilized by the customer. Still other
services can be promoted at 144.
[0048] FIG. 9 shows a transaction metering procedure which
commences with the client 8 providing the card configuration at
148. An ID "trap" occurs at 150 whereby a first or other special
transaction is identified for special handling. An account
transaction counter is initiated at 152 and a first transaction is
logged at 154. A last transaction is logged at 156 and a running
log of time elapsed since the last transaction (corresponding to an
inactivity period) is maintained at 158. At decision box 160 a
determination is made if the inactivity period has exceeded the
maximum allowable period. If affirmative, a retire account step
occurs at 162 and the sub-routine ends. If negative, the
sub-routine continues to track transaction recurrences at 164 and
monitors retentions at 166. Future marketing and rebate programs
are metered at 168 and market records are provided to the client at
170 based upon the data received in the above steps. The market
records can be used as an adjunct to the client's customer
database.
[0049] FIG. 10 shows a client rebate routine wherein a number of
transactions required for rebate eligibility is set with the client
at 174 (NTR). New customers are enrolled at 176, cards are printed
at 178 and the clients 8 are charged at 180. The number of
transactions (NT) is initialized to zero at 182, a transaction
occurs at 184 and increments the number of transactions (NT+1) at
186. At decision box 188 a determination is made if NT=NTR? If
affirmative, the cost of the card is rebated to the client at 190.
If negative, the routine returns to the transaction step for the
next increment.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows a methodology for making payments using
various options. The customer initiates a payment at 194 and
provides his or her ID at 196. Various payment options are
displayed, and can include negotiable instruments (e.g. checks,
cashier checks, money orders, etc.), credit cards, debit cards,
etc. A payment method is selected at 200 and is verified at 202 to
ensure that "good" (i.e., collectable) funds are available from the
customer 6 utilizing the selected payment method. The payment is
accepted at 204.
[0051] An additional product support procedure is shown in FIG. 12
and commences with the client 8 identifying multiple products to be
supported at 208. For example, a telecommunications client might
provide various products such as prepaid dialtone, prepaid
cellular, prepaid internet access and insurance. All of these
products can be provided on a single card. A premium fee can be
charged by the payment service provider 4 at 210. Destination codes
can be assigned to the client's various products and a preferred
customer screen created for displaying same at 212, 214
respectively. The client's products can be displayed on the
preferred customer screen at 216 whereby the customer can choose a
product to pay on at 218. At 220 the customer chooses the amount to
pay on the chosen product. At decision box 222 the customer has the
option of choosing another product to pay on. If affirmative, the
preferred customer screen with the multiple products is displayed
again. Otherwise, the sub-routine ends.
[0052] FIG. 13 shows a client-specific enrollment methodology, as
contrasted with a generic enrollment procedure commencing with
client-specific payment service advertising which identifies the
payment service provider 4 and directs potential customers to its
agent network 14. The payment service provider agent enrolls a
customer on behalf of the client at 226. The customer is typically
either a present or prospective customer for the client's goods or
services and has been directed to the payment service provider's
agent network 14 as a way of paying for same. At 228 the customer
and the payment service provider agent select the features and
pricing desired by the customer for the client's products. An
account number can optionally be assigned on behalf of the client
by the payment service provider agent at 230. The payment service
provider is paid by the customer at 232, and in turn pays the agent
at 234.
[0053] It is to be understood that while certain forms of the
present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is
not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of steps
and components described and shown.
* * * * *