U.S. patent application number 11/681381 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for remote communication exercise training.
Invention is credited to Eric Fleishman.
Application Number | 20070219058 11/681381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327433 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070219058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fleishman; Eric |
September 20, 2007 |
REMOTE COMMUNICATION EXERCISE TRAINING
Abstract
A system and method includes conducting an exercise program by
an exercise facilitator and transmitting part or all of the
exercise program overall a communication link to a remote attendee.
The exercise program may be live and may include interactive
communication with the remote attendee such that the facilitator
may observe and instruct the remote attendee during the exercise
session.
Inventors: |
Fleishman; Eric; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAHN LOESER & PARKS, LLP
One GOJO Plaza
Suite 300
AKRON
OH
44311-1076
US
|
Family ID: |
46327433 |
Appl. No.: |
11/681381 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11553271 |
Oct 26, 2006 |
|
|
|
11681381 |
Mar 2, 2007 |
|
|
|
60731197 |
Oct 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/902 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 19/0038
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 ;
482/902 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A method of facilitating an exercise program, comprising the
steps of: recording an exercise program lead by an exercise
facilitator; segmenting the recorded exercise program into multiple
program segments; randomizing the multiple program segments; and,
communicating at least a portion of the randomized program
segments.
2. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step
of: providing a communication link for use in communicating at
least a portion of the exercise program to a remote location.
3. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein the communication link
is a wide area network.
4. The method as defined in claim 3, wherein the communication link
is the Internet.
5. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein the communication link
utilizes one or more telephone lines.
6. The method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step
of: receiving tender for communicating at least a first portion of
the exercise program to a remote location.
7. The method as defined in claim 6, further comprising the step
of: selectively activating the communication link responsive to the
tender received.
8. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the exercise
facilitator is a trained exercise instructor.
9. A method of transmitting an exercise program, comprising the
steps of: providing an exercise program comprising a discrete
number of exercise program segments; providing a logic processor
capable of storing and randomizing the discrete number of exercise
program segments; transmitting a first sequence of the exercise
program segments; randomizing the exercise program segments; and,
transmitting a second sequence of the exercise program
segments.
10. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein the logic processor
is capable of sequencing through an algorithm for randomizing
exercise program segments; and wherein the step of: randomizing the
exercise program segments, comprises the step of: arithmetically
randomizing the exercise program segments.
11. The method as defined in claim 9, further comprising the step
of: providing associated personal data about an attendee; and
wherein the step of: randomizing the exercise program segments,
comprises the step of: randomizing the exercise program segments
responsive to the associated personal data.
12. The method as defined in claim 9, further comprising the step
of: providing a communication link for transmitting one or more
sequences of exercise program segments; and, selectively activating
the communication link responsive to tender received by a remote
attendee.
13. The method as defined in claim 12, wherein the communication
link is the Internet.
14. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein the exercise program
segments comprise an audio portion and a video portion.
15. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein the exercise program
segments comprise an audio portion.
Description
[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part patent application claiming
priority to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 11/553,271
filed on Oct. 25, 2006, which claims priority to U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/731,197 filed on Oct. 28, 2005, both
of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to systems and methods for the
fitness training, and more specifically to exercise training
conducted via remote communication.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Studies on human health and fitness over the past several
decades have continually shown the benefits of regular bodily
exercise. Exercising even as little as three times a week for 30
minutes has shown significant benefit to the human body, especially
as people age. However, without a regimented exercise schedule in
place, it is difficult to maintain any form of consistency in
exercising.
[0004] As people's schedules become more and more crowded with work
and family related activities, it is ever more difficult to include
exercise on a regular basis. Some people have sought to combine
recreation and exercise through various sports related activities.
However, sports are typically seasonal and leisure often replaces
activity as the seasons change.
[0005] Fitness centers offer an excellent opportunity for people to
break out of a sedentary lifestyle. These centers can accommodate a
wide range of exercising activities including swimming, jogging,
basketball, weight lifting, and racquetball. Trainers are
frequently on hand to personalize a fitness program allowing people
to focus on particular areas or systems of the body, such as
cardiovascular, muscle tone, or to whatever their particular needs
may be. However, living to far from the fitness center can be a
deterrent from going there routinely. Having children can also be a
factor in visiting the fitness center especially if the fitness
center does not provide childcare. There are also significant costs
associated with fitness center memberships, including annual dues,
and class and training fees.
[0006] Some programs have been developed that include remote
exercise consultation with a fitness trainer. These programs
encourage personal exercise, for example at home, where certain
physiological data may be gathered and communicated to the fitness
trainer via fax, telephone and/or the Internet. However, a regular
exercise regimen is still dependent upon the individual and there
may be little encouragement to initiate the exercise routine when
someone is all alone. Other forms of remote fitness consultation
are available albeit through the exercise equipment itself. In
these instances, the exercise equipment may include various
monitors or sensors that measure heart rate, blood pressure and
even breathing rate. Information can be communicated back to a
remote fitness consultant who analyzes the data and responds with
the appropriate feedback. For example, a remote fitness consultant
may suggest a different number of repetitions or exercise equipment
setting. Still, there is no one there to personally coach an
individual through his or her program. Additionally, high tech
equipment can be cost prohibitive for some people.
[0007] What is needed is a personal approach to exercise that
allows people to interact with other participants in an exercise
program while the exercise is actually taking place. Such a program
should provide trainer feedback and encouragement during the
exercise routine. It would be highly advantageous to incorporate
these benefits while allowing a person to exercise at home (in
private) or at a remote location. The embodiments of the subject
invention obviate the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention a method of
facilitating an exercise program includes providing an exercise
facilitator leading or conducting an exercise program for at least
a first remote attendee, where the remote attendee may be at a
location apart from the location of the exercise facilitator. The
method further includes providing a communication link, which may
be telephone or computer network communication link, for use in
communicating at least a portion of the exercise program to the
remote attendee and communicating all or part of the exercise
program over the communication link.
[0009] One aspect of an embodiment of the present includes
receiving tender, which may be currency or credit or any other form
of payment, prior to activating or establishing the communication
link. The tender may be received by the remote attendee or a third
party.
[0010] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention
includes transmitting an exercise program live from a host location
to the remote location of the remote attendee.
[0011] In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention, one or more exercise programs may be recorded and stored
for transmission at a later time. The recorded exercise programs
may be archived and displayed for playback as desired by the remote
attendee.
[0012] Still another aspect of an embodiment of the subject
invention includes a method of providing one or more interactive
communication links for use in selectively remotely communicating
at least an audio portion of the exercise program.
[0013] Yet another aspect of an embodiment of the subject invention
includes a method of providing one or more communication links for
use in selectively remotely communicating at least an audio and a
video portion of the exercise program.
[0014] Even another aspect of an embodiment of the subject
invention includes a method of providing one or more telephone
communication links for use in selectively remotely communicating
at least an audio portion of the exercise program.
[0015] Another aspect of an embodiment of the subject invention
includes a method of providing one or more communication links for
use in selectively remotely communicating at least an audio and a
video portion of the exercise program to a predetermined remote
location, and further including a step of establishing an
interactive audio and video communication link from the
predetermined remote location to the exercise facilitator.
[0016] Yet another aspect of an embodiment of the subject invention
includes a method of communicating a portion of the live exercise
program to a predetermined remote location responsive to the tender
received, the associated live exercise program having an exercise
facilitator, and, further including a step of sending interactive
communication from the remote location back to the exercise
facilitator.
[0017] Still another aspect of an embodiment of the subject
invention includes a method of providing a host computer processing
system operatively connected to a wide area network, which may be
the Internet, providing a selectively activated communication link
through the wide area network, providing at least a first exercise
session being lead by a facilitator, receiving tender for
activating the transmission of the at least a first exercise
session, and, activating the communication link thereby
transmitting at least an audio portion of the at least a first
exercise session responsive to receiving tender.
[0018] Even another aspect of an embodiment of the subject
invention includes a method of displaying a schedule of
transmitting at least a first exercise session that can be accessed
through the wide area network.
[0019] Again another aspect of an embodiment of the subject
invention includes a method of receiving payment via credit card
over a secure wide area network link for activating the
transmission of the at least a first exercise session.
[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention a method of
facilitating an exercise program includes the steps of recording an
exercise program lead by an exercise facilitator, segmenting the
recorded exercise program into multiple program segments,
randomizing one or more of the program segments and communicating
the one or more randomized program segments. The program segments
may be communication to a remote location.
[0021] One aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention
includes a logic processor that is capable of storing and
randomizing a discrete number of exercise program segments.
[0022] Another aspect of the embodiments of the subject invention
includes transmitting a first sequence of the exercise program
segments, randomizing the exercise program segments, and
transmitting a second sequence of the exercise program segments,
which may be slightly different or significantly different from the
first sequence of exercise program segments.
[0023] Yet another aspect of the embodiments of the subject
invention includes arithmetically randomizing the first sequence of
the exercise program segments where arithmetic randomization of the
exercise program segments may incorporate the use of a random
number generator in any manner known in the art.
[0024] Even another aspect of the embodiments of the subject
invention includes randomizing the first sequence of the exercise
program segments responsive to associated personal data about an
attendee, which may be a remote attendee.
[0025] These and other advantages and novel features of the present
invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof,
will be more fully understood from the following description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise class being
facilitated by an instructor in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a communication link
between two locations; a host location and a remote location;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the method of purchasing the
transmission of a host exercise session;
[0029] FIG. 4 is schematic representation of communicating a
portion of exercise session via a Wide Area Network (WAN) to a
remote location.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the method of facilitating an
exercise program.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the basic positions for an
exercise program.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not
for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 depicts an exercise
facilitator 1 leading an exercise class, having one or more persons
attending an exercise program or class, shown generally at 3. The
exercise class 3, also termed an exercise sessions 3, and more
specifically attendees 5 may engage in an exercise program, which
may comprise aerobics, weight training, tai chi or the like. In
fact, it is to be construed that any form and/or type of fitness
program may be included in the embodiments of the subject
invention. The length of the exercise session may have a limited
duration, such as for example 1 hour. However, it will be
appreciated that any length of time may be chosen for conducting an
exercise session especially as it relates to a specific type of
fitness program. The exercise facilitator 1 may stand at the front
of the class and lead the class through various routines as
established by the type of fitness program being presented. In one
embodiment, the exercise facilitator 1 may observe the class
attendees 5 and provide instructive feedback to them in various
manners. For example, the facilitator 1 may coach the attendees 5
through a warm up portion of the exercise sessions showing the
attendees what to do and not to do in accordance with sound fitness
principles. In another example, the facilitator 1 may observe
improper exercise activities during the class and coach the group
or a specific attendee 5 on the proper technique while the session
is being conducted. Additionally, the facilitator 1 may interject
enthusiasm into the class by encouraging the attendees 5 to endure
through the end of a particularly difficult portion of the routine.
Still, any manner of coaching and communicating with the class 3
may be chosen in accordance with sound fitness principles.
[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the attendees 5 may also
feed back information to the facilitator 1. Questions may be posed
to the facilitator 1 during the exercise session, during a break
between sessions or after the session has ended. In this manner,
the class or program may include interactive exercise training or
coaching. The facilitator 1 may personally advise an individual
attendee 5 with instructions based upon that attendee's 5
performance while the exercise program is proceeding. This allows
the facilitator 1 to coach the attendee 5 in the proper techniques
of the specific fitness program. It is noted that attendee 5
feedback may also encourage others participating in the exercise
program at that time.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a communication link 7 may
be established between the place where the exercise session is
taking place and a remote location 8. In one embodiment, the
communication link may be a telephone communication link 7'. This
communication link may be implemented using standard telephone
lines and equipment 19. Alternatively, the communication link 7 may
be an audio and video communication link 7'', which may be
transmitted over standard telephone lines or the Internet 9 by way
of a video camera 22 and any number of various computer systems 10.
The audio and video communication links 7 may include portable
devices such as headsets 12, stationary cameras, small remotely
operated cameras, overhead microphones, and the like. However, any
type and quantity of communication equipment may be utilized. In
this way, the exercise program can be transmitted to a remote
location 8 for use in assisting one or more individuals at the
remote location 8 to exercise along with the attendees 5 of the
host exercise session as will be discussed further in a subsequent
paragraph.
[0035] In one embodiment, the exercise session may be a live
exercise program or session. That is to say that the communication
link 7 transmitting audio and/or video signals of the exercise
session may be transmitting as the exercise session is actually
happening. In an alternate embodiment, the exercise session may be
taped or prerecorded for communication to a remote location 8 at
another time or at a time delay with respect to the live session.
In this manner, additional equipment may be required to record,
delay, store and/or transmit the sessions. As such, any type of
recording device, and accompanying control system, may be used,
including but not limited to digital recording and transmitting
equipment. In one instance, one or more exercise sessions may be
recorded and archived on a digital computing device, like a
computer server 15. Accordingly, subscribers to a program that
digitizes and stores portions of the exercise session may access
any of the exercise sessions at their convenience. Access may be
facilitated by a wide area network 14, local area network,
telephone network, the Internet or any other form of
communication.
[0036] An exercise program 3 may include a variety of activities or
exercise movements focusing on different parts of the body. The
activities may be designed to tone specific muscle groups
respectively. A typical exercise session 3, for example, may
include a series of repetitions focusing on muscles in the abdomen.
Accordingly, another activity may focus on the muscles in the thigh
or gluteus maximus. Each of the activities, as recorded, may be
broken down into one or more discrete, congruent segments. It is
noted that the activities may be broken down in any manner and in
any number of segments as chosen with sound judgment. The segments
may be then stored as individual program segments and randomized
for transmission in a manner consistent with the embodiments
described herein. In an exemplary manner, the exercise program
segments may be digitally recorded and stored on a fixed medium
like a hard drive, static memory or any other means of digitally
storing information. The stored segments may then be indexed and
played back in a manner controlled either manually or automatically
as facilitated by a computer, logic processor or other control
system. An algorithm may be programmed to arithmetically randomize
the segments. To arithmetically randomize the segments a random
number generator may be incorporated for scrambling the order of
the segments thereby simulating randomization. In one embodiment,
the computer or control system may analyze data about the attendees
and randomize playback of the recorded segments accordingly. Such
analysis may take into account data regarding the number of times
in a given time period that a particular attendee accesses an
exercise session. The analysis may also take into account personal
data about an individual such as weight and/or age. Still, any
manner of analyzing an attendee and any manner of randomizing the
exercise program segments may be chosen with sound judgment as is
appropriate for use with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] In this manner, when a remote attendee accesses an exercise
session, as will be discussed further below, playback of the
exercise session as compared to the previous and/or the following
session may be different. The differences may pertain to the order
in which a group of segments are played back. Additionally,
segments, which may be new segments, may be added or deleted from
one session to the next. It is noted here that these exercise
sessions will not include attendee feedback of any kind. Therefore
playback or transmission of the recorded exercise session will
therefore comprise one-way communication from the exercise
facilitator to the attendees.
[0038] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and now to FIG. 3,
a subscriber program may be implemented whereby an individual may
participate in an exercise program from a remote location 8. The
individual, also referred to as a remote attendee 11, may purchase
access to one or more exercise sessions and participate in the
sessions via a communication link 7 as described above. In one
embodiment, access to the sessions may be purchased by the
individual participating in a particular class. However, it is
contemplated in an alternate embodiment that a third party may
purchase the exercise sessions for the remote attendee 11.
Additionally, access to an exercise session, in part or in whole,
may be donated for example as a gift or prize, or for advertising
purposes. Still any manner of purchasing session time by any
individual or entity may be chosen as is appropriate for use with
the embodiments of the present invention. Purchasing access to a
session may comprise establishing a connection of the communication
link with the remote location 8 where the subscriber or remote
attendee 11 is planning to exercise. As an example, the remote
attendee 11 may be at his or her home. Purchasing an exercise
session may include connecting the communication link 7 to receive
live audio feed from the actual session taking place at that time
at the host location 17. In this manner, the remote attendee 11 may
have an area arranged in his or her home where the remote attendee
11 can perform the same and/or similar exercise routines as those
enacted at the host location 17. A standard telephone 19 may be set
up with a speaker 13 so that audio received from the live session
will not interfere with the movements of the remote attendee 11
during exercise. Alternatively, a lightweight headset may be
securely attached to the remote attendee's 11 ear for listening to
the live session. This also does not inhibit the movement of the
remote attendee 11 during exercise. Of course, it will be realized
by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the headset and/or
speaker may include a microphone for two-communication as will be
discussed further in a subsequent paragraph. It is also
contemplated in another embodiment, that audio and video
communication may be transmitted to the remote location 8. In this
instance, a video screen, such as a television or computer monitor
10 may be set up in conjunction with an audio speaker system to
communicate the live session to the remote attendee 11. This may be
especially helpful for individuals new to a specific exercise
routine. In this way, the remote attendee 11 may observe any new
movements that he or she is not yet familiar with by watching the
other people 5.
[0039] With reference to all of the FIGURES, the remote attendee 11
may benefit from interaction with the class 3 and more specifically
with the exercise facilitator 1. As mentioned earlier, a
communication link, either audio and/or video, may be established.
Such a connection may be established when a session has been
purchased. Connection of the communication link may further include
an interactive communication link whereby the remote attendee 11
can talk back through the communication link to the exercise
facilitator 1 as needed or desired. This may assist the exercise
facilitator 1 in knowing how the remote attendees 11 are
performing. It may also help facilitate remote coaching of the
remote attendees 11 during the session. In this way, a remote
attendee 11 may feel more directly a part of the class despite his
or her physical absence and may be more apt to continue
participating in an exercise regimen as a result. Similarly, an
interactive video communication link may even further assist the
facilitator 1 in coaching the remote attendee 11 by allowing the
facilitator 1 to see what the remote attendee 11 is doing during
the exercise session. The facilitator 1 may have one or more video
screens, not shown, within sight so as to clearly view the remote
attendees 11 movements. This may help the facilitator 1 see how the
remote attendees 11 are performing. In one embodiment, there may be
a plurality of remote attendees 11 from different remote locations
8 that have subscribed to a particular exercise session.
Accordingly, the facilitator 1 may have a communication link 7 to
each of the remote locations 8, whether audio and/or video. In the
case of a video communication link, the facilitator 1 may have a
plurality of video screens all within view at the host location 17.
One screen may be set up for every individual video connection.
Alternatively, a fewer number of video screens may be utilized that
periodically cycle through displaying the different remote
locations 8 as set up by a video display controller. However, any
means of displaying video at the host location 17 or the plurality
of remote locations 8 may be chosen with sound engineering
judgment. Each of the plurality of remote attendees 11 may
subscribe from their own individual location. However, some remote
attendees 11 may group together to exercise in the same remote
location 8. The facilitator 1 may chose to organize the use of a
remote location site for an entire group. Of course, it is
construed that any number of remote locations 8 can be set up as
desired. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that any combination
of control system equipment and communication links between the
host location 17 and the remote locations 8 may be set up without
departing from the intended scope of the embodiments of the
invention described herein.
[0040] In an alternate embodiment, the exercise facilitator 1 may
coach only remote attendees 11 that he or she is facilitating from
the host location 17. That is to say that the facilitator 1 may not
have a class of attendees 5 at the host site during an exercise
session. In this way, the exercise facilitator 1 may coach only
those individuals that have signed up through one of the
communication link channels 7. In a similar manner to the other
embodiments, the remote attendees 11 may connect via audio only or
an audio/video connection. The exercise program may be transmitted
live with the exercise facilitator 1 performing the specific
exercise routine with the remote attendees 11. However, the
facilitator 1 may also function purely as a coach or trainer
reviewing the exercise moves of the remote attendees 11, while the
class is going on or even at a later time, and instructing them
accordingly. In other words, the facilitator 1 may not exercise
with the remote attendees 11 but may only observe them for fitness
training purposes. A two-way video connection may be established
from the host location 17 to the remote location 8. In this case,
the facilitator may be able to demonstrate a particular exercise
move. This allows the facilitator 1 to interact with the remote
attendees 11. However, it should be appreciated that a two-way
video connection is not necessarily required to coach an exercise
session having only remote attendees 11. In any instance, any type
of communication link 7 may be established for allowing the
facilitator 1 to coach and interact with the remote attendees
11.
[0041] It is also contemplated that the facilitator 1 may comprise
more than one fitness trainer looking on or coaching a particular
session. That is to say that the facilitator 1 may utilize
assistants to aid in coaching an exercise session, especially if
the group is particularly large. The assistants may be experienced
and/or trained fitness trainers that observe the exercise movements
of and interact with the remote attendees 11. Accordingly, the
assistants may be any individuals qualified to assist the
facilitator 1 in coaching a plurality of remote attendees 11.
[0042] As previously mentioned, the Internet 9 may be utilized to
transact subscriber sessions. Listings of the various sessions and
the details associated therewith may be displayed via an Internet
connection. A web-site home page, not shown, may provide links to
additional web pages detailing the terms of the subscription.
Session times may also be displayed with information regarding
class size and the name of the facilitator. Another web page may
provide a secure network access link to purchase a desired session.
Credit card numbers may be securely and safely entered whereby upon
confirmation of proper payment and/or credit, a specific session
may automatically be activated. If the session is purchase for a
future date, the subscriber may be notified via e-mail or other
means as a reminder when the session will be starting. It is also
contemplated in an alternate embodiment, that subscriber sessions
may be advertised and purchased without the use of a computer or
computer network, such as the Internet 9. Session times may be
scheduled in advance wherein the session times may be communicated
via the mail and/or telephone. The subscriber may call a toll free
number or other hot line to purchase an exercise session. Details
may then be communicated via the telephone as to when the next
session will begin. Contact information may be taken at that time
or automatically retrieved from an earlier purchase. In the case of
a pure audio communication link, the number to be called for
transmitting the session, if different from the subscriber's
telephone number, may be secured at that time. Still, any manner of
selling connection time to a remote attendee 11 and gathering data
regarding the transmission of an exercise session may be chosen
with sound engineering judgment.
[0043] With reference now to FIG. 6, the website home page may
include links for downloading other media forms for instructing
attendees 5. In one embodiment, the website may provide video,
still pictures, animations or other forms of depicting certain
exercise movements. By way of example, FIG. 6 depicts various
positions as may be performed in an exercise class 3. This may be
useful for attendees 5 participating in an exercise class 3 for the
first time or when introducing a new exercise routine. Accordingly,
the website may direct attendees 5 to download and review the
figures thus helping to ensure exercising in the proper manner.
[0044] The foregoing description of embodiments of the present
invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many
modification and variations will be apparent to practitioners
skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the invention and its
practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art
to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *