U.S. patent application number 12/002961 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for method and system for control of microorganisms in metalworking fluid.
Invention is credited to Gerald JR. Bruno, Pierre Jean Messier, David Ohayon, Jean-Pierre St-Louis, Joe Tanelli.
Application Number | 20080102005 12/002961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34115481 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080102005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Messier; Pierre Jean ; et
al. |
May 1, 2008 |
Method and system for control of microorganisms in metalworking
fluid
Abstract
A method for disinfecting microorganisms in metalworking fluids
without leaving behind unacceptable amount of chemicals in the
treated fluids. The method comprises passing the fluid in a
recirculating cooling system through a filter, which contains a
demand disinfectant, preferably an iodinated resin. The iodinated
resin inhibits the growth of microorganism in the fluid, which is
then cycled back into the system. The present invention also
relates to a filter and system for disinfecting microorganisms in
metalworking fluids.
Inventors: |
Messier; Pierre Jean; (Saint
Sauveur, CA) ; Tanelli; Joe; (Winooski, VT) ;
St-Louis; Jean-Pierre; (Prevost, CA) ; Ohayon;
David; (Ddo, CA) ; Bruno; Gerald JR.; (St
George, VT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOODWIN PROCTER L.L.P;ATTN: PATENT ADMINISTRATOR
599 LEXINGTON AVE.
NEW YORK
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
34115481 |
Appl. No.: |
12/002961 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10903410 |
Jul 30, 2004 |
7320758 |
|
|
12002961 |
Dec 19, 2007 |
|
|
|
60491217 |
Jul 30, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/281 ;
422/261 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10M 173/00 20130101;
A01N 59/12 20130101; C10N 2030/16 20130101; C10M 175/0058 20130101;
C10N 2040/20 20130101; C10M 2201/081 20130101; C10M 173/02
20130101; A01N 59/12 20130101; A01N 25/10 20130101; A01N 59/12
20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/281 ;
422/261 |
International
Class: |
B01D 37/00 20060101
B01D037/00 |
Claims
1. A system for controlling the growth of microorganisms in a
metalworking fluid, said system comprising: (a) means for providing
a flow path for the movement of said metalworking fluid; and (b) a
filter disposed in said flow path for said metalworking fluid to
flow through said filter, said filter comprising a demand
disinfectant, said demand disinfectant being an iodinated resin and
iodine is released almost entirely on a demand-action basis,
wherein said resin inhibits the growth of microorganisms and
virtually no iodine bleeds into the metalworking fluid.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said iodinated resin comprises an
iodinated anion exchange resin.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said iodinated resin comprises an
iodinated strong base anion exchange resin.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said metalworking fluid is
selected from the group consisting of soluble oil, semi-synthetic,
synthetic type of coolants and combinations thereof.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said metalworking fluid is a
semi-synthetic or synthetic type of coolant.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said metalworking fluid is a
recirculating coolant of a recirculating cooling system.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said filter is located in a flow
path of said recirculating coolant.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein said filter is located in a
recirculating path of said recirculating coolant.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein said filter is located in an
alternative flow path of said recirculating coolant, said
alternative flow path is created for placing said filter and
passing said coolant through said filter.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein said fluid recirculates through
said filter.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid passes through said
filter once every 3-30 days.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said fluid passes through said
filter once every 7-14 days.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said filter is rinsed with a
rinse solution after use.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said rinse solution is water,
an alcohol or a mixture thereof.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein said alcohol is a
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 carbon group having at least one alcohol functional
group.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein said rinse solution is
water.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein said alcohol is methanol or
ethanol.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein water or an alcohol is passed
through said filter at the completion of each filtering cycle to
rinse said filter.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said filter is filled with
water or an alcohol between filtering cycles.
20. The system of claim 1, further comprising a prefilter.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein said prefilter comprises string
wound polyethylene with a housing.
22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a screen for trapping
particulates.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein said filter is a Triosyn.RTM.
T50-I filter.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein said means comprises a pump.
25. The system of claim 1, further comprising a needle valve, said
needle valve is used for adjusting supply pressure of said
pump.
26. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
pressure gauges.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein said pressure gauges are set at
about 0-30 psi.
28. The system of claim 1, further comprising a flow control
device.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein said flow control device has an
orifice type of size 63.
30. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pressure regulator,
said pressure regulator is used for adjusting the pump air supply
pressure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a divisional application of application Ser. No.
10/903,410, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/491,217 filed on Jul. 30, 2003, all
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Metalworking fluids, such as lubricants and coolants, are
widely used to provide more efficient metal process operations such
as cutting, turning, drilling, grinding, milling, rolling and the
like. Such fluids function to lubricate and cool the metal and
tools used in the metalworking operations, and to facilitate
removal of chips during turning, grinding, and similar operations.
They can also be used to protect metals and tools against corrosion
and rust formation. Metalworking fluids are important to many
machine operations, because they increase production outputs,
increase tool life, and enhance surface finish of the metal pieces
being processed.
[0003] Metalworking fluids used to date generally fall into four
categories: (1) straight oils, usually light mineral oils or
kerosene; (2) soluble oils, also referred to as water-soluble
emulsions, which contain oil and surfactants for emulsifying the
oil; (3) semi-synthetic types, which contain relatively small
amounts of oil and large percentages of surfactants or detergents
and are typically provided as an oil-in-water emulsion; and (4)
synthetic or chemical types, which contain no oil, but rely on
various chemical compounds to achieve desired properties. The
metalworking fluid formulations in the first three categories
usually require surfactants for reducing surface tension.
[0004] Metalworking fluids are susceptible to the infestation and
growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and yeast.
Frequently, these microorganisms can cause the buildup of slime and
sludge, the clogging of lines and filters, the deterioration of the
properties of the metalworking fluid itself, facilitated corrosion,
and health and odor problems. When affected or deteriorated by the
growth of microorganisms, the metalworking fluid loses many of its
essential properties. The pH of the fluid may drop and other
chemical changes may occur until the fluid can no longer impart
adequate lubricating, cooling or anti-corrosive properties. At this
point, the fluid must be replaced with fresh metalworking fluid,
which is costly.
[0005] It has been a conventional practice to add bactericides to
metalworking fluids to minimize the microbial degradation of such
fluids. For example, formalin or compounds giving off formalin are
well-known antimicrobial agents used in metalworking fluids.
However, since formalin is questionable from health and
environmental aspects, there is every reason to avoid the use of
formalin or compounds giving off formalin. Quaternary ammonium
compounds, alkanolamine compounds and secondary amine compounds are
also known antimicrobial agents. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,925,582, 5,132,046, 5,512,191 and 5,633,222.
[0006] Iodopropargyl compounds, which contain a propargyl group and
iodine, are known to be useful in controlling bacteria and fungi in
metalworking fluids. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,719,227, 4,945,109 and
5,179,127 disclose various iodopropargyl compounds useful as
microbicidal agents for the preservation of metalworking fluids.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,156,665, 5,328,926 and 5,374,631 disclose
synergistic combinations of iodopropargyl compounds and other
compounds for the control of fungal or bacterial growth in
metalworking fluids.
[0007] However, such bactericides as described above may exhibit
good biocidal activities against certain microorganisms but may not
be effective against other types of microorganisms, resulting in
restricted applicability of the bactericides. Moreover, physical
conditions, such as high temperatures, and chemical reactivity with
ingredients present in the metalworking fluids often diminish or
eliminate the effectiveness of the bactericides. For example, many
metalworking fluids contain organic materials which may react with
a specific bactericide and render the bactericide ineffective.
Therefore, the bactericides may decompose or become inactive over
time, so that they usually posses a fairly short useful life and
need to be replenished often or even completely replaced. In
addition, the use of bactericides at high concentrations imposes
adverse effects on the human body, for example, it may cause skin
irritation, dermatitis or other health problems. There may also be
considerable environmental problems associated with disposal of
used metalworking fluids, due in large part to the presence of
these additives and other contaminants. Another disadvantage of
adding bactericides is that additional manpower or devices are
required to maintain a relatively constant concentration of the
bactericide in the metalworking fluid.
[0008] Apparatuses have been developed in the art for the
disinfection of metalworking fluids. U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,138
discloses an apparatus for regenerating metalworking fluids by
controlled addition of a chelating agent to sequester metals
dissolved in the fluids. The apparatus includes monitoring means
for determining the presence of free metal ions in the fluid,
testing means for determining the concentration of free metal ions
if present, and addition means for adding, in a controlled manner,
a chelating agent for sequestering the free metal ions.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,462 discloses a device for treating
process fluids such as metalworking fluids within a closed chamber
with a chemical reactant, preferably a triiodated quaternary amine
anion exchange resin. The device includes a compartment for
containing the chemical reactant and a port for allowing flow of
the process fluid therethrough. The device is characterized by
including recirculation means for alternately drawing at least a
portion of the process fluid into the compartment through the port
to bring the portion of the process fluid into direct contact with
the chemical reactant to treat the fluid, e.g., dissolving and/or
reacting with a portion of the chemical reactant with the portion
of the process fluid. The recirculation means then forces the
portion of the process fluid out of the compartment through the
same port to circulate the dissolved chemical reactant, such as
iodine, through the remaining process fluid within the closed
chamber.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,835 describes a coolant recycling system
comprising a support frame, a first tank for receiving contaminated
coolant, a second tank for receiving a volume of water and coolant
concentrate, and a third tank for treating and cleaning the
contaminated coolant. The third tank is provided with an ozone
applicator which applies a specific volume of ozone to the coolant
during the mixing of the coolant within the third tank which kills
microorganisms.
[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20030098276
describes a filter and method for removing undesirable particulates
and bacteria from metalworking fluids. The method comprises
providing an enclosed channel for fluid flow and passing the fluid
flow through a filter material comprising a metal alloy consisting
primarily of copper and zinc and further comprising metal fiber
wools.
[0012] However, the prior art apparatuses are complex in
construction and operation. Moreover, these apparatuses either
involve addition of chemicals into the metalworking fluids or
inevitably leave behind chemicals in the treated fluids, which may
impose health and environmental problems.
[0013] There remains a need for a system that is easy to operate
and exhibits prolonged biocidal effects in metalworking fluids
without leaving behind unacceptable amount of chemicals in the
treated fluids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
for controlling microorganisms in metalworking fluids without
leaving behind unacceptable amount of chemicals in the treated
fluids.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
filter system capable of counteracting the propagation of
undesirable microorganisms in metalworking fluids without leaving
behind unacceptable amount of chemicals in the treated fluids.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
filter system which exhibits prolonged biocidal activities in
metalworking fluids.
[0017] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
biocidal filter system which is easy to operate for disinfecting
metalworking fluids.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method of controlling the growth of microorganisms in a
metalworking fluid, comprising passing the metalworking fluid
through a filter containing a demand disinfectant, the demand
disinfectant being an iodinated resin.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a system for controlling microorganisms in a metal working fluid,
the system comprising: (a) means for providing a flow path for the
movement of the metalworking fluid; and (b) a filter disposed in
the flow path for the metalworking fluid to flow through the
filter, the filter comprising a demand disinfectant, the demand
disinfectant being an iodinated resin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an inline
configuration of the biocidal filter of the present invention;
and
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a stand alone
configuration of the biocidal filter of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention provides a filter system, which is a
simple and effective means to control microorganisms, such as
bacteria, fungi, yeasts and the like, and slime in industrial
process fluids, in particular, metalworking fluids such as
recirculating cooling water systems that are used in conjunction
with industrial fluid coolants such as straight oils, soluble oils,
semi-synthetic type and synthetic type of coolants. The filter of
the present invention works particularly well on soluble oils,
semi-synthetic type and synthetic type of coolants. The filter of
the present invention is easy to install, operate and replace. The
filter is not affected by pH values, dissolved mineral levels, or
temperatures commonly found in recirculating cooling water systems.
The control of unwanted microorganisms and associated odors is
achieved by passing the fluid in the recirculating cooling water
system through the filter, which contains an iodinated resin. The
iodinated resin inhibits the growth of microorganisms in the fluid,
which is then cycled back into the system.
[0023] It has been found that the use of a biocidal filter
containing an iodinate resin efficiently and conveniently extends
the life of metalworking fluids that heretofore would have been
discarded. The iodinated resin used in the filter is preferably a
demand disinfectant, wherein iodine is released almost entirely on
a demand-action basis. An example of a suitable iodinated resin
usable for a filter of the present invention is described in (1)
U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,452 which issued to Pierre Jean Messier on Jun.
17, 1997 and is entitled "Iodine/Resin Disinfectant And A Procedure
For The Preparation Thereof", incorporated herein by reference; and
(2) patents cited therein as prior art, including U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,817,860, 3,923,665, 4,238,477 and 4,420,590. All of the above
mentioned patents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0024] After a period of operation of the cooling system, for
example, after a few days to a few weeks of operation, the used
coolant is passed through a filter of the present invention. After
filtration, the coolant does not contain detectable bacteria
anymore and may be re-used. An advantage of this approach is that
the biocide is not mixed in with the coolant and therefore does not
render the coolant more toxic. When the iodinated resin of U.S.
Pat. No. 5,639,452 is used, virtually no iodine bleeds into the
coolant and also minimizes the toxicity and corrosiveness of the
coolant.
[0025] The placement of the filter may be between the container
containing the coolant solution that needs to be disinfected and a
clean container that will accommodate the filtered solution. It is
also possible to place a biocidal filter in the existing plumbing
path of the machine's cooling system, or to create an alternative
plumbing path for the circulating cooling system and place a
biocidal filter in the alternative path.
[0026] The duration of the use of the filter will depend on the
size of the cooling system. Preferably, the duration of the use
should allow for the same number of gallons in the holding tank of
the system to pass though the filter during each use. The operation
can be repeated as necessary depending on the severity of
contamination. For example, the filtering is run once every 3 to 30
days, preferably once every 7 to 14 days, i.e. 2-4 times a month.
The filter should be replaced after filtering a certain amount of
fluids. Preferably, for example, the filter should be replaced
after filtering 1500 gallons for systems using synthetic and
soluble oil coolants, 750 gallons for systems using semi-synthetic
coolants, or as needed to provide satisfactory disinfection. A
rinse solution is passed through the filter after use, preferably
at the completion of each filtering cycle to rinse the filter,
leaving the filter filled with the rinse solution between uses. The
rinse solution may be water, an alcohol, C1-C6 carbon groups with
at least one alcohol functional group in particular, such as
methanol and ethanol, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the
rinse solution is water or ethanol.
[0027] The following sections describe exemplary embodiments of the
present invention. It should be apparent to those skilled in the
art that the described embodiments of the present invention
provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been
presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this
description may be replaced by alternative features serving the
same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof
are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present
invention as defined herein and equivalents thereto. Hence, use of
absolute terms, such as, for example, "should", "should not",
"will," "will not," "shall," "shall not," "must," and "must not,"
are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention as the
embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary.
[0028] An embodiment of the present invention with anticipated
commercial potential will be referred to as Triosyn.RTM.T50-I
Filter, which contains about 250 g of T50 iodinated resin beads
made by Triosyn Research Inc., a division of Triosyn Corporation of
Vermont, USA. All rights in Triosyn.RTM. T50-I Filter are expressly
reserved.
[0029] To install the Triosyn.RTM. T50-I Filter, two different
configurations are preferred. In both, the fluid leaves the tank,
passes through the pump, prefilter, Triosyn T50-I Filter, flow
control device, and returns to the tank. The first configuration,
inline, uses the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) machine
pump to circulate fluid through the filter. The filter is installed
as an alternative plumbing path of the central fluid circulation
system. The second configuration, stand alone, uses its own pump,
creating an independent system not connected to the existing
plumbing. Both configurations employ the same flow control device
to ensure the proper rate of flow through the filter, for example,
to ensure that about 6 psi of pressure is supplied to the flow
control device.
[0030] To install the Triosyn T50-I Filter in the inline
configuration, the recirculating cooling water system and pump need
to be turned off prior to installation. Referring to FIG. 1, the
Triosyn T50-I Filter 1 is installed on the pressure side of the
original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) machine pump 2. The
plumbing is cut into and a tee fitting is inserted. Then the
pre-existing line is re-connected. The plumbing is installed to
lead to the screen. A screen 3, preferably a 40 mesh screen, is
installed inline to trap large particulates, and it should be left
accessible as it may be necessary to clear it occasionally. The
system is plumbed according to FIG. 1 while the flow direction
requirement of all components, including a needle valve 4, three
pressure gauges 5 and a prefilter 6, is observed. Connect a return
line to the flow control device 7 and place the open end in the
cooling water tank 8. The needle valve 4 is used for adjusting the
pump supply pressure. The pressure gauges 5 are preferably set at
about 0-30 psi. The flow control device may be, for example, an
orifice type of size 63. The prefilter 6 may be, for example,
string wound polyethylene of 5 micron or better in diameter with a
housing. Assorted plumbing fittings and flexible tubing may be
1/4'' NPT for system plumbing.
[0031] To install the Triosyn T50-I Filter in the stand alone
configuration, all of the components, including a pump 9, a
pressure regulator 10, three pressure gauges 5, a prefilter 6,
Triosyn T50-I Filter 1 and a flow control device 7, are assembled
as shown in FIG. 2, while the flow direction requirement of all
components is observed. The pump should not be connected to a power
source or compressed air during assembly. The components may be
installed on a cart or stand to facilitate use. The pump 9 may be
an air driven diaphragm set at for example, 1/4 gal/min at 50 psi
min. The pressure regulator 10 is used for adjusting the pump air
supply pressure.
[0032] During operation, the inlet and return lines are placed in
the tank 8. The flow of the fluid to the filter in the inline
configuration is commenced by opening the needle valve 4. In the
stand alone configuration, the pump 9 is started to start to the
flow to the filter. The needle valve 4 or pressure regulator 10 is
adjusted to achieve a reading of an appropriate pressure, for
example 6 psi on the flow control device pressure gauges 5, and the
pressure is monitored during the operation. When properly installed
and adjusted, the flow rate of the fluids through the Triosyn T50-I
Filter 1 is about 1 gal/4 min. When finished, the inline needle
valve 4 is closed or the stand alone pump 9 is stopped. For optimal
performance, a large amount of water, for example 5 gallons of
water, should be passed through the filter at the completion of
each filtering cycle to rinse the filter, leaving the filter filled
with water between uses. Other suitable solutions such as an
alcohol, preferably ethanol, may also be used to rinse the
filter.
[0033] For replacement of the Triosyn T50-I Filter 1, it should be
replaced when no flow is running through the system. The Triosyn
T50-I Filter 1 is removed from the system and replaced with a new
T50-I Filter. Then all lines are reattached, and the new filter is
ready for use.
[0034] The prefilter 6 may also require occasional replacement. The
pressure gauges 5 before and after the prefilter 6 may be used as a
guide for its replacement.
[0035] If large metal chips are taken up in the inline system, it
may be necessary to clear the screen 3 occasionally. With the pump
off, the attachments are removed and the screen 3 is cleared and
then replaced.
EXAMPLES OF COOLANT ADDITIVES
1. Semi-Synthetic #1
[0036] Sodium Sulfonate Acts as an emulsifier [0037] Naphtenic Base
Stock (Refined): Oil used for lubrication [0038] 1,2,3-Propanetriol
(Glycerine): It is produced by the hydrolysis of fats, dissolves
easily in the coolant because of its alcohol functional groups. It
is used in the coolant for lubrication. [0039] 1,2-Propanediol
(Glycols): Used in cars as anti-freeze. In the coolant, it may be
used for coating/lubrication of the machines. [0040]
Triethanolamine: Acts as a surfactant (anionic or non-ionic) [0041]
Amine Carboxylate (Monoethanolamine): Used as a corrosion inhibitor
and also as a surfactant. [0042] Amine Triazine: Acts as a biocide
[0043] Sodium Pyrithione: Acts as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
agent [0044] Tetrasodium EDTA Salts: Salt that easily dissolves in
the coolant and that acts as a chelating agent for metals present
in the solution. It may also act as a stabilizing agent. [0045]
Silicone Based Antifoam: Helps reduce foaming of the coolant
2. Semi-Synthetic #2
[0045] [0046] Sodium Sulfonate: Acts as an emulsifier [0047]
Paraffinic Base Stock (Refined): Oil used for lubrication [0048]
Triethanolamine: Acts as a surfactant (anionic or non-ionic) [0049]
Amine Carboxylate (Monoethanolamine): Used as a corrosion inhibitor
and also as a surfactant [0050] Amine Triazine: Acts as a biocide
[0051] Sodium Pyrithione: Acts as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
agent [0052] Tetrasodium EDTA Salts: Salt that easily dissolves in
the coolant and that acts as a chelating agent for metals present
in the solution. It may also act as a stabilizing agent. [0053]
Silicone Based Antifoam: Helps reduce foaming of the coolant
3. Synthetic
[0053] [0054] Triethanolamine: Acts as a surfactant (anionic or
non-ionic) [0055] Isobutanol-2-amine: Acts as a surfactant [0056]
Polyalkylene Glycol: Used in cars as anti-freeze. In the coolant,
it may be used for coating/lubrication of the machines. [0057]
Polyoxyl methyl-1-2-ethanediyl: Used for lubrication [0058] Sodium
Pyrithione: Acts as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent [0059]
Silicone base antifoam: Helps reduce foaming of the coolant
4. Soluble Oil
[0060] Soluble oil is a combination of 30-85% of severely refined
mineral oil and emulsifiers to help disperse the oil in water. The
fluid concentrate usually includes other additives to improve
performance and lengthen the life of the fluid. Soluble oil
products are supplied as concentrates that are diluted with water
to obtain the working fluid. Depending on the fluid and the
application, the concentrate may be diluted one part concentrate to
five parts of water up to one part concentrate to forty parts of
water (17% to 2.4%).
[0061] Having now described one or more exemplary embodiments of
the invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art
that the foregoing is illustrative only and not limiting, having
been presented by way of example only. All the features disclosed
in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract,
and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the
same purpose, and equivalents of similar purpose, unless expressly
stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the
additions and modifications thereof are contemplated as falling
within the scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims and equivalents thereto.
* * * * *