U.S. patent application number 12/015048 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for funds transfer system and method of use in gaming environment.
Invention is credited to Don Hesskamp, Neil J. Netley.
Application Number | 20090005159 12/015048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40161279 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090005159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Netley; Neil J. ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
FUNDS TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE IN GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
A system and method for electronically transferring funds in a
gaming environment is disclosed. The system includes a memory
device operable to store a game value and memory device interface
operable to retrieve data from, and transfer data to, said memory
device. The memory device interface may be integrated into an
electronic gaming machine or proximate a live table game or in a
retail outlet. Monetary value may be added to the memory device by
casino personnel or a kiosk. A player may then use the memory
device to download credits to a gaming machine or in exchange for
game chips at a live table game or to purchase goods and/or
services at a retail outlet. The memory device maintains multiple
accounts including a gaming account and retail account. The
separate accounts have associated keys or secrets that permit the
gaming machines and retail outlets to automatically select the
correct account to transfer funds from and to.
Inventors: |
Netley; Neil J.; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Hesskamp; Don; (North Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG
3773 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY, SUITE 500 NORTH
LAS VEGAS
NV
89169
US
|
Family ID: |
40161279 |
Appl. No.: |
12/015048 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11824337 |
Jun 28, 2007 |
|
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12015048 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 1/06 20130101; G07F
17/3251 20130101; G06Q 20/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A electronic funds transfer system comprising: a memory device
configured for use with a gaming machine and memory device readers
located in retail outlets, said memory device including a microchip
therein for storing and tracking multiple funds accounts wherein at
least a first account is dedicated to funds for gaming activities
and a second account is dedicated to funds for retail activities;
means for automatically selecting one of said multiple accounts
from which to transfer funds based on the activity for which the
memory device is being used; and means for transferring funds from
the selected account to a gaming machine or a retail outlet based
on the activity for which the memory device is being used.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more kiosks
operable to transfer funds form one of said multiple accounts to
another one of said multiple accounts.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the one or more kiosks are further
operable to add funds to said multiple accounts.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the one or more kiosks are further
operable to dispense funds from said multiple accounts.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the memory device is configured to
operate across multiple distinct casino and retail properties.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the funds from the gaming and
retail accounts may be transferred to one or more other
accounts.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said gaming and retail accounts
each has a unique key associated therewith.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said gaming account key and retail
account key are identifiable to said gaming machine and retail
outlet, respectively.
9. An electronic funds transfer system comprising: a memory device
configured to maintain at least two separate funds accounts,
wherein a first funds account corresponds to gaming activities and
a second funds account corresponds to retail activities; a
plurality of gaming machines configured to communicate with said
memory device such that funds from said first funds account are
used only relative to said gaming machines; one or more retail
outlets including memory device readers configured to communicate
with said memory device such that funds from said second funds
account are used only relative to said retail outlets.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising means for
automatically selecting the first or second funds account based on
the activity for which the memory device is being used.
11. The system of claim 9 further comprising means for transferring
funds from the first or second funds account based on the activity
for which the memory device is being used.
12. The system of claim 9 further comprising one or more kiosks
operable to transfer funds between multiple accounts.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the one or more kiosks are
further operable to add funds to said multiple accounts.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein the one or more kiosks are
further operable to dispense funds from said multiple accounts.
15. The system of claim 9 wherein the memory device is configured
to operate across multiple distinct casino and retail
properties.
16. The system of claim 9 wherein the funds from the first and
second funds accounts may be transferred to one or more other
accounts.
17. The system of claim 9 wherein said first and second funds
accounts each has a unique key associated therewith.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein said keys are individually
identifiable to said gaming machines and retail outlets.
19. A method of configuring an electronic funds transfer system
comprising: configuring a memory device for use with a gaming
machine and memory device readers located in retail outlets such
that said memory device: stores and tracks multiple funds accounts
wherein at least a first account is dedicated to funds for gaming
activities and a second account is dedicated to funds for retail
activities; automatically selects one of said multiple accounts
from which to transfer funds based on the activity for which the
memory device is being used; and transfers funds from the selected
account to a gaming machine or a retail outlet based on the
activity for which the memory device is being used.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising configuring utilizing
one or more kiosks to transfer funds form one of said multiple
accounts to another one of said multiple accounts.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising configuring the one
or more kiosks to add funds to said multiple accounts.
22. The method of claim 20 further comprising configuring the one
or more kiosks to dispense funds from said multiple accounts.
23. The method of claim 19 further comprising configuring the
memory device to operate across multiple distinct casino and retail
properties.
24. The method of claim 19 further comprising configuring the
memory device to permit the funds from the gaming and retail
accounts to be transferred to one or more other accounts.
25. The method of claim 19 further comprising associating a unique
key with each of said gaming and retail accounts.
26. The method of claim 19 further comprising configuring said
memory device such that said gaming account key and retail account
key are identifiable to said gaming machine and retail outlet,
respectively.
27. A method of operating an electronic funds transfer system in a
casino environment comprising: issuing memory devices configured
for use with a gaming machine and memory device readers located in
retail outlets wherein said memory devices include microchips
programmed to store and track multiple funds accounts wherein at
least a first account is dedicated to funds for gaming activities
and a second account is dedicated to funds for retail activities;
and configuring gaming machines and retail outlet readers to accept
said memory devices as means of payment wherein said gaming
machines and retail outlet readers are operable to automatically
select one of said multiple accounts from which to transfer funds
based on the activity for which the memory device is being
used.
28. A gaming machine comprising: a processor; display; user
interface; and means for attachment of a memory device configured
to transfer funds to the gaming machine.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 11/824,337 filed Jun. 28, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to an
electronic transfer of funds system implemented in a gaming
environment. With such a system and method, casino customers are
able to purchase credits from a casino cashier or kiosk and then
proceed to play the purchased credits at electronic gaming machines
(e.g., slot machines) or live table games within the casino or
other commonly owned casinos.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In today's casino market the most popular means of
transferring funds between electronic gaming machines is via the
use of paper tickets. Such tickets have turned gaming into a
generally cashless endeavor. In one exemplary situation, a player
approaches an electronic gaming machine (or device), inserts cash
and proceeds to play the game. When the player is ready to leave
the machine, the player simply presses the `cash out` button and
the machine prints a ticket for the remaining credit on the game.
The ticket may then be cashed in at a cashier or kiosk, or inserted
into another machine, read and redeemed as machine credits.
[0004] The current ticket system suffers from several problems
including 1) the requirement for a significant background
accounting system to authenticate the transactions and maintain
security; and 2) the system is expensive to use. Casinos in Nevada
have disclosed that the cost of such a system runs as much as $3.00
per ticket. In addition, the ticket printers (one per machine) cost
about $600.00 each and frequently break down.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a cost-effective system that
eliminates tickets and ticket printers in the gaming
environment.
SUMMARY
[0006] Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is
a gaming system comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming
machines; a memory device including a microchip therein for storing
a value amount; a memory device interface integrated into each of
the gaming machines wherein said interface is positioned to contact
the memory device upon engagement with the memory device; and means
for crediting said gaming machines an amount equivalent to a memory
device value amount in response to the memory device being engaged
with said memory device interface, and crediting the memory device
with a credit amount on said gaming machine in response to a game
session being terminated by a player.
[0007] A first method of the present invention comprises: providing
a plurality of electronic gaming machines in communication with a
central computer system wherein each gaming machine has a memory
device interface integrated therein such that said memory device
interface is positioned to receive and engage a memory device
having a microchip; crediting said gaming machines an amount
equivalent to a memory device value amount in response to the
memory device being engaged with said memory device interface; and
crediting the memory device with a credit amount on said gaming
machine in response to a player terminating a game session.
[0008] An alternative system embodiment of the present invention
comprises: configuring a memory device for use with a gaming
machine and memory device readers located in retail outlets such
that said memory device: stores and tracks multiple funds accounts
wherein at least a first account is dedicated to funds for gaming
activities and a second account is dedicated to funds for retail
activities; automatically selects one of said multiple accounts
from which to transfer funds based on the activity for which the
memory device is being used; and transfers funds from the selected
account to a gaming machine or a retail outlet based on the
activity for which the memory device is being used.
[0009] An alternative method embodiment of configuring an
electronic funds transfer system comprises: configuring a memory
device for use with a gaming machine and memory device readers
located in retail outlets such that a microchip integrated in said
memory device stores and tracks multiple funds accounts wherein at
least a first account is dedicated to funds for gaming activities
and a second account is dedicated to funds for retail activities;
automatically selecting one of said multiple accounts from which to
transfer funds based on the activity for which the memory device is
being used; and transferring funds from the selected account to a
gaming machine or a retail outlet based on the activity for which
the memory device is being used.
[0010] The system and method of use described herein allows a
player to electronically transfer funds to and from a gaming
machine or live table game via a small memory device (e.g.,
iButton.RTM.). A corresponding memory device interface (i.e.,
reader) integrated on the machine or proximate the live table game
location facilitates the electronic transfer of funds.
[0011] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present
invention will become evident from the following detailed
description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one system embodiment
of the present invention;
[0013] FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate an exemplary memory device in a
closed and open position, respectively, for facilitating the
embodiments of the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate a memory device contained within
a carrying unit;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a memory device interface integrated on
an electronic gaming machine;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a memory device interface separated from
the electronic gaming machine;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a memory device engaged with a memory
device interface;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart detailing one method of
using the memory device to facilitate an electronic funds transfer
system according to the embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an alternative system
embodiment of the present invention with multiple accounts; and
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart detailing one operation of
the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any
alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature
illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the
principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would
normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having
possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the
scope of the invention claimed.
[0022] The operation of electronic gaming machines (e.g., slot
machines) is controlled by microprocessors which communicate with
internal memory devices and the external features of the machines.
The microprocessors also incorporate, or communicate with, a random
number generator which ensures the randomness of the machines'
outcomes. Since the technology for operating and controlling
electronic gaming machines is well-known to those skilled in the
art, the subtle details are not described herein.
[0023] Like electronic gaming machines, player tracking systems are
well-known in the art. Such systems track the play of registered
players. Players identify themselves to the casino using player or
slot cards which can be inserted into, and read by, electronic
gaming machines. Upon being read, a player database is accessed
such that new information from the current play session can be used
to update the player's database. Player cards may also be used at
live table games where casino personnel swipe the card to access
the player's database. Gaming information may then be entered
manually or via the use of RFID systems now finding there way into
casinos. Since the technology for operating and controlling player
tracking systems is well-known to those skilled in the art, the
subtle details are not described herein.
[0024] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are
referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 shows a block
diagram of a gaming system generally denoted by reference numeral
100. The system 100 includes a plurality of electronic gaming
machines 110-1 through 110-N and a central computer system (e.g., a
server) 120. The server 120 may be running player tracking system
software 121 and accounting system software 122 among other
conventional casino software. Each gaming machine 110-1 through
110-N includes a memory device interface 130 integrated on the
machine 110-1 through 110-N for engagement with a memory device as
explained in more detail below.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a memory device 150 in the form of a silicon
microchip 151 housed in a button or similar container. Dallas
Semiconductor (a subsidiary of Maxim Integrated Products located in
SunnyVale, Calif.), located in Dallas, Tex., manufacturers an
iButton.RTM. of the type that can be used to facilitate the
embodiments of the present invention. The memory device 150 may be
fabricated of stainless steel or other durable material. In this
instance, the contained microchip 151 stores at least a game value
associated with the memory device 150. However, as set forth below,
the memory device 150 may also include personal information (e.g.,
name, ID number, etc.) associated with a purchaser or holder of the
memory device 150. The memory devices 150 may also include unique
and unalterable addresses laser etched onto the microchip. The
addresses may be used as an identifier for each memory device 150.
FIGS. 3a and 3b show the memory device 150 contained within a
carrying case 155. An opening 156 in the carrying case 155 allows
the memory device 150 to be attached to a lanyard or similar item
so that it may be conveniently carried throughout a casino with
minimal risk of loss.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a memory device interface 160 integrated on an
electronic gaming machine 110. The memory device interface 160 may
be integrated anywhere on the gaming machine 110. The memory device
interface 160 is adapted to read output from the memory device 150
and relay input to the memory device 150. The memory device
interface 160 may be DS2460 and DS1963S data carriers also
manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor. Associated software is also
utilized to analyze data and authenticate memory devices 150. The
memory device interface 160 includes a protruding pin 165 having a
flat end surface 170. As shown in FIG. 6, the memory device
interface 160 is sized to receive and engage the memory device 150
so that the flat end surface 170 of the memory device interface 160
contacts a data contact surface of the memory device 150. Through
this contact, the memory device interface 160 is able to read
output from the memory device 150 and relay input to the memory
device 150 in a preprogrammed manner as described below. Power is
supplied to the memory device 150 via the memory device interface
160. In one embodiment, a magnet 157 on said memory device 150
and/or memory interface device 160 maintains engagement between the
memory device 150 and/or memory interface device 160. FIG. 5 shows
a memory interface device 160 separated from the electronic gaming
machine 110. A cable 165 connects the memory interface device 160
to one or more backend programs, like the player tracking software
121, accounting software 122 or related software. Alternatively,
the cable 165 connects to a local processor at the machine level.
Dedicated and/or proprietary software may also be used to manage
the electronic funds transfer (EFT) system embodiments of the
present invention. In one embodiment, a wireless mesh network and
backend database may facilitate the EFT system.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart 200 detailing one method
embodiment of the present invention. At 205, a player acquires and
loads a memory device 150 with value loaded thereon from casino
personnel. A player may load the memory device 150 with any dollar
amount (e.g., $25 to $1000) permitted by the casino. At 210, the
player next locates an electronic gaming device 110 he or she
desires to play. At 215, the player attaches the memory device 150
to a memory device interface 160 integrated in the electronic
gaming device 110. At 220, the authenticity of the memory device
150 is verified by backend software in communication with the
memory device interface 160 and/or machine processor and/or central
server 120. At 225, upon verification of the authenticity of the
memory device 150, the dollar amount stored on the memory device
150 is transferred to the electronic gaming machine 110 and
displayed in the form of game credits on a machine credit meter.
Optionally, in addition, a player database is accessed.
Alternatively, the player database is only accessed in response to
a player of slot card or similar device being read by the gaming
machine 110. Authenticating and/or verifying the memory device 150
may comprise a correspondence of the memory device's unique
identifier number mentioned above. For example, the authentication
may involve a 64-bit Authentication Secret known to the memory
device 150. The 64-bit Authentication Secret may be derived from
the unique identifier and a master secret. Authentication may also
involve a 24-bit Challenge value sent to the memory device 150
prior to the authentication of the data in the memory device 150.
The 24-bit Challenge value is randomly generated at the start of
each transaction and changes for each transaction. Other
authentication and verification schemes and/or systems may be used
as well. A game session then transpires at 230. In response to the
player electing to cash out (e.g., pressing the machine's cash out
button or cash out icon on a touch screen), it is determined, at
235, whether the memory device 150 remains engaged to the memory
interface device 160. If so, at 240, existing machine credits are
transferred or downloaded to the memory device 150. If not, at 245
a visual and/or audio message instructing the player to re-engage
or re-attach the memory device 150 is sent to the gaming machine
110. At 240, in response to the reattachment of the memory device
150, the existing machine credits are transferred to the memory
device 150. Optionally, at 250, simultaneously with the transfer or
download of the existing credits, information regarding the gaming
session is downloaded into the players database accessed at 225. A
player may then move to another gaming machine 110 and attach the
memory device 150 to begin play or may proceed to a cashier or
kiosk to collect any monies stored on the memory device 150.
[0028] While the description herein focuses on electronic gaming
machines 110, the EFT system according to the embodiments of the
present invention may also be utilized at live table games. In such
an embodiment, each gaming table has a memory device interface 160
linked to a dealer monitor proximate the table. The monitor may be
a dummy or smart device. As a dummy device, the processing power
may be supplied by a central server or similar device. In one
embodiment, there maybe 7 or 8 memory device interfaces 160
corresponding to each player location at the table. Dealer monitors
are commonly used with player card readers to track play at live
table games based on pit boss input or RFID chip input. With the
embodiments of the present invention, as a player approaches a live
table game he or she takes a seat and hands the memory device 160
to the dealer who attaches it to the single memory device interface
160 (or the one memory device interface 160 corresponding to the
player's seat location) to obtain a game value associated
therewith. Once the game value is determined, the dealer provides
the player with a desired value of game chips. If the value of the
game chips is less than the full value stored on the memory device
150, the dealer uses a monitor interface to deduct only a portion
of the value thereby leaving the remaining value balance on the
memory device 160. If only one memory device interface 160 is used,
the memory device 150 is then returned to the player until the game
session ends. If memory device interfaces 160 are available for
each player location, the dealer maintains the memory device 150
attached to the corresponding memory device interface 160. Once the
player is ready to leave, the player may simply leave with any
remaining chips and the memory device 150 or "cash in" whereby the
dealer adds the player's chip value to the player's memory device
150 in exchange for the player's chips.
[0029] In another embodiment, player credits are stored on the
system 100. For example, player credits may be stored on the server
120 in a player account. The player account may be the player
tracking account or another designated account. In this embodiment,
the memory device 150 is used as an identifier at a machine 110 or
gaming table. In such an embodiment, the player first deposits cash
or similar value with the casino. The casino then causes the player
account, maintained by the server 120, to be credited the amount of
the deposit. Then, when the player desires to play a machine 110 or
a live game of chance, the player uses the memory device as an
identification tool for access to the stored credits. In a machine
example, once the identification of the player is verified and
authenticated, the stored credits or a portion of the stored
credits are transferred to the machine for play. Once the gaming
session ends, any machine credits are either stored on the system
100 for later use or may be cashed out by the player. In a live
game of chance example, once the identification of the player is
verified and authenticated by the dealer, the player may request a
desired amount of gaming chips based on the stored credit amount.
The dealer then causes the stored credit amount to be adjusted
based on the gaming chips provided. After the game session ends,
the player may either turn in the chips for credit to the system
100 or may retain the chips for use at another table or cash them
in.
[0030] Now referring to FIG. 8, a block diagram 300 illustrates an
alternative system embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, a memory device includes memory means comprising at
least two separate storage areas, accounts or purses. In one
embodiment, a microchip is configured with the two separate storage
areas but in other embodiments, multiple microchips or similar
devices may each include one or more separate storage areas. In one
embodiment, the first storage area is dedicated to a gaming account
and the second storage area is dedicated to a retail account.
Although not limited thereto, such a separation of the accounts is
ideal for the casino resort industry where casinos are now
integrated in, and surrounded by, retail outlets, including shops,
restaurants, movie theatres and the like.
[0031] With respect to the first storage area, the memory device
works as disclosed above relative to the gaming machines 110. The
difference is the memory device further manages the separate
storage area directed to a retail account. The memory device is
then capable of being used in the casino for transferring funds
between gaming machines 110 and also retail outlets 305 for
purchasing goods and services. A separate server 310 is shown
linking the various retail outlets 305. It will be understood by
those skilled in the art that multiple servers may be used or each
retail outlet 305 may be a standalone location with no server per
se but other means suitable for such a configuration.
Advantageously, the separateness of the gaming and retail accounts
is required in many gaming jurisdictions. In other words, in many
jurisdictions gaming funds cannot be commingled with non-gaming
funds in a single account for gaming purposes. Moreover, the memory
device can be used across multiple participating casinos and retail
properties.
[0032] Keys or secrets (as described above) are associated with the
memory device, gaming machines 110 and retail outlets 305. In one
embodiment, the memory device is programmed with a first key
associated with the gaming account and the second key associated
with the retail account. The first key and second key are unique
and serve to identify the two accounts. The gaming machines 110 are
configured to recognize the first key and retail outlet readers 315
are configured to recognize the second key. Alternatively, central
server 120 in communication with the gaming machines 110 and server
310 in communication with the retail outlets 305 are configured to
recognize the first key and second key, respectively. Based on the
recognition of the correct key, funds are transferred from the
correct account.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a flow chart 400 detailing one method of
utilizing the multiple account memory device 305. At 405, the
memory device 305 is issued to a user. The memory device 305
includes, for example, a gaming account and retail account which
may or may not be funded. If not funded, either account may be
funded subsequently as set forth above. At 410, the memory device
is used in conjunction with a gaming machine 110. At 415, the
gaming machine 110 or central server 120 polls the memory device
and, at 420, based on recognition of the key associated with the
gaming account selects the gaming account. At 425, funds from the
gaming account are transferred to the gaming machine. Once the
funds are transferred from the gaming account, the following steps
are analogous to those set forth in FIG. 7 relative to the gaming
account. At 430, the memory device is used in conjunction with a
retail outlet 305. At 435, a retail outlet reader 315 polls the
memory device and, at 440, based on recognition of the retail
account key, selects the retail account. At 445, funds from the
retail account are transferred to the retail outlet 305 for payment
of the desired goods and/or services.
[0034] In one embodiment, kiosks are configured to fund the memory
device, transfer funds between the gaming account and the retail
account and collect funds from the accounts in the form of cash in
a manner similar to an ATM. Use of the multiple account memory
device allows users to seamlessly move about the casino resort
environment with a single memory device useful for gaming and
purchasing of goods and/or services.
[0035] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, players may also
be issued passwords or other unique codes which must be provided
prior to funds being transferred from the memory devices 150 or
stored player accounts. In one example, players use a touchpad or
touch screen on the gaming machines 110 to enter the code to verify
their identity. Thus, once the memory device 150 and player
identification are verified, the funds can be moved. A dealer may
enter the code at the live table games. In another embodiment,
players must insert their player card along with the memory device
150 so that the two can be authenticated and verified. Other means
of protecting funds stored on the memory devices 150 or player
accounts may also be implemented as desired by casinos and required
by regulatory bodies.
[0036] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to several embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *