U.S. patent application number 12/040564 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for apparatus and method for encrypting data in a magnetic stripe reader.
Invention is credited to Andrew Graham Hodges, Gavin Roy Howard.
Application Number | 20090218402 12/040564 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41012412 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090218402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hodges; Andrew Graham ; et
al. |
September 3, 2009 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENCRYPTING DATA IN A MAGNETIC STRIPE
READER
Abstract
A magnetic stripe reader assembly for a point of sale terminal
is provided. The magnetic stripe reader reads the account data from
a card and may encrypt it within the magnetic head. An encrypted
representation of the account data may be provided to a host
processor in the terminal for carrying out a financial transaction,
such as a payment for goods or services. The account data is
typically recorded on the magnetic stripe on the card in a magnetic
flux pattern that is sensed and then converted to an analog signal.
Such sensing and conversion and other processing of the account
data to produce the encrypted representation of the account data
typically involves one or more parameters, and may include at least
one parameter that is adjustable.
Inventors: |
Hodges; Andrew Graham;
(Bucks, GB) ; Howard; Gavin Roy; (Oxon,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
200 PACIFIC BUILDING, 520 SW YAMHILL STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
41012412 |
Appl. No.: |
12/040564 |
Filed: |
February 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/449 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 7/084 20130101;
G06K 17/0022 20130101; G07F 7/088 20130101; G07G 1/0045 20130101;
G06K 7/087 20130101; G06Q 20/3567 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/449 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/08 20060101
G06K007/08 |
Claims
1. A payment terminal for receiving a payment for a retail
transaction via a card encoded with account data in a magnetic flux
pattern on a magnetic stripe, the terminal comprising: a magnetic
head for reading the account data on the magnetic stripe, the
magnetic head including a sensing element and a microcontroller,
wherein the microcontroller includes an analog-to-digital
converter, a signal processor coupled to the analog-to-digital
converter, and an encryption unit coupled to the signal processor,
the encryption unit including an output, wherein the sensing
element is configured to respond to the magnetic flux pattern on
the magnetic stripe and to produce an analog signal representing
the magnetic flux pattern, the sensing element communicating the
analog signal to the analog-to-digital converter, and further
wherein the analog-to-digital converter in the microcontroller
converts the analog signal to a digital signal, and the signal
processor converts the digital signal to a representation of the
account data, and further wherein the encryption unit encrypts the
representation of the account data and provides the representation
of the account data at the output of the encryption unit, and
further wherein at least one of the signal processor and the
encryption unit includes at least one adjustable parameter and the
microcontroller includes an interface for changing the at least one
adjustable parameter.
2. The payment terminal of claim 1, further including a host
processor in the terminal coupled to the output of the encryption
unit, the host processor configured to receive the representation
of the account data and to carry out processing of the retail
transaction.
3. The payment terminal of claim 1, further wherein one adjustable
parameter is a sensitivity setting for the conversion by the signal
processor of the digital signal to the representation of the
account data.
4. The payment terminal of claim 1 further including a conductive
grid arranged to respond to an attempt to tamper with the magnetic
head.
5. The payment terminal of claim 1 wherein the magnetic head
further includes a filter coupled between the sensing element and
the microcontroller to remove noise.
6. The payment terminal of claim 1 wherein the encryption unit
includes random data with the account data at the output of the
encryption unit.
7. The payment terminal of claim 1 wherein the encryption unit uses
a symmetric encryption scheme.
8. The payment terminal of claim 1 wherein the encryption unit uses
an asymmetric encryption scheme.
9. The payment terminal of claim 1 wherein the magnetic head is
encased to prevent monitoring signals within the head.
10. The payment terminal of claim 1 wherein the magnetic head
further includes a second sensing element and a third sensing
element, and further wherein the second and third sensing elements
are coupled to the microcontroller.
11. The payment terminal of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller
selectively provides the representation of the account data in an
unencrypted format.
12. The payment terminal of claim 1 further comprising a connection
port for the interface for changing the at least one adjustable
parameter, wherein the port provides for a remote initiation of an
adjustment to the at least one adjustable parameter.
13. A payment terminal for receiving a payment for a retail
transaction via a card encoded with account data in a magnetic flux
pattern on a magnetic stripe, the terminal comprising: a magnetic
head for reading the magnetic stripe, the magnetic head including a
sensing element and a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller
includes an analog-to-digital converter, a signal processor coupled
to the analog-to-digital converter, and an encryption unit coupled
to the signal processor, the encryption unit including an output,
wherein the sensing element is configured to respond to the
magnetic flux pattern on the magnetic stripe and to produce an
analog signal representing the magnetic flux pattern, the sensing
element communicating the analog signal to the analog-to-digital
converter, and further wherein the analog-to-digital converter in
the microcontroller converts the analog signal to a digital signal,
and the signal processor determines a series of times representing
minimum values and maximum values of the digital signal, and
further wherein the encryption unit encrypts the minimum value
times and maximum value times and provides the encrypted minimum
value times and maximum value times at the output of the encryption
unit.
14. The payment terminal of claim 13, further including a host
processor in the terminal coupled to the output of the encryption
unit, the host processor configured to receive the encrypted
minimum value times and maximum value times and to carry out
processing of the retail transaction.
15. The payment terminal of claim 14 wherein the output of the
encryption unit is coupled by radio frequency to the host
processor.
16. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the signal processor
and the encryption unit are software modules programmed to run on
the microcontroller, and further wherein at least one of the signal
processor and the encryption unit includes at least one adjustable
parameter.
17. The payment terminal of claim 16 wherein the microcontroller
includes an interface for changing the at least one adjustable
parameter.
18. The payment terminal of claim 17 further comprising a
connection port for the interface for changing the at least one
adjustable parameter, wherein the port provides for a remote
initiation of an adjustment to the at least one adjustable
parameter.
19. The payment terminal of claim 16, further wherein one
adjustable parameter is a sensitivity setting relating to the
determination of the series of times representing minimum values
and maximum values of the digital signal.
20. The payment terminal of claim 13 further including a conductive
grid arranged to respond to an attempt to tamper with the magnetic
head.
21. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the magnetic head
further includes a filter coupled between the sensing element and
the microcontroller to remove noise.
22. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the signal processor
interpolates in determining the series of times representing
minimum values and maximum values of the digital signal.
23. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the encryption unit
includes random data with the encrypted minimum value times and
maximum value times at the output of the encryption unit.
24. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the encryption unit
uses a symmetric encryption scheme.
25. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the encryption unit
uses an asymmetric encryption scheme.
26. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the magnetic head is
encased to prevent monitoring signals within the head.
27. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the magnetic head
further includes a second sensing element and a third sensing
element, and further wherein the second and third sensing elements
are coupled to the microcontroller.
28. The payment terminal of claim 13 wherein the microcontroller
selectively provides the minimum value times and maximum value
times in an unencrypted format.
29. A magnetic head for detecting a magnetic flux pattern on a
magnetic stripe, the magnetic head comprising: a sensing element
configured to respond to the magnetic flux pattern on the magnetic
stripe and to produce an analog signal representing the magnetic
flux pattern; and a microcontroller including an analog-to-digital
converter coupled to receive the analog signal from the sensing
element, a signal processor coupled to the analog-to-digital
converter, and an encryption unit coupled to the signal processor,
the encryption unit including an output, wherein the
analog-to-digital converter in the microcontroller converts the
analog signal to a digital signal, and the signal processor
determines a series of selected data points of the digital signal,
and further wherein the encryption unit encrypts the selected data
points and provides the encrypted selected data points at the
output of the encryption unit.
30. The magnetic head of claim 29 wherein the selected data points
are the times representing minimum values and maximum values of the
digital signal.
31. The magnetic head of claim 29 wherein the output of the
encryption unit is provided by radio frequency.
32. The magnetic head of claim 29 wherein the signal processor and
the encryption unit are software modules programmed to run on the
microcontroller, and further wherein at least one of the signal
processor and the encryption unit includes at least one adjustable
parameter.
33. The magnetic head of claim 32 wherein the microcontroller
includes an interface for changing the at least one adjustable
parameter.
34. The payment terminal of claim 32 further comprising a
connection port for the interface for changing the at least one
adjustable parameter, wherein the port provides for a remote
initiation of an adjustment to the at least one adjustable
parameter.
35. The payment terminal of claim 32 further comprising a
connection port providing for a remote replacement of at least one
of the software modules.
36. The magnetic head of claim 32, further wherein one adjustable
parameter is a sensitivity setting relating to the determination of
the selected data points
37. The magnetic head of claim 29 further including a second
sensing element and a third sensing element, and further wherein
the second and third sensing elements are coupled to the
microcontroller.
38. The magnetic head of claim 29 further wherein the
microcontroller selectively provides the selected data points in an
unencrypted format.
39. A magnetic head for reading account data encoded in a magnetic
flux pattern on a magnetic stripe, the magnetic head comprising: a
sensing element configured to respond to the magnetic flux pattern
on the magnetic stripe and to produce an analog signal representing
the magnetic flux pattern; and a microcontroller including an
analog-to-digital converter coupled to receive the analog signal
from the sensing element, a signal processor coupled to the
analog-to-digital converter, and an encryption unit coupled to the
signal processor, the encryption unit including an output, wherein
the analog-to-digital converter in the microcontroller converts the
analog signal to a digital signal, and the signal processor
converts the digital signal to a representation of the account
data, and further wherein the encryption unit encrypts the
representation of the account data and provides the representation
of the account data at the output of the encryption unit, and
further wherein at least one of the signal processor and the
encryption unit includes at least one adjustable parameter and the
microcontroller includes an interface for changing the at least one
adjustable parameter.
40. The magnetic head of claim 39, further wherein one adjustable
parameter is a sensitivity setting used by the signal processor in
determining a series of times representing minimum values and
maximum values of the digital signal.
41. The magnetic head of claim 39 further including a second
sensing element and a third sensing element, and further wherein
the second and third sensing elements are coupled to the
microcontroller.
42. The magnetic head of claim 39 further wherein the
microcontroller selectively provides the minimum value times and
maximum value times in an unencrypted format.
43. The magnetic head of claim 32 further comprising a connection
port for the interface for changing the at least one adjustable
parameter, wherein the port provides for a remote initiation of an
adjustment to the at least one adjustable parameter.
44. A method for processing data encoded in a magnetic flux pattern
on a magnetic stripe, the method comprising the steps of: providing
a magnetic head with a sensing element and a programmable
microcontroller with an output; detecting the magnetic flux pattern
on the magnetic stripe; producing an analog signal representing the
magnetic flux pattern; converting the analog signal to a digital
signal; determining a series of times representing minimum values
and maximum values of the digital signal; encrypting the minimum
value times and maximum value times; and providing the encrypted
minimum value times and maximum value times at the output of the
microcontroller.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Magnetic stripe reader assemblies are used in point of sale
terminals, such as countertop or portable handheld devices that may
be provided in retail establishments to transact payments for goods
and services using credit, debit, or other payment cards. Such
point of sale terminals are subject to attempts to obtain credit,
debit, or other account data for improper purposes. Generally, the
account data stored on the magnetic stripe of the card is
unencrypted and is initially read in this unencrypted form by a
magnetic head in the magnetic stripe reader. Thus, the head may be
particularly subject to improper attempts to obtain account data.
To counteract such attempts, the terminals, including the head, may
be provided with security measures.
SUMMARY
[0002] The disclosed point of sale terminal includes a magnetic
stripe reader that reads the account data from a card and may
encrypt the data within the magnetic head. An encrypted
representation of the account data may be provided to a host
processor in the terminal for carrying out a financial transaction,
such as a payment for goods or services. The account data is
typically recorded on the magnetic stripe on the card in a magnetic
flux pattern that is sensed and then converted to an analog signal.
Such sensing and conversion and other processing of the account
data to produce the encrypted representation of the account data
typically involves one or more parameters, and may include at least
one parameter that is adjustable. The account data will be
understood to include any type of data that may be recorded on a
card. Typically for a card that corresponds to a credit account or
a debit account, the account data will include the standard data
required and/or permitted by the relevant standardization
authorities. In addition, the account data may include any and all
other data that may be used for any purpose in any use of the
magnetic stripe reader in any type of commercial or other
transaction.
[0003] The magnetic head may include a sensing element capable of
detecting the magnetic flux pattern on the magnetic stripe when the
card is moved with the magnetic stripe adjacent the sensing
element. The magnetic head may also include a microcontroller with
an analog-to-digital converter, a signal processor coupled to the
analog-to-digital converter, and an encryption unit coupled to the
signal processor. The encryption unit may provide an output coupled
to the host processor.
[0004] The sensing element may produce an analog signal
representing the magnetic flux pattern and communicate the analog
signal to the analog-to-digital converter, which in turn may
convert the analog signal to a digital signal. The signal processor
may convert the digital signal to the representation of the account
data, and the encryption unit may encrypt the representation of the
account data for output to the host processor. Either or both of
the signal processor and the encryption unit may include one or
more adjustable parameters, such as a sensitivity setting. The
microcontroller may include an interface for changing any
adjustable parameter.
[0005] The signal processor may determine, from the digital signal
provided by the analog-to-digital converter, a series of selected
data points that represent the account data. For example, the
selected data points may be a series of times representing minimum
values and maximum values of the digital signal or a series of
times representing zero-crossing values of the digital signal, or a
series of selected amplitudes of the digital signal. The encryption
unit may operate on these selected data points to provide the
encrypted representation of the account data to the host processor.
Alternatively, the signal processor may decode the selected data
points, e.g., to determine the raw data (in binary ones and zeroes)
representing the account data. Such raw data may further be decoded
by the signal processor by identifying a start sentinel (fixed
combination of ones and zeroes) or other delimiting pattern, and
combining or arranging the bits in accordance with an expected
format for subsequent processing of the account data. Such decoding
may be validated by checking a parity field, an end sentinel,
and/or a longitudinal redundancy check (LRC) or other validity
checks, to determine whether the decoding has created an
appropriate representation of the account data. If not, the
decoding may be repeated using different parameters, e.g,
parameters related to the expected format.
[0006] The signal processor and the encryption unit may be software
modules programmed to run on the microcontroller. The payment
terminal may include a connection port for the interface for
remotely or locally changing an adjustable parameter within the
microcontroller and/or for replacing the software in the
microcontroller, e.g., for a remote upgrade of a terminal in the
field.
[0007] A method for processing data encoded in a magnetic flux
pattern on a magnetic stripe may include the steps of detecting the
magnetic flux pattern on the magnetic stripe with a sensing element
on a magnetic head; producing an analog signal representing the
magnetic flux pattern; converting the analog signal to a digital
signal; determining a series of times representing selected data
points of the digital signal; encrypting the selected data points;
and providing the encrypted selected data points at an output of
the magnetic head.
[0008] The advantages of the present invention will be understood
more readily after a consideration of the drawings and the Detailed
Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary point of sale
terminal showing a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card
past a magnetic card reader.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the exemplary terminal of FIG.
1, particularly magnetic head.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of terminal of FIG. 1 including
the magnetic head and a host processor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] An exemplary point of sale terminal 10 that includes a
magnetic stripe reader is shown in FIG. 1. A guide slot 12 may be
placed on the terminal in any suitable location, e.g., along a
right-hand side of terminal 10. Guide slot 12 or other facility for
moving the card relative to the reader may be provided in any
suitable form that aligns the card's stripe with the reader, such
as a dip slot or a motorized set of rollers that capture the card
and move it past the reader at a controlled speed. Terminal 10 is
typically provided with other features for specifying, controlling,
and/or processing a transaction, such as a display screen 14, a
printer 16, and a keypad 18. Terminal 10 may also include one or
more connection ports 32, 34 (FIG. 3), such as Ethernet, a
telephone line plug, or any other desired port, for coupling the
terminal to an in-store cash register and/or computer system, and
to remote computers, such as a payment processor or a terminal
support system.
[0013] The magnetic stripe reader 20, as seen in FIG. 2, is
typically located adjacent guide slot 12. Reader 20 may include a
magnetic head 22, mounted in any suitable manner in or on terminal
10. For example, a bracket 23 adjoining head 22 may surround the
head and hold it in place in terminal 10. Head 22 may include a
sensing element 24 facing the guide slot to bring the sensing
element in close proximity to the card's magnetic stripe.
[0014] Additional sensing elements may be located in head 22 or
elsewhere in or around the reader as desired for reading additional
tracks on magnetic stripes. Typically, cards include three tracks,
so three sensing elements are provided in the head, but any number
or configuration of sensing elements may be used as appropriate for
the particular cards in use.
[0015] A connector wire or wires 26 or other coupler (wired or RF)
may provide for an output of the magnetic head to communicate with
a host processor 30 (FIG. 3) in terminal 10. The host processor
typically carries out the processing appropriate for the terminal
10 to complete transactions, with or without the cooperation of the
in-store or remote computer system.
[0016] As shown in block diagram in FIG. 3, terminal 10 may include
magnetic head 22 that may provide for microcontroller processing
and encryption of track data and a capability for adjustment of
signal processing parameters. An application of terminal 10 is to
provide a payment terminal for receiving a payment for a retail
transaction via a card encoded with account data in a magnetic flux
pattern on a magnetic stripe. As noted above, account data may
include any data recorded on a card. The payment terminal for
receiving a payment is one example of the use of the terminal, and
the terminal may be used in any application that calls for
processing or using data from a card's magnetic stripe.
[0017] The terminal may include magnetic head 22 for reading the
account data on the magnetic stripe. Magnetic head 22 may include
sensing element 24, which typically provides an analog signal 36.
The sensing element may be configured in any suitable manner so
that it responds to the magnetic flux pattern on the magnetic
stripe and produces analog signal 36 representing the magnetic flux
pattern.
[0018] The magnetic head may be provided with further security
measures, such as a conductive grid arranged to respond to an
attempt to tamper with the head, for example by triggering a
destruction of certain encryption keys or otherwise disabling the
terminal. Another security measure that may be applied is to encase
the magnetic head in a suitable material, such as epoxy, to prevent
monitoring signals within the head.
[0019] The sensing element may be coupled by analog signal 36 to a
microcontroller 38. Where multiple sensing elements are used,
additional microcontrollers may be provided or the microcontroller
38 may be provided with multiplexing or other circuitry allowing it
to handle multiple sensing elements.
[0020] Typically, the microcontroller includes an analog-to-digital
converter (ADC) 40, a signal processor 42 coupled to ADC 40, and an
encryption unit 44 coupled to signal processor 42. The
microcontroller or other circuitry associated with magnetic head 22
may provide for other signals to and from the sensing elements,
such as ground or bias supply voltages, as desired for a particular
application. A filter 46 may be applied at analog signal 36 to
remove noise from the signal. Encryption unit 44 may include an
output 26, as noted above, to host processor 30 in terminal 10.
[0021] Sensing element 24 may communicate analog signal 36 to ADC
40 in microcontroller 38. Typically, ADC 40 converts analog signal
36 to a digital signal 48 that is sent to signal processor 42. It
will be understood that, while sensing element is shown as separate
from microcontroller 38, and ADC 40, signal processor 42, and
encryption unit 44 are shown as parts of microcontroller 38, these
parts may be rearranged or grouped as desired for a particular
application or construction of head 22 and terminal 10.
[0022] Signal processor 42 may convert digital signal 48 to a
signal 50 that is preferably series of selected data points that
are a representation of the account data. Signal processor 42 may,
for example, determine a series of times representing minimum
values and maximum values of digital signal 48 and provide that
representation at signal 50. In such case, encryption unit 44
encrypts the minimum value times and maximum value times and
provides the encrypted minimum value times and maximum value times
at output 26 of the encryption unit.
[0023] Signal processor 42 may alternatively determine a series of
times representing zero-crossing values of digital signal 48 and
provide that representation at signal 50. Another example would be
for signal processor 42 to determine a series of selected data
points representing pairs of times and amplitudes of the digital
signal 48, and provide that representation at signal 50. Such
selected data point pairs may be at maximum and minimum points of
digital signal 48, or other suitable points for representation of
the account data. In each case, the encryption unit is capable of
encrypting the series of selected data points and providing the
encrypted data at output 26.
[0024] Signal processor 42 may pass signal 50 with the selected
data points on to the encryption unit, as described below, or
alternatively signal processor 42 may decode the selected data
points, e.g., to determine the raw data (in binary ones and zeroes)
representing the account data. Signal processor may then pass on
such raw data to the encryption unit, or alternatively the signal
processor may further decode the raw data by, e.g., identifying a
start sentinel (fixed combination of ones and zeroes) or other
delimiting pattern, and combining or arranging the bits in
accordance with an expected format for subsequent processing of the
account data. Such decoding may be validated, in signal processor
42 or elsewhere, by checking a parity field, an end sentinel, a
longitudinal redundancy check (LRC) and/or other validity checks,
to determine whether the decoding has created an appropriate
representation of the account data. If not, the decoding may be
repeated using different parameters, e.g, parameters related to the
expected format. Such decoded data may then be provided as a
representation of the account data on signal 50.
[0025] Signal 50 may be provided to encryption unit 44 which may
encrypt the representation of the account data and provide the
encrypted representation of the account data at output 26.
Encryption unit 44 may use any desired encryption scheme, including
symmetric and asymmetric encryption schemes.
[0026] Encryption unit 44 may add random data with the account data
at the output of the encryption unit in a suitable manner for
confounding improper detection and use of the account data.
Microcontroller 38 may include or be coupled to a hardware or
software switch that selectively provides for encryption unit 44
not to encrypt the representation of the account data, and instead
to provide the unencrypted representation at output 26.
[0027] Signal processor 42 and encryption unit 44 may be software
modules programmed to run on microcontroller 38. Either or both of
signal processor 42 and encryption unit 44 may include at least one
adjustable parameter. For example, the signal processor may include
a sensitivity setting relating to the determination of the series
of times representing minimum values and maximum values of the
digital signal. Signal processor 42 may also include one or more
adjustable parameters that affect how the signal processor
interpolates in determining the series of times representing
minimum values and maximum values of the digital signal.
[0028] Microcontroller 38 may include or be coupled to an interface
52 that provides for changing the at least one adjustable
parameter, either automatically or in response to a signal received
via interface 52 and connection port 32 or 34, either from a local
computer system or a remote computer system. Connection ports 32 or
34 may provide for a remote replacement of a software module in the
terminal, such as the signal processor or encryption unit, e.g., to
provide an upgrade to a terminal in the field. Connection ports 32,
34 provide for the local and/or remote computer system's
communication with host processor 30 and with interface 52. The
host processor may receive the upgrade and control the replacement
of the software module. Alternatively, the upgrade may be applied
directly through interface 52 to microcontroller 38.
[0029] Host processor 30 is preferably designed and programmed as
appropriate for receiving the encrypted or unencrypted
representation of the account data from head 22 and carrying out
processing of the retail transaction, including decrypting and
decoding as necessary and/or desired and transmitting the account
data in either encrypted or unencrypted format to a local or remote
computer system. Host processor may be programmed to calculate at
least one parameter to be transmitted to microcontroller 38 for use
in any of the conversion, processing, and encryption functions.
[0030] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above
encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility.
While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions
includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations
of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties
disclosed herein. Similarly, where any claim recites "a" or "a
first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claim should be
understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements,
neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Further,
ordinal indicators, such as first, second or third, for identified
elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not
indicate a required or limited number of such elements, and do not
indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless
otherwise specifically indicated.
[0031] Inventions embodied in various combinations and
subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties
may be claimed through presentation of new claims in this or a
related application. Such new claims, whether they are directed to
a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether
different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original
claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of
the inventions of the present disclosure. The described examples
are illustrative and directed to specific examples of apparatus
and/or methods rather than a specific invention, and no single
feature or element, or combination thereof, is essential to all
possible combinations. Thus, any one of various inventions that may
be claimed based on the disclosed example or examples does not
necessarily encompass all or any particular features,
characteristics or combinations, unless subsequently specifically
claimed.
* * * * *