U.S. patent application number 12/459131 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for system for simulating a tour of or being in a remote location while exercising.
Invention is credited to Janice Carrington.
Application Number | 20100009809 12/459131 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41505663 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100009809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carrington; Janice |
January 14, 2010 |
System for simulating a tour of or being in a remote location while
exercising
Abstract
A system and device for simulating being in or traveling through
a remote location during exercise. The system may include a data
output device configured to present the remote location for
consumption by a user. The system may include a storage device
configured to store remote location data representing the remote
location. The system may include sensors configured to generate
exercise data. The system may include a controller communicatively
coupled to the sensors, the storage device, and the data output
device, the controller configured to receive the generated exercise
data and generate processed remote location data for the data
output device based on the generated exercise data and the stored
remote location data. The system may include a stationary exercise
equipment operable by the user, the stationary exercise equipment
including a sensor to generate exercise data.
Inventors: |
Carrington; Janice; (Valley
Forge, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH;ATTN: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
ONE LOGAN SQUARE, 18TH AND CHERRY STREETS
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-6996
US
|
Family ID: |
41505663 |
Appl. No.: |
12/459131 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61133372 |
Jun 26, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2024/0096 20130101;
A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2071/0644 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 2024/009 20130101; A63B 2071/0661 20130101; A63B
2071/0658 20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101; A63B 2225/20
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/4 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. A system for simulating being in or traveling through a remote
location during exercise, the system comprising: a storage device
configured to store remote location data representing the remote
location; sensors configured to generate exercise data; a
controller communicatively coupled to the sensors, the storage
device, and the data output device, the controller configured to
receive the generated exercise data and generate processed remote
location data based on the generated exercise data and the stored
remote location data; and a data output device responsive to the
processed remote location data and configured to present the remote
location for consumption by a user.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a stationary exercise
equipment operable by the user, the stationary exercise equipment
including a sensor to generate exercise data.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the data output device is
configured to present the remote location including video and audio
data, and the controller is configured to generate processed remote
location data including both video and audio data representative of
the remote location.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the data output device includes a
screen for presenting the remote location.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller includes an
interface operable by the user while the user exercises, the
interface configured to enable the user to set user settable
parameters.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the processed remote location
data is at least one of: high definition digital video data, 180
degree high definition digital video data, 360 degree panoramic
imaging video data, or 3D virtual reality digital immersive video
technology.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote location data includes
at least one of: high definition digital audio data, binaural
digital audio data, or stereoscopic high definition digital audio
data, narration describing the remote location, and actual ambient
sounds generated by an actual landscape and objects depicted in the
remote location data.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the data output device includes a
screen configured in at least one of the following ways: curved so
as to extend at least partially around the front and sides of a
user's visual field; shaped to allow the user to see images located
to the side of an apparent direction of a virtual travel relative
to the user; shaped to encompasses a complete field of vision of
the user; shaped in a concave arrangement of contiguous screens
which encompass the user's field of vision and wherein the screen
is affixed to the top of the exercise equipment; and a headset
adapted to be worn by the user, wherein the headset is one of: a
head mounted display, or portable video glasses.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
communicate with a remote system and to provide two-way audio
communication between the user and a second user, so that a group
tour of the remote location may be simulated.
10. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is at least one
of the following: built in to the exercise equipment and a separate
device which is communicatively connected to the exercise
equipment.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
synchronize traveling through the remote location with the user
based on the exercise data.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the data output device is a
headset and the controller is integrated into the headset.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
enable a user to connect to an Internet "tour," wherein the remote
location data of the Internet "tour" is accessed from a remote
server via the Internet.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote location data
includes positional data, and wherein the controller is configured
to account for the positional data in generating the processed
remote location data.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote location data
includes global positioning data.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote location data
includes a prescribed route.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote location data
includes mapping data, allowing a user to select a route.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
synchronize the processed remote location data based on a speed of
the user and navigation choices made by the user to provide an
immersive audio visual tour, enabling a user to tour a remote
location over the course of several exercise sessions.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
generate processed remote location data so that the simulated
travel through the remote location is selectively faster or slower
than the exercise data indicates as an actual pace of the user.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
generate processed remote location based on a user settable
parameter of direction of travel through the remote location,
enabling simulated travel through the remote location in a user set
direction.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage device is at least
one of: a MP3 players, MP4 players, a DVD player, a VCR, a computer
readable non-volatile storage, an external flash drive, a mobile
telephone, a personal digital assistant, a game console, or a
plug-and-play converter system.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
download from a remote computer the remote location data.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
receive the remote location data via GPS signal from an actual
real-time remote location.
25. The system of claim 2, wherein the stationary exercise
equipment is one of a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, a stair
climbing machine, a rowing machine, a skiing machine, and an
elliptical machine.
26. The system of claim 1, wherein the processed remote location
data is transmitted from one of: a MP3 player, a MP4 player, a
mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a video i Pod, a
digital media device, and a game console, to a data output device
selected from one of a headset and video glasses, wherein the user
exercises by running in place or walking.
27. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
generate computer graphics and animation as the processed remote
location data.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application 61/133,372, with title, "System for Simulating a Tour
of a Remote Location While Exercising", filed on Jun. 26, 2008, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The disclosed system relates to exercise equipment, and more
particularly to systems that simulate the experience of touring a
remote location while exercising.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Exercise is the key to optimal physical and mental health
and to longevity. Simple activities such as walking, stair
climbing, or bike riding can turn the clock back on aging and add
years to one's life. Exercise also increases bone density and
improves balance, both of which are crucial in order to avoid falls
as one ages.
[0004] The National Institutes of Health reports one in two woman
and one in four men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related
fracture from low bone density in their lifetime.
[0005] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the United States is on the brink of a longevity revolution. By
2030, the proportion of the U.S. population aged 65 and older will
double to one in every five Americans. The implications of the
increasing number of older Americans will include unprecedented
demands on public health and the nation's health care system.
Chronic diseases exact a particularly heavy health and financial
burden on older adults due to long-term illness, diminished quality
of life, and escalating health care costs. But while the risk of
disease and disability increases with advancing age, poor health is
not necessarily an inevitable consequence of aging. Much of the
illness, disability, and death associated with chronic disease is
avoidable through simple prevention measures. Key measures include
practicing a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity.
[0006] The CDC also reports that the problem of falls has become a
healthcare crisis. The number of people falling each year is
growing; and the high cost of falls is growing at an even greater
pace. More than one in three adults 65 and older fall each year.
One in two adults who fall will never regain their prior mobility
or independence. One in four adults who suffer a hip fracture from
the fall will die within 6 months. Falls are the leading cause of
death for individuals 65 and older. The mortality rate for falls
increased almost 40% between 1995 and 2005. In 2000, the cost of
fall injuries for people 65 and older was $20 billion. Within 10
years, that amount will be over $43 billion.
[0007] Additionally, one of the biggest regrets of older adults is
the lost opportunity to travel to places dreamed of and perhaps
planned, but postponed until it was too late. Perhaps they had
always planned to take a mule ride into the Grand Canyon or visit
Florence or embark on a safari through East Africa. The system
described herein "transports" the individual so he can experience
the fun, freedom and fascination of traveling to exotic ports of
call and feel as if he is experiencing each destination first
hand.
[0008] Exercise equipment such as stationary bicycles, ellipticals
and treadmills provide a good and safe workout for beginners as
well as for experienced exercisers. But the routine can be boring
causing the beginner to spend little time, if any, exercising on
them. Many machines come equipped with monitors for measuring
speed, distance and calories burned which may provide at least of
modicum of entertainment or at least distraction from the
routine.
[0009] Some gyms or fitness centers have a series of television
monitors situated some distance from and above the rows of exercise
equipment, with optional audio available by tuning into the
television channel. These televisions can diminish some of the
boredom of exercising, provided the program on is of interest to
the user, the television is within viewing range of the user, and
optional audio is available to the user.
[0010] Some gyms and fitness centers provide exercise equipment
with individual monitors attached to the equipment. These
televisions can also serve to diminish somewhat the boredom and
monotony of repeated stepping, biking, walking, and exercising.
[0011] While exercise is the key to prolonging and enhancing the
quality of life, getting started in a disciplined exercise program
can be challenging, tedious, or boring for individuals not
accustomed to exercise, particularly older individuals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the system described herein are
shown in the attached drawings. It is understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
constructions particularly shown. In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for simulating
being in or traveling through a remote location during
exercise.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an example of a system for simulating being in a
or traveling through a remote location during exercise.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a data output device
320.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a data output device.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an example of a user interface for the system of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] There exists a need in the art for a system for simulating
being in or traveling through a remote location during exercise.
The system including a data output device configured to present the
remote location for consumption by a user; a storage device
configured to store remote location data representing the remote
location; sensors configured to generate exercise data; a
controller communicatively coupled to the sensors, the storage
device, and the data output device, the controller configured to
receive the generated exercise data and generate processed remote
location data for the data output device based on the generated
exercise data and the stored remote location data.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for simulating
being in or traveling through a remote location during exercise
100. The system 100 includes a controller 110, sensors 120, a data
output device 130, a storage device 140, and optionally may include
a user input/output device 150, exercise equipment 160, a user
interface 170, and a communication device 190. The system 100
presents a remote location to a user 180 on the data output device
130 based on generated exercise data from the sensors 120 and
remote location data stored in the storage device 140.
[0020] Embodiments of the controller 110 include, but are not
limited by, a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer,
and a digital personal assistant. The controller 110 may be
integrated with the exercise equipment 160 and/or data output
device 130, or the controller 110 may be a separate device.
[0021] Embodiments of the sensors 120 include, but are not limited
by, sensors 120 attached to the user 180 and sensors 120 attached
to the exercise equipment 160. Examples of sensors 120 attached to
the user 180 include a heart rate monitor, a breathing monitor, and
sensors 120 attached the exercise equipment include a rate monitor
to indicate a rate that the exercise equipment is being used. For
example, in an embodiment, the sensors 120 include a heart monitor
for a user 180 and rate monitor for how fast a user is pedaling a
stationary bicycle.
[0022] Embodiments of the data output device 130 include, but are
not limited by, a screen, a wearable headset, a screen curved so as
to extend at least partially around the front and sides of the user
180 visual field, a screen adapted to allow the user to see images
located to the side of an apparent direction of a virtual travel
relative to the user, a screen encompassing a complete field of
vision of the user 180, multiple screens, head mounted display,
portable video glasses, and screens with a concave arrangement of
screens which encompass the user's field of vision. The data output
device 130 may be affixed to the top of the exercise equipment
160.
[0023] The data output device 130 may include visual data, audio
data, and tactile data. For example, in an embodiment the data
output 130 may present images and sounds of a remote location, and
may move the exercise equipment 160 in accordance with the
presented images and sounds.
[0024] Embodiments of the storage device 140 include, but are not
limited by, a computer hard disk, a DVD, a MP3 player, a MP4
player, a VCR, a computer readable non-volatile storage, an
external flash drive, a mobile telephone, a personal digital
assistant, a game console, and a plug-and-play converter
system.
[0025] Embodiments of the user input/output device 150 include an
LCD display, and a touch screen display.
[0026] Embodiments of the exercise equipment 160 include a
stationary bicycle, a rowing machine, cross country ski machine, a
stair climbing machine, and an elliptical machine.
[0027] Embodiments of the user interface 170 include a remote
control for sending commands to the controller 110, a touch screen,
and a knobs and buttons.
[0028] Embodiments of the communication device 190 include a
network adapter configured to communicate with the Internet, a
modem, Bluetooth technology, and a wireless communication
device.
[0029] Any of the controller 110, sensors 120, the data output
device 130, the storage device 140, the user input/output device
150, the exercise equipment 160, the user interface 170, and the
communication device 190 may be in communication with each other by
various cables and or wireless devices for communicating. For
example, the output device 130 may be a screen and there may be a
cable connecting the controller 110 to the output device 130. In an
embodiment, communication may be facilitated by cable tethering
and/or high definition multimedia interface cables. As another
example, the storage device 140 may be a computer hard disk in
communication with the controller 110 via an electronic data bus.
As still another example, the sensors 120 may include wireless
communication devices in communication with the controller 110.
[0030] In operation the controller 110 is configured to receive the
generated exercise data from the sensors 120 and access the storage
device 140 to access remote location data, and based on the
generated exercise data and the remote location data, generate
processed remote location data for the data output device 130 to
present to the user 180. Thus the user 180 is presented with an
environment to engender a sense of immersion in the remote
location. The user 180 may envision traveling through the Alps or
being in a fantasy world with orcs and dwarfs.
[0031] The controller 110 may be configured to synchronize the
user's movements through the remote location based on the data
generated by the sensors 120 and values of usable settable
parameters. For example, the controller 110 may be configured to
generate the processed remote location data to simulate a tour of a
remote location. The controller 110 may adjust a rate of moving
through the generated remote location based on a rate the user 180
is exercising based on the exercise data. For example, the rate of
moving through the generated remote location may depend on how
quickly the user 180 pedals a stationary bicycle 160. Additionally,
the controller 110 may adjust movement through the remote location
based on exercise data indicating directional or navigational moves
the user 180 has made. For example, the user 180 may have turned a
stationary bicycle 160 to turn left, so the controller 110 may
simulate the movement of the user 180 through the remote location
to left. In addition and/or alternatively, the controller 110 may
determine the orientation of the user 180 and determine that the
user has turned left and simulate the movement of the user 180
through the remote location to the left. The remote controller 110
may track the motion of the head of the user 180 and adjust the
generated remote location data to the movements of the head of the
user 180.
[0032] The controller 110 may synchronize the presentation of the
remote location with the pace of the user to simulate an immersive
audio/video multimedia real-time tour through cities and landscapes
worldwide. The controller 110 may synchronize the playing of the
presentation of the remote location with the actual real-time pace
of the user. The controller 110 may simulate the movement, pace and
direction of the user "touring" a remote location. The controller
110 may generate an avatar of the user 180 based on the movements
of the user 180 so that the user 180 may see the avatar travelling
in the remote location.
[0033] The controller 110 may be configured to generate the
processed remote location data based on generating 3D graphic
scenes from remote location data.
[0034] The controller 110 may be configured to include 3D hardware
and software for processing and generating 3D video. The video may
be for a complete field of vision of the user 180. The controller
110 may be configured to synchronized the angle of view of the user
180 with the generated processed remote location data.
[0035] The controller 110 may determine the orientation of the user
180. The controller 110 may determine the orientation of the user
180 based on data generated by the sensors 120. For example sensors
120 may be attached to the user 180 that enable the controller 110
to determine the orientation of the user. As another example, the
input/output device 150 may include a camera and the controller 110
may be configured to determine the orientation and/or the pace of
the user 180 based on received images of the user 180. As another
example, the exercise equipment 160 may include sensors 120 that
generate data that the controller 110 can use to determine the
orientation of the user 180.
[0036] The controller 110 may generate control signals to control
settings of the exercise equipment 160 based on the position of the
user 180 in the remote location and/or based on the data generated
by the sensors 120. For example, in a bicycle tour the controller
110 is generating for the user 180, the controller 110 may generate
control signals to adjust how hard it is for the user 180 to pedal
a stationary bicycle based on the terrain of the remote location.
In the example, the controller 110 may generate control signals to
make it difficult to pedal when the user 180 is going up a hill in
the remote location and may generate control signals to make it
easier to pedal when the user 180 is going down the hill. As
another example, for a treadmill the controller 110 may generate
control signals to adjust the angle of the treadmill according to
the location of the user in the remote location.
[0037] The controller 110 may be configured to connect to an
Internet tour. The controller 110 may be configured to communicate
with remote devices using the communication device 190 and
synchronize a tour and/or other remote location simulations with
other users. The controller 110 may be configured to share audio
data and/or video data and may be configured to for multi-way
communication between the user and other users, so that a group
tour may be simulated in the remote location. In an embodiment,
some of the users may be in the actual remote location with other
user(s) participating via a simulated remote location.
[0038] The controller 110 may be configured to adjust a speed of
playing the movements through the remote location so that the user
can "travel" through the remote location faster or slower than the
exercise data indicates the user is actually going. For example,
the user 180 could select to travel at a rate of three times as
fast on a bicycle tour of Europe.
[0039] The controller 110 may be configured to generate the
processed remote location data based on a user settable direction
of travel through the remote location, enabling the user to
"travel" through the remote location in a user set direction.
[0040] The controller 110 may be configured to download via the
communication device 190 remote location data.
[0041] The controller 110 may be configured to receive the remote
location data via GPS data from an actual real-time remote
location. For example, another person may have a GPS which
generates data according to the person's position. The controller
110 may be configured to move the user 180 through the remote
location based on the position of the person with the GPS.
[0042] The controller 110 may be configured to access remote
location data via an electronic communication network such as the
Internet. The controller 110 may access the electronic
communication network via the communication device 190.
[0043] The generated processed remote location data may include
video data, audio data, and tactile data for consumption by the
user 180. The video data may include high definition digital video
data, 180 degree high definition digital video data, 360 degree
panoramic imaging video data, or 3D virtual reality digital
immersive video technology. The audio data may include high
definition digital audio data, binaural digital audio data, or
stereoscopic high definition digital audio data. The audio data may
include actual ambient sounds generated by the actual landscape and
objects depicted in the generated processed remote location data.
The audio data may include narration describing the remote
location. The tactile data may include generating a control signal
to the exercise equipment. For example, in the case of the remote
location being a bicycle tour the remote location data may include
rocking the a stationary bicycle to simulate bumps in a road.
[0044] The storage device 140 may store remote location data. The
remote location data may include location data such as global
positioning data, or location data relative to some position. The
remote location data may be data representing imaginary or real
remote locations. The remote location data may be in DVD format or
other common video formats. The remote location data may include
tour data with a prescribed route. The remote location data may
include mapping data enabling a user 180 to select a route. The
remote location data may include data for any number of places,
such as famous cities, national parks, tropical beaches or other
desired locations. The remote location data may include binaural
audio technology recorded in the remote location. The remote
location data may include a touring landscape recorded using
360-degree panoramic video technology so that the user may feel
immersed within and experience first hand the remote location in
real time while exercising.
[0045] The user interface 170 may enable a user to make selections
for user settable parameters. For example, the user 180 may be able
to select a route from the remote location data. The user interface
170 may be a physical device with buttons or may be software
displayed on the input/output device 150. Alternatively, the user
interface may be displayed on the data output device 130.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a system for simulating
being in or traveling through a remote location during exercise.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exercise equipment 210, screens 220 as an
embodiment of the data output device, a controller 230, a sensor
250. A user (not illustrated) may exercise on the exercise
equipment 210. The controller 230 may generate processed remote
location data for the screens 220 to present to the user while the
user exercises. The controller 230 may generate the processed
remote location data based on the exercise data generated by the
sensor 250. For example, the controller 230 may generate processed
remote location data so that the user appears to be travelling
through the remote location at a rate in proportion to the rate the
user is exercising based on the exercise data generated by the
sensor 250. The controller 230 may include a storage device (not
illustrated) for storing the remote location data. The controller
230 may be communicatively coupled 240 to the screens and the
sensors 250 by cables 240. The exercise equipment 210 may include a
user input output device 260 in communication with the controller
230 and configured so that the user can set user settable
parameters. For example, the user may be able to select the remote
location to travel through.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a data output device 320.
The data output device 320 is a series of screens 320 so that the
user may have a panoramic view of the remote location to engender
an immersive experience.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a data output device.
Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a wearable headset 410. The headset 410
may be a head mounted display or portable video glasses. The
headset 410 may be worn by a user during exercise and may include
audio and video data delivery devices. The headset 410 allows use
of the system 100 (see FIG. 1) in a smaller space, such as an
apartment, as well as in a public location, such as a fitness club.
In the embodiment illustrated, the system 100 (see FIG. 1)
including the controller may be integrated with the headset 410
and/or portions of the system 100 may be integrated with the
headset 410. For example, a sensor to determine the orientation of
the user head may be integrated with the headset 410. The headset
410 may communicate with a portable device that include the system
100 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the headgear may be wirelessly
connected to the controller, or the controller may be integrated
into the headset.
[0049] FIG. 5 is an example of a user interface 510 for the system
of FIG. 1. The user interface 510 may be embodiment in either
hardware or software. The user interface 510 may include buttons
for adjusting the audio and video. The user interface 510 may
include buttons for selecting which remote location to travel in
and for turning on and off the system.
[0050] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules,
and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed
herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or
transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0051] A software module to implement the functionality described
above may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM
memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a
CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An
exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor, such that
the processor can read information from, and write information to,
the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be
integral to the processor. Further, in some aspects, the processor
and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the
ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the
processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components
in a user terminal. Additionally, in some aspects, the steps and/or
actions of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any
combination or set of instructions on a machine readable medium
and/or computer readable medium.
[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the configuration of
the illustrated system without departing from the spirit or scope
of the invention. It is intended that the present disclosure cover
such modifications and variations provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.
* * * * *