U.S. patent application number 12/236617 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-25 for air filtration apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Cecil E. Campbell, Lonnie David Cooper, SR..
Application Number | 20100071699 12/236617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42036356 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100071699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campbell; Cecil E. ; et
al. |
March 25, 2010 |
AIR FILTRATION APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
An air filtration apparatus is disclosed. During inhale
response, user's breath opens a first air valve causing air flow
through replaceable filter through a chamber to a mouth piece
disposed in a user's mouth. During exhale response, user's breath
closes first valve causing one or more exhaust valves to open. In
one embodiment, inhale and exhale responses are displaced from one
another to provide better isolation of replaceable filter.
Inventors: |
Campbell; Cecil E.; (San
Pedro, CA) ; Cooper, SR.; Lonnie David; (Prescott,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Office Of Robert E. Kasody,;Professional Corporation
6601 Center Drive West, Suite #500
Los Angeles
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
42036356 |
Appl. No.: |
12/236617 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/206.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 7/12 20130101; A63B
71/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/206.15 |
International
Class: |
A62B 23/02 20060101
A62B023/02 |
Claims
1. An air filtration assembly comprises: a first valve coupled to a
first diaphragm to open and close in response to an inhale response
of flow of a user's breath; and a second valve coupled to a second
diaphragm to open and close in response to an exhale response of
the flow of the user's breath.
2. The air filtration assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
mouth piece and a replaceable filter, the replaceable filter shaped
to conform to an inner surface dimensionality of the outer cover
and to be substantially shielded from the exhale response of the
user's breath by a closed position of the first valve.
3. The air filtration assembly of claim 1, wherein the first valve
and the second valve are positioned substantially orthogonal to one
another to increase effective isolation properties between inhale
and exhale stages.
4. The air filtration assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
third valve positioned substantially oppositely directed and in a
same plane as the second valve, the third valve coupled to a third
diaphragm to open and close in response to the exhale response of
the flow of the user's breath.
5. The air filtration assembly of claim 2, further comprising a
backstop, the back stop operatively connected to the first
diaphragm to provide a restriction of motion of the first diaphragm
when either in an open or a closed position as well as provide
isolation of the inhale response and the exhale response of the
flow of the user's breath.
6. The air filtration assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
mouth piece seal and a nose piece that retractably extends to cover
a user's nose; wherein the second valve comprises a diaphragm have
a folding venting or flapping structure to open and close in
response to the flow of the user's breath.
7. An air filtration assembly comprises: a replaceable filter; a
first valve operatively coupled to a first flapper to at least
partially open in response to an inhale response of a user to allow
air to enter the replaceable filter and to at least partially close
in response to an exhale response of a user and to at least
partially shield the replaceable filter during the exhale response;
and a second and third valve operatively disposed orthogonally to
the first valve and operatively coupled to a second and third
flapper valves respectively to at least partially open in response
to an exhale response of a user to exhaust air from the user.
8. The air filtration assembly of claim 7, further comprising a
mouth piece and a replaceable filter, the replaceable filter shaped
to conform to a contour shape of the air filtration assembly and to
be substantially shielded from the exhale response of the user
through a closed position of the first valve.
9. The air filtration assembly of claim 7, wherein the second valve
and the third valve are positioned substantially oppositely
directed and in a same plane as one another.
10. The air filtration assembly of claim 7, further comprising a
backstop, the back stop operatively connected to the first
diaphragm to provide a restriction of motion of the first diaphragm
when either in an open or a closed position as well as provide
isolation of the inhale response and the exhale response of the
user.
11. The air filtration assembly of claim 7, further comprising a
mouth piece seal and a nose piece that retractably extends to cover
a user's nose; wherein the second valve and the third value
operatively connect to a diaphragm have a folding venting or
flapping structure to open and close in response to the exhale and
inhale response of the user.
12. The air filtration assembly of claim 7, further comprising a
mouth piece seal and a nose piece that retractably extends to cover
a user's nose; wherein the second valve and the third value
operatively connect to a diaphragm have a folding venting or
flapping structure to open and close in response to the exhale and
inhale response of the user; wherein the second valve and the third
valve are positioned downward to provide escape of condensation
during the exhale response in a downward direction relative to a
resting positional direction of the air filtration assembly.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of athletic and
sports breathing gear and assemblies, and more specifically in one
exemplary aspect to an air filtration mouth piece and apparatus to
reduce dust, smoke, and allergen related illnesses.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Technology
[0004] Air filtering and breathing assemblies are well known in the
art. Such assemblies are utilized to prevent or reduce the
opportunity of lung related illness when participating in
activities in high smoke, high pollutant, and high allergen
environments. Some related art patents discussed below (and
incorporated by reference in their entirety) are representative art
of these conventional assemblies. In one related art example, US
2008/0168996 published Jul. 17, 2008, by Willis et al. entitled
"ANIMASKS KID'S DUST MASKS AKA CHILD FRIENDLY FILTER MASK"
discloses a mask made of printed die-cut cotton fibers for
versatile fund character designs, with OEM Adjusters and staples.
In yet another related art example, US2008/0190436 entitled "NASAL
AND ORAL PATIENT INTERFACE" by Jaffe et al. published Aug. 14,
2008, discloses a patient interface for communicating fluids to
and/or from a patient nasal cavity and/or oral cavity.
[0005] In another related prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 7,406,966
entitled "METHOD AND DEVICE FOR NON-INVASIVE VENTILATION WITH NASAL
INTERFACE" by Wondka issued Aug. 5, 2008, discloses a nose
ventilation interface including a pair of tubes to deliver a
ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a
ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a
person's nostril. In yet another related art, U.S. Pat. No.
7,392,806 issued Jul. 1, 2008, entitled "ELECTRONIC HUMAN BREATH
FILTRATION DEVICE" by Yuen et al. discloses a portable human body
carrying electronic human filtration device that is an electronic
nose mask. The device utilizes electronic ionization technique and
electrostatic field to remove air borne particles, dust, pollen,
contaminants, bacteria, viruses, toxic chemical, fume and tobacco
smoke from human inhalation and exhalation breath. In another
related prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,551 entitled "BREATHING
APPARATUS" by Alvery that issued Jun. 3, 2008, discloses an SCBA
system for providing bottled air to a user and a PAPR system for
purifying ambient air for use by a user. In yet another related
prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,388 entitled "INTERNAL NASAL DILATOR
FILTER" by Michaels issued on Dec. 6, 2005, discloses a nasal
filtration and internal nasal dilation system that operate
synchronously to provide air filtration by retaining particle in a
single piece foam nasal filter during inhalation through the
nose.
[0006] In contrast to the above instances, air filtering apparatus
may further be desired to achieve still wider variety of protection
and/or air cleaning options and provide improved user comfort and
wearing pleasure as well as provide various types of and
configurations that are adjustable to fit a user without requiring
complicated attachment/de-attachment hardware. In one instance,
eliminate or reduce the need for professionals or buckles, bolts,
or screws to secure an air filtration apparatus to your body. In
yet another instance, an air filtration device may be needed that
provides breathability and airflow at least in designated areas or
expose a larger effective surface area so that a more consistent
air flow may be realized a user. In another instance, a
manufacturer or user may find it beneficial that a protective
device have one or more removable and replaceable and washable
components. Furthermore, a user may further desire the prospective
device to be easily assembled or disassembled "on the fly" and
easily installed or removed on a user's body in a minimal time. In
addition, a user desires the protective device durable but also
conformable to wear and to create minimal restriction in a user's
movement or normal breathing pattern.
[0007] Thus, what is needed are improved protective apparatus and
methodology that permits easy initial configuring and
reconfiguring, i.e., provide adaptability, and upgrade capability
so that the same unit be utilized (or added-on to) if new
functionality (e.g., chest protection) is desired. Furthermore,
such improved apparatus and methods would also ideally allow a
person other than a professional or licensed personal to adjust or
retrofit the air filtration device, and would further permit
creation of user-customized air filtration configurations and
customized fit and appearance of the air filtration device as well
as new patterns requiring minimal efforts, e.g., minimal adjustment
or removal and replacement or adaptation of existing components.
Furthermore, the device should provide improved air flow so that
condensation is prevented from building up in the air filtration
device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, an air filtration
assembly is disclosed. The air filtration assembly includes a
replaceable filter shaped to conform to a user's mouth piece
area.
[0009] During inhale, a user's breath opens a first air valve
causing air flow through the replaceable filter through a chamber
to a mouth piece disposed in a user's mouth. In one embodiment, the
first air value opens, in one instance, parallel to air flow
direction. In one variant, first air valve (e.g., intake valve)
includes diaphragm, for instance, with one or more venting or
flapping structures which, for example, open and close in response
to a user's breath flow. In one embodiment, first air valve
incorporated with several venting structures, e.g., louvers,
moveable venting elements or structures. In one embodiment, first
air back stop disposed proximal a direction of air flow of
replaceable filter cooperates with first air valve to prevent air
flow when first air value occupies a closed position. During
exhale, user's breath through the chamber at least partially closes
first air valve and opens at least partially second air valve (and
in one embodiment an exhaust valve) to release exhaled air into the
environment; thereby, this exhaust system prevents condensation
build-up in air filtration device.
[0010] In one embodiment, air filtration system includes
replaceable and interchangeable components, e.g., diaphragms or air
flow back stops, to provide for customization, for instance, a
pressure at which user's breath flow opens, closes, or partially
opens or closes first or second air valve. In this way, air
filtration device's interchangeable nature provide amenability to
custom tailor environmental pressures or temperatures, body types,
body size, or type of sporting event. In yet another embodiment,
exhale system may include two air valves positioned away from each
other, e.g., substantially orthogonal, to air flow inhale direction
of inhale of first air valve.
[0011] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and
features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the
description which follows, and in part will become apparent to
those skilled in the art by reference to the following description
of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the
invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention
are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities,
procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of air filtration
apparatus in user's mouth in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of air filtration apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top-cut away view of air filtration apparatus of
intake valve in open and closed positions, exhaust valves and
movable diaphragm in open and closed positions, and mouth piece
with insertion between user's teeth and tongue in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of air filtration
apparatus in user's mouth using a nose piece in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one exemplary
embodiment of a method of operation of air filtration apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals
refer to like parts throughout.
Overview
[0018] In one salient aspect, the present invention discloses
apparatus and methods for, inter alia, producing air filtration
apparatus as well as provide custom capabilities, in one variant,
to produce various configurations customized for a particular
breathing style or type of environment to provide protection from,
e.g., dust, pollen, rag weed, smoke, construction materials, glues,
or the like. In particular, the present invention discloses
apparatus and process to provide air filtration apparatus having
separate input and output exhaust ports, for instance, to prevent
condensation build-up while user exercising or breathing heavily
into air filtration apparatus. Furthermore, the air filtration
apparatus is easily assembled or disassembled and many of its
components may be washed or replaced with minimal skill or effort.
Furthermore, the present invention by effectively removing pollen
and other allergens may reduce the frequency or dosage of or
completely eliminate user's allergy medication requirements.
[0019] Furthermore, the present invention discloses air filtration
apparatus applicable to protect user while participating in
outdoor, high impact sports, e.g., motor cross racing, motor
bicycle racing, all terrain vehicle riding, having adjustment and
attachment capability, for instance, quick release fasteners to
removably attach a multitude of washable or replaceable components.
In one embodiment, multitude of protective devices includes carbon
filter, front or back grille, mouthpiece, intake air valve and
diaphragm operatively connected thereto, backstop of diaphragm from
intake air valve(s), output air valve(s), and one or more
diaphragms attached thereto. Furthermore, air filtration apparatus
includes minimal weight composite materials and is ergonomically
designed to improve user comfort and prevent unnecessary
restriction of movement of a user. In one embodiment, mouth piece
is integrated with a nose piece (e.g., fold down unit) and mouth
piece seal. In one embodiment, nose piece at least partially
prevents air flow through user's nostrils. In one variant of this
embodiment, nose piece may restrict air flow to nose area, e.g.,
below user's nostril region, and thereby advantageously provide
increased air flow through mouthpiece. As recognized by one skilled
in the art, principles of the present invention are applicable to
other applications, e.g., lung injury rehabilitation and/or
supplement existing allergen medical programs so as to reduce a
dosage of allergy medication and to prevent sickness when used in a
dusty environment or an recovery room, e.g., hospital emergency
room, rehabilitation center, homeless shelter, animal rescue
shelter, or the like.
Exemplary Extension Apparatus
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, exemplary embodiments of the air
filtration apparatus of the invention are described in detail. It
will be appreciated that while described primarily in the context
of an air filtration apparatus for sporting events, at least
portions of the apparatus and methods described herein may be used
in other applications, such as for example and without limitation
applications including employees working in a dusty or smoke laden
environment, e.g., firefighters, construction workers, indoor or
outdoor painters, asbestos abatement workers, seasonal allergy
suffering individuals and the like. A myriad other functions will
be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art given the
present disclosure.
[0021] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, operation of air
filtration assembly 100 is disclosed. Air filtration assembly 100
(shown in mouth 101 of user 102) includes replaceable filter 103.
In one embodiment, replaceable filter 103 may be an organic
carbon-based filter to remove air borne allergens and contaminates.
In yet another embodiment, replaceable filter 102 may be activated
carbon filter to capture and trap biomaterial, biohazards, dust,
allergens, or the like. In yet another embodiment, replaceable
filter may be layered, porous material integrated with beneficial
properties of various filter materials and provides a progressive
filtering capability (e.g., to remove contaminants in stages) as
compared to many conventional single stage filtering units.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 2, replaceable filter 103 may be a
charcoal filter 104 (proximal to inner surface of front cover) and
cotton filter 105 (as second stage filter) after charcoal filter
104. In contrast to conventional filtration systems having one
type/size filter fits all approach, the present embodiment provides
for replaceable filter 103 properties to be custom tuned or
selected to eliminate or reduce a chosen user allergen particulate
matter, e.g., smoke, dust, rag wed pollen, that may be inherent to
a particular environment, e.g., mountain bicycling, jogging,
running, walking, and roller blading in a smog laden valley or
mountain range. In one embodiment, shape of replaceable filter 103
that dimensionality conforms to that of front cover 120 and back
cover 118.
[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, mouth piece portion 107 fits
into user's mouth 101 and, for example, snaps onto back cover 118
(shown in FIG. 2) using ridges 126a, 126b. In one variant, mouth
piece 107 includes contoured plastic or rubber adapter 109 (shown
in FIG. 2, 3) that inserts along an inner surface of user 102
mouth, e.g., occupying a circumferential area defined by user's
tooth area 122. In another variant, mouth piece rubber adapter 109
fits over user's tongue 124. In yet another variant, mouth piece
107 includes one or more snap connection surfaces 126a, 126b that
connects to snuggly removably snaps into back cover 118. In yet
another embodiment, mouth seal and nose piece 113 folds up (e.g.,
retracted upward) to cover a lower nose portion, as shown in FIG.
4, of user 102. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1,
mouth piece and nose piece 113 folds down (e.g., retracted
downward) to lie on top surface of air filtration apparatus 100. In
one embodiment, rubber adapter 109 advantageously allows user 102
to bite down while using apparatus 100, for instance, to prevent
grinding of, for instance, user's tooth area 122. In one variant of
this embodiment, nose piece 113 may restrict air flow to nose area,
e.g., below user 102 nostril region, and thereby advantageously
provide increased air flow through mouth piece 107.
[0024] In a first embodiment, user 102 inhales air flow 112 through
mouth piece 107 using mouth 101. Suction force created by user 102
(e.g., when inhaling) causes air flow 112 that opens diaphragm 108
operatively connected at connection point 130 to intake air valve
110. In one embodiment, suction force causes diaphragm 108, e.g.,
flappers 132a, 132b, to flex along contour line 131, to open and
allow air flow through openings 129a, 129b in backstop 114 for air
flow 112 passing through openings 128 in front cover 120. While
passing through openings 128, air flow 112, e.g., from a user's
environment, passes through replaceable filter 103 and through
chamber 116 bounded by front cover 120 and back cover 118 to mouth
101.
[0025] In one embodiment, air intake valve 110 and diaphragm 108
may be any combination of flapper, rubber stopper or disk device,
differential pressure valve, or the like, that operatively connects
with a structural component, e.g., such as contoured backstop 114,
to limit range of motion, to assist in providing at least a partial
air seal for diaphragm 108. In yet another variant, air intake
valve 110 may be operatively connected with a diaphragm having
multitude of venting or flapping structures, which, for instance,
open and close position in response to user's breath flow and seal
about, for instance, contoured backstop. In another variant,
contoured backstop 114 includes one or more semi circular
structures, e.g., openings 129a, 129b, and diaphragm 108 pivotally
connects to air intake valve 110 to open or close.
[0026] In yet another variant, intake air valve 110 is incorporated
with several venting structures, e.g., louvers or moveable venting
elements or structures, including movements like a retractable
window shade or blind. In one embodiment, backstop 114 is disposed
proximal a direction of air flow (e.g., parallel to that of air
flow surfaces) of replaceable filter 103 and cooperates with air
intake valve 110 to prevent air flow out backcover 118 when the
first air value 110 occupies closed position (e.g., flappers 132a,
132b flexed to closed position).
[0027] In another embodiment, user 102 exhales breath 106 through
mouth piece 109 to close air intake valve 110 (closes 132a, 132b)
and opens first exhaust air valve 140 (and in one embodiment both
first exhaust air valve 140 and second exhaust air valve 142) to
expel air 154a, 154b into the environment. In one exemplary
embodiment, diaphragms, 170a, 170b open and close, e.g., flappers
148a, 148b open or close, e.g., along flex lines 145a, 145b, about
connections 153a, 153b to first and second exhaust valves 140, 142,
to expel air 154a, 154b. In one embodiment, first and second
exhaust valves 140, 142 detachably connects along surfaces 146, 148
(e.g., screws into, snaps into, a combination thereof, or the like)
to, for instance, ends of back cover 118 and front cover 120.
[0028] Advantageously, this present invention (as compared to
conventional filtration apparatus having the same port for both
input/exhaust breath) has separate exhaust air valve(s) 140, 142
and intake air valve 110 to reduce or prevent condensation or
build-up of water vapor exhaled with user's breath. In one
embodiment, the valve(s) 140, 142 are pointed toward the ground so
that condensation will fall to the ground instead of building up
side the apparatus 100. In one embodiment, separate exhaust and
intake valves prevent air filtration apparatus condensation when
there is temperature differential between environment and user's
breath, e.g., environment has a temperature about 50 degrees and
user's breath is about 110 degrees while perspiring. In another
embodiment, as compared to conventional air filtration systems,
replaceable filter 103 is positioned after backstop 118 and not
accessible by a user's breath during exhale stage. For instance,
when air intake valve 110 is closed, replaceable filter 103 avoids
hot air, e.g., moist air or hot vapor, expelled by user 102
breathing heavily (e.g., perspiring or during exercise) while at
least one of the exhaust air valves 140, 142 is open.
[0029] In yet embodiment, air filtration apparatus 100 includes,
advantageously as compared to conventional straight walled
non-contoured devices, angled walls 160, 162 (e.g., wrap-around
contoured chamber) formed by front cover 120 and back cover 118. As
compared to conventional non-contoured air filtration devices,
angled walls 160, 162, increases air flow and suction between mouth
piece 107 and either intake valve 110 or exhaust valve(s) 140, 142
when in, for instance, in an open position. In one alternative
embodiment, angled walls 160, 162 may be chosen between an angle of
25 degrees to 45 degrees (e.g., to a direction of exhaust valves
140, 142) so as to maximize air suction/unit of user breath for air
chamber formed by enclosed surfaces substantially surrounded by
front cover 120 and back cover 118. In one embodiment, front cover
120 and back cover 118 snap together (and, in one alternative
embodiment, may be attached solely by snapping means or in
combination with an epoxy adhesive to further secure each to one
another).
[0030] In one alternative, air filtration system 100 includes
replaceable and interchangeable components, e.g., diaphragms or air
flow back stops, to allow customization, for instance, of a
pressure at which user's breath flow opens, closes, or partially
opens or closes air valve(s), e.g., intake air valve 110, exhaust
air valve(s) 140, 142. In this way, air filtration device 100
interchangeable parts may be custom tailored to environmental
pressures or temperatures, body types, body size, or type of
sporting event. In one embodiment, exhale system may include two
air valves positioned orthogonal to a direction of inhale air flow
from that of an inhale air valve to minimize condensation, for
instance, water vapor formed when a user's breath temperature
inside chamber has a different, for example a 10 to 50 degree
temperature differential, than that of the environment outside the
chamber.
[0031] Advantageously as shown in one embodiment as compared to
conventional single intake/exhaust openings, the air filtration
device by positioning, e.g., in one embodiment, substantially
orthogonal to one another, so that separate, individually actuated,
air intake and exhaust valves provides a system for separating
exhale and inhale breathing stages. For instance, the device design
provides inherent separation properties of air intake (a removable
filter at least partially shielded when air intake valve is closed)
from that of exhaust intake (when valve is open) to prevent
condensation from hot air exhaling entering removable filter.
Furthermore, because each intake and exhaust is separated, each
system can be designed substantially independently for maximize
performance as well as customize intake and exhaust properties
individually/separate for an individual. Advantageous as compared
to conventional fixed apparatus designs, the present invention
having, in one embodiment, snap together or screw-on construction
provides for easy interchanging and washing of components (after
use). In addition, in contrast to conventional systems, the present
contoured design (angled design) provides stream lined as well as
better channel or vessel for intake as well as exhale of air
exchanges.
Exemplary Methods
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of a method
200 for manufacturing using the aforementioned air filtration
apparatus is described. While described primarily in the context of
the exemplary embodiments of apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5, it
will be appreciated that the methodology presented herein may be
readily adapted to many different configurations of apparatus 100
as recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0033] In step 202, user 102 creates suction force using mouth 101
to cause incoming airflow 112 (e.g., air from environment), which
opens diaphragm 108 and causes airflow 112 through chamber within
air filtration apparatus 100 to user's mouth 101. In step 204, user
102 exhales through mouth 101 to close diaphragm 108 and to open
diaphragms 170a, 170b to exhale air 154a,154b through valves 140,
142. In step 206, user 102 quick snap disassembles air filtration
apparatus 100 to clean and wash components including replaceable
filter 103. In one variant, properties of replaceable filter 103
chosen to meet environmental requirements of a user, e.g., smoke or
smog laden valley, where user 102 wishes to use air filtration
apparatus 100.
[0034] It will be appreciated that while certain aspects of the
invention have been described in terms of a specific sequence of
steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the
broader methods of the invention, and may be modified as required
by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered
unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally,
certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed
embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps
permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed
within the invention disclosed and claimed herein.
[0035] While the above detailed description has shown, described,
and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to
various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or
process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. The foregoing description is of the
best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.
This description is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather
should be taken as illustrative of the general principles of the
invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with
reference to the claims.
* * * * *