U.S. patent application number 12/607322 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for modular, deployable weapon system mount.
This patent application is currently assigned to OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC. Invention is credited to Richard T. Murray, Jahangir S. Rastegar.
Application Number | 20100126338 12/607322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42195026 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100126338 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rastegar; Jahangir S. ; et
al. |
May 27, 2010 |
Modular, Deployable Weapon System Mount
Abstract
A mount for deploying a weapon system through a window in a
defended position is provided. The mount including a mechanism
having an attachment to the weapon system and a base having an
attachment to a portion of the defended position. The mechanism
further having; a first actuator for moving the weapon system from
a stowed position to at least one intermediate position; and a
second actuator for moving the weapon system from the at least one
intermediate position to a deployed position projecting from the
window. The defended position can be a ship in which case the
window can be an opening in a hull of the ship.
Inventors: |
Rastegar; Jahangir S.;
(Stony Brook, NY) ; Murray; Richard T.;
(Brentwood, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas Spinelli, Esq.
14 Mystic Lane
Northprot
NY
11768
US
|
Assignee: |
OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
Bayshore
NY
|
Family ID: |
42195026 |
Appl. No.: |
12/607322 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61109152 |
Oct 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/37.13 ;
89/41.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 27/26 20130101;
F41A 27/06 20130101; F41A 23/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/37.13 ;
89/41.01 |
International
Class: |
F41A 27/00 20060101
F41A027/00 |
Claims
1. A mount for deploying a weapon system through a window in a
defended position, the mount comprising: a mechanism having means
for attachment to the weapon system and a base for attachment to a
portion of the defended position, the mechanism further having;
first actuation means for moving the weapon system from a stowed
position to at least one intermediate position; and second
actuation means for moving the weapon system from the at least one
intermediate position to a deployed position projecting from the
window.
2. The mount of claim 1, wherein the defended position is a ship
and the window is an opening in a hull of the ship.
3. The mount of claim 1, wherein the first actuation means is a
rotational actuation means.
4. The mount of claim 1, wherein the first actuation means is a
translational actuation means.
5. The mount of claim 1, wherein the stowed position maintains the
weapon system toward the base so as to not extend into the
window.
6. The mount of claim 1, wherein the at least one intermediate
position maintains the weapon so as to be capable of being fired
through the window from inside an interior of the defended
position.
7. The mount of claim 1, wherein the at least one intermediate
position comprises two or more intermediate positions.
8. The mount of claim 7, wherein the two or more intermediate
positions utilize actuation means residing on the weapon
system.
9. The mount of claim 1, wherein the second actuation means further
comprises a look-down actuator for directing the weapon system in
the same direction as the base once fully deployed and projected
from the window.
10. The mount of claim 1, wherein the second actuation means is a
translational actuation means.
11. A method for deploying a weapon system through a window in a
defended position, the method comprising: attaching the weapon
system to a mount; attaching a base of the mount to a portion of
the defended position; moving the weapon system from a stowed
position to at least one intermediate position using only a first
motion; and moving the weapon system from the at least one
intermediate position to a deployed position projecting from the
window using only a second motion.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first motion is a
rotational motion.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first motion is a
translational motion.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the stowed position comprises
maintaining the weapon system toward the base so as to not extend
into the window.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one intermediate
position comprises maintaining the weapon so as to be capable of
being fired through the window from inside an interior of the
defended position.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one intermediate
position comprises two or more intermediate positions.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the two or more intermediate
positions utilize actuation means residing on the weapon
system.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising directing the weapon
system in the same direction as the base once fully deployed and
projected from the window.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the second motion is a
translational motion.
20. A mount for deploying a weapon system through a window in a
defended position, the mount comprising: a mechanism having an
attachment to the weapon system and a base having an attachment to
a portion of the defended position, the mechanism further having; a
first actuator for moving the weapon system from a stowed position
to at least one intermediate position; and a second actuator for
moving the weapon system from the at least one intermediate
position to a deployed position projecting from the window.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/109,152 filed on Oct. 28, 2008, the entire
contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to weapon system
mounts, and more particularly, to methods modular, deployable
weapon system mounts.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] In the art of weapon system mounts, there is a need for a
commander to project a graduated response to a perceived threat in
relatively close-quarters. Of particular concern are harbors,
passageways, and near-shore locations where smaller vessels, such
as disguised commercial and pleasure craft, can pose a threat.
[0006] The primary technical challenges to this problem are driven
by the required location of the weapon system on the vessel, namely
the deployment through a window in the ship's hull at a mooring
station. This requirement has two main repercussions: First, the
weapon system must be projected through a window approximately one
meter high by two meters wide, which can be comparable to the
outside dimensions of the weapon system to be used. Second, the
deployable weapon system in its entirety must be modular to allow
for traditional mooring station activities to commence
unobstructed.
[0007] In addition to the logistic and operational motivation
behind moving the deployable weapon system away from the mooring
station window, there is considerable strategic advantage gained by
the commander's option to conceal, display, or deploy such a system
in a given situation. For this reason, it is speculated as highly
desirable that a system be provided which, when installed at the
mooring station window in its ready-to-deploy configuration, be
hidden from outside view, or at least partially hidden or
obstructed to minimize the ability of an outsider to correctly
identify the system. With this in mind, a system which meets all
requirements for rigidity, compactness, speed of installation, etc.
and additionally is hidden from view when positioned at the mooring
station ready to be remotely deployed and controlled is highly
desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, a mount for deploying a weapon system through a
window in a defended position is provided. The mount comprising: a
mechanism having means for attachment to the weapon system and a
base for attachment to a portion of the defended position, the
mechanism further having; first actuation means for moving the
weapon system from a stowed position to at least one intermediate
position; and second actuation means for moving the weapon system
from the at least one intermediate position to a deployed position
projecting from the window.
[0009] The defended position can be a ship in which case the window
can be an opening in a hull of the ship.
[0010] The first actuation means can be a rotational actuation
means or a translational actuation means.
[0011] The stowed position can maintain the weapon system toward
the base so as to not extend into the window.
[0012] The at least one intermediate position can maintain the
weapon so as to be capable of being fired through the window from
inside an interior of the defended position.
[0013] The at least one intermediate position can comprise two or
more intermediate positions. The two or more intermediate positions
utilize actuation means residing on the weapon system.
[0014] The second actuation means can further comprise a look-down
actuator for directing the weapon system in the same direction as
the base once fully deployed and projected from the window.
[0015] The second actuation means can be a translational actuation
means.
[0016] Also provided is a method for deploying a weapon system
through a window in a defended position. The method comprising:
attaching the weapon system to a mount; attaching a base of the
mount to a portion of the defended position; moving the weapon
system from a stowed position to at least one intermediate position
using only a first motion; and moving the weapon system from the at
least one intermediate position to a deployed position projecting
from the window using only a second motion.
[0017] The first motion can be a rotational motion or a
translational motion.
[0018] The stowed position can comprise maintaining the weapon
system toward the base so as to not extend into the window.
[0019] The at least one intermediate position can comprise
maintaining the weapon so as to be capable of being fired through
the window from inside an interior of the defended position.
[0020] The at least one intermediate position can comprise two or
more intermediate positions. The two or more intermediate positions
can utilize actuation means residing on the weapon system.
[0021] The method can further comprise directing the weapon system
in the same direction as the base once fully deployed and projected
from the window.
[0022] The second motion can be a translational motion.
[0023] Still further provided is a mount for deploying a weapon
system through a window in a defended position. The mount
comprising: a mechanism having an attachment to the weapon system
and a base having an attachment to a portion of the defended
position, the mechanism further having; a first actuator for moving
the weapon system from a stowed position to at least one
intermediate position; and a second actuator for moving the weapon
system from the at least one intermediate position to a deployed
position projecting from the window.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
apparatus and methods of the present invention will become better
understood with regard to the following description, appended
claims, and accompanying drawings where:
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a weapon system
mount with attached weapon system in which the weapon is in a
stowed configuration.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 1 in which the weapon is in an intermediate
configuration.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 1 in which the weapon is in a deployed
configuration.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 1 in which the weapon is in the deployed
configuration and illustrating a look-down capability.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a weapon system
mount with attached weapon system in which the weapon is in a
stowed configuration.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 5 in which the weapon is in an intermediate
configuration.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 5 in which the weapon is in a deployed
configuration.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment of a weapon system
mount with attached weapon system in which the weapon is in a
stowed configuration.
[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 8 in which the weapon is in a first intermediate
configuration.
[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 8 in which the weapon is in a second intermediate
configuration.
[0035] FIG. 11 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 8 in which the weapon is in a third intermediate
configuration.
[0036] FIG. 12 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 8 in which the weapon is in a fourth intermediate
configuration.
[0037] FIG. 13 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 8 in which the weapon is in a fifth intermediate
configuration.
[0038] FIG. 14 illustrates the weapon system mount and attached
weapon of FIG. 8 in which the weapon is in a deployed
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] The present disclosure illustrates various embodiments for a
modular, deployable weapon system mount for use with a weapon
system. Each of the embodiments introduced require only two
deployment motions to position the weapon through a mooring station
window in a ship's hull to adequately project the weapon system
outside the ship's hull. This aspect of the embodiments allows for
a highly rigid deployed platform and for robust and reliable
deployment motion. A common aspect of the embodiments is the
ability to install the total weapon deployment system at the
mooring station such that the weapon system is hidden from view
completely below the mooring station window. From this
configuration the weapon system may be deployed and controlled
remotely, giving the operator an array of strategic advantages in
the graduated response to potential threats in friendly or hostile
waters. In addition to the compactness and robustness of the
embodiments, each can equal the rigidity of a similar deck-mounted
weapon, ensuring no net decrease in accuracy. Finally, with respect
to the modularity of the system, the presented embodiments address
the need for very safe and efficient transport and installation of
the system even in rough seas.
[0040] When designing a deployment system there are three major
design areas which must be addressed: The system in its
pre-deployment configuration, the mechanics of deploying the system
to its desired position, and the rigidity of the system in its
deployed state. Likewise, the modularity requirement contains
another set of considerations: the compactness of the stored
configuration, the speed and ease with which the system is
transported and installed, and the rigidity of the installation
itself. These requirements are, of course, coupled and overlapping
in a total system design. The general approach to these six design
considerations is described below.
The Pre-Deployment Configuration of Deployable Systems
[0041] Generally, the pre-deployment configuration of a deployable
system is constrained by the available footprint or envelope
available. Additionally, as discussed above, it is highly desirable
that the weapon be hidden from view or sufficiently disguised as to
prevent its detection by outsiders when in the ready-to-deploy
configuration at the mooring station window. This design area is,
of course, linked to its upstream and downstream configurations
(stowed and deployed), but is not constrained to be identical to
either.
The Mechanics of Deployment
[0042] The nature of deployable systems allows for the mechanical
requirements of deployment to be decoupled from the mechanical
requirements of the deployed configuration. When done properly, the
design of deployment systems for applications such as weapons
systems, this decoupling of requirements can be used to great
advantage. Because the deployment mechanism must only exhibit very
high rigidity in its deployed configuration, the actuation elements
which deploy the weapon may be designed such that their actuation
directions do not coincide with the load path of the system in its
deployed configuration. Alternately, if the preceding approach is
not practicable, the actuators may be designed such that when in
the deployed configuration the mechanism is in some locked or
otherwise mechanically constrained position. Any design of a
two-position deployment mechanism which employs complicated
feedback and control systems or requires significant power to
maintain the deployed configuration should be looked upon with
great skepticism but should instead involve a minimum number of
different motions to achieve the desired positioning of the weapon
system.
The Deployed Configuration of a Deployable System
[0043] A compact, efficient, and elegant deployment mechanism will
be utterly worthless if it is incapable of rigidly supporting the
weapon system at the required positions outside the mooring station
window. For this reason, the embodiments disclosed herein produce a
deployed rigidity matching that of the weapon system when bolted to
the deck of a ship. Adhering to this standard will ensure that the
accuracy of the weapon system is maintained relative to a more
traditional application.
The Storage Configuration of a Modular System
[0044] Much like the pre-deployment configuration of a deployable
system, the storage configuration of a modular system is driven by
the available geometry of the storage location. In the present
designs which are very rigid when deployed, and quickly transported
and installed, will benefit from additional stored compactness away
from the mooring station.
The Transport of a Modular System
[0045] Modular systems for machinery in factory settings must be
designed such that the systems are safe and easy to transport. An
unwieldy machine on wheels is a waste of manpower and a recipe for
disaster. This problem is greatly magnified in a ship at sea. The
embodiments disclosed herein focus on the ability for two sailors
to safely and quickly locate and install the deployable weapon
system in the mooring station.
The Installation of a Modular System
[0046] In addition to the requirements of rigidity stemming from
the need to support the weapon outside the mooring station window
while maintaining accuracy, the installation of the system should
be quick, safe, and immune to the effects of exposure to the
environment. Of particular concern are the mechanical interlocking
of the system to the ship's hull, and the power and communications
hook-ups from the ship to the system.
[0047] The weapon systems discussed below may be passed through the
mooring station window in its three primary orthogonal orientations
using only two deployment motions. This is especially important
because the particular arrangement of components on the weapon
system may necessitate a particular orientation in which the weapon
must pass through the mooring station window. It should also be
noted that the illustrations of the weapon system mounts disclosed
herein are schematic. The aspects and geometry of the deployment
mechanism components have been simplified to maximize the clarity
of the designs. The details of the actuators for accomplishing the
disclosed motions are well known in the art and are not discussed
herein. Inspection of the arrangement of components in the
conceptual renderings reveals that there is ample space to provide
machine elements of sufficient rigidity to support the weapon when
projecting outside the hull of the ship while maintaining weapon
accuracy.
First Embodiment
[0048] As shown below in FIGS. 1-4, a weapon system mount according
to a first embodiment includes a mechanism 100 capable of passing a
weapon system 102 through a window 104 in a hull 106 of a ship with
the `z` axis being vertical, and the `x` axis pointing to the
outside of the ship. The hull 106 is shown in a cut-away portion.
Although, the weapon system mounts disclosed herein are described
with regard to a hull of a ship, they are equally applicable to
other vehicles, vessels or ground stations.
[0049] The weapon system 102 is installed at a pre-deployment
configuration in FIG. 1 in which the weapon system is oriented
vertically and below the window 104. Upon actuation of the
deployment mechanism, the weapon system rotates to an intermediate
position as shown in FIG. 2. Such intermediate position only
requires a rotation of the deployment mechanism 100 about axis A by
any actuation means know in the art, such as a shaft and
appropriate actuator (not shown). From the intermediate position
shown in FIG. 2, the mechanism 100 translates forward and out of
the window 104 to the deployed position shown in FIG. 3, where it
is fully deployed and ready for operation. The translation of the
weapon system is accomplished by any actuation means known in the
art, such as rails or slide 108 and an appropriate actuator (not
shown). The mechanism 100 of the first embodiment employs only two
additional motions to the weapon system, one rotary, and one
linear. It should be noted that the mechanism 100 of the first
embodiment permits the weapon system to theoretically be
operational at the intermediate position shown in FIG. 2 which
allows for operation in a semi-concealed position, albeit with a
limited range of motion.
[0050] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the end of the linear
slide 108 which projects the weapon system through the window 104
can contain a "look-down" rotational joint 110 to rotate the weapon
system 102 about axis B by any actuation means know in the art,
such as a shaft and appropriate actuator (not shown). This joint
provides increased range of elevation movement. This addition is
seen as particularly useful in addressing threats which are very
near the vessel.
Second Embodiment
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, a weapon system mount according to a
second embodiment includes a mechanism 200 also capable of passing
a weapon system 102 through a window 104 in a hull 106 of a ship
with the `z` axis being vertical, and the `x` axis pointing to the
outside of the ship.
[0052] The weapon system 102 is shown installed at a stowed
position in FIG. 5 (in a pre-deployment configuration). Upon
actuation of the deployment mechanism 200, the weapon system 102
moves to the intermediate position shown in FIG. 6 by a vertical
translation of the weapon system 102 by any actuation means know in
the art, such as rails or slides and appropriate actuator (not
shown). From the intermediate position shown in FIG. 6, the
mechanism 200 translates forward and out of the window to the
deployed position shown in FIG. 7, where it is fully deployed and
ready for operation. The translation of the weapon system 102 is
accomplished by any actuation means known in the art, such as rails
or slide 108 and an appropriate actuator (not shown) as discussed
above with regard to the first embodiment. The mechanism 200 of the
second embodiment employs only two additional motions to the weapon
system, both linear. It should be noted that the mechanism 200 also
allows the weapon system 102 to be theoretically operational at the
intermediate Position 2 which allows for operation in a
semi-concealed position, albeit with limited range of motion.
[0053] The mechanism 200 of the second embodiment can contain the
same "look-down" joint 110 at the end of the linear slide 108 as
discussed above with regard to the mechanism 100 of the first
embodiment, to serve the same purpose, namely extending the
negative elevation range of the deployed weapon system to address
threats very near to the vessel.
[0054] The mechanism 200 of the second embodiment may provide a
better storage configuration because of the low height and center
of gravity of the weapon system 102 in the pre-deployment
configuration. One particular advantage of mechanism 200 of the
second embodiment is that the weapon is well-hidden from outside
view in the pre-deployment configuration.
Third Embodiment
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 8-14, a weapon system mount according to a
third embodiment includes a mechanism 300 also capable of passing a
weapon system 102 through a window 104 in a hull 106 of a ship with
the `z` axis being vertical, and the `x` axis pointing to the
outside of the ship.
[0056] The weapon system 102 is installed at the position shown in
FIG. 8 in the pre-deployment (stowed) configuration. Upon actuation
of the deployment mechanism, the weapon system 102 moves to the
position shown in FIG. 9, which only requires a vertical
translation similar to that shown in FIG. 6 with regard to the
second embodiment. At this stage, the weapon system 102 is
reoriented to pass through the mooring station window 104. First,
the weapon is rotated 90 degrees about axis C using an azimuth
joint on the weapon system as shown in FIG. 10. Next, the weapon is
rotated 90 degrees about axis D as shown in FIG. 11 using a
"look-down" joint on the weapon system as described in the first
and second embodiments. From this position, the mechanism
translates the weapon system 102 forward on the rails or slide 108
and out of the window 102 to the position shown in FIG. 12.
Finally, the weapon system 102 is reoriented to its fully deployed
position by essentially undoing the intermediate rotational
movements made before passing the weapon through the mooring
station window 102 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. It should be noted
that the mechanism of the third embodiment, like the mechanisms of
the second embodiment, employs only two additional motions to the
weapon system 102, both linear. The use of the deployment
mechanism's look-down joint and azimuth joint during deployment is
a dual-use of these already existing/required degrees of freedom.
Additionally, like the mechanism of the second embodiment, the
mechanism of the third embodiment is both capable of firing from
inside the ship, and is very well concealed behind the mooring
station wall when in the ready-to-deploy configuration.
Fourth Embodiment
[0057] A fourth embodiment describe another orientation by which
the weapon system may be passed through the mooring station window
102, namely with the `z` axis vertical and the `y` axis pointing to
the outside of the ship. Such a motion can be the same as that of
the mechanism of the third embodiment, with the omission of
rotation of the "look-down" joint before and after passing the
weapon through the mooring station window 102.
[0058] Thus, as described above, the weapon system 102 may be
projected through the mooring station window 102 in any of its
three orthogonal orientations.
[0059] Transporting the weapon system 102 from a storage location
to the mooring station window 102 should be performed by two
personnel, e.g., sailors, to quickly and safely position and
install the deployment system at the mooring station window.
Depending on the proximity of the storage location to the mooring
station window 102, several options exist. The deployment system
may be linearly or rotationally moved to a position near the window
102, leaving sufficient working area for traditional mooring
station activities. This option is seen as especially rapid and
safe, as the deployment system may be very easily constrained in
its path and even given powered movement. Additionally, such an
arrangement would allow for the power and communications interfaces
to be more permanently connected to the machine. The deployment
system may ride on a system of on-deck or overhead rails or tracks.
This arrangement would allow for a deployment system to be stored
in one particular location unique to and arbitrarily remote from an
individual mooring station. Like the above example, this system is
also amicable to the application of a powered drive system to speed
and ease transport of the system.
[0060] The most freedom of storage and transport will, of course,
come from a wheeled unit with complete freedom of motion. Such an
arrangement will allow for the most storage options, and will allow
a single system to be easily installed at any number of mooring
stations. Given the anticipated weight and size of the weapon
system, such a deployment system will benefit from having one or
more wheel brakes, and possibly a drive motor, not dissimilar to
traditional materials handling equipment. Accompanying the
advantages of unconstrained movement however is a decrease in
safety in the event of rough seas. This drawback may be addressed
with special procedures and techniques for moving the machine in
rough waters. For example, the route from the storage location to
the mooring station window may be provided with lashing points and
although slower, the system could be moved with safety by employing
cables and brakes to ensure no loss of control during
transport.
[0061] Securing the deployment system at the mooring station window
will now be discussed. In the embodiments described above, the
deployment system contacts only the deck of the mooring station.
Such an approach will simplify the installation process while
ensuring that no additional contact stress is seen by the outer
hull of the ship. The actual interlocking of the deployment system
to the deck of the mooring station is not seen as particularly
technically challenging; any number of traditional methods may be
used, such as bolting, clamping, or lashing. It is also envisioned
that for transport methods which involve wheels on the device,
those wheels would be refracted at the installation location and
the interlocking method would be of a highly rigid
structure-to-structure variety.
[0062] Power options for the deployment system will now be
discussed. The required motions of the mechanisms described above
may be powered by any number of traditional mechanical power
sources such as an electric or hydraulic motor with gear reduction
or a lead screw; or hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. The power
source may also be matched to the power source of the weapon
system.
[0063] The "Look-Down" Joint has been discussed above with regard
to each of the embodiments. Such look-down joint is a rotational
joint at the end of the linear slide which projects the MK49
through the mooring station window. An illustration of the
"Look-Down" joint rotated -90 degrees in the deployed configuration
is shown in FIG. 4. This joint is provided to allow the weapon
system to address potential threads very near to the window/ship.
Additionally, in certain deployment concepts, the "Look-Down" joint
can be used to maneuver the weapon through the mooring station
window. Because of its requirements of operation, the "Look-Down"
joint power and controls can mimic the constriction of the
elevation joint on the weapon system.
[0064] While there has been shown and described what is considered
to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course,
be understood that various modifications and changes in form or
detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of
the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not
limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be
constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *