U.S. patent application number 13/219808 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for precision hoe opener with swing link between cylinder and shank.
This patent application is currently assigned to CNH CANADA, LTD.. Invention is credited to Gerard James Gadzella, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Montgomerie Summach.
Application Number | 20110308826 13/219808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41449881 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110308826 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryder; Nicholas George Alfred ;
et al. |
December 22, 2011 |
PRECISION HOE OPENER WITH SWING LINK BETWEEN CYLINDER AND SHANK
Abstract
A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved
accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and
packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a
hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion
linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides
improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and
compensating for changes in terrain elevation.
Inventors: |
Ryder; Nicholas George Alfred;
(Saskatoon, CA) ; Summach; Montgomerie;
(Saskatoon, CA) ; Gadzella; Gerard James;
(Saskatoon, CA) |
Assignee: |
CNH CANADA, LTD.
Saskatoon
CA
|
Family ID: |
41449881 |
Appl. No.: |
13/219808 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12959969 |
Dec 3, 2010 |
8028632 |
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13219808 |
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12141891 |
Jun 18, 2008 |
7866410 |
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12959969 |
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60944790 |
Jun 18, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
172/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01C 7/203 20130101;
Y10T 29/49448 20150115; Y10S 111/926 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
172/484 |
International
Class: |
A01B 49/02 20060101
A01B049/02; A01B 63/32 20060101 A01B063/32 |
Claims
1. An agricultural system comprising: a support structure
comprising a parallel linkage assembly and a linear actuator; a
packer wheel assembly extending from the parallel linkage assembly,
wherein the parallel linkage assembly is configured to maintain a
constant orientation of the packer wheel assembly with respect to
the ground; a ground engaging assembly coupled to the support
structure; and a lost motion linkage coupled to the linear
actuator, wherein the lost motion linkage is cooperatively
contacting the support structure to raise the ground engaging
assembly after movement of the lost motion linkage through a
desired angular range.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/959,969, entitled "Precision Hoe Opener Assembly with
Swing Lock Between Cylinder and Shank", filed Dec. 3, 2010 which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; which benefits
from the priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/141,891,
filed Jun. 18, 2008, U.S. Pat. No. 7,866,410, issued Jan. 11, 2011
entitled "Precision Hoe Opener Assembly with Swing Link Between
Cylinder and Shank, which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety, which benefits from the priority of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/944,790, entitled "Precision Hoe Opener
Assembly with Swing Link and Biasing Member," filed Jun. 18, 2007,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention relates to agricultural seeders, such as hoe
openers and seeding tools used in farming operations to distribute
seeds into the soil.
[0003] Generally, precision hoe openers are mounted to the frame of
an implement which is towed behind a tractor. These openers may
include a ground engaging tool that opens the soil, providing a
path for seed deposition into the soil. After the seed is
deposited, the ground engaging tool may be followed by a packer
wheel that packs the soil on top of the deposited seed. The packer
wheel may be rigidly mounted behind the ground engaging tool via a
structural member or rear frame. Thus, the ground engaging tool and
packer wheel generally move together with the same upward and
downward motion. This vertical motion, somewhat independent of the
implement frame, allows for more precise placement of seed in the
soil.
[0004] Unfortunately, existing precision hoe openers do not
adequately address the need for height variation over terrain
during seeding, or for transportation when not seeding. It is
generally undesirable to pull the hoe opener through soil when
merely transporting the opener from one location to another. In
addition, during seeding, existing openers do not provide adequate
vertical motion of the opener and related assembly without
compromising the load on the ground engaging tool and packer wheel.
As a result, variations in the terrain can result in drastic
changes in the packing force of the packer wheel on the terrain
being seeded by the opener and, also, the draft force of the
terrain on the ground engaging tool. In turn, this variation in
ground opening force and packing force can result in non-uniform
seeding depths and packing density in the terrain being seeded.
[0005] The distance between the packer wheel and ground engaging
tool can also affect the seeding accuracy of the opener apparatus.
Existing precision hoe openers have a fixed distance between the
packer wheel and ground engaging tool. A greater distance between
the components will cause variations in the terrain to affect the
force on the opener or packer wheel to an even greater degree. This
will also result in non-uniform force applied to the soil by the
two components, which reduces seeding accuracy.
[0006] Existing precision hoe openers also require substantial
force to raise the opener assembly, including the ground engaging
assembly and packer wheel. This requirement results in the use of
large hydraulic cylinders to raise the apparatus, due to the
overall length and weight of each opener assembly. This hydraulic
equipment is costly and is demanding of resources (i.e., hydraulic
power) from other portions of the tractor and seeding
implement.
[0007] There is a need, therefore, for improved arrangements in
precision hoe openers that improve the accuracy of the seeding
operation. There is a particular need for a precision hoe opener
configuration that applies forces to the ground engaging tool and
the packing wheel to improve seeding depth and accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0008] It should be understood that the following discussion, and
specific embodiments, are presented merely to provide the reader
with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and
that these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects
that may not be set forth below.
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention address the problem of
inadequate vertical motion of the tool by optimizing the geometric
relationship of the cylinder, parallel linkage, ground engaging
tool, and packer wheel. Specifically, embodiments of the present
invention allow for additional motion between the shank and
cylinder by incorporating a swing link assembly between these
elements. The swing link enables the cylinder to travel farther
than if it were rigidly mounted to the shank, providing for
alternative positions as the cylinder is extended or retracted.
These alternative positions allow for both additional vertical
motion of the assembly and the desired loading on the opener and
packer wheel.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention include draft
compensation in the parallel linkage to counteract draft forces
placed on the ground engaging tool during operation. One of the
difficulties is that at any point where the linkage is not parallel
with the ground, force at the packer wheel will fluctuate as the
draft force applied to the ground engaging tool varies. Embodiments
of the present invention are configured to enable the hydraulic
load of the cylinder to compensate and counteract the varying draft
loads on the opener, thereby maintaining a substantially constant
packing pressure on the packer wheel.
[0011] Various refinements exist of the features noted above in
relation to the various aspects of the present invention. Further
features may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well.
These refinements and additional features may exist individually or
in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below
in relation to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be
incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present
invention alone or in any combination. Again, the brief summary
presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with
certain aspects and contexts of the present invention without
limitation to subject matter set forth in claims.
DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a precision
hoe opener having a frame support, a cylinder, a swing link
assembly, a rear frame assembly, a ground engaging tool, and a
packer wheel;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the precision hoe
opener of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the opener
assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the packer wheel, the rear frame
assembly, and certain elements are removed to enhance clarity;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shank
mount adapter, the swing link assembly, and associated features
shown FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the
precision hoe opener as illustrated in FIG. 1, further illustrating
a neutral or horizontal operating position to illustrate draft
compensation when the assembly is in this operating position;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the
precision hoe opener as illustrated in FIG. 1, further illustrating
a second operating position with the draft compensation loading
provided by the cylinder to the packer wheel when the assembly is
in this operating position;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the
precision hoe opener as illustrated in FIG. 1, further illustrating
a third operating position to illustrate the draft compensation
loading provided by the cylinder to the packer wheel when the
assembly is in this operating position;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an entire precision hoe
drill assembly system, including multiple opener assemblies and the
implement frame that they are attached thereto;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
precision hoe opener having a frame support, a cylinder, a swing
link assembly, a rear frame assembly, a ground engaging tool, and a
packer wheel;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the precision hoe
opener of FIG. 9; and
[0023] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
the precision hoe opener shown in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Turning now to the drawings and referring first to FIG. 1,
an embodiment of a precision hoe opener assembly is illustrated and
designated generally by reference numeral 10. Precision opener
assembly 10 includes a frame support 12, an actuator or drive such
as a cylinder 14 (e.g., hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston-cylinder
assembly), a swing link assembly 16, a packer wheel assembly 18
(e.g., packer arm), and a packer wheel 20. Precision hoe opener
assembly 10 may be towed, pushed, or generally moved by a vehicle,
such as a tractor (not shown). For example, the frame support 12
may interface tool frame tow bar 22 attached to the tractor for
towing the precision hoe opener assembly 10. The precision hoe
opener assembly 10 is mounted to the tractor support via mounting
brackets 24. In the present context, the precision hoe opener
assembly 10 may also be generally referred to as an opener
assembly, a hoe opener, a row unit, a seeder, a planter, an opener
or a ground engaging tool/assembly. Further, the ground engaging
tool or opener is the portion of the hoe opener assembly that
contacts the ground, thereby preparing the soil for seed
deposition.
[0025] Tool frame support 12 is connected to the swing assembly 16
and packer wheel assembly 18 via the cylinder 14, first member 26,
and second member 28. The mounting configuration of cylinder 14,
first member 26, and second member 28 will be discussed further
below. Elements 12, 26, 28 and 58 collectively form a hydraulically
driven parallel linkage assembly. As depicted, cylinder 14 is
drives the parallel linkage assembly. Cylinder 14 is mounted to
swing link assembly 16 via pin 30. Cylinder 14 is hydraulically
coupled to a power supply 32 that may be used to pressurize piston
rod 34 to actuate the swing link assembly 16. Once actuated, swing
link assembly 16 may engage packer wheel assembly 18 via a stop as
will be described further below.
[0026] The swing link assembly 16 engages the packer wheel assembly
18 via a shank mount adapter 36. The shank mount adapter 36 is
coupled to shank 38 and first opener 40. Shank mount adapter 36 may
be coupled to shank 38 via fasteners 42, which allow height
adjustments for opener 40 relative to opener assembly 10 and
optional second opener 50. Packer wheel assembly adjustments may be
made via adjuster 44. First opener 40 is coupled to a seed
distribution header 46 via a seeding tube 48 to allow product
deposition during operation. As depicted, a seed is the product
being deposited in the terrain. The present embodiment illustrates
an optional second opener 50, which may be added in some cases to
allow for a second product to be placed in the ground. The
adjustments enabled by fasteners 42 and adjuster 44 may optimize
product placement accuracy by allowing packer wheel 20 to move
vertically with respect to first opener 40 and second opener 50.
Moreover, the optional second ground engaging tool may affect the
packing forces and/or compensation of the system, but would likely
not significantly affect the basic design of the precision hoe
opener assembly and swing link mechanism.
[0027] The diagram also shows first member 26 attached via pins 54
and 56 to tool frame support 12, rear frame 58, and packer wheel
assembly 18. Second member 28 is also connected to rear frame 58
and tool frame support 12 via pins 60 and 52. Further, pins 60 and
54 couple rear frame 58 to the packer wheel assembly 18 and shank
mount adapter 36 as well as to second member 28. The members 26 and
28 with frame support 12 and rear frame 58 form a second parallel
linkage assembly.
[0028] As discussed above, cylinder 14 actuates swing link assembly
16 to load shank 38, which further loads packer wheel assembly 18
and packer wheel 20. In certain embodiments, the packer wheel 20
provides a substantially constant force to the soil after the seed
product has been deposited. Packer wheel 20 is coupled to packer
wheel assembly 18 via a rotating bearing assembly. Further, packer
wheel assembly 18 includes multiple mounting locations on adjuster
44 to allow for a positional adjustment of the packer wheel 20. As
stated above, seeding accuracy may be enhanced by adjusting the
position of packer wheel 20.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the
precision hoe opener 10. The figure illustrates the precision hoe
opener 10 in the deployed position with first opener 40 in an
elevated position as compared to packer wheel 20. In the
illustrated embodiment, cylinder 14 causes swing link assembly 16
to rotate about pin 60 and to engage shank mount adapter 36, while
a obstacle may cause first opener 40 to be raised above the plane
of packer wheel 20 and second opener 50.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the precision hoe opener 10
with certain features removed for clarity, such as packer wheel 20,
packer wheel assembly 18, and first member 26. The figure
illustrates the tool frame support 12, cylinder 14, second member
28, swing link assembly 16, and shank mount adapter 36. Further,
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shank mount adapter 36, swing
link assembly 16, and their related elements.
[0031] Referring to both FIGS. 3 and 4, shank mount adapter 36
includes a main body having a number of features. These features
interface the swing link assembly 16 to the shank mount adapter 36
during either retraction or extension of the cylinder 14. The swing
link assembly includes extension mating feature 62 that interfaces
with extension contact surface 64 as well as retraction feature 66
and surface 68. These features provide greater leverage about pin
60 for cylinder 14, reducing the amount of hydraulic power needed
to move the opener assembly. Hole 70 provides a mounting location
for the end of piston rod 34 in the swing link assembly. Pin 72 is
provided for the opposite end of the cylinder 14 to mount to tool
frame support 12. The swing link assembly 16 may be described as
contacting the surfaces of shank mount adapter 36 at the
extremities of the angular rotational movement of the swing link
assembly 16.
[0032] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a portion
of the angular movement of the swing link assembly 16 will not
cause movement of shank adapter 36 and first opener 40. This
characteristic may cause the swing link assembly 16 to be referred
to a lost motion linkage.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows the swing link assembly 16 in the extended
position to engage the shank mount adapter 36, extending the first
opener 40 and packer wheel assembly 18 generally downward. In this
position, extension mating feature 62 engages extension contact
surface 64. In the present embodiment, the geometry of swing link
assembly 16 reduces the required length for members 26 and 28
necessary to raise and lower opener assembly 10.
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 3, the swing link assembly 16 is
shown in the retracted or transport position, e.g., the first
opener 40 is lifted higher than the packer wheel 20. In the
illustrated retracted position, retraction mating feature 66
engages retraction contact surface 68. As shown in both FIGS. 3 and
4, the cylinder 14 and piston rod 34 are not directly coupled to
shank mount adapter 36. Instead, the first opener 40 is retracted
and extended via the swing link assembly 16 engaging and
disengaging the shank mount adapter 36.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the precision hoe opener
10 in a neutral position as might be representative of being towed
during a seeding operation on level ground. In this deployed
position for the seeder, shank mount adapter 36 rotates about pin
60 to lower first opener 40 and engage frame stop 74 located on
rear frame 58. When shank mount adapter 36 rotates about pin 60 and
a cavity located on the adapter engages the top surface of the
frame stop 74, shank mount adapter 36 loads packer wheel assembly
18 which is coupled to rear frame 58. The resulting force applies a
load to packer wheel 20 via the multiple linkage assembly. Further,
when in the extension position, as shown in FIG. 4, frame stop
cavity rotates as well, engaging frame stop 74, to provide a
lowering force upon the packer wheel assembly. It follows, that
when the swing link assembly 16 is in a retraction position, as
shown in FIG. 3, the frame stop 74 may provide a lifting force to
the packer wheel assembly with contact on the bottom face.
[0036] Further, tool frame support 12 is a distance 76 from terrain
78. During normal operation, first opener 40 may plow through
terrain 78 creating a draft force 80 on first opener 40. In this
position, cylinder load 82 is directed along cylinder axis 84.
Linkage axis 86 runs through the center of parallel linkage member
28. Reference numeral 88 represents the small angle between
cylinder axis 84 and linkage axis 86. The normal load on packer
wheel 20, generally represented by numeral 90, may mainly consist
of the weight of opener 10 with a nominal contribution by cylinder
load 82. Hydraulic cylinder 14 serves primarily to keep first
opener 40 in a deployed position and is connected to the assembly
by pins 72 and 30.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the precision hoe opener
10 in a second deployed position. In this position, the relative
distance between tool frame support 12 and terrain 78 has decreased
from that of FIG. 5 and is represented by numeral 94. This decrease
in the distance typically occurs during terrain changes. The
terrain provides draft force 80 on first opener 40, thereby
increasing the packing force 90 of the packer wheel 20 on the
terrain 78 due to the orientation of the links 26 and 28 relative
to the direction of the application of the draft force. In the
illustrated embodiment, cylinder 14 may provide a lifting force to
counteract the increased packing force 90 on the packer wheel 20
due to a decrease in angle 88. Cylinder load 82 produces a
resultant force in the opposite direction of packing force 90,
thereby compensating for a portion of the downward force created by
the draft force 80 on first opener 40.
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the precision hoe opener
10 in a third deployed position. In this illustration, relative
distance 96 between tool frame support 12 and terrain 78 has
increased relative to FIGS. 5 and 6. As discussed above, this
increase may be dependent on the terrain in the field. In this
illustration, the relative increase in the distance between tow bar
22 and terrain 78 causes draft force 80 to reduce the packer force
90 on the packer wheel 20 due to the orientation of links 26 and 28
relative to the direction of the draft force 80. The upward
resultant force on the opener assembly 10 decreases the packing
force 90 exerted on terrain 78. Optimally, it is desirable to
maintain a constant packing force 90 by the packer wheel 20 on the
terrain 78 to ensure accurate and consistent seeding. As
illustrated by the figure, when the relative distance increases,
the piston load 82 may act along cylinder axis 84 and the relative
angle 88 increases which inturn increases the contribution of the
piston load to the packing force 90, on the packer wheel 20. In
other words, the cylinder 14 compensates for the decrease in
packing force created by draft force 80.
[0039] In general, FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate that the precision
opener assembly 10 has an increased range of motion while providing
a generally constant packing force to the soil. This is achieved in
part by the opener assembly 10 maintaining a substantially constant
angle between packer wheel assembly 18 and terrain 78, as well as
the geometry of cylinder 14, first member 26, and second member
28.
[0040] As appreciated by one in the art, the disclosed embodiments
of precision opener 10 provide control of the packing force 90 and
the seeding depth of the first opener 40. The opener 10
advantageously responds to variations in the terrain 78, the draft
force 80 on the first opener 40, the packing force 90, or a
combination thereof. Thus, the opener 10 can provide a generally
uniform packing force 90 and seeding depth to improve the overall
quality of the seeding process, and in turn improve subsequent
growth originating from the seeds. Again, the hoe opener 10 has a
variety of adjustment mechanisms to control the location of the
packer wheel 20, the first opener 40, the optional second opener
50, or a combination thereof.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates the implement assembly, including
precision opener assemblies 10, as row units of a complete
agricultural seeding system 98, as may be towed behind a tractor
(not shown).
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of precision hoe opener 110
featuring a single ground penetrating tool 40, shank 38, and shank
mount adapter 36. Precision hoe opener assembly 110 includes a tool
frame support 12, which may interface with a tow bar (not pictured)
located on an implement assembly. The precision hoe opener assembly
110 may be mounted to the tow bar via mounting brackets 24.
[0043] Tool frame support 12 is connected to swing link assembly 16
and rear frame 58 via an actuator, in the form of hydraulic
cylinder 14, and a parallel linkage arrangement formed by first
member 26, and second member 28. Cylinder 14 is hydraulically
coupled to a power supply (not pictured) that may be used to
actuate the swing link assembly 16. Once actuated, swing link
assembly 16 may engage packer wheel assembly 18 via stop 74
contacting shank mount adapter 36. The shank mount adapter 36 is
rigidly coupled to shank 38 and ground engaging tool 40. This
embodiment may also feature a seeding and/or fertilizing apparatus
(not pictured) behind tool 40 to deposit seeds, fertilizer, and so
forth into the opened soil. The arrangement may optimize seeding
accuracy by adjusting the position of packer wheel 20 relative to
ground engaging tool 40. Further, the arrangement allows packer
wheel 20 to provide a substantially constant force to the soil
after the seed and/or fertilizer have been deposited.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, first member 26 attached via
pins to tool frame support 12, and rear frame 58. Second member 28
may also be connected to rear frame 58 and tool frame support 12
via pins. Members 26 and 28, with frame support 12 and rear frame
58, form the parallel linkage assembly that maintains the
orientation of the packer wheel assembly 18 with respect to the
ground. The parallel linkage may be used to control the forces on
ground engaging tool 40 and packer wheel 20 as the precision hoe
opener 110 is towed across the terrain. In the illustrated
embodiment, the arrangement allows cylinder 14 to actuate swing
link assembly 16, loading shank adapter 36 and ground engaging tool
40, which further loads packer wheel assembly 18 and packer wheel
20.
[0045] FIG. 10 is a side view of the same embodiment of the
precision hoe opener 110 featuring a single ground penetrating tool
40, shank 38, and shank mount adapter 36. This figure illustrates
the precision hoe opener 110 in the deployed position with ground
engaging tool 40 in a position to open the soil, and with packer
wheel 20 positioned to pack the opened, seeded terrain. In the
illustrated embodiment, cylinder 14 causes swing link assembly 16
to rotate about pin 60 and to engage shank mount adapter 36, and
ultimately, once the adapter is sufficiently rotated, rear frame
stop 74. When shank mount adapter 36 engages rear frame stop 74,
cylinder 14 may exert force on the tool and wheel components
through the intermediary of the swing link assembly 16.
[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of this embodiment of
the precision hoe opener 110 featuring a single ground penetrating
tool 40, shank 38, and shank mount adapter 36. As illustrated, the
various components may be made as weldments, as in the case of the
presently contemplated configuration of tool frame support 12, rear
frame 58 and packer wheel assembly 12, or as castings, as
illustrated for swing link assembly 16, member 28 and shank mount
adapter 36. Other manufacturing processes and physical
configurations may, of course, be envisaged for these or analogous
parts. The single ground penetrating tool 40 is bolted to the shank
mount adapter 36 in the illustrated embodiment. In the final
assembly, one or more conduits may be provided on the single ground
penetrating tool to channel seeds, fertilizer and the like to the
opening formed by the tool as the implement is advanced across
terrain to be seeded.
[0047] While only certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes
will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *