U.S. patent application number 14/138202 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for smart electronic cigarette.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vapor Innovations, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Vapor Innovations, LLC. Invention is credited to Lance Burstyn.
Application Number | 20140174459 14/138202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50973237 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140174459 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burstyn; Lance |
June 26, 2014 |
Smart Electronic Cigarette
Abstract
An electronic cigarette includes a memory, a processor
communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to run an
electronic cigarette application stored in the memory, and an
output circuit that transfers information from the electronic
cigarette application to a remote electronic cigarette application
separate from the electronic cigarette. An indicator such as an
audible indicator and/or a visual indicator provides information,
such as an indication that the electronic cigarette needs
recharging or an indication to a user implementing a smoking
cessation program. The remote electronic cigarette application can
be a remote server-based application, a remote cloud-based
application, and/or a mobile-device-based application. The remote
electronic cigarette application shares transferred information
with a social media account. An input circuit receives from the
remote electronic cigarette application remote information and/or
remote commands.
Inventors: |
Burstyn; Lance; (Miami
Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vapor Innovations, LLC |
Miami |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vapor Innovations, LLC
Miami
FL
|
Family ID: |
50973237 |
Appl. No.: |
14/138202 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61740498 |
Dec 21, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/273 ;
131/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/273 ;
131/329 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic cigarette, comprising: a memory; a processor
communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to run an
electronic cigarette application stored in the memory; and an
output circuit that transfers information from the electronic
cigarette application to a remote electronic cigarette application
separate from the electronic cigarette.
2. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one indicator.
3. The electronic cigarette according to claim 2, wherein the at
least one indicator comprises at least one of an audible indicator
and a visual indicator.
4. The electronic cigarette according to claim 2, wherein the at
least one indicator provides an indication that the electronic
cigarette needs recharging.
5. The electronic cigarette according to claim 2, wherein the at
least one indicator provides at least one indication to a user
implementing a smoking cessation program.
6. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the
remote electronic cigarette application separate from the
electronic cigarette is a remote server-based application.
7. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the
remote electronic cigarette application separate from the
electronic cigarette is a remote cloud-based application.
8. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the
remote electronic cigarette application separate from the
electronic cigarette is a mobile-device-based application.
9. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the
remote electronic cigarette application shares the transferred
information with a social media account.
10. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, further
comprising an input circuit.
11. The electronic cigarette according to claim 10, wherein the
input circuit and the output circuit comprise a transceiver
circuit.
12. The electronic cigarette according to claim 10, wherein the
input circuit receives from the remote electronic cigarette
application at least one of remote information and remote
commands.
13. The electronic cigarette according to claim 12, wherein, based
on the received remote commands, the processor causes the
electronic cigarette to turn on or shut down.
14. The electronic cigarette according to claim 12, wherein: the
electronic cigarette application comprises a smoking cessation
program; and based on the received remote commands, the processor
causes the electronic cigarette to implement the smoking cessation
program.
15. The electronic cigarette according to claim 12, wherein the
received remote information comprises user setting data.
16. The electronic cigarette according to claim 12, wherein the
received remote information comprises pre-set configuration
data.
17. The electronic cigarette according to claim 12, wherein the
received remote information comprises electronic cigarette
application update data.
18. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, further
comprising a clock used by the electronic cigarette application to
determine at least one of when and how long the electronic
cigarette is operated.
19. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, further
comprising a global positioning system receiver that provides
location information of the electronic cigarette.
20. The electronic cigarette according to claim 19, wherein the the
electronic cigarette application provides the location information
to the remote electronic cigarette application.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/740,498, filed on Dec. 21, 2012), the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention lies in the field of electronic
cigarettes. The present disclosure relates to information and
analytics related to usage of electronic cigarettes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The concept of the electronic cigarette was first devised
over fifty years ago. The modern electronic cigarette is a
smokeless non-tobacco cigarette that is capable of delivering
nicotine to a user's lungs when inhaled from the electronic
cigarette. Although advances have been made in the delivery of a
pleasurable experience to the user through the liquids used for
producing vapor and vapor flavors, there is presently no electronic
cigarette that is capable of collecting and storing user experience
data.
[0005] Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior
art systems, designs, and processes as discussed above.
[0006] Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior
art systems, designs, and processes as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention provides an electronic cigarette that
overcome(s) the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the
heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that
provide such features with a smart electronic cigarette having
various components.
[0008] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is
provided, in accordance with the invention, an electronic cigarette
including a memory, a processor communicatively coupled to the
memory and configured to run an electronic cigarette application
stored in the memory, and an output circuit that transfers
information from the electronic cigarette application to a remote
electronic cigarette application separate from the electronic
cigarette.
[0009] In accordance with another feature of the invention, there
is provided at least one indicator.
[0010] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the
at least one indicator is at least one of an audible indicator and
a visual indicator.
[0011] In accordance with an additional feature of the invention,
the at least one indicator provides an indication that the
electronic cigarette needs recharging.
[0012] In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the
at least one indicator provides at least one indication to a user
implementing a smoking cessation program.
[0013] In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention,
the remote electronic cigarette application separate from the
electronic cigarette is a remote server-based application.
[0014] In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention,
the remote electronic cigarette application separate from the
electronic cigarette is a remote cloud-based application.
[0015] In accordance with yet an additional feature of the
invention, the remote electronic cigarette application separate
from the electronic cigarette is a mobile-device-based
application.
[0016] In accordance with again another feature of the invention,
the remote electronic cigarette application shares the transferred
information with a social media account.
[0017] In accordance with again a further feature of the invention,
there is provided an input circuit. The input circuit and the
output circuit comprise a transceiver circuit.
[0018] In accordance with again an added feature of the invention,
the input circuit receives from the remote electronic cigarette
application at least one of remote information and remote
commands.
[0019] In accordance with again an additional feature of the
invention, based on the received remote commands, the processor
causes the electronic cigarette to turn on or shut down.
[0020] In accordance with still another feature of the invention,
the electronic cigarette application comprises a smoking cessation
program, and, based on the received remote commands, the processor
causes the electronic cigarette to implement the smoking cessation
program.
[0021] In accordance with still a further feature of the invention,
the received information is user setting data.
[0022] In accordance with still an added feature of the invention,
the received information is pre-set configuration data.
[0023] In accordance with still an additional feature of the
invention, the received information is electronic cigarette
application update data.
[0024] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, there
is provided a clock used by the electronic cigarette application to
determine at least one of when and how long the electronic
cigarette is operated.
[0025] In accordance with an added feature of the invention, there
is provided a global positioning system receiver that provides
location information of the electronic cigarette.
[0026] In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention,
the electronic cigarette application provides the location
information to the remote electronic cigarette application.
[0027] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in an electronic cigarette, it is, nevertheless, not
intended to be limited to the details shown because various
modifications and structural changes may be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and
range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known
elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be
described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the
relevant details of the invention.
[0028] Additional advantages and other features characteristic of
the present invention will be set forth in the detailed description
that follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or
may be learned by practice of exemplary embodiments of the
invention. Still other advantages of the invention may be realized
by any of the instrumentalities, methods, or combinations
particularly pointed out in the claims.
[0029] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the
invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required,
detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the
present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not
intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable
description of the invention. While the specification concludes
with claims defining the features of the invention that are
regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from a consideration of the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference
numerals are carried forward.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together
with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form
part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various
embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in
accordance with the present invention. Advantages of embodiments of
the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description
should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of an
exemplary embodiment of an electronic cigarette 100;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system that incorporates an electronic cigarette;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
smart electronic cigarette;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and
[0035] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases
used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide
an understandable description of the invention. While the
specification concludes with claims defining the features of the
invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the
invention will be better understood from a consideration of the
following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in
which like reference numerals are carried forward.
[0037] Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from
the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known
elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be
described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the
relevant details of the invention.
[0038] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it
is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not
intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are
defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used
herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as
used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as
comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used
herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,
and not necessarily mechanically.
[0039] Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom,
and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action
from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or
implying any actual such relationship or order between such
entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any
other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded
by "comprises . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of additional identical elements in the process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
[0040] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" applies
to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These
terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in
the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e.,
having the same function or result). In many instances these terms
may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant
figure.
[0041] The terms "program," "software," "software application," and
the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions
designed for execution on a computer system. A "program,"
"software," "application," "computer program," or "software
application" may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an
object method, an object implementation, an executable application,
an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared
library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions
designed for execution on a computer system.
[0042] Herein various embodiments of the present invention are
described. In many of the different embodiments, features are
similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of
these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It
shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing
feature applies to the later described similar feature and each
respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein
without such repetition.
[0043] Described now are exemplary embodiments of the present
invention. Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail
and first, particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a first exemplary
embodiment of an electronic cigarette 100. Electronic cigarette 100
is comprised of a battery housing 105 and a cartridge 110.
Battery/power housing 105 may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED)
115 or other lighting source that provides a visible indication of
when a user inhales through cartridge 110. Electronic cigarette can
be activated by squeeze activation button 130. In the alternative,
smoking can be initiated without the use of button 130, for
example, when a user inhales through cartridge 110. Housing 105 may
also include a speaker 120 and/or one or more lights 125 that can
be used to provide an audible or visual indication to a user of the
electronic cigarette 100. This visual or audible indication may be
employed to alert a user that the cigarette 100 needs recharging.
The visual or audible indication may also be used to aid a user in
implementing a smoking cessation program. Lights 125 can also be
used as a visual confirmation of power, data exchange, and/or
use.
[0044] Cartridge 110 includes a heater (not shown) that is used to
provide vaporized nicotine to a user. The vaporized nicotine may
delivered with flavors. Some example flavors that can be delivered
using cartridge 110 are menthol, chocolate, vanilla, coffee,
tobacco, cherry, etc.
[0045] Although elements 120, 125, 130 are shown to be implemented
on housing 105, these elements can be placed on either the housing
105 or the cartridge 110.
[0046] The exterior mechanical enclosure of electronic cigarette
100 may change in diameter, length, or material based on industry
appearance requirements. These requirements may include branding,
tip color, filter color, metal finish, etc.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system 200 that incorporates a smart electronic cigarette (smart
e-cig) 300, which smart e-cig 300 is shown diagrammatically in FIG.
3. Smart e-cig 300 is capable of communicating information over
link 265 to mobile device 205. Link 265 can be an infrared link, a
Bluetooth link, or any other short-range wireless method of
communicating information from smart e-cig 300 to mobile device
205. Link 265 may also be a wired USB link. Mobile device 205 can
be a smart phone, laptop, tablet, personal digital assistant, or
any other computing device.
[0048] Mobile device 205 comprises a processor (CPU) 210, a memory
215 (e.g., random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory
(ROM)), and various input/output devices 220, (e.g., a receiver, a
transmitter, and other devices commonly required to transmit and/or
receive information over a wireless and/or wired link). The
receiver and transmitter may comprise a short-range wireless
transceiver that communicates using RF transmission, e.g., Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, etc. Input/output device 220 may comprise an infrared
receiver capable of receiving infrared transmissions from smart
e-cig 300. Input/output device 220 may also comprise near field
communication (NFC) circuitry, which can be used to transfer
information from smart e-cig 300 to application 225 of mobile
device 205. Input/output device 220 may also comprise a wired link,
e.g., a USB link. Mobile device 205 has stored in memory 215 a
smart e-cig software application that allows for the upload of
information from the smart e-cig 300 to the mobile phone 205 using
smart e-cig application 225. The application 225 may be a
stand-alone application running on mobile device 205. The
application 225 may also be used in conjunction with a server
application 250 running on server 230 or a cloud-based application
275 running in a cloud-computing network 260. Mobile device 205
communicates with server 230 and cloud computing network 260 using
link 280 and network 255. Network 255 may be a cellular-based
network capable of transmitting data. Network 255 may also be the
Internet. Link 280 used to access a mobile network and/or the
Internet may be wired or wireless. Smart e-cig application 225,
250, 275, 335 can use network 255 in order to share smart e-cig
information with online social media accounts 285 of a user.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
smart e-cig 300. Smart e-cig 300 comprises a processor (CPU) 305, a
memory 310 (e.g., random access memory (RAM) and/or read only
memory (ROM)), and one or more various input/output devices 315
(e.g., a receiver, a transmitter, and other devices commonly
required to transmit and/or receive information over a wireless
and/or wired link).
[0050] The receiver and transmitter may comprise a short-range
wireless transceiver that communicates using RF transmission, e.g.,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Input/output device 315 may comprise an
infrared transmitter. Input/output device 315 may also comprise
near field communication (NFC) circuitry, which can be used to
transfer information from smart e-cig 300 to application 225 of
mobile device 205. NFC circuitry can also be used to transfer
information from application 225 of mobile device 205 to e-cig 300.
Input/output device 315 may also comprise a wired link, e.g., a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) link. Input/output circuit 315 may also
comprise an indicator used to alert a user of smart e-cig 300 when
the smart e-cig is turning on or shutting down due to user settings
or pre-set configurations. Input/output device 315 may also
comprise an indicator to alert the user to begin/cease using the
smart e-cig. These indicators can be provided visually (e.g., using
one or more indicator lights) and/or audibly (e.g., using one or
more speakers).
[0051] Power circuit 320 may provide power to the smart e-cig using
rechargeable batteries, power/fuel cells, or any other suitable
measures for providing power to the e-cig. The smart e-cig 300 can
be charged through conventional measures. In one exemplary
embodiment, the battery/power circuit 320 of smart e-cig 300 can be
charged using wireless charging technology.
[0052] Smart e-cig optionally includes a global positioning system
(GPS) receiver 330. GPS 330 may be used by application 225, 250,
275 in order to determine the location of a user when the smart
e-cig 300 is being used. This data may be used in providing
analytics and can also be provided to social media account(s)
285.
[0053] Smart e-cig 300 has stored in memory 310 a smart e-cig
software application 335 that allows for the direct upload of
information from the smart e-cig to a server application 250 or an
application 275 running in a cloud-computing network 260.
Connection 270 is used by the smart e-cig 300 to access network
255, which, in turn, allows the smart e-cig 300 to communicate with
the application 250 running on server 230 or an application 275
running in the cloud 260. The connection 270 to network 255 can be
wired or wireless, e.g., Wi-Fi or other suitable short-range
wireless network. Smart e-cig 300 can also upload information to an
application 225 running on mobile device 205 using a wired or
wireless link, e.g., link 265. The application 335 collects and
stores information such as: time of use; location of use; frequency
of use; strength of nicotine/flavor; puffs per
minute/hour/day/week/month/etc.; vapor volume intake; gender; age;
ethnicity; demographic information; and how often a user reaches
maximum daily use. This collected/stored information is provided to
application 225, 250, 275, for example, to provide analytics
information.
[0054] Information and/or commands can also be received by the
smart e-cig 300 from the remote server 225, 250, 275, e.g., over
links 265, 270. The received information can be, for example, user
setting data, pre-set configuration data, and/or application update
data. Received command data can include commands to turn on and/or
shut down the smart e-cig 300. The received command data can also
include commands to provide an indication to the user to begin or
cease smoking under a smoking cessation program of the application
335.
[0055] Smart e-cig 300 optionally includes a clock 325. The clock
325 may be a timing crystal that is used to determine when and how
long a user is operating the smart e-cig 300. This timing function
may also be provided in software, for example, from the smart e-cig
software application 335, which is stored in memory 310 and
executed using processor 305.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method 400 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. At block 405, a connection
is established between the electronic cigarette, e.g., smart e-cig
300, and a remote application 225, 250, 275. At block 410,
information is sent from the smart e-cig 300 to the remote
application 225, 250, 275. Information and/or commands can also be
received by the smart e-cig 300 from the remote server 225, 250,
275.
[0057] An application 335 running on smart e-cig 300 can be used to
alert a user of the smart e-cig when to begin using the device
and/or stop using the device. This alert can be visual or audible.
The alert can be initiated by the device itself. The alert can also
be initiated by receiving a remote command from application 225,
250, 275.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method 500 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. At block 505, information
is received from the electronic cigarette, e.g., smart e-cig 300.
At block 510, usage of the smart e-cig 300 is monitored based on
the received information. The information includes any information
that can be collected regarding the smart e-cig 300. Some
non-limiting examples of the types of information that can be
collected from the e-cig 300 include: time of use; location of use;
frequency of use; strength of nicotine/flavor; type of flavor
cartimizer; strength of cartimizer; puffs per
minute/hour/day/week/month/etc.; vapor volume intake; gender; age;
ethnicity; demographic information; and how often a user reaches
maximum daily use.
[0059] The application 225, 250, 275, 335 can be used to monitor
and train users of smart e-cig 300 in order to aid in smoking
cessation. The user can, using the application 225, 250, 275,
create their own training experience for smoking cessation
purposes. Default smoking cessation trainer applications can also
be provided by the smart e-cig application 225, 250, 275, 335. For
example, the default or pre-defined smoking cessation trainer
applications can be used to wean users off of cigarettes in 6, 12,
or 18 months. In one exemplary embodiment, application 225 runs in
the background on mobile device 205 and alerts the user of smart
e-cig 300 to use or stop using the device.
[0060] In one embodiment, analytics for application and user data
are provided by application 225, 250, 275. The application collects
and stores information, e.g., the information detailed above with
respect to item 510. In one exemplary embodiment, a library of the
data or information collected from the smart e-cig 300 is stored in
memory 215, 240 or in memory associated with cloud application
275.
[0061] In one exemplary embodiment, predictive, habit, and
emotional data analysis based on a user's life habits can be
determined by the application 225, 250, 275. This data analysis can
be used to market the smart e-cig 300, accessories, and/or other
products.
[0062] The application 225, 250, 275, 335 can also be used to share
information with social media accounts 285 of a user. The
information may be selected analytics information or usage
information.
[0063] The processes described above, including but not limited to
those presented in connection with FIGS. 2 to 5, may be implemented
in general, multi-purpose, or single purpose processors. Such a
processor, e.g. processor 210, 235, 305, will execute instructions,
either at the assembly, compiled, or machine-level, to perform that
process. Those instructions can be written by one of ordinary skill
in the art following the description of presented above and stored
or transmitted on a computer readable medium, e.g., a
non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions may also
be created using source code or any other known computer-aided
design tool. A computer readable medium may be any medium capable
of carrying those instructions and include a CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic
or other optical disc, tape, silicon memory (e.g., removable,
non-removable, volatile or non-volatile), and/or packetized or
non-packetized wireline or wireless transmission signals.
[0064] It is noted that various individual features of the
inventive processes and systems may be described only in one
exemplary embodiment herein. The particular choice for description
herein with regard to a single exemplary embodiment is not to be
taken as a limitation that the particular feature is only
applicable to the embodiment in which it is described. All features
described herein are equally applicable to, additive, or
interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplary embodiments
described herein and in any combination or grouping or arrangement.
In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein to
illustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean
that the feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature
in another drawing figure or description. Further, where two or
more reference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings,
this should not be construed as being limited to only those
embodiments or features, they are equally applicable to similar
features or not a reference numeral is used or another reference
numeral is omitted.
[0065] The phrase "at least one of A and B" is used herein and/or
in the following claims, where A and B are variables indicating a
particular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended
to and is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B,
which is similar to the phrase "and/or". Where more than two
variables are present in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby
defined as including only one of the variables, any one of the
variables, any combination of any of the variables, and all of the
variables.
[0066] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings
illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the
above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that
variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by
the following claims.
* * * * *