U.S. patent application number 14/474740 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for package for oxygen activated portable heater.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rechargeable Battery Corporation. Invention is credited to Adam E. Laubach, Ross A. Lee, Christopher Pedicini, Charles Sesock, Lawrence A. Tinker.
Application Number | 20150059729 14/474740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52581399 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150059729 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tinker; Lawrence A. ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
PACKAGE FOR OXYGEN ACTIVATED PORTABLE HEATER
Abstract
Improvements for packages for oxygen based portable heaters,
including improvements relating to packaging forms, reactant
control, thermal control, heat initiation, graphics on the package,
and integrated packaging structures.
Inventors: |
Tinker; Lawrence A.;
(Tallahassee, FL) ; Sesock; Charles; (College
Station, TX) ; Pedicini; Christopher; (Nashville,
TN) ; Lee; Ross A.; (Chesapeake City, MD) ;
Laubach; Adam E.; (Kingwood, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rechargeable Battery Corporation |
College Station |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52581399 |
Appl. No.: |
14/474740 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61871972 |
Aug 30, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/263.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 2270/00 20130101;
F28F 27/00 20130101; F24V 30/00 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/263.02 |
International
Class: |
F24J 1/00 20060101
F24J001/00 |
Claims
1. A heater package associated with an object to be heated,
comprising: an inner layer defining a cavity; an oxygen activated
heater positioned within the cavity; an outer layer external to the
cavity; wherein the inner and outer layers enable controlled
ingress of oxygen toward and into the oxygen activated heater
positioned within the cavity; and wherein at least a portion of the
outer layer is associated with an object to be heated.
2. The invention according to claim 1, further including a
temperature indicator associated with at least one of the heater
and an object being heated.
3. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the temperature
indicator comprises thermally activated graphics associated with at
least one of the outer layer and a remote handheld device.
4. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the oxygen activated
heater has a geometry that generally conforms to the geometry of
the inner and outer layers: the heater having at least one surface
having a corrugated configuration.
5. The invention according to claim 4, wherein the corrugated
surface is associated with a temperature indicator.
6. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the oxygen activated
heater is removably positioned within the internal cavity.
7. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the association of
the portion of the outer layer to the object to be heated comprises
an interfacial surface that enhances heat transfer and heat
efficiency from the heater package to the object to be heated.
8. The invention according to claim 7, wherein the interfacial
surface is selected from one of the group comprising thermally
conductive adhesives, heat seal layers and non-porous high contact
surfaces.
9. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising an
insulation layer associated with the outer layer, wherein the
insulation layer allows heat to be maintained within the object to
be heated and to insulate a user coming into contact with the
heater package from excessive temperatures.
10. The invention according to claim 9, wherein the insulation
layer comprises insulating films.
11. The invention according to claim 10, wherein the insulating
films include at least one of polystyrene and polypropylene
films.
12. The invention according to claim 11 wherein the insulting film
has a thickness of approximately 20-30 mils.
13. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising an
inwardly reflecting structure associated with the outer layer,
wherein the inwardly reflecting layer allows heat to be maintained
within the object to be heated and to insulate a user coming into
contact with the heater package from excessive temperatures.
14. The invention according to claim 13, wherein the reflective
layer is selected from at least one of the group comprising
aluminized polypropylene and polyester films.
15. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the heater package
further includes water retention means for to help control maximum
temperature reached and the desired heating profile for a desired
application, safety and comfort.
16. The invention according to claim 15, wherein the water
retention means substantially contains egress of water at the site
of the exothermic reaction associated with the oxygen activated
heater.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE APPLICATIONS TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a conversion, and claims priority
of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/871,972
field Aug. 30, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a package for a heater that uses
oxygen as a fuel source for a reaction that produces heat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable flameless heaters are currently used in a variety
of applications, for example heating comestible items. For example
the United States Army uses a flameless ration heater (FRH) rather
than a portable camp stove to heat a pre-packaged MRE (meal ready
to eat) eight-ounce (approximately 227 grams) field ration. The FRH
consists of a super-corroding magnesium/iron mixture sealed in a
waterproof pouch (total FRH weight is approximately 22 grams). To
operate a FRH, the pouch is opened into which the MRE is inserted,
and approximately 58 grams of water is added to a fuel-containing
portion of the FRH pouch surrounding the MRE to initiate the
following reaction:
Mg+2H.sub.2O/EMg(OH).sub.2+H.sub.2
[0004] Based upon the above reaction of the fuel, the MRE
temperature is raised by approximately 100.degree. F. in less than
10 minutes. The maximum temperature of the system is safely
regulated to about 212.degree. F. by evaporation and condensation
of water vapor.
[0005] The current FRH, while effective for its intended purpose,
produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct, generating safety,
transportation, storage and disposal concerns, and making it less
suitable for use in consumer sector applications where accidental
misuse could lead to fire or explosion.
[0006] Also, the water required for reaction, in addition to being
heavy and spacious, is typically obtained from a soldier's drinking
water supply, which is often limited. Addition of the water can
also be an inconvenient additional step in the process of
activating the FRH.
[0007] Self-heating food packaging products are also available in
the consumer market. These products use the heat of hydration from
mixing "quicklime" (calcium oxide) and water
(CaO+H.sub.2O=Ca(OH).sub.2) which does not generate hydrogen. With
water present the peak temperature is similarly limited to
212.degree. F. but even neglecting the weight of packaging and
water, the specific energy of the system is low (approximately 1.2
kJ per gram of CaO). These and other self-contained systems must
also provide some means of mixing the segregated reactants adding
further complexity and bulk. Measurements on some commercial
self-heating packaged food products are shown in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Food product (net) Total package (gross)
Specific Weight Volume Weight Volume energy of (g) (ml) (g) (ml)
heater (kJ/g) Coffee 300 295 551 600 0.34 Beef stew 425 481 883 963
0.13
[0008] While quicklime based heaters may offer greater safety than
the Mg based heaters, quicklime heaters significantly lower
specific energy and cause the weight and size of the heater to
approach that of the object being heated, reducing portability.
[0009] In addition to the water-based heaters described above, it
is known to utilize oxygen-based heaters. Oxygen-based heaters,
such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,984,995, 5,918,590 and
4,205,957, have certain benefits over water-based heaters.
[0010] First, oxygen-based heaters do not require the addition of
water to generate heat. Second, because the oxygen-based heater
generates heat only in the presence of oxygen, the reaction may be
stopped by preventing oxygen access and then restarted at a later
time.
[0011] Despite the advantages of oxygen-based heaters, there is
still a need for improved oxygen-based heaters, as well as methods
of manufacturing same.
[0012] In addition, it would be beneficial to use such an
oxygen-based heater in the heating of an object such as sanitary
wipes and/or baby wipes, as well as utilize such heaters in a
housing for heating the sanitary wipes/or baby wipes.
[0013] To this end, the applicant's assignee of the present
invention has provided oxygen-based heater and various packages for
same. See, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/376,927 and
12/874,338 (filed on Feb. 9, 2009 and Sep. 2, 2010, respectively)
both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety; see also, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/486,400
and 12/711,963 (filed on Jul. 12, 2006 and Feb. 24, 2010,
respectively) both of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
[0014] The disclosed heaters and packages are successful at
providing an oxygen based heater and/or package for same. However,
there are benefits that can be obtained from improvising on the
disclosed heaters and packages. These benefits can provide for more
efficient heaters; better packaging; easier manufacturing; less
expensive manufacturing costs.
[0015] The present invention is directed to providing improvements
that can provide these benefits, as well as other benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the present
invention is directed towards a heater package with improved
reactant control by providing barrier layers, diffusing layers,
thermal transfer layers, and/or insulation.
[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a heater
package is associated with an object to be heated. The heater
package comprises an inner layer defining a cavity, an oxygen
activated heater positioned within the cavity, an outer layer
external to the cavity, wherein the inner and outer layers enable
controlled ingress of oxygen toward and into the oxygen activated
heater positioned within the cavity, and, wherein at least a
portion of the outer layer is associated with an object to be
heated.
[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, a temperature
indicator is associated with at least one of the heater and an
object being heated. It is contemplated that the temperature
indicator comprises thermally activated graphics associated with at
least one of the outer layer and a remote handheld device.
[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the oxygen
activated heater has a geometry that generally conforms to the
geometry of the inner and outer layers. For example, the heater may
have at least one surface having a corrugated configuration. It is
contemplated that the corrugated surface is associated with a
temperature indicator.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the oxygen
activated heater is removably positioned within the internal
cavity. The heater can either be recharged and placed back within
the cavity, or, simply replaced with another oxygen activated
heater. In such a situation, the packaging would be re-sealable
after re-insertion of the heater.
[0021] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a portion of the outer layer that is attached/associated
with the object to be heated comprises an interfacial surface that
enhances heat transfer and heat efficiency from the heater package
to the object to be heated. In this preferred embodiment, the
interfacial surface is selected from one of the group comprising
thermally conductive adhesives, heat seal layers and non-porous
high contact surfaces.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the invention further includes an
insulation layer associated with the outer layer. The insulation
layer allows heat to be maintained within the object to be heated
and to insulate a user coming into contact with the heater package
from excessive temperatures.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the insulation
layer comprises insulating films. These films may be constructed
from polystyrene and polypropylene. Of course, other films are also
contemplated. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the
insulting film has a thickness of approximately 20-30 mils.
[0024] In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention
comprises an inwardly reflecting structure associated with the
outer layer, wherein the inwardly reflecting layer allows heat to
be maintained within the object to be heated and to insulate a user
coming into contact with the heater package from excessive
temperatures. In this embodiment, the reflective layer is selected
from at least one of the group comprising aluminized polypropylene
and polyester films.
[0025] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the
heater package further includes a water retention configuration to
help control maximum temperature reached and the desired heating
profile for a desired application, safety and comfort. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the water retention
configuration substantially contains egress of water at the site of
the exothermic reaction associated with the oxygen activated
heater.
[0026] It is to be understood that the aspects and objects of the
present invention described above may be combinable and that other
advantages and aspects of the present invention will become
apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the
following description of the drawing and the detailed description
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION DRAWINGS THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The present invention will become more fully apparent from
the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that the accompanying
drawings depict only typical embodiments, and are, therefore, not
to be considered to be limiting of the scope of the present
disclosure. The embodiments will be described and explained with
specificity and detail in reference to the accompanying drawings as
provided below.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS
[0034] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail several embodiments with the understanding that
the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of
the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the embodiments illustrated.
[0035] Reference throughout this description to features,
advantages, objects or similar language does not imply that all of
the features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the
invention. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, any discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but does not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Package Form
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the invention is directed towards
improving the package for the heater 10, including but not limited
to: stand up pouches, sachets, pillow pouches; labels including but
not limited to pressure-sensitive, shrink, sleeves, wraparound,
glue applied; heat applied via a heat seal layer; integrated in or
applied to substrate materials including but not limited to glass,
metal or plastic bottles or molded containers, paperboard or molded
paper or fiber or fabric cartons or other contained forms; for
various consumer uses including but not limited to convenient
delivery of the packaged contents at the hotter temperature, heat
applied to a desired surface including a part of a person's body
and containers 70 used to keep food or beverages warm via
take-out.
Packaging Features
[0037] In another aspect of the present invention, the invention is
directed towards improving reactant control, thermal control, heat
initiation and graphics of the package for the heater.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the invention comprises barrier layers,
wherein the package or label will comprise an inner and outer layer
12, 16, respectively, designed to permit controlled ingress of the
reactant, oxygen, to initiate and promote the heat generating
reaction. Target barrier structure properties will be chosen to
achieve goal heat generation rates depending on application,
including but not limited to heat up time ranges including 5 to 10
minutes and delta heat ranges including but not limited to from
ambient to 140 deg. F.; and, shelf life for the device including
but not limited to 3-6 months under desired storage conditions for
perishable items and 1 to 3 years under desirable storage
conditions for non-perishable items.
[0039] To achieve this control, oxygen transmission rate ranges for
the inner and outer layer films can include (but not be limited to)
ranges including 0.5 to 18 cc/100 in.sup.2/day and moisture vapor
transmission rate ranges for the inner and outer layers will
include and not be limited to <0.2 g/100 in.sup.2/day. In
addition, it is preferred that these materials have a minimum
H.sub.2 permeability, including but not limited to 4 cc/100
in.sup.2/day.
[0040] To achieve this, barrier structures can include (but are not
limited to) metallized and coextruded barrier structures including
but not limited to a metalized layer or layers; and/or a coextruded
or coated poly (ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), poly vinyl alcohol
(PVOH), polyglycolic acid (PGA), or similar barrier polymer layer
or layers on cast, uniaxial or biaxially oriented polypropylene,
polyester, polycarbonate, cellulose, other biopolymers or nylon.
Furthermore, in the case of metallized barrier structures, it is
possible to leave imperfections, skips, or non-metallized sections
of the barrier material in order to achieve the desired barrier
properties.
[0041] These barrier layers may or may not include a laminated
clear or opaque layer for added protection, graphics or other
function. The range of materials for these layers can include (but
are not limited to) clear or opaque, cast or oriented
polypropylene, polyester, nylon, cellulose, biopolymer films with
coated, extruded or coextruded heat sealable or otherwise (e.g. RF,
UV bonding) adherable layers. The range of opacity technologies may
include but not be limited to white pigments such as TiO.sub.2,
BaSO.sub.4, CaCO.sub.3 or voids as characterized for example in
white voided polypropylene films or foamed films such as those
commercially available from Exxon Mobil and other suppliers.
[0042] With respect to reactant control, the invention also relates
to diffusing layers, wherein the package or label will comprise a
diffusing layer when needed to achieve the above mentioned desired
heat up rates to the above mentioned desired temperatures. The
layer will be chosen to enable uniform distribution of the reactant
oxygen.
[0043] This can be achieved by including materials that allow the
ingress of the reactant, oxygen, but retard the loss of moisture
vapor, liquid water, and larger molecules such as electrolytes.
Materials should be chosen with ranges of oxygen permeability to
include but not be limited to 100 to 1000 cubic feet min/ft.sup.2
at 125 Pascals in thickness ranges to include but not be limited to
5 to 30 mils and suitable pore size to limit transmission of
liquids and larger molecules.
[0044] Materials will include (but are not limited to) non-woven or
woven synthetic and natural fiber composites such as cloth or felt
and melt spun and/or melt bonded or melt woven polymeric structures
including but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester
and to monolithic film structures designed for inherent gaseous
permability and liquid vapor retention including but not limited to
polyether polyesters such as DuPont's Hytrel.RTM. films, and open
cell and/or partially open cell foam structures
[0045] With respect to thermal control, the invention relates to
thermal transfer, wherein adhesives, heat seal layers and the
surface used to apply the device to the substrate or article being
heated will be designed to maximize heat transfer and heat
efficiency. This can include (but is not limited to) thermally
conductive adhesives and heat seal layers and non-porous high
contact surfaces. The ranges for heat conductivity can include
those characterized in heat conductive films, greases and coatings
used with heat generating power transistors in consumer electronics
applications.
[0046] With respect to thermal control, the invention also relates
to optimization of thermal transfer, wherein the heater structure
is positioned to take advantage of convection within the product
being heated. In particular, when heating liquids the heater is
positioned such that heat transfer occurs in a way that promotes
convective movement within the liquid being heated.
[0047] With respect to thermal control, the invention also relates
to insulation, wherein outer structures that come into contact with
the consumer will be designed to maximize insulation of the heat to
maximize heat input to the contents of the article being heated and
minimize heat loss and unsafe or uncomfortable heat to the user.
(See, for example, FIG. 5).
[0048] This can include, for example, improved insulating and/or
inwardly reflective structures for the outer layer of the package
or label. Ranges for the insulating properties can be those
characterized by insulating films such as 20-30 mil thick foamed
polystyrene and polypropylene films. Reflective property ranges can
include those characterized by aluminized 18 to 23 micron
polypropylene and polyester films.
[0049] With respect to thermal control, the invention further
relates to heating profile control, wherein the construction will
also include but not be limited to a specifically engineered water
retention and/or loss to limit the maximum temperature reached and
to achieve the desired heating profile for the desired application,
safety and comfort.
[0050] The range of technologies to achieve this includes
technologies that trap or prolong the existence of moisture vapor
at the site of the exothermic reaction.
[0051] With respect to heat initiation, the invention relates to a
package with a hinged flap 80 (FIG. 6), wherein the package or
structure will be designed to easily enable the onset of heat via
removal of the outer barrier layer to allow the entry of the
reactant, oxygen.
[0052] This can be, for example, a scored layer on three sides with
the remaining side serving as a hinge. Opening the flap at the
scored line will expose the diffusing layer below to oxygen in the
air initiating the heat generation. Scoring can include laser
scoring and die cutting. To initiate the tear, the construction can
also include an easily grasped tab. The ranges for scoring depths
will be characterized as those enabling retention of integrity and
barrier through manufacture, application, distribution and handling
of the package or label while still permitting a convenient pull
force to peel it away similar to the force ranges in peelable
lidding.
[0053] With respect to heat initiation, the invention further
relates to a package with a re-sealable flap, wherein the
construction may also include but not be limited to the ability to
reseal via adherable coatings or surfaces on the inner and outer
surfaces of the outer film and scoring designed so that the peeled
away flap will overlap the underlying cut out to enable
resealing.
[0054] The material for the adherable layers on the films can
include coated, extruded, coextruded, laminated and extrusion
laminated adherable materials currently used in resealable
packaging offerings.
[0055] With respect to heat initiation, the invention also relates
to a package with a removable flap, wherein the construction may
also include and not be limited to a complete peripheral or
circumferential scoring for complete removal of the flap that may
include but not be limited to printed information that may be a
recipe or other instructions or may be a coupon for a future
purchase. The construction may also include but not be limited to
multiple removable areas in various geometric shapes and sizes to
enable the optimum ingress of the reactant oxygen for the desired
heat rate for the desired application.
[0056] With respect to package graphics, the invention relates to a
package with printed graphics, wherein the outer layer of the
package or label will include but not be limited to a film that can
be directly printed or reverse printed and laminated to the
aforementioned barrier films of the outer layer. The composition of
this film may include: clear or opaque cast, uniaxial or biaxially
oriented polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, cellulose, other
biopolymers and nylon.
[0057] Lamination may be effected, for example, via pressure
sensitive adhesives, hot melt glues, as well as thermal lamination
via thermal adhesive layers applied via coating, extrusion and
co-extrusion.
[0058] The range of materials for these adhesive layers may include
but not be limited to existing laminated film constructions used in
packaging as for example linear low density polyethylene, ethylene
copolymers, heat sealable polypropylene, and silicon polymers such
as poly siloxanes and poly silicones. Printing methods may include
screen, gravure, rotogravure, offset, flexographic, and ink jet.
Printing methods may also include direct digital printing, indirect
methods via separation films and printing plates, as well as direct
digitally produced printing plates via for example laser
ablation.
[0059] With respect to package graphics, the invention relates to a
package with certain special effect graphics 25, wherein the
package or label may also include and not be limited to thermal
sensing technology to show the onset of heat for the device.
[0060] The range of these technologies may include thermochromic
inks that change color with heat, printed electronics that sense
temperature and emit a signal to a remote handheld device such as a
mobile phone that could be a digital temperature readout or other
visible or audible signal; printed electronics that emit an audible
signal at the package or as mentioned above at a mobile hand held
device, printed electronics that emit light at the package or label
characterized by current light emitting diodes whether organic or
inorganic; and plastics used as dispensing spouts or caps or lids,
that are thermochromic such that they change color when a desired
temperature is reached.
[0061] The package or label may also include such special effects
to alert the user to desired instructions, coupons or other
information via 1D or 2D codes and optical decoding via a camera on
a mobile handheld device as characterized in 2D codes and 2D code
readers in smart phones or printed electronics and near field
communication systems or RFID systems via wireless RF communication
from the package or label to a remote handheld device such as a
mobile phone. The range of these technologies may include those
currently installed on Nokia phones equipped with near field
communication.
[0062] The package or label construction may also include the heat
generating layer integrated into the package form. These concepts
may include but not be limited to: a corrugated layer 32 (FIG. 3)
and/or printed heating material.
[0063] With respect to the corrugated layer, the heating material
(as described under heating material) may be applied to a
corrugated layer that also serves as the form for the package or
label. The corrugated inner material may include the oxygen
transport and liquid and electrolyte retention properties discussed
above in relation to the diffusing layer. This construction may
include laminated outer layers in the corrugate construction to
provide graphics and a peelable window as described above under
heat initiation. This construction may also include an inner layer
as described above under barrier layers or it may be directly
affixed to the article or container being heated.
[0064] With respect to the printed heating material, the heating
material may be applied directly to the package or label via a
printed pattern that provides the desired heat up rate and control
for the desired application. This may include a separate or printed
layer to protect and initiate the heating. Printing methods may
include those mentioned previously under graphics.
[0065] In addition the package or label construction will be
designed for sustainable end of life including but not limited to
recycling, reuse, compostability, or conversion to energy via
choice of materials and design for disassembly.
[0066] Furthermore, the present invention also contemplates the use
of a heater cartridge (FIG. 6) that would be removed from a
container, activated and then replaced in the container to provide
heating for a liquid containing pouch. Further, a self-contained
cartridge heater could be attached to the inside of a box to
provide heat to an object within the box. This could include an
easy twist in, twist out for easy removal or other easy
removal/replacement for activation followed by easy replacement for
heating.
[0067] For the above examples of suitable materials, technologies,
or properties, are merely illustrative and are not intended to be
limiting to only those materials, technologies or properties listed
above.
[0068] It is to be understood that additional embodiments of the
present invention described herein may be contemplated by one of
ordinary skill in the art and that the scope of the present
invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed. While
specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated
and described, numerous modifications come to mind without
significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the
scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the
accompanying claims.
* * * * *