U.S. patent application number 14/761929 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-26 for electric lighting devices having a non-homologous projection screen.
The applicant listed for this patent is LUMINARA WORLDWIDE, LLC. Invention is credited to Douglas Patton.
Application Number | 20150338042 14/761929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51262908 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150338042 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patton; Douglas |
November 26, 2015 |
Electric Lighting Devices Having a Non-Homologous Projection
Screen
Abstract
Various embodiments of electric lighting devices having
projection screens are described. Some embodiments include a
housing, a projection screen coupled to the housing and comprising
a first region that is translucent or transparent and a set of
light sources configured to emit light onto a surface of the
projection screen and include a projection screen having a laminate
structure, while other embodiments include a video screen that is
embedded within the projection screen.
Inventors: |
Patton; Douglas; (Irvine,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LUMINARA WORLDWIDE, LLC |
Eden Prairie |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51262908 |
Appl. No.: |
14/761929 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
January 30, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/013923 |
371 Date: |
July 17, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61758602 |
Jan 30, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/742 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 23/0471 20130101;
F21S 10/04 20130101; F21V 17/02 20130101; F21Y 2113/10 20160801;
F21V 33/0052 20130101; F21Y 2113/00 20130101; H05B 47/16 20200101;
F21S 10/046 20130101; F21V 5/007 20130101; H05B 47/105 20200101;
F21V 11/18 20130101; H05B 47/19 20200101; F21V 23/0464 20130101;
F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21S 6/001 20130101; F21V 31/00 20130101;
H04N 9/31 20130101; F21V 14/08 20130101; F21S 10/043 20130101; F21V
33/0028 20130101; F21V 23/0442 20130101; F21V 17/10 20130101; F21V
31/005 20130101; F21W 2121/00 20130101; H04N 9/3141 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21S 10/04 20060101
F21S010/04; F21V 23/00 20060101 F21V023/00; H04N 9/31 20060101
H04N009/31; F21V 33/00 20060101 F21V033/00 |
Claims
1-142. (canceled)
143. An electric lighting device that simulates an appearance of a
flame, comprising: a candle-shaped housing; a screen coupled to and
extending from an upper surface of the housing, wherein the screen
has an on state and an off state; a set of light sources disposed
on the screen; and a microprocessor disposed within the housing and
coupled to the set of light sources.
144. The device of claim 143, further comprising a memory
configured to store a file, and wherein the microprocessor is
configured to cause the screen to present the file using the set of
light sources.
145. The device of claim 144, further comprising a wireless
transceiver configured to receive a command signal, and wherein the
microprocessor is configured to cause the screen to project the
video as a function of the command signal.
146. The device of claim 145, wherein the command signal comprises
an instruction to change the video screen to the on state.
147. The device of claim 145, wherein the command signal comprises
an instruction to change the video screen to the off state.
148. The device of claim 143, wherein the screen comprises a
flexible film and the set of light sources, and wherein the set of
light sources comprises LEDs.
149. The device of claim 143, wherein the screen has a surface area
of no more than 9 cm.sup.2.
150. The device of claim 143, wherein the screen is embedded within
a plastic projection screen.
151. The device of claim 143, wherein the screen is affixed to the
housing.
152. The device of claim 143, wherein the screen is pivotally
coupled to the housing, and further comprising a drive mechanism
configured to cause movement of the screen with respect to the
housing, and wherein the drive mechanism is selected from the list
consisting of an electromagnet, a fan, and a motor.
153. The device of claim 143, wherein the screen has a concave
surface.
154. The device of claim 143, wherein the screen is transparent
when in the off state.
155. An electric lighting device, comprising: an outer housing; a
flame-shaped screen extending from the outer housing, wherein the
screen comprises LEDs configured to simulate an appearance of a
flame; a memory configured to store one or more files; and a
microprocessor disposed within the outer housing and coupled to the
LEDs, wherein the microprocessor is configured to present the one
or more files on the screen.
156. The device of claim 155, wherein the screen is shaped to
resemble a candle flame.
157. The device of claim 155, further comprising a wireless
transceiver configured to wirelessly receive a file.
158. The device of claim 155, wherein the microprocessor is
disposed apart from the screen and within the outer housing.
159. The device of claim 155, wherein the screen includes a clear
periphery composed of plastic.
160. The device of claim 155, wherein the screen comprises a
laminate having first and second layers.
161. The device of claim 155, wherein the screen is affixed to the
outer housing.
162. The device of claim 155, wherein the screen is movably coupled
to the outer housing.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
provisional application having Ser. No. 61/758,602 filed on Jan.
30, 2013. This and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein
are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition
or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or
contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the
definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition
of that term in the reference does not apply.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is electric lighting devices, and
especially lighting devices configured to simulate a flickering
flame.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The following background discussion includes information
that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is
not an admission that any of the information provided herein is
prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that
any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior
art.
[0004] Various electric lights are known in the art. See, e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 8,132,936 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,319
to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,837,355 to Schnuckle et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,455 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No.
7,159,994 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. pat. publ. No. 2011/0127914 to
Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,720 to Jaworski et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 7,686,471 to Reichow; U.S. pat. publ. No. 2005/0285538 to
Jaworski et al. (publ. December 2005); U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,571 to
Bistritzky et al.; U.S. pat. publ. No. 2008/0031784 to Bistritzky
et al. (publ. February 2008); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2006/0125420 to
Boone et al. (publ. June 2006); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2007/0127249 to
Medley et al. (publ. June 2007); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2008/0150453
to Medley et al. (publ. June 2008); U.S. pat. publ. No.
2005/0169666 to Porchia, et al. (publ. August 2005); U.S. Pat. No.
7,503,668 to Porchia, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,627 to Michaels,
et al.; U.S. pat. publ. No. 2006/0039835 to Nottingham et al.
(publ. February 2006); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2008/0038156 to
Jaramillo (publ. February 2008); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2001/0033488
to Chliwnyj ; U.S. pat. publ. No. 2008/0130266 to DeWitt et al.
(publ. June 2008); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2012/0024837 to Thompson
(publ. February 2012); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2011/0134628 to Pestl et
al. (publ. June 2011); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2011/0027124 to Albee et
al. (publ. February 2011); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2012/0020052 to
McCavit et al. (publ. January 2012); U.S. pat. publ. No.
2012/0093491 to Browder et al. (publ. April 2012); and European
publ. No. 1878449. However, while various mechanisms have been used
to more closely simulate a flickering flame of a candle, such
mechanisms suffer from one or more disadvantages.
[0005] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set
forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their
endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include
commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values
should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the
context indicates the contrary.
[0006] Thus, there is still a need for improved electric candles
and other light sources that more realistically imitate a
flickering flame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and
methods in which one can simulate an appearance of a flame in an
electric lighting device, such as an electric candle or light bulb.
Preferred devices include a projection screen coupled to a housing
such that some or all of the projection screen extends from the
housing.
[0008] The projection screen preferably includes at least a first
translucent, and more preferably transparent, region to simulate a
more realistic flame effect and is less obtrusive when the device
is off. In some contemplated embodiments, the bottom portion of the
projection screen could be translucent or transparent, while in
other embodiments, a periphery of the projection screen could be
transparent, or could fade to transparent across a width of its
periphery.
[0009] The device can also include a set of light sources that emit
light onto a surface of the projection screen.
[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the projection screen can
comprise a laminate having a plurality of layers. As a few
examples, the layers can advantageously alter a visual makeup of
the projection screen by adding clear or translucent regions,
frosted areas, holographic material, reflective portions,
refractive elements, a luminescent layer, and so forth.
[0011] In other embodiments, the projection screen could have an
irregular outer surface.
[0012] In one aspect, electric lighting devices can include a
housing having a memory and a video screen extending from the
housing. The memory preferably is configured to store one o more
media files. A microprocessor coupled with the memory and video
screen can present one or more of the media files on the video
screen.
[0013] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with
the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent
like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0014] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-section view of one embodiment of
an electric lighting device.
[0015] FIGS. 2A-2B are a front view and a side view of one
embodiment of a projection screen.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of a projection
screen.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of an electric
lighting device.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a projection
screen having a laminate.
[0019] FIGS. 6A-6B are an exploded view and a side view of another
embodiment of a projection screen having a laminate.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a
projection screen having a laminate.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a front view of another embodiment of a projection
screen.
[0022] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a surface of projection screen
having an accordion surface.
[0023] FIGS. 10-11 are vertical cross-section views of two
embodiments of an electric lighting device having a video
screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] It should be noted that while the following description is
drawn to a computer/server flame simulation system, various
alternative configurations are also deemed suitable and may employ
various computing devices including servers, interfaces, systems,
databases, agents, peers, engines, controllers, or other types of
computing devices operating individually or collectively. One
should appreciate the computing devices comprise a processor
configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible,
non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive,
solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software
instructions preferably configure the computing device to provide
the roles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed
below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. In especially
preferred embodiments, the various servers, systems, databases, or
interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or
algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key
exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols,
or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges
preferably are conducted over a packet-switched network, the
Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of packet switched
network.
[0025] The following discussion provides many example embodiments
of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment
represents a single combination of inventive elements, the
inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible
combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment
comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises
elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also
considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or
D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an electric lighting
device 100 that simulates a flickering flame having a housing 102.
Preferred devices 100 include a projection screen 106 that may have
a tear-drop or other shape to simulate the look of a flame. FIG. 1
shows a cutout of a projection screen having a tear-drop shape with
a concavity. Although the projection screen 106 can be static with
respect to the housing 102, it is preferred that the projection
screen 106 be coupled to the housing 102 such that the projection
screen can be moved using an electromagnet, a fan, or other drive
mechanism(s). The projection screen 106 can include (i) a face 112
and (ii) a back that faces away from the face 112, and may have one
or more concavities.
[0027] The specific construction and/or materials comprising the
projection screen can vary, and is further discussed below. For
example, the screen could be opaque, translucent, or transparent,
or combinations thereof. In addition, the projection screen could
have multiple layers and/or multiple materials composing the
projection screen. In some embodiments, the projection screen could
be co-injection molded or insert injection molded to create a
projection screen comprising different materials and/or different
transparencies. For example, the projection screen could have an
outer edge that has a greater transparency than a middle portion of
the projection screen. It is also contemplated that the projection
screen can have multiple faces, such as three or more faces, and/or
could comprise various shapes including a cone, a sphere, or an
inverted tear drop, for example.
[0028] At least a portion of the projection screen 106 extends from
the housing 102, and in some embodiments, an upper portion 114 can
extend from the housing 102 while a lower portion 116 can be
disposed within the housing 102. However, where the projection
screen is static, it is contemplated that all or substantially all
of the projection screen 106 will extend from the housing 102.
[0029] Device 100 includes first, second, and third light sources
120, 122, and 124, respectively, disposed within the housing 102,
and configured to emit light on to the face 112 of the projection
screen 106, and preferably on to an outer surface 110 of the screen
106. Of course, the light sources could be disposed outside of the
housing 102 without departing from the scope of the inventive
subject matter discussed herein. Rather, than three individual
light sources 120, 122, 124, it is alternatively contemplated that
one or more of the light sources 120, 122, 124 could comprise a set
of micro-LEDs or other lights. Thus, for example, instead of a
traditional LED that may have a diameter of 1 mm, 6-8 micro-LEDs or
more could be used in the same space. In such embodiments, it is
especially preferred that the lights comprise RGB lights such that
a variety of colors of light could be produced. It is also
contemplated that the light sources 120, 122, 124 could
collectively comprise a RGB light, and could be used in conjunction
with additional RGB lights or other light sources.
[0030] It is especially preferred that each of the light sources
120, 122, and 124 emits light at a predominant wavelength that is
different from the other light sources. Thus, for example, the
first light source 120 could emit visible light in the orange
spectrum (e.g., a predominant wavelength of between 590 nm-620 nm),
the second light source 122 could emit white light, and the third
light source 124 could emit visible light in the blue spectrum
(e.g., a predominant wavelength of between 450 nm-495 nm).
[0031] In some contemplated embodiments, the light sources 120,
122, and 124 can each be disposed at an angle with respect to the
projection screen 106 that is different from the other light
sources. This enables light emitted from the light sources 120,
122, and 124 to be directed at different portions of the projection
screen 106. For example, light emitted from the first light source
120 can be directed predominantly at an upper portion of the outer
surface 110 of the projection screen 106, light emitted from the
second light source 122 can be directed predominantly at a middle
portion of the outer surface 110 of the projection screen 106 below
the upper portion, and light emitted from the third light source
124 can be directed predominantly at a lower portion of the outer
surface 110 of the projection screen 106 below the middle
portion.
[0032] In this manner, the visible lighting effect on the
projection screen 106 can include an orange color around a
periphery of the projection screen 106 with a blue color at its
bottom.
[0033] Each of the light sources 120, 122, 124 can include or
otherwise interact with a separate lens, or alternatively, a single
lens could be used in conjunction with the light sources 120, 122,
and 124.
[0034] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate one embodiment of a projection screen
206 for use in an electric lighting device. The projection screen
206 can include a translucent, and preferably transparent, outer
perimeter or periphery 207 shown as the area between the dashed
lines. In some embodiments, the perimeter 207 can fade outwardly
from opaque to clear or semi-clear in the direction shown by arrows
209. It is especially preferred that the outer perimeter is
transparent or 15% clear plastic.
[0035] It is contemplated that the projection screen 206 could be
manufactured using a silkscreen that fades from its interior to its
exterior and is printed on. In other embodiments, the projection
screen 206 could comprise a 2-3 laminated plastic piece having a
clear outer edge and a solid interior. In still further
embodiments, the projection screen could be made via injection
molding.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2B, light sources 220 and 222 can emit
light on to a face 212 of the projection screen 206, and each emit
a different predominant color of light (here, blue and
yellow/orange. It is also contemplated that three or more light
sources could be used, each of which emits a different predominant
color of light.
[0037] It is contemplated that a portion of the surface of the
projection screen 206 could include an etching to form a non-planar
surface. The projection screen 206 could also include molded-in
refractive elements that refract light when hit and can be used to
create diverse flame effects when light from a LED or other light
source impinge upon the refractive element.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen
306 for use in an electric lighting device, and having clear bottom
portion 326 where a support member can pass through a hole 327 in
the screen 306 to allow movement of the projection screen 306. It
is contemplated that the projection screen 306 could comprise 1-4
layers of plastic, each layer having a thickness of approximately
of 0.005 mm.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a device 400 for simulating a flame
effect that includes a housing 402, from which a projection screen
406 extends. The projection screen 406 can include an outer
perimeter 407 that fades to clear along its width, and a clear
bottom portion 426. Bottom portion advantageously includes an
inverted arc 428 that simulates the shape of a flame. Thus, as
shown in the figure, the projection screen 406 can have levels of
transparency across its diameter. With respect to the remaining
numerals in FIG. 4, the same considerations for like components
with like numerals of FIG. 2 apply.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen
506 that includes a laminate having first, second, and third layers
532, 534, and 536, respectively, which collectively comprise the
upper portion 514 of the projection screen 506. Contemplated layers
could include a reflective layer, a layer having holographic
material, an opaque layer, a clear layer, a frosted layer, and so
forth.
[0041] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another embodiment of a projection
screen 606 comprising a laminate 607. The laminate 607 can include
three layers 660, 662, 664 or sheets of various plastic and a clear
plastic substrate layer 666. The layers advantageously allow for
different effects depending on the specific layer used, and also
allow for different materials to be embedded within the projection
screen 606. For example, one layer could have a reflective surface,
which can alter the flame simulation effect of the device.
[0042] In this embodiment, the first layer 660 could comprise a 20%
frosted layer, for example, and the second layer 662 could comprise
a reflective layer that is approximately 30% transparent. The third
layer 664 can comprise an opaque layer that fades to clear about
its periphery. The opaque layer advantageously helps prevent light
from bleeding through the central portion of the projection screen
606 while allowing for a clear perimeter.
[0043] Projection screen 606 can further include a magnet 663 and
be supported in a device via wire 665.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates another possible combination of layers to
form a projection screen.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen
806 having a holographic material 870 disposed in an inner portion
thereof. The holographic material could comprise colors and/or
shapes etched into foil, for example, and may comprise an image of
a flame that moves depending on the viewing angle of the
holographic material 870. The use of holographic material 870
advantageously allows the projection screen 806 to sparkle with
real flame-like colors when hit with light.
[0046] Preferably, the holographic material 870 is encased or
molded between transparent or semi-transparent plastic to prevent
the material 870 from being dislodged. With respect to the
remaining numerals in FIG. 8, the same considerations for like
components with like numerals of FIG. 3 apply.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of an outer surface of
one embodiment of a projection screen 906 having a non-planar and
irregular surface. In this embodiment, the surface can include an
accordion surface 902 on at least a portion thereof. The accordion
surface 902 comprises a first set of faces 903 and a second set of
faces 904. In some embodiments, one of the faces 903 or 904 can
have a reflective surface.
[0048] In FIG. 10, another embodiment of an electric lighting
device 1000 is shown that is configured to simulate an appearance
of a flame. Device 1000 can include a candle-shaped housing,
although other form factors are contemplated.
[0049] Device 100 can further include memory 1010 disposed on a
circuit board 1012, which is configured to store one or more media
files. Board 1012 preferably also includes a microprocessor 1014
configured to present the one or more media files on a video screen
1008. Video screen 1008 can extend from the housing 1002 and have
an on and off state. Preferably, the screen 1008 is embedded into a
substrate 1006 that may have a clear perimeter 1007. It is
contemplated that video screen 1008 and/or substrate 1006 could be
shaped to resemble a candle flame and may have a concave
surface.
[0050] In especially preferred embodiments, the video screen 1008
is transparent in the off state to hide the screen 1008 from view
when not on.
[0051] In some contemplated embodiments, the video screen 1008 can
have a surface area of no more than 9 cm.sup.2.
[0052] Device 1000 can further include a wireless network card 1020
configured to wirelessly receive a command signal or media files
from a remote device. The microprocessor 1014 can control the video
screen as a function of the received command Contemplated commands
include, for example, change the video screen to the on state,
change the video screen to the off state, and/or play a specific
media file stored in the memory.
[0053] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of an electric
lighting device 1100 is shown that is configured to simulate an
appearance of a flame and has a housing 1102. In this embodiment,
the memory and microprocessor can be embedded into the projection
screen 1106, which eliminates the video cables to the projection
screen 1106 and allows for movement of the projection screen 1106
with respect to the housing 1102.
[0054] An electromagnet 1164 can be used to move the projection
screen 1106 through interaction of magnet 1162 in projection screen
1106 with the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnet
1164. Projection screen 1106 can also include a battery that can be
charged via induction using an inductive coil 1166. Rather than an
electromagnet, a fan or motor could be used to cause movement of
the projection screen 1106.
[0055] In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the projection
screen 1106 comprise a laminate between which wiring from the
microprocessor 1114 to the video screen 1108 can be disposed. With
respect to the remaining numerals in FIG. 11, the same
considerations for like components with like numerals of FIG. 10
apply.
[0056] In some embodiments, the video screen could comprise
flexible film with LEDs, and could have different colors.
[0057] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of
ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions,
and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the
invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances
by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the
numerical parameters set forth in the written description and
attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular
embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be
construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and
by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the
numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of
some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical
values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely
as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments
of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting
from the standard deviation found in their respective testing
measurements.
[0058] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as
used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in"
and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0059] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended
to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated
herein, each individual value is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. All
methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language
(e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments
herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and
does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the
invention.
[0060] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations.
Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in
any combination with other members of the group or other elements
found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or
deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or
patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified
thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used
in the appended claims.
[0061] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise,
the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling
(in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each
other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms
"coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.
[0062] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications besides those already described are possible
without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive
subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the
scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in
the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one
of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . .
and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element
from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *