U.S. patent application number 15/044898 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for case for mobile communications device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew Graham. Invention is credited to Andrew Graham.
Application Number | 20160165109 15/044898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52276815 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160165109 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graham; Andrew |
June 9, 2016 |
CASE FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
Abstract
A case attachable to a mobile communications device such as a
smart phone operatively equipped with a camera can accommodate an
optical refractor. The optical refractor can be adapted to change
the direction of light rays passing through it. The case can align
a first optical surface of the optical refractor with the camera
lens and can maintain a second optical surface in a non-parallel
arrangement with the first optical surface. The optical refractor
can redirect light rays form an unaligned object to the camera
lens. In an aspect, the object may be a bar code label.
Inventors: |
Graham; Andrew; (Arlington
Heights, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Graham; Andrew |
Arlington Heights |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52276815 |
Appl. No.: |
15/044898 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13942479 |
Jul 15, 2013 |
9264589 |
|
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15044898 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/369 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/2254 20130101;
H04N 5/2252 20130101; H04N 5/2257 20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101;
G02B 7/1805 20130101; H04N 5/2259 20130101; G02B 17/023
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; H04B 1/3888 20060101 H04B001/3888 |
Claims
1. A case for a mobile communications device comprising: an
attachment component for releasable attachment with the mobile
communications device, the attachment component including a panel
having a first aperture alignable with a camera lens of the mobile
communications device and a peripheral wall extending generally
perpendicularly from a peripheral edge of the panel; a refractor
housing for accommodating and mounting an optical refractor to the
attachment component, the refractor housing including a second
aperture in an unaligned arrangement with the first aperture; and
an optical refractor for refracting light between the first
aperture and the second aperture.
2. The case of claim 1, where optical refractor is a prism
including a first optical surface and a non-parallel second optical
surface.
3. The case of claim 2, wherein the prism is a pentaprism adapted
to refract light approximately 90.degree..
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the optical refractor is a
three-sided right triangle adapted to refract light approximately
90.degree..
5. The case of claim 1, wherein the panel is generally planar and
includes an inner surface adapted to placed adjacent a major
surface of the mobile communications device and an opposite outer
surface.
6. The case of claim 5, wherein the peripheral wall generally
corresponds in shape to an outline of the mobile communications
device.
7. The case of claim 6, wherein the prism housing attaches to the
attachment component via a mounting mechanism disposed in part on
an outer surface of the panel.
8. The case of claim 7, wherein the mounting mechanism is a
snap-lock mechanism.
9. The case of claim 8, wherein the mounting mechanism is
configured to dispose the optical refractor proximate a top edge of
the mobile communications device.
10. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is made of opaque
plastic.
11. A method of capturing an image with a mobile communications
device, the method comprising: attaching a case to the mobile
communications device, the case including a first aperture aligned
with a camera lens of the mobile communications device; mounting an
optical refractor to the case, the optical refractor including a
first refractor surface and a non-parallel second refractor
surface, the first refractor surface generally facing the first
aperture; refracting an image from the second refractor surface to
the first refractor surface; and directing the image from the first
surface through the first aperture to the camera lens.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the optical refractor is a
penta-prism adapted to refract light approximately 90.degree..
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the optical refractor is a
three-sided right triangle adapted to refract light approximately
90.degree..
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first aperture and the
camera lens are aligned along a first direction perpendicular to
the first refractor surface and the second refractor surface is
perpendicular to a second direction oriented toward an object
projecting the image.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the case includes an attachment
component releasably attachable to the mobile communications device
and a refractor housing for accommodating the optical
refractor.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the refractor housing aligns
the first refractor surface with the first aperture and the camera
lens.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the refractor housing includes
a second aperture enabling visual access to the second refractor
surface.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first aperture and the
second aperture are oriented at an approximate right angle to each
other.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the refractor housing mounts to
the attachment component via a snap-lock mechanism.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the object projecting the image
is a barcode.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Mobile communications devices such as smart phones, PDAs and
the like have become ubiquitous throughout modern society. In
addition to often providing wireless communications connectivity
such as via phone service and text messaging, these devices are
generally configured as small computers including operating systems
that can support an increasingly broad range of sophisticated
computing applications and other software-related functionalities.
The input-output interface between the device and a user can
include a touch screen display and/or physical keypad. Many of
these devices are often operatively equipped with a digital camera
that can capture visual images that can be stored on the device or
manipulated by the computer applications. The exterior design of
these communications devices tends to be sleek and compact to
facilitate the mobility aspect of the communications devices. The
camera lens is typically disposed on the exterior of the
communications device at a location where it will generally not
interfere with the handling of the device. In addition to capturing
visual images as digital photographs, the camera can in some
instances be used as a reader or scanner to obtain information
about an object that has been scanned, such as, for example, a
barcode label. The present disclosure is directed to enabling
similar functionality in a mobile communications device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosure describes a device and method for
facilitating or increasing the applications and use of a camera
incorporated into a mobile communications device such as a smart
phone. The device can include a cover, shell or case that can
attach to a mobile communications device and can be configured to
accommodate and mount an optical refractor to the device. An
optical refractor can change the direction of light rays that pass
through it. Accordingly, the case can align the optical refractor
with respect to the camera lens operatively associated with the
communications device. As a result, the focal direction of the
camera lens can be altered through the optical refractor. The
camera lens can thus capture the image of an object that is not
aligned with the lens or is angularly positioned outside the range
of view of the lens.
[0003] In a specific application, the case and optical refractor
can reconfigure the communications device into a functional reader
or scanner, such as may be used to read barcode labels. The
communications device may include a touch screen display on one
surface and a camera lens disposed on an opposite surface. However,
in the particular embodiment, the optical refractor can redirect
light rays approximately 90.degree.. Accordingly, a user can point
or direct the front or top edge of the communications device toward
the barcode label or another object and the optical refractor can
re-orientate the image 90.degree. and direct the image to the
camera lens. The image may be presented on the touch screen display
for viewing by the user. However, the disclosure can be applied in
other applications and is not limited to barcode reading.
[0004] A possible advantage of the disclosure is that the direction
of focus of a camera lens on a mobile communications device can be
altered so that the image of an object unaligned with the lens can
be captured. Another possible advantage is that the disclosure can
reconfigure the communications device in a manner that facilities
its handling and use as a reader or scanner. These and other
possible features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent
from the foregoing detailed description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a case attached to a
communications device and configured to mount an optical refractor
proximate a camera lens of the device.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 1
attached to the communications device.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a front assembly view of the case detached from
the communications device, the case including an attachment portion
and a refractor housing for accommodating the optical
refractor.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a rear assembly view of the case with a first
aperture in the attachment portion to align the optical refractor
with a camera lens of the device and a second aperture in the
refractor housing to expose the refractor to incident light
rays.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the case attached to
the communications device with the touch screen display
exposed.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the case attached to the
communications device including the second aperture oriented in the
forward direction.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the case including a slot
disposed in the peripheral wall.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of the case attached
to the communications device.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of the case attached
to the communications device.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a case attached to the communications device and configured to
mount an optical refractor proximate the camera lens of the
device.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 10
attached to the communications device.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a front assembly view of the case detached from
the communications device, the case including an attachment portion
and a refractor housing for accommodating an optical refractor.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a rear assembly view of the case with a first
aperture in the attachment portion to align the optical refractor
with a camera lens of the device and a second aperture in the
refractor housing to expose the refractor to incident light
rays.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Now referring to the drawings, wherein like reference
numbers refer to like elements, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2 a cover, shell or case 100 for mounting and aligning an optical
refractor 102 with a mobile communications device 110 such as a
smart phone to which the case can be releasably attached. The case
100 and optical refractor 102 can realign the optical focus or
sight line of a camera lens operatively associated with the
communications device 110 to capture the visual image of an object
that is otherwise unaligned with the lens. In addition to
realigning visual images with respect to the camera lens, the case
100 may function to protect the communications device 110 from
possible damage due to being dropped, thrown, etc., and accordingly
the case can be made from any suitable material including, for
example, a relatively rigid plastic or polycarbonate or a more
pliable elastomer such as rubber.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, to contribute to the atheistic
appearance and portability of the mobile communications device 110,
the device itself may be generally flat and planar with a first
major surface 112 and an opposing second major surface 114 defining
a generally rectangular outline 116 of the device, though the
present disclosure contemplates other shapes, sizes and
configurations of mobile communications devices. To interact with a
user, the first major surface 112 of the mobile communications
device 110 can be configured as a touch screen display 118 and may
include other buttons and/or a keypad. To use the communications
device 110 as a camera, a camera lens 120 may be disposed on the
opposite second major surface 114 of the device. In the illustrated
embodiment, the camera lens 120 is located proximate the top edge
122 toward an upper corner of the second major surface 114 but, in
other embodiments, can be located elsewhere. Accordingly, the focal
direction of the camera lens 120 is directly away from and
perpendicular to the second major surface 114. The communications
device 110 may include one or more other buttons, dials, or ports
124 disposed about the rectangular outline 116 to facilitate
operation of the device.
[0020] To releasably attach the case 100 to the mobile
communications device 110, the case can include an attachment
component 130. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the attachment component
130 can be generally comparable in size and shape to the
communications device 100 but, in other embodiments, may be
different in shape. The attachment component 130 includes a planar
panel 132 with a peripheral wall 134 extending about a peripheral
edge 133 of the planar panel. The peripheral wall 134 may be
perpendicular with respect to the panel 132 and thereby delineates
a shallow recess 136 to receive the mobile communications device
110. The panel 132 can include an inner surface 140 intended to be
placed adjacent, contiguous to, and/or facing the second major
surface 114 of the communications device 110 when the attachment
component 130 is attached and an outer surface 142 parallel to and
opposite of the inner surface. The panel 132 and the peripheral
wall 134 can be thin enough such that the attachment component 130
does not add substantial bulk to the mobile communications device
or detract from the sleek, flat appearance of the device when the
two items are attached together.
[0021] To secure the attachment component 130 with the
communications device 110, the distal edge of the peripheral wall
134 opposite where the wall connects to the panel 132 can be formed
with a lip 138 having a slight inward curve into the recess 136.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the inward curve of the lip 138 can
extend slightly about and capture the outline 116 of the
communications device 110. The attachment component 130 and the
communications device 110 can thereby be held together in a
snap-lock manner. While the illustrated embodiment illustrates that
the peripheral wall 134 generally corresponds in shape to the
rectangular outline 116 of the communications device 110 and
therefore includes four edges, it will be appreciated that in other
embodiments, the peripheral wall may have a different outline and
may extend along only one, two or three sides of the communications
device. In addition, in other embodiments, the attachment component
130 and the communications device 110 can attach by methods other
than a snap-lock such as, for example, sliding the case partially
or wholly around the device as a sleeve.
[0022] To provide access to the camera lens 120, a first aperture
144 can be disposed in the panel 132 from the inner surface 140 to
the outer surface 142. The first aperture can have any suitable
size and shape such as, for example, circular. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first aperture 144 is located to correspond to the
location of the camera lens 120 in the upper corner of the panel
134 but in other embodiments can be located in any other location
to correspond to the camera lens. The first aperture 144 is focally
aligned with the camera lens 120 so that the focus of the camera
lens is still generally perpendicular with respect to the second
major surface 114 of the communications device 110. In other
embodiments, the corner portion of the attachment component
proximate the camera lens can be cutaway rather than including an
enclosed aperture.
[0023] To realign the optical focus of the camera lens 120, an
optical refractor 102 can be mounted to the communications device
110 by the case 100. An optical refractor 102 can change the
direction of light rays that pass through it. The materials, shape
and/or coatings of the optical refractor can be selected to alter
the normally linear path of a light ray incident upon the refractor
by changing its angular direction, for example, through principles
of optical geometry such as internal reflection, refraction and/or
other optical principles. In the illustrated embodiment, the
optical refractor 102 can be a non-dispersive prism and, in
particular, a penta-prism 150 which is known to alter the path of
an incident light ray by 90.degree., thereby bending or channeling
the light ray through a right angle. However, in other embodiments
of the disclosure, other angles of deviation are contemplated. The
penta-prism 150 can be made of a generally transparent material
such as glass or transparent plastic and can have a five-sided
outline including at least a first optical surface 152 and a second
optical surface 154. When light enters the penta-prism through one
surface, the angles and orientations of the five sides reflect the
light ray internally so that it emits from a different surface. By
way of example only, the first optical surface 152 can be
designated the surface from the altered or refracted light ray
emits from the refractor and the second optical surface 154 can be
designated the surface which a traveling light ray or beam will be
incident upon the refractor. To deviate the angle of the light ray,
the first optical surface 152 and the second optical surface 154
are not parallel to each other and, in the illustrated embodiment,
can be oriented at a 90.degree. or right angle to each other.
[0024] Accordingly, to align the optical refractor 102 with the
camera lens 120 to direct the refracted light ray to the camera,
the case 100 can include a refractor housing 160 that is mountable
to the outer surface 142 of the attachment component 130. The
refractor housing 160 can be a generally hollow structure with
housing walls 162 or surfaces delineating an internal cavity 164
spaced to accommodate the optical refractor 102. With respect to
the illustrated embodiment utilizing a penta-prism 150, the
internal cavity 164 can have a shape corresponding to the prism
with at least one open side 166 to expose the first optical surface
152 to the camera lens 120 through the first aperture 144. One or
more internal ribs 165 can extend from the inside of the housing
walls 162 to shift or position the first optical surface 152 to at
least partially face the camera lens 120.
[0025] The refractor housing 160 can be made from the same or
different materials as the attachment component 130 such as, for
example, a molded, rigid plastic. Because such materials may be
opaque, the refractor housing 160 can include a second aperture 168
disposed in one of the housing walls 162 to expose the second
optical surface 154 of the penta-prism 150 to the environment and
enable an incident light ray projecting from an external object to
access the optical refractor 102. The size and/or shape of the
second aperture 168 can be coextensive with the size of the second
optical surface 154 or it can be smaller than the second optical
surface. In an embodiment, a transparent material can be disposed
in the second aperture 168 to function similar to a window pane. In
an embodiment, the internal cavity 164 can be configured to
position the second optical surface 154 generally flush with the
second aperture 168. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment,
the second aperture 168 and the open side 166 can be oriented at
right angles with respect to each other but, as indicated above,
other angles are contemplated.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, to mount the refractor housing
160 accommodating the optical refractor 102 to the attachment
component 130, the two components can be configured with a suitable
mounting mechanism 170. For example, in the illustrated embodiment,
the mounting mechanism 170 can include a mounting pad 172 formed on
the attachment component 130 generally about the same upper corner
as the first aperture 144 on which the optical refractor 102 can be
supported. Extending perpendicularly from the mounting pad 172 can
be one or more elongated rails 174 each with an enclosed slot 176
disposed lengthwise through it. Formed on the refractor housing 160
and protruding internally from the housing walls 162 can be a
corresponding number of respectively shaped and sized, tapered
bosses 176. When the refractor housing 160 is positioned over and
moved toward the mounting pad 172, the tapered bosses 176 can slide
past and displace the rails 174 until the bosses 176 snap into the
enclosed slots 174. The mounting mechanism 170 thereby secures the
refractor housing 160 with the attachment component 130 in a
snap-lock manner that aligns the first optical surface 152 with the
first aperture 144. In other embodiments, however, other suitable
mounting mechanisms or mounting methods are contemplated such as
other interlocking structures, tongue-and-groove connections,
fasteners, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and the like.
Furthermore, the attachment component 130 and the refractor housing
160 can be formed integrally with each other and can be made to
accommodate the optical refractor by, for example, articulating the
refractor housing with respect to the attachment component via a
living hinge or press-fitting the refractor into the second
aperture 168.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 5-9, when the case 100 with the optical
refractor 102 is attached to the communications device 110, the
combination can be used to alter the direction of focus of the
camera lens. In the illustrated embodiment, the refractor housing
160 is disposed at an upper corner of the case 100 corresponding to
the location of the camera lens with the refractor housing 160
accommodating approximately half the width of the case. In FIGS.
5-9, the camera lens is covered by the attached case, however, the
optical reflector 102 will enable the communications device 110 to
capture images including those from directions that are unaligned
with the lens. Substantially the remainder of the attached
communications device 110 and case 100 remains generally
ergonomically flat and can be easily grasped and manipulated by a
user's hand.
[0028] The top edge 122 of the communications device 110,
corresponding to the plane of the second optical surface 154 of the
optical refractor 102, can be directed toward an object to be
imaged such as a barcode label. Light rays representing an image of
the object and indicated in dashed lines 180 may fall incident on
the second optical surface 154 oriented toward the object. The
optical refractor 102 refracts the light rays 180 approximately
90.degree. and directs the light rays toward the camera lens. The
communications device 110 can present the image upon the touch
screen display 118, hence, the image can be reproduced 90.degree.
from the direction in which the object is located. This may allow
for simultaneous scanning and viewing of an object. In those
embodiments in which the image is of a barcode, the communications
device 110 can process the barcode and the touch screen display 180
can present additional information represented by the barcode, such
as price, item, quantity, etc., which can also be stored in the
memory of the device for later processing. Thus, the communications
device 110 can be handled and used in a manner similar to a
traditional barcode reader. In various embodiments, to provide
access to the buttons, dials, or ports 124 disposed about the
outline 116 of the communications device 110, the slots 182
disposed through the peripheral wall 134 of the case can align with
the buttons, dials, or port.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 10-13, there is illustrated another
embodiment of the case 200 attachable to a mobile communications
device 210 to mount an optical refractor 202 in a usable position
on the device. The communications device 210 can be similar to the
one depicted in FIGS. 1-4 and will not be described in further
detail. As in the prior embodiment, the case 200 can include an
attachment component 230 and a refractor housing 260. To releasably
attach the case 200 to the communications device 210, the
attachment component 230 can include a panel 232 having an inner
surface 240 and an opposite outer surface 242 with a peripheral
wall 234 extending from the panel that terminates at an inward
protruding lip 238. When the component 230 and the device 210 are
pressed together, the peripheral wall 234 and lip 238 can move over
and around the outline of the device to secure the two together. A
first aperture 244 can be disposed through the panel 232 at a
location aligned with the camera lens on the communications
device.
[0030] In the second embodiment, the optical refractor 202 can be
shaped differently and, in particular, can be shaped as a
three-sided right triangle 250 with a first optical surface 252, a
second optical surface 254 perpendicular to the first optical
surface, and a third optical surface 256 corresponding to the
hypotenuse between the first and second optical surfaces. The right
triangle 250 can be made from any suitable, generally transparent
material. Referring to FIG. 12, an incidental light ray 280
traveling perpendicular to the second optical surface 254 can
traverse the triangle 250 to the third optical surface 256 that
deflects the light ray approximately 90.degree. such that the light
ray is directed out the first optical surface 252. To facilitate
redirection, the third optical surface 256 can be coated with a
reflective film or material. Of course, to redirect light at angles
other than 90.degree., the optical refractor can have different
angles, lengths, shapes, etc. to produce a different optical
geometry. Further, in other embodiments, the optical refractor can
be designed differently than a prism or glass triangle and, for
example, can be designed as a mirror or series of mirrors or an
optical fiber.
[0031] To mount and align the optical refractor 202 with the camera
lens 220 of the communications device 210, the refractor housing
250 can have a triangular shape generally corresponding to the
shape of the refractor and delineating an internal cavity 266 for
accommodating the refractor. To enable light transmission through
the optical refractor 202 and the refractor housing 260, the
housing can include an open side 266 and a second aperture 268,
perpendicular to each other, that can frame or outline the
respective first optical surface 252 and the second optical surface
254. The refractor housing 260 can mount to the outer surface 242
of the attachment device 230 by a mounting mechanism 270 such as a
snap-lock mechanism. The design of the mounting mechanism 270 can
be configured so that the refractor housing 260 positions the first
optical surface 252 adjacent to the camera lens 220 so that the
redirected light rays are transmitted to the lens.
[0032] A possible advantage of utilizing a right triangle 250 as
the optical refractor 202 is that the size and/or shape of the
refractor and correspondingly of the refractor housing 260 can be
reduced in comparison with the penta-prism. Accordingly, the case
200 and communications device 210 can further maintain their sleek
design and ergonomic characteristics. In the illustrated
embodiment, the refractor housing 260 can be generally coextensive
with the dimensions of the top edge 222 of the communications
device 210. This may provide the case/device combination with
greater surface area to place the device against an object to be
scanned. In other embodiments, the refractor housing can have other
shapes and features to facilitate use of the communications device
as a scanner, reader or other optical equipment.
[0033] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0034] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and "at least
one" and similar referents in the context of describing the
invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are
to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more
items (for example, "at least one of A and B") is to be construed
to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any
combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to
be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not
limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate 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 herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0035] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *