U.S. patent application number 15/010998 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-04 for basalt basket and dowel and method of manufacture.
The applicant listed for this patent is No Rust Rebar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Donald R. Smith.
Application Number | 20160222599 15/010998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56553927 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160222599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Donald R. |
August 4, 2016 |
Basalt Basket and Dowel and Method of Manufacture
Abstract
Basalt basket and dowel system to provide load transfer between
adjoining slabs. The basket is designed as a placement jig to
properly position dowels during the concrete placement phase of
construction. Additionally to provide inherently tinsel and shear
reinforcement to the edge of the concrete before during and after
the contraction stress of curing concrete is relieved by scoring
and to do so without the risk of rust spalling. The baskets and
dowels are constructed from continuous basalt fibers admixed with
an appropriate adhesive to produce the required strength and
provide load predictions in a similar manner to steel calculations.
The basalt basket is light weight and the configuration of its
tendons interlaces provides sufficient space to allow concrete flow
during placement and too prevent tinsel slippage within the cured
concrete.
Inventors: |
Smith; Donald R.; (Pompano
Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
No Rust Rebar, Inc. |
Pompano Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56553927 |
Appl. No.: |
15/010998 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62109269 |
Jan 29, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 11/14 20130101;
E01C 19/504 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E01C 11/14 20060101
E01C011/14; E01C 11/16 20060101 E01C011/16 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a dimensionally scalable basalt basket
constructed and arranged to align a plurality of dowels between an
approach slab and a leaving slab for load transfer therebetween
adjoining concrete slabs comprising the steps of: coating a
plurality of basalt fiber strands with a thermoplastic polymer;
wrapping said coated basalt fiber strands around a base have pins
secured thereto, said wrapping following an scalable pattern to
form a basket capable of holding basalt dowels; allowing said
basalt strands to cure upon drying; removing said pins from said
base to release a cured basket from said base; aligning said basket
between an approach slab form and a leave slab form; positioning
dowels within each said dowel holder formed in said basket;
embedding said basket and dowels by filling said approach slab form
and said leave slab form with concrete.
2. The method of manufacturing according to claim 1 wherein each
said dowel is constructed from basalt.
3. The method of manufacturing according to claim 1 wherein each
said dowel is constructed from the group consisting of: glass fiber
reinforced polymer (FRP), basalt, hemp, carbon fiber or
combinations thereof.
4. The method of manufacturing according to claim 1 wherein each
said dowel has a polygon cross sectional shape.
5. The method of manufacturing according to claim 4 wherein
adjoining polygon shaped dowels are inverted.
6. The method of manufacturing according to claim 1 wherein said
thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of:
urethane, acrylic, acetyl, polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, phenolic,
polyimide, polyamide, polypropylene, PEEK, methacrylate or a
combination thereof.
Description
PRIORITY APPLICATION AND RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76 a claim of priority is
included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith.
Accordingly, the present invention claims priority date to, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/109,269 entitled "BASALT
BASKET AND DOWEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE", filed Jan. 29, 2015.
This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/436,653, entitled "MATRIX BASALT REINFORCEMENT MEMBERS FOR
PERVIOUS CEMENT", filed Mar. 30, 2012. The contents of the above
referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to concrete reinforcement, and more
particularly, to a basket and dowel reinforcement members made from
continuous basalt fibers for use in load transfer between adjoining
slabs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Due to constant expanding and contracting of concrete used
in the formation of highways, joints are placed between slabs of
concrete to absorb the movement. Between temperature fluctuations
and heavy truck traffic, the concrete must be able to absorb
movement without shifting or cracking. Construction techniques
employ the use of dowel bars embedded in the concrete to transfer
the load across the joints. The dowel bars reduce pavement
roughness caused by faulting and improve the pavement's
performance. Critical to the installation is that the dowel bars
are placed in proper three-dimensional alignment. Misplaced or
misaligned dowel bars can adversely affect the performance of the
concrete. Misaligned dowel bars can lock up the joints and prevent
them from opening and closing freely resulting in spalling,
faulting, pumping, corner breaks, blowups, and mid-panel cracking.
Because of the difficulties in determining the position of dowel
bars in hardened concrete, misplaced dowel bars went largely
undetected in the past, until it was too late and problems started
to develop.
[0004] Most jointed concrete pavement failures can be attributed to
failures at the joint, as opposed to inadequate structural
capacity. The most common types of pavement joints, which are
defined by their function, are as follows: (1) Longitudinal
Joint--a joint between two slabs which allows slab warping without
appreciable separation or cracking of the slabs; (2) Construction
Joint--a joint between slabs that results when concrete is placed
at different times. This type of joint can be further broken down
into transverse and longitudinal joints; (3) Expansion Joint--a
joint placed at a specific location to allow the pavement to expand
without damaging adjacent structures or the pavement itself; and
(4) Transverse Contraction Joint is a sawed, formed, or tooled
groove in a concrete slab that creates a weakened vertical plane.
It regulates the location of the cracking caused by dimensional
changes in the slab, and is by far the most common type of joint in
concrete pavements.
[0005] The primary purpose of transverse contraction joints is to
control the cracking that results from the tensile and bending
stresses in concrete slabs caused by the cement hydration process,
traffic loadings, and the environment. Because these joints are so
numerous, their performance significantly impacts pavement
performance. The sawing of transverse contraction and longitudinal
joints is intended to cause the pavement to crack at the intended
joint. It should be made to a required depth and width. Joint
spacing varies throughout the country because of considerations of
initial costs, type of slab (reinforced or plain), type of load
transfer, and local conditions. The amount of longitudinal slab
movement that a joint experiences is primarily a function of joint
spacing and temperature changes. Expansion characteristics of the
aggregates used in the concrete and the friction between the bottom
of the slab and the base also have an effect on slab movement. Good
design and maintenance of contraction joints have virtually
eliminated the need for expansion joints, except at fixed objects
such as structures. When expansion joints are used, the pavement
moves to close the unrestrained expansion joint over a period of a
few years. As this happens, several of the adjoining contraction
joints may open, effectively destroying their seals and aggregate
interlock.
[0006] What is disclosed is an improved dowel system with
positioning baskets that is light in weight, non-corroding, and
better capable of maintaining dowel alignment by resisting
deformation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In light of the above and according to one aspect of the
invention, disclosed herein is a basalt basket for positioning of
dowels to provide improved loading between adjoining concrete
slabs.
[0008] An objective of the present invention is to provide a
continuous basalt fiber material matrix configuration that is an
economical and sustainable alternative to steel dowel and basket
construction, the basalt basket capable of securely holding dowels
in alignment even if struck during the concrete pouring step.
[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
dowel and basket system that cannot rust like steel which otherwise
can absorb or wick water into the concrete.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to eliminate
the dangerous position of cutting a steel basket that is under a
load, the result of which can cause injury to the individual making
the cut or cause the shifting of a dowel.
[0011] Still another objective of the present invention is to
provide a continuous basalt fiber material that is stronger than
steel when used in the basket configuration, has no memory of
bending damage, does not need shipping ties to be cut before paving
and is capable of maintaining shape if improperly stored before
use.
[0012] Yet still another objective of the present invention is to
provide a basalt matrix reinforcement system which is relatively
light thereby reducing shipping cost, logistics issues, and
installation stress by providing an easy to move configuration that
can be carried by a single individual.
[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a concrete reinforcement matrix that has the same thermal
coefficient of expansion as concrete and is naturally resistant to
corrosion, rust, alkali, and acids.
[0014] Still yet another objective of the present invention is to
provide a concrete reinforcement matrix that does not conduct
electricity and will not create a path for water to penetrate
through the concrete.
[0015] Still yet another objective of the present invention is to
provide a concrete reinforcement matrix that does not allow the
creation of magnetic fields.
[0016] Still yet another objective of the present invention is to
eliminate radar reflection, the blockage of radio waves,
microwaves, and thus permit improved thermo scans results.
[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to extend
the service limits of thermal load limits of a concrete
structure.
[0018] Yet still another objective of the present invention is to
provide a concrete reinforcement matrix that can be cut with a
conventional saw.
[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
continuous matrix basket configuration that can be made of basalt,
fiberglass, carbon fiber, or the use of bio fibers such as hemp,
the basket capable of securely holding dowels made of basalt,
fiberglass, carbon fiber or steel in alignment even if struck
during the concrete pouring step.
[0020] Other objectives and further advantages and benefits
associated with the basalt rebar matrix will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the description, examples and claims which
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a 11/2'', 11/4'' and a polygon shaped
12'' dowel;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a 11/2'', 11/4'' and a polygon shaped
18'' dowel;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a side view of the basalt basket;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the basalt basket;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view of a basalt basket holding a
dowel;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a basalt basket holding
dowels;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of two rows of basalt baskets
holding dowels;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side view of the basalt basket illustrating
wheel loading;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a basket forming base
device;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a basket forming base
device with alignment pins;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a side view of a basket forming base device with
a formed basalt basket;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a top view of an alternative basalt basket
embodiment holding dowels;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a side view of the alternative basalt basket
embodiment of FIG. 12;
[0034] FIG. 14 is an end view of the alternative basalt basket
embodiment of FIG. 12 with a dowel;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the alternative basalt
basket embodiment of FIG. 12 with dowels;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
basket forming base; and
[0037] FIG. 17 is a side view of the alternative embodiment basket
forming base of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] The purpose of the dowels is to transfer loads across a
joint without restricting joint movement due to thermal contraction
and expansion of the concrete. Studies have shown that larger
dowels are more effective in transferring loads and in reducing
faulting. Dowels should be corrosion-resistant to prevent dowel
seizure, which causes the joint to lock up. Epoxy-coated and
stainless steel dowels have been shown to adequately prevent
corrosion. Smooth dowels are the most widely used method of
transferring load across expansion joints. Expansion joint dowels
are specially fabricated with a cap on one end of each dowel that
creates a void in the slab to accommodate the dowel as the adjacent
slab closes the expansion joint.
[0039] Dowel baskets are used to ensure that the dowels are
properly aligned. Conventional dowel baskets are constructed from
steel, are about 24''.times.12' in dimension. A steel dowel basket
weighs about 50 lbs and a steel dowel that is about
11/2''.times.24'' weigh about 20 lbs. The weight of the steel
basket limits how many can be stacked for storage and shipping
without causing deformation of the baskets and related tolerances.
Further, an individual could only be expected to carry a single
steel basket due to the weight. During installation, dowels are
lightly coated with grease or other substance over their entire
length to prevent bonding of the dowel to the concrete. Coating
only one-half of the dowel has frequently resulted in problems,
primarily caused by insufficient greasing and/or dowel
misalignment. The dowel must be free to slide in the concrete so
that the two pavement slabs move independently, thus preventing
excessive pavement stresses. Further, a steel basket is subject to
rusting and seizing an interrelated dowel. Further, if a steel
basket is cut to size the exposed steel would be immediately
subject to rust. Still further, the final installation step after
placing steel baskets is to use abrasive saws or bolt cutters to
separate the basket into two halves running across the roadway by
cutting several ties so that the basket will not tie the concrete
sections at the joint this cutting of a steel basket that has
spring tension as a result of bending during shipment and/or
improperly set can create a dangerous situation if the cutting of
the steel causes the basket to spring open.
[0040] The basalt baskets of the instant invention, are fully
scalable and normally of a comparable size to traditional steel
baskets about 24''.times.144'' in dimension and weight less than
17.0 lbs. The basalt baskets can be stacked without crushing or
deformation and an individual can carry three basalt baskets which
equals the weight of a single steel basket. In addition, while the
traditional 11/2''.times.24'' steel dowel weighs about 13 lbs each,
a similar fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) basalt, fiberglass or
carbon fiber dowel weighs less than 4 lbs. Basalt does not rust and
the use of a basalt formed basket and dowel allows size cutting
without the possibility of rust, weeping, or arcing due to steel
loading. Further, the use of a basalt (BFRP), glass (GFRP) or
carbon fiber (CFRP) dowel can be made smooth wherein greasing is
not necessary. Alternatively the non-metal dowel can be greased,
pre-waxed during production, post-waxed, or coated with a bond
breaking material of most any combination. Still further, the dowel
and basket can include the use of bio fibers such as hemp.
Additionally the use of bio based polymer resin systems based on
the byproduct of alternative fuels such as ethanol can be used.
While the use of the byproduct will cause approximately a 30%
reduction in strength, the byproduct can be encapsulated within a
strength material, such as basalt, wherein the reduction of
strength will not affect the structure and will retain the
properties of the basalt for bond breaking.
[0041] When two slabs are not connected, there can be no load
transfer between an approach slab and a leave slap. The result is
that either the approach slap or the leave slab will settle causing
the roadway to become uneven. When proper doweling is placed
between two slabs, the load transfer is between 70 and 90 percent.
When dowels are not properly aligned, however, or if a conventional
steel basket is deformed due to loading, the result is misalignment
which may not show up for years after installation.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, a 12 inch section of 11/2'' diameter
dowel 10 constructed from basalt or FRP weights about 1.5 lbs and
provides a surface area of 60.08 square inches. The 12 inch section
of 11/4'' diameter dowel 12 constructed from basalt or FRP weights
about 1.08 lbs and provides a surface area of 49.58 square inches.
In the preferred embodiment, a 12 inch section of 3 lobe polygon
shaped dowel 14 is constructed from basalt and weighs about 1.32
lbs to provide a surface area of 56.54 square inches, with a
density of 0.07 lbs per cubic inch and a volume of 18.04 cubic
inches. The average bearing stress for the 3 lobe dowel with a 6
inch embedment and 8 inch CL is less than 3400 psi. The 3 lobe
polygon dowel has an oversized bearing shoulder radius of a 2.5
inch dowel.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates 18 inch section of a 11/2'', 11/4'' and a
polygon shaped dowel. The 11/2'' diameter dowel 10 constructed from
basalt or FRP weights about 2.32 lbs and provides a surface area of
88.36 square inches. The 11/4'' diameter dowel 12 constructed from
basalt or FRP weights about 1.61 lbs and provides a surface area of
73.14 square inches. The polygon shaped dowel 168 constructed from
basalt or FRP weights about 2.22 lbs and provides a surface area of
88.20 square inches. Besides the weight savings, the use of basalt
reduces bearing stress concentration, reduces the need for dowel
lubrication, and eliminates corrosion concerns. The 3 lobe polygon
design offers a high LTE and low bearing stress with enhance load
transfer distribution between dowels, as compared to steel. Dowel
168, as depicted here, has a first surface 170, a second surface
172 and a third surface 174. Surface 170 and 172 form corner 180,
surface 170 and 174 form corner 182, surface 172 and 174 form
corner 184.
[0044] FIGS. 3-11 depict a first embodiment of the invention
wherein the basalt basket 100 is manufactured from a plurality of
basalt strands 102 saturated with a thermosetting polymer which
hardens when dried. The thermosetting polymer is selected from the
group consisting of urethane, polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy,
phenolic, polyimide, polyamide, polypropylene, PEEK, methacrylate
or a combination thereof. The basket 100 is formed by wrapping the
basalt strands around pins 110 which are secured to a forming base
112. The pins 110 are removably positioned within the forming-base
apertures 116. The wrapping of the strands follows a predetermined
pattern to format which, when dried, forms the basket 100. Each
basket 100 includes alignment apertures 114 that are strategically
positioned to track the forming-base apertures 116 of the forming
base 112, wherein pairs of alignment apertures 114 are used for
holding the dowels 120. The basket 100 also includes coiled feet
104, on which the basket 100 can be positioned, as seen in FIGS. 4
and 5. The coiled feet 104 allow the dowels 120 to be positioned
horizontally at a predetermined vertical distance. At the top of
the basket 100 the strands 102 come to a series of peaks 106, which
helps the basket 100 form into one solid piece when hardened. The
peaks 106 and feet 104 are in substantially the same vertical
plane, just as the alignment holders are in substantially the same
horizontal plane. As depicted in FIG. 8, the basket 100 is aligned
between an approach slab 200 and leave slab 210. A dowel 120 is
positioning within a pair of alignment apertures 114. The dowel 120
can be a 11/2'', 11/4'' and a polygon shaped 12'' dowel and in the
preferred embodiment may be 12 or 18 inches in length. The dowel
120 is constructed from basalt or FRP and weights and may be
lubricated similar to a steel dowel to inhibit securement to the
concrete. Once the basket 100 and dowel 120 are positioned, the
concrete embeds the basket 100 and dowel 120 into the slab. As
depicted in FIG. 13, the basket 100 can be at the connector tip 122
without fear of rusting found with steel baskets due to
wicking.
[0045] FIGS. 9 through 11 depict how a basket 100 is formed from a
section of the first embodiment of a forming base 112. As shown,
there are two side members 130,132 which meet at an apex 134 to
form a substantially triangular shape. The side members 130,132 can
be straight, or have a bend as shown in FIG. 9. Each side member
130,132 is connected to a bottom member 136,138 which provides
stability and supports the forming base 112. The forming base also
has top apertures 126 along apex 134, and bottom apertures 128
along the bottom members 136,138. A basket 110 is formed by
wrapping the basalt around the pins 110 in a forming base 112 in
accordance with a predetermined pattern. As the basalt strands 102
are allowed to dry and solidify, the pins 110 can be removed from
the forming base 112, wherein the basket 100 can be lifted from the
forming base 112.
[0046] The reinforcing members produced using continuous basalt
fibers (CBF) in an appropriate adhesive matrix be it a thermo
plastic or a thermo set epoxy, vinyl ester or urethane. The CBF
reinforcing members are formed from multiple roving (bundles) to
produce the required strength for the load predictions in a similar
manner to steel calculations. The micron size of the basalt fiber
and the size of the CBF roving may be altered as necessary. To
prevent slippage of the reinforcement within the concrete the
roving's of the basket are spaced sufficiently to allow the
concrete to flow between the legs and crossed and interlaces to
mitigate potential for sheer at crossovers. The manufacturing
process of the reinforcement is continuous without cold secondary
bonds of the continuous basalt fiber with the adhesive matrix.
[0047] In light of the above and according to one aspect of the
invention, the basalt basket 100 matrix and dowel 120 are used to
improved concrete slabs. The extremely low stretch and cyclical
tenacity of continuous basalt fiber is exploited to produce a
reinforcing member and the dowels 120 are positioned to
specifically provide load transfer between adjoining slabs. The
reinforcing members produced using continuous basalt fibers (CBF)
in an appropriate adhesive matrix be it a thermo plastic or a
thermo set epoxy, vinyl ester or urethane add structural rigidity
to the concrete, making the concrete capable of supporting heavy
loads such as trucks wherein 70 to 98% of the load is transferred
between the approach and leave slab. The CBF reinforcing members
are formed from multiple roving (bundles) to produce the required
strength for the load predictions in a similar manner to steel
calculations. To prevent slippage of the reinforcement within the
concrete the basket rovings are spaced sufficiently to allow the
concrete to flow between the interlaces.
[0048] The basalt reinforcing material is constructed from
continuous basalt fiber strands combined with non-corrosive thermo
set or thermo plastic polymer formed into a matrix shape. Basalt
fiber reinforcement does not exhibit memory and tends to return to
an original cured condition and shape. Continuous basalt fiber is
manufactured from basalt filaments made by melting crushed volcanic
rock of a specific mineral mixture known as a breed and drawing the
molten material into fibers. The fibers cool to form hexagonal
chains resulting in a resilient structure having a substantially
higher tensile strength than steel of the same diameter at one
fifth the weight and virtually corrosion free.
[0049] Continuous basalt fiber is manufactured from basalt
filaments made by melting crushed volcanic rock of a specific
mineral mixture known as a breed and drawing the molten material
into fibers. The fibers cool to form hexagonal chains resulting in
a resilient structure having a substantially higher tensile
strength than steel of the same diameter at one fifth the weight
and virtually corrosion free.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 12-17, set forth an alternative
embodiment wherein a basalt basket 150 is constructed and arranged
to secure 3 lobe dowels in alternate configurations wherein a
dowels 152, 156, 160, 164 are placed inverted, and dowels 154, 158,
and 162 are positioned conventional. For instance, dowel 168, as
depicted in FIG. 2, has a first surface 170, a second surface 172
and a third surface 174. Surface 170 and 172 form corner 180,
surface 170 and 174 form corner 182, surface 172 and 174 form
corner 184. Depicted in FIGS. 12-15 illustrate corner 184 in a
raised position and then a lower position. Dowels 152-164 form a
mirror image of dowel 150.
[0051] An alternate embodiment forming base 200 is shown in FIGS.
16 and 17. The central portion of the forming base 200, is
substantially trapezoidal in shape, with two angled sides 202,204
meeting a top side 206 and a bottom side 208. Additionally, there
are two attached base sides 210, 212, attached through hinges 216.
The hinges 216 allow the outer facing surface the base sides 210,
212 to be parallel to the outer facing surface of the angled sides
202, 204 in an initial position shown in FIG. 16 and used when
wrapping strands 102 around the forming base 200, yet also change
to a horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 17, when the basalt
strands 212 are hardening.
[0052] The sides 202, 204 of the forming base 200 have side
apertures 230 allowing a dowel pin 222 to pass through. The base
sides 210, 212 have base apertures 232 for positioning base pins
220. When the dowel pins 222 and base pins 220 are in their
respective apertures, and the base sides are in their initial
parallel position, stands 102 can be wrapped in a predetermined
pattern, weaving around the base pins 220, the dowel pins 222, and
around the through top peaks 214, located on the top side 206. The
top peaks 214 have a slot 234 which allows the strands 102 to come
to a top point when hardened, creating a handle to lift the newly
formed basket 150. By moving the base sides 210, 212 to the
horizontal position prior to the strands 102 hardening, the strands
102 will bend at the hinges 216 to form the feet 104 of the basket
150.
[0053] When the strands 102 harden, the dowel pins 222 and base
pins 220 can then be removed, and the basket 150 can be lifted off
of the forming base 200. The alternate embodiment of the forming
base 200, creates the alternate embodiment basket 150, but this
basket 150 continues to function as the original embodiment basket
100 by holding dowels 120 or 150-164 in a horizontal position
within the concrete slaps.
[0054] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. Detailed embodiments of the instant
invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood
that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the
invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore,
specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims
and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art
to variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0055] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
[0056] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *