U.S. patent application number 14/544923 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-08 for cellphones & devices with material ejector.
The applicant listed for this patent is Guy LaMonte McClung, III. Invention is credited to Guy LaMonte McClung, III.
Application Number | 20160261940 14/544923 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45934876 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160261940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McClung, III; Guy LaMonte |
September 8, 2016 |
Cellphones & devices with material ejector
Abstract
Cellphones, headgear and devices with an added material ejector,
with or without a blocker; and systems and methods for inhibiting
access to the lips of speaking person including a sound receiving
device for receiving speech of a person speaking, the person having
lips that move when the person speaks, a blocker connected to the
device for blocking the lips of the person speaking while the
person is speaking; and, in some aspects, such a blocker with a
material addition apparatus to provide added material for the
breath of a person speaking, e.g., for preventing the spread of
disease or to freshen a speaker's breath. This abstract is provided
to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a
searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of
the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning
of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
Inventors: |
McClung, III; Guy LaMonte;
(San Antonio, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McClung, III; Guy LaMonte |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45934876 |
Appl. No.: |
14/544923 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04K 2203/12 20130101;
H04K 2203/14 20130101; G10L 25/78 20130101; H04K 3/825 20130101;
H04R 2420/07 20130101; G10L 15/22 20130101; H04R 1/083 20130101;
H04R 2499/11 20130101; H04R 1/086 20130101; H04K 2203/16 20130101;
G10L 2015/227 20130101; H04K 3/68 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04R 1/08 20060101
H04R001/08; G10L 15/22 20060101 G10L015/22; G10L 25/78 20060101
G10L025/78; H04K 3/00 20060101 H04K003/00 |
Claims
1.-90. (canceled)
91. A system, the system comprising a sound receiving system, the
system comprising a sound receiver positionable near the mouth of a
person, an added material system connected to the sound receiving
system, the added material system including an ejector for ejecting
added material adjacent the mouth of the person.
92. The system of claim 91 wherein the sound receiving system
comprises a cellphone.
93. The system of claim 91 wherein the system comprises a
microphone system.
94. The system of claim 91 wherein the sound receiving system
comprises a computer.
95. The system of claim 91 wherein the system comprises a
headgear.
96. The system of claim 95 wherein the headgear is one of hat, cap,
helmet, flexible head covering, headset, and solid head
covering.
97. The system of claim 91 wherein the added material is one of
mouthwash, mouth freshener material, antiseptic material,
sterilizing material, antifungal material, antibacterial material,
antiviral material, and scent material, or a combination
thereof.
98. The system of claim 91 further comprising an activator for
activating the ejector.
99. The system of claim 98 wherein the activator is activatable
automatically.
100. The system of claim 98 wherein the activator is activated by
one of voice, movement, temperature, and pressure.
101. The system of claim 98 wherein the activator is activated when
the person's breath is expelled.
102. The system of claim 98 wherein the activator is one of: device
locally activatable by the person speaking, device locally
activatable by a person other than the person speaking, pushbutton
device locally or remotely activatable, device remotely activatable
by a person other than the person speaking, device remotely
activatable by a remote activation device, device voice activatable
by voice activation apparatus.
103. The system of claim 91 further comprising a container of added
material in material communication with the ejector.
104. The system of claim 91 wherein the added material system
ejects the added material as a stream, mist, or spray.
105. The system of claim 91 further comprising a lips blocker
connected to the system.
106. A system comprising a cellphone with a sound receiving system,
the sound receiving system having a sound receiver positionable
near the mouth of a person, an added material system connected to
the cellphone, the added material system including an ejector for
ejecting added material adjacent the mouth of the person, an
activator for activating the ejector, and a container of added
material in material communication with the ejector for supplying
added material to the ejector.
107. The system of claim 106 further comprising a lips blocker
connected to the cellphone.
108. The system of claim 106 wherein the activator is activatable
automatically, and wherein the activator is activated by one of
voice, movement, temperature, and pressure.
109. The system of claim 106 wherein the activator is activated
when the person's breath is expelled.
110. The system of claim 106 wherein the activator is one of:
device locally activatable by the person speaking, device locally
activatable by a person other than the person speaking, pushbutton
device locally or remotely activatable, device remotely activatable
by a person other than the person speaking, device remotely
activatable by a remote activation device, device voice activatable
by voice activation apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The benefit of priority, according to the U.S. Patent Laws,
is claimed for this invention and application from and based on
U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/455,090 filed Oct. 14, 2010 and
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/317,155 filed Oct. 11, 2011 (of which
this application is a Division), issued as U.S. Pat. No. ______ on
______, said applications incorporated fully herein for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to systems and methods for
blocking lips of a person speaking, blocking access, including
visual and audio access, to what is being spoken by a person into a
microphone, cellphone, or other sound receiver. In certain aspects,
the present invention is directed to systems for adding material
such as anti-viral material, anti-bacterial material, or
breath-freshening material to a person's breath.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In variety of situations and activities, a person
communicates with another using a communication device with a
microphone, cellphone, or sound receiver positioned adjacent, e.g.
in front of, the person's mouth. To prevent the access of someone
else to what is being said, often the person holds a hand or
another object, e.g. a paper or a clipboard, in front of the mouth
so that what is being said into the microphone, etc. cannot be
overheard, monitored, or recorded by someone else and/or so that
the lips of the person speaking cannot be seen, monitored, or
filmed by someone else. For example, and not by way of limitation
or by way of exhaustion of pertinent and included scenarios, a
person speaks into a cellphone and covers his or her lips with a
hand or other object, or a football coach with a microphone headset
holds a playbook or clipboard in front of his face while speaking
so that an opponent cannot read his lips and cannot hear or discern
what is being said. If in such a situation a person or a coach
forgets to block his or her mouth, or inadvertently lowers a
blocking object or item during speaking, an outsider, third party,
spy, or opponent can gain confidential information or valuable
information, e.g., trade secrets or information about how to
counter what is going to happen on a playing field or in a playing
arena. There are various other situations in which it is desirable
to prevent others from knowing what a person speaking into a
microphone, cellphone, or other sound receiver is saying.
[0006] There is a wide variety of known microphones, headsets,
cellphones, and sound receivers used by a person in speaking to
communicate information to another. Prior patents and applications
disclose a variety of such apparatuses and devices, including, but
not limited to, those in, and those referred to in or cited in,
exemplary U.S. Patents: (all said patents incorporated fully herein
for all purposes).
[0007] There has long been a need, recognized by the present
inventor, for an effective way to inhibit or prevent unauthorized
persons from having access to spoken communications for reception
by (and possibly for transmission therefrom) a microphone,
cellphone, or similar device that are meant only for those intended
to receive the communication.
[0008] Injurious and/or deleterious living things can be present in
a person's breath; for example, bacteria and viruses. There has
long been a need, recognized by the present inventor, for an
effective way to inhibit or prevent the air-borne transmission of
these living things in a person's breath. There has also been a
long-felt need for convenient and effective breath freshening of a
person speaking.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0009] The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses
cellphones, headgear, and other devices with a material ejector,
with or without a lips blocker. In certain aspects, the ejected
material is mouthwash, mouth freshener material, antiseptic
material, sterilizing material, antifungal material, antibacterial
material, antiviral material, and/or scent material (collectively
"added material"). In certain aspects, an activator automatically
operates in response to expelled breath to eject the added material
around or adjacent a person's mouth.
[0010] The present invention, discloses a sound receiver system,
e.g., but not limited to a microphone system or headset, with a
lips blocker connected thereto. In one aspect, the lips blocker is
releasably connected thereto. In one aspect, the lips blocker is
selectively movable so that it can be moved, as desired, into and
out of a lips blocking position. In one aspect, a lips blocker
according to the present invention has interconnected therewith a
movement system which selectively moves the blocker into and away
from a lips-blocking position. In one particular aspect, the
movement system is activated by an activation device, e.g., a
pushbutton or switch which can be on or near the person speaking
for activation by the person or which can be remotely activated by
someone else. In one particular aspect, the movement system is
voice activated so that when the person begins to speak, the
blocker is moved into a lips-blocking position. In one aspect, the
movement system is remotely activatable so that another person can
activate it instead of or in addition to activation by the person
speaking.
[0011] In one aspect, a lips blocking system according to the
present invention includes wording, a logo, a sign, a signal,
indicia, information, advertising, or symbol(s). In one particular
aspect, the lips blocking system includes a screen (any suitable
known screen) which conveys information, wording, a logo, a sign, a
signal, indicia, advertising, and/or symbol(s). The screen may be
any known screen used with any known system for providing
information via a screen, including, but not limited to, an LCD
screen, a cellphone screen, a digital screen, a plasma screen, a
television screen, computer screen or other electronic display. In
one particular aspect, the screen is used to convey specific
information to someone who can see the screen.
[0012] In one particular embodiment, a lips blocker system
according to the present invention has at least a portion or all of
it made of sound diffusing material and/or sound insulating
material to inhibit or eliminate access to words spoken by a person
using the system, e.g., but not limited to, access by voice
eavesdropping devices. In one aspect, a system according to the
present invention, includes a "white noise" generator to inhibit
access to what is being said.
[0013] In certain aspects, a blocker according to the present
invention (as is true for any embodiment disclosed herein) may be
made of plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass, composite, sound
insulating material, cellulose, fabric, cloth, non-woven material,
woven material, textile material, synthetic material, and natural
material or fiber.
[0014] In certain aspects, a system according to the present
invention provides added material to a person's breath to kill
injurious living things in the person's. In certain aspects, a
system according to the present invention provides added material
to a person's breath to refresh the breath and/or make it smell
better.
[0015] Accordingly, the present invention includes features and
advantages which are believed to enable it to advance communication
security technology and disease control technology. Characteristics
and advantages of the present invention described above and
additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description
of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying
drawings.
[0016] Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any
particular individual feature disclosed here, but include
combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their
structures, functions, and/or results achieved. Features of the
invention have been broadly described so that the detailed
descriptions of embodiments preferred at the time of filing for
this patent that follow may be better understood, and in order that
the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the
invention described below and which may be included in the subject
matter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art
who have the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and
suggestions will appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure
may be used as a creative basis for designing other structures,
methods and systems for carrying out and practicing the present
invention. The claims of this invention are to be read to include
any legally equivalent devices or methods which do not depart from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0017] What follows are some of, but not all, the objects of this
invention. In addition to the specific objects stated below for at
least certain embodiments of the invention, other objects and
purposes will be readily apparent to one of skill in this art who
has the benefit of this invention's teachings and disclosures. It
is, therefore, an object of at least certain embodiments of the
present invention to provide the embodiments and aspects listed
above and:
[0018] New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious lips blocking
systems and methods to inhibit or prevent access (visual and/or
audio)to speech and/or to the lips of a person speaking.
[0019] New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious lips blocking
systems and methods to muffle and/or dissipate the speech of a
person speaking to inhibit or prevent efforts of unauthorized
persons and/or devices to the speech.
[0020] New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious material addition
systems for adding material to a person's breath to kill living
things, to combat the spread of disease, and/or to freshen a
person's breath; and, in certain aspects, such a system used with a
blocker according to the present invention.
[0021] The present invention recognizes and addresses the problems
and needs in this area and provides a solution to those problems
and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible
embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art
who has the benefits of this invention's realizations, teachings,
disclosures, and suggestions, various purposes and advantages will
be appreciated from the following description of certain preferred
embodiments, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detail in these
descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent's object to
claim this invention no matter how others may later attempt to
disguise it by variations in form, changes, or additions of further
improvements.
[0022] The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
scientists, engineers, researchers, and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent terms or legal terms of
phraseology to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection or
review. the nature and general area of the disclosure of this
invention. The Abstract is neither intended to define the
invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to be
limiting of the scope of the invention or of the claims in any
way.
[0023] It will be understood that the various embodiments of the
present invention (including, but not limited to those described
below) may include one, some, or all of the disclosed, described,
and/or enumerated features, aspects, and/or improvements and/or
technical advantages and/or elements in claims to this
invention.
[0024] Certain aspects, certain embodiments, and certain preferable
features of the invention are set out herein. Any combination of
aspects or features shown in any aspect or embodiment can be used
except where such aspects or features are mutually exclusive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] A more particular description of embodiments of the
invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the
embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of
this specification. These drawings illustrate embodiments preferred
at the time of filing for this patent and are not to be used to
improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have other
equally effective or legally equivalent embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a side schematic--not to scale--of a prior art
system.
[0027] FIG. 2A is a side schematic--not to scale--of a system
according to the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2B is a front view of a blocker of the system of FIG.
2A according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2C is a side schematic--not to scale--of a system
according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2D is a side schematic--not to scale--of a system
according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2E is a front view of various blocker shapes system
according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2F is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 2G and 2H are side cross-section views of a blocker
according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 2I is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 2J is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a prior art system.
[0037] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0038] FIG. 4A is a side view of a blocker according to the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 4B is a side view of a system according to the present
invention with the blocker of FIG. 4A.
[0040] FIG. 4C is a side view of the system of FIG. 4B with the
blocker of FIG. 4A.
[0041] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 6A is a front view of a prior art helmet.
[0045] FIG. 6B is a front view of a helmet according to the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a helmet according to the
present invention.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a side of a helmet according to the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 9A is a side view of a cellphone according to the
present invention.
[0049] FIG. 9B is a top view of the cellphone of FIG. 9A.
[0050] FIG. 9C is a side view of part of the cellphone of FIG.
9A.
[0051] FIG. 9D is a side of a blocker according to the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 10A is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0053] FIG. 10B is a side view of the blocker of FIG. 10A.
[0054] FIG. 11A is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0055] FIG. 11B is a side view of the blocker of FIG. 11A.
[0056] FIG. 12A is a side view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0057] FIG. 12B is a front view of the blocker of FIG. 12A.
[0058] FIG. 13 is a side view of a blocker according to the present
invention.
[0059] FIG. 14 is a side view of a blocker according to the present
invention.
[0060] FIG. 15A is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0061] FIG. 15B is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0062] FIG. 15C is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0063] FIG. 15D is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0064] FIG. 15E is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0065] FIG. 15F is a front view of a blocker according to the
present invention.
[0066] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0067] FIG. 17A is a perspective, partially schematic view of a
system according to the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 17B is a perspective, partially schematic view of the
system of FIG. 17A.
[0069] FIG. 18A is a schematic view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0070] FIG. 18B is a side view of a system according to the present
invention.
[0071] FIG. 18C is a side view of a phone according to the present
invention.
[0072] FIG. 18D is a perspective view of a system according to the
present invention.
[0073] FIG. 18E is a side view of headgear according to the present
invention.
[0074] Certain embodiments of the invention are shown in the
above-identified figures and described in detail below. Various
aspects and features of embodiments of the invention are described
below and some are set out in the dependent claims. Any combination
of aspects and/or features described below or shown in the
dependent claims can be used except where such aspects and/or
features are mutually exclusive. It should be understood that the
appended drawings and description herein are of certain embodiments
and are not intended to limit the invention or the appended claims.
On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims. In showing and
describing these embodiments, like or identical reference numerals
are used to identify common or similar elements. The figures are
not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of
the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in
the interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0075] As used herein and throughout all the various portions (and
headings) of this patent, the terms "invention", "present
invention" and variations thereof mean one or more embodiments, and
are not intended to mean the claimed invention of any particular
appended claim(s) or all of the appended claims. Accordingly, the
subject or topic of each such reference is not automatically or
necessarily part of, or required by, any particular claim(s) merely
because of such reference. So long as they are not mutually
exclusive or contradictory any aspect or feature or combination of
aspects or features of any embodiment disclosed herein may be used
in any other embodiment disclosed herein. The drawing figures
present the embodiments preferred at the time of filing for this
patent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 1, a prior art headset system H, as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,242,765 (incorporated fully herein for
all purposes) has a microphone M. No part of the system blocks a
view of the lips of a person T using the system. This makes it
possible for a person O to see the lips of the person T when the
person T using the system is speaking; and this also makes it
possible for the person O to read the lips of the person T when the
person T speaks. An apparatus or device V for monitoring a speaking
person's speech and/or for, in real time, monitoring the lips of
the person T, can record the image of the lips while the person
speaks, and/or transmit a video of the lips of the person speaking
(either a real time image or a recording). An apparatus or device A
for monitoring a speaking person's speech and/or for receiving an
audio signal can, in real time, monitor the person T while the
person T is speaking, record what is spoken by the person T, and/or
transmit a real-time signal of what is being said and/or an audio
recording of what is said.
[0077] FIG. 2A shows a system 10 according to the present invention
used by a person P. The system 10 has a headset apparatus 18 with
an arm 12 to which is connected a microphone 14 (or a housing for
the microphone is formed integrally of the arm). Attached to the
microphone 14, or adjacent to the microphone 14 is a lip blocker 16
(see also FIG. 2B) according to the present invention (which may be
any blocker disclosed herein according to the present invention-and
this is true about any blocker disclosed herein according to the
present invention). The blocker 16 blocks lips L of the person P.
The microphone may be any suitable known microphone and the headset
apparatus may be any suitable known headset apparatus including,
but not limited to, those that receive, amplify, and/or transmit
what the person P says and/or convey to the person P sound and/or
message(s) from another person or source (and this is true for any
headset, any headset system, and any microphone of any system
disclosed herein according to the present invention).
[0078] The blocker 16 is permanently affixed or adhered to the
system 10, releasably connected, affixed or adhered thereto, or
formed integrally thereof (e.g., but not limited to formed
integrally of the microphone, of a microphone cover or cushion, or
of an arm like the arm 12--and this is true for any embodiment
herein). As is true of any embodiment herein and any blocker
herein, the blocker (or any blocker apparatus or structure) may be
connected to a part of the sound receiving device or to a part of a
headset, microphone, cellphone, computer, or screen with one of
fastener, fasteners, adhesive, glue, friction fit, press fit,
releasably cooperating structure, releasably cooperating fastener
material, VELCRO (trademark) material, and welding; and/or with a
clip structure. Also, for any embodiment that is used with any item
that has a housing or enclosure, the blocker may be disposed within
the housing or enclosure and be movable into and out of the
enclosure between a stored position and a lips blocking
position.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 2A, a person N cannot view the lips of the
person P due to the position of the blocker 16 and thus cannot read
the lips of the person P when the person P is speaking. An
apparatus or device V is prevented from visually monitoring what is
said by the person P. An apparatus A used for audio monitoring
and/or recording is inhibited or prevented from monitoring what the
person P says and from recording it. Optionally the system 10
includes a generator 17 for generating static and/or white noise to
counter efforts at monitoring and/or recording the speech of the
person P (and any system herein may have such a generator).
[0080] FIG. 2C shows a system 20 according to the present invention
which has a headset apparatus 24 (shown schematically--e.g. like
the headset apparatus 18, FIG. 2A) and arm 23 (e.g., like the arm
12, FIG. 2A) on which or to which is mounted or connected a
microphone 22 (e.g., like the microphone 14, FIG. 2A). A blocker 21
according to the present invention, connected to the arm 23, is
located and sized so that it blocks a view of the lips of a person
using the system 20. The blocker 21 is curved viewed on end.
[0081] FIG. 2D shows a system 25 according to the present invention
which has a headset apparatus 29 (shown schematically--e.g. like
the headset apparatus 18, FIG. 2A) and arm 28 (e.g., like the arm
12, FIG. 2A) on which or to which is mounted or connected a
microphone 27 (e.g., like the microphone 14, FIG. 2A). A blocker 26
according to the present invention, connected to the arm 28, is
located and sized so that it blocks a view of the lips of a person
using the system 25. The blocker 21 is flat.
[0082] FIG. 2E shows various possible shapes (front or rear view)
for a blocker according to the present invention. This is not an
exhaustive listing. A blocker (any disclosed herein) according to
the present invention may be any desired suitable shape,
configuration, and size so long as it sufficiently blocks a system
user's lips so that what the person is saying cannot be monitored
or so that their lips cannot be read and/or so that speech of the
person speaking is muffled and/or dissipated. It is within the
scope of the present invention for any blocker according to the
present invention to be any color or colors; and it is also within
the scope of the present invention to provide one, two, three or
any multiple number of blockers of different color(s) which can be
serially or intermittently emplaced on a headset or part thereof to
convey information, a signal, or a message.
[0083] FIG. 2F shows a blocker 200 according to the present
invention that has a body 201 with series of spaced-apart openings
202. The body 201 is sized and the openings 202 are sized and
spaced so that in use the blocker 200 prevents the lips of a person
using the blocker from being read or from being visually monitored.
Also, use of the blocker 200 inhibits or prevents audio monitoring
and recording of the speech of person using the blocker 200.
[0084] FIG. 2G shows a blocker 203 according to the present
invention that has a body 204 with series of spaced-apart holes
205. The body 204 is sized and the holes 205 are sized and spaced
so that in use the blocker 203 prevents the lips of a person using
the blocker from being read or from being visually monitored. Also,
use of the blocker 203 inhibits or prevents audio monitoring and
recording of the speech of person using the blocker 203.
[0085] FIG. 2H shows a blocker 206 according to the present
invention that has a body 207 with series of spaced-apart openings
208. The body 207 is sized and the openings 208 are sized and
spaced so that in use the blocker 206 prevents the lips of a person
using the blocker from being read or from being visually monitored.
Also, use of the blocker 206 inhibits or prevents audio monitoring
and recording of the speech of a person using the blocker 206. The
openings 208 are slanted or inclined with respect to the sides of
the body 207, but they may be at right angles or any desired angle
to the sides.
[0086] FIG. 2I shows a blocker 209 according to the present
invention with a body bearing a symbol, sign, signal, information,
advertising, trademark, word(s), indicia, image or logo (all
collectively indicated by "information" in some of the claims
hereof). Any blocker according to the present invention may have
such a symbol, etc. When such a blocker includes a display screen
(see, e.g., the screen of FIG. 15A), different and/or alternating
symbols, etc. can be displayed (and this is true for any blocker
herein that has a screen and any blocker herein may have a screen
or include a screen or be a screen).
[0087] FIG. 12J shows a blocker according to the present invention
that includes a body 212 that is in the shape of a symbol, word(s),
trademark, sign, indicia, image or logo ("Logo"). Such a body is
sized, shaped and configured so that it not only presents the
symbol, etc, but it also blocks a view of the lips of a person
using it. Such a body 212 may be produced in any suitable known
way, e.g., but not limited to, by molding, casting, cutting,
forming, laser cutting, sawing, drilling, etc.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a prior art headset system F, as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. D 443,603 (incorporated fully herein for all
purposes) has a headset apparatus G, an arm H and a microphone
K.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 3B, a system 30 according to the present
invention has a headset apparatus 31, an arm 32, a blocker 33
according to the present invention, and a microphone within or
connected to the blocker 33. The blocker 33 is larger than the
microphone K, FIG. 3A, and the blocker 33 is sufficiently large and
appropriately located to block the view of the lips of a person
using the system 30 while the person is speaking.
[0090] FIG. 4A shows a blocker 40 with a body 41 having a notch 42
in an end thereof. The notch 42 is sized to receive and releasably
hold (e.g., by friction fit and/or with adhesive and/or with a
fastener) a portion of an arm of a headset and to rotate on such an
arm. As shown in FIG. 4B the blocker 40 is in position on an arm 43
of a headset (shown partially). In the position of FIG. 4B, the
blocker 43 is in a "down" orientation and does not necessarily
block the lips of a user of the headset. As shown in FIG. 4C, the
blocker 40 has been turned on the arm 43, with the blocker 40
rotating on the arm, to an "up" position in which the blocker 40
will block the lips of a user of the headset.
[0091] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate headsets according to the present
invention with a variety of microphones, arms, and parts and each
with a lips blocker according to the present invention. FIG. 5A
shows a headset system 50 with an arm 52 having a microphone in an
end thereof with a blocker 53 according to the present invention
connected to the arm 52. A headset without the improvements of the
present invention is shown in U.S. Pat. D589,492 (incorporated
fully herein for all purposes). As is true for any blocker
according to the present invention, the blocker 33 can be connected
(or formed integrally of) the microphone or a microphone cover,
housing, enclosure, support arm, or cushion.
[0092] FIG. 5B shows a headset system 54 with an arm 55 having a
microphone "m" on an end thereof with a blocker 56 according to the
present invention connected to the arm 55. A headset without the
improvements of the present invention is shown in U.S. Pat. D
616,419 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes).
[0093] FIG. 5C shows a headset system 57 with an arm 58 having a
microphone therein in an end thereof with a blocker 59 according to
the present invention connected to the arm 58. A headset without
the improvements of the present invention is shown in U.S. Pat. D
540,778 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes).
[0094] FIG. 6A shows a prior art helmet H with a headset system
having a microphone C on an arm thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 3,786,519
discloses such a helmet (said patent incorporated fully herein for
all purposes).
[0095] FIG. 6B shows a helmet 60 according to the present invention
which is like the helmet H, but with improvements according to the
present invention. The helmet 60 has a body 61 and a headset system
62 (in some aspects like that of the helmet of U.S. Pat. No.
3,786,519 which is incorporated fully herein for all purposes, and
in one aspect, but for the improvements according to the present
invention, like the helmet of this patent). The headset system
includes a microphone 63 and a blocker 64 according to the present
invention connected to the arm 62.
[0096] FIG. 7 shows a helmet 70 according to the present invention
with a body 71 and a face mask 72 attached to the body 71. A
blocker 74 according to the present invention is attached to the
face mask 72 (or formed integrally thereof).
[0097] FIG. 8 shows a helmet 80 according to the present invention
with a body 81 and a headset system 82 attached to the body 78. The
headset system 82 has an arm with a microphone 83. A blocker 84
according to the present invention is attached to the microphone
83.
[0098] The blockers in FIGS. 6B-8 are sized and located for
blocking the view of the lips of a person wearing the helmets
depicted in these figures. These blockers may be any blocker
disclosed herein according to the present invention.
[0099] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a cellphone 90 according to the present
invention which has a body "b" and a holder 91 attached thereto (or
formed integrally thereof). A blocker 92 according to the present
invention is movably disposed in the holder 91. An optional end 94
of the blocker 92 projects from the holder 91 and can be pulled
out, as shown in FIG. 9B, to a position in which the blocker 92 can
block a view of the lips of a person using the cellphone 90.
[0100] It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a
system 95 with a movable blocker 96 therein that can be used with
another item, e.g. but not limited to, with a cellphone. In one
aspect, the system 95 is connected, permanently or releasably, to a
cellphone in such a location that moving the blocker 96 out from
the system 95 (e.g. as the blocker 92 is movable as shown in FIG.
9B) moves the blocker 96 to a lips-view-blocking position.
[0101] It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a
housing with a movable blocker therein. FIG. 9D shows a system 97
according to the present invention with a blocker 98 according to
the present invention movably disposed therein. An optional end 99
of the blocker 98 projects from the system 97 and can be grasped by
a person to move the blocker 98 into and out of the system 97.
[0102] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a blocker 100 according to the
present invention which has a body 104 and a clip structure 106
that includes two arms 101, 102. The clip structure 106 is
releasably emplaceable on or around a part of a headset (e.g. on a
aupport arm or on a microphone of a headset) or other item (e.g.,
but not limited to, a cellphone, a computer with a webcam and a
microphone, or a computer with a microphone) in such a position
that the body 104 blocks a view of the lips of a person using the
blocker 100.
[0103] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a blocker 110 according to the
present invention which has a body 113 and an amount of releasably
cooperating structure or fastener material (e.g., but not limited
to, VELCRO (trademark) material). The blocker 110 is releasably
connectible to a corresponding amount of releasable cooperating
structure or fastener material on a part of a headset (e.g. on an
arm or microphone of a headset) or other item (e.g., but not
limited to, a cellphone) in such a position that the body 113
blocks a view of the lips of a person using the blocker 110. As is
true for any embodiment herein, the blocker 110 can be connected,
adhered with adhesive, and/or connected with fastener(s) to another
thing.
[0104] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a blocker 120 according to the
present invention which has a body 124 and a notch 122 which is
releasably emplaceable on or around a part of a headset (e.g. on an
arm or microphone of a headset) or other item (e.g., but not
limited to, a cellphone, a computer with a webcam and a microphone,
or a computer with a microphone) in such a position that the body
124 blocks a view of the lips of a person using the blocker 120.
The blocker 120 can be rotated on the part on which it is emplaced
with the part remaining within the notch 122. Optionally, a part or
shaft 125 is emplaced once the blocker 120 has been positioned on a
thing to hold the blocker in place.
[0105] FIG. 13 shows a blocker 130 according to the present
invention which has a body 134 and a recess 132 which is releasably
emplaceable on or around a part of a headset (e.g. on an arm or
microphone of a headset) or other item (e.g., but not limited to, a
cellphone a computer with a webcam and a microphone, or a computer
with a microphone) in such a position that the body 134 blocks a
view of the lips of a person using the blocker 130. Optionally, a
part or shaft 135 is emplaced once the blocker 130 has been
positioned on a thing to hold the blocker in place.
[0106] FIG. 14 shows a blocker 140 according to the present
invention which has a body 144 and a hole 142 which is sized to
receive a part of a headset (e.g. on an arm or microphone of a
headset) or other item (e.g., but not limited to, a cellphone). The
blocker 140 is disposable in such a position that the body 144
blocks a view of the lips of a person using the blocker 140. The
blocker 140 can be rotated on the part on which it is emplaced with
the part remaining within the hole 142.
[0107] FIG. 15A shows a blocker 150 according to the present
invention which is a screen for displaying information. Such a
display may be simply an "On/Off" screen and the information is
conveyed by turning the screen on or off or both; or such a display
may be a screen that flashes one color, multiple colors, or
alternating colors once or periodically. Optionally, the screen
conveys information the way a television screen or cellphone screen
or computer screen conveys information and the screen is the screen
of any of these items (or the screen of any known item, apparatus
or thing that displays information).
[0108] FIG. 15B shows a blocker 151 according to the present
invention that is a piece of translucent material, not
transparent.
[0109] FIG. 15C shows a blocker 152 according to the present
invention that has a mirrored surface or that is a mirror.
[0110] FIG. 15D shows a blocker 153 according to the present
invention that has a frame "f" and a screen mesh 154 covering the
frame opening.
[0111] FIG. 15E shows a blocker 155 that has a frame "g" and a
piece of fabric, cloth, cardboard, membrane, or paper 156 covering
the frame opening.
[0112] It is within the scope of the present invention for any
blocker according to the present invention to contain, be coated
with, and/or to have therein or thereon one or more of sterilizing
material, antifungal material, antibacterial material, antiviral
material, mouthwash, mouth freshener material, and/or scent
material (all of these collectively referred to as "added
material"). For example, the blocker of FIG. 2A, the screen mesh
154, and the fabric etc. 156 and any blocker in FIGS. 2E-2H, 4A-8,
9A-17B may contain or have any of these materials therein and/or
thereon. By way of example, the mesh 154 is shown with added
material 154m (indicated by dots; not to scale).
[0113] FIG. 15F shows a blocker 157 that has a body 159 and a
plurality of spaced-apart projections 158 extending from the body
159.
[0114] FIG. 16 illustrates a system 160 according to the present
invention and the use of a blocker 163 according to the present
invention. Any blocker according to the present invention may be
used for the blocker 163.
[0115] A person R, as shown in FIG. 16, has a headset system 161
(may be any suitable headset system including, but not limited to,
any referred to herein, that can receive and/or transmit the speech
of the person R and receive signals and/or messages conveyed to the
person R via one or more earphones 167). The person R can
selectively activate the headset system 161 using an optional
pushbutton device 166. The headset 161 has a microphone 162 into
which the person R can speak. The blocker 163 blocks the view of
the lips of the person R when the person R is speaking so that an
observer, e.g. a person T, cannot read the lips of the person R;
but the person T can and does view the front of the blocker 163 and
information or image(s) on the front of the blocker 163 can be
viewed and seen by the person T; and the person T can see the
blocker 163 (which has, is, or includes a screen) go On and/or Off
and/or can see provide a display and/or blink and/or flash a color,
colors, or different colors intermittently, alternately, and/or
periodically.
[0116] Any person, entity or device 169 within view of the person R
can see the blocker 163 and can be in communication with the
headset 161 and with the blocker 163 via a suitable communication
system 168a. The person, etc. 169 can communicate information
and/or messages to the person R (for the person R to hear via the
headset 161) and/or the person, etc. 169 can send signals, images
and/or information directly to the blocker 163 for display on the
blocker 163 when the blocker 163 includes a display screen (see,
e.g., the blocker of FIG. 15A). A person T can then view what is
displayed on the blocker 163 that has been conveyed by the person,
etc. 169.
[0117] The person R can respond to the person, etc. 169 with
gestures and/or via the system 168a by speaking into the microphone
162 and vice-versa. Communication between any system according to
the present invention and any other person, apparatus, device or
system can be done via wires and/or cables, via a satellite
communications systems ST, via a network IN (e.g. a local network
and/or the Internet) and/or wirelessly. The arrows in FIG. 16 may
indicate wires or cables or wireless communication. The systems in
FIG. 16 may be wireless systems and/or may each include wireless
communications devices and/or apparatuses.
[0118] A person, entity, or device 164 not within the view of the
blocker 163 (and, in one aspect, remote from the person R and
remote from the person, etc. 169) can communicate with the person R
via a communication system 168b and with the person, etc. 169 via a
communication system 168c (and via satellite ST and/or via network
IN). The person, etc. 164 can communicate with the person R and/or
with the blocker 163 in the same way as the person, etc. 169. The
entity or device 164, when it is not a person, can include a
display 165 which presents a display of the blocker 163 so that the
front of the blocker 163 can be viewed in real time. When it is a
person 164, such a display can be provided on a display screen
(e.g., a screen of the display 165) to the person so that the
person can view the blocker 163 in real time. A real-time and/or
time-delayed recording of the blocker 163 can also be provided.
[0119] Optionally, a blocker system according to the present
invention has a blocker that is moved into and out of lip blocking
position by a movement apparatus. Such a blocker may be moved
selectively by a person using it or by someone else who has control
of the movement apparatus (e.g., but not limited to, any person in
FIG. 16). In one aspect such a movement apparatus for a blocker
according to the present invention is activated by a voice
activation device so that whenever a person with a system according
to the present invention with a blocker according to the present
invention begins to speak, the movement apparatus moves the blocker
into lip blocking position.
[0120] FIGS. 17A and 17B show a system 170 according to the present
invention that has a headset system 171, an earphone 172, a support
arm 173, a microphone 174 on the support arm 173, a blocker 175,
movement apparatus 176 (shown schematically) connected with the
blocker 175, and, optionally, voice activation apparatus 177
connected to the movement apparatus 176.
[0121] The movement apparatus 176 may be any suitable know movement
apparatus for moving a thing like the blocker 175. In one aspect,
the movement apparatus has a shaft 176a that is selectively
rotatable by the movement apparatus 176 (e.g., with a motor), from
a lower non-lip-blocking position as shown in FIG. 17A to a raised
lip-blocking position as shown in FIG. 17B.
[0122] Optionally, the system 170 has voice activation apparatus
177 which controls the movement apparatus 176. When a person using
the system 10 begins to speak, the voice activation apparatus
signals the movement apparatus to move the blocker 175 into
lip-blocking position.
[0123] Optionally, the system 170 includes a wireless communication
system 178 (shown schematically) and an antenna 179 for the system
178. Any headset according to the present invention may be equipped
for wireless communication.
[0124] It is within the scope of the present invention, in at least
some embodiments, to provide headgear with an added material system
according to the present invention for providing added material
around or adjacent a person's mouth and/or as an addition to a
person's breath when breath is expelled, e.g., during speech,
during a cough, or during a sneeze. Headgear may include helmets,
protective head enclosures (flexible or solid), caps, and hats.
Headgear may include any blocker disclosed herein. Headgear may
have a blocker including a screen.
[0125] The "added material" may be sterilizing material, antifungal
material, antibacterial material, antiviral material, mouthwash,
mouth freshener material, antiseptic material, and/or scent
material (all of these collectively referred to as "added
material").
[0126] A system 180 according to the present invention as shown in
FIG. 18A has an ejector 182 from which added material 184 is
ejected. The ejector 182 is located adjacent or near a person's
mouth, e.g., with appropriate connection to part of a headset or
other thing (e.g., cellphone, headgear), so that when breath exits
the person's mouth, added material is added to the breath.
[0127] An activator 186 connected to the ejector and/or in
communication with the ejector activate the ejector 182. The
activator 186 may operate automatically in response to expelled
breath and/or it may be activated by the person with the ejector
and/or by another person near the person with the ejector or by
another person observing the person with the ejector--observing in
the presence of the person with the ejector or observing remotely,
with or without a camera which provides real-time observation.
[0128] The activator 186 may be voice activated, movement
activated, temperature activated, or pressure activated.
[0129] Optionally, the system 180 includes a container 188 of added
material supplied to the ejector 182. The container 188 may be
connected to a thing 181; it may be carried on a person or on
equipment near a person; and/or it may be in material communication
with the ejector 182 providing the added material as needed.
[0130] The system 180 may be used as a stand-alone system near or
adjacent a person's mouth; or as shown in FIG. 18A, the system 180
may be used with a thing 181 (which may be any thing disclosed
herein according to the present invention with a blocker,
optionally with the blocker deleted).
[0131] FIG. 18B shows an embodiment of a system 180 according to
the present invention used with the system 10 shown in FIG. 2A. An
added material ejector 182b is connected to the blocker 16 and an
activator 186b is connected to the arm 12. Optionally, a container
188b provides added material to the ejector 182b.
[0132] FIG. 18C shows an embodiment of a system 180 according to
the present invention used with the phone 90 shown in FIG. 9A. An
added material ejector 182c is connected to the phone and an
activator 186c is located within the phone. Optionally, a container
188c within the phone provides added material to the ejector
182c.
[0133] FIG. 18D shows an embodiment of a system 180 according to
the present invention used with the headset shown in FIG. 5C. An
added material ejector 182d and an activator 186d are connected to
the headset. Optionally, a container 188d connected to the headset
provides added material to the ejector 182d.
[0134] FIG. 18E shows an embodiment of a system 180 according to
the present invention used with the helmet shown in FIG. 8. It is
to be understood that such a system may be used with any headgear.
An added material ejector 182e and an activator 186e may be
connected to any suitable part of the helmet, or, as shown, they
may be connected to the headset as shown. Optionally, a container
188e connected to the helmet provides added material to the ejector
182d. An ejector for any embodiment of the present invention
(including but not limited to those of FIGS. 18A-18E) may be any
suitable known apparatus or device for providing a stream, mist, or
spray of the added material. Known fluid spray systems, misters,
and aerosol apparatuses and devices may be used.
[0135] The present invention, therefore, provides, in at least
certain embodiments, systems for inhibiting access to the lips of a
speaking person, such systems, in some aspects, including: a sound
receiving device for receiving speech of a person speaking, the
person having lips that move when the person speaks, and a blocker
adjacent to and/or connected to the system for blocking the lips of
the person speaking while the person is speaking. Such systems may
have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following:
the blocker releasably connected to a part of the sound receiving
device; the blocker movably connected to a part of the sound
receiving device; the blocker made of at least one of or a
combination of plastic, metal, wood, composite, fiberglass, sound
insulation material, cellulose, woven material, nonwoven material,
synthetic material, natural material, fibrous material, fibers,
sound muffling material, sound dissipating material; the sound
receiving device is one of microphone, computer, headset, and
cellphone; the blocker movably connected to the sound receiving
device for movement to and from a lips blocking position, the
blocker either connected exteriorly of the sound receiving device
or the blocker located initially within a housing or enclosure and
movable therefrom, and movement apparatus for moving the blocker to
and from the lips blocking position; the movement apparatus is a
shaft, the blocker connected to the shaft, and a motor for moving
shaft to move the blocker to and from the lips blocking position;
activation apparatus for activating the movement apparatus; the
activation apparatus being one of device locally activatable by the
person speaking, device locally activatable by a person other than
the person speaking, pushbutton device locally or remotely
activatable, device remotely activatable by a person other than the
person speaking, device remotely activatable by a remote activation
device, device voice activatable by voice activation apparatus in
communication with the movement apparatus, and device voice
activatable by voice activation apparatus connected to the sound
receiving device, said devices and/or said devices and apparatuses
being in wired communication with each other or in wireless
comunication with each other; the blocker including a viewable
screen; the screen viewable by a person other than the person
speaking and/or by the person speaking; the blocker including two
screens including a first screen viewable by the person speaking
and a second screen viewable by a person other than the person
speaking; the blocker having thereon information viewable by the
person speaking and/or by a person other than the person speaking;
the blocker including at least one screen and the at least one
screen can display information; the blocker is in the shape of one
of word, words, symbol, logo, trademark, sign, and indicia; the
blocker has a shape as viewed from the front or rear of any shape
disclosed herein for a blocker and/or is a square, diamond,
rectangle, elllipse, octagon, hexagon, oval, triangle, pentagon, or
shape of a logo; the blocker is connected to part of the sound
receiving system by one of releasable connection, movable
connection, or by being formed integrally thereof; the sound
receiving device includes a support arm supporting the microphone
and the blocker is on the support arm; the blocker has at least one
opening therethrough or a series of spaced-apart openings
therethrough; the blocker has at least one color thereon or
different colors thereon or multiple areas of colors thereon, some
the same some different; the part of the sound receiving device
having a device shape and the blocker having a blocker opening with
a blocker shape, a portion of the part of the device with the
device shape receivable within the blocker opening; the blocker
rotatable on the part of the sound receiving device; the blocker
connected to the part of the sound receiving device with one of
fastener, fasteners, adhesive, glue, friction fit, press fit,
releasably cooperating structure, releasably cooperating fastener
material, VELCRO (trademark) material, and welding; the sound
receiving device including a housing or enclosure and the blocker
movably storeable within the housing or enclosure for selective
movement therefrom from a stored position within the housing or
enclosure to an extended position outside the housing or enclosure
in a lips blocking position; the sound receiving device including a
helmet for wearing by the person speaking; the sound receiving
device including one of wired communication apparatus for wired
communication with the sound receiving device or wireless
communication apparatus for wireless communication with the sound
receiving device; and/or communication apparatus for communication
with the blocker, the communication apparatus being one of wired
communication apparatus or wireless communication apparatus, such
communication apparatus in one aspect for communication with a
screen or screens of the blocker.
[0136] The present invention, therefore, in at least some
embodiments, provides methods for blocking lips of a speaker, the
methods including using any blocker disclosed herein and, in some
aspects, including: positioning a system with a sound receiving
device adjacent lips of a speaking person, the sound receiving
device for receiving speech of the person speaking, the person's
lips moving when the person speaks, and positioning in front of the
lips of the person speaking a blocker connected to the system for
blocking the lips of the person speaking while the person is
speaking.
[0137] The present invention, therefore, in at least some
embodiments, provides headsets, cellphones, computers, microphones,
and sound receiving systems for receiving speech of a person
speaking, such items including any blocker disclosed herein and, in
one aspect, including: a sound receiving device for receiving
speech of a person speaking, the person having lips that move when
the person speaks, a blocker connected to the system for blocking
the lips of the person speaking while the person is speaking.
[0138] The present invention, therefore, in at least some
embodiments, provides helmets including any blocker disclosed
herein and, in some aspects, a helmet including: a helmet body, a
sound receiving device connected to the helmet for receiving speech
of a person speaking and wearing the helmet, the person having lips
that move when the person speaks, a blocker connected to a part of
the helmet or to the sound receiving device, the blocker for
blocking the lips of the person speaking while the person is
speaking. Such a helmet may have a blocker including a screen.
[0139] The present invention, therefore, in at least some
embodiments, provides a headset, cellphone, or headgear with an
added material system according to the present invention which
according to the present invention provides added material around
or adjacent a person's mouth and/or as an addition to a person's
breath when breath is expelled, e.g., during speech, during a
cough, or during a sneeze. Headgear may include helmets, protective
head enclosures and coverings (flexible or solid, airtight or not),
caps, and hats. Headgear may include any blocker disclosed herein.
Headgear may have a blocker including a screen. Any headset,
helmet, phone, or thing disclosed herein may have an added material
system according to the present invention.
[0140] In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present
invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by
the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives
and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the
subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope of
this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the
scope of this invention and it is further intended that each
element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be
understood as referring to the step literally and/or to all
equivalent elements or steps. The following claims are intended to
cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form
it may be utilized. The invention claimed herein is new and novel
in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.102 and satisfies the conditions
for patentability in .sctn.102. The invention claimed herein is not
obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.103 and satisfies the
conditions for patentability in .sctn.103. The inventor may rely on
the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the scope of
the invention and of the claims that follow as they may pertain to
apparatus and/or methods not materially departing from, but outside
of, the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the
following claims. All patents and applications identified herein
are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. It is the express
intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112,
paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except
for those in which the claim expressly uses the words `means for`
together with an associated function. In this patent document, the
word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that
items following the word are included, but items not specifically
mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the
indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more
than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly
requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
* * * * *