U.S. patent application number 15/378958 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-30 for portable powder delivery system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Synergy CHC Corp.. Invention is credited to Jordan Eisenberg.
Application Number | 20170087090 15/378958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42980192 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170087090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eisenberg; Jordan |
March 30, 2017 |
PORTABLE POWDER DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A vehicle to carry a powered medication that addresses the
limitations of the prior art. It includes a system and method. A
powder delivery system includes a first panel and a second panel
coupled together around a periphery of the panels to form a sealed
void therebetween, each the panel having a width and length about
equal to a standard credit card width and length, respectively; and
a powder, disposed in the void, having a quantity at least about
equal to an active dose of the powder, wherein a thickness of the
panels with the powder disposed therebetween is not greater than
about 0.1 inches and more preferably not greater than about 0.03
inches.
Inventors: |
Eisenberg; Jordan; (Denver,
CO) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Synergy CHC Corp. |
Westbrook |
ME |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
42980192 |
Appl. No.: |
15/378958 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14451421 |
Aug 4, 2014 |
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15378958 |
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29412122 |
Jan 31, 2012 |
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14451421 |
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12426417 |
Apr 20, 2009 |
8376140 |
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29412122 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/60 20130101;
A61K 31/138 20130101; A61K 9/145 20130101; A61K 31/616 20130101;
A61K 9/14 20130101; A61K 45/06 20130101; A61K 31/167 20130101; A61K
2300/00 20130101; A61K 31/522 20130101; A61K 31/522 20130101; A61K
33/10 20130101; A61K 31/451 20130101; A61J 1/03 20130101; A61K
31/616 20130101; A61K 31/29 20130101; A61K 31/7016 20130101; A61M
2202/064 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101;
A61K 31/135 20130101; A61M 5/31 20130101; A61K 31/167 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 9/14 20060101
A61K009/14; A61K 31/616 20060101 A61K031/616; A61K 33/10 20060101
A61K033/10; A61M 5/31 20060101 A61M005/31; A61K 31/135 20060101
A61K031/135; A61K 31/522 20060101 A61K031/522; A61K 31/167 20060101
A61K031/167; A61K 31/60 20060101 A61K031/60; A61K 31/451 20060101
A61K031/451 |
Claims
1.-14. (canceled)
15. A powder medicine delivery system, comprising: a first panel
and a second panel coupled together around a periphery of said
panels to form a sealed void therebetween; and a powder medicine,
disposed in said void, having a quantity at least about equal to an
active dose of said powder medicine; at least one additive disposed
in said void with said powder medicine; wherein said panels are
flexible and a thickness of said panels with said powder medicine
disposed therebetween is not greater than about 0.1 inches, and
wherein the panels with said powder medicine disposed therebetween
have a length not greater than about 33/8 inches and a width not
greater than about 21/8 inches.
16. The powder delivery system of claim 15 wherein said panels are
made from one or more elements from the group consisting of mylar,
foil, plastic, laminated paper, and combinations thereof.
17. The powder delivery system of claim 15 further comprising at
least two tear-initiation notches for facilitating opening said
sealed void to access said powder medicine disposed therein.
18. The powder delivery system of claim 17 wherein said panels are
generally waterproof.
19. The powder delivery system of claim 15 wherein said dose is
selected from one or more of group consisting of at least about 650
milligrams of a salicylate drug, at least about 150 milligrams of
acetylsalicylic acid; at least about 250 milligrams of bismuth
subsalicylate, at least about 500 milligrams of calcium carbonate;
at least about 1 milligram loperamide HCl, at least about 25
milligrams diphenhydramine HCl, at least about 50 milligrams
dimenhydrinate, at least about 200 milligrams non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, at least about 325 milligrams
acetaminophen, at least about a medically significant dose of
acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen and caffeine, and at least
about a medically significant dose of sucrose, and combinations
thereof.
20. The powder delivery system of claim 15 further comprising a
detachable hangtag coupled to said coupled panels.
21. The powder delivery system of claim 15 wherein a construction
of said panels with said powder medicine disposed therebetween
retains a flat profile that further resists premature access to
said sealed void and exposure of said powder medicine responsive to
compressive forces applied to said panels.
22. A medicine powder delivery method, comprising: (a) providing a
sealed void by sealing edges of two powder contamination-resistant
panels together, said panels having a length not greater than about
33/8 inches and a width not greater than about 21/8 inches; (b)
providing a medicine powder within the sealed void; and (c)
providing at least one additive in said void with said medicine
powder, said panels with said medicine powder and said at least one
additive disposed within said sealed void having a thickness not
greater than about 0.1 inches, wherein said panels are resistant to
tearing, puncturing, and moisture while being flexible and pliable
and wherein a construction of said panels with said powder disposed
therebetween retains a flat profile that further resists premature
access to said sealed void and exposure of said medicine powder
responsive to compressive forces applied to said panels.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein said medicine powder is selected
from one or more of group consisting of at least about 650
milligrams of a salicylate drug, at least about 150 milligrams of
acetylsalicylic acid; at least about 250 milligrams of bismuth
subsalicylate, at least about 500 milligrams of calcium carbonate;
at least about 1 milligram loperamide HCl, at least about 25
milligrams diphenhydramine HCl, at least about 50 milligrams
dimenhydrinate, at least about 200 milligrams non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, at least about 325 milligrams
acetaminophen, at least about a medically significant dose of
acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen and caffeine, and at least
about a medically significant dose of sucrose, and combinations
thereof.
24. A medication package, comprising: a first flexible panel and a
second flexible panel coupled together around a periphery of said
flexible panels to form a sealed void therebetween; a powder
medication disposed in said void, having a quantity at least about
equal to an active dose of said powder medication; and at least one
additive disposed in said void with said powder medication; wherein
a thickness of the medication package with said powder medication
and said at least one additive disposed therein is not greater than
about 0.1 inches.
25. The medication package of claim 24 wherein said first and
second panels are resistant to tearing, puncturing, and
moisture.
26. The medication package of claim 24 wherein said first and
second panels are made from one or more elements from the group
consisting of mylar, foil, plastic, laminated paper, and
combinations thereof.
27. The medication package claim 24 wherein said dose is selected
from one or more of group consisting of at least about 650
milligrams of a salicylate drug, at least about 150 milligrams of
acetylsalicylic acid; at least about 250 milligrams of bismuth
subsalicylate, at least about 500 milligrams of calcium carbonate;
at least about 1 milligram loperamide HCl, at least about 25
milligrams diphenhydramine HCl, at least about 50 milligrams
dimenhydrinate, at least about 200 milligrams non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, at least about 325 milligrams
acetaminophen, at least about a medically significant dose of
acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen and caffeine, and at least
about a medically significant dose of sucrose, and combinations
thereof.
28. The method of claim 22 further comprising providing a
detachable hangtag coupled to said coupled panels.
29. The medication package of claim 24 wherein the panels have a
width not greater than about 21/8 inches and a length not greater
than about 33/8 inches.
30. The medication package of claim 24 further comprising a
detachable hangtag coupled to said coupled panels.
31. The method of claim 22 wherein a quantity of said medicine
powder is at least about equal to an active dose of said powder
medicine.
32. The method of claim 22 wherein said panels are made from one or
more elements from the group consisting of mylar, foil, plastic,
laminated paper, and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 29/412,122 filed Jan. 31, 2012 entitled
"Portable Package for Powdered Medicine" which is a
Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/426,417
filed Apr. 20, 2009 entitled "Portable Powder Delivery System and
Method" now U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,140 issued Feb. 19, 2013, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known to purchase over the counter medications in pill
form. Typically these medications are sold in a box or in a single
or few use dose package containing a small number (e.g., 1-2) pills
or tablets.
[0003] Currently there are no medications in pill, tablet, or
capsule form that are convenient for a user to take with them
whenever leaving the home, office, or drug store where these
medicines may be generally available. Moreover, the odds of the
user having a serious medical emergency when out of the home or
office or drug store where these medicines may be generally
available can be significant, and thus there is an important need
for a way to conveniently, unobtrusively and easily carry such
"emergency medications" on the person, so that they have medication
accessible in the case of emergency (specifically (for example),
aspirin for heart attacks, diphenhydramine HCL for allergic
reactions to food/insect allergies, calcium carbonate for acid
reflux, loperamide for diarrhea, ibuprofen for joint/muscle aches,
and the like.)
[0004] Many users are told that it is crucially important to carry
aspirin at all times, as taking an aspirin at the first sign of a
heart attack may significantly increase a chance of living after
the heart attack. Having no better option, many users carry two
small aspirin pills, wrapped in cellophane, in their wallet.
However, many users express the sentiment that this solution is
very inconvenient and undesirable, as the pills are generally bulky
and do not fit into a wallet easily or comfortably. Further, the
cellophane unravels and is not waterproof, so perspiration from
sitting on a wallet in hot weather may make them "milky" and
unsanitary, and they can fall out of the wallet when the wallet is
opened. Furthermore, if one has a medical emergency, it may delay
consumption of the asprin if it difficult to locate a suitable
beverage to aid in swallowing the pill. There is a further concern
that the medicine wrapped in this fashion may be more easily
contaminated as the medicine is not sealed. Then there is some
concern with tamper-evidence and child-safety.
[0005] What is needed is a vehicle to carry a powered medication
that addresses the limitations of the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a vehicle to carry a powered
medication that addresses the limitations of the prior art. It
includes a system and method. A powder delivery system includes a
first panel and a second panel coupled together around a periphery
of the panels to form a sealed void therebetween, each the panel
having a width and length about equal to a standard credit card
width and length, respectively; and a powder, disposed in the void,
having a quantity at least about equal to an active dose of the
powder, wherein a thickness of the panels with the powder disposed
therebetween is not greater than about 0.1 inches and more
preferably not greater than about 0.03 inches.
[0007] A powder delivery method, includes (a) disposing a powder
within a sealed void formed by sealing edges of two powder
contamination-resistant panels together, the panels generally about
the size of a credit card and the panels with the powder disposed
within the sealed void having a thickness not greater than about
0.03 inches, the panels are resistant to tearing, puncturing, and
moisture while being flexible and pliable wherein a construction of
the panels with the powder disposed therebetween retains a flat
profile that further resists premature access to the sealed void
and exposure of the powder responsive to compressive forces applied
to the panels, the panels including at least two tear-initiation
notches for facilitating opening the sealed void to access the
powder disposed therein; (b) tearing the panels using one of the
tear-initiation notches to expose the void and access the powder,
and (c) ingesting the powder from the void.
[0008] The present invention offers a powder delivery system and
method that is convenient for a man or woman to carry and have
available anytime. The user has confidence that the powder will be
available in an ingestible condition free from contaminants with
reduced chances of environmental degradation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a powder delivery system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and
methods that provide a vehicle to carry a powered medication that
addresses the limitations of the prior art. The following
description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art
to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a
patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to
the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features
described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to
the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, an embodiment provides a package
as thin as a credit card, that is waterproof, pliable, and easy to
fit in one's wallet so they may carry it on their person at all
times in case of emergency. The medicine in the packet would be in
powder form, so that it would be absorbed much faster than a pill
that needs to be swallowed and digested. Providing a durable,
pliable, and waterproof sealed container improves the quality of
the powder when delivered. With such a container, contamination and
moisture is reduced so that spoilage and "clumping" is virtually
eliminated. The medication will easily slide out of the packet when
opened and the user has more confidence and is better able to
depend upon the availability of the medicine should there be an
emergency. Furthermore, being a powder more users will be able to
ingest the dose without requiring a liquid.
[0012] An embodiment of the invention includes a pair of panels
generally sized like a standard credit card size
(21/8''.times.33/8'' or 54.times.85.6 mm, with a thickness of 30
mils or 0.03''), so that it would easily fit into a credit card
slot within a standard wallet. At this size, there is sufficient
volume within the card so that normal dosage quantities distributed
within the packet in powder form ensures that the card is thin
enough to still fit in a wallet card slot without bulk. It is not
just thin, but this embodiment of the invention would also be
flexible and pliable, so that it would not be bulky or cause
discomfort within the wallet, and would not split or break open
when sat upon. It may be made from a combination of foil and
plastic so that it may be torn open to access the medication, but
still durable enough to remain intact within a wallet, and
additionally be environmentally protective (e.g., waterproof and
sanitary) in order to preserve quality and efficacy of the
medication within. The packaging is preferably inert so as to not
interact with the medication within. A preferred embodiment
provides for a disposable, single dosage solution that is very
inexpensive to manufacture while being effective and efficient for
the end-user.
[0013] It is believed that three times the standard thickness of a
credit card (.about.0.1 inch) makes the product too rigid and
subject to bursting or leakage when manipulated. An appeal of the
present invention is that it is thin and flexible, capable of being
unobtrusively stored in a walled. A measure of flexibility is that
the package be able to be folded in half without a rupturing,
tearing, or leakage.
[0014] Some embodiments include an optional removable "hangtag"
portion which allows it to be easily displayed on a rack or display
in a retail setting. This optional hangtag portion is able to be
torn off without inadvertently opening the package. With the
hangtag removed, the package is about the size of a credit card.
Additionally, this embodiment preferably includes two tear notches,
so that in the case of an emergency, the user has more than one
chance to open the package and get to the medicine within. This
card could possibly be printed with logos, advertising information,
or public service information which is a unique way to promote a
brand by having their logo within one's wallet.
[0015] Some medications have small dosage amounts, and it is
possible to mix the active ingredient with excipients (or fillers)
to add more substance to the medication (so the user does not think
it is empty), as well as to improve the taste of the
medicine/active ingredients, as well as design the ingredients to
be easily soluble in water to make it easy to swallow the
medication.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a powder delivery system 100.
System 100 includes a pair of panels 105 sealed around a periphery
to form a void 110. A set of pre-defined scores 115 permit an
optional hangtag 120 to be separated from the sealed panels 105
prior to installation of the sealed panels 105 within a wallet or
other storage.
[0017] At least two tear-initiation notches 125 are disposed in the
sealed periphery of system 100. A powder 130 is disposed within
void 110.
[0018] System 100 is generally sized to not be greater than a
credit card, including a thickness. It is important that the panels
be strong, tear-resistant, and resistant to contamination, while
being thin, pliable and flexible all the while being constructed in
a way that the panels or the seal will not burst, tear, or
otherwise permit powder 130 to prematurely leak out.
[0019] Suitable materials for panels 105 include plastic, foil,
mylar, laminated/coated paper, combinations of these and other
materials that preserve and protect the powder appropriate for the
application. These materials are easily resistant to tearing,
puncturing, wetting, and contaminating and other environmental
degradations. Thus, when it is necessary to dispense powder 130, it
can be a challenge to reliably expose void 110 and access powder
130 even in the best of circumstances, and even more challenging in
the middle of an emergency situation, particularly when the user
believes that a life is in jeopardy.
[0020] System 130 includes at least two tear-initiation notches 125
that provide redundancy to a user urgently accessing powder 130
during an emergency. In some cases, a tear direction from
tear-initiation notch 125 is unpredictable and may not properly
expose void 110 and expose powder 130. System 100 includes at least
a second notch 125 to improve reliability when accessing powder
130. While two notches are shown, in some applications it may be
that a single notch 125 is sufficient. In other applications, three
or more notches may be preferred. A third notch may be added, for
example, at an end opposite of the two shown notches.
[0021] Hangtag 120 is optional and permits system 100 to be
distributed using a well-known vending solution. Units of system
100 may be available in convenient form at a check-out or pharmacy
in individual units packaged for resale. The user may detach
hangtag 120 from the rest of the powder delivery system 100 using
the scores 115 to avoid risk to prematurely exposing powder 130.
The size of panels 105 with hangtag 120 detached is generally about
the length and width of a credit card. The thickness, with powder
130, is as thin as possible while preserving the strength and
durability features.
[0022] Powder 130 contributes to the flexibility and pliability and
resists promoting bursting in response to compressive loading
(e.g., sitting on system 100 when installed into a wallet disposed
in a back pocket of user who sits down). Without a couple of large
pills, there are not artificial bumps that can cause discomfort
when sat upon.
[0023] In operation, a user acquires system 100 (which may include
optional hangtag 120). When hangtag 120 is present, many users will
detach hangtag 120 from system 100 using scores 115. They may
desirably detach hangtag 120 to reduce the size for more convenient
storage in a wallet or other container.
[0024] In the event that the user desires access to powder 130,
such as urgent access in case of emergency (e.g., a heart attack
and powder 130 is a salicylate acid medicament (e.g., aspirin)),
system 100 is removed from the wallet. One of tear-initiation
notches 125 is used to access void 110 and expose powder 130. In
the event that powder 130 is not exposed, the second notch 125 is
used to expose powder 130.
[0025] When powder 130 is exposed, user ingests powder 130 from
void 110. The user may ingest powder 130 after mixing it with a
liquid or other modality to improve its ingestion. However, being a
powder, it may be ingested directly from void 110.
[0026] Table I below includes some representative examples of
dosage/quantities of specific powder types that may be included as
part of the present invention. The table is not exhaustive and the
quantity identifies a medically significant dose for a collective
of substances for use with system 100. The quantities are
approximate and are often considered to be a minimum for a
medically significant dose, more powder may be used. In some cases,
a filler, flavoring, or other additive may be used to enhance an
appeal of the product or of the powder or to promote effectiveness
or ingestion of the powder. The quantity of powder, together with
the panels and construction should not interfere unduly with
pliability and flexibility of system 100 to risk a stiffness that
could cause the package to rupture prematurely when installed into
a wallet. This thickness may vary depending upon various design
considerations but should, in general, not be greater than about
0.1 inches and more preferably not greater than about 0.03
inches.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I 650 milligrams of a salicylate drug 150 mg
or more of Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) for heart attack (or
general pain relief) 250 mg or more of Bismuth subsalicylate for
upset stomach reliever and anti-diarrheal (also heartburn,
indigestion, nausea) 500 mg or more of Calcium carbonate for use as
an antacid 1 mg or more of Loperamide HCl for use as an
anti-diarrheal 25 mg or more of Diphenhydramine HCl for an
antihistamine and for allergic reaction to foods, insects, or other
allergens 50 mg or more of Dimenhydrinate far prevention and
treatment of symptoms associated with motion sickness (Nausea,
Vomiting, and Dizziness) 200 mg or more of a Ibuprofen for use as a
pain reliever, fever reducer, or treatment of migraine headaches
325 mg or more of Acetaminophen for use as a pain reliever or fever
reducer A combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine for
treatment of headache or migraine Varying dosages of Sugar
(sucrose) for diabetics
[0027] The present invention relates to a powder delivery system,
and as noted above, part of the motivation of the present invention
is to allow a powder, particularly a medicament, to be safely and
conveniently stored and carried in a wallet for access during an
emergency. Embodiments of the present invention may include a
liquid or gel substance, such as these forms of medicaments.
[0028] In the description herein, numerous specific details are
provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide
a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an
embodiment of the invention may be practiced without one or more of
the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies,
methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other
instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not
specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment",
"an embodiment", or "a specific embodiment" means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus,
respective appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an
embodiment", or "in a specific embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the
same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present
invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more
other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and
modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described
and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings
herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0030] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements
depicted in the drawings/FIGURES may also be implemented in a more
separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as
inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a
particular application. It is also within the spirit and scope of
the present invention to implement a program or code that can be
stored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to perform
any of the methods described above.
[0031] Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/FIGURES
should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless
otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term "or" as used
herein is generally intended to mean "and/or" unless otherwise
indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be
considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as
rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.
[0032] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, "a", "an", and "the" includes plural references unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0033] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the
present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and
examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative
purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within
the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in
the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these
modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the
foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present
invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0034] Thus, while the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of
modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the
foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some
instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be
employed without a corresponding use of other features without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth.
Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the
present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited
to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of
the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be
determined solely by the appended claims.
* * * * *