U.S. patent application number 15/895804 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-06 for cooler apparatus, system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kenneth Steve Place. Invention is credited to Kenneth Steve Place.
Application Number | 20180252446 15/895804 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63355562 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180252446 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Place; Kenneth Steve |
September 6, 2018 |
Cooler Apparatus, System and Method
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a beverage chilling system
including a chilling receptacle subsystem for chilling a beverage
container during use by an individual. The beverage chilling system
may include a thermoelectric cooling module having a cold surface
in direct thermal communication with a cold side heat sink forming
a receptacle to receive the beverage container, and a hot surface
in direct thermal communication with a hot side heat sink that may
be liquid-cooled.
Inventors: |
Place; Kenneth Steve;
(Springdale, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Place; Kenneth Steve |
Springdale |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63355562 |
Appl. No.: |
15/895804 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62458542 |
Feb 13, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 31/002 20130101;
F25B 21/02 20130101; F25B 2321/0252 20130101; F25D 31/007
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/02 20060101
F25B021/02; F25D 31/00 20060101 F25D031/00 |
Claims
1. A beverage chilling system, comprising: a chilling receptacle
subsystem for chilling a beverage container during use, the
chilling receptacle subsystem including a cold side heat sink
having a bottom joined in direct thermal communication with a cold
surface of a thermoelectric cooling module, the cold side heat sink
having a sidewall in cooperation with the bottom forming a chilling
receptacle to receive the beverage container seated on the bottom
in an upright orientation, the thermoelectric cooling module having
a hot surface joined in direct thermal communication with a hot
side heat sink, the hot side heat sink being liquid-cooled.
2. The beverage chilling system of claim 1, further comprising: the
chilling receptacle having the bottom joined with the cylindrical
sidewall.
3. The beverage chilling system of claim 1, further comprising: a
primary thermal barrier coating an outside surface of the
sidewall.
4. The beverage chilling system of claim 3, further comprising: the
primary thermal barrier including an insulating coating layer on
the outside surface of the sidewall.
5. The beverage chilling system of claim 1, further comprising: a
secondary thermal barrier providing at least one of the following:
a first air seal reducing air flow between the sidewall and an
external member spaced from the sidewall, and a second air seal
reducing air flow between the sidewall and beverage receptacle.
6. The beverage chilling system of claim 1, further comprising: a
coolant hose connected to the hot side heat sink to remove coolant
fluid in thermal communication with the hot side heat sink.
7. The beverage chilling system of claim 6, further comprising: a
radiator connected by a coolant hose to the hot side heat sink, the
radiator configured for thermal communication with the coolant
fluid to dissipate heat from the coolant fluid into air.
8. The beverage chilling system of claim 6, further comprising: a
fan configured to move air across a set of cooling fins of the
radiator.
9. The beverage chilling system of claim 6, further comprising: a
pump configured to move coolant fluid through the coolant hose.
10. The beverage chilling system of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of the chilling receptacle subsystems connected to a
liquid cooling system.
11. The beverage chilling system of claim 10, further comprising:
the liquid cooling system including a plurality of coolant hoses
connected to remove coolant fluid the plurality of the chilling
receptacle subsystems.
12. The beverage chilling system of claim 1, further comprising:
the chilling receptacle subsystem comprising a light associated
with the chilling receptacle.
13. The beverage chilling system of claim 12, further comprising:
the light including a set of LEDs.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related and claims priority to that U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/458,542 filed Feb. 13, 2017,
entitled "COOLER APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD" by inventor Kenneth
Steve Place, which is incorporated by reference in entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems and
methods for cooling beverages in containers such as, for example,
metal cans and plastic bottles during use by individuals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Chilled single-serving beverage containers, such as metal
cans and plastic bottles, may be used with tight-fitting, passive
insulating wraps such as "coozies." The insulating wrap or coozie
may be formed of insulating material such as foam and slipped over
the outside surface of the pre-chilled beverage container when the
beverage is being consumed from the container, and then removed and
reused when the container is discarded. A plurality of the beverage
containers may be pre-chilled in loose ice or ice water in an ice
cooler, or pre-chilled in a residential general-purpose
refrigerator or commercial beverage cooler at a restaurant, bar or
retail store.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Apparatus, systems and methods for chilling beverage
containers as herein disclosed may overcome various shortcomings
and deficiencies of present modes for chilling beverage containers.
According to disclosed subject matter, deficiencies of existing
apparatus, systems and methods for chilling beverage containers may
be reduced or avoided. Such reducible or avoidable deficiencies of
existing apparatus, systems and methods for chilling beverage
containers may include, for example, limited effectiveness in
maintaining the beverage container in a uniform, predictable cooled
condition over an extended period of time. Other reducible or
avoidable deficiencies of existing apparatus, systems and methods
for chilling beverage containers may include, for example, the
typical requirement of either removing the container in an
undesirable, wet condition from a cooler containing ice or ice
water, unless a general purpose refrigerator is available.
Furthermore, even when a cooler of ice or general purpose
refrigerator is available, persons who are generally constrained by
mobility limitations or injury, or persons who may desire or need
to remain seated in a wheelchair, residential seating, venue
seating, or in an automobile, boat or other transport motor
vehicle, may find it difficult, impossible or inconvenient to get
up and walk or maneuver to the cooler or refrigerator, and then
open it and select a pre-chilled beverage. In other situations,
individuals may prefer not to drink a warm beverage that was
pre-chilled to a desired cool condition or temperature, but since
being removed from the refrigerator has sat out and allowed to
become warm over a period. Particularly in view of the preceding,
and other problems and deficiencies, need exists for improvements
in the field of art.
[0005] Disclosed subject matter may include apparatuses, systems
and methods for chilling a beverage container during consumption of
the beverage from the container by an individual. In embodiments,
for example, a system for chilling a beverage container may include
a cool side heat sink in thermal communication between the
container and a cold side of a thermoelectric cooler,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Novel features characteristic of the disclosed subject
matter will be set forth in claims, below. The disclosed subject
matter, as well as modes of use, further objectives, and advantages
thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0007] The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed
subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed
later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a
preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof,
will best be understood by reference to the following detailed
description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale except
where specifically indicated, and wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustration of a system
for chilling a beverage container in an exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration of a chilling
receptacle subsystem in the system for chilling a beverage
container generally shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic illustration of a chilling
receptacle subsystem in a system for chilling a beverage container
in an alternative embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of a chilling receptacle of the
chilling receptacle subsystem shown generally in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the chilling
receptacle, taken generally along A-A in FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a simplified front perspective view of a radiator
in the system for chilling a beverage container, as shown generally
in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic side view of a chilling
receptacle subsystem in the system for chilling a beverage
container as shown generally in FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic view of a pump in the
system for chilling a beverage container as shown generally in FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic view of a radiator and fan
combination in the system for chilling a beverage container as
shown generally in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial illustration of a cooling
fluid block of the chilling receptacle subsystem in the system for
chilling a beverage container generally shown in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial illustration of a cooling
fluid block similar to FIG. 10, in an alternative embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a partial lower perspective view of a chilling
receptacle subsystem connected to coolant hoses in the system for
chilling a beverage container generally shown in FIG. 1, installed
in a counter.
[0020] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial side perspective view showing
two of the chilling receptacles shown generally in FIG. 5.
[0021] Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the
same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to
designate the same components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the
same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to
designate the same components. It will be understood that, although
the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe
various elements, these elements should not be limited by these
terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from
another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be
termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the
present disclosure.
[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms
"comprises" and/or "comprising" or "includes" and/or "including"
when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations,
elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the
like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but
rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further,
the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of
quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the
referenced item.
[0025] Following is a parts list for elements referenced in FIGS.
1-13: [0026] beverage chilling system 200 [0027] beverage container
205 [0028] chilling receptacle subsystem 210 [0029] thermoelectric
cooling module 215 [0030] cold surface 217 [0031] hot surface 219
[0032] cold side heat sink 225 [0033] chilling receptacle 229
[0034] cold side heat sink body 227 [0035] primary thermal barrier
230 [0036] bottom 231 [0037] secondary thermal barrier 232 [0038]
thermal adhesive 237 [0039] external structure 239 [0040] hot side
heat sink 240 [0041] cooling fluid block 245 [0042] inlet 247
[0043] outlet 248 [0044] coolant hose 250 [0045] pump 255 [0046]
radiator 260 [0047] set of radiator fans 265 [0048] fan 270 [0049]
power supply 275 [0050] light 280 [0051] beverage chilling system
300 (air-cooled) [0052] air-cooled hot side heat sink 335 [0053]
set of heat sink fins 340 [0054] hot side fan 370
[0055] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustration of the
liquid-cooled system 200 (or "beverage chilling system 200") for
chilling a beverage container 205 (shown in FIG. 2) in an exemplary
embodiment. Beverage container 205 may include, for example and
without limitation, a canned beverage, bottled beverage or cup.
Beverage chilling system 200 may include a chilling receptacle
subsystem 210, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 1, the
liquid-cooled beverage chilling system 200 shown in FIG. 1 may
include a plurality of chilling receptacle subsystems 210,
generally referenced as CR1, CR2, CR3 and CR4, connected by a
plurality of coolant hoses 250 to circulate coolant fluid 249
between the plurality of chilling receptacle subsystems CR1, CR2,
CR3 and CR4 and a radiator 260 for cooling the coolant fluid
260.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-13, the chilling receptacle
subsystem 210 may include a cold side heat sink 225 or sleeve. Cold
side heat sink 225 may include cold side heat sink body 227 that
may form and provide a chilling receptacle 229 configured to
receive the beverage container 205. Chilling receptacle 229 may
have a continuous cylindrical sidewall 236 and bottom 231 formed by
cold side heat sink body 227. Chilling receptacle 229 may have an
open mouth opposite the bottom 231 and formed by the continuous
upper rim of the cylindrical sidewall 236. The bottom 231 may be
directly joined in thermal conducting relationship with the cold
side surface 217 of a Peltier device or thermoelectric cooling
module (TEC) 215. The bottom 231 of cold side heat sink 225 may be
joined to the cold side surface 217 of the thermoelectric cooling
module (TEC) 215 by a thermal conductive adhesive material, such as
conductive silver epoxy (MG Chemicals, Manchester UK). Thermal
paste (not shown) may be used to prevent or reduce undesirable air
spaces between the bottom 231 of cold side heat sink 225 and the
cold side surface 217.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, chilling receptacle 229 may
include a primary thermal barrier 230 coating or affixed on a major
portion of the outside surface of the sidewall 236 and that portion
of the bottom 231 surrounding the thermally conductive joint formed
by affixation to the cold side surface 217 of the thermoelectric
cooling module 215. The primary thermal barrier 230 may prevent or
reduce undesirable heat transfer from the air into the sidewall 236
and bottom 231 of the cold side heat sink body 227. In embodiments,
for example, the primary thermal barrier 230 may be a layer of
insulating epoxy material or another suitable insulating barrier
material.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, chilling receptacle 229 may include a
secondary thermal barrier 232 configured to form a first air seal
and a second air seal to reduce air flow that otherwise could
deliver undesirable heat from surrounding air to the cold side heat
sink body 227 and beverage container 205. The first air seal may be
formed between the outside surface and surrounding structure such
as metal, fiberglass or wood. The second air seal may be formed
between the beverage container 205 and the continuous upper rim
238, sidewall 236, or both, when the beverage container 205 seated
in the chilling receptacle 229. In embodiments, the secondary
thermal barrier 232 may be provided by at least one O-ring gasket
barrier mounted to or in contact with the sidewall 236 at or
proximate the upper rim 238. The secondary thermal barrier 232 may
have a profile configured and dimensioned to form the first seal,
the second seal, or both. The secondary thermal barrier 232 may
include at least one skirt gasket configured to form the first
seal, second seal, or both. It will be understood that, when the
beverage chilling system 200 is used outdoors in a summer
environment, the primary thermal barrier 230 and/or secondary
thermal barrier may be exposed to direct sunlight and/or air
temperatures exceeding 90 degrees F. In some embodiments, the
secondary thermal barrier 232 may include a top gasket seal formed
between the sidewall 236 and beverage container 205 when seated on
the bottom 231 in the chilling receptacle 229.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, chilling receptacle subsystem 210 may
include a Peltier device or thermoelectric cooling module (TEC)
215. The thermoelectric cooling module 215 may include a set of
thermocouples (not shown) located between a pair of opposed ceramic
plates, including particularly a cold side plate having a cold
surface 217 and a hot side plate having a hot surface 219. In
embodiments as illustrated, the thermoelectric cooling module 215
may be a Marlow RC12-8 Single Stage Thermoelecttric Module Marlow
Industries, Dallas Tex.) or other suitable TEC module.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 10, the chilling receptacle subsystem 210
may include a hot side heat sink 240 in direct thermal
communication with the hot surface of the hot side plate of the
thermoelectric cooling module 215. As shown in FIG. 10, the hot
side heat sink 240 may include a cooling fluid block 245 or
manifold heat exchanger formed of metal and joined in direct
thermal communication with the hot surface 219 of the hot side of
the thermoelectric cooling module 215 by a thermal conductive
adhesive material, such as conductive silver epoxy (MG Chemicals,
Manchester UK). Thermal paste may be used to reduce undesirable air
spaces in the thermal junction. The cooling fluid block 245 may
include a fluid inlet 247 and fluid outlet 248 configured to
provide flow of coolant fluid 249 (shown in FIG. 12 inside coolant
hose 250) through the coolant fluid block 245 in communication with
coolant hoses 250. In embodiments, the coolant fluid block 245 may
be a BXQINLENX Aluminum Water Cooling Block for CPU Graphics
Radiator Heatsink 40.times.40 mm(2P) (from Lenx) or other suitable
manifold. In some embodiments, the coolant fluid 249 may be
water.
[0061] FIGS. 1, 6 and 9 illustrate a radiator 260 and fan 270
combination connected by coolant hoses 250 in fluid communication
with the cooling fluid block 245. The radiator 260 may have a set
of cooling fins 265 configured to cool down the coolant fluid 249
(shown in FIG. 12) when received from the cooling fluid block 245,
by radiating heat from the radiator 260 into the air. Fan 270 is
configured to blow air across the set of cooling fins 265 to
increase thermal capacity of the radiator 260. In embodiments, the
radiator 260 may be an aluminum heat exchanger radiator, sized 158
mm.times.120 mm.times.30 mm for use with a 120 mm fan, or another
suitable radiator or heat transfer apparatus.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, beverage chilling system 200 may include
a pump 255 configured to move coolant fluid 249 through coolant
hoses 250, coolant fluid blocks 245 and radiator 260 to transfer
heat away from the hot side of thermoelectric cooling unit 215. In
embodiments, pump 255 may be an Anself Ultra-quiet Mini 4.8 W DC12V
Micro Brushless Submersible Water Oil Pump (Anself SA) or other
suitable pump.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 26, beverage chilling system 200 may
include a power supply 275. In embodiments, power supply 275 may be
a 12v, 7 amp DC power converter. In embodiments, for example, the
power supply 275 may be a 5 amp fused and switched 12 volt d.c.
supply.
[0064] Beverage chilling system 200 may include lights (not shown)
mounted in the chilling receptacle 229. In embodiments, the lights
may be a set or strip of LEDs.
[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates an air-cooled beverage chilling system
300 in an exemplary embodiment. The air-cooled beverage chilling
system 300 shown in FIG. 3 may be identical to the liquid-cooled
beverage chilling system 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-13 and
further described herein, except as otherwise shown the figures or
differently described herein. As shown in FIG. 3, the air-cooled
beverage chilling system 300 may include an air-cooled hot side
heat sink 335 having a set of heat sink fins 340 in communication
with air to directly transfer heat from the air-cooled hot side
heat sink 335 into the air. The beverage chilling system 300 as
shown in FIG. 3 may include a hot side fan 370 configured to blow
air across the set of heat sink fins 340 to increase dissipation of
heat into the air and increase thermal capacity of the air-cooled
hot side heat sink 335. The beverage chilling system 300 shown in
FIG. 3 thus differs from the beverage chilling system 200
illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-13 in which the hot side heat sink
240 is liquid-cooled and may include a cooling fluid block 245
configured to perform liquid cooling of the hot side of the
thermoelectric cooling module 215 as further described herein.
[0066] Components may be attached with screws and thermal paste to
the thermoelectric cooling module 215. Embodiments may be
surrounded with expanding foam sealant, wired and connected to
power supply 275.
[0067] Some embodiments may be applicable in applications from
counter-tops, outdoor kitchens, prep areas, sports arena seating,
movie theaters, outdoor power equipment, mowers, tractors,
construction equipment, over-the-road tractor-trailers,
motorcycles, atv's, utv's, suv's, aircraft, remote facilities,
tents, camp sites and other 12v capable producing structures,
vehicles or creations.
[0068] In some embodiments, the chilling receptacle 229 may be
sealed and closeable at top, or may include a sealed beverage
container, to further improve cooling. Such a sealed beverage
container may be later attached to other components.
[0069] In embodiments, the chilling receptacle 229 may be formed of
milled thermoconductive billet aluminum having a 0.250'' wall
thickness.
[0070] Embodiments may function across a wide range of
human-tolerant temperatures from -40 to +160 degrees F. One range
of operating temperature is 50 to 100+ F depending upon
installation techniques and the use of additional pre- and
post-cooling components. In other embodiments, the chilling
receptacle 229 or sleeve may be formed of metal have a high degree
of thermo-conductivity. In an exemplary embodiment, the beverage
chilling system 200 may chill a beverage container 205 to 34
degrees F. where ambient temperature is 90 degrees F. In an
exemplary embodiment, the beverage chilling system 200 may chill a
beverage container 205 to 9 degrees F. where ambient temperature is
60 degrees F.
[0071] One embodiment of the present disclosure may include a
0.250' wall thickness turned down to result in a 2.385'' sleeve/cup
diameter may provide suitable conductivity, fitment and
installation ease at 88 mm. The floor of an embodiment, due to the
reinforcing and conductivity of the attached aluminum plate, may
comprise a thinner material facilitate speed of temperature
transfer. For example, a 20 gauge aluminum sheet may be suitable or
may be thickened or thinned with a corresponding change in cooling
rates. Between the two metals, a thin layer of thermal conductive
paste may be provided to improve transfer of temperature. The
sealing ring at the top of the sleeve may be in contact with the
beverage container so as to be cooled efficiently by reducing
atmospheric effects.
[0072] In some embodiments, the sleeve may be constructed of highly
thermo-conductive metal. Some embodiments may include a minimum
thickness of 1'' insulation or equivalent surrounding the sidewall
of the chilling receptacle 229 or sleeve. In embodiments, the
bottom of the chilling receptacle 229 may be joined to the cold
surface of the thermoelectric cooler module 215 with thermal paste
and stainless steel screws. The upper seal may be of a pliable
nature to facilitate sealing on cups, bottles and a wide array of
container sizes. A 10-amp fuse may be used in the wiring to prevent
electrical problems. Condensation may be allowed to form and
collect in the bottom of the sleeve/cup to enhance thermal
conductivity and boost the performance.
[0073] It will be understood that embodiments may have increased
capacity for heat exchange for cooling a beverage, for example, by
including a Peltier device having larger cooling capacity,
increasing heat transfer capacity from the beverage container to
the thermal transfer device such as by providing direct contact
between the thermal transfer device and metal beverage container,
and increasing heat transfer capacity from the beverage container
to the thermal transfer device such as by using thermal paste.
[0074] Countertop embodiments, may include a larger heat sink and
larger thermoelectric cooling module 215, an aluminum container of
different diameter, depth and wall thickness, and may include
induced phenomenon of condensation to produce a water tight
connection to the beverage container with increasing
performance.
[0075] While the disclosure has been presented with respect to
certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It
is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope
of the disclosure.
[0076] Exemplary embodiments of apparatuses, systems and methods
are described and illustrated. Although specific embodiments are
illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those
of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is
calculated to achieve the same purposes can be substituted for the
specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover
any adaptations or variations of the embodiments and disclosure.
For example, although described in terminology and terms common to
the field of art, exemplary embodiments, systems, methods and
apparatus described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that implementations can be made for other fields of
art, systems, apparatus or methods that provide the required
functions.
[0077] In particular, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not
intended to limit embodiments or the disclosure. Furthermore,
additional methods, steps, and apparatus can be added to the
components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and
new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical
devices used in embodiments can be introduced without departing
from the scope of embodiments and the disclosure. One of skill in
the art will readily recognize that embodiments are applicable to
future systems, future apparatus, future methods, and different
materials.
[0078] Terminology used in the present disclosure is intended to
include all environments and alternate technologies that provide
the same functionality described herein.
* * * * *