U.S. patent application number 17/087792 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-06 for electronic cigarette filter assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Philter Labs Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is Philter Labs Incorporated. Invention is credited to John Grimm.
Application Number | 20210127736 17/087792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005198167 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210127736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grimm; John |
May 6, 2021 |
Electronic Cigarette Filter Assembly
Abstract
As an accessory to electronic cigarette devices, and/or
integrated into same, a personal air filter having uniquely treated
and shaped graphite is disclosed herein. The exhale filter of the
present invention more particularly couples to a pen-type
e-cigarette having a commercially known 510-standard distillate
cartridge for filtering harmful particulates or gaseous pollutants
associated with electronic cigarette usage.
Inventors: |
Grimm; John; (Santee,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Philter Labs Incorporated |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Philter Labs Incorporated
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005198167 |
Appl. No.: |
17/087792 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62931312 |
Nov 6, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/485 20200101;
A24D 3/17 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24D 3/17 20060101
A24D003/17; A24F 40/485 20060101 A24F040/485 |
Claims
1. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: an
electronic cigarette main body having a power source an igniter
button; a replaceable filter cartridge coupled to the main body
containing distillate to be heated to produce vapor to be
introduced to a user; an original mouthpiece coupled to the
replaceable filter cartridge, in turn, coupled to the electronic
cigarette main body and a self-contained mouthpiece and filter
combination including a second mouthpiece, a filter medium, and an
inner cavity open on a bottom end, the inner cavity configured to
fit over a top of the replaceable cartridge for filtering the user
exhale.
2. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the
self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising
a dual check valve insert between the second mouthpiece and the
filter medium, the dual check valve insert including: an inlet
check valve separating the second mouthpiece from the inner cavity;
and an outlet check valve separating the second mouthpiece from the
filter medium, wherein the dual check valve insert is configured
directly adjacent to the second mouthpiece.
3. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the
self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising
an aluminum enclosure defining the inner cavity and also defining a
rear cavity, the rear cavity for containing and holding the filter
medium, wherein the aluminum enclosure further comprises a window
carved out for viewing a distillate level.
4. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the filter
medium comprising an extruded carbon element baked to a specific
shape, the specific shape including a concave surface to configure
around the inner cavity, wherein further the extruded carbon
element comprises a plurality of channels therethrough for passing
exhale.
5. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the
self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further
comprising: a mouthpiece nozzle at an inside surface of the second
mouthpiece for increasing a velocity of the user's exhale; and a
filter nozzle at an outlet of the outlet check valve for increasing
the velocity of the user's exhale.
6. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: a mouthpiece
at a proximal end thereof; a graphite filter element, the graphite
filter element including a plurality of channels therethrough, the
plurality of channels providing filtering of gaseous and
particulate pollutants while contemporaneously allowing relatively
unrestricted airflow therethrough; and a plurality of exit vent
holes opposite the mouthpiece.
7. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 6 further
comprising: an electronic cigarette main body; a disposable
distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for
coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece
coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the
mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein
the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an
original mouthpiece.
8. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 6 wherein said
graphite filter element comprises extruded carbon, the extruded
carbon for molding said graphite to a unique shape, the unique
shape having a concave side surface for fitting around an
electronic cigarette main body coupled to a disposable distillate
cartridge.
9. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 7, further
comprising: an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a
rear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of
the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert configured within the
second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a filter nozzle
coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve
therebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber
sleeve via a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch,
wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes, and wherein
the graphite filter element is configured within the rear
cavity.
10. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising a
self-contained mouthpiece and filter including a mouthpiece at a
proximal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter, an exit
vent opposite the mouthpiece, and a filter medium therebetween,
further wherein the self-contained mouthpiece filter further
comprises an inner cavity open at a distal end of the
self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination, the inner cavity
configured to receive an electronic cigarette original
mouthpiece.
11. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 10, further
comprising: an electronic cigarette main body; a disposable
distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for
coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece
coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the
mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein
the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an
original mouthpiece.
12. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 10, further
comprising an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a
rear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of
the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert configured within the
second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a plurality of
filter nozzles coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check
valve therebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the silicone
rubber sleeve via corresponding a corresponding male protrusion and
a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent
holes and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within
the rear cavity.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This patent application claims benefit of the priority date
of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/931,312 filed on Nov. 6, 2019
entitled "Smoke or Vapor Personal Air Filter and Methods Regarding
Same." Accordingly, the entire contents this U.S. provisional
patent submission is hereby expressly incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to accessories for
electronic smoking devices and perhaps smoking in general. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic
cigarette filter specifically configurable to a pen-type electronic
cigarette and related novel filter technology.
Description of the Prior Art
[0003] Ever increasing in popularity, "electronic
cigarettes/e-cigarettes" and vaporizers typically use an electrical
heating element to heat a liquid usually containing a mixture of
nicotine and flavorings/extract (or cannabis including THC or CBD)
that produces a mist similar to smoke, but without the excessive
heat that causes combustion.
[0004] One issue facing the so-called ENDS (Electronic Nicotine
Delivery Systems) and the ECDS (Electronic Cannabis Delivery
Systems) is the presence of potentially harmful particulate and/or
gaseous compounds. Hence, it is an object of the present invention
to provide devices and methods for removal such compounds to a
closed environment. More particularly, it is an object of the
present invention to introduce an exhale filtration system that can
be integrated into ENDS/ECDS devices.
[0005] Importantly, existing graphite exhale filter technology
includes granular filter media which can greatly imped air flow. An
example currently on the market has been branded the Smoke
Buddy.RTM.. This device is specifically an external filter for
receiving exhaled mist; however, it's a bit bulky, awkward and
irregular in shape. It is an additional object of the present
invention to provide improved air flow in a smaller device that can
be used for vapor or smoke exhale.
[0006] Also known in the art are the so-called 510-standard
e-cigarette cartridges containing distillate/oil that can be
replace after said distillate is consumed. The 510-standard
cartridges connect to an e-cigarette main body via a
specially-sized threads. Given the popularity of this particular
delivery system, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a filter solution specifically configurable to the
510-standard.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present
invention, in a first aspect is an electronic cigarette filter
assembly comprising: an electronic cigarette main body having a
power source an igniter button; a replaceable filter cartridge
coupled to the main body containing distillate to be heated to
produce vapor to be introduced to a user; an original mouthpiece
coupled to the replaceable filter cartridge, in turn, coupled to
the electronic cigarette main body and a self-contained mouthpiece
and filter combination including a second mouthpiece, a filter
medium, and an inner cavity open on a bottom end, the inner cavity
configured to fit over a top of the replaceable cartridge for
filtering the user exhale.
[0008] The invention in a first aspect is additionally
characterized in that the self-contained mouthpiece and filter
combination further comprises a dual check valve insert between the
second mouthpiece and the filter medium. The dual check valve
insert includes: an inlet check valve separating the second
mouthpiece from the inner cavity; and an outlet check valve
separating the second mouthpiece from the filter medium, wherein
the dual check valve insert is configured directly adjacent to the
second mouthpiece.
[0009] Still further, the invention in this aspect is characterized
wherein the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination
further comprises an aluminum enclosure defining the inner cavity
and also defining a rear cavity, the rear cavity for containing and
holding the filter medium, wherein the aluminum enclosure further
comprises a window carved out for viewing a distillate level.
[0010] Additionally further, the invention in this aspect is
characterized in that the filter medium comprises an extruded
carbon element baked to a specific shape, the specific shape
including a concave surface configured around the inner cavity,
wherein further the extruded carbon element comprises a plurality
of channels therethrough for passing exhale. Also importantly, the
self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further has a
mouthpiece nozzle at an inside surface of the second mouthpiece for
increasing a velocity of the user's exhale. Stated differently, the
inside wall of the second mouthpiece is shaped like a nozzle for
increasing fluid velocity. An additional nozzle or set of nozzles
is also provide at an introduction to the filter medium. This
filter nozzle is at an outlet of the outlet check valve for
increasing the velocity of the user's exhale.
[0011] In still a second aspect, the invention may be characterized
as an electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: a mouthpiece
at a proximal end thereof; a graphite filter element, the graphite
filter element including a plurality of channels therethrough, the
plurality of channels providing filtering of gaseous and
particulate pollutants while contemporaneously allowing relatively
unrestricted airflow therethrough; and a plurality of exit vent
holes opposite the mouthpiece. This invention is this aspect also
includes the electronic cigarette main body; the disposable
distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for
coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece
coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the
mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein
the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an
original mouthpiece.
[0012] The invention in this second aspect is additionally
characterized wherein the graphite filter element comprises
extruded carbon, the extruded carbon for molding said graphite to a
unique shape, the unique shape having a concave side surface for
fitting around an electronic cigarette main body coupled to a
disposable distillate cartridge.
[0013] The invention in this second aspect is further characterized
in that is comprises an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity
and a rear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside
surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert configured
within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a
filter nozzle coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check
valve therebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the silicone
rubber sleeve via a corresponding male protrusion and a female
notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes, and
wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear
cavity.
[0014] Yet still further in a third aspect the invention is an
electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising a self-contained
mouthpiece and filter including a mouthpiece at a proximal end of
the self-contained mouthpiece and filter, an exit vent opposite the
mouthpiece, and a filter medium therebetween, further wherein the
self-contained mouthpiece filter further comprises an inner cavity
open at a distal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter
combination, the inner cavity configured to receive an electronic
cigarette original mouthpiece.
[0015] The invention in this third aspect is further characterized
in that it includes the electronic cigarette main body; a
disposable distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof
for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a
mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein
the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and
wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate
cartridge is an original mouthpiece.
[0016] Still further in this third aspect the invention may be
characterized in that it comprises an aluminum enclosure defining
an inner cavity and a rear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining
an inside surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert
configured within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold
including a plurality of filter nozzles coupled to the second
mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and a bottom
cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via corresponding a
corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the
bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes and wherein the graphite
filter element is configured within the rear cavity.
[0017] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for
the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it
is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly
formulated under 35 USC .sctn. 112, or similar applicable law, are
not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the
construction of "means" or "steps" limitations, but are to be
accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the
definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of
equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly
formulated under 35 USC .sctn. 112 are to be accorded full
statutory equivalents under 35 USC .sctn. 112, or similar
applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning
now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced
by like numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0019] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette
filter assembly in a first preferred embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 1B is an exploded view thereof;
[0021] FIG. 1C is an additional exploded view however showing a
replaceable cartridge coupled to an e-cigarette main body;
[0022] FIG. 1D is a front elevational view of the electronic
cigarette filter assembly;
[0023] FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly as
seen from line 1E-1E in FIG. 1A;
[0024] FIG. 1F is an enlarged sectional view thereof;
[0025] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a self-contained mouthpiece
and filter combination of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2B is a profile view thereof;
[0027] FIG. 2C is an exploded view of filter internal components;
and
[0028] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the filter taken along
line 2D-2D in FIG. 2A;
[0029] FIG. 2E is an enlarged view of a mouthpiece portion taken
about line 2E-2E in FIG. 2D;
[0030] FIG. 2F is an additional cross-sectional view of the filter
as seen along line 2F-2F in FIG. 2B;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a graphite filter element
of the present invention with a top view exploded; and
[0032] FIG. 3B is an alternative embodiment of the graphite filter
element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring initially to FIG. 1A, a standard (510 for example)
electronic cigarette filter assembly 10 is shown configured with
technology of the present invention in an isometric view. The
personal filter of the present invention has several components
broadly laid out in exploded detail, FIG. 1B.
[0034] With regard to FIG. 1C, a front elevational view has a front
window with and an exhale filter on a rear (back) side. The
directional inhale air flow in the inhale function is up through
the center of the device 10; and in the exhale function air goes
back into a mouthpiece 30 and back down through a rear side of the
device 10. The lower inner section 11, 13 of the device 10 contains
a standard replaceable cartridge (510-standard, for example) having
(nicotine, CBD and/or cannabis, e.g.), configured to an electronic
coil inside e-cigarette main body 11. The standard cartridge 13
further has standard threads 15 that couple to the main portion of
the electronic cigarette 11.
[0035] Again with regard to FIG. 1A together with FIG. 1B, the
invention 10 comprises a mouthpiece 30; or alternatively, the
invention comprises an original mouthpiece 14 and the filter
mouthpiece 30 is a second mouthpiece wherein filter 20 fits over
and is mated to original mouthpiece 14. Filter 20 is further fitted
with an endcap 90 at an opposite end of the mouthpiece 30, the end
cap 90 having exit vent holes 91 for discharge of filtered air.
Filter 20 window 61, 81 allows a user to inspect distillate level
inside cartridge 13. As stated, the distillate is more particularly
oil extracted from another substance intending to be introduced by
a user. Igniter button 12 is used to activate a heating coil inside
main body 11 powered by a battery, as is known in the art. When a
cartridge 13 is expended, a new one is screwed 15 onto main portion
11 and the filter 20 slips over the original mouthpiece 14 and
cartridge as seen in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D. It should be appreciated
that inner cavity 82 (FIG. 2C) is open at a distal end for
receiving original mouthpiece 14 and filter cartridge 13 portions
as is apparent in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D.
[0036] FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F are cross-sectional views of the device
10 taken about line 1E-1E in FIG. 1A. As shown (together with FIG.
1D), igniter button 12 is positioned on a front of the device 10
and exhale filtering channel 51, 70, 75, 91 is positioned at a rear
of the device 10. Exhale filtering channel 51, 70, 75, 91
sequentially comprises: nozzle 51, HEPA medium 75, extruded carbon
element 70, and exit vent 91, as further detailed herein. Also
viewable, filter 20 configures and is mated to original mouthpiece
14 of e-cigarette 11. Or stated differently, mouthpiece 30 and
filter 70, 75 combination mates to an electronic cigarette 11 about
its original mouthpiece 14. And further herein, filter 20 may also
be referred to as a mouthpiece and filter combination 30, 70, 75 or
self-contained mouthpiece and filter 20. A filter medium herein,
may broadly refer to HEPA 75 medium, carbon filter element 70, or
both 70, 75.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 2A, a self-contained mouthpiece and
filter combination 20 of the present invention 10 is illustrated in
perspective. Filter 20 has an outer housing 80 containing internal
components. More particularly in a preferred embodiment, outer
housing 80 is an extruded aluminum enclosure. The enclosure 80 has
a window 81 positioned at a front of the filter 20 while the exit
vent holes 91 are at a rear of the filter 20. As stated, the window
81 carved out of enclosure 80 allows a user to inspect distillate
level contained in the disposable cartridge 13. Incidentally, the
disposable cartridge 13 with threads 15 is also referred to as a
pod-style delivery system. FIG. 2B provides a profile view of the
self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination 20.
[0038] Regarding FIG. 2C, filter internal components are revealed
in an exploded view. As shown, filter 20 mouthpiece 30 and bottom
cover 90 form proximal and distal ends, respectively. Therebetween
sequentially, mouthpiece 30 is configured to dual check 40 valve
insert and a to a multi-port manifold 50. Upon close inspection,
the dual check valve insert 40 snaps into the multi-port manifold
50 which connects to the mouthpiece 30. Multi-port nozzle manifold
50 further has a plurality of filter nozzles 51 incorporated
thereto as detailed herein. Dual check valve insert 40 is
positioned up into the mouthpiece 30.
[0039] Next regarding FIG. 2C, inner rubber sleeve 60 connects to
multiport manifold 50 via a pair female notches on an upper surface
of rubber sleeve 60 and corresponding male protrusion(s) on a
bottom surface of multiport manifold 50. In turn, inner rubber
sleeve 60 configures to the outer housing enclosure 80 about and
around and inside surface of circular inner cavity 82 provided by
outer enclosure 80. Subsequently, rubber sleeve 60 couples to
bottom cover 90 via similar female protrusion(s) on a bottom
surface of rubber sleeve 60 and to male protrusions on a top
surface of bottom cover 90, all with outer enclosure 80
therebetween and also mating with a top part of bottom cover 90.
However, before the last aforementioned mating occurs, carbon
filter element 70 having a concave side surface 71 slides down into
rear cavity 83 adjacent to and around outer cavity 82. Also, as
shown in FIG. 2C, viewing window 61, 81 comprises outer window 81
(in outer enclosure 80) juxtaposed with inner window 61 (in the
inner rubber sleeve 60).
[0040] Now referring to FIG. 2D, a cross-sectional view of the
filter 20 taken along line 2D-2D in FIG. 2A is provided. Herein,
extruded carbon filter element 70 has a plurality of filter
passages or channels 71 for passage of exhale therethrough. As
viewed together with enlarged view FIG. 2E, HEPA filter medium 75
is shown between the multiport manifold 50 nozzle(s) 51 and the
carbon filter element 70 also for filtering harmful pollutants.
Herein, filter medium 70, 75 may refer to either HEPA filter medium
75, or carbon filter element 70, or both 70, 75 working
together.
[0041] Additionally regarding FIG. 2E, mouthpiece 30 has an inner
wall 32 having a shape of a nozzle 31 (inlet nozzle 31) increasing
velocity of exhale hence lessening resistance for a user to blow
into same 30. Dual check valve manifold 40 initially has an inlet
check valve 41 separating circular inner cavity 82 from mouthpiece
plenum 32. Accordingly, in the inhale function, air is permitted up
through the inner cavity 82 of the device 10 but not back down
through the center in the exhale function. Instead, exhale is
diverted to a rear of the device via outlet check valve 42, and
then subsequently through a plurality of filter nozzles 51 for
introduction to the filter medium 70, 75 as detailed in FIG. 2F.
Filter nozzles 51, especially, provide an aerodynamic manipulation
reducing vapor and harmful particulate.
[0042] Still further regarding FIG. 2F, a cross-sectional view is
provided depicting the filter 20 as seen along line 2F-2F in FIG.
2B. As shown, multi-port manifold 50 aligns a series of filter
nozzles 51 in a line. The user exhale exits the nozzles 51 and
enters the HEPA filter medium 75. Additional pollutants are removed
as exhale exits the HEPA medium and enters the extruded carbon
filter element 70 having a plurality of channels 72, 73
therethrough.
[0043] As stated herein, gaseous and/or particulate pollutants are
filtered especially through the novel extruded carbon layer 70.
Heretofore, comparable filters used granulated carbon that greatly
impeded air passage therethrough. The extruded carbon 70 is able to
be molded and shaped to the fine details as required that may
include tiny channels 72, 73 to better allow air passage.
Subsequent to a molding method step, the carbon 70 is baked to set
and cure the material.
[0044] FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of an extruded
graphite filter 70 of the present invention. FIG. 3B provides a
slightly different alternative 73. It should be appreciated that
the unique curved geometry 71 allows enhanced air flow in the
exhale function (while remaining compact in size) as compared to
any comparable prior art devices that contain granular carbon, or
graphite powder as a filtering device.
[0045] Also regarding FIG. 3A, channels 72 have been enlarged to
reveal square geometry 72 in a top plan aspect. Accordingly, a
matrix plurality of channels 72 fills out a top surface of the
carbon filter element 70. In a preferred embodiment, the squares
measure 1/2 mm across. FIG. 3B introduces a slightly different
geometry with circular 73 channels.
[0046] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the
purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the
invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed above even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0047] While the particular Electronic Filter Assembly herein shown
and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects
and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be
understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are
intended to the details of construction or design herein shown
other than as described in the appended claims.
[0048] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
* * * * *