U.S. patent application number 17/285345 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-10 for firearm monitoring device and system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel BIRAN, SAFETY AND TECH B.V.. Invention is credited to Daniel BIRAN.
Application Number | 20220042756 17/285345 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005959979 |
Filed Date | 2022-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220042756 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BIRAN; Daniel |
February 10, 2022 |
FIREARM MONITORING DEVICE AND SYSTEM
Abstract
A device and system for firearm tracking capable of tracking
firearm location and status while limiting un-authorized use of a
firearm. The device featuring a housing that is compatible with a
firearm magazine-well wherein once secured to a firearm the device
may not be disassociated therefrom rendering the firearm
non-functional.
Inventors: |
BIRAN; Daniel; (Ramat
Hasharon, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BIRAN; Daniel
SAFETY AND TECH B.V. |
Ramat Hasharon
Amsterdam |
|
IL
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005959979 |
Appl. No.: |
17/285345 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
October 16, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2019/051123 |
371 Date: |
April 14, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/38 20130101;
F41A 17/063 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/06 20060101
F41A017/06; F41A 17/38 20060101 F41A017/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 16, 2018 |
IL |
262425 |
Claims
1. A firearm securing device compatible with a firearm magazine
well, wherein once secured with the magazine well the device cannot
be disassociated from the firearm rendering the firearm
non-functional, and wherein the device may be disassociated from
said magazine well only with user specific identification, the
device including: a) a housing having the form of a magazine; b) an
electronics and circuitry module functionally associated with an
actuator and a fixation element, wherein said fixation element is
configured to securely associate with a portion of said magazine
well to affix said device within said magazine well.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a movement module
configured to be actuated with said actuator.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein said movement module provides for
facilitating translating the movement of said actuator to
controlled movement of said fixation element.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said electronics module includes
a location sub-module for identifying the real time location of
said device.
5. The device of claim 1 having at least two fixation elements.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein said electronics module, said
actuator, and said movement module are disposed along a lower
portion of said housing.
7. The device of claim 4, wherein said electronics module includes
an Identification (ID) sub-module comprising an identification
sensor for identifying the rightful owner and/or user of said
device and its associated firearm.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein said ID sub-module is provided in
at least one form selected from the group consisting of a
fingerprint pad and associated software, voice recognition hardware
and software, a retinal scanner, a biological identification
device, a DNA identification, a touchpad, and a keypad.
9. A system for securing a firearm magazine well with said device,
the system including the device of claim 1 and at least one of a
identification key or a processing and communication device, that
are in wireless communication with said electronic circuitry
module.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said at least one identification
key or at least one said processing and communication device
comprises electronic memory and communication capabilities for
communicating user identification data.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein said at least one identification
key utilizes proximity wireless communication for communication
with said device, wherein said wireless communication is selected
from the group consisting of RF communication, IR communication,
BLUETOOTH, NFC, and any combination thereof.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the viability of a
communication range between said at least one identification key
and said device is limited to a predetermined radius.
13. The system of claim 1Z wherein said predetermined radius is up
to 1 meter.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein said identification comprises
biometric identification.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein said at least one processing
and communication device is capable of mapping and identifying the
real time location of said device.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein said system provides for
monitoring and managing a plurality of firearms forming an arsenal
thereof, wherein each firearm of said plurality of firearms is in
communication with said at least one processing and communication
device.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said at least one processing
and communication device is in communication with a public security
monitoring agency in order to obtain and/or verify a valid firearm
license.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said identification is
corroborated between said device, said key and said at least one
processing device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a system for
firearm tracking and in particular, to such a device and system
tracking firearm location and status while limiting un-authorized
use of a firearm.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Gun control, firearm safety, distribution and control is an
important social issue that remains unsolved and is a heavily
debated in both social and government circles.
[0003] In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of
accidental, negligent or unauthorized use of firearms, particularly
handguns in the domestic environment. Such incidents typically
occur when the firearm is used in child's play or when such
firearms are stolen.
[0004] Firearm theft and lack of control is a problem for society
at large and local communities, however, such a problem is even
more pronounced in the private security sector as well as the
public armed forces sector, including the police and the armed
forces.
[0005] Individual safety within society is based on society's
ability to control movement of its firearms at all levels personal
as well as professional. To date a comprehensive solution for
firearm tracking and control has not been offered and for which a
need remains outstanding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] There is an unmet need for, and it would be highly useful to
have a device and system for firearm monitoring and tracking so as
to control use of firearms within society.
[0007] It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide device and
system for firearm control and safety so as to monitor both a
firearms location and status of use, such that it would be possible
to simultaneously identify the firearm's location while preventing
unauthorized use and/or movement.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that
may be utilized to actively and remotely monitor an arsenal of
firearms that belongs to large security and safety organizations
such as the police force, army or security companies. Such security
organizations, public or private, are responsible for a large
weaponry arsenal and include many persons that carry a firearm.
Accordingly the system and device of the present invention provide
a monitoring system that may further monitor the individuals
forming the armed forces while remotely closely controlling the
firearms arsenal.
[0009] Embodiments of the system of the present invention may
further be utilized by public safety sector to control and/or
monitor gun use in the private and/or public sector where both use
and access to firearm is a societal safety need. For example any
individual wishing to obtain a firearm license must prescribe to a
public security monitoring agency that is in communication with a
remote processing and communication device that actively monitors
location and use of the firearm, so as to provide a form of gun
control.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a firearm
control device in the form of a firearm magazine that is configured
to securely and irreversibly associate with the firearm unless the
rightful owner is in possession of the firearm. Accordingly, the
device in the form of a magazine according to embodiments of the
present invention is configured to remain associated with the
firearm therein disabling use of the firearm by any individual
other than the rightful owner.
[0011] In embodiments the device further comprises an active
geographical location tracking module that may be utilized within a
system according to the present invention. When in use within a
system, the device may be utilized to actively monitor the location
and status of the device.
[0012] In embodiments the safety magazine is provided in the both
the form of a loaded magazine, partially loaded magazine, a blank
and/or empty magazine, wherein the magazine is characterized in
that it cannot be replaced by anyone other than the assigned and/or
rightful firearm owner.
[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The
materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative
only and not intended to be limiting.
Implementation of the method and system of the present invention
involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps
manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific
reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the
particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of
illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is
believed to be the most useful and readily understood description
of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this
regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the
invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental
understanding of the invention, the description taken with the
drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the
several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
[0015] In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a device and system
according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a device and system
according to embodiments of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 3A-C are various view of an illustrative schematic
diagram of a device according to embodiments of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The principles and operation of the present invention may be
better understood with reference to the drawings and the
accompanying description. The following figure reference labels are
used throughout the description to refer to similarly functioning
components are used throughout the specification hereinbelow.
[0020] 10,10a, 10b firearm; [0021] 12 firearm magazine well; [0022]
50,52 processing and communication device; [0023] 100 device;
[0024] 101 system; [0025] 102 magazine housing/device housing;
[0026] 102a magazine notch; [0027] 104 actuator/motor; [0028] 105
fixation element(s); [0029] 110 circuitry and electronics module;
[0030] 112 power sub-module; [0031] 114 communications sub-module;
[0032] 116 controller and memory sub-module; [0033] 118 location
sub-module; [0034] 120 movement sub-module; [0035] 122 movement
module shaft; [0036] 124 adaptor; [0037] 126 cam/gear/clutch;
[0038] 130, 130a, 130b wireless key/ID device;
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustrative diagram of system 101
including different forms of a firearm 10 each featuring device 100
in communication with a ID device 130a,130b, and a processing and
communication device 50, 52.
[0040] In embodiments, system 101 provides for monitoring the
location and use of at least one or more firearms 10, 10a, 10b.
Optionally firearm 10 may be provided in any form, for example
including but not limited to a handgun 10a, and/or an assault rifle
10b, as shown, or the like handheld firearms, that features a
device 100 in the form of a firearm magazine 100 that is fit within
a magazine well 12 of the respective firearm 10, 10a, 10b.
[0041] In embodiments of system 101 preferably each device 100 is
preferably in communication with at least one processing and
communication device 50, 52, for example a mobile telephone,
smartphone, tablet, or the like.
[0042] In embodiments wherein a plurality of firearms 10 may form a
system 101 (FIG. 2) all devices 100 may be configured to be in
communication, direct communication or indirect communication, with
a central processing and communication device 50, for example in
the form of a server, a network and/or a computer. For example, a
first firearm 10a may utilize indirect communication by employing a
local communication and processing device 52, for example a
smartphone, through which communication with a central processing
and communication device 50 is established in an indirect manner.
For example, a second firearm 10b, may utilize direct communication
with a central processing and communication device 50, for example
as shown. Accordingly system 101 provides for remotely monitoring
the location and use of device 100 that is securely associated with
firearm 10 by utilizing device 50.
[0043] In embodiments, system 101 provides for monitoring a
plurality of devices 100 associated with firearms 10 and therefore
allows for managing and/or monitoring an arsenal of firearms that
are in communication with at least one processing and communication
device 50.
[0044] System 101 may be utilized to actively and remotely monitor
an arsenal of firearms that belongs to large security and safety
organizations such as the police force, army or security companies
that are responsible for many persons carrying a firearm, therein
providing them with a monitoring system providing further
monitoring and control of the individuals forming the armed
forces.
[0045] While system 101 may further be utilized by public safety
sector to control and/or monitor gun control in the public sector
where both use and access to firearm is a societal safety issue.
For example any individual wishing to obtain a firearm license must
be able to be in communication with a remote processing and
communication device 50 that is monitored and/or associated with a
public security monitoring agency so as to provide a form of gun
control.
[0046] In embodiments device 100 is preferably provided in the form
of a magazine that is securely coupled with firearm 10 within the
magazine well 12. Device 100 is characterized in that coupling
between device 100 and magazine well is established such that
device 100 is irreversibly coupled within magazine well unless the
rightful owner of firearm 10 having/carrying an electronic
identification (ID) key 130 is in direct proximity to device 100.
Accordingly disassociation of device 100 from magazine well 12 is
only allowed when device ID key 130 is in direct proximity to
device 100.
[0047] Preferably ID key 130 must be within the immediate vicinity
and/or proximity of device 100 so as to allow wireless
communication for identification purposes. Preferably wireless
communication between ID key 130 and device 100 is provided by RF
communication, IR communication, BLUETOOTH, NFC, or the like
proximity and/or short range wireless communication protocols.
Optionally the communication range between key 130 and device 100
is limited to a radius of up to about 1 meter.
[0048] In embodiments each individual device 100 may be associated
with a specific individual ID key 130 that is associated only with
the rightful user(s) and/or owner of firearm 10. Preferably system
101 allows removal of device 100 from firearm 10 only once key 130
is identified and in communication with device 100.
[0049] In some embodiments the identification process may further
include processing and communication device 50 such that positive
identification may therefore include correct identification between
device 100, key 130 and further corroborated with at least one
processing device 50.
[0050] In some embodiments communication between device 100 and
processing device 50 may involve an auxiliary processing and
communication device 52, for example as shown in the form of a
mobile device and/or smartphone.
[0051] FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of device 100 and
system 101 for a firearm monitoring and/or tracking device that
both prevents unauthorized use while providing a tracking device
for the firearm.
[0052] Device 100 is fit within a housing 102 that features a
fixation element 105, movement module 120, actuator 104 and
circuitry and electronics module 110.
[0053] In embodiments, housing 102 is provided in the form and
shape of a firearm magazine configured to securely fit within a
magazine well 12 of a firearm 10, an example of which is
schematically shown in FIG. 3A-C. While FIG. 3A-B depicts firearm
10 in the form of a handgun, and FIG. 3C shows a firearm in the
form of an assault rifle, however, embodiments of the present
invention is not limited to handguns and/or assault rifles and may
be utilized with any form of firearm and in particular a firearm
capable of utilizing a magazine.
[0054] In embodiments, device 100 features at least one or more
fixation element 105 provided to secure device 100 within magazine
well 12 of a firearm 10. Preferably the position and/or state of
fixation element 105 may be controlled so as to secure or un-secure
housing 102 from a firearm's magazine well 12. Control of fixation
element 105 is preferably provided with movement module 120,
actuator 104 and electronics module 110.
[0055] In embodiments, electronics module 110, actuator 104 and
movement module 120 are preferably disposed along a lower portion
of housing 102 and collectively provide for controlling the
position and/or orientation of at least one or more fixation
element 105 utilized to secure device 100 within magazine well 12
of firearm 10.
[0056] In embodiments fixation element 105 may be provided in
optional forms and/or shapes so as to secure device 100 within
magazine well 12.
[0057] In embodiments fixation element 105 may be provided along
any portion and/or segment of housing 102 capable of securely
associating with magazine well 12.
[0058] In some embodiments, device 100 may be fit with at least two
or more fixation elements 105. For example a first fixation element
105 may be provided to associate with an upper (distal) portion of
the magazine well 12 in a secure manner so as to disable the
ability to remove device 100, in the form of a magazine, from
firearm 10; a second fixation element 105 may be coupled with a
lower portion of the magazine well 12 for example at and/or near
the magazine notch and/or magazine release button so as to disable
the magazine release button (magazine catch and/or magazine catch
spring) while securing device 100 within the magazine well.
[0059] Most preferably fixation element 105 forms a moveable and/or
position controllable portion of housing 102. Accordingly most
preferably fixation element 105 has at least two configuration a
first configuration and/or secured form that allows housing 102 to
be secured and/or coupled to the firearm 10 within the magazine
well 12. A second configuration, the de-non-secured formation
wherein fixation element 105 is seamless with housing 102 allowing
device 100 to be coupled and decoupled with firearm 10.
[0060] In embodiments the orientation, angulation and/or position
of fixation element 105 is controllable with movement module 120.
Preferably movement module 120 is configured to facilitate
switching between the coupled (first configuration) and a
de-coupled (second configurations) positions of fixation element
105.
[0061] In embodiments, movement module 120 and/or portion thereof
may be dispersed along any one or more surfaces and/or portions of
housing 102.
[0062] In embodiments movements module 120 may for example be
provided in the form for example including but not limited to at
least one or more of: gear works 126, springs, cam 126, shafts 122,
threading, gear 126, clutch 126, adaptor 124, any combination
thereof, or the like mechanical movement actuation, translation
and/or transformation tools as are known in the art.
[0063] In embodiments, movement module 120 provides for adjusting
the position of fixation element 105, for example by way of
rotation. In some embodiments movement module 120 may provide
linear motion to adjust and/or change the linear position of
fixation element 105.
[0064] In embodiments, movement module 120 may comprise an adaptor
124 that provides for converting, transforming and/or translating
the movement of actuator 104 to the movement required to change the
orientation, angle and/or position of fixation element 105.
[0065] In embodiments, movement module 120 provides for translating
the movement of actuator 104 to control the position of fixation
element 105. For example, fixation element 105 is associated with
actuator 104 via movement module 120 comprising at least one or
more optional sub-members comprising shaft 122, adaptor 124, gear
work and cam 126,128; wherein fixation element 105 may be disposed
along a distal end of shaft 122, that is further associated to an
adaptor 124 along a proximal end; and wherein the adaptor 124 is
associated with motor 104 via optional gear, cam and/or clutch
assembly and/or sub-module 126. In such a non-limiting and
exemplary configuration, an actuator 104, for example in the form
of a rotating motor, by its controlled rotational movement causes
the selective and controllable motion of gear and cam assembly
126,128 that in turn mobilize adaptor 124 and shaft 122 associated
therewith and finally causing the transition of fixation element
105 so as to assume the different configuration.
[0066] In embodiments, the different positions and/or configuration
of fixation element 105 may be switched with linear, non-linear,
rotational or a movement and/or combination thereof is depicted
with the actuator 104 and movement modules 120 associated
therewith.
[0067] In embodiments actuator 104 may be realized as a linear
actuator, a rotational actuator, a motor, a servo motor, a spring,
piezoelectric actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, the like
or any combination thereof.
[0068] In embodiments, actuation and control of actuator 104 is
provided with electronics module 110 and sub-modules therein as
described below.
[0069] Electronics module 110 preferably provides for rendering
device 100 operational and comprises a plurality of submodules
comprising at least one or more selected from power sub-module 112,
communication sub-module 114, ID sub-module 115, controller
sub-module 116, and location sub-module 118, the like or any
combination thereof.
[0070] Controller sub-module 116 may for example comprise processor
and/or microprocessor and necessary memory to provide for
controlling electronics module 110 and device 100.
[0071] In embodiments, power sub-module 112 may be provided in
optional forms for example including but not limited to battery,
rechargeable battery, photovoltaic cell, supercapacitor the like or
any combination thereof, capable of providing sufficient power
profile and/or energy to device 100 and in particular electronics
module 110 and/or actuator 104.
[0072] Communication sub-module 114 provides device 100 with
communication capabilities utilizing optional wireless and/or
cellular communication protocols. Communication module 114 may for
example utilize WI-FI, NFC, BLUETOOTH, infrared (IR), optical,
radio frequency (RF), ZIGBEE, the like or any combination thereof
so as to allow device 100 to communicate with at least one or more
external and/or auxiliary devices 130, 50, 52.
Most preferably communication module 114 may provide for
communicating and/or data exchange with an associated wireless
digital key 130 and/or a communication and processing device 50, 52
forming part of system 101 as previously described. Preferably
communication with optional processing devices 50,52 allows for
active remote monitoring of location of device 100.
[0073] In embodiments Identification (ID) sub-module 115 may
comprise an identification sensor for identifying the rightful
owner and/or user of device 100 and its associated firearm 10. For
example, an ID sub-module 115 may be provided in the form of a
fingerprint pad and associated software, voice recognition hardware
and software, retinal scanner, biological identification device,
DNA identification, touchpad, keypad, or the like identification
hardware and software tools utilized to accurately identify an
individual.
[0074] In embodiments, location sub-module 118 may comprise a "GPS"
or the like location, position and/or tracking circuitry to
determine the location of device 100 so as to allow communication
of the device's location to an external remote communication and
processing device 50, 52 for example including but not limited to
at least one or more of: a mobile communication device, smartphone,
computer, server, policing communication network, a firearm
monitoring center or network, the like or any combination
thereof.
[0075] In embodiments, system 101 comprises device 100 as described
above along with a wireless digital ID/Key 130. In embodiments key
130 may be provided in the form of a dongle in the form of an RF
tag that is configured to be in communication with device 100 and
in particular electronics module 110 and sub-modules therein to
facilitate identification of the rightful owner of firearm 10 and
to facilitate de-coupling device 100 from magazine well 12 of
firearm 10.
[0076] In some embodiments, ID key 130 may further comprise a
communication unit capable of sending and receiving wireless data,
utilizing optional communication protocols for example including
but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, IR, RF, GPS, or cellular
networks or the like.
[0077] In some embodiments ID key 130 may further provide a human
interface so as to allow a user to set conditions for the
de-coupling of device 100 from magazine well 12 of firearm 10. For
example, ID key 130 in communication with device 100 may be
utilized to identify the rightful owner of a firearm so as to
release and/or decouple device 100 from the firearm allowing only
the rightful owner and/or user to use the firearm and/or switch
magazines. Preferably, once the ID data key is in proximity to
device 100, stored identification data is communicated between
device 100 and key 130 using an appropriate communication protocol
so as to confirm ownership and proximity to device so as to allow
use of firearm 10.
[0078] In some embodiments key 130 may be programmable, optionally
with an auxiliary processing and communication device 50,52, so as
to program and control the conditions for positive identification
between device 100 and key 130.
[0079] In embodiments system 101 may further comprise at least one
or more auxiliary communication and processing device 50,52 for
example in the form of a computer, server and/or smartphone.
Preferably processing device 50 provides for communicating with
device 100 and in particular with location sub-module 118 so as to
track the location of device 100. For example, if a firearm 10
having device 100 associated within the magazine well 12 is stolen
a user may remotely track the location of device 100 via
communication and processing device 50.
[0080] FIG. 3A-B show device 100 having a housing 102 in the shape
of a magazine configured to fit within a magazine well 12 of a
handgun 10a, shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3C similarly shows device 100
having a housing in the shape of a magazine configured to fit an
assault rifle, for example firearms 10b as shown in FIG. 1.
[0081] Housing 102 features a magazine notch 102a provided to
couple with and corresponding to a magazine catch and/or release
button (not shown) featured on the firearm's grip.
[0082] Housing 102 is shaped so as to fit within the magazine well
of a firearm, and features electronics module 110 that is
preferably disposed along a distal portion of housing 102. As
previously described electronics module 110 provides the necessary
electronics and circuitry submodules to render device 100
functional. Preferably distal portion of housing 102 further
comprises an actuator 104 and movement module 120.
[0083] Device 100 features at least one fixation element 105 shown
here as in the form of a quadrilateral element 105 that can assume
at least two positions and/or configurations relative to a side
wall of housing 102 so as to allow switching between the coupled
(first configuration) position, FIG. 2B, and a de-coupled (second
configurations) position, FIG. 2A, of fixation element 105.
[0084] FIG. 3A shows fixation element 105 in the de-coupled
position wherein element 105 is flush with a side wall of housing
102. FIG. 3B depicts the fixation element 105 in the extended
configuration where it protrudes from a side wall of housing 102
therein providing the coupled configuration wherein device 100 is
securely coupled within the magazine well 12 of a firearm 10.
[0085] As previously described fixation element 105 is preferably
capable of switching between the secured configuration and the
non-secured configuration with the aid of a movement module 120,
actuator 104 and electronics module 110.
[0086] In some embodiments at least two or more fixation elements
105 may be utilized to secure device 100 within magazine well
12.
[0087] In embodiments the fixation element 105 may be disposed
along any portion of housing 102 so as to affix device 100 within
magazine well 12.
[0088] FIG. 2A-C show device 100 wherein the distal end (bottom) of
housing 102 features the electronics module 110 and at least a
portion of movement module 120. In some embodiments actuator 104
may be further disposed within the distal end (bottom) portion s of
housing 102.
[0089] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum
dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to
include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and
manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent
and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent
relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in
the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present
invention.
[0090] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all
suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling
within the scope of the invention.
[0091] It should be noted that where reference numerals appear in
the claims, such numerals are included solely or the purpose of
improving the intelligibility of the claims and are no way limiting
on the scope of the claims.
[0092] Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be
appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that
precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can
be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the
appended claims.
[0093] Further modifications of the invention will also occur to
persons skilled in the art and all such are deemed to fall within
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
[0094] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum
dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to
include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and
manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent
and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent
relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in
the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present
invention.
[0095] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all
suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling
within the scope of the invention.
[0096] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0097] Citation or identification of any reference in this
application shall not be construed as an admission that such
reference is available as prior art to the invention.
[0098] Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of
the specification and should not be construed as necessarily
limiting.
[0099] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
variations, modifications and other applications of the invention
may be made.
* * * * *