Patent Grant
8640924
All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
Submitted concurrently herewith via the USPTO's electronic filing system, and incorporated herein by reference, are computer program files including instructions, routines, and/or other contents of several computer program. A table setting forth the name and size of each file included in the computer program listing is included below.
A first of these files, “readme.txt”, contains instructions for utilizing a second of the files “ascify.txt” to extract information from “edrawing.txt” and “e2.txt”. “edrawing.txt” and “e2.txt” are .easm eDrawing files that have been converted to ascii format. These files can be converted back to binary format utilizing a assembly conversion program source code for which is contained in “ascify.txt”. The readme file includes instructions for compiling and running this conversion program, as well as instructions for converting “edrawing.txt” and “e2.txt” into .easm eDrawing files. These .easm eDrawing files can be viewed using SolidWorks' eDrawings program, currently available for free download at http://www.solidworks.com.
The present invention generally relates to water coolers and methods of installing water cooler bottles therein.
Water coolers are designed to dispense water contained within commercial available water cooler bottles of varying sizes. Most water coolers, when in use, require a water bottle to be located above a dispensing opening. This requires a user to lift and invert the water bottle. This can be problematic, as water cooler bottles can be heavy. Water can easily be spilled during the installation process, too.
Several solutions have been offered to these problems. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,382 to Perry provides a bottle handling apparatus for installing a water cooler bottle in a water cooler. The water bottle is placed at the base of the apparatus, which is adjacent to a water cooler. The apparatus then lifts the bottle from floor level in an upright position, rotates the water bottle, and then lowers the inverted water bottle into a bottle receiving inlet of the water cooler.
Another solution is offered by U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,772 to Brannon, in which a pair of U-shaped rods is used to more easily secure, lift and rotate the water bottle in order to install the water bottle into a water cooler.
While conventional solutions exist, it is believed that a need remains for improvement in water coolers and methods of installing water cooler bottles. One or more aspects and features of the present invention is believed to address such continuing need.
The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of water coolers, the present invention is not limited to use only in water coolers, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the present invention may be used, for example, in a generic water dispensing context regardless of whether water is “cooled” relative to ambient environmental temperature.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a water dispensing apparatus as substantially shown and described herein.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of installing a water bottle in a water dispensing apparatus as substantially shown and described herein.
In another aspect, a water dispensing apparatus comprises a water reservoir and a lifting system. The water reservoir comprises a compartment for receiving and storing water from a water bottle; a water bottle receiving area by which a mouth of a water bottle is received for the flow of water from the water bottle into the compartment of the water reservoir; a mechanism by which a water bottle is securely coupled to the water reservoir; and a dispenser by which a user selectively dispenses water from the compartment of the water reservoir. The lifting system comprises a carriage; a track along which the carriage traverses; a motor assembly by which traversal of the carriage along the track is driven; and a coupling mechanism connecting the water reservoir to the carriage and enabling rotation of the water reservoir relative to the carriage. The water reservoir is transitionable between a lower position of the water reservoir and an upper position of the water reservoir. In the lower position, a water bottle in an upright orientation is coupled to the water reservoir, with a mouth of the water bottle being received in the water bottle receiving area of the water reservoir. In the upper position of the water reservoir, the water reservoir is rotated and a water bottle coupled thereto is transitioned into an inverted orientation, with the mouth of the water bottle facing downwardly for gravitationally induced flow of water from the water bottle into the water reservoir.
In a feature of this aspect, the water dispensing apparatus further includes a water bottle coupled with the water reservoir.
In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir is configured to engage the water cooler bottle such that a watertight seal is formed between the water reservoir and the water cooler bottle, whereby water received within the water reservoir from the water cooler bottle does not leak during rotation of the water reservoir and inversion of the water bottle.
In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system comprises a single vertical support.
In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system comprises two vertical supports, each vertical support extending on an opposite side of the water reservoir.
In a feature of this aspect, rotation of the water reservoir is simultaneous with, and dependent upon, movement of the carriage along at least a portion of the track.
In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a first compartment in which water is stored and cooled, and a second compartment in which water is stored and heated.
In another aspect of the invention, a method for installing a water bottle in a water dispensing apparatus includes the steps of: coupling a water reservoir to a water bottle oriented in an upright position; raising and rotating the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith such that the water bottle is inverted; and filling a compartment of the water reservoir with water from the inverted water bottle as a result of the inversion of the water bottle for dispensing of water from the compartment through a dispenser of the water reservoir.
In a feature, the method further includes the step of dispensing water from the compartment of the water reservoir through a dispenser of the water reservoir.
In a feature, the method further includes the steps of: lowering and rotating the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith such that the water bottle is returned to the upright position, wherein the water bottle is generally emptied of water; decoupling the water reservoir from the water bottle oriented in the upright position; replacing the water bottle with a generally full water bottle; raising and rotating the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith such that the water bottle is inverted; and filling the compartment of the water reservoir with water from the inverted water bottle as a result of the inversion of the water bottle for further dispensing of water from the compartment through the dispenser of the water reservoir.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water dispensing apparatus that comprise a lifting system and a water reservoir. The lifting system is adapted to raise and lower the water reservoir, and is adapted to rotate the water reservoir.
In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the lifting system further comprises a track.
In another feature, the lifting system further comprises a track and the water reservoir is raised and lowered along the track.
In yet another feature, the lifting system further comprises a track, the water reservoir is raised and lowered along the track, and the water reservoir is simultaneously rotated as it is raised and lowered along the track.
In still another feature, the lifting system further comprises a track, the water reservoir is raised and lowered along the track, and a button initiates the raising and lowering and rotation of the water reservoir.
In another feature of this aspect of the invention, the lifting system further comprises a pair of coupling mechanisms by which the water reservoir is joined to the lifting system.
In yet another feature, the lifting system further comprises a base and the lifting system is adapted to rotate and lower the water reservoir onto a water cooler bottle located at the base.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water cooler comprising a lifting system, a water reservoir, and a water cooler bottle. The water cooler bottle is secured to the water reservoir to form a water tight seal by which the water in the water cooler bottle fills the water reservoir. Additionally, the lifting system raises and lowers the water reservoir with the water cooler bottle secured thereto, with the water reservoir and water cooler bottle being rotated during lifting from a first position to an inverted position for dispensing of the water.
In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a cooling compartment (sometimes referred to also as a cooling reservoir) for storing water and cooling water stored therein. The water preferably is cooled using one or more Peltier elements in contact with the cooling reservoir. A Peltier element is also sometimes referred to as a Peltier cooler or thermoelectric (TE) module. Each Peltier element preferably includes a fan for cooling of the hot side of the Peltier element.
In another feature, the water reservoir includes a heating compartment (sometimes referred to also as a heating reservoir) for storing water and heating water stored therein. The water preferably is heated using one or more electrical heating elements.
In another feature, the water reservoir comprises a bottle receiving area configured to receive a water cooler bottle therein.
In still a further feature, the lifting system is adapted invert the water reservoir and lower the water reservoir onto a water cooler bottle, such that a neck of the water cooler bottle protrudes through the aperture in the bottle receiving area.
In another feature, a clamping mechanism secures the water cooler bottle to the water reservoir.
In still another feature, the clamping mechanism a clamping mechanism secures the water cooler bottle to the water reservoir and forms a watertight seal with the water cooler bottle.
In another feature, the apparatus is further adapted to lift and rotate the water cooler bottle to an inverted position for dispensing of water.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid cooling apparatus. An exemplary such apparatus includes a cooling reservoir and one or more Peltier elements. Furthermore, in this aspect of the invention, the one or more Peltier elements are adapted to remove heat from a fluid contained within the cooling reservoir as an electrical current passes through the one or more Peltier elements.
A feature of this aspect of the invention includes a controller that regulates the amount of electrical current supplied to the one or more Peltier elements. The controller may be a thermostat.
In another feature still, the apparatus further includes a heating reservoir and one or more heating elements, wherein the one or more heating elements are adapted to heat a fluid contained within the heating reservoir as an electrical current passes through the one or more heating elements.
In yet another feature, the apparatus includes an insulation system.
In another aspect of the invention, a method for installing a water cooler bottle in a water dispensing apparatus for dispensing water includes the steps of: positioning a water cooler bottle in an upright orientation underneath a water reservoir, the water reservoir including a dispenser through which water is dispensed to a user; lowering the water reservoir on top of the water cooler bottle; coupling together the water reservoir and water cooler bottle; lifting the water reservoir and water cooler bottle coupled thereto; rotating the water reservoir and water cooler bottle coupled thereto such that the water cooler bottle transitions to an inverted position; and filling the water reservoir with water from the water cooler bottle for dispensing to a user.
In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes the step of heating water within the water reservoir.
In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes the step of cooling water within the water reservoir.
In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes the step of cooling water within a cooling compartment and the step of heating water within the water reservoir within a heating compartment that is a separate compartment from the cooling compartment.
The method further may include selectively dispensing water from the first and second compartments. In this respect, heated water may be dispensed through a first dispenser or tap, and cooled water may be dispensed through a second dispenser or tap.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water cooler. The water cooler includes a lifting system; a water reservoir; and a water cooler bottle. The water reservoir is coupled to the water cooler bottle such that water may fill the water reservoir from the water cooler bottle without leaking, and the lifting system is configured to raise and lower the water reservoir, with the water cooler bottle coupled thereto, between: a lower position, wherein the water cooler bottle is in an upright position and is supported at a bottom portion thereof, and a raised position, wherein the water cooler bottle is inverted relative to the first position and is supported at an upper portion thereof in its coupling with the water reservoir.
In a feature of this aspect, the bottle is supported at a bottom portion thereof by a base of the water cooler.
In a feature of this aspect, the bottle is supported at a bottom portion thereof by a floor on which the water cooler is supported.
In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system is configured to rotate the water reservoir and water cooler bottle coupled thereto between the lower position and the raised position.
In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system is configured to rotate the water cooler bottle between the upright position and the inverted position.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water dispensing apparatus as disclosed by the figures.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of installing a water cooler bottle in a water cooler apparatus as disclosed by the figures.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water dispensing apparatus. The water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system; and a water reservoir. The lifting system is adapted to raise and lower the water reservoir. The lifting system is further adapted to rotate the water reservoir during lifting. The lifting system comprises a mechanism for elevating the water reservoir including an inclined surface extending along a vertical extent of the lifting system from the bottom toward the top of the lifting system, the water reservoir riding along the inclined surface via a carriage; and a gear arrangement attached to the carriage by which the water reservoir rotates as the water reservoir is lifted along a particular vertical section of the lifting system between the top and bottom of the lifting system.
In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system further comprises a track. In some implementations, the water reservoir is raised and lowered along the track. In some implementations, the water reservoir is simultaneous rotated as it is raised and lowered along the track. Additionally, a rack is provided along a portion of the track that includes toothed members that engage the gear arrangement. In some implementations, the apparatus further comprises a button that, when pushed, initiates the raising, lowering and rotation of the water reservoir.
In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system further comprises a vertical support. In some implementations, the water reservoir is supported by a single vertical support and not multiple vertical supports.
In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system further comprises a base and wherein the lifting system is adapted to rotate and lower the water reservoir onto a water cooler bottle located at the base. In some implementations, the water reservoir is configured to securely couple to the water cooler bottle sufficient to retain the water cooler bottle during lifting and rotation of the water cooler bottle. In some implementations, the apparatus further comprises a clamp mechanism that couples the water reservoir to the water cooler bottle.
In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a compartment in which water is stored and cooled. In some implementations, the water is cooled using one or more Peltier elements.
In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a compartment in which water is stored and heated. In some implementations, the water is heated using one or more electrical heating elements.
In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a bottle receiving area adapted to receive at least a top portion of a water cooler bottle therein.
In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system is adapted to invert the water reservoir and lower the water reservoir onto a water cooler bottle such that the upper portion of the water cooler bottle is received therein and a neck of the water cooler bottle protrudes through an aperture in the water reservoir. In some implementations, the water reservoir further comprises a clamping mechanism that secures the water cooler bottle to the water reservoir. In some implementations, the water reservoir is configured to engage the water cooler bottle such that a watertight seal is formed between the water reservoir and the water cooler bottle whereby water is received within the water reservoir from the water cooler bottle without leaking when the water cooler bottle is rotated. In some implementations, the apparatus is further adapted to lifting system and rotate the water cooler bottle to an inverted position.
Another aspect relates to a water dispensing apparatus that includes a lifting system comprising a base and a single vertical support extending upwardly from the base; and a water reservoir. The lifting system is adapted to raise and lower the water reservoir along the vertical support, and is adapted to rotate the water reservoir during lifting along the vertical support. The water reservoir is supported during lifting and rotation only by the single vertical support as opposed to multiple vertical supports.
In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features.
Still further aspects and features of the present invention are represented by the claims and drawings.
One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 in the United States, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”
When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”
Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.
As illustrated, the lifting system 12 includes a base 19 and a U-shaped member 20 affixed to the base 19. The U-shaped member 16 has first and second vertical supports 22,24 joined by an integral horizontal support 26. The base 19 and the U-shaped member 20 enclose electronic components, including a motor (schematically shown in phantom in a foot of the vertical support 22), as well as mechanical components, such as gears enabling linear and rotational movement of the water reservoir 14. As shown, the motor may be powered by an electrical cord—including power converter—that plugs into a conventional wall outlet. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the motor may be battery driven.
As shown generally in
Further shown in
The bottle receiving area 44 is adapted to receive commercially available water cooler bottles 16. An exemplary such water bottle 16 is made of lightweight, transparent plastic, and has a generally cylindrical body with a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion including a neck extending outwardly therefrom. The neck has an opening at the end thereof by which water enters and exits the bottle. The clamping mechanism of the water reservoir 14 secures the water bottle 16 to the bottle receiving area 44 by clamping tightly about the neck of the bottle 16 and creates a watertight seal that prevents water from escaping the water reservoir 14, even when the water bottle 16 is inverted.
The water dispensing apparatus 10 transitions between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration in which the water reservoir 14 is located in an upper position and lower position, respectively. In at least one preferred embodiment, this transition is accomplished by the user pressing a single button.
In the lowered configuration, the water reservoir 14 is oriented such that the bottle receiving area 44 is below the dispensing area 46. Furthermore, in the lowered configuration the hexagonal pins 34 are located nearer the bottom of the racks 30, thus lowering the water reservoir 14 from its raised configuration height. If a water bottle 16 is installed, the water bottle 16 will be in an upright orientation. Preferably, one or more pressure regulators housed within the water reservoir 14 prevent gravity from forcing any water out of the water reservoir 14 and into the water bottle 16, whereby water is retained in the compartments of the water reservoir 14.
As shown throughout the various drawings, the dispensing area 46 is disposed near the bottom portion of the water reservoir 14 when in the upper position and includes one or more dispensing taps. In general, the water reservoir 14 comprises a heating system 52 and a cooling system 54. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing area includes one hot water dispenser 72 and one cold water dispenser 74, as illustrated in
In at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating system 52 comprises a heating compartment 66, a heating controller 68, and a heating element. Once a water bottle 16 has been installed, water flows from the water bottle 16 into the heating compartment 66 where the water is stored and heated to the desired temperature. The heating controller 68 contains electronics, including a thermostat, that monitor and regulate the temperature of the water contained within the heating compartment 66. In a preferred embodiment, the thermostat can be set between 155 degrees Fahrenheit and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. As electricity flows through the heating element 70, heat is transferred to the water within the heating compartment 66, heating water therein to a desired temperature.
As the apparatus 310 transitions, shown in
It will be appreciated that a water bottle 16 can be unloaded in a similar fashion. First, the apparatus 310 with a first bottle installed transitions from a raised configuration to a lowered configuration. Once the apparatus 310 reaches the lowered configuration, the installed first bottle is released from the water reservoir 314 onto the base 319. A user then removes the first bottle and replaces it with a second bottle. The apparatus 314 securely grabs the second bottle about the neck and returns to the raised configuration.
Furthermore, during the interchanging of the full and empty water cooler bottles, the lifting system may raise the water reservoir slightly to facilitate removal of the empty water cooler bottle and placement of the full water cooler bottle. Such a slightly raised configuration is show in
The water dispensing apparatus 410 further includes an extruded frame 420 extending upward therefrom, and a water reservoir 414 disposed generally vertically above the base 419. Mechanical components (described in more detail hereinbelow) disposed within the frame 420 support the water reservoir 414 during both vertical translation of the water reservoir 414 rotation of the water reservoir 414.
First, the water reservoir 414 begins to descend vertically and simultaneously rotate, as illustrated in
With the water bottle 416 securely coupled with the water reservoir 214, the water reservoir 414 ascends, taking the secured water cooler bottle 416 with it. This process is the reverse of the descent process. Thus, at first, the water reservoir 414 secured water bottle 416 only ascend, but do not rotate. However, shortly after beginning the ascent, the water reservoir 414 and water bottle 416 rotate as well, as illustrated in
Movement of the water reservoir 414 during its ascent and descent is facilitated by a carriage 430 located within the frame 420 that traverses along a track. The carriage 430 is coupled to the water reservoir 414 as illustrated in
The carriage 430 includes four angled wheels 432 on a first side thereof, and a single wider roller 433 on the opposite side thereof. The angled wheels 432 and the roller 433 allow the carriage 430 to roll within frame 420. The angled wheels 432 serve to maintain alignment of the carriage 430 precisely with a center-line of the extruded frame 420, and further distribute load to the front of the frame 420. The carriage 430 is driven by a timing belt 422 that is secured at top and bottom belt mounts of the carriage 430. The timing belt 422 is driven by a winch motor 423 facilitated by a drive worm 424, a worm wheel 425, a spur gear 426, and a timing pulley 427, as illustrated in
The carriage 430 includes a pinion 432 which is configured to engage a rack 421 disposed within the frame 420 along the track, as illustrated in
The water reservoir 414 is mounted to the splined gear 434, as can be seen via reference to
As illustrated in
As noted hereinabove, the water reservoir 414 includes a bottle receiving area including a receiving aperture configured to receive a neck of a water cooler bottle.
The water reservoir 414 includes a clamping assembly 450, which is illustrated in
As perhaps best seen in
The water reservoir 414 further comprises one or more compartments. As illustrated in
In one or more alternative implementations, a carriage of a water dispensing apparatus is raised or lowered via an alternative mechanism. For example, in a preferred implementation, a carriage of a water dispensing apparatus is secured to a cable and a motor raises and lowers the carriage via winding and unwinding of the cable.
In another preferred implementation, a mechanism for elevating a carriage includes an inclined surface 602 (which resembles a coil) extending along a vertical extent, as illustrated in
In one or more preferred implementations, a water reservoir includes a pump (not illustrated). For example, in a preferred implementation, a water reservoir includes a pump that allows the water reservoir to dispense water from a compartment via a dispenser that is disposed vertically higher than a water level in the compartment.
Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
The present application is a U.S. continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/190,268, filed Jul. 25, 2011, published as 2012/0097291 A1, incorporated herein by reference, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,420, incorporated herein by reference, and which '268 application is a continuation-in-part patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, international patent application no. PCT/US2011/001304, filed Jul. 23, 2011, which international patent application is, for purposes of the United States of America, a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, each of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/367,368, filed Jul. 23, 2010, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/427,472, filed Dec. 27, 2010; the '268 patent application further is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, each of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/367,368, filed Jul. 23, 2010, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/427,472, filed Dec. 27, 2010. Each of the above noted U.S. provisional patent applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the '472 provisional patent applications is attached hereto as an appendix and incorporated herein by reference.
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