Waterless floor drain trap valve

Abstract

A Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve is provided as a drain line backup to withstand the pressure from water/sewage reversing direction and flowing into the occupied space of the building. During usage, as a nut on the top of the Valve is tightened, the expandable outer seal forms a plurality of seal points within the inside diameter of the floor drainpipe while almost simultaneously the bottom cover travels in an upward direction further compressing the expandable outer seal and providing robust sealing to prevent backflow into the living space. The Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve is further configured to connect remotely to various diagnostic devices, mobile platforms and applications for real-time monitoring of the valve performance.

Claims

1. A waterless floor drain trap valve comprising: an inlet end configured with a top cover, the inlet end having a recessed opening and a grate to direct water flow, wherein an edge along a top surface of the grate is flushed with a top surface of the inlet end; an opposite outlet end configured with a bottom cover; a first sensor and a second sensor disposed within the valve and configured to deliver real-time monitoring of the valve; wherein the first sensor is attached to the top cover and positioned in proximity to the inlet end and the second sensor is attached to the bottom cover and positioned in proximity to the outlet end; an expandable outer seal positioned between the top and bottom cover; a fastener positioned proximate to the top cover; a threaded rod connected to a backflow preventer plate and a backflow plate spring and a backflow preventer seal in connection with the bottom cover; wherein during operation the fastener is rotated and tightened by a certain predetermined amount over the top cover on the inlet end; and wherein the rotating and tightening of the fastener in proximity to the top cover further causes the bottom cover to travel a certain predetermined distance in an upward direction thereby outwardly expanding and compressing the outer seal against the inner surface of a drainpipe; and wherein the expansion and compression of the outer seal generates a plurality of seal points within the inside diameter of a floor drainpipe to provide optimum sealing of the drainpipe.

2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is configured to sense the flow of water into the grate; and the second sensor is configured to receive information indicative of fluid, sewage and/or gases flowing in the reverse direction and thereby prevent backflow and escape of odors into the living area; and wherein the first and second sensors are further adapted and configured to connect remotely and wirelessly transmit data to various diagnostic devices, mobile platforms and applications for enhanced reliability and closed-loop feedback control of the valve.

3. The valve of claim 1, wherein the backflow preventer plate can be manufactured from steel or other materials having similar strength and tensile characteristics to withstand backflow pressure common in floor drains.

4. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve can be further configured to act as a drain line backup to withstand pressure from water/sewage reversing direction and flowing into the occupied space of the building.

5. The valve of claim 1, wherein during the event of a drain line backup, the backflow preventer seal of the backflow preventer plate seals off and blocks the flow of sewage in the reverse direction.

6. The valve of claim 1, wherein the backflow preventer plate and the backflow preventer seal positioned in proximity to the bottom cover are configured to work cooperatively with each other and create a one-way valve allowing water to flow down the drain while preventing odors, harmful gases, pathogens or insects from entering the living space.

7. The valve of claim 1, wherein the tightening of the fastener allows the backflow plate spring to exert a light upward force on the backflow plate such that the backflow preventer seal needs only a small amount of pressure to function as a one-way valve; and wherein during a drain line backup event the backflow plate spring acts with sufficient force on the backflow preventer plate and keeps the plate in an upward sealed position.

8. The valve of claim 7, wherein the force of the spring is further balanced with the weight of the backflow preventer plate in order not to obstruct the passage of water in the normal flow direction.

9. The valve of claim 1, wherein elastic memory of the expandable outer seal urges the peripheral edge of the outer seal to extend horizontally and form a plurality of seal points against the inner surface of the drain.

10. The valve of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom cover further comprise a centrally located aperture and a plurality of apertures radially positioned and circumferentially dispersed at a predetermined distance from each other.

11. A method of using a waterless floor drain trap valve, the method comprising the steps of: configuring an inlet end with a top cover, the inlet end having a recessed opening and a grate to direct water flow, wherein an edge along a top surface of the grate is flushed with a top surface of the inlet end; configuring an opposite outlet end with a bottom cover; configuring a first sensor and a second sensor within the valve to deliver real-time monitoring of the valve; attaching the first sensor to the top cover and positioning the first sensor in proximity to the inlet end; attaching a second sensor to the bottom cover and positioning the second sensor in proximity to the outlet end; positioning an expandable outer seal between the top and bottom cover and a fastener proximate to the top cover; connecting a threaded rod to a backflow preventer plate having a backflow plate spring; rotating and tightening the fastener by a certain predetermined amount in proximity to the top cover on the inlet end and moving the bottom cover to travel a certain predetermined distance in an upward direction and thereby outwardly expanding and compressing the outer seal against the inner surface of a drainpipe; forming a plurality of seal points within the inside diameter of a floor drainpipe to provide optimum sealing of the drainpipe.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first sensor is configured to sense the flow of water into the grate; and the second sensor is configured to receive information indicative of fluid, sewage and/or gases flowing in the reverse direction and thereby prevent backflow and escape of odors into the living area; and wherein the first and second sensors are further adapted and configured to connect remotely and wirelessly transmit data to various diagnostic devices, mobile platforms and applications for enhanced reliability and closed-loop feedback control of the valve.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the backflow preventer plate can be manufactured from steel or other materials having similar strength and tensile characteristics to withstand backflow pressure common in floor drains.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the valve can be further configured to act as a drain line backup to withstand pressure from water/sewage reversing direction and flowing into the occupied space of the building.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein during the event of a drain line backup, the backflow preventer seal of the backflow preventer plate seals off and blocks the flow of sewage in the reverse direction.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the backflow preventer plate and the backflow preventer seal positioned in proximity to the bottom cover are configured to work cooperatively with each other and create a one-way valve allowing water to flow down the drain while preventing odors, harmful gases, pathogens or insects from entering the living space.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the tightening of the fastener allows the backflow plate spring to exert a light upward force on the backflow plate such that the backflow preventer seal needs only a small amount of pressure to function as a one-way valve; and wherein during a drain line backup event the backflow plate spring acts with sufficient force on the backflow preventer plate and keeps the plate in an upward sealed position.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the force of the spring is further balanced with the weight of the backflow preventer plate in order not to obstruct the passage of water in the normal flow direction.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein elastic memory of the expandable outer seal urges the peripheral edge of the outer seal to extend horizontally and form a plurality of seal points against the inner surface of the drain.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the top and bottom cover further comprise a centrally located aperture and a plurality of apertures radially positioned and circumferentially dispersed at a predetermined distance from each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve.

(3) FIGS. 2 and 3 show the cross-section of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve showing the Valve in the closed position during usage.

(4) FIG. 4 shows the cross-section of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve showing the Valve in the open position when the Valve is used with normal water flow as a floor drain.

(5) FIG. 5 shows the cross-section of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve showing the Valve in closed position when the Valve is used with normal water flow as a floor drain.

(6) FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the various elements of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve.

(7) FIG. 7 shows the individual components of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a cross-section of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles disclosed herein, reference is now made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language is used to describe the same.

(10) It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is hereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated apparatus and such further applications of the principles disclosed and illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention relates.

(11) In an embodiment, a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve comprises pre-configured elements designed to work in tandem to provide improved Valve functionality and sealing with the utmost efficiency. In the depicted embodiment, the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve comprises a substantially cylindrical body having an inlet end with a recessed opening comprising a grate (or disk) to direct water flow, wherein the edge along the top surface of the grate (or disk) is flushed with the top surface of the inlet end. The Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve further comprises a top cover and an opposite outlet end with a bottom cover. In the depicted embodiment, the top and bottom cover further comprise a centrally located aperture and a plurality of apertures circumferentially dispersed at a predetermined distance from each other.

(12) The improved Valve further includes a silicone gasket/skirt functioning as an expandable outer seal positioned between the inlet top cover and the opposite outlet bottom cover, a conventional fastener (e.g., nut, wingnut or butterfly nut) positioned proximate to the top cover, a threaded rod connected to a backflow preventer plate, a backflow plate spring (for the backflow preventer plate) along with a backflow preventer seal for sealing the backflow preventer plate—all elements designed and configured to work cooperatively to achieve high-performance sealing capability for drain traps.

(13) In the depicted embodiment, the Valve is configured to allow normal water flow to pass through the cylindrical body of the Valve when the Valve is used as a floor drain trap valve. During the normal usage of the Valve, the relatively rigid expandable outer seal mounted to the Valve body further comprises outwardly expandable resilient seal points positioned within the cylindrical body such that during usage of the Valve in a drainpipe, the seal points on a portion of the circumferential edge of the Valve are tightly compressed against the inner surface of a floor drainpipe to provide optimum sealing.

(14) In another embodiment, the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve comprises an inlet end with a recessed opening comprising a grate (or disk) to direct water flow, wherein the edge along the top surface of the grate (or disk) is flushed with the top surface of the inlet end. The Valve further comprises a top cover and an opposed outlet end with a bottom cover, an expandable outer seal positioned between the top and bottom cover, a nut positioned proximate to the top cover, a threaded rod, a backflow plate spring and a backflow preventer plate along with a backflow preventer seal. During the usage of the Valve in the closed position, the resiliently rigid expandable outer seal is configured to seal against the inner surface of a drain and prevent backflow of gases through the Valve structure. The flexibility in the design and configuration of the various elements of the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve (e.g., the elastic memory of the expandable outer seal urging the peripheral edge of the expandable outer seal to extend horizontally and form seal points against the inner surface of the drain, the backflow plate spring, backflow preventer plate and balancing of the spring force with the weight of the backflow preventer plate) provides optimum sealing and performance.

(15) In another embodiment, a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve is further configured to connect remotely to various diagnostic devices and applications via a first sensor and a second sensor disposed within the Valve and configured to deliver real-time monitoring and an improved backflow management system for a variety of situations. The first and second sensors are positioned in proximity to the inlet and outlet ends and are attached to the top cover and the bottom cover of the Valve, respectively. During usage of the Valve, the first sensor is configured to sense the flow of water into the grate and the second sensor is configured to receive information indicative of fluid, sewage and/or gases flowing in the reverse direction (e.g., drain line backup flow) and thereby prevent backflow and escape of odors into the living area. The sensors are further adapted and configured to remotely connect and wirelessly transmit data associated with flow of fluid and/or gases to computer-based diagnostic devices or mobile applications through Wi-Fi or existing cellular networks for enhanced reliability and closed-loop feedback control of the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve.

(16) In the depicted embodiment, the backflow preventer plate and the backflow preventer seal are positioned in proximity to the bottom cover of the outlet end and are configured such that the upper peripheral edge of the backflow preventer plate is configured to move in an upward direction to form a sealing contact with a downwardly facing sealing surface of a backflow preventer seal when the nut on the Valve is tightened during usage to generate a seal on the inside of a drainpipe.

(17) In another embodiment, a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve is positioned between the inlet and outlet of a drain basin. In the depicted embodiment, the Valve is configured to prevent backflow and escape of odors while still allowing the Valve to function as a drain. The seal on the inside diameter of the drainpipe is achieved by rotating and tightening the nut by a certain predetermined amount over the top cover on the inlet end of the Valve. The rotating and tightening of the nut in proximity to the inlet top cover of the inlet end causes the opposite outlet end bottom cover to travel a certain predetermined distance in an upward direction thereby compressing the expandable outer seal and expanding it outward to form a tight seal on the inside of the drainpipe. This improved configuration and functionality of the various elements of the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve provides effective sealing and prevention of backflow into the living space.

(18) In another embodiment, a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve is provided as a drain line backup to withstand the pressure from water/sewage reversing direction and flowing into the occupied space of the building. In the depicted embodiment, the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve comprises a grate, an inlet top cover and an outlet bottom cover, a silicone gasket/skirt functioning as an expandable outer seal positioned between the top and bottom cover along with a conventional fastener (e.g., nut, wingnut or butterfly nut) positioned proximate to the top cover, a backflow preventer plate attached to a threaded rod, a backflow plate spring and a backflow preventer seal positioned in proximity to the outlet bottom cover. In the event of a drain line backup, the backflow preventer plate in cooperation with the backflow preventer seal blocks the flow of sewage in the reverse direction.

(19) The backflow plate is made of steel or a suitably strong material to withstand any backflow pressure as is common in floor drains. One of the key aspects of this invention is the unique configuration of the backflow preventer plate along with the positioning of the backflow preventer seal in proximity to the bottom cover in order for the Valve to withstand the pressure from water/sewage reversing direction and prevent flowing into the occupied space of the building.

(20) In another embodiment, a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve is provided in an open position. In the depicted embodiment, the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve comprises an inlet end with a recessed opening comprising a grate (or disk) to direct water flow, wherein the edge along the top surface of the grate (or disk) is flushed with the top surface of the inlet end, a top cover and an opposite bottom cover, a silicone gasket/skirt functioning as an expandable outer seal positioned between the top and bottom cover along with a conventional fastener (e.g., nut, wingnut or butterfly nut) positioned proximate to the top cover and a uniquely configured backflow preventer plate attached to a threaded rod, a backflow plate spring and a backflow preventer seal in proximity to the bottom cover.

(21) The open position in the depicted embodiment is only necessary when the Valve has to act as a normal floor drain allowing the entrance of water into the drain line. During usage of the Valve, the backflow plate spring acts on the backflow preventer plate to keep it in the upward sealed position within the Valve during usage as a one-way Valve. During usage of the Valve, the first sensor is configured to sense the flow of water into the grate and the second sensor is configured to sense/receive information indicative of fluid, sewage and/or gases flowing in the reverse direction (e.g., drain line backup flow) and thereby provide advance warning to prevent backflow and escape of odors into the living area.

(22) The flexibility in the design and configuration of the various elements of the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve (e.g., the elastic memory of the expandable outer seal urging the peripheral edge of the expandable outer seal to extend horizontally and form seal points against the inner surface of the drain, the backflow plate spring and the backflow preventer plate and balancing of the spring force with the weight of the backflow preventer plate) provides optimum sealing and performance.

(23) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve. As shown in FIG. 1, an improved Valve 2000 is provided comprising a substantially cylindrical body having an inlet end with a recessed opening comprising a grate (or disk) 300 to direct water flow, wherein the edge along the top surface of the grate (or disk) 300 is flushed with the top surface of the inlet end, a top cover 200 and an opposed outlet end with a bottom cover 600. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the depicted embodiment, the top cover 200 and bottom cover 600 further comprise a centrally located aperture and a plurality of apertures (205) radially positioned and circumferentially dispersed at a predetermined distance from each other. The improved Valve 2000 further comprises an expandable outer seal 400 positioned between the inlet top cover 200 and the outlet bottom cover 600, and a conventional fastener (e.g., a wingnut) 100 positioned proximate to the inlet top cover 200.

(24) FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the cross-section of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve showing the Valve in the closed position during usage. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the improved Valve 2000 comprising an inlet end with a recessed opening comprising a grate (or disk) 300 to direct water flow, wherein the edge along the top surface of the grate (or disk) 300 is flushed with the top surface of the inlet end, a top cover 200 and an opposed outlet end with a bottom cover 600, an expandable outer seal 400 positioned between the top cover 200 and bottom cover 400, a nut 100 positioned proximate to the top cover 200, a threaded rod 800 connected to a backflow preventer plate 1500, a backflow plate spring 900 along with a backflow preventer seal 1300 is provided. As illustrated, the Valve further comprises a first sensor 700a and a second sensor 700b disposed within the Valve 2000 and configured to deliver real-time monitoring and an improved backflow management system for a variety of situations.

(25) As further illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first sensor 700a and the second sensor 700b are strategically positioned in proximity to the inlet and outlet ends, wherein the sensors 700a, 700b are respectively attached to the top cover 200 and the bottom cover 600 of the Valve 2000. During usage of the Valve 2000, the first sensor 700a is configured to sense the flow of water into the grate and the second sensor 700b is configured to receive information indicative of fluid, sewage and/or gases flowing in the reverse direction (e.g., drain line backup flow) and thereby provide advance warning to prevent backflow and escape of odors into the living area.

(26) The sensors (700a, 700b) are further adapted and configured to remotely connect and wirelessly transmit data associated with flow of fluid and/or gases to computer-based diagnostic devices or mobile applications through Wi-Fi or existing cellular networks for enhanced reliability and closed-loop feedback control of the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve (not shown in the Figure). For example, in the event of a potential drain line backup, when the second sensor 700b senses and receives information indicative of fluid or gases/sewage odors flowing in the reverse direction, the second sensor 700b can wirelessly transmit the data associated with such flow to any bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or computer) of a consumer and thereby provide advance real-time warning to the consumer.

(27) As illustrated in the depicted embodiment, during usage of the Valve 2000 in a closed position, the nut 100, top cover 200, bottom cover 600, expandable outer seal 400, threaded rod 800 and backflow plate spring 900 along with the backflow preventer plate 1500 and the backflow preventer seal 1300 function cooperatively and in tandem to secure the Valve 2000 and provide the functionality of a waterless floor drain trap valve. During the usage of the Valve 2000 in the closed position, the resiliently rigid expandable outer seal 400 is configured to seal against the inner surface of a drain and prevents backflow of gases through the Valve structure.

(28) The flexibility in the design and configuration of the various elements of the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve 2000 (e.g., the elastic memory of the expandable outer seal 400 urging the peripheral edge of the expandable outer seal to extend horizontally and form seal points (401, 403, 405) against the inner surface of the drain, the backflow plate spring 900, backflow preventer plate 1500 and balancing of the spring force 900 with the weight of the backflow preventer plate 1500) along with the strategically positioned sensors 700a, 700b provides optimum sealing and performance.

(29) The improved Valve 2000 in this position acts to prevent backflow and escape of odors while still allowing the Valve 2000 to function as a drain. The seal on the inside diameter of the drainpipe is achieved by tightening the nut 100 on top of the Valve 2000 and creating foolproof seal points (401, 403 and 405) against the inner surface of the drain. During usage, the rotating and tightening of the nut 100 in proximity to the inlet top cover 200 of the inlet end causes the opposite outlet end bottom cover 600 to travel a certain predetermined distance in an upward direction thereby compressing the expandable outer seal 400 and expanding it outward to form a tight seal on the inside of the drainpipe (seal points 401, 403 and 405) and effectively prevents any backflow into the living space. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the backflow preventer plate 1500 is designed to withstand the backflow pressure.

(30) FIG. 4 illustrates the cross-section of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve showing the Valve in the open position during normal water flow when the Valve 2000 is used as a floor drain. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the improved Valve 2000 comprising an inlet end with a recessed opening comprising a grate (or disk) 300 to direct water flow, wherein the edge along the top surface of the grate (or disk) 300 is flushed with the top surface of the inlet end with a top cover 200 and an opposite outlet end with a bottom cover 600, a first sensor 700a, a second sensor 700b, an expandable outer seal 400 positioned between the top cover 200 and bottom cover 400, a nut 100 positioned proximate to the top cover 200, a threaded rod 800, a backflow plate spring 900, a backflow preventer plate 1500 along with a backflow preventer seal 1300 is provided in an open position.

(31) During the usage of the Valve 2000 in the open position during a normal water flow, the improved Valve 2000 has to act as a normal floor drain allowing the entrance of water into the drain line. The backflow plate spring 900 acts on the backflow preventer plate 1500 to keep it in the upward sealed position. In the depicted embodiment, the spring force generated by the backflow plate spring 900 is balanced with the weight of the backflow preventer plate 1500. As illustrated, the improved Valve 2000 does not hinder the passage of water in the normal flow direction during usage. In order to perform the one-way valve functionality, the weight of the water flowing into the improved Valve 2000 must be sufficient to compress the spring 900 and allow the backflow preventer plate 1500 to open and allow water to flow to the drain.

(32) As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cross-section of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve 2000 shows the Valve in the closed position during usage. The functionality of the improved Valve 2000 in this position is the same as in FIG. 3 above. However, in addition to backflow prevention shown in FIG. 3, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the improved Valve 2000 is further capable of separating the function of odor and insect intrusion from the backflow prevention. In the event of a potential drain line backup, when the second sensor 700b receives information indicative of fluid or gases flowing in the reverse direction, the second sensor 700b can wirelessly transmit the data associated with such flow to any bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet or computer) of a consumer and thereby provide advance real-time warning to the consumer (not shown in the Figure). During the usage of the Valve 2000 in the closed position during a normal water flow, the backflow preventer plate 1500, backflow preventer seal 1300 and backflow plate spring 900 are the primary components to prevent the reverse flow or the escape of odors and insects.

(33) As further illustrated, the expandable outer seal 400 is also engaged in this closed position. The flexibility in the design of the Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve 2000 (e.g., the elastic memory of the expandable outer seal 400) urges the peripheral edge of the expandable outer seal 400 to extend horizontally and form seal points (401, 403 and 405) for optimum sealing against the inner surface of the drain. The improved Valve 2000 acts to prevent backflow and escape of odors while still allowing the Valve 2000 to function as a drain. The seal on the inside diameter of the drainpipe is achieved by tightening the nut 100 on top of the Valve 2000 and creating foolproof seal points (401, 403 and 405) against the inner surface of the drain. During usage, the configuration causes the bottom cover 600 to travel upward thereby compressing the expandable outer seal 400 to form a tight seal on the inside of the drainpipe and effectively preventing any backflow into the living space. It is further noted, the backflow plate spring 900 exerts a light upward force on the backflow plate 1500 and the compliant backflow preventer seal 1300 needs only a small amount of pressure for optimum sealing.

(34) FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the various elements (discussed in FIGS. 1-5) of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve. FIG. 7 further illustrates the individual components of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve. FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional perspective view of a cross-section of an embodiment of a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve. As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, a Waterless Floor Drain Trap Valve 2000 comprising an inlet end with a top cover 200 and an opposite outlet end with a bottom cover 600, a first sensor 700a, a second sensor 700b, an expandable outer seal 400 positioned between the top cover 200 and bottom cover 400, a conventional fastener (e.g., a nut) 100 positioned proximate to the top cover 200, a threaded rod 800, a backflow plate spring 900, a backflow preventer plate 1500 along with a backflow preventer seal 1300 is provided. The top cover 200 and bottom cover 600 further comprise a centrally located aperture and a plurality of apertures (205, 605) radially positioned and circumferentially dispersed at a predetermined distance from each other.

(35) It is understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of some examples and embodiments of the present invention, and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments may be made in accordance with the disclosure made herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

(36) The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention but to provide sufficient disclosure to allow one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention without undue burden. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly limited by nothing other than the appended claims.