Food grade feeder device and system for placing rolls, egg, meat, or protein patties, and/or cheese and other foodstuffs to assemble and prepare a sandwich

Abstract

An automated food grade conveyor, placement and feeder device and system for singulating and placing rolls, egg, meat, or protein patties, and/or cheese and other foodstuffs to assemble and prepare a sandwich, the system being made of food grade materials that are easily cleanable and being made compact and on wheels which results in a system that significantly reduces time, labor, and waste while increasing productivity, quality and freshness; it includes bulk feeding specific food items through a food grade centrifugal feed system, placing the food items with a chain driven pick and place device, transferring food items to separate servo driven trains, automatically placing of a food pattie onto a sliced bun, wrapping of a completed sandwich, and placing the sandwich on a tray, box or container.

Claims

1. A food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) made of durable materials, the feeder device and singulating system comprised of: (a) an egg, meat, or protein centrifugal feeder (40); (b) a biscuit conveyor (50) and a roll (72) and pattie (70) and a gathering conveyor (55); (c) a pair of servo drive chains (60A,60B) to turn patties (70) or other foodstuffs/items, the pair of servo drive chains (60A,60B) further comprising a pair of motors and gear drives (62), a chain (63), and a set of pockets (64) on drive chain (63); (d) a slider rail (65 between servo drive (60A,60B); and (e) a placement device (66) of the pattie into a sliced bun wherein the food grade singulating system (30) for placing meat an egg, meat and/or protein patties (70) onto rolls/biscuits (72) and assembling a sandwich (74) and a person (91) attending and finishing sandwich assembly is able to efficiently and quickly assembly sandwiches in a relatively small workplace and floor space.

2. The food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) in claim 1 further comprised with a centrifugal feeder (45) for a series of sliced rolls, biscuits, and buns.

3. The food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) in claim 1 further comprised with a pack out tray, box, or gathering device (85).

4. The food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) in claim 1 wherein the gathering conveyor (55) is further comprised with multiple guide rails (57) and a transfer rail (55) to deflect one of a series of sliced rolls, biscuits, and buns (72) and patties (70) from biscuit conveyor (50).

5. The food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) in claim 1 wherein the pair of servo drive chains (60A,60B) is further comprised with a pair of motors and gear drives (62, a chain (63), and a set of pockets (64) on drive chain (63).

6. The food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) in claim 1 wherein the durable material is selected from a group consisting of an Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), an acetal resin plastic, a 304 Stainless Steel, and a composite material.

7. The food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) in claim 1 wherein the durable material is washable with hot water and commercial soaps for quasi sterilization.

8. A food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) made of durable materials, the feeder device and singulating system comprised of: (a) an egg, meat, or protein centrifugal feeder (40); (b) a centrifugal feeder (45) for feeding a series of sliced rolls, biscuits, and buns; (c) a biscuit conveyor (50) and a roll (72) and pattie (70) gathering conveyor (55) with multiple guide rails (57) and a transfer rail (55) to deflect one of a series of sliced rolls, biscuits, and buns (72) and patties (70) from the biscuit conveyor (50); (d) a pair of servo drive chains (60A,60B) to turn patties (70) or other foodstuffs/items, the pair of servo drive chains (60A,60B) further comprising a pair of motors and gear drives (62), a chain (63), and a set of pockets (64) on drive chain (63); (e) a slider rail (65) between the servo drive (60A,60B); (f) a placement device (66) of the pattie into one of the a series of sliced rolls, biscuits, and buns; and (g) a pack out tray, box, or gathering device (85) wherein the food grade singulating system (30) for placing meat an egg, meat and/or protein patties (70) onto rolls/biscuits (72) and assembling a sandwich (74) and a person (91) attending and finishing sandwich assembly is able to efficiently and quickly assembly sandwiches in a relatively small workplace and floor space.

9. The food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) in claim 8 wherein the durable material is selected from a group consisting of an Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), an acetal resin plastic, a 304 Stainless Steel, and a composite material.

10. The food grade feeder device and singulating system (30) in claim 8 wherein the durable material is washable with hot water and commercial soaps for quasi sterilization.

11. A process for placing a series of rolls, eggs, meats and protein patties, cheese and other foodstuffs to assemble and prepare a sandwich, the process using a food grade feeder and system and comprised of: Step 1: bulk feeding specific food items (egg, meat or protein patties, possibly cheese and/or sliced tomatoes and other food items) through a food grade centrifugal feed system; Step 2: placing or sliding the food items with a chain driven pick and place or slide and place device; Step 3: transferring over food items to two separate servo driven trains; Step 4: placing pattie into a sliced roll or placing a top roll/biscuit to complete a sandwich; and Step 5: placing the sandwich on a tray, box or container.

12. A process for placing a series of rolls, eggs, meats and protein patties, cheese and other foodstuffs to assemble and prepare a sandwich in claim 11 further comprised with Step 4-1/2: wrapping of a completed sandwich.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIGURES

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the food grade feeder device and system to assemble and prepare a sandwich. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the A Food grade feeder device and system called a Patty Placer. It is understood, however, that the feeding device and system is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0029] FIGS. 1 A through 1 C are sketches of the general Food grade system for egg, meat and protein patties onto rolls and assembling a sandwich for sandwich making applications.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a sketch of the general Food grade system for egg, meat and protein patties onto rolls and assembling a sandwich device and accessories with components and features noted.

[0031] FIGS. 3 A through 3 E are sketches of the egg, meat and protein patty centrifugal feeder, the servo drive train, and transfer conveyors with device components and features shown from generally a top view.

[0032] FIGS. 4 A through 4 D are sketches of the patties transfer by the servo drive train onto the transfer conveyors.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a sketch of the servo drive chain at the patty to roll transfer point and gathering conveyors.

[0034] FIGS. 6 A through 6 C are sketches of full patties to roll system from the centrifugal feeder, through the servo drive chains and where the patties and rolls/buns are first placed together.

[0035] FIGS. 7 A through 7 D are sketches of prior art for food and sandwich transfer assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

[0036] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 30 Food grade system 30 for singulating and placing egg, meat, and protein patties 70 onto sliced rolls/biscuits 72 and assembling a sandwich 74 40 Egg, meat or protein centrifugal feeder 40 45 Roll or bun 72 centrifugal feeder 45 50 Bun/roll/biscuit 72 transfer conveyor 50 52 Transfer rail 55 to deflect a sliced roll and patties combination 70, 72 from biscuit conveyor 50 to gathering conveyor 55 54 Support wheels 54 55 Roll 72 and patties 70 transfer/gathering conveyor 55 57 Guide rail 57 60A, Servo drive chains 60A, B to turn patties 70 or B other foodstuffs/items 62 Motor and gear drive 62 63 Chain 63 of servo chains 60A, 60B 64 Pockets 64 on drive chain 63 65 Slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A, 60B 66 placement device 66 of pattie 70 into sliced roll 72 70 Egg, meat or protein patties 70 72 Sliced roll/bun or biscuit 72 74 Pattie 70 and top and bottom bun 72 sandwich 74 85 Pack out tray, box, or gathering device 85 90 Optional person 90 attending sandwich assembly 91 person 91 finishing sandwich assembly 100 Prior art 100 U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,675 101 Prior art 101 U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,943 102 Prior art 102 U.S. Pat. No. 9,532,575 103 Prior art 103 U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,716

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] This invention relates to a food grade feeder device and singulating system. Particularly it relates to a food grade conveyor, placement and feeder device and system for placing rolls, egg, meat, or protein patties, and/or cheese and other foodstuffs to assemble and prepare a sandwich called a Patty Placer. The present disclosure relates generally to the preparation of food products and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to preparing sandwiches. It also relates to a sandwich preparation apparatus or food handling system that incorporates a system that automates the process. The present invention relates to a clean product aligning device made of food grade materials that are easily cleanable and able to be washed in hot water and steam. This invention relates to an apparatus for the assembling of a biscuit or roll sandwich with the addition of egg, meat or protein patties, cheese and other condiments and foodstuffs. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus for the faster, more compact assembling of roll or biscuit sandwiches ready for packaging by using a singulating system that significantly reduces time, labor, and waste while increasing productivity, quality and freshness. Although unconfirmed, the system may also be used to aid in packaging, for instance, food, medical, pharmaceutical and military special handling products.

[0038] The advantages for the food grade feeder device and system to assemble and prepare a sandwich called a Patty Placer 30 for placing rolls, egg, meat and protein patties, and/or cheese and other foodstuffs. Succinctly the benefits are that the device and system: [0039] A. greatly reduces labor to manufacture a sandwich; [0040] B. increases output rate and productivity; [0041] C. reduces time to assemble sandwich; [0042] D. reduces cost to manufacture sandwiches; [0043] E. is washable, easy to clean and resistant to steam; [0044] F. provides a compact footprint for less use of floor space and uses less floor space than manual labor; [0045] G. reduces contaminants; [0046] H. reduces waste; [0047] I. can singulate and place an egg and/or sausage patty with no changeover between products, therefore the time to assemble sandwich and less changeover time allows components and foodstuff to be fresher; [0048] J. is easy to use and maintain; and [0049] K. can be used for any ready to eat sandwichbreakfast, lunch and dinner.

[0050] This invention is a method and system for making sandwiches using a singulating system that significantly reduces time, labor, and waste while increasing productivity, quality and freshness. This the preferred embodiment of the process for the system is comprised of: (a) bulk feeding specific food items (egg, meat or protein patties, eggs, possibly cheese and/or sliced tomatoes and other food items) through a food grade centrifugal feed system; (b) placing or sliding the food items with a chain driven pick and place or slide and place device; thus (c) transferring over food items to two separate servo driven trains; (d) placing pattie into sliced bun items by automatic and/or manual means; (e) wrapping of completed sandwich, if desired, and (f) placing on serving or transfer tray, box or container. The preferred embodiment of the system for the food grade feeder device anticipates: A food grade feeder device and system 30 comprised of: (a) an egg, meat or protein centrifugal feeder 40; (b) an optional roll, biscuit, or bun centrifugal feeder 45; (c) a biscuit conveyor 50 and a roll 72 and pattie 70 gathering conveyor 55 with a transfer rail 55 to deflect roll 72 and patties 70 from biscuit conveyor 50 to gathering conveyor 55 and with multiple guide rails 57; (d) a pair of servo drive chains 60A,60B to turn patties 70 or other foodstuffs/items, the pair of servo drive chains 60A,60B further comprising a pair of motors and gear drives 62, a chain 63, and a set of pockets 64 on drive chain 63; (e) a slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A,60B; (f) a placement device 66 of the pattie into a sliced bun; and (g) a pack out tray, box, or gathering device 85 wherein the food grade system 30 for placing an egg, meat and/or protein patties 70 onto rolls/biscuits 72 and assembling a sandwich 74 and a person 90 attending and finishing the sandwich assembly is able to efficiently and quickly assembly sandwiches in a relatively small workplace and floor space.

[0051] There is shown in FIGS. 1-7 a complete description and operative embodiment of the food grade feeder device and system 30 to assemble and prepare a sandwich called a Patty Placer. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-7 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0052] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the food grade feeder device and system food grade feeder device and singulating system 30 for placing rolls, egg, meat, or protein patties, and/or cheese and other foodstuffs to assemble and prepare a sandwich called a Patty Placer that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the food grade feeder device and singulating system 30. It is understood, however, that the device 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of food placing and assembling machines and systems for preparing sandwiches and their uses are still understood by one skilled in the art of food feeding equipment and devices to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0053] FIGS. 1 A through 1 C are sketches of the general food grade system 30 for egg, meat, or protein patties onto rolls and assembling a sandwich for sandwich making applications. Shown generally in these views of the food grade system 30 are: a food grade system 30 for singulating and placing egg, meat, and protein patties 70 onto sliced rolls/biscuits 72 and assembling a sandwich 74; an egg, meat or protein centrifugal feeder 40; a biscuit conveyor 50; a roll 72 and patties 70 transfer/gathering conveyor 55; a pair of servo drive chains 60A,60B to turn patties 70 or other foodstuffs/items; a slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A,60B; an egg, meat or protein patties 70; a roll/bun or biscuit 72; and an egg, meat or protein pattie 70 and top and bottom bun 72.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a sketch of the general food grade system 30 for an egg, meat, or protein patties onto rolls and assembling a sandwich device and accessories with components and features noted. Demonstrated in this generally top view of the singulating food system 30 is: a food grade system 30 for placing egg, meat and protein patties 70 onto rolls/biscuits 72 and assembling a sandwich 74; an egg, meat or protein centrifugal feeder 40; a roll, biscuit, or bun centrifugal feeder 45; a biscuit conveyor 50; a transfer rail 52 to deflect a roll and patties combination 70, 72 from biscuit conveyor 50 to gathering conveyor 55; a roll 72 and patties 70 transfer/gathering conveyor 55; a guide rail 57; servo drive chains 60A, 60B to turn patties 70 or other foodstuffs/items; a set of pockets 64 on drive chain 63; a slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A,60B; an egg, meat, or protein patties 70; a roll/bun or biscuit 72; an egg, meat or protein pattie and top and bottom bun 70,72; a sandwich 74; a condiment pumping device 75; a pressure line 76 for condiments; a sandwich pick and place 77; a pick and place 80 for sandwich 74; a pack out tray, box, or gathering device 85; and an optional person 90 attending sandwich assembly.

[0055] FIGS. 3 A through 3 E are sketches of the egg, meat, or protein patty centrifugal feeder, the servo drive train, and transfer conveyors with device components and features shown from generally a top view. Components and devices portrayed by these views consist of: a food grade system 30 for singulating and placing egg, meat, and protein patties 70 onto sliced rolls/biscuits 72 and assembling a sandwich 74; an egg, meat or protein centrifugal feeder 40; a biscuit conveyor 50; a set of support wheels 54; a sliced roll 72 and patties 70 transfer/gathering conveyor 55; servo drive chains 60A,60B to turn patties 70 or other foodstuffs/items; a motor and gear drive 62; a chain 63 of servo chains 60A,60B; a set of pockets 64 on drive chain 63; a slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A,60B; an egg, meat, or protein patties 70; a roll/bun or biscuit 72; and an egg, meat or protein pattie 70 and top and bottom bun 72.

[0056] FIGS. 4 A through 4 D are sketches of the patties 70 transfer by the servo drive train 60A,60B onto the biscuit and transfer conveyors 50, 55. These views show: a food grade system 30 for placing egg, meat, and protein patties 70 onto sliced rolls/biscuits 72 and assembling a sandwich 74; an egg, meat or protein centrifugal feeder 40; a biscuit conveyor 50; a set of support wheels 54; a roll 72 and patties 70 transfer/gathering conveyor 55; servo drive chains 60A,60B to turn patties 70 or other foodstuffs/items; a motor and gear drive 62; a chain 63 of servo chains 60A,60B; a set of pockets 64 on drive chain 63; a slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A,60B; an egg, meat, or protein patties 70; a sliced roll/bun or biscuit 72; and an egg, meat, or protein pattie and/or bottom bun 72.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a sketch of the servo drive chain 60A,60B at the patty 70 to roll/biscuit 72 transfer point and gathering conveyors 50, 55. Here the drawings provide: a bun/roll/biscuit centrifugal feeder 45; a biscuit conveyor 50; a roll 72 and patties 70 transfer/gathering conveyor 55; a drive chain 60B to turn patties 70 or other foodstuffs/items; a motor and gear drive 62; a chain 63 of servo chain 60B; a set of pockets 64 on drive chain 63; a slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A,60B; an egg, meat, or protein patties 70; a roll/bun or biscuit 72; and an egg, meat or protein pattie and a bottom bun 70,72.

[0058] FIGS. 6 A through 6 C are sketches of full patties 70 to roll 72 singulating system 30 from the centrifugal feeder 40, through the servo drive chains 60A,60B and where the patties 70 and rolls/buns 72 are first placed together. In these views, one sees: a food grade system 30 for placing egg, meat, and protein patties 70 onto sliced rolls/biscuits 72 and assembling a sandwich 74; an egg, meat or protein centrifugal feeder 40; a biscuit conveyor 50; a set of support wheels 54; a roll 72 and patties 70 transfer/gathering conveyor 55; servo drive chains 60A,60B to turn patties 70 or other foodstuffs/items; a chain 63 of servo chains 60A,60B; a set of pockets 64 on drive chain 63; a slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A,60B; an egg, meat or protein patties 70; a roll/bun or biscuit 72; and an egg, meat, or protein pattie and a bottom bun 70,72.

[0059] The anticipated durable materials for the food grade feeder device and system 30 for placing rolls, egg, meat or protein patties, and/or cheese and other foodstuffs to assemble and prepare a sandwich called a Patty Placer include: for the part contact surfacesan Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Disc, a 304 Stainless Steel Tooling ring, a FDA approved Acetal Resin belt material or equal for each conveyor, a 304 Stainless Steel Reorientation Cam, a 304 Stainless Steel Height Qualifier, Frame Constructiona 304 Stainless Steel Tubing with wash down casters and docking station. All are washable with hot water and commercial/industrial soaps for food preparation and all can resist extreme hot water and steam sprays for quasi sterilization. Sizes and construction details anticipated are wash down motor/gearbox w/common part numbers; all bearings to be sealed and greasable with Zerk fittings and pointing outwardly for access; and, a drive pulley to be of a griptwist material or equal. As durable and high temperature composite materials are developed, it is anticipated they can replace some of the Stainless-Steel components.

[0060] FIGS. 7 A through 7 D are sketches of prior art for food and sandwich transfer assembly. Here former patents and applications for food feeding machinery devices and systems are shown. These include: prior art 100 U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,675 by Schumann, et al. issued in 1994 is for a Pouch feeder method and device with angled rim; prior art 101 U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,943 by Naramura issued in 1996 is for a Sandwich preparation apparatus; prior art 102 U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,716 by Cones, Sr. et al. issued in 1992 is for an Apparatus for assembling biscuit sandwiches; and prior art 103 U.S. Pat. No. 9,532,575 by Donis, et al. issued in 2017 is for an Automated sandwich assembly unit. As can be seen, the novel food grade feeder device and system 30 for rolls, sandwiches, odd shaped edibles and foodstuff as compared to prior art is a unique combination and use as described herein.

[0061] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a food grade feeder device and system 30 to assemble and prepare a sandwiches can be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of food feeding equipment and their uses well appreciates.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0062] The food grade feeder device and system 30 food to assemble and prepare a sandwich Placer by placing rolls, egg, meat, or protein patties, and/or cheese and other foodstuffs and called a Patty has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the new food assembly device and singulating system 30.

[0063] The preferred embodiment of a process for the food grade feeder device is a method and system for making sandwiches using a singulating system that significantly reduces time, labor, and waste while increasing productivity, quality and freshness. This process is comprised of: (a) bulk feeding specific food items (egg, meat or protein patties, eggs, possibly cheese and/or sliced tomatoes and other food items) through a food grade centrifugal feed system; (b) placing or sliding the food items with a chain driven pick and place or slide and place device; thus (c) transferring over food items to two separate servo driven trains; (d) placing pattie into sliced bun by automatic and/or manual means; (e) wrapping of completed sandwich if desired and (f) placing on serving or transfer tray, box or container.

[0064] The preferred embodiment of the system for the food grade feeder device anticipates: A food grade feeder device and singulating system 30 comprised of: (a) an egg, meat or protein centrifugal feeder 40; (b) an optional roll, biscuit, or bun centrifugal feeder 45; (c) a biscuit conveyor 50 and a roll 72 and pattie 70 gathering conveyor 55 with a transfer rail 55 to deflect sliced roll 72 and patties 70 from biscuit conveyor 50 to gathering conveyor 55 and with multiple guide rails 57; (d) a pair of servo drive chains 60A,60B to turn patties 70 or other foodstuffs/items, the pair of servo drive chains 60A,60B further comprising a pair of motors and gear drives 62, a chain 63, and a set of pockets 64 on drive chain 63; (e) a slider rail 65 between servo drive 60A,60B; (f) a placement device 66 of the pattie into a sliced bun, and (g) a pack out tray, box, or gathering device 85 wherein the food grade system 30 for placing egg, meat, and protein patties 70 onto rolls/biscuits 72 and assembling a sandwich 74 and a person 90 attending and finishing sandwich assembly is able to efficiently and quickly assembly sandwiches in a relatively small workplace and floor space.

[0065] An overview of the feeding system theory of operation for the food grade feeder device and system to assemble and prepare a sandwich is generally as follows: [0066] a) this will be used to automate the assembly of sandwiches; [0067] b) it introduces sausage or egg patties to the feeding system in bulk; [0068] c) the sausage or egg patties are singulated using the Hoosier System's FDA centrifugal feed system application Ser. No. 16/389,868 filed by Schombert on Apr. 19, 2019 and called a Food grade feeder device and system for rolls, sandwiches, odd shaped edibles and foodstuff; [0069] d) the patties are placed into pockets on the servo drive chain; [0070] e) two (2) servo motors with separate belts that run independently; [0071] f) a top belt has pockets on of the beltbottom belt has pockets on of the belt; [0072] g) one can think of this system as two separately servo driven trains: [0073] 1) while loading one train, the other train is unloading; [0074] 2) one can and can load (at feeder bowl) much faster than one can unload (at bread conveyor); [0075] 3) so #1 train that has just unloaded, races to re-load and catch up to the tail of the #2 train, repeat cycle. [0076] 4) thus not missing a single unit of bread

[0077] The process for singulating and placing rolls, egg, meat or protein patties, and/or cheese and other foodstuffs to assemble and prepare a sandwich, the process using a food grade feeder and system and comprised of:

TABLE-US-00003 Step Activity Step 1: Step 1: bulk feeding specific food items (egg, meat or protein patties, possibly cheese and/or sliced tomatoes and other food items) through a food grade centrifugal feed system; Step 2: Step 2: placing or sliding the food items with a chain driven pick and place or slide and place device; Step 3: Step 3: transferring over food items to two separate servo driven trains; Step 4: Step 4: placing pattie into a sliced roll or placing a top roll/ biscuit to complete sandwich; Step 5: Step 5: wrapping of completed sandwich, if desired; and Step 6: Step 6: placing on serving or transfer tray, box or container.

[0078] Many different uses are anticipated for the food feeder and system 30. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table.

TABLE-US-00004 ITEM DESCRIPTION 1 ready to eat sandwich - breakfast, lunch or dinner 2 sandwich rolls and buns 3 disk-like vegetables such as lettuce, onions, tomatoes 4 include preform meat patties 5 pre-cooked meats such as ham, hamburgers, turkey, pork, etc. 6 preformed cheese disks or strips

[0079] With this description it is to be understood that the food grade feeder device and system 30 to assemble and prepare a sandwich called a Patty Placer is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the present invention 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0080] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0081] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0082] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the disclosed embodiments described above.

[0083] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0084] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.