Customizable Slidable Shelving and Support System for Horticulture Applications

Abstract

The invention is a customizable, slidable shelving and support apparati and system for supporting, storing and accessing horticultural and agricultural specimens within growing spaces, allowing growers to utilize the maximum amount of their linear horizontal and vertical grow space and service specific areas of the garden enterprise while also allowing for maximum workspace through the use of a table and track system that provides stackable options of multiple grow layers. A method of using this slidable shelving and support apparati and system is also included.

Claims

1. One or more portable slidable shelving and support apparati with a customizable tier configuration that includes interlocking trays with optional tray inserts comprising: a left side tray portion, a center tray portion and an optional right side tray portion, wherein said left side tray portion, center tray portion, and right side tray portion include a top planar portion wherein said slidable shelving and support apparati also includes a frame comprising a front beam, a sloped gutter, a rear beam, an optional center support cross member, a left upright support panel, and a right upright support panel wherein said rear beam is connected to said upright support panel and wherein a sloped gutter mounts to a backside of left and right upright support panels and is attached to said front beam so that said sloped gutter remains visible and wherein said rear beam is secured in an elevated position relative to said front beam that allows for increased drainage of interlocking trays and wherein said upright support panels include one or more grooved wheels attached to each leg of said upright support panels via an aperture that extends through a wheel axle and a fixture that utilizes said aperture such that said fixture is placed upon a mounted floor track surface wherein said slidable shelving and support apparati provides at least one workstation and/or storage area and thereby provides an optimal growth platform for botanical plants from which botanical extracts are extracted by placement of said support apparati in specific locations within certain geographic regions that include glass enclosed rooms and/or houses.

2. The portable slidable shelving and support apparatus of claim 1, wherein additional features added include a trellis pole located at least one or more of each top corner section of each of said upright support panels and wherein offset slotted mounting apertures exist for one or more upright supports that may be opposing upright supports.

3. The tray inserts of claim 1, wherein said trays inserts have rounded edges and said tray inserts serve as workstation platforms occupied by plants and wherein said tray inserts are tilted downward and allow for water run-off to said sloped gutter.

4. The tray inserts of claim 1, wherein said tray inserts are equal in height to dividing walls of said interlocking trays so that when said tray inserts are set in place, each entire tray insert surface is level in a horizontal direction along a horizontal plane and allows placement of objects on any portion of said tray insert surface.

5. The interlocking trays of claim 1, wherein said interlocking trays are configured to interconnect to provide a configuration as follows; said left side portion (L) is connected to a center portion (C.sub.n) that is connected to a right side portion (R) that depends on a desired total width (d.sub.T) of said slidable shelving and support apparatus, wherein C.sub.n is optional and n=0,1,2 and wherein a width (d) of each interlocking tray is a combined width comprising as d.sub.L a width of said left tray portion, d.sub.Cn a width of said center tray portion and d.sub.R, a width of said right tray portion respectively, where a total width (d.sub.T) of all three tray portions within a fully assembled shelving and support apparatus is determined using Equation (1);
d.sub.T=d.sub.L+d.sub.Cnd.sub.R (1)

6. The interlocking trays of claim 1, wherein each tray includes a predetermined drop along a bottom back panel of said interlocking trays that lock said trays onto said rear beam and a corresponding predetermined drop along said bottom front panel that locks said tray onto said sloped gutter and wherein said gutter locks onto and/or is part of, said front beam.

7. The interlocking trays of claim 1, wherein a front portion of each tray is built without a lip portion so that water is allowed to run into said sloped gutter and may also include an optional angled left side tab on a front left portion of said left tray and an angled right side tab on a front right portion of said right tray that directs a flow of water inward that thereby assures water falls into said sloped gutter and prevents said tray inserts from sliding out of place.

8. The interlocking trays of claim 1, wherein said trays include two or more hanging orifices in a rear wall of said interlocking trays that provide an ability for hanging said interlocking trays in a position that allows for time savings in cleaning/pressure washing said interlocking trays.

9. The portable slidable shelving and support apparatus of claim 1,wherein said slidable shelving is a two-tiered customizable slidable shelving and support system connected in series to another bay by sharing a single support upright consisting of a base channel support panel connected to an extension upright via a securing sleeve with driveshafts that connect each driven wheel axle along an entire length of said connected slidable shelving and support apparatus and is protected from accidental bending by drive shaft covers secured by bolts to both a front face and a top face of one or more wheel channels.

10. The portable slidable shelving and support apparatus of claim 9, wherein said drive shaft is connected to a drive axle of a drive wheel that is supported by two flange bearings bolted to a base wheel channel that allows for a portion of a base channel support panel using a securing sleeve that can also support an upright.

11. A method for using one or more portable slidable shelving and support devices with customizable tier configurations that utilize interlocking trays with optional tray inserts comprising: a left side tray portion, a center tray portion and an optional right side tray portion, wherein said left side tray portion, center tray portion, and right side tray portion include a top planar portion wherein said slidable shelving and support apparati also includes a frame comprising a front beam, a sloped gutter, a rear beam, an optional center support cross member, a left upright support panel, and a right upright support panel wherein said rear beam is connected to said upright support panel and wherein a sloped gutter mounts to a backside of left and right upright support panels and is attached to said front beam so that said sloped gutter remains visible and wherein said rear beam is secured in an elevated position relative to said front beam that is allowing for increasing drainage of interlocking trays and wherein said upright support panels include one or more grooved wheels attached to each leg of said upright support panels via an aperture extending through a wheel axle and a fixture utilizing said aperture such that said fixture is placed upon a mounted floor track surface wherein said slidable shelving and support apparati are providing at least one workstation and/or storage area and thereby providing an optimal growth platform for botanical plants from which botanical extracts are extracted by placement of said support apparati in specific locations within certain geographic regions including glass enclosed rooms and/or houses.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein additional features added include a trellis pole located at least one or more of each top corner section of each of said upright support panels and wherein offset slotted mounting apertures exist for one or more upright supports that may be opposing upright supports.

13. The tray inserts of claim 11, wherein said trays inserts have rounded edges and said tray inserts serve as workstation platforms occupied by plants and wherein said tray inserts are tilted downward and allow for water run-off to said sloped gutter.

14. The tray inserts of claim 11, wherein said tray inserts are equal in height to dividing walls of said interlocking trays so that when said tray inserts are set in place, each entire tray insert surface is level in a horizontal direction along a horizontal plane and allows placement of objects on any portion of said tray insert surface.

15. The interlocking trays of claim 11, wherein said interlocking trays are configured to interconnect to provide a configuration as follows; said left side portion (L) is connected to a center portion (C.sub.n) that is connected to a right side portion (R) that depends on a desired total width (d.sub.T) of said slidable shelving and support apparatus, wherein C.sub.n is optional and n=0,1,2 and wherein a width (d) of each interlocking tray is a combined width comprising as d.sub.L a width of said left tray portion, d.sub.Cn a width of said center tray portion and d.sub.R, a width of said right tray portion respectively, where a total width (d.sub.T) of all three tray portions within a fully assembled shelving and support apparatus is determined using Equation (1);
d.sub.T=d.sub.L+d.sub.Cn+d.sub.R (1)

16. The interlocking trays of claim 11, wherein each tray includes a predetermined drop along a bottom back panel of said interlocking trays that lock said trays onto said rear beam and a corresponding predetermined drop along said bottom front panel that locks said tray onto said sloped gutter and wherein said gutter locks onto and/or is part of, said front beam.

17. The interlocking trays of claim 11, wherein a front portion of each tray is built without a lip portion so that water is allowed to run into said sloped gutter and may also include an optional angled left side tab on a front left portion of said left tray and an angled right side tab on a front right portion of said right tray that directs a flow of water inward that thereby assures water falls into said sloped gutter and prevents said tray inserts from sliding out of place.

18. The interlocking trays of claim 11, wherein said trays include two or more hanging orifices in a rear wall of said interlocking trays that provide an ability for hanging said interlocking trays in a position that allows for time savings in cleaning/pressure washing said interlocking trays.

19. The portable slidable shelving and support apparatus of claim 11,wherein said slidable shelving is a two-tiered customizable slidable shelving and support system connected in series to another bay by sharing a single support upright consisting of a base channel support panel connected to an extension upright via a securing sleeve with driveshafts that connect each driven wheel axle along an entire length of said connected slidable shelving and support apparatus and is protected from accidental bending by drive shaft covers secured by bolts to both a front face and a top face of one or more wheel channels.

20. The portable slidable shelving and support apparatus of claim 19, wherein said drive shaft is connected to a drive axle of a drive wheel that is supported by two flange bearings bolted to a base wheel channel that allows for a portion of a base channel support panel using a securing sleeve for an upright.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a single-tier customizable, slidable shelving and support system.

[0049] FIG. 1A is an illustrated side view of a single-tiered slidable shelving and support system.

[0050] FIG. 1B provides a worm's-eye view of the slidable shelving and support system.

[0051] FIG. 1C is an elevated view of the planar workstation portion of a single-tiered slidable shelving and support system

[0052] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of one of the interlocking left trays.

[0053] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of one of the interlocking center trays.

[0054] FIG. 2C is an isometric view of one of the interlocking right trays.

[0055] FIG. 2D is an isometric view of one of the interlocking tray inserts.

[0056] FIG. 2E is a detailed illustration of the rear portion of the interlocking trays.

[0057] FIG. 2F is a detailed illustration of the front portion of the interlocking trays.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system connected in series.

[0059] FIG. 3A is a detailed illustration of a secured front gutter beam to the support upright.

[0060] FIG. 3B is a detailed illustration of an extension upright attached to a base channel support panel using a securing sleeve.

[0061] FIG. 3C provides a detailed rear view of a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system.

[0062] FIG. 4A depicts a front beam with sloped gutter.

[0063] FIG. 4B depicts a rear beam.

[0064] FIG. 5 provides an image of a single upright support panel with crossbar, secured wheel channel, bearing wheel, and a driven wheel with flange bearings.

[0065] FIG. 5A provides a detailed illustration of the offset slotted mounting holes found on all upright supports.

[0066] FIGS. 5B and 5C provide images of the securing sleeve for multi-tier configurations or optional accessories.

[0067] FIG. 6 is an image of the optional trellis pole.

[0068] FIGS. 6A and 6B are images of an optional trellis pole attached to the upright support panel.

[0069] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are front, side, and rear illustrations of a two-tiered customizable slidable shelving and support system.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a detailed illustration of the driveshaft and driven wheel axis.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a detailed illustration of the floor-mounted track and anti-tip mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Disclosed below are several drawings that provide for a slidable support frame for the accessibility and portability which is needed to accelerate plant growth and more specifically for accelerated plant growth primarily in greenhouses.

[0073] FIG. 1 represents a slidable shelving and support system [100], in a customizable double tier configuration, that utilizes interlocking trays comprising a left tray (L) [105], center tray (C) [106] (optional) and right tray (R) [107], each housing a tray insert [117] with a top planar surface for use as a workstation or storage area. This shelving and support system includes a frame comprising a front beam [108] containing a sloped gutter [109] feature with a welded one-inch drain hole, a rear beam [125] (as shown in FIG. 1B), and two upright support panels [110], or uprights. The front gutter beam [109] attaches to the two upright support panels [110] on the interior face of the uprights via a boltless slotted connection system [111] (as shown in FIG. 5A), while the rear beam [125] attaches via the exterior face via a boltless slotted connection system [111], the interior slotted system is offset from the exterior slots by 1 inch to provide a slope for water drainage off of [105, 106, 107] into the slopped gutter [109] which angles drainage to the threaded drain hole. One axle-driven grooved wheel [112] (as shown in FIG. 1A is attached to each upright support panel [110] housed within the base channel [140] (as shown in FIG. 1A). The base channel provides a place for the wheels [112, 144] and uprights [110] to reside. One non-driven bearing wheel (as shown in FIG. 1A) is also attached to each base channel [140] and rolls freely.

[0074] The wheels roll on the two-piece mounted floor track consisting of an extruded aluminum track [114] and a steel bar [150]. A diagonal support [141] connects the base channel of left upright support panel [110] and the base channel of right upright support panel [110]. An optional drive box [143] mounts to the exterior of one or more uprights [110] and connects via a sprocket to the axle on the driven grooved wheel [112]. Driveshafts [139] connect each driven wheel [112] axle along the entire length of the connected slidable shelving and support system/apparatus [100] and is protected from accidental bending by the drive shaft cover [142] (further shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B).

[0075] Optional features can be added, such as a trellis pole [115], depicted at each top corner of the upright support panels [110].

[0076] FIG. 1A provides a side view of the first-tier portion of the slidable shelving and support system [100] and upright support panels [110] provided in FIG. 1. The Drive box handle [146 ] connects to the internal mechanism of the drive box [143] and allows for precise movement of the system [100] or multiple connected systems with minimal effort required. The handle has an attached locking mechanism [147] which prevents the system from moving when the lock is engaged. Due to the offset slotted connection system [111] (as shown in FIG. 5A) it can be seen that the offset of the rear beam and the front gutter beam [125, 108] creates a downward slope of the interlocking trays [105, 106, 107].

[0077] Optional Anti-Tip brackets [145] can be secured to the base channels [140] of uprights to prevent any potential tipping related to seismic events or improper use.

[0078] FIG. 1B provides a worm's-eye view of the slidable shelving and support system [100], and shows the accessory mounting bracket(s) [133] attached to the front beam [108] and rear beam [125]. The accessory mounting bracket(s)) [133] allows for attachment of lights, fans, and other hanging features. They also provide underlying support for the interlocking trays [105,106,107].

[0079] FIG. 1C provides an elevated view of the planar workstation portion of the slidable shelving and support system [100] and top planar surface of the interlocking trays [105,106,107] provided in FIG. 1.

[0080] The left tray (L) [105] is depicted in FIG. 2A, the center tray (C) [106] in FIG. 2B, the right tray (R) [107] in FIG. 2C.

[0081] The tray insert [117], as shown in FIG. 2D, can be constructed from high-density polyethylene or food-grade ABS plastic, or other plastic materials that are structurally sound. The edges are rounded and the insert serves as the workstation platform that plant pots/trays/cubes occupy. The tray inserts [117], and trays [105, 106, 107] are sloped downward to carry water run-off to the sloped gutter [109]. The angling, or tilting, of the tray inserts [117] is achieved by the positioning of the rear beam [125] in a higher offset position on the uprights [110] relative to the position of the front beam [108] based on the offset of the boltless slotted connection system [111]. The tray insert [117] is the same height as the dividing walls of the interlocking trays [105,106,107], so when set in place the entire insert tray [117] surface is level, allowing placement of objects on any portion of the surface.

[0082] The interlocking trays [105,106,107] may be constructed of fordable metal (or thermoplastic) and designed to interconnect in the following configuration,

L [105].fwdarw.Cn [106].fwdarw.R [107]

[0083] depending on the desired total width (dT) of the slidable shelving and support system [100], where Cn is optional and n=0,1,2

[0084] and wherein the width (d) of each tray is normally at least 24 inches or 2 foot wide, and provided as dL (width of left tray [105]), dCn, and dR, respectively, where the total width (dT)

[0085] of the trays [105, 106, 107] within the assembled shelving unit is determined by utilizing Equation (1).

d.sub.T=d.sub.L+d.sub.Cn+d.sub.R (1)

[0086] FIGS. 1-1C represent L.fwdarw.Cn=2.fwdarw.R, where the center tray is present as two sections.

[0087] Each interlocking tray [105,106,107] in this instance, exhibits a three-quarter-inch () drop along the bottom back panel of the tray that locks the tray onto the rear beam [125] and a inch drop along the bottom front panel locks the tray onto the sloped gutter [109] which locks on to or is part of, the front beam [108]. The front of each tray [105,106,107] does not include a lip, thereby allowing water to run off into a sloped gutter [109]. Hanging orifices [210] in the rear wall [209] of the interlocking trays [105,106,107] are included for hanging the trays for cleaning/pressure washing. The left tray [105] of FIG. 2A has a dividing wall [212] positioned on the right] and positioned on the left an outer wall [211]. The center tray of FIG. 2B has an left and right dividing wall [212], while the right tray [107] of FIG. 2C has a left dividing wall [212] and a right outer wall [211].

[0088] In a further embodiment, the interlocking trays [105, 106, 107] can be used without an interlocking feature, allowing for less assembly and materials for production. The interlocking feature can also be provided as a rubber u-channel for watertight seal placed over the adjacent dividing walls of the interlocking trays [105,106,107].

[0089] FIG. 2E and 2F are detailed illustrations of the rear and front respectively, of the interlocking trays [105, 106] showing the interlocking functionality [213] which can be molded as part of the tray or a separate piece. This functions to seal the dividing walls [212] and prevents liquid from passing between the interlocking trays [105, 106, 107]. The same function is found when connecting a left tray [105] and right tray [107] when Cn is optional and n=0.

[0090] FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration depicting a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system [100a] connected in series to another bay by sharing single support upright consisting of a base channel [140] upright support panel [110] connected to a extension upright [148] via a securing sleeve [119] (as shown on FIG. 3B). Driveshaft covers [142] are secured by bolts to both the front face, and the top face of the base channel [140].

[0091] FIG. 3A is a detailed illustration of the front gutter beam [108,109] connecting to the upright [110] using the interior slots of the slotted system [111]. Diagonal support [128] has been removed for an unobstructed view.

[0092] FIG. 3B is a detailed illustration of an extension upright [148] attached to a base channel support panel [110] by bolts using the securing sleeve [119]. This connection is repeated as needed to achieve the desired total height using various lengths of extension uprights.

[0093] FIG. 3C is a detailed rear view of a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system [100a]. Two rear beams [125] are connected via the exterior offset slotted system [111]. Two front gutter beams [108] are connected via the interior offset slotted system [111], here the slope of the gutter can be seen when comparing the depth of the two gutter beams.

[0094] An extension upright [148] is connected to a base channel [140] upright support panel [110] by a securing sleeve [119].

[0095] FIG. 4A depicts the front beam [108] and sloped gutter [109] which mounts to the interior side of the upright support panels [110] via the boltless connection slot system [111]. The sloped gutter [109] directs the water that falls from the interlocking trays [105, 106, 107] for reuse. Possessing a diminutive slope, the sloped gutter [109] directs water flow, unimpeded, to one side of the shelving system where a drainage hole is located and connects a threaded drain or similar attachment to connect plumbing to further direct flow. One embodiment would include a welded-on threaded nipple to the bottom of the gutter; however, a bulkhead fitting could be used.

[0096] FIG. 4B illustrates the rear beam [125] which mounts onto the exterior side of the upright support panels [110] via the boltless connection slot system [111].

[0097] The front beam [108], sloped gutter [109] and the rear beam [125] are, in this case, constructed of steel. All of these features can be powder coated and it is possible that proper thermoplastics can be employed that function as well or better than steel or other construction metals.

[0098] FIG. 5 illustrates the left and right upright base channel support panels [110]. The upright channel support panels [110] are comprised of parallel hollow leg members [126] with slotted mounting holes [111] every 2 inches on the exterior (outward face) and also a matching offset set of slotted mounting holes every 2 inches on the interior (inward face) [111], one or more parallel panel support cross member [127], which is perpendicular to the hollow leg members [126]. One base channel [140], supports the structure and connects the parallel hollow leg members [126]. It may have one or more vertical diagonal cross member(s) [128] per upright support panel [110]. Upright supports of various sizes, including the upright extension [148] are constructed in the same manner as above with the exception of the base wheel channel, which is replaced with a second parallel panel support cross member [127].

[0099] Regarding the base channel [140], which has an axle bolt hole on one side to mount a bearing wheel [144] and an axle hole on the other side to mount a driven wheel [112], the driven wheel is attached via two flange bearings and a keyway is used to prevent free rotation. The axle protrudes outward on either side and can connect to either a sprocket housed internally in the drive box [143], a drive shaft [139], or nothing at all. The base channel [140] is beveled in the center to reduce weight and improve airflow along the floor plane. Other tapped holes are found on the channel to mount other features such as, optional Anti-Tip brackets [145] and diagonal cross supports [141]. The use of a horizontal diagonal cross support [141] between each upright support panel [110] further imparts shear stress resistance support to the structure.

[0100] FIG. 5A is a detailed illustration of the offset slotted mounting holes [111].

[0101] FIG. 5B shows a securing sleeve [119] that sleeves into the top or upright support panels [119 ] (not shown) that has threaded rivets [129] to receive small bolts to secure the upright channel support panel [110] to and upon other upright support panels of various heights to extend the total height as required for the final product height.

[0102] The securing sleeve [119] can connect various part options and provides structural rigidity to the overall system [100].

[0103] FIG. 5C shows the securing sleeve [119] attached to the hollow leg member [126] upper end of an upright support panel [110] in preparation for inclusion of an additional tier or a customizable feature.

[0104] Rather than tear drop style orifices the slidable shelving and support system [100] will use slit orifices [111], although another shaped orifice can be employed if desired. The slit orifices [111] are designed for ease of assembly, customization, and disassembly of the shelving and support system [100].

[0105] FIG. 6 depicts the telescoping trellis pole [115]. As plants get taller, growers need poles in corners of grow canopies to attach trellis netting to help support taller plants. The trellis pole [115] is bent and shaped so that when it is inserted into the hollow leg member [126] of the upright channel support panels [110] or similar support panels, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, it does not interfere with the parallel panel support cross members [127], which are perpendicular to the leg members [126], not interfere with the diagonal cross member [128].

[0106] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C provide front, side, and rear views, respectively, of a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system [100a]. FIGS. 7A-7C represent the use of the construction/constructed equation; L.fwdarw.Cn=2.fwdarw.R for each tier, where the center tray is present as two sections. Shelf spacing can be customized as shelves adjust vertically in 2-inch increments. Additionally, the number of shelves that can be mounted to the slidable shelving and support system is only limited by the amount of space the consumer has available, both vertically and horizontal.

[0107] FIG. 8 provides a detailed front view of the drive shaft [139] connecting to the drive axle of the drive wheel [112] which is supported by two flange bearings [149] bolted to the base wheel channel which is part of the base channel [140]. The drive shaft cover [142] has been removed for an unobstructed view.

[0108] FIG. 9 is a detailed illustration of the two-piece mounted floor track consisting of an extruded aluminum track [114] and a steel bar [150]. The driven wheel [112] rolls on the steel bar and does not contact the aluminum track. The aluminum track contains an anti-tip channel which allows the anti-tip bracket [145] to glide freely within this channel without contacting the track. Bolts pass through the steel bar and the aluminum track to secure both to the floor. This assembly prevents the slidable shelving and support system [100] of various lengths and heights from being able to disconnect from the floor-mounted track in the event of misuse or a seismic event.

[0109] The customizable, slidable shelving and support system is offered in a standard eight (8) foot assembly configuration, represented as L.fwdarw.Cn=2.fwdarw.R, including a left tray, two center trays, and a right tray. Customization of the tray connections to include L.fwdarw.Cn=1.fwdarw.R or L.fwdarw.Cn=0.fwdarw.R requires the separate purchase of custom front and rear beams in four (4) and or six (6) foot lengths in order to accommodate a change in the number of center trays from Cn=2 to Cn=0,1.

[0110] The L.fwdarw.Cn=2.fwdarw.R embodiment is the standard from which any customization would occur.

[0111] In a one embodiment the interlocking trays are constructed from 6061 aluminum at a thickness of 1.57 mm, or any metal that can withstand constant exposure to water, support significant amounts of weight, and can withstand the placement of and maintain a welded seam.

[0112] In another embodiment the interlocking trays are powder coated if they are metallic.

[0113] In an additional embodiment, the trays and tray inserts may be rectangular, square, round, trapezoidal, triangular or of any desired shape for the space allowed and of sufficient strength and may incorporate a smooth or textured surface.

[0114] In an additional embodiment, the customizable shelving and support system can be used in outdoor greenhouses and by agricultural farmers, as the system has been constructed from materials that will not rust in wet conditions, includes no mechanical or electrical parts, and can be secured to prevent movement as needed.

[0115] Methods of locking and unlocking the track wheel system such as utilizing a pin, pawl, brake, clamp, or stop that can be activated manually or remotely by hydraulic, pneumatic, electro-magnetic, electro-mechanical means will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and can be employed as desired.

[0116] While the principles of this invention have been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood clearly that these descriptions are made only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.