DEVICE, SYSTEM, METHOD AND PRODUCT FOR STRETCH WRAPPING

Abstract

The present application relates to apparatus for stretch wrapping goods with stretch wrap film including: a film roll carriage for dispensing at least one band of film from at least one stretch wrap film roll core, a roping mechanism for roping the at least one band of film by edging at least one lateral side edge of the film, a pre-stretcher for pre-stretching the film by passing the roped film through a pre-stretcher, a stretch wrap carousel for wrapping the roped and pre-stretched film around the goods, wherein the at least one band of film is passed through the roping mechanism prior to the pre-stretcher.

Claims

1.-24. (canceled)

25. A method of stretch wrapping goods with stretch wrap film, the method comprising the steps of: dispensing at least one band of film from a single stretch film core; roping the at least one band of film by edging at least one lateral side edge of the film; pre-stretching the film by passing the roped film through a pre-stretcher; wrapping the roped pre-stretched film around the goods, wherein the method is characterized in that the step of roping is performed prior to the step of pre-stretching and the single core comprises a plurality of bands of film accommodated on the single core, which plurality of bands of film are formed on the single core by precutting a unitary width of stretch wrap film disposed on the single core.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the combination of the steps of roping and pre-stretching the roped film binds the stretch film material into a higher yield strength material than the at least one band of film dispensed from the single stretch film core.

27. Apparatus for applying stretch wrap film to unitize a pallet load of goods, the apparatus comprising: a film roll carriage adapted to accommodate at least one stretch wrap film roll and dispense a plurality of individual bands of stretch wrap film from a single film roll; a roping mechanism comprising roping fingers to rope the dispensed individual bands of film; and a pre-stretcher for pre-stretching the dispensed individual bands of film, characterized in that: the film roll carriage is operatively connected to a slitter rewinder adapted for receiving stretch wrap film from the film roll carriage, slitting the stretch wrap film into the plurality of individual bands of stretch wrap film and rewinding the plurality of individual bands of stretch wrap film onto the film roll carriage; and, wherein the plurality of individual bands of stretch wrap film are passed through the roping mechanism prior to the pre-stretcher.

28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the film roll carriage dispenses at least three individual bands of stretch wrap film from a single film roll.

29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the roping mechanism comprises at least six roping fingers to form the at least three individual bands of stretch wrap film.

30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a stretch wrap carousel for wrapping the roped and pre-stretched film around the goods, wherein at least one band of film is passed through the roping mechanism prior to the pre-stretcher.

31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the apparatus further comprises one or a combination of: compressed air means for applying compressed air to guide an end of at least one band of film into the wrapped goods; welding means for welding at least one end of at least one band of film to the wrapped film at the end of a wrapping cycle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

[0085] FIG. 1 illustrates a turntable or carousel stretch wrapping machine (100) employing apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 2 illustrates a roping mechanism (6) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention together with a stretch wrap film product of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 3 is an internal view of a slitter rewinder machine (200) employing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates the device and apparatus of FIG. 1 from a top perspective view.

[0089] FIG. 5 is a side view of the device and apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0090] FIG. 6 shows an example a stretch wrapping carousel machine that utilises preferred features of the present invention.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the slitter rewinder machine of FIG. 3 illustrating its use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092]

TABLE-US-00001 List of Parts Shown in the Figures 1 Stretch film roll core 2 Individual Bands of stretch film 3 Roping mechanism/fingers 4a Dispensed Individual bands of film 4b Roped individual bands 6 Roping mechanism guide 7 Film tail roller 8 Support bracket (for fingers) 9 Blower 11 Sealing Unit 12 Pre-stretch carriage 13 Unwind Roller 14 Tension Roller 16 Position Roller 17 Knife Roller 18 Groove Roller 19 1.sup.st Rewind Roller 21 2.sup.nd Rewind Roller 22 Banana Roller 23 Drive Roller 24 Jumbo roll 26 27 28 29 100 Turntable/carousel stretch 200 Film Roll Slitting wrapping machine system

Multi-Band Core of Film

[0093] Conventional ventilated films generally do not stretch beyond about 200% without breakage and are made from typically thicker material upwards from about 20 ?m. This is required due to the fragility of these films that is caused by the pre-cut holes to allow for ventilation, which it is realised diminish the structural integrity of the band of material. As such, if these ventilated i.e., perforated films are stretched beyond about 200% or have a lesser thickness, then upon stretching the film tends to break or tear around the pre-cut ventilation holes and leads to a failure in the wrapping process. Preferred embodiments of the improved stretch wrap film product disclosed herein will stretch to at least about 290% when manufactured with thicknesses of about 15 ?m for the film material. Embodiments of the film product of the present invention that are essentially in the form of a single film roll core accommodating stretch wrap film in the form of a plurality of individual bands of film may utilise stretch wrap film of known thicknesses and material composition. Advantageously, the plurality of individual bands of film accommodated on the single film roll core are formed by pre-cutting a unitary width of stretch wrap film disposed on the single film roll core. Produced in this form, the film product is adapted for use as ventilated film wrapping with improved resilience for stretching, which is possible due to the absence of pre-cut holes that otherwise weaken the film. Furthermore, as described herein, the roping of the top/bottom edges of each of the film strands or bands contributes to improved stretch wrapping techniques and force to load strength giving reliable and measured load containment force.

[0094] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, in a preferred embodiment, a ventilated stretch film product is manufactured using a slitter rewinder machine 200. The film mother roll in the form of a jumbo roll 24 is feed into the slitter rewinder 200 to split the film into multiple bands, shown generally by knife holder 17, and the film passed through a banana roller 22 to create the gap between the film before being rewound back onto paper core at unwind roller 13. The trim being removed is rewound onto a separate core to save material.

[0095] In the production process schematically illustrated in FIG. 7 the manufacture of the multi-band film of embodiments begins with a Jumbo roll, preferably 515 mm, of machine grade material. Film is wound into the slitter rewinder 200. The film is first slit into 3?150 mm rolls. Then the slitted film is passed through a banana roller 22 to increase the film gap between each roll of the multiple roll formations. In a preferred embodiment of the multi-roll having three rolls formed, the film has to pass to a set tension controller to balance the winding tension between right/left roll to the middle roll. The film is then wound back into the paper core.

[0096] It should also be noted that conventional ventilated type films cannot be stretched as much as the film product of embodiments herein because by stretching such conventional ventilated or pre-slit films to the extent that is possible with the preferred product of embodiments will reduce the area of openings provided by the pre-cut holes to the point that effectively the number of active air/ventilation holes are reduced limiting air flow. The stretch film product of preferred embodiments is slit in width only and has no holes as such in it, which then allows film to be fully stretched. This has benefits in that the quantity of film used on a given wrapping will be limited and hence items may be wrapped while conserving waste film material.

[0097] In trials with a roping adaptor for wrapping machines testing was done on full width, 500 mm wide, where the stretch film was roped to a width of approx. 200 mm. This film product performed well in the pallet wrapping process providing good load stability but was inefficient due the amount of film wrap consumed in this particular format. Modifications were then made to the film dispenser of a wrapping machine to fit two (2) 250 mm rolls of stretch film with the roping device of preferred embodiments described herein and the proved load containment remained high but also created the efficiency that larger users require, for example, in use of automatic and fully automatic stretch wrapping machines. The preferred type of film roll was produced in a 3-roll format which confirmed higher efficiency with equal load containment.

[0098] In a preferred process used to produce the multi slit roll of film is to first of all produce a large or jumbo roll of the stretch film by way of cast extrusion and then re roll the jumbo roll into standard length and width rolls. As would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, these standard length and width rolls may be predominately about 500 mm?length to make up about 12 to 15 kg. As would also be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, this is similar to a conventional process for standard stretch film manufacturing. However, through this normal process the rolls are then converted by slitting the film and the non-used portions of film is remanded back onto other cores and then used again to recycling off-cut product.

Roping

[0099] In preferred forms of a stretch wrapping system of the invention, a roping system is employed and which is made up of, preferably, six (6) film adjustment finger widths, which are illustrated in the preferred form shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 but perhaps best shown in FIG. 5. Finger widths can be altered, modified or varied by loosening a fixing bolt and sliding the finger(s) along a support bracket 8 to increase or decrease the desired width of film band(s). The support bracket 8 is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0100] The roper fingers 6 push the feed material inwards to bunch layers of the film to approx. 2-3 mm wide top and bottom. These bunched layers go through a series of rollers that bind them together and stretch the film in the range of about 250% to about 300% to form a roping & banding effect.

Stretch Wrapper Programmable Operation

[0101] In typical operation with embodiments, at the end of a wrapping cycle the wrapping machine pushes the three bands down to the bottom of the pallet into a width of approx. 100 mm wide. It will then pneumatically push out a sealing bar where the film will go across in the 100 mm form. This bar protects anything on the pallet from the heat/weld mechanism. The machine will continue to turn and apply an additional layer of 100 mm film that will go over the first layer. A second sealer bar, which may be heated to about 170-190? C., will then clamp the two pieces together and weld the film to itself. Part of the sealer with the heating mechanism has a cutter to seperate it from the feed in film where it is clamped and ready for the next pallet.

[0102] In preferred embodiments utilising stretch wrapping apparatus of the present invention, unique customised operational programs may be created to ensure the required of amount of ventilation is provided to the stretch wrapped products to levels required. Essentially, there are 3 factors that contribute to creating these unique customised programs, as follows: [0103] Film width adjustment via roping system [0104] Turntable speed of machine [0105] Stretch film carriage speed

[0106] Adjusting the film width to ensure product is captured or effectively wrapped is the first part in setting up the wrapping system. A desired reduction or increase to the film width may be dependent on whether goods such as cartons stacked on a pallet are small or large, hence the roping fingers 3 are adjusted to a width where coverage is obtained with allowances for gaps to let air to flow. The amount of gap between the film is also altered by adjusting the turntable speed of the carousel in conjunction with the film stretch carriage speed. By slowing the turntable speed and increasing the carriage speed film will be applied to the pallet to cause an increase in the gap between the film ropes 4b and allows more air to flow. Increasing the turntable speed and slowing the carriage speed reduces the gap between the film ropes 4b allowing less air but increased coverage around the products. Carriage speed may be adjusted in increments of about 1% and turntable speed by increments of about 1 rpm to a maximum of about 12 rpm, noting up to 20 rpm may be outside tolerances for most stretch wrapping machines. There may be many different variants to what users' requirements are for air flow based on size of pack, weight of load and need for rapid chill or ventilation and the preferred system can provide for these requirements. As such, with the programmed operation by adjusting the film width, carriage and turntable speed along with various tension settings a unique program is created to ensure coverage over all product but allowing the correct amount of gap to allow for proper ventilation for the product type.

[0107] The preferred film is a roll of three (3) bandings or widths of film 4a on the one core 1 which feeds through a stretch wrapping machine 100. Whilst feeding through it travels past a roping mechanism 6 which rolls the edges adding strength to the bands 4a, effectively turning the widths into roped sections of film 4b. Roping mounting or support bracket 8 allows for the roping fingers 3 to slide up/down to adjust width of the film bands 4b which are then pushed through the pre-stretch carriage 12 (indicated in FIG. 1) that binds and stretches the film to form a roped edge at the top and bottom of the film width. These roped widths 4b are applied to the pallet and stretched to provide the right measured load containment force.

[0108] The multiple widths (three widths in preferred forms) of roped film bands 4b solve the issues described above in relation to the current alternative full width ventilated film with holes/perforations in as it is instead banded to three narrowed widths allowing for increased control of load containment whilst reducing the consumers cost by over 40% on film material consumption. The bands that are roped provide a greater force to load characteristic than standard stretch film. Because they are roped the plastic is effectively binded to significantly increased in material density in areas that would normally break. Top and bottom tension can be adjusted to a much higher setting resolution thus allowing for increased load containment.

[0109] In addressing presently identified difficulties that warrant reduction of stretch film usage & costs, this system allows pallets to be wrapped with approximately 50% less film material and a cost reduction between about 20%-40%. With the combination of the steps of roping and then pre-stretching the roped film 4b this effectively binds the stretch film material into a higher yield strength material than one band of film 4a dispensed from a single stretch film core. Accordingly, less plastic is used because the film thickness can be reduced significantly by virtue of creating the higher yield ropes. Whilst conventional ventilated films are punctured to form holes this system provides a width of film with no film between the wrapping layers to provide the ventilation.

[0110] To address the need for sufficient air ventilation for palletised goods so as to allow products to breath such as fresh produce or rapid chill frozen goods, this system allows for the pallets to be wrapped with the right amount of gap to allow air flow whilst ensuring best load containment. This benefit is obtained by a combination of the roped film widths applied to a pre-stretching at wrapping together with the unique program of turntable and carriage adjustments as noted above.

[0111] An additional advantage provided in embodiments of the present invention is to avoid the phenomenon of tailing of wrap film in stretch wrapping processes. As shown in FIG. 6, in an embodiment of a stretch wrapping carousel machine that utilises features of the present invention compressed air may be used to blow the start of the film into the wrap and also weld the film to itself at the end of a wrapping cycle to ensure there are no wrap tails from the pallet and thus a shipping product that will be accepted at distribution centres. The shown turntable system is a machine in which the pallets are wrapped and may be modified with the preferred six (6) finger roping system 3 in conjunction with pallets wrapped with the required air gap. When the cycle starts the sealing unit or mechanism 11 will raise an attaching arm close to the pallet. After one rotation the attaching arm will release the film and the blower 9 will push the film close to the pallet where it can then be wrapped into the film so the start of the wrap is enclosed within it. At the end of the wrapping cycle the multiple layers or bands of film 4b are pulled down via a different type of roping device post pre-stretch that brings all layers to a bundle that is approx. 100 mm wide. The film goes over a sealing support bracket of the sealing unit 11 where at least two layers or bands of the multiple bands of films are overlapped on each other. Once they are overlapped the sealing mechanism is then pressed across the sealing support bracket where heat is applied and they are welded together as one piece.

[0112] Consistent testing has shown a reduction on film material by approx. 30-60% depending on application. In one demonstration involving application for palletizing the produce of a tomato grower, it has been shown that unique programming and use of film is suitable for a rapid chill application with an Extrema? in line stretch wrapping machine.

[0113] Some examples of use of embodiments of the present invention follow: [0114] Food produceCitrus [0115] Conventional Machinery used: Propak: MAS-350 [0116] Material: Macrowrap 20 um?142 m?500 mm [0117] Cut and Weigh Analysis of film used: 240 grams [0118] Film Slitter in situ [0119] Material: A preferred multiple band film3 Slit 3?150 mm?1600 m [0120] Cut and Weigh Analysis of film used: 110 grams [0121] A unique program was created to allow maximum air flow while ensuring all crates had film across itself. Film usage was greatly reduced due to the gaps that were possible to create by working with the carriage and turntable speed.

[0122] FIG. 1 shows apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, suitable for permanent or removable connection to an existing wrapping machine such as a pallet wrapping machine (100), as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a commercially viable option for ventilation of wrapped pallets in cool rooms to reduce refrigeration energy cost. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, a turntable wrapping machine can be adapted to utilise stretch wrap film in the form of a roll (1) of 3 bandings (2) on the one core which feeds through the stretch wrapping machine (100).

[0123] FIG. 2 illustrates a roping mechanism (6) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that receives bandings (2) of the stretch wrap film product (1) and by application of the roping fingers (3) individual bands (4) of roped film are produced for application to the pallet load in the operation of the wrapping machine. Whilst feeding through the roping mechanism (6) the film bandings (2) travel past components of the roping mechanism (6) such as the roping fingers (3) which rolls the edges adding strength to the bandings (2), effectively turning the bands (2) into roped sections of film (4). These roped widths (4) are pre-stretched and applied to the pallet and may be further stretched to provide the right measured load containment force.

[0124] FIG. 4 illustrates the device and apparatus of FIG. 1 from a top perspective view. The film holder/dispenser 1 holds the film and allows the film to be dispensed from the roll. The film 2 in its dispensable individual bands in preferred embodiments may comprise material of dimensions 3?150 mm?1600 m. The roping mechanism 3 bundles the film bands 4a before a Pre-Stretch head to allow for the roping process. Film being dispensed from the dispenser 1 is a single layer of film coming away from the roll and going through the roping mechanism 3 before it goes through the pre-stretch head.

[0125] FIG. 5 is a side view of the device and apparatus of FIG. 1 and shows the roping mechanism 3 and the guide roller 6 of the roping mechanism/fingers 3.

[0126] Parameters for two exemplary operational programs for controlling a stretch wrapping machine to perform the improved wrapping process with preferred wrapping cycles for optimum efficiency are shown below:

Example 1

[0127] Bottom Wraps: 1 [0128] Top Wraps: 1 [0129] Bottom Wrap Tension: 25% [0130] Ascent Tension: 30% [0131] Top Wrap Tension: 40% [0132] Decent Tension: 40% [0133] Rotation Speed: 7 rpm [0134] Ascent Speed: 80 Hz [0135] Descent Speed: 80 Hz [0136] Flanging Time: 6 seconds [0137] Initial Carriage Height: 3 cm [0138] Final Turn No.: 1 rotation [0139] Re-enforcement turns: 0 [0140] Reinforcement Height: 0 [0141] Roping Wraps: 1

Example 2

[0142] Bottom Wraps: 2 [0143] Top Wraps: 2 [0144] Bottom Wrap Tension: 35 [0145] Ascent Tension: 45 [0146] Top Wrap Tension: 35 [0147] Decent Tension: 45 [0148] Rotation Speed: 10 Rpm [0149] Ascent Speed: 65 Rpm [0150] Descent Speed: 65 Rpm [0151] Flanging Time: 7 seconds [0152] Initial Carriage Height: 0 [0153] Final Turn No.: 0 [0154] Re-enforcement turns: 1 [0155] Reinforcement Height: 150 cm [0156] Roping Wraps: 0

[0157] For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, right, left, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, interior, exterior, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the present specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0158] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0159] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0160] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0161] The following sections I-VII provide a guide to interpreting the present specification.

I. Terms

[0162] The term product means any material, machine, manufacture and/or composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0163] The term process means any process, algorithm, method or the like, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0164] Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a step or steps of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in the mere recitation of the term process or a like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a step or steps of a process has sufficient antecedent basis.

[0165] The term invention and the like mean the one or more inventions disclosed in this specification, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0166] The terms an embodiment, embodiment, embodiments, the embodiment, the embodiments, one or more embodiments, some embodiments, certain embodiments, one embodiment, another embodiment and the like mean one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s), unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0167] The term variation of an invention means an embodiment of the invention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0168] A reference to another embodiment in describing an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0169] The terms including, comprising and variations thereof mean including but not limited to, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0170] The terms a, an and the mean one or more, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0171] The term plurality means two or more, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0172] The term herein means in the present specification, including anything which may be incorporated by reference, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0173] The phrase at least one of, when such phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things), means any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the phrase at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel. The phrase at least one of, when such phrase modifies a plurality of things, does not mean one of each of the plurality of things.

[0174] Numerical terms such as one, two, etc. when used as cardinal numbers to indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), mean the quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at least the quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase one widget does not mean at least one widget, and therefore the phrase one widget does not cover, e.g., two widgets.

[0175] The phrase based on does not mean based only on, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase based on describes both based only on and based at least on. The phrase based at least on is equivalent to the phrase based at least in part on.

[0176] The term represent and like terms are not exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term represents do not mean represents only, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase the data represents a credit card number describes both the data represents only a credit card number and the data represents a credit card number and the data also represents something else.

[0177] The term whereby is used herein only to precede a clause or other set of words that express only the intended result, objective or consequence of something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when the term whereby is used in a claim, the clause or other words that the term whereby modifies do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

[0178] The term e.g. and like terms mean for example, and thus does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over the Internet, the term e.g. explains that instructions are an example of data that the computer may send over the Internet, and also explains that a data structure is an example of data that the computer may send over the Internet. However, both instructions and a data structure are merely examples of data, and other things besides instructions and a data structure can be data.

[0179] The term i.e. and like terms mean that is, and thus limits the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence the computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet, the term i.e. explains that instructions are the data that the computer sends over the Internet.

[0180] Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numbers within the range. For example, the range 1 to 10 shall be interpreted to specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

II. Determining

[0181] The term determining and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, determine an object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense. The term determining encompasses a wide variety of actions and therefore determining can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, determining can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, determining can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0182] The term determining does not imply certainty or absolute precision, and therefore determining can include estimating, extrapolating, predicting, guessing and the like.

[0183] The term determining does not imply that mathematical processing must be performed, and does not imply that numerical methods must be used, and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used.

[0184] The term determining does not imply that any particular device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform the determining.

III. Indication

[0185] The term indication is used in an extremely broad sense. The term indication may, among other things, encompass a sign, symptom, or token of something else.

[0186] The term indication may be used to refer to any indicia and/or other information indicative of or associated with a subject, item, entity, and/or other object and/or idea.

[0187] As used herein, the phrases information indicative of and indicia may be used to refer to any information that represents, describes, and/or is otherwise associated with a related entity, subject, or object.

[0188] Indicia of information may include, for example, a symbol, a code, a reference, a link, a signal, an identifier, and/or any combination thereof and/or any other informative representation associated with the information.

[0189] In some embodiments, indicia of information (or indicative of the information) may be or include the information itself and/or any portion or component of the information. In some embodiments, an indication may include a request, a solicitation, a broadcast, and/or any other form of information gathering and/or dissemination.

IV. Forms of Sentences

[0190] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as at least one widget covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses a definite article the to refer to the limitation (e.g., the widget), this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature (e.g., the widget can cover both one widget and more than one widget).

[0191] When an ordinal number (such as first, second, third and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature that is described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a first widget may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a second widget. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers first and second before the term widget does not indicate any other relationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers first and second before the term widget (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as in importance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers first and second before the term widget does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets.

[0192] When a single device or article is described herein, more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single device/article that is described. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate).

[0193] Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than one device or article that is described. For example, a plurality of computer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-based device. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described as being possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single device/article.

[0194] The functionality and/or the features of a single device that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are described but are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in those other embodiments, have such functionality/features.

V. Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting

[0195] Neither the Title nor the Abstract in this specification is intended to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s). The title and headings of sections provided in the specification are for convenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

[0196] Numerous embodiments are described in the present application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognise that the disclosed invention(s) may be practised with various modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0197] The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodiments of the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is not a listing of features of the invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments.

[0198] Devices that are described as in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine in communication with another machine via the Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at a time). In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

[0199] A description of an embodiment with several components or features does not imply that all or even any of such components/features are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no component/feature is essential or required.

[0200] Although process steps, operations, algorithms or the like may be described in a particular sequential order, such processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

[0201] Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps, that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step is essential or required.

[0202] Although a process may be described singly or without reference to other products or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact with other products or methods. For example, such interaction may include linking one business model to another business model. Such interaction may be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of the process.

[0203] Although a product may be described as including a plurality of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, that does not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality.

[0204] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the enumerated list a computer, a laptop, a PDA does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list are comprehensive of any category.

[0205] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other or readily substituted for each other.

[0206] All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention or any embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be.

[0207] Comprises/comprising and includes/including when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, includes, including and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.