POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE ICE MAKING AND DISPENSING SYSTEM

Abstract

An aseptic ice making system includes an ice making system to receive water from a water supply. The ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to produce ice and a positive air pressure subsystem to maintain a positive air pressure environment within the ice making system.

Claims

1. An ice making system, comprising: a housing; an ice producing subsystem, located within said housing, to receive water from a water supply and to create ice from the received water; a positive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positive air pressure environment within said ice producing subsystem, said positive air pressure environment within the ice producing subsystem being an environment having an air pressure greater than an air pressure of ambient air outside said housing of the ice making system; said positive air pressure subsystem including a fan, a controller, an ice producing subsystem pressure sensor, and a high efficiency particulate air filter; said fan, said controller, and said high efficiency particulate air filter being located outside said housing of the ice making system; said controller activating said fan, when said ice producing subsystem pressure sensor measures an air pressure within said ice producing subsystem below a predetermined air pressure, to blow filtered air into said ice producing subsystem to maintain said positive air pressure environment within said ice producing subsystem; an ice storage device, operatively connected to said ice producing subsystem and located within said housing, for storing the created ice; and a solid air shield having an open position and a closed position; said solid air shield biased to said closed position; said solid air shield opening into said ice storage device; said solid air shield located within said housing and between said ice producing subsystem and said ice storage device; said solid air shield, in said closed position, maintaining a positive air pressure environment within said ice producing subsystem, said positive air pressure environment within the ice producing system being an environment having an air pressure greater than the air pressure of the ambient air outside said housing of the ice making system; said solid air shield, in said open position, enabling transference of the created ice from said ice producing subsystem to said ice storage device; said solid air shield, in said open position, enabling air flow from said ice producing subsystem to said ice storage device when an air pressure in said ice producing subsystem is greater than an air pressure in said ice storage device; said ice storage device including a door; said solid air shield being in said closed position when the air pressure in said ice producing subsystem is equal to the air pressure in said ice storage device; said solid air shield configured to transition to said open position in response to the air pressure in said ice producing subsystem being higher than the air pressure in said ice storage device.

2. The ice making system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said solid air shield configured to transition to said open position when a weight of the created ice located on said solid air shield overcomes the bias of said solid air shield and the air pressure in said ice producing subsystem is equal to the air pressure in said ice storage device.

3. The ice making system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positive air pressure subsystem includes an ice storage device pressure sensor; said controller activating said fan, when said ice storage device pressure sensor measures an air pressure within said ice storage device below a predetermined air pressure, to blow filtered air into said ice storage device to maintain said positive air pressure environment within said ice storage device.

4. The ice making system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positive air pressure subsystem includes an ultraviolet system for irradiating air passing through said positive air pressure subsystem; said controller activating said fan, when said ice producing subsystem pressure sensor measures an air pressure within said ice producing subsystem below a predetermined air pressure, to blow irradiated filtered air into said ice producing subsystem to maintain said positive air pressure environment within said ice producing subsystem.

5. The ice making system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said positive air pressure subsystem includes an ultraviolet system for irradiating air passing through said positive air pressure subsystem; said controller activating said fan, when said ice storage device pressure sensor measures an air pressure within said ice storage device below a predetermined air pressure, to blow irradiated filtered air into said ice storage device to maintain said positive air pressure environment within said ice storage device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0043] The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a sealed positive air pressure ice making machine evaporator adaptor;

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates pneumatic components of the sealed positive air pressure ice making machine;

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates further pneumatic components of the sealed positive air pressure ice making machine;

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a sealed positive air pressure ice making machine evaporator;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a positive air pressure ice making machine;

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a detail view of the ice transport and dispensing system;

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a ice making system for producing batches of ice;

[0051] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the ice transport system of the ice transport of FIG. 6;

[0052] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an ice chute system of the ice transport and dispensing system of FIG. 7;

[0053] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a high efficiency particulate air filtered ice machine system;

[0054] FIG. 12 illustrates a cut-away view of the high efficiency particulate air filtered ice machine system of FIG. 11;

[0055] FIG. 13 illustrates the airflow of the high efficiency particulate air filtered ice machine system of FIG. 11;

[0056] FIG. 14 illustrates the airflow of another high efficiency particulate air filtered ice machine system;

[0057] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of high efficiency particulate air filtered positive air pressure generation system; and

[0058] FIG. 16 illustrates another example of high efficiency particulate air filtered positive air pressure generation system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or equivalent elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts could be properly illustrated.

[0060] An aseptic ice making and dispensing system produces and dispenses ice cubes in a closed loop process, thereby isolating the water supply and ice from the environs during the ice making and dispensing process and virtually eliminating exposure to contaminants normally experienced in an ice making environment.

[0061] As described below, the aseptic ice making system includes an ice producing section to produce ice, an ice storage section to receive the produced ice and store for subsequent dispensing, a positive air pressure system to provide a positive air environment within the ice making machine, and a system control section to control the operations of and environment within the aseptic ice making system.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, the ice producing section of the aseptic ice making system includes a cuber/evaporator 1 which produces the ice cubes. The ice producing section further includes a door 5, which swings out for enabling ice delivery to an ice bin (not shown). The door 5 provides an air tight seal with the ice producing section.

[0063] The ice producing section also includes a sump pump pan 3, which may be disposable, a fan 7, and an air filter 9. The fan turns ON when the ice bin is full to dry out the evaporator 1, thereby preventing the growth of mold.

[0064] The fan 7 also provides a positive air pressure environment within the ice producing section, thereby substantially eliminating exposure of the ice making process to ambient contaminants and/or other harmful biological growth.

[0065] It is noted that the air filter 9 may be a high efficiency particulate air filter, which assists in substantially eliminating exposure of the ice making process to ambient contaminants and/or other harmful biological growth.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the various pneumatic components of the sealed positive air pressure ice making machine are illustrated. As noted above, the ice producing section includes a combination of a condenser coil (evaporator) 1 and compressor 15 used to produce the ice cubes. The ice producing section also includes a drip tube or line 3 to divert excess water from a drip pan (not shown) to a sump pump (not shown).

[0067] A fan unit, not shown, draws air through an air filter 9, which may be a high efficiency particulate air filter, to push air through air flow chamber 11 and an air value 13 before the air passes over the condenser coil (evaporator) 1.

[0068] The air value 13 opens when the fan unit is ON. The air value 13 may automatically close when the enclosed area reaches a predetermined maximum differential pressure air, thereby enabling the creation of a positive air pressure environment.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a different view of the components of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the ice producing section includes a combination of a condenser coil (evaporator) 1 and compressor 15 used to produce the ice cubes. The ice producing section also includes a drip tube or line 3 to divert excess water from a drip pan (not shown) to a sump pump (not shown).

[0070] A fan unit 7 draws air through an air filter 9, which may be a high efficiency particulate air filter, to push air through air flow chamber 11 and an air value 13 before the air passes over the condenser coil (evaporator) 1.

[0071] The air value 13 opens when the fan unit 7 is ON. The air value 13 may automatically close when the enclosed area reaches a predetermined maximum differential pressure air, thereby enabling the creation of a positive air pressure environment.

[0072] FIG. 4 shows another view of the ice producing section. As shown in FIG. 4, the ice producing section includes a combination of a condenser coil (evaporator) 1 and compressor 15 used to produce the ice cubes. A fan unit 7 draws air through an air filter 9, which may be a high efficiency particulate air filter, to push air over the condenser coil (evaporator) 1.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, an aseptic ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem 140. The ice producing subsystem 140 includes an evaporator (not shown) and other conventional components (not shown) to produce ice. The ice producing subsystem 140 is coupled to a water supply subsystem 110 which may include filters (such as a reverse osmosis system) (not shown) and/or an ultraviolet system (not shown) to purify the water before the water is received by the ice producing subsystem 140. Also, the water supply subsystem 110 may include the necessary valves (not shown) and regulators (not shown) to control the flow of water to the ice producing subsystem 140.

[0074] The ice producing subsystem 140 is also coupled to a positive air pressure supply subsystem 130 which may include filters (such as a high efficiency particulate air filter) (not shown) and/or an ultraviolet system (not shown) to purify the air before the air is pumped into the ice producing subsystem 140 to create the positive air pressure environment within the ice producing subsystem 140.

[0075] Also, the positive air pressure supply subsystem 130 may include the necessary valves (not shown), fans (not shown), and regulators (not shown) to control the flow of air to the ice producing subsystem 140.

[0076] It is noted that the positive air pressure supply subsystem 140 may include a pressurized air canister, which contains purified (sanitized) pressurized air, in lieu of a fan to create the positive air pressure. The pressurized air canister may contain an inert gas or other gas to help retard bacteria growth in the ice producing subsystem 140.

[0077] The aseptic ice making system further includes a control system 120 that receives signals from various sensors to control the flow of water and pressurized air to the ice producing subsystem 140.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control system 120 is operatively connected to an air pressure sensor 124, located in the ice producing subsystem 140 to monitor the air pressure within the ice producing subsystem 140. If the air pressure (air pressure differential) within the ice producing subsystem 140 drops below a predetermined threshold, the control system 120 causes the positive air pressure supply subsystem 130 to pump air into the ice producing subsystem 140, thereby maintaining the positive air pressure and keeping the ambient air out of the ice producing subsystem 140.

[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control system 120 is also operatively connected to a sensor/controller 122, located in the ice producing subsystem 140 to monitor the progress of the ice-making process within the ice producing subsystem 140. When the ice-making has completed a cycle, the sensor/controller 122 informs the control system 120, which causes the water supply subsystem 110 to pump water into the ice producing subsystem 140 in preparation for the next cycle of ice-making.

[0080] The aseptic ice making system also includes an ice storage subsystem 150 which stores the produced ice prior to dispensing. As illustrated, the ice storage subsystem 150 includes a dispensing door or lid 160 which allows the stored ice to be dispensed. The dispensing door or lid 160 forms an airtight seal with the ice storage subsystem 150 so as to maintain a positive air pressure environment within the ice storage subsystem 150.

[0081] When the dispensing door or lid 160 is opened to dispense ice, the air pressure within the ice storage subsystem 150 will decrease. The change in air pressure can be monitored by an optional air pressure sensor 126. If the air pressure (air pressure differential) within the ice storage subsystem 150 drops below a predetermined threshold, the control system 120 causes the positive air pressure supply subsystem 130 to pump air into the aseptic ice making system or optionally directly into the ice storage subsystem 150, thereby maintaining the positive air pressure and keeping the ambient air out of the ice storage subsystem 150.

[0082] It is noted that the aseptic ice making system may include an optional dispensing door 170 between the ice producing subsystem 140 and the ice storage subsystem 150, thereby creating two airtight compartments.

[0083] In this alternative embodiment, the control system 120 would utilize separate air pressure sensors in the ice storage subsystem 150 and the ice producing subsystem 140. Moreover, the control system 120 control the positive air pressure supply subsystem 130 to pump, independently to the ice storage subsystem 50 and the ice producing subsystem 140.

[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates a positive air pressure ice machine including an ice transport system and an ice dispensing system. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an ice machine 230 produces ice in a positive air pressure environment which includes an ice bin to break up the ice. A detail illustration of the ice bin is show in FIG. 7.

[0085] The ice is transported from the ice bin to a vertical auger/tube 247, by auger/tube 249. The ice is transported vertically in vertical auger/tube 247 to an ice distributor 250. The ice may be distributed to an ice bagging system 260 (having a door 270 for dispensing the ice), via auger/tube 243. The ice may also be distributed to an ice bucket 210 or ice/soda dispensing system 220, via auger/tube 240.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 7, an ice bin has multiple trays (310 and 320) that separate the ice in batches so a large volume of ice can be made overnight and transported to the places it is needed rapidly during the day. The trays perform the function to drop frozen batches of ice over an ice breaking device 330 to break up the ice.

[0087] The trays also function to separate the produced ice into manageable volumes so that the batches of ice are not all pushing down on the ice auger 249 at the bottom of the bin, which would tend to break the individual cubes of ice into crushed ice.

[0088] The ice bin can auger, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the ice up to a ceiling level, where an ice diverter can further transport the ice to locations where it is needed.

[0089] FIG. 8 shows details of the ice transport system. As illustrated in FIG. 8, an auger 249 moves the cubed ice in a horizontal direction towards a collection area 248 for vertical auger/tube 247.

[0090] It is noted that auger 249 may also include a tube if the cubed ice is being moved outside the ice bin. It is further noted that although the collection area 248 and vertical auger/tube 247 have been illustrated as being located outside the ice bin, these devices can be located within the ice bin.

[0091] The vertical auger/tube 247 moves the ice in a vertical direction to an ice distributor 250. Auger/tube 240 and auger/tube 243 distribute the ice to various stations from the ice distributor 250.

[0092] It is noted that the collection area 248 may be replaced with ice distributor 250 so that vertical auger/tube 247 is eliminated. The vertical auger/tube 247 raises the ice to a level so that gravity can also be utilized in the distribution system.

[0093] FIG. 9 shows a side view of an ice bagging system, and FIG. 10 shows a front view of the ice bagging system. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, ice is received by ice inlet 400. Ice inlet 400 may be connected to one of the auger/tubes (240 or 243) of FIG. 8. The ice from ice inlet 400 is received by ice bagging unit 410, which bags the ice for distribution and/or sale. Ice bagging unit 410 may be a conventional bagging device.

[0094] Upon being bagged, the bagged ice travels down ice chute 420 so that the bagged ice can be retrieved through door 430. Door 430 is closed-biased to allow the creation of a positive air pressure environment inside the ice bagging device.

[0095] It is noted that the ice bagging system may include a positive air pressure supply subsystem that includes a fan and high efficiency particulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system.

[0096] FIG. 11 illustrates an ice making system with a storage bin. As illustrated in FIG. 11, an ice making device 510 creates ice that is stored in an ice bin 520 for distribution through an ice dispensing device 530. The ice making system includes a positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 that includes a fan and a high efficiency particulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system.

[0097] It is noted that ice dispensing device 530 may include a door, which is spring-biased shut, to allow the creation of a positive air pressure environment inside the ice making system. The ice dispensing device 530 may also be an activatable dispensing device, which transports ice from inside the ice bin 520 to the external environment.

[0098] FIG. 12 illustrates a cut-away of the ice making system of FIG. 11. As illustrated in FIG. 12, an ice making device 510 creates ice that is stored in an ice bin 520 for distribution through an ice dispensing device 530, which transports ice from inside the ice bin 520 to the external environment. The ice making system includes a positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 that includes a fan and a high efficiency particulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system.

[0099] It is noted that ice dispensing device 530 may be a door, which is closed-biased, to allow the creation of a positive air pressure environment inside the ice making system.

[0100] FIG. 13 illustrates the air flow created by the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 for the ice making system of FIG. 11. The positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 draws, via a fan, ambient air through a high efficiency particulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system. The cleaned air flows through the ice making device 510 into the ice storage device 520. When ice is dispensed by ice dispensing device 530, the positive air pressure within the ice making system causes air to flow outward, thereby preventing airborne pathogens or contaminants from entering the ice making system through the dispensing of ice.

[0101] FIG. 14 illustrates the air flow created by the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 for the ice making system having a door in lieu of an active ice dispensing system. The positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 draws, via a fan, ambient air through a high efficiency particulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system. The cleaned air flows through the ice making device 510 into the ice storage device 520 through a closed-biased door or hatch 540. The closed-biased door or hatch 540 opens in response to the weight of the ice from the ice making device 510 or the positive air pressure in the ice making device 510 when door 530 is opened.

[0102] When ice is dispensed through ice dispensing door 530, the positive air pressure within the ice making system causes air to flow outward, thereby preventing airborne pathogens or contaminants from entering the ice making system through the dispensing of ice. It is noted that door 530 creates an air tight seal with the ice storage device 520.

[0103] FIG. 15 illustrates a positive air pressure supply subsystem 500. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 includes two air intakes 610, which have associated fans (not shown). The fans draw air through the intakes 610 and cause the air to pass through a high efficiency particulate air filter 620. The filtered air passes into the ice making system via air outtake 630.

[0104] It is noted that the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 of FIG. 15 may also include an ultraviolet system for killing any biological contaminants.

[0105] FIG. 16 illustrates a positive air pressure supply subsystem 500. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 includes a single air intake 610, which has an associated fan (not shown). The fan draws air through the intake 610 and causes the air to pass through a high efficiency particulate air filter 620. The filtered air passes into the ice making system via air outtake 630.

[0106] It is noted that the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 of FIG. 15 may also include an ultraviolet system for killing any biological contaminants.

[0107] It is noted that although the above-described embodiments are integral systems, the positive air pressure environment can be created in a conventional ice making device by providing a sealed positive air pressure ice making machine evaporator adaptor. The sealed positive air pressure ice making machine evaporator adaptor would include an evaporator, an air filter (a high efficiency particulate air filter), a fan unit, and an airtight cover/door to allow dispensing of the ice and maintaining of a positive air pressure in the evaporator unit.

[0108] It is noted that the fan unit can be used to dry out the evaporator when the ice bin is full. The sealed positive air pressure ice making machine evaporator adaptor may also include a plastic disposable sump pump pan.

[0109] It is further noted that an aseptic ice making system may include an evaporator, an ice transport section, an ice storage bin and an ice dispense mechanism, which are sealed in cowlings or air shields so that all surfaces are maintained under positive air pressure.

[0110] The positive air pressure can be realized with a continual positive air flow. Alternatively, the positive air pressure can be realized by a non-continuous air pumping system or air delivery system. The non-continuous system would reduce the amount of ice melt because the amount of air flowing over the ice would be reduced.

[0111] In the non-continuous system, a positive air pressure fan or blower turns ON when the air pressure in the confined area drops below a predetermined threshold; for example, about 0.5 psi.

[0112] The drop in air pressure can be the result of air leaks in the system or because the ice dispensing system was activated (opened) and the pressure in the enclosed area has decreased below the minimum level to maintain enough positive pressure to keep the ambient air from entering the ice machine.

[0113] When the air pressure drop is sensed, an air valve opens to let blown air (via a high efficiency particulate air filter) into the enclosed area. The fan/blower stays ON and the valve stays open until the pressure reaches a predetermined maximum threshold. Upon reaching the maximum threshold, a valve automatically closes and the fan/blower is turned OFF.

[0114] The ice machine's environment remains in a positive air pressure condition until the differential air pressure is less than a predetermined threshold and then the positive air pressure cycle restarts with the valve and fan/blower activating.

[0115] In most applications, positive air pressure is maintained by constantly blowing air through a high efficiency particulate air filter and maintaining a predetermined air pressure.

[0116] Additionally, the system may include a battery backup or uninterruptable power source so that if there is a temporary loss of power, the fan/blower can operate to maintain sanitary conditions until the power is restored.

[0117] The control system of the ice machine may also include memory to store a data log, so that a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan can be tracked and analyzed.

[0118] If the ice machine gets turned OFF for too long, the ice machine goes into a new installation mode where a similar sanitation takes place as when the machine was first installed.

[0119] The ice machine may have numerous sensors; e.g., temperature sensors; to maintain a sanitary condition and to use in the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point analysis and plan.

[0120] As noted above, the ice machine can optionally be fitted with water pre-treatment systems; e.g., a reverse osmosis system; to purify the water and prevent scaling due to mineral build-up.

[0121] It is also noted that each high efficiency particulate air filter may have two fans or blowers associated therewith to create a redundant system. Thus, if one blower/fan fails, the other blower/fan will be able to maintain positive air pressure within the ice making system.

[0122] Each of the blowers/fans may have a tachometer electrical output that can sense the blower/fan shaft speed, so in case of failure of a blower/fan, a warning signal can be sent to an operator or repair service before the other blower/fan fails.

[0123] Additionally, with a reverse osmosis system, the need to purge the water from the ice machine due to mineral concentration as a result of the freezing process would be significantly reduced. Thus, the ice machine reduces water waste in the manufacture of ice.

[0124] By using positive air pressure, an ice machine can be used to fill bags of ice at the retail location while maintain sanitary conditions in the packaging of ice itself.

[0125] It is noted that in an ice machine, the evaporator, ice transport section, ice storage bin, automatic or manual ice bagging compartment and the ice dispense mechanism may be sealed in cowlings or air shields so that the surfaces are maintained under positive air pressure, which is filtered through a high efficiency particulate air filter.

[0126] Also, the packaging that the ice is put into, such as a plastic bag, are opened in the positive air pressure environment, so the air that enters the bag or package will therefore only contain ice and air from the positive air pressure environment.

[0127] Limited air flow can be realized by utilizing reduced (size) openings so only a small amount of air flows into and out of the compartment(s), with the incoming air is filtered through a filter, such as a high efficiency particulate air filter.

[0128] It is also noted that in an ice transport application, the tubes that transport ice with an air flow will maintain a positive air pressure. The air would flow in the same direction, as the ice, to the exit point.

[0129] Ice transport makes it possible to separate ice storage from ice dispensing.

[0130] For example, in most eating establishments, a large ice machine with a large storage bin can be placed in a backroom or basement. The ice can be made overnight and at slow times. By utilizing an ice transport system, smaller ice dispensing units can be placed in the front of the restaurant where the ice is needed. To facilitate the non co-located smaller ice dispensing units, the ice transport system transports the ice from the large storage bin in the backroom or basement to multiple areas in the front.

[0131] As discussed above, a positive air pressure ice machine also includes an ice bin where a batch of the fresh wet ice made in a positive air pressure ice environment is dropped onto a surface (tray) inside a refrigerated ice bin (positive air pressure ice environment). The ice is allowed to freeze and is then transferred to a tray below and then transferred to the bottom of the bin by gravity, which allows the ice to shatter, but still retain the shape of the original cubes.

[0132] In the case of ice machines with bins (FIG. 14), there is a large door 530 that is opened so a large bucket can be put into the ice bin to scoop out ice. This bucket of ice is then manually transported to another location, usually a place where drinks are served, and then dumped into a bin associated with that drink station.

[0133] Since there is a very large door in the bin, when the door opens, the air pressure will drop to zero. If a larger blower and high efficiency particulate air filter were placed on top of the ice machine, at some point a minimum level of air pressure would be achieved, but this might require a large blower.

[0134] Thus, to keep the blower size small, an air shield (540 of FIG. 14) may be place between the bin and the ice machine. A small opening is formed in the shield, and a flexible flap is placed over the opening. The flap remains closed at all times, except when an ice slab is harvested from the ice machine.

[0135] The ice slab drops by gravity through the opening, pushing the flap open. In this way, positive air pressure in the food zone of the ice machine can be maintained.

[0136] It is further noted that regarding ice transport, ice can be transported in a flexible tube or solid tube without an auger when the tube is maintained in a state of positive air pressure with high efficiency particulate air filtered air. As ice enters the tube, it is transported because the air pressure is increased enough to propel the ice to a remote destination. Thus, the transport tubes are always maintained under positive air pressure from a high efficiency particulate air filter.

[0137] It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the description above and the following claims.