Abstract
A keg dispenser for dispensing and housing a beverage contained within a keg the dispenser comprising an upper column, a keg compartment, and a spigot. The dispenser allows the user to switch from one type of beverage to another with minimal adjustments all while maintaining an eye pleasing yet compact design.
Claims
1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: an upper cylindrical column, said upper column comprising: one or more curved doors around the upper column said one or more doors pivot around the exterior of the upper column on a central pivot placed on a vertical axis of the dispenser; and a spigot, said spigot concealed when said one or more doors around the upper column are closed; and an opening for placing a CO2 tank into the dispenser, said opening concealed when said one or more doors are positioned over the opening; and a keg compartment, wherein the vertical axis is in a center of the dispenser and wherein the upper column rests on a lower column and wherein a circumference of the upper column is smaller than a circumference of the lower column and wherein the one or more curved doors pivot around the exterior of the upper column at the circumference of the lower column.
2. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a chamber wherein said chamber accommodates a CO.sub.2 tank wherein said CO.sub.2 tank is inverted.
3. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spigot is positionable higher or lower on the upper column at the discretion of the user.
4. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spigot houses two dispensing lines and is able to dispense two or more beverages.
5. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a flash chiller wherein at the point of dispense the flash chiller is activated in order to dispense liquids at colder temperature than what they are stored.
6. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one or more doors automatically pivot open or close at the discretion of a user to expose or conceal said spigot or a keg compartment.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the one or more doors open under the control of one or more motors.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the one or more motors are initiated by mechanical mechanism.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the one or more motors are initiated by electrical mechanism.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the one or more motors is controlled remotely by a remote control.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. For example, although the drawings illustrate only circular and oval cross-sectional-shaped housings, desirable results can also be achieved by virtually any cross-sectional shape capable of housing at least one keg of any size. In the drawings:
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective-view drawing which illustrates a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein its doors are connected with an internal hinge arrangement and wherein a drip tray is disposed within a top-portion of a lower door thereof;
(3) FIG. 2A is a drawing which illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein a pair of top doors are open and a door of the keg compartment is closed;
(4) FIGS. 2B and C are drawings which illustrate an embodiment of the present invention; wherein a spigot is concealable within a housing when not in use;
(5) FIGS. 2E and D are drawings which respectively illustrate embodiments of the present invention wherein the dispenser has a bottom door, but not a top door, and wherein the dispenser does not have any doors.
(6) FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are drawings which respectively illustrate a flow of chilled air within a dispenser wherein a cooling unit disposed at a bottom and a top of the dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(7) FIGS. 4A and B are drawings which illustrate a size difference between a conventional column and an enhanced column according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(8) FIG. 5 is a drawing which illustrates a rotatable spigot according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(9) FIGS. 6A and B are drawings which illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention which incorporate a water dispensing-spigot;
(10) FIGS. 7A and B are drawings which illustrate a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention which is capable of housing a plurality of spigots and kegs, wherein the doors of the housing are respectively closed and open;
(11) FIG. 8A is a perspective front view drawing which illustrates a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein its doors are closed;
(12) FIGS. 8B-D are top-view drawings which illustrate a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein a single keg, two slim kegs, and three slim sixth barrel or slim 5 gallon kegs are respectively provided;
(13) FIG. 9 is a drawing which illustrates an upper column of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein the spigot comprises a removable handle; and
(14) FIGS. 10 A-G respectively illustrates a perspective front view, front and back views, left and right-side views, as well as top and bottom views of an ornamental embodiment of a keg dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.
(15) FIGS. 11 A-C respectively illustrates a perspective 3 dimensional and side view of the keg dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention where in the upper doors pivot around the dispenser column.
(16) FIGS. 12 A and B respectively illustrates a perspective front and side views of the keg dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention where in the doors pivot over the dispenser column.
(17) FIGS. 13 A and B illustrates the ability of the faucet assembly to move up and down on a glide mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(18) The terms draft and/or kegs, as used throughout the specification and claims, are used for the sake of simplicity and are intended to include any and all pressurized and/or pressurizable containers capable of containing a beverage and/or a component of a beverage.
(19) The terms line and lines, as used throughout the specification and claims, are intended to include any structure, device, product, and/or component for the transmission and/or distribution of a fluid, including but not limited pipes, tubes, hoses, connections, and the like.
(20) The term column, as used throughout the specification and claims, can be used interchangeably with the term tower, each of which are intended to include a housing and/or portion thereof, through which the draft lines attaching the spigot to the keg pass and is not limited to any particular shape.
(21) The terms a, an, and the mean one or more.
(22) Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2A-C, an embodiment of keg dispenser 110 is illustrated. In this embodiment, dispenser 110 preferably comprises spigot 100 attached to front portion 101 of upper column 108 of housing 102. Although numerous configurations and designs can optionally be incorporated into upper column 108, as best illustrated in FIG. 1, upper column 108 preferably comprises a large rear section and smaller front portion 101, such that the back portion of upper column 108 preferably comprises a larger diameter than front portion 101. Spigot 100 is preferably mounted on front portion 101. In this embodiment, when upper doors 103 are closed, they thus cause upper column 108 to substantially uniform outside diameter as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-C. In this embodiment, because spigot 100 protrudes from front portion 101 of upper column 108, upper doors 103 preferably comprise a protruding portion about a top portion of their inner radius of curvature, thereby creating an internal void around spigot 100 such that it is concealed when upper doors 103 are closed.
(23) Housing 102 preferably comprises an internal void, which extends from cooling unit housing portion 107 through keg compartment 109 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B and 3C) and up to upper column 108, thereby maintaining a consistent temperature for a beverage traveling through such lines all the way from keg 106 to spigot 100. This ability to maintain a consistent temperature permits the beverage to be uniformly and properly chilled, thereby avoiding temperature-induced foam in carbonated beverages. In one embodiment, upper column 108 comprises cross-sectional internal area 419 (see FIG. 4B) of at least about 16 square inches and most preferably a cross-sectional area of at least about 24 square inches. This large cross-sectional area facilitates the flow of air around the tubing even at its connection to the spigot. The large opening for airflow also provides easy access to the spigot and line connection for maintenance, and repairs on dispenser 110. The draft lines attach form the keg 106 to the spigot 100 and can be of typical size and length according to the application of use.
(24) By placing spigot 100 directly on front portion 101 of upper column 108, instead of on the end of a line which extends from housing 102, direct cooling and ventilation from cooling unit 114 (see FIG. 3), is provided, thus minimizing temperature-induced foam by allowing spigot 100 to be cooled with minimal obstruction, unlike conventional keg dispensers. This configuration also allows for the concealment of the draft-related connections and lines by creating an area built into housing 102 for spigot 100 to attach to.
(25) In one embodiment, front portion 101 of upper column 108 has a frontal diameter of about three to about four inches smaller than the outside diameter of housing 102. By providing a smaller diameter of front portion 101, which is containable within doors 103, not only is spigot 100 concealable, but drip tray 104 can thus also be contained within an upper portion of lower door 105, such that drip tray 104 resides under spigot when lower door 105 is closed. Because drip tray 104 is housed within an upper portion of door 105, when upper doors 103 are closed, not only is spigot 100 concealed, but drip tray 104 is also concealed. In an alternative embodiment, upper doors 103 can be shortened and a drip tray can be incorporated into a portion of housing 102 which wraps around the front of dispenser 110 between the upper doors and the lower door.
(26) Optionally drip tray 104 can include a recess within which a removable drip tray can be disposed. This removable drip tray thus allows for easy cleaning and draining. In an alternative embodiment, drip tray 104 can simply comprise a recess which contains a dripped liquid. In either embodiment, a line can be connected to drip tray 104 such that liquids which are captured by drip tray 104 are led to a predetermined area, which can include a capture container, a sewer drain, and/or a heated evaporating tray.
(27) Optionally, doors 103 can include locking mechanism 111, which aids in keeping unauthorized people, such as children, from dispensing the beverage housed therein. Lower door 105 can also optionally include locking mechanism 112. Although cooling unit 114 (see FIG. 3), and cooling unit housing 107 is illustrated as being disposed below keg compartment 109, it can be placed anywhere within or on dispenser 110 and can rely on any known system, apparatus, mechanism, method, and/or combination thereof capable of cooling a beverage to a desirable temperature, including but not limited to adiabatic cooling of a compressed refrigerant, Peltier-effect-based electro-thermal coolers, evaporative cooling, combinations thereof, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, cooling unit housing 107 can optionally be omitted and the cooling unit instead be incorporated into another portion of housing 102, this is particularly true for diminutively-sized thermo-electric coolers.
(28) In one embodiment, one or more vents 121 (see FIG. 2A) can be provided through upper column 108 which permits chilled air to enter the area between closed doors 103 and front portion 101 of upper column 108. In this embodiment, drinking containers, can be stored within the confines of enter the area between closed doors 103 and front portion 101 of upper column 108. Accordingly, a user can obtain a chilled drinking container stored therein prior to dispensing a beverage from spigot 100 into the glass. Optionally, one or more vents 121 can be replaced with one or more cooling plates, such as a Peltier thermo-electric cooler. This not only provides a user with a pre-chilled glass, if so desired, but the chilled air which accumulates within the confines of the area between closed doors 103 and front portion 101 of upper column 108, when such doors are closed, also chills spigot 100, thus further avoiding thermal-induced foaming of a dispensed beverage. Still further, a pre-chilled glass also reduced thermal-induced foaming and permits the user to maintain a served beverage at a colder temperature for a longer period of time. Optionally, the cooling plates can be disposed below drip tray 104 or by decreasing the size of the drip tray and placing the cooling plates to the sides of the drip tray, such that not only is the internal space between closed doors 103 and front portion 101 of upper column 108 chilled, but also such that while top doors 103 are open, a user can place his or her drinking container on the drip tray, thereby keeping the beverage contained in the drinking container colder for a longer period of time. The apparatus can also be configured so as to only turn on the cooling plates also known as chilling plates when the faucet doors are open in an effort to reduce energy consumption thereby acting as chilling coasters for beverage containers. Optionally, vents 121 can be configured such that they are closed and/or airflow to them is blocked when one or more of doors 103 are opened, thus preventing cooled air from being vented to outside ambient air.
(29) As best illustrated in FIG. 2D, in one embodiment, dispenser 110 can comprise bottom door 105, but no top doors. In this embodiment, spigot 100 remains visible when dispenser 110 is in use and when dispenser 110 is not in use. FIG. 2E illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein dispenser 110 does not include keg compartment door 105, nor does it include top doors 103. In one embodiment, dispenser 110 can comprise upper doors 103 but not a compartment door. In one embodiment, keg 106 can be chilled prior to placement into dispenser 110. Optionally, keg 106 can be disposed in an ice bucket or other cooling container and disposed into dispenser 110.
(30) FIGS. 3A and 3B and 3C schematically illustrate the flow of chilled air within dispenser 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. The recessed-configuration of upper column 108, as taught in an embodiment of the present invention, permits its lower portion to remain open to the flow of chilled air, while simultaneously providing a concealable spigot and drip tray. Disposing cooling unit 114 and cooling unit housing 107 at the bottom of dispenser 110 as illustrated in FIG. 3A, allows chilled air to flow throughout housing 102, including through keg compartment 109, thereby chilling not only a keg, but also the beverage distribution lines which connect the keg to a spigot. Alternatively, desirable results are also obtained when cooling unit 114 is instead disposed within upper column 108, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. In this configuration, the chilled air flows down cooling unit 114 through keg compartment 109, before circulating back up to cooling unit 114. Thereby eliminating the need for the cooling unit housing illustrated at the bottom of dispenser 110 in FIG. 3.
(31) In one embodiment of the present invention, wherein top doors 103 are or are not provided, rabbeted shape 113 (see FIGS. 3A and B) is preferably formed due to a lower portion of dispenser 110 protruding further than upper column 108. In one embodiment, rabbeted shape 113 can optionally be formed between upper column 108 and drip tray 104. In one embodiment, front portion 101 of upper column 108 can optionally comprise a substantially planar shape.
(32) FIG. 3C is an embodiment depicting an enlargement of the upper column making it possible to run a coolant line 129 to the evaporator coils which are located higher up within the dispenser. The coolant line 129 is in communication with the evaporator coil 130 located within the upper column thereby providing improved cooling of the dispensing line 131 which is in communication with the faucet/spigot 132. It is well known that hot air rises and the placement of the evaporator coil 130 higher in the unit would cool the warmer air within the dispenser therefore increasing the convection process possibly eliminating the need for a fan. One aspect of the embodiment is to help reduce temperature hotspots within the dispenser
(33) FIG. 4A illustrates a traditional keg dispensing column 412, which has an exterior diameter of about four inches and approximately an inch of insulation 413, thus leaving opening interior 414 of only about three inches diameter for air to flow. Compare this small interior air-flow diameter with the same-scale drawing of an embodiment of dispenser 110 of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 4B. As illustrated therein, the large size of upper column 108, in conjunction with the smaller-diameter front portion 101 allows for the use of thicker insulation 117 (optionally about one inch thick), without limiting air flow nearly as much as that encountered in conventional keg-dispensers. This configuration also creates seat 418 for the placement of drip tray 104 that can easily be concealed. Further, the smaller diameter front portion 101 of upper column 108 allows for the optional placement of multiple spigots without drastically restricting airflow to the spigots as is encountered in conventional keg-dispensers. This increased flow of chilled air around the lines connecting the one or more spigots, thus reduces the temperature of the beverage contained in the end portion of the lines, thereby allowing the first-served beverage to be colder than that of a typical dispenser, without the need to install an additional blower to force the cold air around the lines.
(34) As illustrated in FIG. 5, spigot 100 can optionally be rotationally coupled to accommodate handle 119 having an extended length such that spigot 100 can be rotated to permit handle to reside within the confines created by upper doors 103. In this embodiment, spigot 100 can rotate approximately 180 degrees or more. Optionally, a release mechanism (not shown) can be provided to lock spigot 100 into an up and/or down position. The release mechanism can be any known mechanism.
(35) Referring now to FIGS. 6A and B, multi-purpose dispensers 620 and 621 are illustrated in which the dispenser is made to either appear to resemble a conventional water-cooler or actually dispense water in conjunction with a beverage contained in a pressurized and/or pressurizable keg. In the two illustrated embodiments, drip tray 622 and one or more spigots 623, which can resemble spigots on a conventional water-cooler, are placed on the housing doorone or more of which can protrude out slightly. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, if it is desired, a water line, similar to those used in residential refrigerators, can optionally be provided and connected to a filtration system which in turn can be attached to dispenser 620. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, water bottle 624 can optionally be connected to an input tap disposed in an upper end of dispenser 621, including but not limited to conventionally known water-cooler systems. In each of these embodiments, water can optionally be dispensed from one of the spigots and a beverage from a keg can be dispensed from the other. Optionally, a cooling compartment can be provided within either of dispensers 620 or 621, such that chilled water can be dispensed. Spigots 623 are optionally disposed within spigot bay 625. Optionally, in one embodiment, dispenser 620 and/or 621 can optionally include one or more upper doors 103, which can be opened to reveal a spigot which dispenses beverage from a keg contained within the dispenser. In this embodiment, a user can optionally have a plurality of water spigots in an open and conspicuous spigot bay 625, such that dispenser 620 and/or 621 can resemble a functioning and conventionally-shaped water-cooler, while simultaneously functioning as a keg dispenser. Optionally, the water supply can be disconnected from the spigots in spigot bay 625 such that those spigots do not operate or such that one or more of them dispense beverage from a keg contained within dispenser 620 and/or 621.
(36) Referring now to FIGS. 7A and B, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, foam resistant keg dispenser 110 can be provided with an increased diameter in order to dispense one barrel keg, or multiple slim kegs 106, 106 and 106. In this embodiment, the increased diameter of dispenser 110 also increases the size of front portion 101 of upper column 108, thus permitting a plurality of spigots 100, 100, and 100 to be accommodated. Still further, the increased diameter of dispenser 110 also increases the cross-sectional area of upper column 108, which in turn permits multiple tap lines to be contained while simultaneously increasing the amount of chilled airflow thereto.
(37) FIG. 8A illustrates a front-perspective view drawing of an embodiment of dispenser 110 similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 7A and B, except that instead of the substantially circular cross sectional shape illustrated in those Figs, the embodiment of dispenser 110 illustrated in FIGS. 8A-D instead comprises a more oval-shaped cross sectional shape. FIG. 8B is a top view drawing which schematically illustrates the placement of a single large keg 800, a pair of smaller kegs 802, and a trio of smaller kegs 804. For example, in one embodiment, dispenser 110 can comprise an oval shape and can accommodate a keg, a pair of slim kegs, or a trio of slim kegs. As illustrated, the oval-shaped cross section shape helps reduce the footprint of dispenser 110 while still permitting it to accommodate several different combinations of kegs and while still maintaining an aesthetically-attractive appearance.
(38) Referring now to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, dispenser 110 can comprise spigot 100 having a removable-connectable handle 928. Optionally, handle 928 can comprise a female coupler 926, which can be a quick-connect coupler, while spigot 100 can comprise a male coupler 927, which can also be a quick-connect coupler, or vice-a-versa. This configuration allows for the easy connection and disconnection of the tap handle 928 to spigot 100. This arrangement also provides the ability to install spigot 100 higher up on front portion 101, while still permitting upper doors 103 to be closed after handle 928 is removed. This is favorable because it allows for the use of taller glassware. Alternatively, disposing spigot 100 nearer the top of front portion 101 permits top cylinder 108 to be shortened, thus reducing the overall height of dispenser 110. Still further, a locking mechanism (not illustrated) can be attached directly on the spigot itself covering the male coupler and having a keyed release mechanism such that spigot 100 cannot be operated without the proper key.
(39) FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein the upper doors 103 open by pivoting on a central pivot 1101 about the vertical axis 1108. The upper doors 103 open around the upper column in an effort lessen the footprint of the dispenser during use and to decrease the likelihood of someone catching the edges of the doors while they are open with their clothing or body parts thus incurring injury to one's person or damage to the dispenser itself. The initiation and physical opening of upper doors 103 would be preferably done by an automated action which would include mechanical, electronic, hydraulic, mechanism or any other means. Although all means described are sufficient, it would be preferred that an electrical mechanism 1107 such as an electrical motor or motors 1107 through direct power or gears would power the opening and closing of the doors. It would also be preferable that some type of sensor be set in place to stop or reverse the doors from closing or opening if anything obstructs or impedes them while in the process. Any type of sensor will due including but not limited to amp meter, magnetic field sensor and motion.
(40) The CO2 chamber preferably located in the upper portion of the dispenser housing who's entrance door 1106 is preferably located on top of the dispenser housing would be designed for easy access and to easily install and remove the CO2 tank or cartridge 1102 which is connected to the keg coupler by way of the CO2 supply line 1105 which in turn is connected to the keg 106. The CO2 tank could be any type ranging in size and style from those used in paintball guns containing only a few ounces of gas to standard sized tanks or cylinders used to propel standard kegs measured in pounds. It would be preferred that whichever tank is used, it would be outfitted with a tube 1103 extending from the tank connector which sits on top of the tank when upright and almost runs the entire length of the tank and ends near the bottom. The purpose of tube 1103 is to allow for the tank to be inverted making it easier to use a more convenient method to connect the tank to the CO2 supply line 1105 as opposed to standard methods which require tools and waste time to connect. The pressure regulator not pictured would be located somewhere between the CO2 tank and the keg coupler.
(41) FIGS. 12A and 12B represents yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein the faucet doors 1201 open by pivoting on a horizontal axis 1204 which would preferably run along the center of the vertical cross section 1203 over the upper column of the dispenser to conceal the faucet 1202. Although it is not necessary, it is preferred that the doors open and close using a geared assembly powered by an electrical mechanism or mechanical mechanism 180 (FIG. 12 B) one or more electric motors or by direct drive of such motors. If no motors are used, then the gears would work to open the doors in unison when one of the doors is opened. A remote controller 150 (FIG. 12A) can control the electrical mechanism or mechanical mechanism.
(42) FIGS. 13A and 13B depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein the faucet 1301 is able to slide up and down on a glide assembly 1302 when release mechanism 1303 is pressed and is locked into position when depressed. The release mechanism and glide assembly may be comprised of any available. This configuration would be beneficial in allowing for a more compact design of the dispenser and simultaneously allowing for the use of taller glassware or pitchers. Although not pictured it would be of some benefit if the entire upper column would telescope up and down and would offer at least the same benefit as the faucet being able to move up and down.
(43) Cooling unit housing 107 preferably contains an access panel 1104 which is preferably located in the bottom rear of the dispenser in order to access some of the components of the dispenser such as the compressor 114 and condensing coils 1107. It would be preferable that other desirable components such as a flash chiller and heater (not pictured) be located in the upper chamber near the faucet along with the valve that impedes or allows the flow of beverages to the faucet. All of the components required to make seltzer are already contained within the invention as it stands, it is just a matter of arranging them in a preferred manner.
(44) With the ability to quickly connect and disconnect handle 928, a user can also optionally keep a plurality of color-coded couplers, spigots, and/or tap handles, thereby providing a manner to ensure that proper tap handles are attached to the proper spigot, particularly for those embodiments which provide a plurality of spigots.
(45) Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a user with the ability to monitor temperature and/or remaining quantity of a beverage remaining within the keg. The temperature can be monitored via the use of one or more temperature sensors and the one or more temperature levels can be displayed on display 929 (see FIG. 9), which can optionally include a liquid-crystal display, a light-emitting-diode display, or another electrical display apparatus. The remaining capacity of the keg can optionally be determined by a pressure sensor which compares the actual weight of the keg and its contents to a weight of an empty keg. The keg fluid level can be displayed on display 929. In an embodiment wherein both temperature and keg-levels are displayed, they can optionally both be displayed on display 929, or can be displayed to separate display devices.
(46) Referring now to the figures generally, in one embodiment, hinges for one or more of doors 103 and/or 105 are preferably concealed when closed. In one embodiment, spigot 100 is not disposed on a top surface of dispenser the dispenser or on a top surface of upper column 101. In one embodiment, the dispenser is not cooled by, nor does it rely on ice or another substance that is cooled prior to placing it within dispenser 110. In one embodiment, upper column 101 is not cylindrical. In one embodiment, the cooling unit of the invention comprises only a single fan for circulating cooled air and does not comprise an additional blower for forcing chilled air into an area surrounding tap lines. In one embodiment, keg 106 can comprise any ready-to-drink beverage. Optionally, keg 106 can comprise any ready-drink-carbonated beverage. In one embodiment, keg 106 does not comprise a bag-in-a-box or a component thereof.
(47) FIGS. 10 A-G respectively illustrate a perspective front view, front and back views, left and right-side views, as well as top and bottom views of an ornamental embodiment of a keg dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.
(48) Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above and/or in the attachments, and of the corresponding application(s), are hereby incorporated by reference.
