METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE PROPHYLAXIS AND TREATMENT OF COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER

Abstract

This invention concerns a method for preventing and treating Colony Collapse Disorder, consisting in the use of an automated device that delivers a diet specifically calibrated for consumption by farm colonies of bees to be treated. The apparatus comprises a box-like container (10) accommodating in its interior at least one reservoir for liquid-tight, accessible from outside through a nozzle (4), an atomizing device of a liquid solution or suspension contained in the reservoir, means for the delivery (2, 1) of the liquid atomized solution or suspension into micrometric drops outside the apparatus, and a control unit programmed for timing the delivery of the solution or suspension to the outside, for the determination of the quantity of solution or suspension delivered and for emitting alarm signals in case of malfunction, the apparatus being powered DC with the energy supplied by a solar panel (5) located outside of the container.

The liquid solution or suspension comprises tonic and nutrient ingredients, mainly consisting of milk powder, sugars and lower organic acids, antioxidant and antiseptic ingredients contained in plant extracts and healing ingredients to bees, such as essential oils of thyme and oxalic acid.

Claims

1-22. (canceled)

23. A liquid solution or suspension for prevention and treatment of Colony Collapse Disease (CCD), comprising: a) a nutrition composition comprising a sugar, a C.sub.2-C.sub.6 organic acid, and milk powder, and optionally yeasts; b) an antioxidant and antiseptic composition comprising an extract of Origanum vulgare and an extract of at least one plant selected from the group consisting of Crocus sativus, Pelargonium graveolens, Monarda citriodora, Myristica fragrans, and Origanum majorana; and c) a medicinal composition for bees comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of thymol and extracts of Thymus vulgaris, and at least one selected from the group consisting of extracts of Aloe arborescens, oxalic acid, extracts of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima, and mixtures thereof.

24. The liquid solution or suspension according to claim 23, wherein said nutrition composition comprises milk powder, acetic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and one selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose and a mixture of glucose and fructose,

25. The liquid solution or suspension according to claim 24, wherein said nutrition composition further comprises glycerin.

26. The liquid solution or suspension according to claim 23, wherein said liquid solution or suspension comprises an extract of Origanum vulgare and an extract of at least two selected from the group consisting of Crocus sativus extract; Pelargonium graveolens extract; Myristica fragrans extract; and Origanum majorana extract.

27. The liquid solution or suspension according to claim 26, further comprising extract of Monarda citriodora.

28. The liquid solution or suspension according to claim 23, herein said medicinal composition for bees comprises extracts of Thymus vulgaris, extracts of Aloe arborescens, and oxalic acid.

29. The liquid solution or suspension according to claim 28, wherein said medicinal composition for bees further comprises extract of Beta vulgaris altissima.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The specific features of the invention, as well as the advantages of the same and their operational modes, will be apparent with reference to the detailed description presented below and to some specific embodiments of the relevant dispensing device illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of a first embodiment of the dispenser for the automated distribution of the therapeutic and nutrient preparation for the CCD according to the invention to the colonies of bees in the treatment, and

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dispenser apparatus of the therapeutic ad nutrient preparation for the CCD according to the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Is therefore specific object of the present invention an automated equipmentto be positioned in the proximity of the hivefor the prevention and treatment of the syndrome of the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) through the administration of nutrients and therapeutic to bee colonies to be treated, comprising a box-like container made of atmospheric agents resistant material into which it is accommodated at least a first reservoir liquid-tight, equipped with stirrer and accessible from the outside through a first noozle, a device atomizing a solution or a liquid suspension of nourishment contained in said reservoir, means for dispensing the atomized solution or liquid suspension into micrometric drops outside to the apparatus, and a control unit programmed for timing the delivery of the solution or suspension to the outside, for dosing the amount of solution or suspension delivered and for emitting alarm signals in case of malfunctions of the apparatus or in case of reduction of the solution or suspension of the liquid contained in reservoir below a predetermined level, said apparatus being powered DC with the energy supplied by a solar panel positioned on the outside of said container and electrically connected to said control unit.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the means for the delivery of the solution or liquid suspension of nutrient atomized outside comprise a container or supply chamber accessible to the bees but sheltered from the outside environment, for example similar to those that are used as feeders to be positioned above the cover-comb in conventional hives, but with a way in for the bees provided from the outside. It is also possible to provide, above the container/nourisher itself a cover having the function of sunscreen, preferably to be colored in bright and floral colors, in order to better attract bees to the power source.

[0042] According to other preferred embodiments, the means for the delivery of the atomized solution or liquid suspension to the outside of the apparatus also include a telescopic tube extensible in length upwards, placed between the box-like container of the apparatus and said reservoir or chamber power, which allows to adjust the height of the point of delivery of the nutritious and therapeutic preparation of the invention.

[0043] Preferably, the proposed apparatus according to the invention comprises a second reservoir inside said box-like container, having smaller volume than the first tank, in communication with it and separately accessible from the outside through a second nozzle. The two separate accesses permit to reintegrate independently an aqueous concentrated solution or suspension of the nutrient and therapeutic preparation according to the invention through the second noozle, while the first is used only for the connection to the water network.

[0044] The box-like container of the apparatus proposed is conveniently made of atmospheric agents resistant material, for example similar to the material of the hives near which it must be placed, and it is preferably externally colored by one or more colors that are attractive to insects pollinators, such as purple, blue, red or green. Preferably, said container is made of seasoned wood of fir, painted outside by the above mentioned colors.

[0045] To further facilitate the management of the automatic processing, the apparatus according to the invention may comprise further control devices in addition to those already mentioned, compatibly with the cost of such equipment. In particular, it may comprise one or more temperature and/or pH sensors, or multiparameter sensors, located inside the main tank, and the control unit may be programmed to monitor the measured values of the relative magnitudes and for alarm signals outputting in the event that these values are beyond the set limits.

[0046] As it has to be positioned on the ground in the proximity of the bees colonies to be treated, the apparatus according to the invention preferably comprises four wheels placed below the box-like container, and one or more handles for manual handling of said apparatus, so as to enable the beekeeper to move it in the most favorable place in relation to the hives, the water supply location, the position of the sun, and other requirements that may vary during the season or depending on other events.

[0047] The apparatus according to the invention is also described in the two exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings (where corresponding elements are indicated with the same reference numeral). It consists of a special and automated atomizing system to be installed in the proximity of the colonies or hives in order to facilitate the accessibility to the atomized liquid preparation, through the apparatus, by the families of bees to be subjected to the treatment.

[0048] The system is composed of a box or container (10), for example equipped with wheels (13) and handle (14) to allow its handling, and having a color suited to attract the bees and/or to be viewed by them, for example, in purple, blue, red or yellow. The container (10) can be realized in different materials, possibly recyclable, such as fir seasoned wood or other timber suitable for the outdoor permanence and for the exposure to sunlight and rain.

[0049] Inside the container (10) are contained a first gas-tight reservoir (6), including from a minimum volume of 2 liters to a maximum of 20 liters, in which it is poured, through the noozle (3), the concentrate prepared according to the invention with chosen ingredients later detailed and that allows the correct dosage of the ingredients themselves.

[0050] In a second gas-tight reservoir (9), having a volume from a minimum of 20 liters to a maximum of 35 liters, drinking water is loaded through the noozle (4), possibly water with low hardness, by which the content of the first reservoir (6) will be diluted. Alternatively it may be used a single reservoir in which loading both the water and the therapeutic and nutritious preparation to be diluted.

[0051] In the case where the tanks designed are two, they are connected together through a noozle (11) and are supported on one another by means of media supports (8). On the bottom of the main reservoir (9) (in the case of two reservoirs) or of the only reservoir (in the case of a single reservoir) there is a mixer (12) which is activated for short periods of time (within few minutes) and allow the preparations to be maintained mixed avoiding any form of sedimentation on the bottom.

[0052] The periodic distribution of the preparation according to the invention to the bees to be treated is carried out by nebulization of the preparation through special nozzles, preferably placed within a nourisher-type container (1) similar to those normally used in the apiary in covercombs but accessible to the bees from the outside, for example, through the opening (17). The nebulization occurs through a nebuliser system (15) DC powered, by means of rechargeable batteries in turn fed by a 5 W to 15 W solar panel (5), installed on the equipment, from 4.5 volts up to a maximum of 12 volts. The nebulization electrical system that pressurizes the contents of the reservoirs (8) and (9), or the one reservoir, is equipped with a telescopic tube (2) having, for example, a length up to 150 cm. The telescopic tube (2) allows to locate, at the optimum height, the nozzles emitting a micrometer mist (aerosol) consisting of the preparation according to the invention in solution or in aqueous suspension.

[0053] As already noted, the energy required to operate the equipment is supplied by a solar panel (5), which allows to use the equipment also in open country and where there is any network power supply. Therefore, the operator using the equipment, after the placement thereof in the optimal place in the proximity of the hives, has only to fill the reservoir with water and pour the mixture according to the invention. The preparation should be reinstated presumably every 2-3 months, while the water level is not to be reintegrated more than once a month.

[0054] Through an electronic system control (7) present in the apparatus and by a programmed timer, the nutritious and therapeutic preparation according to the invention is sprayed periodically and made available to the bees in micronized drops of solution or suspension. The control system (7) allows also to check the water and the nutritional and therapeutic preparation levels, and notifies the user by means of a light and/or sound signal and by sending telephonic messaging and/or e-mail when a reservoir reaches the minimum level. The electronic control system (7) indicates by the same way, the nebulizer module efficiency (in particular, the possible clogging of the nozzles) signaling an abnormal electric absorption by the spray system or, alternatively, by means of a pressure device which shows an increase of pressure at the nebulizer itself, a symptom of nozzles clogging.

[0055] The control system (7) also allows to check and report anomalies of the overall timing system (which may be digital or mechanical with mobile switches), the solar panel (5) functioning or the batteries charge levels. The control system (7), which can also be a simple PLC (programmable logic controller), acquires the data of the multiparameter probe (16) with alarm for temperatures below 0 C. and possible verification of the pH of the solution to be nebulized to control the exact dosage of the preparation components of the invention in relation to water.

[0056] The control system (7) can be further equipped with an interface for remote control and verification that allows programming or management of alarm signals through smartphone applications, so as to have access to data 24 hours day, and especially to be able to check the proper functioning of the equipment.

[0057] The aqueous solution or suspension of the present invention to be used for the supply through the automated apparatus described above is made by the combination of ingredients selected to provide nourishment in calibrated proportions, consisting of sugars, protein foods such as yeast and milk powder, essential oils containing active ingredients and antioxidants and having high tonic and healing effect.

[0058] Therefore, the invention further concerns a liquid solution or suspension of nourishment which may be delivered in a spray form through the automated apparatus proposed, for the prevention and treatment of the Colony Collapse Desease (CCD), characterized in that it comprises in an unique aqueous solution or suspension:

a) tonics and nutritious ingredients, mainly consisting of: milk powder and/or yeasts, sugars and lower organic acids;
b) natural antiseptic and antioxidant contained in the extracts of one or more aromatic and medicinal plants selected from: Crocus sativus, Pelargonium graveolens, Monarda citriodora, Myristica fragrans, Origanum vulgare, Origanum majorana, and
c) curative substances to bees, selected from thymol, oxalic acid, extracts of Thymus vulgaris, Aloe arborescens extracts, extracts of Beta vulgaris and mixtures of two or more thereof.
More specifically, the substances used in the preparation according to the invention are the following:

A. Nutrient and Tonic Substances

[0059] 1) Yeast, for example, baker's yeast, and/or milk powder, which are very appetites by bees. The level of proteins of the same is about 50% with a fat content of which is around 7%. They are the most comprehensive in terms of amino acid and are rich in B vitamins [0060] 2) Sugar of glucose or fructose type to increase the palatability of the protein element to be administered. It is possible to add pollen and/or icing sugar (sucrose) in an amount ranging from 5% to 15% on the total dry weight of the formulation. As nutrients vitamin E and essential amino acids extracted from Aloe arborescens have also been used, which are indicated below between the substances having curative activity. [0061] 3) Acetic acid and/or lower carboxylic or dicarboxylic acids, C.sub.2-C.sub.6. The acetic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid have the ability to separate the molecules of sucrose, promoting assimilation by the bees. Also, said acids are antifungal useful in combating the presence of the fungus Nosema and other fungal forms. Specifically, the formulation may contain acetic acid at a maximum concentration of 6% by weight. A source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), such as lemon juice (which contains it, in addition to the most abundant citric acid), may be included in the formulation as a vitamin compound, as well as an antioxidant. [0062] 4) Among the devices used to avoid the crystallization of the concentrated solution, it can be brought to a boil for fifteen minutes a part of water and two of sugar and add at the end a 5% of glycerol and/or propylene glycol (calculated on the total weight of the concentrated formulation). It also has the advantage of lowering the freezing point of the entire compound preventing the freezing of the preparation during the winter

B. Highly Active Antioxidants and Antiseptics

[0063] Essential oils with a high content of antioxidants and/or antiseptic were extracted and added to the formulation, such as carotenoids of the type crocetin, crocin picrocrocin extracted from flowers and/or stigmas of saffron (extracts of Crocus sativus); oils essential as the limonene e.g. an extract from lemon; geraniol, citronellol, the terpineol and linalool, extracts from Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), or by Monarda citriodora var. citriodora; the myristicin, the elemicina, geraniol and/or safrole and other aromatic ethers extracted from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg); carvacrol, thymol and other minor phenols extracts from Origanum vulgare (ssp hirtum); and terpenes type terpineol, borneol, sabinene and linalool extracted from Origanum majorana.

[0064] These active ingredients can be extracted for example by the plant species above and usually have a purity exceeding 55%, or they can be made synthetically.

C. Other Therapeutic Substances

[0065] To counteract and/or prevent the mites, harmful fungal forms, viruses including the IIV6 and IAPV and side effects of neonicotinoids were used biologically active substances contained in Thymus vulgaris (common thyme) and those contained in Aloe arborescens (a species of Aloe less common of Aloe vera, but more rich in biological active substances). The first, whose essential oil is already widely used in beekeeping, contains the two phenolic compounds to biocidal activity thymol and carvacrol, as well as cineol, borneol and other terpene compounds.

[0066] The second, Aloe arborescens contains many biologically active compounds, including acemannan (a mucopolysaccharide known for its antiviral activity having an immunomodulator action) and anthraquinones, including aloin and emodin, beta-sitosterol, in addition to acetylsalicylic acid. As already noted, the extracts of this plant also contain all the essential amino acids and vitamin E.

[0067] Moreover, a good effect was observed according to the invention in the use of extracts of common beet or Beta vulgaris cv altissima (beet sugar), containing flavonoids, trimethylglycine, compounds with antioxidant activity, oxalic acid and vitamins belonging the group B.

[0068] To these extracts can also be added oxalic acid in a quantity not exceeding 1% of the total of the concentrated formulation for increasing the disinfecting effect in synergy with the natural compounds cited.

[0069] Preparation of the concentrated solution or suspensionThe concentrated solution or suspension, which must be subsequently diluted with water to reach the desired concentrations of the various ingredients, is prepared by the sequential addition of the various nutrients, after the antioxidants and curative compounds mixing with a stirrer bench in order to obtain an homogeneous solution (or suspension).

[0070] According to some specific embodiments of the nebulizable solution or suspension of the invention, such nutrients and tonic ingredients included in the formulation consist of milk powder, glucose and/or fructose, acetic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. Preferably, as already noted, to the formulation is added a small amount of glycerine to avoid crystallization of the concentrated intermediate solution.

[0071] Preferably, the solution or suspension proposed contains the following aromatic and medicinal plants extracts in combination, with functions of primary antioxidants and/or antiseptics: Crocus sativus extract; Pelargonium graveolens extract; Myristica fragrans extract; Origanum vulgare extract and Origanum majorana extracts. Optionally, to the quoted extracts it is also added the extract of Monarda citriodora

[0072] Additionally, the proposed solution or suspension contains, as curative substances to bees, Thymus vulgaris extracts, extracts of Aloe arborescens and oxalic acid and, according to a preferred embodiment, also extract of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima.

[0073] An exemplary formulation of the nutritional and therapeutic preparation of the invention is shown in the following table, with the fields of preferred concentrations for the various ingredients.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Preferred concentrated formulation PREFERRERED CONCENTRATIONS INGREDIENTS (% by weight) Powder milk 5-10 Distilled water 28-33 Glucose and/or fructose 53-60 Vinegar 0.8-1.2 Glycerine 0.4-0.6 Liquid lemon sauce 0.4-0.6 Crocus sativus (crocus) 0.05-0.11 Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) 0.05-0.08 Monarda citriodora (monarda) 0.00-0.08 Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) 0.08-0.12 Origanum vulgare (oregano) 0.08-0.12 Origanum majorana (marjoram) 0.08-0.12 Thymol 0.00-0.04 Thymus vulgaris (thyme) 0.03-0.07 Aloe arborescens 0.10-0.20 Beta vulgaris (common beet) 0.00-0.30 Oxalic acid 0.00-0.10

[0074] According to another aspect complementary to the above, the present invention consists in a method of treatment of bees farmed colonies for the prevention and treatment of the Colony Collapse Desease through the administration of nutrients and therapeutic substances, which method consists in the use the automatized apparatus of the invention described above for dispensing in a spray form a aqueous liquid solution or suspension containing:

a) tonics and nutritious ingredients, mainly consisting of: milk powder and/or yeasts, sugars and lower organic acids;
b) natural antioxidants and antiseptics contained in the extracts of one or more aromatic or medicinal plants selected from: Crocus sativus, Pelargonium graveolens, Monarda citriodora, Myristica fragrans, Origanum vulgaris and Origanum majorana; and
c) medicinal substances to bees, selected from thymol, oxalic acid, extracts of Thymus vulgaris, Aloe arborescens extracts, extracts of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0075] In the method of treatment according to the invention, preferred solutions are those in which such ingredients nutrients and tonics consist of milk powder, glucose and/or fructose, acetic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. Moreover, as already noted, such nutrients and tonics ingredients preferably comprise also glycerin.

[0076] According to some preferred embodiments of the method of treatment and prophylaxis of the invention, the liquid solution or suspension contains the extracts of aromatic or medicinal herbs already mentioned, in combination: Crocus sativus extract; Pelargonium graveolens extract; Myristica fragrans extract; Origanum vulgare extract and Origanum majorana extract. Moreover, as already noted, the liquid solution or suspension may comprise in addition extract of Monarda citriodora.

[0077] Still according to some specific embodiments, a method of prophylaxis and therapy of the invention, these substances curative for the bees are preferably extracts of Thymus vulgaris, extracts of Aloe arborescens and oxalic acid. In addition to these, in a preferred variant, even the extract of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima.

[0078] By way of examples, which are not to be considered limitative but useful to clarify the therapeutic and prophylactic measures for the CCD proposed according to the invention two formulations of exemplary solutions are reported in the following, which are adapted to be provided through the device proposed according to the method of the invention, together with the results of experiments conducted on the same formulations in field tests.

EXAMPLE 1

Concentrated Nourishing, Antioxidant and Curative Formulation No. 1

[0079] A first formulation to produce a liter of concentrated preparation to be diluted in 30 liters of water for the final spraying on a number of hives from 10 up to a maximum of 15 contained the following ingredients in the following proportions.

A) Nutritious and tonicsfor a total of 425 ml:

TABLE-US-00002 aqueous solution at 15% by weight of milk powder 80 ml aqueous solution at 90% by weight of sugar 260 ml aqueous acetic acid at 6% by weight 20 ml glycerin 50 ml tartaric acid 5 ml citric acid 10 ml
B) Antioxidantsfor a total of 255 ml:

[0080] Essential oils in aqueous solution:

TABLE-US-00003 Crocus sativus 55 ml, Pelargonium 45 ml, Monarda citriodora 35 ml, Myristica fragrans 45 ml, Origanum vulgare ssp hirtum 40 ml, Origanum majorana 35 ml;
C) Therapeutic compoundsfor a total of 320 ml:

[0081] Essential oils in aqueous solution:

TABLE-US-00004 Thymus vulgaris 100 ml; Aloe arborescens 175 ml; Beta vulgaris cv altissima 25 ml; aqueous oxalic acid at 3% by weight 20 ml.

TABLE-US-00005 Nutrients contained in the milk FORMULA I lipids 2.61 g proteins 2.39 g sugars 13.52 g

[0082] The process to obtain the solution involves the sequential addition of the various nutrients in the order as indicated above, followed by the antioxidants ant to terminate by the addition of the curing compounds. Once added within a container, they are stirred at room temperature for 5-10 minutes with a stirrer bench in order to obtain an homogeneous solution of 1000 ml. At this point the preparation is ready to be further diluted with water, preferably of low hardness, or with demineralized water.

EXAMPLE 2

Concentrated Nourishing, Antioxidant and Curative Formulation No. 2

[0083] A second formulation to make a liter of concentrated preparation to be diluted in 29 liters of water for the final spraying on a number of hives from 10 up to a maximum of 15 contained the following ingredients in the following proportions.

A) Nutritious and tonicsfor a total of 425 ml:

TABLE-US-00006 aqueous solution at 15% by weight of milk powder 70 ml aqueous solution at 90% by weight of sugar 250 ml aqueous acetic acid at 6% by weight 20 ml glycerin 50 ml citric acid 10 ml
B) Antioxidantsfor a totale of 245 ml:

[0084] Essential oils in aqueous solution:

TABLE-US-00007 Crocus sativus 55 ml, Pelargonium 35 ml, Myristica fragrans 55 ml, Origanum vulgare ssp hirtum 75 ml, Origanum majorana 25 ml;
C) Therapeutic compoundsfor a total of 355 ml:

[0085] Essential oils in aqueous solution:

TABLE-US-00008 Thymus vulgaris 90 ml; Aloe arborescens 245 ml; oxalic acid at 3% by weight in aqueous solution 20 ml.

TABLE-US-00009 Nutrients contained in the milk FORMULA II lipids 2.28 g proteins 2.03 g sugars 11.83 g

[0086] The process to obtain the final solution involves the sequential addition of the various nutrients in the order as indicated above, followed by the antioxidants ant to terminate by the addition of the curing compounds. Once added within a container, they are stirred at room temperature for 5-10 minutes with a stirrer bench in order to obtain an homogeneous solution of 1000 ml. At this point the preparation is ready to be further diluted with water, preferably of low hardness, or with demineralized water.

Experimentation in the Field

[0087] Tests have been made since 2009 in Italy in Tuscany region at a location about 200 meters above sea level. The apparatus according to the invention has been positioned in the proximity of active spruce 10 hives, about 3 meters from the same and was fed continuously with batches of nutritious and curative preparation formulated as in Example 1, and thereafter with batches of preparation formulated as in Example 2.

[0088] This equipment has been active until the early months of 2011 and in the colonies there were no problems related to the CCD, while in other bees farms in the vicinity there was an average loss of more than 20% over the same two years. At the end of 2010 the number of colonies in the apiary subjected to treatment according to the invention was increased up to a total of 14, with a net increase of 40%.

[0089] At the beginning of 2011 the apparatus according to the invention has been removed, and as of late March 2011, the same hives were gradually affected by the depopulation of the CCD, and their total number was reduced to only four units in the month of July 2011. Thus this finding confirms the initial hypothesis that the treatment method of the invention, as implemented through the proposed automatic spray equipment properly positioned in the vicinity of colonies of honey bees to be treated, and fed with the described nutrient solutions, antioxidants, and curative is effective to prevent and combat the Colony Collapse Desease.

[0090] It follows that the prophylactic and therapeutic solution proposed according to the invention, further to counter the aforementioned problems of the mites, fungi and viruses IIV-6 and IAPV, also provides a remedy to the shortage of food and tonics, and counters the negative effects of poisoning by pesticides of new generation, allowing them to prevent and combat the onset of Colony Collapse Disorder.

[0091] The present invention has been described with particular reference to some embodiments thereof but it should be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.