Workstation

Abstract

A workstation is presented. In one embodiment, the workstation comprises a backrest angularly coupled to a seat at a designated recline angle, the backrest comprising a raised spine rest portion, centered laterally in the middle of said backrest, and extending longitudinally along a designated length of said backrest; the spine rest portion further comprises a recessed channel portion therein for receiving one or more spinous processes of the user therein, a neck rest comprising one of more vibrating nodes thereon configured to engage with the back of the user's neck; and a footrest adjustably tilted and coupled to said base, the footrest having two vibrating nodes thereon, each vibrating node positioned for receiving the ball of a foot of the user thereon; a display mount rigidly coupled to the back of the backrest; a keyboard mount and a mouse platform.

Claims

1. A workstation comprising: a base; a seat coupled to said base; a backrest angularly coupled to said seat at a designated recline angle for receiving the user's back thereon, the backrest comprising a raised spine rest portion, centered laterally in the middle of said backrest, and extending longitudinally along a designated length of said backrest so as to have the arms and shoulders of the user offset posteriorly via the effect of gravity; a neck rest coupled to an upper end of said backrest comprising one of more vibrating nodes thereon configured to engage with the back of the user's neck; a headrest coupled to an upper end of the neck rest for receiving the back of the user's head thereon; a footrest adjustably tilted and coupled to said base, the footrest having two vibrating nodes thereon, each vibrating node positioned for receiving the ball of a foot of the user thereon; wherein the footrest is slidingly adjustable to the base; a display mount rigidly coupled to the back of the backrest at a first end and having a second end located and configured to removably affix one or more displays thereto, wherein the one or more displays are positioned substantially parallel to the backrest, irrespective of the designated recline angle; at least one platform for receiving an input device thereon; wherein a mouse platform or a keyboard mount is coupled to a side of said seat and positioned so that the elbow of the user rests on the backrest while using a mouse or a keyboard.

2. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the at least one platform comprises the keyboard mount for receiving the keyboard thereon.

3. The workstation of claim 2, wherein said keyboard mount is adjustably coupled to said seat via a plurality of articulated support arms that are configured to allow the keyboard mount to be moved along six degrees of freedom.

4. The workstation of claim 2, wherein the at least one platform further comprises the mouse platform for receiving the mouse thereon.

5. The workstation of claim 4, wherein said mouse platform comprises an armrest portion for receiving the user's upper arm thereon.

6. The workstation of claim 4, wherein at least one of the mouse platform and the keyboard mount is adjustably coupled to said seat.

7. The workstation of claim 6, wherein said mouse platform and said keyboard mount are each configured to be removably affixable to either a left side or a right side of said seat.

8. The workstation of claim 1, wherein said designated recline angle is between 60 and 80 degrees.

9. The workstation of claim 8, wherein said backrest is hingedly coupled to the seat and wherein said designated recline angle is adjustable.

10. The workstation of claim 9, wherein the designated recline angle is not adjustable by more than 20 degrees.

11. The workstation of claim 1, wherein said spine rest portion further comprises a recessed channel therein extending longitudinally along the middle thereof to receive one or more spinous processes of the user therein.

12. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the spine rest portion is comprised of a pair of elongated, longitudinally extending raised portions, the lower end of the elongated raised portions are adjacent to said seat, and wherein each lateral side of the backrest further comprises one of the raised side portions of the spine rest portion, thereon.

13. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the headrest, the neck rest and an elongated raised portion are rigidly coupled and configured to be slidingly adjustable to the backrest so as to be raised or lowered with respect thereto.

14. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the footrest is tilted towards the seat to receive the entirety of the user's feet thereon so that the user's ankles are in a neutral position.

15. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the footrest is removable.

16. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising a control module communicatively coupled to at least some of the vibrating nodes of the neck rest and footrest, and operable to control a vibration frequency or intensity of said at least some of the vibrating nodes.

17. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising a tray having a tray surface substantially horizontal and the tray being coupled to a side of said seat.

18. The workstation of claim 17, wherein said tray is hingedly coupled to the side of said seat and configured to be folded between a horizontal configuration and a reclined configuration.

19. A workstation comprising: a base; a seat coupled to said base; a backrest angularly coupled to said seat at a designated recline angle for receiving the user's back thereon, the backrest comprising a raised spine rest portion, centered laterally in the middle of said backrest, and extending longitudinally along a designated length of said backrest so as to have the arms and shoulders of the user offset posteriorly via the effect of gravity; wherein the spine rest portion is comprised of a pair of elongated, longitudinally extending raised portions, the lower end of the elongated raised portions are adjacent to said seat, and wherein each lateral side of the backrest further comprises one of the raised side portions of the spine rest portion, thereon; a neck rest coupled to an upper end of said backrest comprising one of more vibrating nodes thereon configured to engage with the back of the user's neck; a headrest coupled to an upper end of the neck rest for receiving the back of the user's head thereon; a footrest adjustably tilted and coupled to said base, the footrest having two vibrating nodes thereon, each vibrating node positioned for receiving the ball of a foot of the user thereon; a display mount rigidly coupled to the back of the backrest at a first end and having a second end located and configured to removably affix one or more displays thereto, wherein the one or more displays are positioned substantially parallel to the backrest, irrespective of the designated recline angle; at least one platform for receiving an input device thereon; wherein a mouse platform or a keyboard mount is coupled to a side of said seat and positioned so that the elbow of the user rests on the backrest while using a mouse or a keyboard.

20. A workstation comprising: a base; a seat coupled to said base; a backrest angularly coupled to said seat at a designated recline angle for receiving the user's back thereon, the backrest comprising a raised spine rest portion, centered laterally in the middle of said backrest, and extending longitudinally along a designated length of said backrest so as to have the arms and shoulders of the user offset posteriorly via the effect of gravity; a neck rest coupled to an upper end of said backrest comprising one of more vibrating nodes thereon configured to engage with the back of the user's neck; a headrest coupled to an upper end of the neck rest for receiving the back of the user's head thereon; wherein the headrest, the neck rest and an elongated raised portion are rigidly coupled and configured to be slidingly adjustable to the backrest so as to be raised or lowered with respect thereto; a footrest adjustably tilted and coupled to said base, the footrest having two vibrating nodes thereon, each vibrating node positioned for receiving the ball of a foot of the user thereon; a display mount rigidly coupled to the back of the backrest at a first end and having a second end located and configured to removably affix one or more displays thereto, wherein the one or more displays are positioned substantially parallel to the backrest, irrespective of the designated recline angle; at least one platform for receiving an input device thereon; wherein a mouse platform or a keyboard mount is coupled to a side of said seat and positioned so that the elbow of the user rests on the backrest while using a mouse or a keyboard.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

(2) In the FIGURES, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and FIGURES are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding.

(3) Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached FIGURES, wherein the FIGURES:

(4) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a workstation, in accordance with one embodiment.

(5) FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate additional perspective views (FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a side view (FIG. 2C) of the workstation, in accordance with one embodiment.

(6) FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate top views of the workstation with (FIG. 3A) and without (FIG. 3B) the display attached to the display mount, in accordance with one embodiment.

(7) FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the backrest, neck rest and headrest of the workstation, in accordance with one embodiment.

(8) FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a side view of the raised elongated portion, neck rest, headrest, and display mount configured as a single movable piece that can slidingly move over the backrest between a fully inserted configuration (FIG. 5A) and an extended out configuration (FIG. 5B), in accordance with one embodiment.

(9) FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective views of the neck rest and headrest of the workstation, without (FIG. 6A) or with (FIG. 6B) a neck pillow resting on the vibrating nodes, in accordance with one embodiment.

(10) FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate perspective views of the footrest of the workstation, without (FIG. 7A) or with (FIG. 7B) a foot pillow resting on the vibrating nodes, in accordance with one embodiment.

(11) FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates perspective views of the workstation comprising an adjustable footrest, with one embodiment (FIG. 8A) comprising the lumbar support portion and the other (FIG. 8B) having an extended raised elongated portion instead, in accordance with one embodiment.

(12) FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrates perspective views of the workstation both showing the keyboard mount comprising (support arms) and the mouse platform comprising an armrest, with one embodiment (FIG. 9A) having the lumbar support portion and the other (FIG. 9B) having an extended raised elongated portion instead, in accordance with one embodiment.

(13) FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a control module of the workstation, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

(15) Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

(16) The workstation described herein, in accordance with various embodiments, replaces the typical office chair and desk setup and is aimed reducing the mechanical stress and at preventing outright the development of aches and pains normally resulting from long hours at a computer or similar devices. In some embodiments, the workstation is used for interacting with a computer for a prolonged period of time, either for work purposes (e.g., typing, manipulating a mouse, etc.) or any other activity that requires the use of a display or monitor. These may include, for example and without limitation, watching a movie/TV show, and/or playing videogames or the like.

(17) In some embodiments, the workstation is specially configured to allow people to use input devices such as keyboard and mouse inputs close to their body, reducing neck and shoulder tension immensely by allowing best retraction of the shoulders. Also, it provides stimulation and engagement to the underside of the foot, improving the metatarsal compression, collapsed transverse arch, and impaired circulation that results from wearing shoes and eventually contributes to plantar fasciitis. Lastly, it provides similar stimulation to the neck to reduce muscle tension that contributes to headaches and neck pains.

(18) FIG. 1 shows a workstation 100 comprising a base 102 supporting a seat 104 for a user to sit thereon. The workstation 100 further is shown comprising a backrest 106, a neck rest 108, a headrest 110 and footrest 112 for receiving the back, neck, head and feet of the user thereon, respectively. In some embodiments, the backrest 106 is angularly coupled to the seat 104 at a designated recline angle (shown for example in FIG. 2C), with the neck rest 108 and headrest 110 being coupled to an upper edge or near an upper edge of the backrest 106, and being substantially parallel thereto.

(19) In some embodiments, the width of the backrest 106 is large enough to comfortably accommodate the full width of user's back, shoulders and upper arms thereon. In some embodiments, the workstation 100 further comprises a raised elongated portion 114 centered on the backrest 106 and extending longitudinally along a designated length thereof. The raised elongated portion 114 is configured to comfortably engage with the middle of the user's back along the spine. The difference in height between the raised elongated portion 114 and the lateral sides of the backrest 106 has the effect of pulling the shoulders and upper arms of the user slightly backwards (towards the floor) via the effect of gravity due to the tilt of the backrest 106. Thus, the user's shoulders and upper arms rest slightly posteriorly on the lower surface of the lateral sides of the backrest 106. Additionally, in some embodiments, the backrest 106 may further comprise a lumbar support portion 116 near the lower end and encompassing the full width thereof, which in combination with the reclining helps prevent serious lower back compression.

(20) In some embodiments, the backrest 106 may be hingedly coupled to the seat 104 and the designated recline angle may be adjustable.

(21) In some embodiments, for added comfort and to avoid excessive pressure on the spinous processes due to presence of the raised elongated portion 114, the raised elongated portion 114 may further comprise in its center a recessed channel 118 extending longitudinally alongside it and configured to receive the user's spinous processes therein. While illustrated in FIG. 1 as a single channel of fixed depth and size, the recessed channel 118 may in some embodiments have a varying depth and size or, in some embodiments, take the form of a plurality of aligned circular recesses shaped and sized so as to individually receive a spinous process therein.

(22) In some embodiments, the neck rest 108 comprises two small vibrating nodes 120 protruding therefrom, which are angularly positioned so as to make contact with each side of the back of the user's neck and configured to apply vibrations thereto.

(23) In some embodiments, the headrest 110 may comprise a substantially flat surface for receiving the back of the user's head, with slightly elevated tapered edges on the lateral sides thereof to keep the head from rotating to the left or to the right. Other shapes and/or the use of a detachable pillow (not shown) may also be used, without limitation.

(24) In some embodiments, the footrest 112 may be angularly coupled to the base 102. The footrest 112 will generally be tilted towards the seat 104 so that the entirety of the user's feet may rest thereon comfortably and to ensure that the ankle can remain in as a neutral and regular position as possible. In some embodiments, the footrest 112 may be configured so that the user can adjust either the orientation and/or the height of the footrest 112 with respect to the floor level. In addition, in some embodiments, the footrest 112 may further comprise two vibrating nodes 122 thereon, each node positioned on the footrest 112 to receive the ball of a foot of the user thereon and apply vibrations thereto.

(25) In some embodiments, the workstation 100 further comprises a display mount 124 coupled at one end to the back of the backrest 106 (or other portions/elements of the workstation 100) and that is configured to bend/curve/arc behind and above the headrest 110 so that the second end, which may be configured to releasably affix one or more displays thereto (display 126 in FIG. 1), allows the display 126 to be in front of the user's face at an angle substantially parallel to the coronal plane of the user's head irrespective of the designated recline angle of the backrest 106. In some embodiments, the display mount 124 may further comprise a hollow interior to pass therethrough the display's cables. In other embodiments, clips or other fastening means may be provided to releasably affix the cables on the exterior of the display mount 124. In some embodiments, the display mount 124 may take the form of a single rigid piece (for example as shown in FIG. 1), or it may comprise a plurality of sections or portions that are hingedly or adjustably coupled to each other.

(26) In some embodiments, the workstation 100 comprises at least one platform for receiving an input device thereon. For example, in some embodiments, a keyboard mount 128 and/or a mouse platform 130. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the keyboard mount 128 and mouse platform 130 are positioned to be substantially close to the backrest 106 so as to be easily accessible to the user's hands without effort or strain to their body, thus reducing neck and shoulder tension by allowing best retraction of the shoulders. For example, they can be positioned so that the user's elbow always rests on a lateral portion of the backrest 106 while using the mouse or keyboard. In some embodiments, the keyboard mount 128 may be configured to receive other types of input devices thereon, such as videogame controllers or tablets, or any other input devices known in the art.

(27) In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the workstation 100 may further comprise a tray 132 attached to a side of the seat 104 (herein illustrated on the right side of the seat 104 as an example only). Additionally or alternatively, a second tray may also be located on the other side of the workstation 100.

(28) FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show additional perspective views of the workstation 100. Notably, FIG. 2A shows the keyboard mount 128 having a keyboard 202 resting thereon and a computer mouse 204 on the mouse platform 130. In some embodiments, the mouse platform 130 comprises a flat and smooth surface that can be used to move the computer mouse 204 thereon. In some embodiments, the keyboard mount 128 may comprise thereon fastening means to releasably fasten the keyboard 202 thereto. Different fastening means may be used, for example clips or the like. In some embodiments, the receiving surface of the keyboard mount 128 may comprise a raised portion or blocking element thereon configured to rest again the keyboard 202 (not shown) to stop the keyboard 202 from sliding down the keyboard mount 128 when the keyboard mount 128 is tilted. In some embodiments, the keyboard mount 128 may have a non-smooth or rubbery upper surface designed to increase friction between the bottom of the keyboard 202 and the keyboard mount 128, so as to reduce the risk of having the keyboard slipping.

(29) In some embodiments, the keyboard mount 128 and the mouse platform 130 are both coupled to support member 206 affixed to the sides of the workstation 100, for example to the seat 104 and/or near the bottom of the backrest 106. In some embodiments, the keyboard mount 128 and mouse platform 130 may be detachable and interchangeable so that they can each be removably affixed either to the right support member 206 or the left support member 206, depending on the user's preference (e.g., left-handed or right-handed). In some embodiments, the height of each of the support members 206 may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the keyboard mount 128 and the mouse platform 130 may be rotatably coupled to the support members 206 so as to be tilted and/or rotated to provide a more comfortable orientation.

(30) FIG. 2C shows a side view of the workstation 100, and further illustrates the designated recline angle of the backrest 106, neck rest 108 and headrest 110 with respect to the seat 104 via the dashed line and arrow. In some embodiments, the backrest 106 is adjust able about the user's sagittal plane. In some embodiments, the designated recline angle may be between 60 to 80 degrees and may not be changeable by the user by more than 20 degrees.

(31) FIGS. 3A and 3B show top views of the workstation 100, both without (FIG. 3A) and with (FIG. 3B) the display 126 affixed to the display mount 124.

(32) FIG. 4 shows a front view of the upper portion of the backrest 106, the neck rest 108 and the headrest 110, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 4 clearly shows the raised elongated portion 114 having on each side the lateral portions 402 of the backrest 106. In some embodiments, the raised elongated portion 114 may be substantially rounded or tapered so that its height increases gently starting from the sides 404 adjacent to the lateral portions 402 of the backrest 106 to near the middle portion comprising the recessed channel 118. However, different shapes may be used, without restriction.

(33) In some embodiments, the raised elongated portion 114 may have a width of about 6 inches and a raised height with respect to the sides of the backrest 106 of about 2.5 inches.

(34) FIGS. 5A and 5B show side views of the workstation 100, where in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the raised elongated portion 114, neck rest 108, headrest 110 and display mount 124 are rigidly coupled to each other as a single movable piece 502. Thus, all of these elements may be raised or lowered simultaneously with respect to the backrest 106 by slidingly moving the single piece 502 in the axis shown by the arrows.

(35) The length of the arrows in FIGS. 5A and 5B shows the distance between the headrest 110 and the topmost edge of the backrest 106 in the fully inserted configuration (FIG. 5A) and an extended out configuration (FIG. 5B). In some embodiments, one or more locking mechanism 504 may be used to reversibly affix the single piece 502 at a given height with respect to the backrest 106.

(36) FIGS. 6A and 6B show a perspective view of the headrest 110 and neck rest 108, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6A, as an example only, in some embodiments each vibrating node 120 may comprise an adjustable support element 602 having a vibrating element affixed thereto, for example a bearing ball 604 or the like. The vibrating nodes 120 is configured to gently engage with the user's skin on the neck region and vibrate at a designated frequency and intensity. The support element 602 may take a form of an elongated support member, configured so that its orientation may be adjusted by the user so that the bearing balls 604 are properly positioned on the user's neck. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, typically the support elements 602 will be oriented inwardly towards the center of the neck rest 108 so that the bearing balls 604 gently engage each side of the user's spine. In some embodiments, the support element 602 may be configured to house a motor, or any other means of generating vibrations known in the art, that is coupled to the bearing ball 604 and that is used to generate the vibrations thereof.

(37) In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B, a neck pillow 606 may be provided to cover the vibrating nodes 120 for additional comfort. The skilled person in the art will appreciate that different sizes and/or shapes and/or materials may be used for the neck pillow 606.

(38) FIGS. 7A and 7B show perspective views of the footrest 112, in accordance with one embodiment. In some embodiments, each vibrating nodes 122 may comprise an adjustable support element 702 having a vibrating element affixed thereto, for example a bearing ball 704 or the like, that is configured to engage with the ball of the foot of the user and vibrate at a designated frequency and intensity. The support element 702 may take a form of an elongated support member, configured so that its orientation may be adjusted by the user so that the bearing balls 704 are properly positioned on the user's neck. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, typically the support elements 702 will be oriented and positioned so as to receive thereon the ball of the foot of the user. In some embodiments, the support element 702 may be configured to house a motor, or any other means of generating vibrations known in the art, that is coupled to the bearing ball 704 and that is used to generate the vibrations thereof.

(39) In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7B, a foot pillow 706 may be provided to cover the vibrating nodes 122 for additional comfort. Different shapes, sizes and/or materials for the foot pillow 706 may be used, without restrictions.

(40) FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate two different embodiments wherein an adjustable coupling member 802 is used to adjust the position of the footrest 112. In some embodiments, the footrest 112 may be configured to slidingly engage with the coupling member 802 and be removably affixed thereto at a designated position. In some embodiments, the footrest 112 may be detachable.

(41) In addition, the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8B, herein referred to using the numeral 800, has additional distinctive features, such as the raised elongated portion 114 extending all the way down to the edge of the seat 104, with the lumbar support portion 116 being replaced with two raised side portions 804 and the bottom portion 806 of the raised elongated portion 114 extending all the way down to the seat 104. Also shown in FIG. 8B is a collapsible tray 808 that is hingedly connected to the seat 104 and configured to be folded or rotated downwards if not needed. In some embodiments, the collapsible tray 808 may be used additionally to, or in replacement of, the tray 132. In some embodiments, the collapsible tray 808 may be located on either side, or both sides, of the workstation 100.

(42) FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate two different embodiments of the workstation 100 and 800, respectively, comprising a plurality of hingedly coupled articulated support arms 902 for the keyboard mount 128 and the mouse platform 130 comprising an armrest portion 904 for the upper arm of the user to rest thereon. In some embodiments, the keyboard mount 128 may also comprise an armrest portion (not shown).

(43) In some embodiments, the articulated support arms 902 comprise a plurality of elongated members hingedly connected to each other in a way that allows the keyboard mount 128 to be moved over 6 degrees of freedom (translationally and rotationally). In some embodiments, the articulated support arms 902 may be affixed to a side of the seat 104. In some embodiments, the articulated support arms 902 may be removably affixed. The skilled person in the art will appreciate that different configurations of the articulated support arms 902 illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B may be considered, without limitation.

(44) FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a control module 1002 of the workstation 100 (or 800) which may be configured to turn on/off and/or adjust the intensity and/or frequency of the vibrating nodes 120 and 122. In some embodiments, the control module 1002 may be communicatively coupled to a control panel 1004 located on the workstation 100, for example on keyboard mount 128, mouse platform 130, tray 132 or at another location. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 1002 may be operated remotely via a wireless device such as a remote control 1006.

(45) In addition, in some embodiments the workstation 100 may further comprise a power cord or similar to electrically coupled the workstation 100 to an external power source 1008 (e.g., an electrical outlet of similar). In some embodiments, the power source 1008 may be electrically coupled to a power distribution circuit 1010 of the workstation 100 that is configured to distribute electrical power to different parts thereof, including the control module 1002 and vibrating nodes 120 and 122.

(46) In some embodiments, the power distribution circuit 1010 may also be used to distribute power to other accessories or devices, for example the display 126. In some embodiments, the workstation 100 may have one or more outlets thereon to electrically coupled thereto devices and/or accessories. In some embodiments, these may take the form of any known means of transferring electrical power in art, including USB and/USB-C connections or similar. Other embodiments may have an internal power source (not shown), such as a rechargeable battery or similar.

(47) The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. As can be understood, the examples described above are intended to be exemplary only.

(48) The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

(49) The term connected, attached, affixed or coupled to may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).

(50) As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.