Sand Seepage Stream and Wetland Restoration System and Method for Ecological Restoration

Abstract

A system and method for restoring wetland habitats and providing a platform on which indigenous and transplanted plant species can thrive. Water from a source, such as, stormwater run-off is captured and filtered through a combination of sand berms and riffle weirs to a series of aquatic beds, thus creating nutrient-rich environment.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A wetland restoration system comprising: a plurality of weirs placed along a watercourse at consistent intervals, each weir configured to control water flow and create a pooled area upstream; a plurality of berms positioned adjacent to the watercourse, the berms configured to manage water distribution across the system; wherein the system is arranged to establish hydrological conditions suitable for supporting wetland vegetation.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is configured to replicate natural seepage wetlands to promote Atlantic white cedar growth.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein said berms are composed of a mixture of sand, gravel, and organic material to enhance water retention and permeability.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein each weir includes a reinforcement of large rocks at its base to stabilize the structure against water pressure.

25. The system of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of arms or moats positioned within a network of sand berms arranged to form water retention areas and control subsurface water movement.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the intervals between said weirs are approximately one-hundred feet to optimize water pooling and flow control.

27. The system of claim 21, wherein said berms are positioned at a predetermined distance from the base of adjacent slopes to facilitate water management.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the distance between said berms and the base of adjacent slopes is approximately ten feet to create effective water capture zones.

29. The system of claim 21, further comprising moats located between the berms and adjacent landforms, the moats configured to collect water and irrigate the surrounding areas.

30. The system of claim 21, wherein the berms are designed to allow water to seep through, forming seepage zones that mimic natural wetland conditions.

31. The system of claim 21, wherein each weir is configured to spread water evenly across the upstream area and reduce water speed to enhance soil saturation.

32. The system of claim 21, wherein the berms are sized with a thickness and width sufficient to control water flow effectively across the system.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the berms have a thickness of approximately three feet and a width of approximately forty feet to ensure stability and water management.

34. The system of claim 21, wherein the berms are permeable, allowing water to move through them and support subsurface hydration.

35. The system of claim 21, further comprising a gravel-filled section at the downstream end of the watercourse to stabilize the channel and prevent erosion.

36. The system of claim 21, wherein the berms are configured such that capillary action draws water upward, maintaining moist conditions at the surface.

37. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is configured to encourage the development of organic soil layers to support long-term wetland health.

38. A system for establishing a wetland habitat for Atlantic white cedar, comprising: a series of stone weirs installed across a stream channel at spaced intervals, each weir designed to regulate water flow; a network of sand berms arranged to form water retention areas and control subsurface water movement; a plurality of arms or moats positioned between the berms and adjacent landforms to capture and distribute water; wherein the system is configured to replicate natural seepage wetlands to promote Atlantic white cedar growth.

39. The system of claim 38, further comprising a plurality of Atlantic white cedar trees planted within the system to establish a sustainable habitat.

40. An environmental restoration apparatus comprising: water control structures placed within a watercourse to regulate water levels and flow; elevated permeable structures positioned to intercept and redirect water across a designated area; wherein the apparatus is designed to mimic the natural hydrology of wetland ecosystems.

Description

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overall seepage wetland system in accordance with the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a sand berm element of a seepage wetland system in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of two riffle weir elements of a seepage wetland system in accordance with the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 4 is graphical cross-sectional representation of a boulder portion of a riffle weir element of a seepage wetland system in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a close-up side view graphical representation of a riffle weir element of a seepage wetland system in accordance with the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 6 is a close up top view illustration of two riffle weir elements of a seepage wetland system in accordance with the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 7 is close up view of a seepage reservoir in accordance with the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a detailed illustration of a further embodiment of a seepage wetland system in accordance with the present invention.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Before describing exemplary; non-limiting embodiments in accordance with the present invention, a number of terms are defined to assist the reader. The terms defined are components of a seepage wetland system in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] Primary seepage reservoirwater reservoir designed to irrigate porous media (sand or gravel), spread water out along the outer regions of a project site to detain the first flush of storm water into a project site at the highest elevation possible on the given site.

[0023] Seepage ReservoirsSand berms are placed in appropriate positions in the landscape to capture surface and/or groundwater.

[0024] Sand Berm seepage wetlandA berm of sand designed to contain a seepage reservoir filter and exfiltrate water stored in a seepage reservoir and. support plant growth, microbes, algae, fungi and macro-invertebrates.

[0025] Sand berm level spreaderA berm of sand designed to spread stormwater across a broad area to dissipate erosive energies and support plant growth and populations of microbes, algae, fungi and macro-invertebrates.

[0026] Sand seepage bedA bed of sand is placed in the drainage way (e.g. eroded ravine) and Riffle weirs grade control structures and pools form the new surface topography over top of the sand bed. This allows some water to filter under the surface and exfiltrate as a seep.

[0027] Primary Riffle weir grade control structuresets water surface elevation in a primary seepage reservoir at the highest grade possible on a given site, higher than receiving body of water e.g. adjacent Wetland pool or stream Channel.

[0028] Riffle weir grade control structuresa grade control structure comprised of boulders and gravel that concentrate low water flow in a stream or water coarse and spreads storm water out to sheet flow, raise stream inverts to allow stormwater access to flood plains or impound shallow water.

[0029] Created aquacludesClay lens or other impervious layer installed below porous soil (sand or gravel bed) to direct water through porous soils.

[0030] Shallow aquatic bedspools created with the placement of a riffle weir grade control structure in a water course.

[0031] Peatland vegetationThe systems can be designed to support peat forming vegetation and accumulate peat. Appropriate native plant species such as Atlantic White Cedar, sphagnum, Nymphaea and cranberry can be planted in appropriate zones of project sites designed with these methods to accrete peat. This can result in carbon storage, improved water quality, endangered species recovery sites.

[0032] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, peatland plant species that exist only under a very narrow set of environmental conditions which are easily altered by common human activities is directly addressed. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other uses and benefits can be derived from the present embodiment. However, to clearly describe the invention, the present embodiment is described in the context of the preservation of peatland plant species.

[0033] More particularly, as a result of years of human activity similar to that which is described above, natural populations of all rare plants associated with peatlands in the state of Maryland have declined over the past 200 years. At the current rate of loss, extirpation of most of these species, on extant sites on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, will occur before the year 2100, if not sooner. Investigations of extant peatland ecosystems have revealed that ex-filtrating groundwater through sandy soils is closely associated with these ecosystems. The applicant's efforts to restore populations of peatland species on the Western Coastal Plain of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, for example, have led to the development of a system of techniques and construction methods designed to create an appropriate habitat for this rare biotic community.

[0034] In particular, according to the present embodiment, a system has been developed that includes aquacludes, seepage reservoirs, sand berms and shallow pools. The system was designed to replicate the above-mentioned conditions within appropriate landscapes. This so-called Sand Seepage Stream and Wetland Restoration Technique can be adopted to address a diverse suite of problems. For example, the system can been used to address infrastructure, stormwater management, nutrient reduction, educational, mine reclamation, stream restoration, reforestation, fish passage, wetland and forest mitigation, recreational, shoreline stabilization and aesthetic needs. Further, the system and its attendant methods and techniques are easily adaptable to other geomorphic settings and physiogeographic provinces, where, for example, they could enhance the chances of survival of peatland and other equally valuable ecosystems.

[0035] The present embodiment represents a holistic, ecosystem restoration approach which generally addresses problems associated with stormwater, the quantity of surface water as well as the quality of the water. Some benefits that can be expected from utilizing the present embodiment include, raising groundwater, creating wetlands and reconnecting to the floodplain. These benefits are derived at least partially by downsizing the channel to accommodate only the base flow. A system consistent with the present embodiment also detains large volumes of water on the landscape. Many existing flood plain wetlands can be restored to their former status as peatlands by implementing at least one of the individual techniques associated with the embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a system according to the present exemplary embodiment comprises of a number of so-called building blocks. An entry point 1, e.g., a stormwater drainage pipe, swale, etc., provides incoming water to the system. The water output from entry point 1 is gathered in entry pool 2 which can be of various sizes and depths depending on the topography and size of the area accommodating the system. Entry pool 2 is created by the position of the uppermost riffle weir grade control structure 3a (referred to throughout as weir or riffle-weir). Other weirs, 3b-3n are placed downstream from weir 3a and form the shape of a channel. Weirs 3a-3n control the water surface elevations (WSE) in a seepage reservoir 5 extending along the outer edges of the flood plain. Also, between each weir, 3a-3n, a shallow pool 4a-4n is created as water runs over and/or through a respective weir.

[0037] By creating reservoirs 5, as shown, the largest wetted perimeter is provided at the highest elevation possible on the given site. Weir 3a also controls the release of the water into the main channel. As a result of this configuration the water level is raised above the invert of the channel, which is created by the series of weirs 3a-3n and pools 4a-4n, and hydrology is reconnected to the flood plain. Additionally, stormwater quality and quantity are attenuated.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, a close-up of an exemplary sand seepage element according to the invention is illustrated. In particular, sand berm 20 is created between the seepage reservoir 10 and the aquatic beds of the main channel 25. Sloped sand berm 20 creates and contains the reservoir 10 and allows water to filter into the stream channel 25. For example, the top of the sand berm 20 is higher, e.g., between 1-3 higher, than the water surface elevation (WSE) of the main channel 25, thus enabling the water seep through the sand from reservoir 10 to the pools of channel 25. The filtered water enters the stream channel 25 as cooler, cleaner, groundwater.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, sand berm 20 is designed such that it is placed into its final position as a berm and can serve as a haul road for construction of other project features. Sand berm 20 also functions as a level spreader, such that stormwater overtops it and the water is forced to sheet flow along the entire length of the berm 20. During construction of the system in accordance with the invention, coarse organic material, such as wood chips or stump grindings, can be placed over the surface of the sand berm 20 to support equipment traffic. As berm 20 is brought into its final grade, the wood chips can be incorporated into the berm as a growing medium for peatland species.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, another element of a system in accordance with the present invention is a riffle weir grade control structure (3a-3n in FIG. 1). As shown, the riffle weir control structure according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises two portions. One or more boulders 30, weighing up to several tons is placed in a parabolic shape as a grade control, and cobbles 35 are placed behind the boulder(s) to create lift in the form of a stream riffle. Cobbles 35 serve to concentrate low flow, which allows fish passage, and force the high flows to backwater, and eventually sheet flow over the weirs. This increases the width of the flow and reduces flow depth and velocity, reducing the potential for scour and sediment transport. This feature is one of the many features that make the present invention more desirable than other, conventional, systems in which there is very little increase in width of flow, resulting in a dramatic increase in depth and velocity of flow during storm events.

[0041] According to the present embodiment, sandstone, such as, limonite, bog iron or ferracrete, are used for boulders 30 as the grade control. This material is native to the Atlantic coastal plain region, and naturalizes quickly on the site. Other materials, such as granite or limestone may be more appropriate in projects sited in other regions of the country. Further, depending on the stability and/or elevation of the substrate, it may be appropriate to place polyester geotextile underneath the boulders to prevent shifting.

[0042] A system as shown in FIG. 3 is designed for a non-erosive flow during the so-called 100-year flood event and to concentrate base flow and maximize wetland habitat conditions. The embodiment illustrated is exemplary only and other configurations can be employed consistent with the invention. In particular, the process of designing a system in accordance with the invention involves collecting topographic data, defining the stream reach for the anticipated work area, and setting all of the existing conditions as parameters of the design.

[0043] (0043) For example, the following exemplary method is employed for laying out the project features. First, the stream channel length r is calculated. Next, the elevation difference, height=h, between the top of the system, such as the stormwater pipe 1 in FIG. 1, and bottom of the site is calculated. As shown in the equation below, reach r is divided by the height h and the result is divided in half. The resulting distance is then used as both the length of the weirs and length of pools in the project.

(r/h)/2=length of pools=length of weirs

[0044] One of ordinary skill in the art would know how to calculate the width of the weir. For example, standard engineering practices, such as TR-55 (i.e., Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds, Technical Release-55 (June 1986). United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service), Rock Chute 503 (i.e., United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service), and TR-20, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all that they teach, can be used to calculate the width of the weir(s) based on cobble size and by determining the velocities and energies delivered to the first of a plurality of weirs during the one hundred year storm event. As an example, in Annapolis, MD, 7.2 inches of precipitation falling in a 24-hour period signifies the one hundred year storm event.

[0045] Furthermore, although not necessary for proper functioning of the system, it is suggested that stone indigenous to the locale be used to construct the weirs. For instance, silica cobbles and sandstone boulders .are appropriate native materials for areas of the Atlantic coastal plain. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the cobble portion of the weir, i.e., the cobble-weir, according to this embodiment is formed in a parabolic shape. Also, the cobble-weir rises, in cross-section, from the low point in its center to two high points at its outermost edges. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a three-foot rise is provided.

[0046] According to at least one embodiment, each weir is constructed to have a one-foot lift from front to back in profile. For example, the elevation difference from the top of the boulder 30 to the back of the cobbles 35 in FIG. 3 is approximately one foot. Further, the footer boulder(s) 30 are submerged at least half their depth in the shallow aquatic bed in front of them. A depth of cobble of at least two times the average diameter of the stones is placed behind the footer boulders 30, constituting most of the size of each weir. The cobbles on the backside of the weir, identified by number 31 in FIG. 3, are placed at a 3-to-1 grade. That is, to hold the cobbles in place within the preceding pool, the cobbles are sloped at a 3-to-1 grade.

[0047] A further graphical representation of the dimensions of the riffle weir structure according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. More particularly, as shown, if the top of the boulder (30 in FIG. 3) is taken as the zero elevation point, then the top of the cobbles (20 in FIG. 3) are at approximately one foot above the top of the boulder. Further, the cobbles are placed at a depth of two times their diameter. For example, a cobble bed consisting of six inch diameter cobbles would be placed to a minimum depth of approximately twelve inches.

[0048] According to an exemplary method for constructing the weir system illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, it is suggested to begin at the lowest elevation by placing the footer boulders. Then, fill-in behind the boulders with cobble to the design length and width of the weir, and create a one foot rise from front to back, as shown in FIG. 5. The elevation of the top of the preceding weir (e.g., elevation 1) should be the elevation of the base of the next weir upstream.

[0049] Placement of the riffle weir grade control structures creates shallow aquatic beds as shown in FIG. 6. Each weir 60 is placed to slightly flood the soils behind it, creating a shallow pool 65. This serves to further dissipate stormwater energies and creates shallow aquatic beds in the floodplain. According to this embodiment, the depth of beds 65 is limited to be no greater than six-feet to maximize the designed wetland habitat values. However, a skilled artisan would appreciate that various depths and.

dimensions for pools 65 can be used depending on the layout of the land being serviced.

[0050] According to at least one of the embodiments of the invention discussed thus far, a further element comprises planting appropriate peatland, plant species native to the region where the system is located. For example, with respect to the Atlantic coastal plain, a partial native species planting list comprises at least one of, Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis), Bushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus), Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta), Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua), Blue Flag (Iris versicolor), American Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata), Golden Club (Orontium aquatica), Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), St. John's Wort (Hypericum species), Inkberry (Ilex glabra), Virginia Sweetspire {Itea virginica), Sheep Laurel (Kalmia augustifolia), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Swamp bayberry (Morella caroliniensis), Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera), Dwarf Azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum), Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum), Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), Atlantic White Cedar (Chamacyparis thyoides), White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), American Holly (Ilex opaca), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), Southern Yellow Pine (Pinus echinata), Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida), Pond Pine (Pinus serotina), Blackjack Oak (Quercus marilandica), Water Oak (Quercus nigra), Post Oak (Quercus stellata), and Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum). Native plant lists in other climates or geologic regions may differ significantly. Many states as well as the federal government have resources available

to help individuals identify native, as well as rare, threatened, and endangered plant species in their area.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed embodiment of a seepage reservoir in accordance with the invention. In particular, sandy seepage slopes are created by water passing through the sand berm 70 from the reservoir 71 to the main channel 72. As illustrated, main channel 72 comprises riffle weir structures 73 and shallow pools 74, similar in construction to those previously described in accordance with other embodiments.

[0052] The seepage reservoir structure shown in FIG. 7 provides a habitat for a number of species. According to one embodiment, the species supported are rare, threatened and endangered species of plant and aquatic life. The plant species can be used to stabilize sand and create habitat for other species. Aquatic plant species are planted in the shallow water to initiate peat production. Sphagnum mosses, grasses, sedges, rushes, and cranberry are optionally planted along the water's edge to form peat that will eventually creep out onto the surface waters either as floating mats of peat or rooted mats of peat.

[0053] As the vegetation accumulates on the riffle weir grade control structures, sediment accumulates along the edges of the low flow channel and plants colonize the edges of the channel. Those emergent species most acclimated to submersion attempt to colonize in faster moving water until there is a balance and a stable channel results. As these species attempt to colonize the stable substrate of cobble from the edges, the plant stems slow the flow of water and concentrate base flow until the emergent plants cannot withstand the water in the channel. Thus, standing water on the weir _and

maximizing channel depth over their weir. This provides maximum fish passage potential.

[0054] A system according to the present invention often captures sediments, plant parts, and nutrients. Further, they accrete organic soils (peat) where the sediment inputs are sufficiently low to be captured in the peat and utilized by plant growth. This sediment collects in the shallow aquatic pools around structures in the pools, like rootwads turned upside down, and on the flood plain and along edges of the grade control structures.

[0055] That is, the development of hummocks, low mounds of earth in wetlands, streams, or swamps that can serve as sites for plant growth, can be facilitated by placing tree stumps upside in a wetland or semi-permanent pool so that the trunk is embedded in the substrate or otherwise stable. The roots of the inverted stump touch the water surface, so as to allow them to collect floating plant material and sediment. Appropriate woody and herbaceous plant species can then be planted onto the rootwad. Water from higher elevations in the system can be piped over the surface of the rootwad to establish planted species such as bald cypress. Pipes can be removed once the plants' roots touch the permanent water surface elevation in the larger wetland. And, as it does, the elevation of the system slowly rises, at a relatively uniform rate.

[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in which a system similar to that which is shown in FIG. 1 is combined with a seepage reservoir system similar to that which is shown in FIG. 7. In particular, a system similar to the one shown in FIG. 1 is shown at the top of FIG. 8, where an entry point allows water to flow into the system and is retained in a collecting pool. Seepage reservoirs extend out as arms on either side of the collecting pool and sand berms such as those shown in FIG. 2 are provided between the seepage reservoirs and the main channel. The main channel comprises a series of riffle weirs and shallow pools as previously described and water from the collecting pool is permitted to run over the top of an intitial weir when the water level in the collecting pool rises above the top of the cobble portion of the initial weir.

[0057] As previously described in connection with other embodiments, the water travels down the main channel from one pool to the next, over and.or through an adjacent weir, once the level in the upstream pool rises above the top of the next weir. This process continues until the bottom of the system is reached which is identified by the final pool at the bottom of the main channel.

[0058] There are two independent seepage reservoirs shown in the system of FIG. 8. One is on the left-hand side of the main channel and the other is on the right-hand side of the channel. These independent seepage reservoirs, i.e., that are not fed by the collecting pool at the head of the main channel, provide a water source for water to seep through sand berms in the manner previously discussed to create a habitat for various plants and animals to thrive.

[0059] It is important to remember that the present invention is an integrated ecosystem restoration approach. For example, the sand berms alone will not work as free-standing water filters over time. Left unattended, they would eventually likely clog, cease filtration, and fail. However, when constructed in combination with seepage reservoirs, and formed as level spreaders, providing safe conveyance of storm flows, and combined with the establishment of a diverse native plant community, they become

alive with appropriate biological activity from fungi and microbes to macroinvertebrates to various plants and animals.

[0060] One result of utilizing a system in accordance with the invention is that the sand becomes tumultuous with activity, maintaining the porosity of the sand bed. When combined with root production, the development of root channels and berms in these systems becomes increasingly more stable and more porous with time. Coastal plains reference streams increase base flow to the stream by storing rain events as groundwater in the flood plain, and are bounded by a flood plain comprised largely of organic soils with a reach of increases in surface elevation from base flow associated with normal rainfall events in the watershed.

[0061] Additional benefits are also afforded as a result of a system according to the present invention. For example, the present invention delivers water quantity attenuation, moderating flows downstream, and reducing the flashiness of streams by allowing stormwater flows to get onto the flood plain and back into the ground, increasing the time of concentration, and storing water on site. In this way, they act like a detention basin with additional storage capacity. More particularly, the sand that makes up the features on site has approximately a 40 percent void ratio, meaning that every 100 cubic feet of sand on site has the capacity to store 40 cubic feet of water during a storm event, and slowly release it as ex-filtrating groundwater into the main channel as the water surface elevation at the site drops.

[0062] Also, water quality improvements are provided through, attenuation, nutrient uptake by plants, buried plant parts forming organic soils, sequestration through organic processes, de-nitrification, in-filtration, ex-filtration, and sedimentation. These methods increase the base flow of streams by raising the groundwater and reconnecting storm flows to formerly unsaturated soils in the native geology, to be released back into the stream as ex-filtratingground water later.

[0063] A system according to the present invention restores ecological diversity and creates habitat for fish, amphibians, reptiles which is orders of magnitude larger than conventional methods. These techniques consistently result in far more wetland creation and water storage on-site than do conventional approaches. A system in accordance with the invention, further, represents a unique opportunity to engage the community and to involve it in helping to restore threatened plant species to the human-shaped landscape. Finally, economic analyses of these methods have shown that they consistently return several times more value to the entities implementing them than they cost to design and build. The value of the wetland creation, stream restoration, and water storage has generally ranged from 3 to 8 times greater than the cost to get the project in the ground.

[0064] As has been mentioned throughout, the present invention can be used in all sorts of stream and wetland restoration applications. The inventive system can also replace conventional stormwater outfalls from culverts or pipes. It can be used in rain garden type applications alongside buildings or in highway medians to safely convey, detain, and infiltrate stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces. Systems according to the invention represent an ideal opportunity to move away from conventional stormwater holding ponds and towards sites that provide extensive stormwater attenuation, community benefit, and vital habitat. In instances where man-made structures (e.g. dams) or natural processes have caused blockages to fish migration,

these systems can be used to restore fish passage and restore habitat. Finally, each of these instances where these methods are applied represents an ideal opportunity to participate in the restoration of rare, threatened, and endangered plant species populations that are often found in these peatland habitats.

[0065] The exemplary and alternative embodiments described above may be combined in a variety of ways with each other. Furthermore, the steps and number of the various steps illustrated in the figures may be adjusted from that shown without straying from the spirit of the invention.

[0066] It should be noted that the present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments set forth herein are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described in terms of particular exemplary and alternative embodiments, it is not limited to those embodiments. Alternative embodiments, examples, and modifications which would still be encompassed by the invention may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the exemplary and alternative embodiments described above can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is

to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.