Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward a cam assembly comprising a cam, a drive shaft and an adjustable screw. The cam includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an outer perimeter and a thickness between the first and second sides. The cam further has a first elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam, wherein the first elongated bore has a length radially oriented in the cam and a first end and a second end. The cam further has an elongated threaded hole extending from the outer perimeter to and being in communication with the first elongated bore. The drive shaft extends through the first elongated bore. The adjustment screw is within the elongated threaded hole and is engaged with the drive shaft, wherein the cam assembly is constructed and arranged such the drive shaft can be adjustably positioned and fixedly secured relative to the cam at a plurality of positions along the length of the first elongated bore.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention in general relates to cam assemblies. More particularly to generally circular cams mounted on drive shafts wherein the arc of each of the cams is adjustable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    As is well known, a cam is a projecting part of a rotating wheel or shaft that strikes a lever at one or more points on its circular path. The cam can be a simple tooth or an eccentric disc or other shape that produces a smooth reciprocating motion in a follower which is a lever making contact with the cam. The cam can be seen as a device that translates movement from circular to reciprocating or sometimes oscillating. 
         [0004]    Single cams and linear alignments of a plurality of interconnected cams are known and have been in wide use. Examples of machines which use such cam arrangements include machines to meter, mix and dispense substances. These machines utilize piston pumps to meter plural component, reactive liquids. The piston pumps are powered either directly by an air piston motor through connecting rods and fulcrum or by an electric motor driven shaft connected to a cam or cams Electric motor driven cams have been used for many years to reciprocate pumps in single or two component spray paint machines. However, utilizing multiple cams does not provide a means to infinitely vary the metering ratio of the two reactive liquids. Varying the ratio is needed to compensate for effects of different working conditions or when a different chemical system with a different ratio is required. The only method known is to exchange one of the cams for another cam made with a different hub location to produce a different arc and piston stroke, thereby providing a new fixed ratio. There remains a need for a system in which the effective arc of the individual cams can be changed without having to individually replace them in order to provide for a new fixed ratio. 
         [0005]    All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0006]    Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In some embodiments, the invention provides adjustable arc cam assemblies that provide means to vary the volumetric output of a piston pump by changing the length of its stroke. The inventive cam assemblies use cams that can be infinitely adjusted by changing the position of its hub and therefore its arc. A shorter arc shortens the stroke of the pump. A longer arc lengthens the stroke. 
         [0008]    The inventive aspect of the design of the present invention is employing an amplitude adjusting screw that has threads engaging the cam radially and having a head that is captured inside the center of the drive shaft. When the amplitude is adjusted to the desired setting, two clamping screws are tightened within opposing collars and the setting is thus fixed in place. The drive shaft can be keyed to the collars to take up torque. The keys within respective collars can be held therein by small set screws, respectively. 
         [0009]    In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a motor driven shaft, wherein the shaft has parallel flat sides, and a cam with an elongated hub bore, two slots on either side of the elongate hub bore, a threaded hole through the radius of the cam and intersecting the elongated hub bore and an adjusting screw inserted into the threaded hole. The cam is connected to the shaft by a set of collars. Screws can be used to attach the cam to the shaft through the slots in the cam. A set of locking screws can also be used to secure the collars to the shaft. 
         [0010]    In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a cam assembly comprising a cam, a drive shaft and an adjustable screw. The cam includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an outer perimeter and a thickness between the first and second sides. The cam further has a first elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam, wherein the first elongated bore has a length radially oriented in the cam and a first end and a second end. The cam further has an elongated threaded hole extending from the outer perimeter to and being in communication with the first elongated bore. The drive shaft extends through the first elongated bore. The adjustment screw is within the elongated threaded hole and is engaged with the drive shaft, wherein the cam assembly is constructed and arranged such that the drive shaft can be adjustably positioned and fixedly secured relative to the cam at a plurality of positions along the length of the first elongated bore. 
         [0011]    In at least one embodiment, the adjustment screw has a screw head at a first end, wherein the screw head has a radial cross-section perimeter. The radial cross-section perimeter of the screw head is larger than a radial cross-section of the elongated threaded hole. The drive shaft further has a transverse hole for receiving the screw head, such that when the drive shaft is fixedly secured to the cam, the screw head is positioned within the transverse hole in the drive shaft. 
         [0012]    In at least one embodiment, the cam assembly can further have a second elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam and a third elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam. The second and third elongated bores radially run parallel to the first elongated bore and the first elongated bore is between the second and third elongated bores. The cam assembly can further have a first clamping screw and a second clamping screw, wherein the first clamping screw extends through the first retaining collar and the second elongated bore and engages the second retaining collar and wherein the second clamping screw extends through the first retaining collar and the third elongated bore and engages the second retaining collar. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the cam assembly further can have a capturing plug inserted into the second opening of the transverse hole in a manner such that the screw head is trapped within the transverse hole in the drive shaft. The second opening of the transverse hole and the capturing plug are both threaded such that the capturing plug can be screwed into the second opening to secure the screw head in place within the drive shaft. 
         [0014]    In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a cam assembly having a plurality of cams, each cam having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an outer perimeter and a thickness between the first and second sides. Each cam further has a first elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam, wherein the first elongated bore has a length radially oriented in the cam and a first end and a second end. Further, each cam can have an elongated threaded hole extending from the outer perimeter to and being in communication with the first elongated bore, wherein the length of the first elongated bore and the elongated threaded hole are linearly aligned. The cam assembly further includes a drive shaft extending through each of the first elongated bores and a plurality of adjustment screws, one adjustment screw being within the elongated threaded hole of each cam and engaged with the drive shaft. The cam assembly is constructed and arranged such that the drive shaft can be adjustably positioned and fixedly secured relative to each of the cams at a plurality of positions along the length of each first elongated bore. The drive shafts are linearly aligned and each drive shaft is interconnected with an adjacent drive shaft. 
         [0015]    In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed toward an adjustable cam for use on a drive shaft. The adjustable cam has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an outer perimeter and a thickness between the first and second sides. The adjustable cam further has a first elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam, wherein the first elongated bore has a length radially oriented in the adjustable cam and a first end and a second end. The adjustable cam further has an elongated threaded hole extending from the outer perimeter to and being in communication with the first elongated bore, wherein the length of the first elongated bore and the elongated threaded hole are linearly aligned. 
         [0016]    The adjustable cam further can have a second elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam and a third elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam, wherein the second and third elongated bores radially run parallel to the first elongated bore and wherein the first elongated bore is between the second and third elongated bores. The adjustable cam can be in combination with an adjustment screw within the elongated threaded hole, wherein the adjustment screw can be adjustably positioned and fixedly secured relative to the cam at a plurality of positions along the length of the first elongated bore. 
         [0017]    In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable cam of the present invention is in combination with a cam carriage within which the cam rotates on a drive shaft. The cam carriage can be engaged with one or more pistons such that the cam&#39;s rotating force is translated into a reciprocating force on the pistons. The present invention is further directed to a machine or a device which incorporates the disclosed adjustable cam and cam carriage assembly. 
         [0018]    These and other embodiments that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary perspective view showing of the subject of the invention assembled with a segment of drive shaft. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1A  is a side view of a retaining collar of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1B  is a top view of a retaining collar of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of a retaining collar of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1D  is a side view of a retaining collar of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1E  is a side view of a retaining collar of the invention with a clamping screw shown therethrough. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a simplified diagrammatic front elevational view showing configuration of elements thereof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of an adjustment screw and adjustment screw head of the invention with the adjustment screw head shown as a simplified diagrammatic view. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a view of the subject of  FIG. 1  in section taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a section taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 1  with parts in a secondary position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a simplified diagrammatic front elevational view showing configuration of elements in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a view of the subject of  FIG. 5  in section taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a section taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to that of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 5  with parts in a position intermediate of that shown respectively therein. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a prior art cam assembly with multiple aligned cams. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a side view showing of the subject of the invention assembled in a carriage and engaged with a piston. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the showing of  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]    While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. 
         [0039]    For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the Figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated. 
         [0040]    An embodiment of the inventive adjustable arc cam and drive shaft assembly is generally shown at  10  in  FIG. 1 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  includes a cam  14  having a first side  13  and an opposite second side  15  and a thickness  17  defined by the distance between the first side  13  and the second side  15 . The cam  14  shown in  FIG. 1  also includes a perimeter surface  11  defining the perimeter of the cam  14 . In the embodiment shown, the cam  14  has a constant radius; however, the invention contemplates cams being eccentric or having a variable cam profile or a variable radius. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment shown, the cam  14  further comprises an elongated bore  16  or drive shaft way  16  transversely oriented through the first side  13  and the second side  15 . As better seen in  FIG. 4 , elongated bore  16  radially extends from a first end  19  centrally positioned in the cam  14  to a second end  21  positioned radially adjacent to the perimeter surface  11 , but being separated by a small thickness  23  of the cam material. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cam further includes an elongated hole  18  radially extending from the perimeter surface  11  to the elongated bore  16 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the elongated hole  18  is linearly aligned with the elongated bore  16 . In the embodiment shown, the elongated hole is threaded to receive a threaded adjustment screw  34 . The threaded adjustment screw  34  can have a mechanism, such as a socket  38 , that can be engaged by the user to drive and adjust the threaded adjustment screw  34  in the threaded elongated hole  18 . 
         [0043]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the cam  14  is mounted on a drive shaft  12 . In one embodiment, the drive shaft  12  has elongated flat portions (flats)  63  on either side of the drive shaft  12  separated by rounded portions  27 . In the embodiment shown, as better shown in  FIG. 4 , the inner sides  25  and first end  19  of the elongated bore  16  align with the flat portions  63  and one of the rounded portions  27  for a snug fit. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular inner shape of the elongated bore  16  and the shape of the circumferential perimeter of the drive shaft  12 ; however the shapes should be such that there is a snug fit between the two such that the drive shaft  12  is sufficiently engaged with the inner surfaces of the elongated bore  16  to effectively rotate the adjustable cam  14 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the cam  14  is book-ended by a pair of retaining collars  24  on either side of the cam  14 . That being, one of the retaining collars  24   a  is against the first side  13  of the cam  14  and the other retaining collar  24   b  (better shown in  FIG. 3 ) is against the second side  15  of the cam  15 . The retaining collar  24  is mounted about the drive shaft  12  and, as best shown in  FIG. 2 , the inner wall  31  of each retaining collar  24  is shaped to closely match the circumferential perimeter of the drive shaft  12 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C,  1 D and  1 E further illustrate the retaining collars  24   a ,  24   b . Each collar  24   a ,  24   b , includes a threaded hole  43  for receiving a set screw  30  for tightening down on the drive shaft  12 , an inner wall  31  to receive the drive shaft  12  and a key way  37  for receiving a key  28  (described below) and can have a flattened bottom portion  47 . 
         [0046]    The first retaining collar  24   a  includes through holes  51  for receiving clamping screws  26  as well as tangs  35  to engage elongated bores or slots  32  in the cam  14 . The second retaining collar  24   b  further includes threaded through holes  54  to receive the clamping screws  26 .  FIG. 1A  shows the shape of both retaining collar  24   a  and  24   b . The retaining collars differ in that retaining collar  24   a  has through holes  51  for the clamping screws  26  and tangs  35 , in this embodiment four, for insertion into the elongated bores  32  of the cam  14  and retaining collar  24   b  includes threaded through holes  54 .  FIG. 1A  shows one side of one of the collars laying flat. Tangs  35  and threaded hole  43  are shown in phantom.  FIGS. 1B and 1C  show top views of collars  24   a  and  24   b  respectively. Through holes  51  and  54  and key ways  37  are shown in phantom.  FIG. 1D  shows retaining collar  24   a  from one of its sides. As can be seen in this embodiment, each side includes two tangs  35  separated by a through hole  51 . Through holes  51  and  43  and key ways  37  are shown in phantom.  FIG. 1E  shows the collar as in  FIG. 1D  with a clamping screw  26  through through hole  51  and between two of the tangs  35 . Through holes  51  and  54 , part of the clamping screw  26  within the collar  24   a  and key ways  37  are shown in phantom. 
         [0047]    In the embodiment shown, the retaining collars  24  are secured together by the clamping screws  26 , which extend from one of the retaining collars  24   a  through slots or elongated bores  32  in the cam  14  and engage the other retaining collar  24   b  on the other side of the cam  14 . As mentioned above, the retaining collars  24  also can include set screws  30  that can be tightened down in the threaded holes  43  onto keys  28  that are positioned in a key way  33  (a longitudinal groove in the rounded portion  27  of the drive shaft  12 ) and are positioned between the individual collars  24  and the drive shaft  12 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  is a simplified diagrammatic front elevational view showing configuration of elements thereof. In this view, the cam  14  drive shaft  12  assembly is in its minimum amplitude configuration. It can be seen that the adjustment screw  34  is driven down in the elongated hole  18 . At the bottom of the adjustment screw  34  is an adjustment screw head  36  engaged with the adjustment screw  34 .  FIG. 2A  shows the adjustment screw  34  and the adjustment screw head  36 . As can be seen, in this particular embodiment, both elements are threaded such that, after the adjustment screw  34  is inserted into the elongated hole  18  and down into the elongated bore  16  and the drive shaft  12 , the screw head  36  is screwed onto the end of the elongated screw  34 . The adjustment screw head  36  can be bonded to the adjustment screw  34  via suitable means such as weld or silver solder. 
         [0049]    As can be seen, the screw head  36  is snuggly positioned within a slot or hole  41  within the drive shaft  12  and the connection between the screw head  36  and the adjustment screw  34  holds the end of the adjustment screw within the drive shaft  12 . The cross-sectional or perimeter size of the slot or hole  41  within which the screw head  36  is positioned is greater than the cross-sectional size or perimeter of the threaded hole  18  within which the adjustment screw is positioned. The screw head  36  is in turn secured within the drive shaft  12  and supported by a capturing plug or retaining screw  40  that is driven up from the opposite side of the drive shaft  12  in a threaded hole  39 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  is a view of  FIG. 1  in a section taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . Although the figure is drawn along the threaded hole  18 , the clamping screws  26  are also shown. As can be seen, the clamping screws  26  extend through the cam  14  and clamp the two retaining collars  24  together. Also, it can better be seen in  FIG. 3  the key way  33  (a longitudinal groove in the rounded portion  27  of the drive shaft  12 ) in the drive shaft  12 . It can also be seen that keys  28  are positioned in key ways  37  between the retaining collars  24  and set screws  30  and the drive shaft  12 . The set screws  30  are driven onto the keys  28 , therefore clamping the retaining collars  24  against the drive shaft  12 . It can also better be seen that the retaining screw  40  is driven into a threaded hole  39  in the drive shaft  12  to support and secure the adjustment screw head  36  thus capturing it and stabilizing it within the drive shaft  12 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is a section taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . In this figure, the cam  14  is in its minimum amplitude configuration. The drive shaft  12  is at or close to the center of the cam  14  creating a substantially constant arc. The adjustment screw  34  is in its highest position and the head  36  of the adjustment screw  34  is locked into place within the drive shaft  12  by the retaining screw  40 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 5-8  are same as  FIGS. 1-4  except that the cam  14  drive shaft  12  assembly is in its maximum amplitude configuration.  FIG. 5  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 1  with parts in a maximum amplitude configuration. As can be seen, the adjustment screw  34  is driven completely down providing the cam  14  with its maximum arc.  FIG. 6  is a simplified diagrammatic front elevational view showing configuration of elements in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 7  is a view of the subject of  FIG. 5  in section taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 8  is a section taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to that of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 5  with parts in a position intermediate of that shown respectively therein. As demonstrated, the position of the drive shaft  12  within the elongated bore  16  can be manipulated by screwing the adjustment screw  34  down or up. After the desired position has been set, the keys  28 , the set screws  30  and the clamping screws  26  are tightened to secure the cam  14  in place on the drive shaft  12 . 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, the cam assembly can include a plurality of the adjustable cams  14  on a single drive shaft  12 . To illustrate a multiple cam arrangement,  FIG. 10  shows a prior art assembly of non-adjustable cams  70 . As shown, the individual cams  70  can vary in their circumferential positioning around the axis  67  of the drive shaft  71 . In the assembly shown, each cam  70  is connected to a portion  73  of the drive shaft  71 . Each portion  73  can be removed from or connected to the overall drive shaft  71  utilizing male  75  and female 77 parts of the individual portions  73 . The present invention utilizes multiple adjustable cam/shaft assemblies  10  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) linearly aligned and similarly connected or multiple adjustable cams  14  on a single drive shaft  12 . 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, within systems that utilize piston action, the adjustable cams of the present invention can, individually when multiple cams are used, be positioned within a cam carriage  90  that is in connection with one or more pistons.  FIGS. 11 and 12  show a cam  14  within a cam carriage assembly  90 . Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the cam carriage  90  houses the cam  14 , allowing the cam  14  to rotate within it as the cam  14  is driven by the drive shaft  12 . As the drive shaft  12  rotates the cam  14 , the cam carriage  90  is driven in a reciprocating  92  manner. The carriage  90  is engaged with one or more pistons  94  such that the reciprocating motion  92  of the cam  14  and cam carriage  90  assembly. 
         [0056]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the cam carriage  90  forms a sort of “cage” within which the cam  14  can rotate, translating the cam&#39;s rotating force into a reciprocating force on the pistons  94 . In the particular embodiment shown, the cam carriage  90  includes four connecting bars  96 . Plates  98  are at the ends of the connecting bars  96  connecting the bars  96  together to form the holding “cage”. The cam carriage  90  also can include a drive bar  100  which is connected to the cam plate  98  on one side and engages the pistons  94  on the other. It should be understood that the adjustable cam and cam carriage assembly of the present invention can be used in any machine or device that utilizes a reciprocating piston force in its function. 
         [0057]    The cam  14  and drive shaft  12  assembly of the present invention can be used in place of non-adjustable cam assemblies in any type of device that utilizes such cams. Devices that utilize a single cam or multiple cams would be readily known to those skilled in the art. Such devices include, but are not limited to, two or more component spraying devices, such as paint spraying devices, and single or multiple component machines which are used to pour or spray substances. Examples of machines which use such cams include machines to meter, mix and dispense polyurethane and/or polyester elastomers, either foamed or un-foamed, epoxies and silicones. Such machines can be obtained from Tobin Manufacturing LLC, located at 370 Alabama Street, Suite L, Redlands, Calif. 92373 (http://www.tobinmanufacturing.com). Such devices may also be obtained from MIZCO, Inc., located at 35311 Cornet Way, Palm Desert, Calif. 92211-3027 (www.mizcoinc.com). 
         [0058]    These machines utilize piston pumps to meter plural component, reactive liquids. The piston pumps are powered either directly by an air piston motor through connecting rods and fulcrum or by an electric motor driven shaft connected to a cam or cams Electric motor driven cams can also be used to reciprocate pumps in single or two component spray paint machines. Using the adjustable cams of the present invention to vary the ratios is advantageous when compensating for effects of ambient working conditions or when a different chemical system with a different ratio is required. With the adjustable cams, one can relocate the hub location to produce a different arc and piston stroke, thereby providing a new fixed ratio without having to individually replacing the cams. 
         [0059]    A device that utilizes one or more of the present inventive cams typically includes, but is not limited to, a drive motor, a cam shaft, a transfer housing (rectangular box) that the cam(s) rotates within. The transfer housing is typically attached to and communicates with a shaft which in turn is attached to a pump piston that reciprocates in a tube. The pump pumps a liquid reactant through a hose to a dispense valve with multiple inlets which outlet into an attached dynamic or static mixer. 
         [0060]    The present invention is also directed methods of adjusting the functioning arc of the above described adjustable cams  14  on the drive shaft  12  without having to remove the cam from the drive shaft on which it is mounted. The methods include adjusting the adjustment screw  34  to a position which corresponds to the desired arc. Prior to adjusting the clamping screws  26  may be loosened to ease movement of the drive shaft  12  within the cam  14  and later tightened after the desired positioning. 
         [0061]    The materials of the inventive adjustable cam/drive shaft assemblies include suitable materials including, but not limited to, metals and plastics. Construction techniques will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. 
         [0062]    The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims. 
         [0063]    Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim  1  should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below. 
         [0064]    This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.