Abstract:
The present invention broadly comprises a stamped side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having an inner circumferential surface and a top surface and at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface. The at least one protrusion comprises a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface. The inner circumferential surface and the race retaining surface are arranged to center and retain an inner race for the stator, respectively. The annular segment also includes at least one annular protrusion extending from the top surface and including a centering surface substantially orthogonal to the top surface. The centering surface is arranged to center a bearing for the stator. The at least one annular protrusion is proximate the inner circumferential surface or an outer edge for the annular segment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/751,514, filed Dec. 19, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to improvements in apparatus for transmitting force between a rotary driving unit (such as the engine of a motor vehicle) and a rotary driven unit (such as the variable-speed transmission in the motor vehicle). In particular, the invention relates to a stamped side plate for the stator of a torque converter.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Side plates are used in stators for torque converters to center and retain an inner race for the stator and to center a bearing for the stator. It is known to use machined or cast parts for the side plates. Unfortunately, machining is relatively slow and costly and results in significant scrap material. Casting also is relatively costly. In some cases, ancillary parts, such as snap rings also are necessary. Unfortunately, the use of ancillary parts increases the cost and complexity of installing a side plate in a stator.  
         [0004]     Thus, there is a long-felt need for a stator side plate that can be quickly and inexpensively manufactured and installed in the stator.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention broadly comprises a stamped side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having an inner circumferential surface and a top surface and at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface. The at least one protrusion comprises a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface. In some aspects, the race retaining surface is non-coplanar with the top surface. In some aspects, the stator comprises an inner race, the inner circumferential surface is arranged to center the inner race, and the race retaining surface is arranged to retain the inner race in the stator.  
         [0006]     The annular segment also includes at least one annular protrusion extending from the top surface and including a centering surface substantially orthogonal to the top surface. In some aspects, the stator comprises a bearing and the centering surface is arranged to center the bearing. In some aspects, the annular segment comprises an outer edge and the at least one annular protrusion is proximate the inner circumferential surface or the outer edge. In some aspects, the at least one protrusion includes the at least one annular protrusion.  
         [0007]     In some aspects, the annular segment further comprises at least one slot. The slot is fully surrounded by the annular segment or the slot is in communication with an inner or an outer edge of the annular segment. In some aspects the at least one slot crosses a plane formed by the inner or outer circumference for a bearing in the stator.  
         [0008]     The present invention also broadly includes a side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having a top surface and at least one annular protrusion extending from the top surface. The side plate is stamped. In some aspects, the at least one annular protrusion further includes a surface substantially orthogonal to the top surface or the annular segment further includes an inner circumference and the at least one annular protrusion is proximate the inner circumference. In some aspects, the annular segment includes an outer circumference and the at least one annular protrusion is proximate the outer circumference or the stator includes a bearing and the surface is arranged to center the bearing. In some aspects, the annular segment includes an inner circumferential surface and at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface, and the at least one protrusion includes a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface and non-coplanar with the top surface. Then, the stator includes an inner race and the inner circumferential surface and the race retaining surface are arranged to center and retain the inner race,.respectively.  
         [0009]     In some aspects, the at least one annular protrusion includes the at least one protrusion or the annular segment further includes at least one slot. In some aspects, the at least one slot is fully defined by the annular segment, the annular segment further includes an inner edge and an outer edge and the at least one slot is in communication with the inner edge or the outer edge, or the stator includes a bearing with an inner circumference and an outer circumference and the at least one slot crosses a respective plane formed by the inner or outer circumference for the bearing.  
         [0010]     The present invention further broadly includes a side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having an inner circumferential surface and a top surface; at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface, where the at least one protrusion includes a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface and the inner circumferential surface and the race retaining surface are arranged to center and retain, respectively, an inner race for the stator; at least one annular protrusion, separate from the at least one protrusion, extending from the top surface, proximate an outer edge for the annular segment, and arranged to center a bearing for the stator; and at least one slot in the annular segment. A bearing for the stator includes an inner circumference and an outer circumference, and the at least one slot crosses a respective plane formed by the inner or the outer circumference.  
         [0011]     The present invention broadly comprises a method for engaging an inner race and a bearing for a stator in a torque converter, including the steps of: stamping the plate to form at least one first, second, and third surfaces, respectively, and at least one slot; retaining the inner race in the stator with the at least one first surface; centering the inner race with the at least one second surface; centering the bearing with the at least one third surface; and providing oil flow through the side plate with the at least one slot.  
         [0012]     It is a general object of the present invention to provide a stamped side plate for a stator in a torque converter, thereby reducing the costs associated with manufacturing a side plate for the stator.  
         [0013]     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a first present invention side plate for a stator;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the side plate shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the side plate shown in  FIG. 1  along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a stator with a present invention side plate installed;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the stator shown in  FIG. 4  along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 , with a bearing added;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a second present invention side plate for a stator;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the side plate shown in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the side plate shown in  FIG. 6  along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a third present invention side plate for a stator;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the side plate shown in  FIG. 9 ; and,  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the side plate shown in  FIG. 9  along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.  
         [0026]     Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.  
         [0027]     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a top view of present invention stamped side plate  10  for a stator.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of side plate  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of side plate  10  shown in  FIG. 1  along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1-3 . Side plate  10  includes at least one protrusion  12 , at least one annular protrusion  14 , and an inner circumferential surface  16 . Protrusions  12  extend radially inward beyond surface  16 . In some aspects, protrusions  12  are in the form of tabs  12 . Tabs  12  are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions  12  and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0031]     By annular protrusion, we mean that protrusions  14  form at least a portion of a ring about center  17  for plate  10 . Alternately stated, protrusions  14  are a uniform radial distance  18  from center  17 . In some aspects, protrusions  14  are in the form of tabs  14 . Tabs  14  are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions  14  and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Tabs  14  extend from top surface  19  of plate  10 . In some aspects, centering surfaces  20  of tabs  14  are substantially orthogonal to surface  19 .  
         [0032]     It should be understood that plate  10  is not limited to the number, size, shape, and configuration of tabs  12  and  14  shown and that other numbers, sizes, shapes, and configurations of tabs  12  and  14  are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, plate  10  can include more or less than  3  respective tabs  12  or  14 . Regarding tabs  12 , thickness  21 , width  22 , and radial dimension  23  with respect to surface  16 , can be selected according to the particular application in which plate  10  is installed. In like manner, for tabs  14 , thickness  24 , height  26 , width  28 , and radial dimension  18  can be selected according to the particular application in which plate  10  is installed. Plate  10  is not limited to a particular thickness  32  or radius  34 . The thickness and radius can be selected according to the particular application in which plate  10  is installed. In general, the number of respective tabs and the dimensions of tabs  12  and  14  and surface  16  can be selected to provide the retaining and centering capability, described infra, required for a particular application, while accounting for the particular parameters, tolerances, and characteristics regarding the stator, inner race, bearing, and materials of construction associated with the application.  
         [0033]     Tabs  12  include race retaining surfaces  35 . In some aspects, surfaces  35  are substantially parallel to top surface  19 . In  FIGS. 1-3 , surfaces  35  are non-coplanar with surface  19 . In some aspects (not shown), surfaces  19  and  35  are co-planar. In some aspects, tabs  14  are proximate outer edge  36 . In some aspects, tabs  14  form a portion of outer edge  36 . For example, if plate  10  is stamped, tabs  14  can be formed from a periphery (not shown) of the stock material forming plate  10 . Tabs  12 , specifically surfaces  35  retain an inner race (shown infra) for a stator (shown infra) into which plate  10  is installed. Surface  16  centers the inner race. Tabs  14 , specifically, surfaces  20 , center a bearing (shown infra) for the preceding stator.  
         [0034]     In some aspects, plate  10  includes slots, which provide oil flow to the bearing and oil flow through the plate. Plate  10  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots. In some aspects, slots  37  are fully surrounded, or defined by, plate  10  and surface  19 . In these cases, slots  37  are not limited to a particular width  38  or length  40 . In some aspects, the slots are in communication with surface  16  (slots  42 ) or outer edge  36  or  43  (slots  44 ). That is, the respective slots open into the respective surface or edges. Plate  10  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots  37 ,  42  or  44 . For example, slots  42  and  44  are not limited to a particular respective length  46  or  48  or respective width  50  or  52 , or to a particular radial angle with respect to longitudinal axis  54  of plate  10 . Plate  10  can include any combination of slots  37 ,  42 , and  44 .  
         [0035]     In some aspects, slots  37 ,  42 , or  44  cross the respective planes formed by an inner or outer circumference for a bearing (not shown) engaged with plate  10 , in particular, engaging surfaces  19  and  20 . The planes are orthogonal to surface  19 . Dashed lines  55  and  56  show possible intersections of the aforementioned planes with surface  19 . In some aspects, slots  37 ,  42 , and  44  cross lines  55  or  56  at areas  57 A,  57 B, and  57 C, respectively. Due to these crossings, oil flowing through the slots is able to both lubricate the bearing and flow past the bearing. For example, at area  57 B, a portion of slot  37  is between the inner and outer circumference of the bearing (enabling oil flow to the bearing) and a portion of slot  37  is outside line  56 , with respect to center  17 , (enabling oil flow past the bearing).  
         [0036]     In some aspects, plate  10  also includes slots  58 . These slots are configured to engage the stator (not shown), rotationally locking the plate and the stator. Plate  10  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots  58 . For example, slots  58  are not limited to a particular length  59  or width  60 . Slots  58  can be configured to accommodate the particular stator in which plate  10  is to be installed.  
         [0037]     In some aspects, plate  10  is machined, cast, or molded. In some aspects, plate  10  is stamped. Plate  10  can be made of any material known in the art. For example, a stamped plate  10  can be made from steel or aluminum. In those aspects in which plate  10  is stamped, thickness  32  can be made smaller than for machined, cast, or molded plates. A reduction in thickness  32  advantageously reduces the axial space occupied by the stator containing plate  10 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a top view of stator  70  with present invention side plate  10  installed.  
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of stator  70  shown in  FIG. 4  along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 , with bearing  72  added. The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 1 through 5 . In  FIG. 4 , bearing  72  is not shown, in order to more fully show plate  10 . In  FIG. 5 , bearing  72  has been added to provide further detail regarding plate  10  and the configuration of plate  10  with respect to stator  70 , specifically, with respect to bearing  72  and inner race  74 . Outer circumference  76  of bearing  72  is in at least intermittent contact with surface  20  of tabs  14  to center the bearing. Face  78  of bearing  72  is in contact with surface  19  of plate  10 . Outer circumference  80  of inner race  74  is in at least intermittent contact with surface  16 . Face  82  of the inner race is in at least intermittent contact with surface  35  of tabs  12 . It should be understood that a present invention side plate is not limited to use with the stator shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  and that the use of a present invention side plate with other stators is included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is a top view of present invention side plate  100  for a stator.  
         [0041]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of side plate  100  shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of side plate  100  shown in  FIG. 6  along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 6 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 6-8 . Side plate  100  includes at least one protrusion  112  and an inner circumferential surface  116 . Protrusions  112  extend radially inward beyond surface  116 . In some aspects, protrusions  112  are in the form of tabs  112 . Tabs  112  are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions  112  and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0043]     Tabs  112  also form annular protrusions, by this we mean that protrusions  112  form at least a portion of a ring about center  117  for plate  100 . In particular, surfaces  118  define the annular protrusion. Surfaces  118  are a uniform radial distance  119  from center  117  and in some aspects, are substantially orthogonal to surface  120 . Thus, referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , in contrast to plate  10 , which has separate tabs  12  and  14 , tabs  112  of plate  100  incorporate the functionality shown for tabs  12  and  14 .  
         [0044]     It should be understood that plate  100  is not limited to the number, size, shape, and configuration of tabs  112  shown and that other numbers, sizes, shapes, and configurations of tabs  112  are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, plate  100  can include more or less than  3  tabs  112 . Regarding tabs  112 , thickness  121 , width  122 , radial dimension  119 , and dimension  123  can be selected according to the particular application in which plate  100  is installed. Plate  100  is not limited to a particular thickness  132  or radius  134 . The thickness and radius can be selected according to the particular application in which plate  100  is installed. In general, the number of respective tabs and the dimensions of tabs  112  and surface  116  can be selected to provide the retaining and centering capability, described infra, required for a particular application, while accounting for the particular parameters, tolerances, and characteristics regarding the stator, inner race, bearing, and materials of construction associated with the application.  
         [0045]     Tabs  112  include race retaining surfaces  135 . In some aspects, surfaces  135  are substantially parallel to top surface  120 . In  FIGS. 6-8 , surfaces  135  are non-coplanar with surface  120 . In some aspects (not shown), surfaces  120  and  135  are co-planar. Tabs  112 , specifically surfaces  135 , retain an inner race (shown infra) for a stator (shown infra) into which plate  100  is installed. Surface  116  centers the inner race. Surfaces  118  center a bearing (shown infra) for the preceding stator.  
         [0046]     In some aspects, plate  100  includes slots, which provide oil flow to the bearing and oil flow through the plate. Plate  100  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots. In some aspects, slots  136  are fully surrounded, or defined by, plate  100  and surface  120 . In these cases, slots  136  are not limited to a particular width  138  or length  140 . In some aspects, the slots  142  are in communication with surface  116 . That is, the slots open into surface  116 . Plate  10  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots  136  or  142 . For example, slots  142  are not limited to a particular length  146 , width  150 , or radial angle with respect to longitudinal axis  154  of plate  100 . Plate  100  can include any combination of slots  136  and  142 . In some aspects (not shown), slots are in communication with an outer edge for plate  100 .  
         [0047]     In some aspects, slots  136  and  142  cross the respective planes formed by an inner or outer circumference for a bearing (not shown) engaged with plate  100 , in particular, engaging surfaces  118  and  120 . The planes are orthogonal to surface  120 . Dashed lines  155  and  156  show possible intersections of the aforementioned planes with surface  120 . In some aspects, slots  136  and  142  cross lines  155  or  156  at areas  157 A and  157 B, respectively. Due to these crossings, oil flowing through the slots is able to both lubricate the bearing and flow past the bearing. For example, at area  157 B, a portion of slot  136  is between the inner and outer circumference of the bearing (enabling oil flow to the bearing) and a portion of slot  136  is outside line  156 , with respect to center  117 , (enabling oil flow past the bearing).  
         [0048]     In some aspects, plate  100  also includes slots  158 . These slots are configured to engage the stator (not shown), rotationally locking the plate and the stator. Plate  100  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots  158 . For example, slots  158  are not limited to a particular length  159  or width  160 . Slots  158  can be configured to accommodate the particular stator in which plate  100  is to be installed.  
         [0049]     In some aspects, plate  100  is machined, cast, or molded. In some aspects, plate  100  is stamped. Plate  100  can be made of any material known in the art. For example, a stamped plate  100  can be made from steel or aluminum. In those aspects in which plate  100  is stamped, thickness  132  can be made smaller than for machined, cast, or molded plates. A reduction in thickness  132  advantageously reduces the axial space occupied by the stator containing plate  100 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 9  is a top view of present invention stamped side plate  200  for a stator.  
         [0051]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of side plate  200  shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of side plate  200  shown in  FIG. 9  along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9 . The following should be viewed in light of  FIGS. 9 through 11 . Side plate  200  includes at least one protrusion  212 , at least one annular protrusion  214 , and an inner circumferential surface  216 . Protrusions  212  extend radially inward beyond surface  216 . In some aspects, protrusions  212  are in the form of tabs  212 . Tabs  212  are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions  212  and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.  
         [0053]     By annular protrusion, we mean that protrusions  214  form at least a portion of a ring about center  217  for plate  200 . Alternately stated, protrusions  214  are a uniform radial distance  218  from center  217 . In some aspects, protrusions  214  are in the form of tabs  214 . Tabs  214  are used in the descriptions that follow, however, it should be understood that any type of protrusion, such as fingers, can be used for protrusions  214  and such protrusions are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Tabs  214  extend from top surface  219  of plate  200 . In some aspects, centering surfaces  220  of tabs  214  are substantially orthogonal to surface  219 .  
         [0054]     It should be understood that plate  200  is not limited to the number, size, shape, and configuration of tabs  212  and  214  shown and that other numbers, sizes, shapes, and configurations of tabs  212  and  214  are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, plate  200  can include more or less than  3  respective tabs  212  or  214 . Regarding tabs  212 , thickness  221 , width  222 , and dimension  223  can be selected according to the particular application in which plate  200  is installed. In like manner, for tabs  214 , thickness  224 , height  226 , width  228 , and radial dimension  218  can be selected according to the particular application in which plate  200  is installed. Plate  200  is not limited to a particular thickness  232  or radius  234 . The thickness and radius can be selected according to the particular application in which plate  200  is installed. In general, the number of respective tabs and the dimensions of tabs  212  and  214  and surface  216  can be selected to provide the retaining and centering capability, described infra, required for a particular application, while accounting for the particular parameters, tolerances, and characteristics regarding the stator, inner race, bearing, and materials of construction associated with the application.  
         [0055]     Tabs  212  include race retaining surfaces  235 . In some aspects, surfaces  235  are substantially parallel to top surface  219 . In  FIGS. 9-11 , surfaces  235  are non-coplanar with surface  219 . In some aspects (not shown), surfaces  219  and  235  are co-planar. In some aspects, tabs  214  are proximate inner edge  236  or are formed at inner edge  236 . For example, if plate  200  is stamped, tabs  214  can be formed from an inner circumference (not shown) of the stock material forming plate  200 . Tabs  212 , specifically surfaces  235  retain an inner race (shown infra) for a stator (shown infra) into which plate  200  is installed. Surface  216  centers the inner race. Tabs  214 , specifically, surfaces  220 , center a bearing (shown infra) for the preceding stator.  
         [0056]     In some aspects, plate  200  includes slots, which provide oil flow to the bearing and oil flow through the plate. Plate  200  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots. In some aspects, slots  237  are fully surrounded, or defined by, plate  200  and surface  219 . In these cases, slots  237  are not limited to a particular width  238  or length  240 . In some aspects, the slots are in communication with surface  216  (slots  242  and  243 ). In some aspects (not shown), slots also are placed in communication with outer edge  244 . Plate  200  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots  237  or  242 . For example, slots  242  are not limited to a particular length  246  or width  250 , or to a particular radial angle with respect to longitudinal axis  254  of plate  200 . The discussion regarding the dimensions of slots  242  is applicable to slots  243 . Plate  200  can include any combination of slots  237 ,  242  and  255 .  
         [0057]     In some aspects, slots  237  and  242  cross the respective planes formed by an inner or outer circumference for a bearing (not shown) engaged with plate  200 , in particular, engaging surfaces  219  and  220 . The planes are orthogonal to surface  219 . Dashed lines  255  and  256  show possible intersections of the aforementioned planes with surface  219 . In some aspects, slots  237  and  242  cross lines  255  or  256  at areas  257 A and  257 B, respectively. Due to these crossings, oil flowing through the slots is able to both lubricate the bearing and flow past the bearing. For example, at area  257 B, a portion of slot  237  is between the inner and outer circumference of the bearing (enabling oil flow to the bearing) and a portion of slot  237  is outside line  256 , with respect to center  217 , (enabling oil flow past the bearing).  
         [0058]     In some aspects, plate  200  also includes slots  258 . These slots are configured to engage the stator (not shown), rotationally locking the plate and the stator. Plate  200  is not limited to any particular number, shape, size, or configuration of slots  258 . For example, slots  258  are not limited to a particular length  259  or width  260 . Slots  258  can be configured to accommodate the particular stator in which plate  200  is to be installed.  
         [0059]     In some aspects, plate  200  is machined, cast, or molded. In some aspects, plate  200  is stamped. Plate  200  can be made of any material known in the art. For example, a stamped plate  200  can be made from steel or aluminum. In those aspects in which plate  200  is stamped, thickness  232  can be made smaller than for machined, cast, or molded plates. A reduction in thickness  232  advantageously reduces the axial space occupied by the stator containing plate  200 .  
         [0060]     Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.