Disposable and recyclable intermediates for use in electrostatic coating processes

The invention relates to a new component for protecting hangers associated with electrostatic coating processes. The component is electrically conductive and inexpensive relative to the hanger which it serves to protect. The component lessens the cost associated with traditional hanger cleaning and preserves hanger life and integrity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 Electrostatic coating processes rely on a charge differential between an
 article to be coated and what is used to coat that article. In such
 processes, the article is typically grounded whereas the coating to be
 applied is endowed with a charge. When the article and coating are then
 brought into contact with one another, the result is that the coating
 adheres to the article. It is estimated that more than 10,000 facilities
 for accomplishing this exist in the U.S. alone.
 Most such coating procedures and facilities employ a variety of steps,
 i.e., a cleaning step, a drying step, a coating step, and a heating step
 wherein the adhered coating is cured to afford a more desirable and
 permanent coat. These steps usually take place sequentially using batch
 operations commonly employed in the art, or else in specialized stations
 connected by a continuous conveyor line.
 Conveyor lines can be of varying length depending on the facility. Articles
 to be coated are hung from these lines via spaced electroconductive racks
 or hangers that serve to ground articles attached thereto. Racks and
 hangers are popular that have the capacity to hang multiple articles. This
 is accomplished by multiple hooks, usually spot welded at set distances
 from one another on the same rack. Such rack and hook configurations vary
 widely in shape, size, and configuration to support different types and
 sizes of articles.
 Once attached, the hangers or racks bearing grounded articles are conveyed
 through a coating station followed by a curing station. Once coating and
 curing are finished, the coated objects are removed and the process begins
 anew.
 The hangers and racks of such systems, being expensive, are typically
 re-used. After passing through the coating station a number of times, that
 portion or portions of the hanger which contact the article gradually
 becomes fouled by the coating. The net effect is interference with
 grounding capacity, with consequent poor coating of the article, and an
 eventual possibility for spark or fire. This necessitates periodic
 replacing or cleaning of the racks or hangers, i.e., hooks, which is both
 time-consuming and expensive.
 In the case of cleaning for re-use, conventional cleaning methods include
 chemical stripping, molten bath stripping, burning, and mechanical
 stripping, i.e., sandblasting, hammering, and filing. These processes
 reduce the useful life and capacity of racks, hangers, and hooks by
 compromising their structural integrity over time. For example, it is the
 Applicant's experience that hooks break off fairly regularly, thereby
 lessening the capacity and desirability of continuing with that rack. This
 necessitates, at considerable expense, either repair of the old rack or
 replacement with a new rack.
 The art has thus far failed to provide a cost-effective alternative.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The invention provides a surprisingly efficient solution to the long-felt
 need described above.
 It is an object of the invention to provide an electrically conductive
 intermediate, preferably a pliable one, at an interface or contact point
 between the hanger and article to be coated. This intermediate may be
 conveniently replaced or recycled at a comparatively small cost relative
 to existing procedures and implements.
 In a first aspect, the invention features a system for extending the
 operating life of hangers or racks associated with electrostatic coating.
 This is accomplished by use of a relatively cheap, electrically
 conductive, and preferably pliable, intermediate that is suitable for
 grounding an article to be coated. The intermediate is interposed at a
 contact junction of the article and electroconductive hanger.
 In preferred embodiments the intermediate slideably engages, wraps, or
 clamps to the hanger and may even adapt in shape or be engineered to
 accommodate the particular shape of a hook. In most preferred embodiments
 the article, via an orifice or recess, envelops at least a portion of the
 hook and intermediate attached thereto.
 Various embodiments contemplate different conductive materials and
 configurations, including shape, of the intermediate. By way of materials,
 rubber, plastic, tape, and metalic foils all exist that are conductive and
 suitable, depending on the precise application. At present, most preferred
 is a silicone sleeve or cap having a hollow interior for receiving a hook
 portion of a hanger. The article to be coated then fits over or engages
 this enveloped portion of the hook, usually via an orifice of sufficient
 dimension.
 Concentric "layers" of pliable sleeves are also envisioned for some coating
 applications wherein one sleeve is positioned over another for rapid
 exposure of fresh contact surfaces as appropriate. A spent layer is simply
 peeled away or cut off thereby exposing a fresh one. One such embodiment
 contemplates a tape made out of an electrically conductive material. Other
 embodiments contemplate a plurality of hollow tubes, one over the top of
 the next. These may be slit lengthwise and deposited one over the top of
 the next, or else constructed in multi-ply layers which are then curled to
 wrap or clamp to a hanger of interest. Other embodiments contemplate
 layers of metalic, electrically conductive foil wrapped about each hook.
 Of course, the diameter differential associated with this technique must
 accordingly be accommodated by the article.
 In other embodiments, at least a portion of the hanger itself comprises a
 nonmetalic material such as a conductive silicone rubber or plastic. This
 new material can be conductively and integrally fixed during manufacture,
 e.g., by injection molding. Preferably, the material is pliable or
 bendable with the hands or other gentle means to quickly release or free
 unwanted deposits of coating that hinder contact and hence grounding
 ability. In such embodiments, the sleeve or intermediate is recyclable.
 In still other embodiments, the sleeve intermediate is disposable. Of
 course, everything including hangers are disposable at a cost, but what
 distinguishes the present invention is the relatively low cost of the
 intermediate relative to the cost of replacing or recycling a hanger or
 rack. In embodiments where the intermediate is integrally a part of the
 hanger, the novelty resides in the hanger being easily cleaned relative to
 conventional hangers, e.g., metal ones, and more durable or receptive to
 cleanings.
 In preferred embodiments, the intermediate bridges a hanger and an article
 to be coated. This bridge may occur in a variety of configurations as one
 of skill will appreciate. It may occur as described above, or else it may
 occur by a more comprehensive envelopment, not only of the hanger but also
 of the entire juncture, including a portion of the article itself. U.S.
 Pat. No. 5,897,709 issued to Torefors describes one such example. However,
 instead of a conductive bridge, Torefors specifies a non-conductive
 ("dielectric") cover. The present invention, by contrast, serves a dual
 function in further providing a conductive bridge to facilitate grounding
 and suitable coating, while simultaneously preserving the operative part
 of the hanger or hook for future use.
 In most preferred embodiments, the intermediate is made of a conductive
 material, preferably rubber, plastic, tape, foil, or grease that can be
 conveniently removed, disposed of, replaced, or recycled. Most preferably
 the intermediate has a resistance of less than 6 megaohms, more preferably
 one or less megaohms, more preferably still 0.5 megaohms, and most
 preferably about 0.1 megaohms or less.
 Preferably such intermediates are also heat resistant to temperatures up to
 600.degree. F., but most preferably resistant in ranges of between about
 250.degree. F. and 450.degree. F.
 At present, the favorite known material for the intermediate is conductive
 silicone, which may be fashioned by mixing different conductive and
 nonconductive commercially available grades in certain proportions
 testable by one of skill in the using routine experimentation to arrive at
 a final suitable product. Alternatively, fully conductive commercially
 available conductive silicone alone can be used that, while more
 expensive, still represents an improvement in the art.
 The material used is conductive and can be molded to fit the myriad
 different sizes and shapes of hooks available, or else a universal piece
 may be used that fits a variety of hook shapes and sizes by pliably
 conforming as needed. This can occur as a slide-on sleeve, a wrap sleeve,
 or a clamp sleeve. Preferably, these sleeves or caps pull on and off
 conveniently with minor effort, but are not too loose as to permit undue
 amounts of coating to seep inside. Looseness is not known to otherwise
 disadvantage the system, provided there is some contact through which a
 ground may be established.
 A second aspect of the invention features methods for electrostatic coating
 that make use of the above embodiments, either singularly or, where
 appropriate, combined.

The foregoing figures are representative of embodiments only and are not
 intended to be limiting of the invention. Other embodiments will be
 apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The invention will be better
 understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction
 with the accompanying drawings and claims.
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
 The invention makes use of novel intermediate components for use in
 electrostatic coating processes. The intermediate is conductive and
 relatively inexpensive in cost and practice, and preferably pliable,
 allowing for ready cleaning and/or replacement with a concomitant more
 efficient operation afforded to the overall system. The object is the
 preservation of proper grounding and the protection and preservation of
 more expensive implements used in the process, e.g., hangers, hooks, and
 racks.
 As used herein, and in the claims, the following terms have the following
 meanings:
 A "system" includes, but is not limited to, traditional apparatuses used in
 electrostatic coating processes.
 The term "electrostatic coating" embraces any electrostatic process for
 adhering a coating, e.g., powder, paint, plastic or electroplating,
 wherein a charge differential is established to facilitate coating of an
 object to be coated. This includes but is not limited to the use of
 thermoplastics and teflon-type additions. Those of skill in the art know
 the broad latitude of the term, which can apply to different charging
 techniques and systems.
 By "intermediate" refers to an object which interfaces with both a hook and
 an article to be coated. The shape is not to be construed as limited by
 the drawings or discussion herein, so long as one or more objects of the
 invention are otherwise met. The intermediate is designed to cover a
 contact portion of hook and can be hollow or capable of being made so,
 e.g., in the case of foil by wrapping it around a hook. In tubular
 embodiments, this can be a uniform, hollow piece of varying internal and
 external dimensions, additionally including in some embodiments one or
 more flanges or grips that allow easy placement and replacement, in
 addition to providing leverage or mechanical manipulation for, e.g.,
 recycling. The intermediate can be a sleeve or cap, with the difference
 being that a sleeve has opposing free ends while a cap does not. However,
 both embodiments effectively provide a conductive sheath.
 The terms "suitable for grounding", "grounding" and "conductive" are to be
 understood jointly. "Conductive" means capable of passing a charge, e.g.,
 a stream of electrons, and can mean any substance having suitable
 resistance and capable of fulfilling one or more objectives of the
 invention. Preferably, the material should have between about 0 and 6
 megaohms of resistance, more preferably less than 1 megaohm of resistance,
 still more preferably less than 0.5 megaohm of resistance, and most
 preferably having about 0.1 megaohm or lower resistance. The more
 preferred parameters respect, although are not limited by, National Fire
 Protection Agency (NFPA) standards and rationale: "To minimize the
 possibility of ignition by static electric sparks, powder transportation,
 application, recovery equipment, work pieces and all other conductive
 objects shall be grounded with a resistance . . . not exceeding one
 megaohm." NFPA Bulletin No. 33, Ch. 13, paragraph 13-4c.
 "Ground" or "grounding" is a phenomenon that describes an equilibration of
 charge approximating that of the earth's surface. It is a reference
 standard by which more or less charge is gauged. For purposes of the
 invention, however, ground can also embrace situations where the hanger
 possesses a charge opposite to that of the coating material such that
 electrostatic bonding is achieved and promotes good transferability and
 coating.
 The term "hanger" is not meant to be geometrically or materially limiting
 and may embrace a variety of structures and compositions known in the art,
 including but not limited to conventional metal hangers, racks, hooks,
 combinations of racks and hooks, and any other instrument useful in
 securing or supporting an article to be electrostatically coated. Of
 course, the piece must also be electroconductive and otherwise suitable
 for electrostatic coating processes.
 The terms "slideably engages", "wraps", and "clamps" are each broad terms
 descriptive of many potential, not necessarily mutually exclusive
 mechanism embodiments. Besides what are shown in the instant drawings,
 another non-limiting example of a clamp, for instance, includes that
 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,709, herein incorporated by reference.
 Although the clamp described there is nonconductive, the geometry and
 other functions can be recruited for purposes of the instant invention.
 The terms "rubber", "plastic", "tape", and "metalic foil" denote a broad
 range of materials that can be used in the intermediate of the invention.
 Preferably these materials are electroconductive and readily manipulable
 in shape ("pliable"), although not necessarily resilient (e.g., in the
 case of foil). Examples given below are illustrative and one of ordinary
 skill can determine other suitable materials using such widely available
 sources as the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 77th Ed. (1996-7), CRC
 Press, New York. The terms "rubber" and "plastic" are not necessarily
 mutually exclusive.
 Examples of rubbers suitable for the invention include, e.g., silicone
 compounds as described in Example 2. Plastics that may be used include,
 but are not limited to, the conductive polymers polyaniline, polypyrrole,
 and polythiophene. All are available commericially, e.g., Aldrich Chemical
 Co. Milwaukee, Wis. Examples of preparation and use are discussed in
 Savage, Conductive Polymers: Ease of Processing Spearheads Commercial
 Success, Technical Insights, Inc., J. Wiley & Sons, NJ (1999).
 The term "integral with said hanger during manufacture" denotes either the
 conjoining of multiple individual components during manufacture of the
 hanger itself, or else embodiments where the hanger itself is made
 entirely of a homogeneous material, e.g., conductive silicone, which
 presents durability and cleaning advantages over previous compositions,
 systems, and methods.
 The terms "disposable" and "recyclable" are meant to demonstrate
 alternative, not necessarily mutually exclusive, embodiments. Thus, at the
 discretion of the end-user a disposed of intermediate may also be suitably
 recycled and re-used. In other embodiments, there can be mutual
 exclusivity, e.g., where the sleeve, cap, etc., is engineered to fulfill
 its grounding and protective function only once, and then degrades, e.g.,
 during the heating/curing step.
 Other Features of the Intermediates
 The conductive intermediates of the invention preferably withstand a
 temperature in the range of temperatures between about 200.degree. F. and
 600.degree. F., most preferably 450.degree. F. Conforming intermediates,
 preferably pliable, adapt in shape to envelop at least that portion of the
 hanger or rack to which the article to be coated hangs. The point of this
 contact may represent substantially the whole of the exterior surface area
 of the intermediate, or else may represent any subfraction or portion
 thereof.
 The intermediate may assume the shape of a prophylactic sheath (cap or
 sleeve), e.g., tubular or hollow, that has one or more exposed hanger or
 rack portions flanking its point of engagement with the hanger. Also, the
 shape of the intermediate may appear much different in appearance when
 affixed to the hanger relative to when not affixed. This owes to the
 intermediate's pliability and/or ready ability to conform in shape to the
 shape of the hook or subportion thereof to which the intermediate
 attaches. However, as noted, in certain embodiments the fit can be
 engineered to be more or less precise, so that pliability is not as great
 a consideration.
 A further aspect is that the intermediate may be readily engaged and
 detached with minimal effort, e.g., peeled, unwrapped, scraped, or
 slideably disengaged as needed, and conveniently replaced or recycled so
 as to economically promote proper grounding and coating efficiency. This
 is, at least in part, because the cost of the intermediate is typically a
 fraction of the cost of the other system hardware, e.g., the racks, hooks,
 and hangers.
 The ease with which recycling and re-use (where appropriate) is
 accomplished depends on the physical characteristics of the intermediate.
 In most preferred embodiments, the intermediate is a conductive silicone
 having suitable thermal stability. The intermediate is ideally elastomeric
 or pliable, easily engaged with the hanger, e.g., by sliding over,
 wrapping, or impaling a surface thereof, and readily disengaged as well.
 A further embodiment, as mentioned, is the layered intermediates, wherein a
 plurality of intermediates overlaying one another are positioned on the
 rack and peeled off as needed to expose fresh contact area for new objects
 to be coated or recoated. This layered effect may result either from tape
 or from layers deposited one atop another. In tubular formats, multiple
 tubes may be stretched substantially over one another while the bottom
 most tube directly contacts the hanger/hook/rack and the subsequent added
 layers indirectly contact it via electrical conductance across the layers.
 Assumed is that the means for attachment of the article to the
 intermediate can accommodate a range of thicknesses supplied by the
 additional layers, and that sufficient contact and hence conductance
 between the layers can be maintained.
 Characteristic of preferred re-use embodiments is that by using reasonably
 gentle manipulation, such as rolling between the fingers, etc., the
 intermediate can be easily regenerated, i.e., freed of unwanted coating
 deposits. This is especially so for silicone sleeve embodiments, but not
 advised for metalic foil embodiments. In the latter case, disposal is
 preferred. Recycling and nonrecyling embodiments, as stated, are not
 necessarily mutually exclusive and may be at the discretion of the
 operator using the system. Such intermediate may therefore be suitable for
 either process.
 It is also anticipated that the inherent benefits of the invention will
 find additional merit in automation. This will be more or less practicable
 depending on the specific embodiment used. At present, conductive silicone
 sleeves or caps for the hooks are envisioned to best perform the task.
 They are easily mounted via sliding, clamping, or adhering, and similarly
 disengageable.
 In summary, prior to the invention racks and hangers in the art required
 frequent replacement or cleaning which entailed considerable cost and
 labor. Down-time associated with these processes was unacceptable and/or,
 in the case of recycling, exacted a heavy toll on one or more of the
 following factors: structure and usable life of the racks and hangers,
 labor allocation, environmental impact, and energy consumption. With the
 teachings of the invention, these concerns are overcome, simplifying the
 overall coating and manufacturing process. The net result is increased
 efficiency and profit, which may in turn be passed on to the consumer.
 EXAMPLE 1
 Determining Suitable Ground and Resistance
 A common device used to measure continuity to ground, and which may be used
 to further optimize parameters and configurations suitable for the
 invention, is an ohm meter having a megaohm scale. This can be a volt/ohm
 meter (VOM) or a Megger. A VOM is adequate for checking electrical
 circuits, but its low voltage power source makes it less suited for
 checking the proper grounding of a coating system. The best device is the
 Megger which has a power source of 500 volts or higher. This higher
 voltage provides the current required to accurately measure the resistance
 to ground.
 A preferred technique for measuring resistance is to start at the end of
 the process and work backward. The meter is connected between a known
 building ground and the uncoated part to be tested using a long test lead.
 This procedure is used to determine that the part is correctly ground
 through the entire spray booth. The amount of resistance to ground can be
 read on the meter, as one of skill aware.
 Because the meter is attached to a known ground and to a clean part on the
 conveyor in the booth, all the devices in between (hanger, conveyor,
 swivels, etc.) are in the circuit and the resistance to proper ground can
 be measured. If the reading is less than one megaohm, the grounding is
 ideal.
 If the resistance reading is greater than one megaohm, one can verify by
 hooking the lead to the contact point on the hanger and read it again.
 Then, by repeating the procedure and working back through the system
 (swivel or conveyor hook, conveyor) until the resistance reads in the
 proper range, one can determine which component of the system needs
 corrective action. A similar technique can be used to check for proper
 grounding of other objects and equipment in the coating area and system.
 Of course, the resistance of the intermediate alone can also be measured
 thereby simplifying the task of screening for and identifying novel
 intermediates and materials bearing suitable characteristics for the
 invention.
 EXAMPLE 2
 Silicone Sleeve or Cap Employed
 A prototype intermediate was designed and built as follows: Three quarter
 parts conductive silicone rubber compound (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Japan;
 part KE3611U) combined with one quarter part nonconductive silicone paste
 (Shin-Etsu; part KE961U) was mixed, compression molded, and cured in the
 form of tubing having a wall thickness of about 0.1 cm and an overall
 tubing diameter of about 1 cm. The resulting tubing was then cut into
 strips approximately 5 cm in length and the resulting sleeve intermediates
 slideably coaxed over and along the shafts of a plurality of metal
 conductive hooks. FIG. 1 is illustrative of one of but many potential
 working embodiments for the sleeve intermediates of the invention.
 FIG. 1 illustrates a rack 1 comprising a vertical post 4 with an upper
 cross bar 2 and a lower cross bar 3 conductively connected to the post. To
 said upper cross bar 2 is conductively affixed a plurality of hooks 5 for
 holding one or more workpieces 6. FIG. 2 depicts a sectional view of one
 such hook taken on line 2--2 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 2, a
 representative hook 5 has an upwardly turned end 8 and an attached end 9
 secured to the cross bar. A sleeve 10 is positioned over each hook 5 via
 an open end 11 of said sleeve 10, the sleeve being of conductive material.
 Workpiece 6 has an opening 12 to fit over the hook. Fixed to the lower
 portion 3 of the rack 1, is a second plurality of hooks 5 shown facing
 away from said first plurality of hooks 5. The second plurality of hooks
 may have substantially the same configuration as displayed for the
 individual hooks (FIG. 2), or may be different. A second type of workpiece
 14 having a loop structure 15 is displayed hanging from said lower portion
 of the rack 1 on hooks 5. The upper end of post 4 has a grounding hook 16
 for attachment to a conveyor or grounding system as commonly used and
 understood in the art.
 Again, FIG. 1 depicts but one of many possible applications for the sleeve
 of the invention. The hooks in FIG. 1 may have any one or combination of
 intermediate sleeve configurations, e.g., those of FIGS. 3-5. With
 reference to FIG. 3, the sleeve may optionally have a capped or second
 open end 13. If open, the hook may pass to give the appearance of being
 impaled. This optionally open end can apply to any sleeve embodiment. In
 FIG. 3 the sleeve 10 is shown as a being rectangular, while sleeve 20 in
 FIG. 4 is cylindrical. The sleeve 22 in FIG. 5 is similar to sleeve 10 but
 has a flange 24 at an open end to provide a grip for applying and removing
 the sleeve.
 The workpiece hook diameter for this prototype measured approximately 0.6
 cm, although the particular dimensions are not limiting and merely
 illustrative of one workable embodiment. For this particular prototype,
 the depth of curve of said portion of the hanger measured 6 cm, and the
 vertical length of the hanger, not including curve, measured about 55 cm.
 Coating and curing then proceed as standard in the art. Upon coating, the
 coated article is removed, an uncoated article added, and the process
 repeated. Between coatings, typically every 3-5 rounds, the sleeve/fitting
 is examined for coating build-up and manipulated gently to peel away or
 relieve unwanted coating build-up on the intermediate, thereby
 re-establishing a suitable ground for the electrostatic process. If
 desired, the recycling can take place in situ, or else can first entail
 removal of the rack or hanger from the conveyor. The latter is preferred
 so that new racks can be added as the intermediates on the old racks are
 serviced, thereby promoting a more continuous operation. "Used" sleeves
 may be replaced with unused ones, followed by a resumption of coating
 operations, or else the individual sleeves can be removed, gently
 manipulated to recycle them, and replaced.
 For purposes of the intermediate prototype of Example 2, the Applicant
 formulated a 75:25 conductive:nonconductive silicone mixture to decrease
 costs. The resistance of the resulting mixture was about 1000 ohms,
 whereas the starting components had resistances respectively higher and
 lower than this. Higher ratios of conductive silicone, e.g., 76-100%, will
 also work and still be more economical than previously described art
 methods. Moreover, the Applicant further believes that lower ratios will
 suffice and can be determined without undue experimentation, and using
 routine procedures.
 As one of skill in the art is aware, however, conductive silicones exist
 that vary in constituents. This may have a bearing on the relative success
 of the precise functional ratios used. Moreover, as one of skill is also
 aware, there can be lot-to-lot variations in silicone performance.
 However, as stated, one of skill may easily determine suitability using
 minimal, routine experimentation. Indications of some of the variations
 that exist and methods for preparation of the same may be found, e.g., in
 U.S. Pat. Nos.: 6,010,646, 6,013,201, 5,217,651, 5,164,443, 5,135,980,
 5,082,596, 4,957,839, 4,898,689, 4,672,016, 4,571,371, 4,552,688,
 pertinent disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.
 Besides Shin-Etsu, other current commercial vendors of conductive and
 nonconductive silicones include Dow Corning (Indianapolis, Ind.) and
 Toshiba (JP).
 Improvements in silicone structures and characteristics are anticipated
 that will also support the invention, as will the identification of
 certain conductive plastics and even grease. In the event of the latter,
 various silicone-based greases are known that may be made conductive and
 suitable for the invention.
 EXAMPLE 3
 Flanged Sleeve Embodiment
 FIGS. 5 depicts a separate embodiment wherein the sleeve or cap
 additionally possesses a flange or rib 24 at an open end 11 of a sleeve or
 cap 22. FIG. 6 demonstrates the flanged cap or sleeve 22 positioned onto a
 hook 5.
 EXAMPLE 4
 Foil Intermediates
 Electrostatic coating is performed as per Example 2, except that instead of
 using the silicone sleeve fitting, conductive metalic foil, e.g., tin or
 aluminum, is substituted and wrapped around the bare or otherwise
 conductive hook to provide an equivalent effect.
 EXAMPLE 5
 Hybrid Hanger Comprising Conductive Silicone
 In this embodiment, hangers are produced via compression molding that are
 comprised, at least in part, of conductive rubber, e.g., silicone, as
 described above. The silicone portion, if a minority, is preferably
 localized to that portion of the hanger as described for Examples 2 and 3.
 Thus, sleeve fittings as described above are either eliminated or else
 rendered redundant to the process, with the latter embodiment also
 anticipated to have independent advantage.
 Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above
 by way of example only, it will be understood by those skilled in the
 field that other embodiments are also possible and that significant
 modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing
 from the scope of the invention.