Method and system for generating color indicia coded bar graphs which usually convey comparisons with threshold values and for generating comparator lines for use with such bar graphs

A system and method for creating at least one intelligent chart is shown comprising a computer having indicia means and a comparator line generator which are capable of generating intelligent, indicia-coded charts which are coded based on performance relative to pre-established thresholds. The system and method further comprise a comparator line generator for generating comparator lines which represent, for example, industry standard data or information. The system and method enable a user to quickly and accurately interpret and review data represented by the visual objects in the chart, as well as a company's performance relative to, for example, an industry standard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to a system and method for generating charts, and 
more particularly, a system and method for generating intelligent visual 
object charts which are indicia-coded and which comprise comparator lines 
for facilitating immediate interpretation and review of data presented in 
the charts. 
2. Description of Related Art 
For sometime, there have been programs to generate charts, graphs and 
spreadsheets to visually represent data. One commonly used program is the 
Excel software program available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, 
Wash. One of the drawbacks of the programs of the past is that, while they 
generated visual object charts and spreadsheets, they did not use any 
means or indicia for identifying whether data represented by the visual 
objects in the chart was favorable, not favorable, or neutral. 
The prior art systems sometimes generated colored visual objects in the 
chart, but the color was only used to distinguish one visual object from 
another. There was no indicia or color used to illustrate whether the 
visual objects, or more particularly, whether the data represented by the 
visual objects was favorable, unfavorable, neutral or the like. In short, 
the visual objects were not encoded with indicia showing, for example, a 
company's performance relative to known or predetermined thresholds. 
Another problem with prior art systems is that they did not readily provide 
comparator information for providing means for quickly and conveniently 
comparing the data represented by the visual objects to, for example, an 
industry standard. Thus, while lines were sometimes used in conjunction 
with visual objects, it was often difficult to interpret the data at 
points where the lines intersected the visual objects because the line 
typically had a slope at the points where the line intersected the visual 
object. 
What is needed, therefore, is a system and method for generating 
intelligent charts having indicia-coded visual objects which are coded 
based on predetermined thresholds. What is also needed is a system and 
method for generating comparator lines which are easy to interpret at 
points where the lines intersect the visual objects in the chart. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is, therefore, a primary object of the invention to provide a system and 
method for generating intelligent charts having indicia-coded visual 
objects. 
It is another object of the invention to provide an intelligent chart 
having comparator lines which, when used with visual objects, are easy to 
read and understand. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide a system and method for 
generating an intelligent, indicia-coded chart having comparator lines and 
associated legends which can be automatically generated. 
In one aspect, this invention comprises a method for creating at least one 
intelligent chart comprising the steps of inputting a plurality of chart 
components comprising at least one of the following: a chart name, a chart 
footing or a chart heading, a visual object name, a legend title for a 
legend for the visual object, inputting data to be charted, inputting a 
plurality of visual object values and a plurality of threshold values, 
assigning intelligent indicia to each of the plurality of threshold 
values, generating at least one intelligent chart comprising a plurality 
of indicia-coded visual objects using the plurality of chart components, 
plurality of visual object values, the plurality of threshold values and 
the intelligent indicia. 
In another aspect, this invention comprises a method for electronically 
generating at least one intelligent color-coded chart, the method 
comprising the steps of: inputting user data into a processor, loading a 
plurality of visual object formulas and threshold ranges into the 
processor, assigning a color to each of the plurality of threshold ranges, 
processing the input data using the plurality of visual object formulas to 
provide a plurality of graph values, comparing the plurality of graph 
values to the threshold ranges and generating the intelligent color-coded 
visual object charts in response to the comparing step. 
In still another aspect, this invention comprises a system for 
electronically generating at least one intelligent color-coded visual 
object chart, the system comprising a computer, a user interface for 
inputting user data into the computer, a storage device coupled to the 
computer for storing a plurality of visual object formulas and a plurality 
of threshold formulas, indicia means situated in the computer for 
assigning at least one color to a plurality of threshold ranges defined by 
the plurality of threshold formulas, the computer processing the user data 
using the plurality of visual object formulas to provide a plurality of 
graph values and comparing the plurality of graph values to the plurality 
of threshold ranges and also generating at least one intelligent 
color-coded visual object chart in response thereto. 
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the 
following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 10 for electronically generating at least 
one intelligent, color-coded visual object chart or charts 12 is shown 
comprising a computer or processor 14 which is coupled to a printer 16, a 
storage device 18 and a modem 20 either directly or through a local area 
network 22 as shown. In the embodiment being described, the computer 14 is 
a conventional computer having a PC with 486 processor or higher and 
having 8 megabytes of memory running a Windows 95 or Windows NT (version 
3.51 or later) operating system available from Microsoft Corp. The printer 
16 comprises a HP Deskjet 1200 (color). The modem 20 comprises a U.S. 
Robotics Sportster 28,800 fax/modem available from U.S. Robotics. Although 
not shown, the modem 20 may permit the charts 12 to be transmitted, for 
example, to other communication networks (not shown), over the Internet 
(not shown), to other databases or computers (not shown), and the like. 
The computer 14 is also coupled to a display 24 for electronically 
displaying the charts 12 so that they may be visually observed by an 
operator. 
In the embodiment being described, the computer 14 comprises a user 
interface or interface means 14a for generating various user interface 
screens, such as interfaces 14a1-14a8 shown in FIGS. 8-15, respectively, 
for facilitating generating chart 12. As will be described later herein, 
the user interface means 14a facilitating inputting of information 
necessary to generate at least one intelligent color-coded visual object 
chart 12 in the manner described herein. 
For example, FIG. 8 shows a data entry user interface screen 14a8 
electronically generated by user interface 14a for selecting a data 
category 120, such as "assets", and for inputting user data, such as the 
financial data 135 and 121, relative to the selected category. User 
interface also comprises an update all button 122, update button 124, save 
button 126, cancel button 128 and okay button 130 which may be selectively 
activated by conventional means, such as a mouse (not shown) coupled to 
computer 14. For ease of illustration, the invention will be described 
using financial information for a company, but the invention may be used 
with other types of data as well. 
The computer 14 further comprises an indicia labeler or indicia means 14b 
for assigning at least one indicia, such as a color, using a plurality of 
threshold ranges defined by a plurality of threshold formulas 28a-28c 
(FIG. 13) described later herein. In the illustration being described, the 
indicia means 14b generates a best color indicia (blue) 30 for very 
positive financial data (FIGS. 2 and 13), a good color indicia (green) 32 
for good financial results, a cautious indicia (yellow) 34 for results 
which tend to indicate a financial problem or potential problem, and a bad 
indicia (red) 36 for bad results. Although not shown, a neutral indicia 
may be provided having a color which is different from the indicias 32-36. 
Notice also that the indicia means 14b causes visual objects 12b-12e to 
become color coded to provide an immediate visual indication of, for 
example, a company's financial performance compared to the various 
threshold formulas 28. 
Computer 14 further comprises a comparator line generator 14c (FIG. 1) for 
generating a comparator line, such as lines 12a1-12a3 in FIG. 1, for 
facilitating comparing actual data represented by color-coded visual 
objects, such as visual objects 12b, 12c, 12d and 12e (FIG. 2). In this 
regard, the comparator line generator 14c (FIG. 1) may utilize comparator 
values or formulas, such as formula 40 (FIG. 15), which are input by a 
user using an user interface screen 14a7 generated by user interface 14a 
of computer 14. Alternatively, the computer storage 18 (FIG. 1) may 
comprise a plurality of industry standard formulas or values (not shown) 
which may be electronically selected by the user using window 44 and used 
to generate one or more of the comparator lines 12a1-12a3. 
FIG. 2 illustrates a typical intelligent, color-coded visual object chart 
12 produced in accordance with this invention. Notice that the visual 
objects or visual objects 12b-12e are color-coded by indicia means 14b to 
provide a visual indication of, for example, a company's performance 
relative to the pre-established threshold values or formulas 28a-28c (FIG. 
13) as described later herein. Notice also that the comparator line 
generator 14c of computer 14 generates the comparator lines 12a1-12a3. 
Notice that, at points where the comparator lines 12a1-12a3 bisect the 
visual objects 12b-12e, the lines 12a1-12a3 become horizontal (as viewed 
in FIG. 2). It has been found that this greatly enhances a user's ability 
to evaluate the information represented by a particular comparator line 
relative to the user's data represented by the visual objects 12b-12e. 
The computer 14 comprises a routine or method 40 (FIG. 3) for generating 
the at least one intelligent chart 12 which begins when the operator 
electronically selects a launch sequence for generating the intelligent 
charts 12. At block 42 in FIG. 3, the user inputs or enters various user 
commands into computer 14 for selecting at least one of the following 
operations: a setup routine (FIG. 4); a display/graph chart routine (FIG. 
5) or a data processing procedure (block 52 in FIG. 3) or an exit command. 
At block 44 in FIG. 3, computer 14 receives the user commands and if an 
exit command is received, then the routine exits (decision block 46). 
Otherwise, the routine proceeds to decision block 48 where computer 14 
determines whether a chart setup routine (FIG. 4) was selected in which 
case the routine proceeds to block 50 and, thereafter, returns to block 42 
as shown. If a display/graph chart command is received by computer 14, 
then the routine proceeds to block 54 whereupon computer 14 executes a 
display/graph chart routine (FIG. 5) and, thereafter, returns to block 42 
as shown. If data processing is commanded by the user and received by 
computer 14, then computer 14 proceeds to block 52 and, thereafter, 
returns to block 42 as shown. 
The chart setup routine referred to at block 50 in FIG. 3 is illustrated in 
FIG. 4 and begins by the user initializing or inputting various chart 
components at block 56. In the embodiment being described, the user 
interface 14a (FIG. 1) comprises the plurality of chart setup component 
interfaces, including interfaces 14a1 (FIG. 9), 14a2 (FIG. 10) and 14a3 
(FIG. 11) for inputting various chart components or labels, such as a 
chart name for the chart to be generated 76 (FIG. 9), a heading name 78, a 
footer 80, a period selection 82 (FIG. 10), a visual object name 
identifier 84 (FIG. 11) for identifying a visual object in the chart, a 
legend title 86 for the visual object and a data type 88 for identifying 
the type of data represented by the visual object. As shown in the chart 
12 in FIG. 2, the computer 14 uses one or more of these components 76-88 
when generating the color-coded chart 12. 
As shown in FIG. 4, the routine proceeds to block 58 where the user inputs 
various visual object formulas/values 92 using the user interface 14a4 
shown in FIG. 12. Notice in FIG. 12 that the user has an opportunity to 
also input a visual object name 90, the visual object value or formula 92 
or to utilize an existing formula 94 stored in storage 18 (FIG. 1). A 
plurality of electronic operands 91 may be provided when developing the 
formula. In the embodiment being described, the user must input visual 
object names before he can input the formulas 92. Also, computer 14 
prevents use of the exact name 90 for more than one visual object. 
In the embodiment being described, the existing formula 94 (FIG. 12) may 
comprise an industry standard formula, such as an industry standard 
current ratio (i.e., current assets divided by current liabilities), in 
order to facilitate generating the values or formulas. The interface 14a4 
also comprises a summary account ledger 96 (FIG. 12) which provides a 
summary of the various account categories 97, such as assets, liabilities, 
income, cost of sales, expenses and the like, as may be used by the 
operator. Thus, it should be appreciated that if the operator wanted to 
display a chart comprising a visual object representing, for example, a 
company's current ratio for the periods 1995 and 1996, the visual object 
names, data types, formulas and other pertinent information for creating 
the chart would be input into computer 14 using the interfaces 14a3 and 
14a4. 
At block 60 in FIG. 4, the computer 14 utilizes a formula syntax verifier 
to verify the formula syntax. 
At decision block 62, it is determined if the syntax is okay and if it is 
not, then the routine returns to block 58. Otherwise, it proceeds to block 
64 where the user inputs one or more threshold formulas/values 28a, 28b or 
28c utilizing the user interface 14a5 (FIG. 13). 
The interface 14a5 comprises a visual object selector 98 for selecting the 
visual object of the visual object group, arithmetic operators 29 for use 
in creating or defining the formulas or values 28, an account ledger 95 
similar to ledgers 96 in FIG. 12, and an indicia identifier for 
identifying whether an increase 33 or decrease 35 in the graph values 
generated by the formulas 28a-28c is preferential. Notice also that 
interface 14a5 comprises a plurality of legend title areas 35 for 
inputting legend titles, like the titles 37, 39, 41 and 43, which directly 
correspond to the color indicia 30-36, generated by indicia means 14b 
(FIG. 1). 
At block 66 in FIG. 4, the formula syntax verifier 14d checks the formula 
syntax and if the syntax is not okay (decision block 68), then the routine 
returns to block 64 as shown. Otherwise, the routine proceeds to block 70 
where the user continues the setup process using the user interfaces 14a6 
(FIG. 14) and 14a7 (FIG. 15). In this regard, user interface 14a6 enables 
the user to input a comparator name, such as a year 100, and a comparator 
category or name which may be selected from a list 102 generated by 
computer 14. The interface 14a6 further permits the user to input a 
comparator legend title area 104 for optionally inserting a legends 102 
which will be printed on the chart 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The 
interface 14a6 further comprises a color identifier 106 for enabling the 
operator to identify a color to be used to generate the comparator lines 
12a1-12a3. It should be appreciated that these colors may be the same or 
different from the indicia generated by indicia means 14b in FIG. 1 for 
the visual objects 12b-12e. 
Also, the user interface 14a6 comprises a data type entry area 108 for 
selecting the data type for the comparator line 12. 
The input of comparator information is continued with interface 14a7 (FIG. 
15) where the comparators of the chart 12 are input into computer 14, and 
the comparator values or formulas 40 are input. The user interface 14a7 
further comprises arithmetic operators 110 for facilitating entry of the 
formulas and an area 112 for selecting an existing formula resident on 
storage 18 (FIG. 1) coupled to computer 14. The interface 14a7 (FIG. 15) 
further comprises an account ledger area 114 for identifying and selecting 
an account title in the manner described earlier herein relative to 
interfaces 14a4 and 14a5 (FIGS. 5, 12 and 13). As mentioned earlier 
herein, the comparator values or formulas 40 may comprise a mathematical 
expression, such as a current ratio, or may simply be a numeric value 
which is used to generate the comparator lines 12a1-12a3 for purposes of 
comparing data represented by the visual objects 12b-12e, to a comparator, 
such as an industry standard or average, a desired goal or the like. 
At block 72 in FIG. 4, the formula syntax verifier 14d (FIG. 1) verifies 
the syntax of the comparator formula 40 inputted by the user, and if it is 
not okay, then the routine returns to block 70 as shown. Otherwise, the 
routine returns to block 42 (FIG. 3) where the user may input another 
command. 
It should be appreciated that, once the chart components and formulas are 
input, they can be interactively and selectively accessed using the 
interfaces 14a1-14a7 such that one or more of the aforementioned 
components can be changed, modified or deleted. Also, although the 
sequence of operation has been shown and described as above, it should be 
appreciated that the sequence is not restricted to this manner of 
operation and it could be performed in another sequence and still achieve 
the advantages of this invention. In the embodiment being described, a 
user first inputs a visual object name 90 and then inputs the object 
formulas/values 92. Also, the interactive user interfaces 14a1-14a7 enable 
the operator to perform the inputting of threshold, comparator and visual 
object component information, formulas/values and the like in any sequence 
that is convenient for the operator using a conventional mouse (not shown) 
and keyboard (not shown) coupled to computer 14. 
If data processing is selected by the user at decision block 48 in FIG. 3, 
then the routine proceeds to block 52 where the user inputs data, 
retrieves data, saves data or modifies the data as may be desired, 
utilizing interface 14a8 (FIG. 8) generated by user interface 14a (FIG. 1) 
of computer 14. 
At block 52, user interface 14a generates the user interface 14a8 (FIG. 8) 
to enable a user to input, retrieve, save or modify data, such as 
financial data 121 and 135 mentioned earlier. In this regard, the user 
selects or inputs a category, such as "assets" at window 120. The 
interface 14a8 further provides the electronic buttons 122, 124, 126, 128 
and 130 mentioned earlier for updating, saving, cancelling or approving 
the information provided for a selected time period as identified or input 
into column areas 132 and 134. After the user has completed, retrieved, 
saved, updated or deleted the data using user interface 14a8 as desired, 
the process returns to block 42 (FIG. 3) where the routine is ready to 
receive another user command. If the display/graph chart routine is 
selected by the user at decision block 48, then the routine proceeds to 
block 54 whereupon the process proceeds to a chart routine where the 
intelligent chart 12 is displayed, printed, saved or the like. The 
display/graph chart routine will now be described relative to FIGS. 5-7. 
The routine begins at block 140 (FIG. 5) where the user inputs graph dates 
and periods using the user interface 14a2 (FIG. 10). At block 142, 
computer 14 reads the input components input by user at block 56 in FIG. 
4, visual object formula/values 92 (FIG. 12), thresholds formula/values 
28a, 28b and 28c (FIG. 13) and comparator formula/values 40 (FIG. 15) at 
block 142. 
The routine proceeds to block 144 where computer 14 processes the user data 
121 (FIG. 8) applying the aforementioned components and formulas/values to 
generate visual object graph values, threshold graph values and comparator 
graph values, respectively, which will be used to generate the color-coded 
visual objects 12b-12e (FIG. 2) and comparator lines 12a-12c. For example, 
in the illustration being described, the computer 14 uses current assets 
and current liabilities data for September, 1995, as originally input by a 
user using user interface 14a8 (FIG. 8), and applies visual object formula 
92 (FIG. 12) to calculate a current ratio graph value of 1.903 (item 111 
in FIG. 2). Likewise, computer 14 uses the comparator line generator 14c 
(FIG. 1) to generate comparator lines 12a-12c. 
Finally, computer 14 applies threshold formulas/values 28a-28c (FIG. 13) to 
determine threshold graph values (not shown) for use by indicia means 14b 
(FIG. 1) to properly identify or assign indicia to the resultant visual 
objects 12b-12e (FIG. 2). 
After all graph values are determined at block 144 (FIG. 5) the routine 
proceeds to block 146 where an assign indicia routine begins. The assign 
indicia routine is represented at FIG. 6 and begins by comparing the 
visual object graph values obtained at block 144 in FIG. 5 and computer 14 
compares these values to the threshold graph values which were also 
calculated at block 144 in FIG. 5. At this point, the indicia means 14b 
(FIG. 1) of computer 14 assigns the indicia 30-36 depending on the outcome 
of the comparison performed at block 160. Thus, in the example being 
illustrated a percentage of bank compliance current ratios (identified as 
"BC Current Ratio" in FIG. 13) is used to determine the desired 
thresholds. If the calculated current ratio for a given period was ten 
percent over a bank compliance current ratio (i.e., threshold formula 28a 
in FIG. 13), then indicia means 14b of computer 14 assigns the best 
indicia 30 (FIG. 2), such as the color blue, at block 162 in FIG. 6. 
Likewise, if the actual current ratio calculated by computer 14 is between 
five to ten percent over a bank compliance current ratio (formula 28b in 
FIG. 13), then the indicia means 14b assigns a good indicia 32 (block 166 
in FIG. 6), such as the color green. In a similar manner, the cautious 
indicia (block 168), such as yellow, bad indicia (block 170), such as red, 
or a neutral indicia (block 172) is assigned or used to create visual 
objects 12b-12e (FIG. 2). 
In the embodiment being described, the indicia assigned at blocks 162, 166, 
168, 170 and 172 are colors in the form of blue, green, yellow, red and 
white, respectively. It should be appreciated, however, that the indicia 
could comprise any means for visually identifying and distinguishing one 
visual object, such as visual object 12b in FIG. 2, from adjacent visual 
objects, such as visual objects 12c-12e. For example, dashed lines, 
cross-section lines, flags, backgrounds or other distinguishing markings 
may be used as the indicia applied by indicia means 14b (FIG. 1). 
After the indicia are assigned, computer 14 records or stores the indicia 
(block 74 in FIG. 6) in storage 18 (FIG. 1). Thereafter, the routine is 
complete and the display/graph chart routine proceeds to block 148 (FIG. 
5) where the chart is created using draw/print chart routine described 
relative to FIG. 7. This routine begins at block 180 where computer 14 
draws or prints the background 12f (FIG. 2) comprising the heading 78 and 
footing 80 which were identified on the user interface 14a1 (FIG. 9), the 
visual object period titles 82 and 190 (FIG. 2) which are generated by 
computer 14, and the scales/axis labels 192 and 194 for identifying the X 
axis and Y axis for the chart 12. 
At block 182 (FIG. 7), the visual objects 12b-12e are created, drawn or 
printed onto background 12f. At block 184, computer 14 generates the 
comparator lines 12a1-12a3 using the comparator line generator 14c (FIG. 
1) which the user identified using interface 102 (FIG. 14). Notice in FIG. 
2 that at points where comparator lines 12a1-12a3 intersect a visual 
object 12b-12e, computer 14 causes the lines 12a1-12a3 to be horizontal 
(as viewed in FIG. 2) to facilitate accurate interpretation of the data 
represented by the visual objects 12b-12e. To further facilitate reading 
the comparator lines 12a1-12a3, comparator line generator 14c generates 
comparator lines 12a1-12a3 to comprise substantially different colors of 
the visual objects 12b-12e at points where the comparator lines 12a1-12a3 
intersect the visual objects 12b-12e, as shown in FIG. 2, and when the 
values represented by the visual objects 12b-12c are the same as the 
values represented by the lines 12a1-12a3. 
In the embodiment being described, the values represented by the visual 
objects 12b-12e and lines 12a1-12a3 may be a currency, a ratio, a 
percentage or a number. If the comparator lines 12a1-12a3 represent the 
same value type, then they are comparable. This has been found to enable 
the user to quickly read and interpret charts 12b-12e. 
At block 186 (FIG. 7), computer 14 draws or prints value labels 196 (FIG. 
2) for providing a numeric representation of the data represented by each 
visual object 12b-12e. Notice again that for ease of visualization and to 
facilitate interpreting the data represented by the visual objects 
12b-12e, the labels 196 are placed inside each visual object 12b-12e, as 
shown in FIG. 2. 
At decision block 188 (FIG. 7), it is determined if the graph/print chart 
cycle is complete and if it is, then the routine ends, otherwise it 
proceeds to block 190 where another chart (not shown) may be generated by 
computer 14. 
Once all charts 12 requested by the user are generated by computer 14, they 
may be displayed on monitor 24 or printed on paper, transparency or other 
medium by printer 16 or stored in storage 18. Moreover, the images may be 
transmitted over the local area network 22 to another network (not shown), 
to another computer (not shown), or over the Internet, for example, via 
modem 20. 
Advantageously this system and method provides means for generating 
intelligent indicia-coded charts which quickly show compliance with 
predetermined thresholds and comparison to comparator lines representing, 
for example, industry standard data. Moreover, the intelligent chart 12 
facilitates quickly reviewing and interpreting the data represented by the 
chart 12. 
Moreover, the system and apparatus of the present invention stores and 
recalls all formulas 92, 28a, 28b, 28c and 40, rather than numeric values. 
The numeric values needed for displaying and printing the chart 12 will be 
calculated at run time. This makes the system and method of the present 
invention a useful tool for live chart 12 demonstration and observation, 
problem spotting, instantaneous creation, history data, tracking and the 
like. Thus, the chart 12 can be set up in advance of inputting data. In 
contrast, conventional charting processes require all values (ratios, 
percentages, dollar amounts, etc.) in numeric form before the chart is set 
up. 
Computer 14 may also generate a corresponding spreadsheet 13 (FIG. 2) 
having columns of data 13b-13e corresponding to the visual objects 
12b-12e, respectively. In the embodiment being described, all participants 
involved in the calculation of the visual object are detailed. Thus, for 
example, if the visual object 12b-12e is representing a current ratio, 
then the components of the current ratio, current assets and current 
liability are participants of the calculation of the visual object, and 
they are listed, as well as the current ratio, automatically by computer 
14 on the spreadsheet 13. In the embodiment being described, indicia means 
14b generates the color codes 30', 32', 34' and 36' adjacent one or more 
data values, such as values 15b, 15c, 15d and 15e as shown. This further 
facilitates providing convenient and indicia-coded spreadsheet 13 having 
indicia corresponding with the chart 12 to facilitate quick association, 
interpretation and identification of the data listed on the sheet 13. 
Although the above illustration shows the system and method applied to a 
company's financial data, it should be appreciated that the system and 
method could be used with non-financial data as well. 
While the methods herein described, and the apparatus and forms of 
apparatus for carrying these methods into effect, constitute preferred 
embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention 
is not limited to these precise methods and forms of apparatus, and that 
changes may be made in either without departing from the scope of the 
invention, which is defined in the appended claims.