Abstract:
In a computer system and computer implemented method for determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance, one or more industry classification attributes, indicative of an industry segment associated with the property, are selected. A basic rate is determined from rate values assigned to the selected industry classification attributes. One or more target classification attributes, indicative of the property&#39;s attractiveness as a target for terrorism, are also selected. An aggravating rate is determined from rate values assigned to the selected target classification attributes. The insurance rate is determined from the basic rate and the aggravating rate. The assignment of insurance rates to a property based on the selection of target classification attributes for the property makes it possible to include the risk of a terrorist attack in the rating process, without having to determine probability distributions of terrorist attacks or estimate expected loss caused by terrorist attacks.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a computer system and a computer implemented method for determining an insurance rate. Specifically, the present invention relates to a computer system and a computer implemented method for determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    For determining an insurance rate for non-private property insurance, typically, an industry segment is selected for the property and the insurance rate is determined based on rate values assigned to the industry segment selected. Non-private property insurance includes coverage for corporate, government or public buildings, for example. The rate values are assigned to the different industry segments based on historical loss experience. The payable insurance premium is based on the insurance rate and the total sum insured. However, determining an insurance rate for property insurance based on industry-specific classification of the property does not include any consideration of the special risk of a terrorist attack. 
         [0003]    US 2004/0186753 describes a method for quantifying the insurance risk from a variety of catastrophic events including a terrorist attack. According to US 2004/0186753, a probability distribution for a terrorism event and a corresponding claim distribution are developed. A company&#39;s insurance risk is quantified based on the geographic distribution of its issued policies related to the terrorism event. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that it is extremely difficult to develop a reliable probability distribution for a terrorism event. 
         [0004]    US 2004/0249679 describes systems and methods for qualifying expected loss due to terrorism. According to US 2004/0249679, the risk of a terrorist attack is assessed using a cognitive engineering process to create hierarchical decision-making models of terrorist behavior. Specifically, the factors that are deemed to influence the probability of occurrence of terrorist attacks against a property are based on Bayesian networks. The system determines estimates of expected loss considering possible modes and locations of attacks. Based on the estimates of expected loss, different premiums for terrorism insurance are defined. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an object of this invention to provide an alternative computer system and an alternative computer implemented method for determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a computer system and a computer implemented method for determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance which do not require probability distributions of terrorist attacks or estimates of expected loss caused by terrorist attacks. 
         [0006]    According to the present invention, these objects are achieved particularly through the features of the independent claims. In addition, further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the description. 
         [0007]    For determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance, selected are one or more industry classification attributes, indicative of an industry segment associated with the property. A basic rate is determined from rate values assigned to the industry classification attributes. 
         [0008]    According to the present invention, the above-mentioned objects are particularly achieved in that one or more target classification attributes are selected which are indicative of the property&#39;s attractiveness as a target for terrorism. An aggravating rate is determined from rate values assigned to the target classification attributes. The insurance rate is determined from the basic rate and the aggravating rate. Preferably, the insurance rate is determined by multiplying the aggravating rate with the basic rate. Rather than focusing on the severity of the damage caused by terrorism or determining possible probability distributions of terrorism events, the selection of target classification attributes provides an assessment of a property&#39;s level of attraction of terrorism. The assignment of insurance rates to a property based on the selection of target classification attributes for the property makes it possible to include the risk of a terrorist attack in the rating process, without having to determine probability distributions of terrorist attacks or estimate the expected loss caused by terrorist attacks. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, defined ratios of the property are assigned to different target classification attributes and the aggravating rate is determined based on the target classification attributes and respective ratios. Assigning parts of a property to different target classification attributes makes it possible to assess properly the level of attraction of terrorism for a property that has different parts with different target classification attributes. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the target classification attributes include geographic classification attributes indicative of the property&#39;s geographic location. Defined ratios of the property are assigned to different geographic classification attributes and the aggravating rate is determined based on the geographic classification attributes and the respective ratios. Including geographic classification attributes as target classification attributes makes it possible to assess a property&#39;s attractiveness as a target for terrorism based on the property&#39;s geographic location. For example, a geographic classification attribute related to the proximity of a landmark in Washington D.C. would be associated with a higher rate value than a geographic classification attribute related to a small town in a rural area. Assigning parts of a property to different geographic classification attributes makes it possible to assess properly the level of attraction of terrorism for a property that is distributed geographically, i.e. a property comprising parts situated in different geographic locations. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the target classification attributes include ownership classification attributes indicative of the property&#39;s owner. The aggravating rate is determined based on the ownership classification attributes selected for the property. Including ownership classification attributes as target classification attributes makes it possible to assess a property&#39;s attractiveness as a target for terrorism based on the owner and/or tenant of the property. For example, an ownership classification attribute related to the U.S. Military would be associated with a higher rate value than an ownership classification attribute related to a relatively unknown family. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the target classification attributes include technical classification attributes indicative of the property&#39;s practical or symbolic significance. Defined ratios of the property are assigned to different technical classification attributes. The aggravating rate is determined based on the technical classification attributes and the respective ratios. Including technical classification attributes as target classification attributes makes it possible to assess a property&#39;s attractiveness as a target for terrorism based on special (i.e. significantly higher-than-average) practical or symbolic significance associated with the property. For example, a property used for conferences of international organizations or for processing radioactive materials and a property including a landmark building would be associated with a technical classification attribute having a high rate value. Assigning only parts of a property to a technical classification attributes or assigning different parts of a property to different technical classification attributes makes it possible to assess properly the level of attraction of terrorism for a property that comprises different parts with different practical use or symbolic significance. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the target classification attributes include publicity classification attributes indicative of public exposure and/or political perception of the property. The aggravating rate is determined based on the publicity classification attributes selected for the property. Including publicity classification attributes as target classification attributes makes it possible to assess a property&#39;s attractiveness as a target for terrorism based on a special (i.e. significantly higher-than-average) public exposure and/or political perception of the property. For example, a property associated with a major US corporation, an international political or financial organization, or a property associated with a racial/minority discrimination case, massive labor disputes or unethical corporate behavior would be assigned a publicity classification attribute having a significantly high rate value. 
         [0014]    Preferably, stored are sets of target classification attributes and rate values assigned to the target classification attributes. A set of target classification attributes includes one of geographic classification attributes, indicative of the property&#39;s geographic location, ownership classification attributes, indicative of the property&#39;s owner, technical classification attributes, indicative of the property&#39;s practical or symbolic significance, and publicity classification attributes, indicative of public exposure and/or political perception of the property. The aggravating rate is determined based on the geographic classification attributes, the ownership classification attributes, the technical classification attributes, and/or the publicity classification attributes selected and assigned to a property. Preferably, an aggregated aggravating rate is determined by aggregating multiple aggravating rates, each determined based on one or more target classification attributes selected for the property. Subsequently, the insurance rate is determined by multiplying the aggregated aggravating rate with the basic rate. The sets of target classification attributes and the rate values assigned to the target classification attributes can be adapted to current events and developments in economy, politics, and terrorism. The aggravating rate or aggregated aggravating rate represents a weighting factor indicative of a property&#39;s level of attraction of terrorism. 
         [0015]    In addition to a computer system and a computer implemented method for determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance, the present invention also relates to a computer program product including computer program code means for controlling one or more processors of a computer system such that the computer system performs the method, particularly, a computer program product including a computer readable medium containing therein the computer program code means. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The present invention will be explained in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a block diagram illustrating schematically an exemplary configuration of a computer system for practicing embodiments of the present invention, said configuration comprising a computer with a display and data entry means. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a flow diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of steps executed according to the present invention for determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    In  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  1  refers to a computer system for determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance. As is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the computer system includes a computer  10 , connected to a display  11  and to data entry means such as a keyboard  12  and/or a pointing device  12 ′. The computer  10  is provided with one or more processors and is implemented as a personal computer, for example. 
         [0020]    As is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the computer system  1  includes several functional modules: a control module  101 , a configuration module  102 , and an application module  103 . The functional modules are implemented preferably as programmed software modules stored on a computer readable medium  100 , connected fixed or removable to the processor(s) of the computer  10 . One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the functional modules can also be implemented fully or in part by means of hardware. The computer system  1  also includes a database  104 , implemented as a relational database, a spreadsheet or another structured data file. 
         [0021]    The control module  100  is configured to provide to the user of the computer system  1  a user interface for selecting and activating the configuration module  102  or the application module  103 . In a variant, the functional modules are implemented in one common computer program, for example as a spreadsheet application. The user interface is shown on display  11 . Data and control commands are entered by the user using the data entry means. 
         [0022]    The configuration module  102  is configured to manage target classification attributes and associated rate values. When selected and activated, the configuration module  102  makes it possible for a user to list, add, modify and delete target classification attributes and associated rate values in the database  104 . As is shown in Table 1, a target classification attribute includes an attribute type, possibly an attribute subtype for hierarchically structured attribute types, and an attribute value. A rate value is assigned to each target classification attribute in the database  104 . Table 1 shows different sets of target classification attributes: geographic classification attributes, ownership classification attributes, technical classification attributes, and publicity classification attributes. The geographic classification attributes are divided into subsets of different subtypes, category one, two, three and four. The technical classification attributes are divided into subsets of different subtypes, group one, two and three. For each attribute type/subtype of a target classification attribute, there is a list of defined attribute values. Each target classification attribute, defined by its attribute type/subtype and its attribute value, has a specific assigned rate value, for example in the range of [0 . . . 10]. The target classification attributes and their assigned rate values may vary over time depending on political, social and economic development. At this point in time, the geographic classification attributes of category one having the highest rate value may include geographical locations outside the United States, such as Afghanistan or Iraq, and inside the United States, such as Washington D.C. or the financial district of New York City. On the other hand, the geographic classification attributes of category four having the lowest rate value may include geographical locations outside the United States, such as Canada or Switzerland, and inside the United States, any place not included in categories one, two and three. Likewise, at present, ownership classification attributes having a high rate value include the US government, whereas the ownership classification attribute having the lowest rate value relates to any other ownership not included specifically in the list of defined attribute values. The technical classification attributes of group one having the highest rate value include landmark buildings. The technical classification attributes of group two having the second highest rate value include conventions and congress centers, radioactive materials processing plants, or storage facilities of hazardous goods. The publicity classification attributes having high rate values include major US corporations, US weapons industry, or international financial organizations. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Target Classification Attribute 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Attribute Type/Attribute Subtype 
                 Attribute Value 
                 Rate Value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Geographic 
                 Category 1 
                 {list of category 1 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                 Classification 
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                 Attribute 
               
               
                 Geographic 
                 Category 2 
                 {list of category 2 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                 Classification 
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                 Attribute 
               
               
                 Geographic 
                 Category 3 
                 {list of category 3 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                 Classification 
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                 Attribute 
               
               
                 Geographic 
                 Category 4 
                 {list of category 4 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                 Classification 
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                 Attribute 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ownership Classification Attribute 
                 {list of ownership 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Technical 
                 Group 1 
                 {list of group 1 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                 Classification 
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                 Attribute 
               
               
                 Technical 
                 Group 2 
                 {list of group 2 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                 Classification 
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                 Attribute 
               
               
                 Technical 
                 Group 3 
                 {list of group 3 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                 Classification 
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                 Attribute 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Publicity Classification Attribute 
                 {list of publicity 
                 [0 . . . 10] 
               
               
                   
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0023]    The database  104  also stores industry classification attributes managed by configuration module  102  and/or loaded as a data file from an external source  13  over a communication link. A rate value is assigned to each industry classification attribute in database  104 . In the example illustrated in Table 2, an industry classification attribute is structured hierarchically and includes three levels of attribute values defining an industry segment. For each level of attribute value of an industry classification attribute, there is a list of defined attribute values. Each industry classification attribute, defined by its level one, two and three attribute values, has a specific assigned rate value, for example in the range of [1 . . . 10]. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Industry Classification Attribute 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Level 1 Attribute 
                 Level 2 Attribute 
                 Level 3 Attribute 
                   
               
               
                 Value 
                 Value 
                 Value 
                 Rate Value 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 {list of level 1 
                 {list of level 2 
                 {list of level 3 
                 [1 . . . 10] 
               
               
                 attribute values} 
                 attribute values} 
                 attribute values} 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0024]    When selected and activated, application module  103  makes it possible for the user to determine an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance for a specific property or property portfolio. 
         [0025]    In step S 0 , through a user interface provided on display  11 , the application module  103  receives from the user general information about the particular case of property insurance. The general information includes, for example, account information, e.g. a company name or account identifier, the dates of inception and expiration of the insurance, a monetary currency and foreign exchange rate, a monetary amount indicating the limit of liability, a monetary amount indicating the attachment point, and a monetary amount indicating the total sum insured (TSI) exposed in the insurance layer. 
         [0026]    In step S 1 , through a user interface provided on display  11 , the application module  103  receives from the user industry classification attributes for the property or property portfolio to be insured. Specifically, the application module  103  receives from the user signals and/or instructions for selecting industry classification attributes from database  104 . If the industry classification attributes are structured as illustrated in Table 2, the industry classification attributes are defined by the user selecting for each level of attribute values a value from the respective list of defined attribute values. For example, for each level of attribute values, the respective list of defined attribute values stored in the database  104  is made available to the user through a drop down pick list. 
         [0027]    In step S 2 , the application module  103  calculates a basic rate based on the industry classification attributes selected in step S 1 . Particularly, the basic rate is determined from the total sum insured entered in step S 0  and the rate value assigned in the database  104  to the industry classification attributes selected in step S 1 . In the present example, the rate value associated with the industry classification is determined by the industry classification attribute defined by the level one attribute value, selected from the list of level one attribute values, the level two attribute value, selected from the list of level two attribute values, and the level three attribute value, selected from the list of level three attribute values. 
         [0028]    In step S 3 , through a user interface provided on display  11 , the application module  103  receives from the user target classification attributes indicative of the property&#39;s attractiveness as a target for terrorism. Specifically, the application module  103  receives from the user signals and/or instructions for selecting target classification attributes from database  104 . 
         [0029]    In step S 4 , the application module  103  receives from the user selected geographic classification attributes. c In step S 41 , different ratios of the property, e.g. percentages of the total sum insured, are assigned to different geographic classification attributes applicable to the property. If the geographic classification attributes are structured as illustrated in Table 1, the ratios are entered, for example, in data entry fields organized as illustrated in Table 3, i.e. in data entry fields assigned to the different subtypes (categories) of the geographic classification attribute. The labels indicating the particular categories of geographic intensifiers are configured to be activated by the user to show the list of category attribute values stored in database  104  assigned to the respective category one, two, three or four. In the example illustrated in Table 3, the categories of the geographic classification attributes (geographic intensifiers) are further divided into different major geographic or political regions, specifically categories associated with the United States and categories not associated with the United States. In the example shown in Table 3, 10% of the total sum insured are associated with category two outside the United States, 20% of the total sum insured are associated with category three within the United States, and 70% of the total sum insured are associated with category four within the United States. In step S 42 , application module  103  checks if the ratios of the property assigned to the geographic classification attributes add up to 100%. If the ratios do not add up to 100%, the application module  103  receives further ratios in step S 41 . Otherwise, application module  103  proceeds to step S 5 . Depending on the embodiment, the rate value associated with a particular category of the geographic classification attributes is shown in the user interface, as illustrated in Table 3, or is not shown. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Categories of 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Geographic 
                 % of TSI in Layer 
                 % of TSI in Layer 
               
               
                 Intensifiers 
                 (Non-USA) 
                 (USA) 
                 Rate Value 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Category 1 
                 0% 
                  0% 
                 9.00 
               
               
                 Category 2 
                 10%  
                  0% 
                 7.00 
               
               
                 Category 3 
                 0% 
                 20% 
                 4.00 
               
               
                 Category 4 
                 0% 
                 70% 
                 2.00 
               
               
                 Total 
                 10%  
                 90% 
                 100% 
               
               
                 Percentage 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0030]    In step S 5 , the application module  103  determines the aggravating rate based on the geographic classification attributes selected in step S 4 . Specifically, the aggravating rate is determined based on the ratios specified for the different geographic classification attributes and the rate values assigned to the respective geographic classification attributes. For the example shown in Table 3, the aggravating rate based on the geographic classification attributes is calculated as 10%·7.00+20%·4.00+70%·2.00=2.90. 
         [0031]    In step S 6 , the application module  103  receives from the user a selected ownership classification attribute. Specifically, the application module  103  receives from the user signals and/or instructions for selecting an ownership classification attribute from database  104 . If the ownership classification attributes are structured as illustrated in Table 1, the ownership classification attribute (ownership intensifier) is selected by the user from the list of ownership attribute values. For example, the list of ownership attribute values stored in the database  104  is made available to the user through a drop down pick list. 
         [0032]    In step S 7 , the application module  103  determines the aggravating rate based on the ownership classification attributes selected in step S 6 . Specifically, the aggravating rate is determined based on the rate value assigned to the respective ownership classification attributes. 
         [0033]    In step S 8 , the application module  103  receives from the user selected technical classification attributes. Specifically, the application module  103  receives from the user signals and/or instructions for selecting technical classification attributes from database  104 . In step S 81 , different ratios of the property, e.g. percentages of the total sum insured, are assigned to different technical classification attributes applicable to the property. If the technical classification attributes are structured as illustrated in Table 1, the ratios are entered, for example, in data entry fields organized as illustrated in Table 4, i.e. in data entry fields assigned to the different subtypes (groups) of the technical classification attributes. The labels indicating the particular groups are configured to be activated by the user to show the list of group attribute values stored in the database  104  assigned to the respective group one, two or three. In the example illustrated in Table 4, the groups of the technical classification attributes (groups of technical intensifiers) are further divided into different major geographic or political regions, specifically groups associated with the United States and categories not associated with the United States. In the example shown in Table 4, 10% of the total sum insured are associated with group two outside the United States and 20% of the total sum insured are associated with group three within the United States. Depending on the embodiment, the rate value associated with a particular group of the technical classification attributes is shown in the user interface, as illustrated in Table 4, or is not shown. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Group of Technical 
                 % of TSI in Layer 
                 % of TSI in Layer 
                   
               
               
                 Intensifiers 
                 (Non-USA) 
                 (USA) 
                 Rate Value 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Group 1 
                 0% 
                 0% 
                 9.00 
               
               
                 Group 2 
                 10%  
                 0% 
                 7.00 
               
               
                 Group 3 
                 0% 
                 20%  
                 3.00 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0034]    In step S 9 , the application module  103  determines the aggravating rate based on the technical classification attributes selected in step S 8 . Specifically, the aggravating rate is determined based on the ratios specified for the different technical classification attributes and the rate values assigned to the respective technical classification attributes. For the example shown in Table 4, the aggravating rate based on the technical classification attributes is calculated as 10%·7.00+20%·3.00=1.30. 
         [0035]    In step S 10 , the application module  103  receives from the user one or more selected publicity classification attributes. Specifically, the application module  103  receives from the user signals and/or instructions for selecting publicity classification attributes from database  104 . If the publicity classification attributes are structured as illustrated in Table 1, the publicity classification attributes (publicity intensifiers) are selected by the user from the list of publicity attribute values. For example, the list of publicity attribute values stored in the database  104  is made available to the user through a list with check boxes, as illustrated in Table 5. Selection of mutual exclusive publicity classification attributes is suppressed. Depending on the embodiment, the rate value associated with a particular publicity classification attribute is shown in the user interface, as illustrated in Table 5, or is not shown. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Check-box 
                 Publicity Intensifier 
                 Rate Value 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
                 Publicity Intensifier A 
                 9.00 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Publicity Intensifier B 
                 8.50 
               
               
                   
                   
                 . . . 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 X 
                 Publicity Intensifier Q 
                 3.00 
               
               
                   
                   
                 . . . 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 X 
                 Publicity Intensifier N-1 
                 1.50 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Publicity Intensifier N 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0036]    In step S 11 , the application module  103  determines the aggravating rate based on the publicity classification attributes selected in step S 0 . Specifically, the aggravating rate is determined based on the sum of the rate values assigned to the selected publicity classification attributes. For the example shown in Table 5, the aggravating rate based on the publicity classification attributes is calculated as 3.00+1.50=4.50. 
         [0037]    In step S 12 , the application module  103  calculates an aggregated aggravating rate as the sum of the aggravating rates determined in steps S 5 , S 7 , S 9  and S 11 . 
         [0038]    In step S 13 , the application module  103  calculates the insurance rate for the terrorism-related property insurance from the basic rate calculated in step S 2  and from the aggregated aggravating rate calculated in step S 12 . For example, the insurance rate is calculated by multiplying the basic rate with the aggregated aggravating rate. The insurance rate is displayed in the user interface on display  11 . 
         [0039]    In step S 14 , the application module  103  checks if the user wants to exit the application module  103 . If execution of the application module  103  is to be stopped, the application module  103  proceeds to step S 15 . Otherwise, the application module  103  continues in step S 3 . 
         [0040]    In step S 15 , the application module  103  stores in a data file the general information received in step S 0 , the industry classification attributes received in step S 1 , the basic rate calculated in step S 2 , the target classification attributes and respective ratios received in step S 3 , the aggravating rates calculated in steps S 5 , S 7 , S 9  and S 11 , the aggregated aggravating rate calculated in step S 12 , and the insurance rate calculated in step S 13 . For example, this data file is stored as a data record in database  104 , as a spreadsheet, or as another structured data file. 
         [0041]    It must be pointed out that the particular order of steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. The foregoing disclosure of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.