Abstract:
The instant invention relates to a process for preventing and extinguishing fires. Particularly to process capable of adding a dehydrated superabsorbent polymer to water in an amount sufficient to extinguish and prevent additional co.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. 371, of PCT Application PCT/US2007/063075, filed Mar. 1, 2007, entitled Process and Device For Fire Prevention and Extinguishing, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/778,202, filed Mar. 2, 2006, entitled Process for Fire Prevention and Extinguishing, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. This application is related to the following applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/208,891, filed Sep. 11, 2008, entitled “Process and Device for Fire Prevention and Extinguishing”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/270,485, filed Nov. 13, 2008, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Improving Fire Prevention and Extinguishment”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/870,333, filed Aug. 27, 2010, entitled “Water Based Fire Extinguishers”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/680,803, filed Mar. 1, 2007, entitled “Water Based Extinguishers”. The invention relates to apparatus and a process for preventing and extinguishing fires; particularly to a process capable of adding a dehydrated super absorbent polymer to water in an amount sufficient to extinguish and prevent conflagrations. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Water has been known for millennia for its fire retardant and extinguishing properties and remains the predominate material used to extinguish or prevent certain types of fires. Water has a high heat capacity and high heat of vaporization, such that when water is sprayed onto a fire, the water that reaches the flames absorbs the heat of the fire and cools the article to below its combustion temperature. Water also deprives the fire of oxygen. Often the heat of the fire turns a portion of water into vapor before it can reach the flames. Since water vapor is heavier than air it displaces the oxygen surrounding the fire, thereby suffocating the fire. 
     A significant disadvantage often encountered using water to extinguish a fire is that much of the water ends up being wasted. Most of the water applied directly to the fire is turned into steam and evaporates before it can reach the base of the fire, where the combustible fuel for the fire resides. As much as 90 to 95% of the water that does manage to reach the flames simply runs off into the ground without remaining on the structure that is burning. Moreover, considerable effort must be made to continuously soak objects with water near the fire that could ignite. The evaporated and runoff water must be constantly replaced. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,446 discloses a water additive for use in fire extinguishing and prevention. The additive comprises a cross-linked water-swellable polymer in a water/oil emulsion that is produced by an inverse phase polymerization reaction. The polymer particles are dispersed in an oil emulsion wherein the polymer particles are contained within discrete water “droplets” within the oil. With the help of an emulsifier, the water “droplets” are dispersed relatively evenly throughout the water/oil emulsion. This allows the additive to be introduced to the water supply in a liquid form, such that it can be easily educted with standard firefighting equipment. However, it has been observed that when this additive is placed in fire extinguishers which utilize a container of water, the mixture requires agitation every 15 days to prevent the polymer from settling out. Another problem with this additive is that it takes approximately 3-4 hours to “cure” such that it is able to absorb a sufficient amount of water and attain the viscosity necessary to adhere to vertical and horizontal surfaces for firefight purposes. Also, if the additive/water mixture is not completely flushed from a hose or nozzle after use, it will harden upon drying out and render the hose or nozzle useless. 
     Sometimes, water must be supplied to remote locations, such as during a forest fire, often exhausting considerable physical and monetary expense. Therefore, it imperative that the fire extinguishing properties of water be optimized to reduce the amount time, effort, and cost associated with fighting fires in remote locations. 
     Thus, what is lacking in the art is an ability to increase the effectiveness of water for fire fighting. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention discloses a process for retarding or extinguishing conflagrations using a super absorbent polymer in water. The reaction of the water with the polymer creates a gel-like substance with a viscosity that allows the mixture to be readily pumped through standard eduction equipment, yet viscous enough to cover and adhere to vertical and horizontal surfaces of structures to act as barrier to prevent fire from damaging such structures, minimizing the manpower and water supply needed to continuously soak these structures. 
     The super absorbent polymer is capable of absorbing water up to several thousands times its own weight. These super absorbent polymers are prepared from water-soluble polymers, but have cross-linking structures that render the polymers water-insoluble. By taking water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers which readily undergo vinyl polymerization, such as acrylamide, with cross-linking agents, a polymer can be produced that is of uniform small size, has a high gel capacity, is highly insoluble, but highly water-swellable (i.e., super absorbent polymer). The gel capacity refers to the property of the water-swollen polymer to resist viscosity changes as a result of mechanical working or milling. 
     The super absorbent polymers can be dehydrated to a powder. When the powder is added to an aqueous solution and agitated, a super absorbent gel-like substance is formed. In a dry state the preferred polymer may be considered a particle having a diameter less than 4000 microns but greater than 50 microns. In a swollen state the particle may have a diameter greater than three hundred times its weight (more surface area). In a totally water-swollen state, the particles contain up to 99.98 weight percent of water and as little as about 0.1 weight percent of polymer. Thus, such particles could hold an amount of water from ten to thousands of times their own weight. 
     Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory it is believed that the since the polymer particles are capable of absorbing water in significant quantities relative to its own weight, the water-swollen gel provides a greater water laden surface area, with a higher heat capacity, than the unbound water molecule. Thus, more water actually reaches the fire without being evaporated and provides more cooling. Thus, the fire is extinguished using less water. 
     By way of example, it is well known that fire extinguishers can be filled with water or dry powders. As stated herein, water is extremely effective fire fighting composition and used in many buildings where conventional commercial enterprises take place. In fact, statistics indicate that around 90% of all fires are extinguished by the use of the conventional cylinders that employ a simple water mixture. The use of the polymer of the instant invention can be placed within a cylinder, added to the stream by use of an inductor, or be incorporated into a nozzle line by use of an in-line saturation device. As will be described later in this application, the amount of polymer is minuscule for the proper effectiveness. For instance, a typical cylinder which contains approximately 2.5 gallons of water would use approximately three ounces of the polymer. The polymer can be added directly added to the water stored within the cylinder to allow for full saturation of the polymer before dispensing. Dispensing mechanisms need not be changed as the polymer, when absorbed with liquid, forms a near liquid state and will not cause clogging of valves, even on small cylinders. Alternatively, use of an inductor attached to the nozzle allows the polymer to be drawn in as the fluid is dispensed, or as previously mentioned, an in-line saturator simply causes the nozzle to engage the polymer which disperses the appropriate amount. It should be noted that once the polymer has been dispensed, it is readily acceptable to absorb water from ancillary sources, such as other cylinders that are dispensing water, all of which helps maintains the moisture near the base of the fire. 
     Another example would be the use of a mobile fire truck which can contain a large volume of water in a holding tank, the polymer can be mixed directly into the holding tank. Alternatively, the polymer can be added by use of an eductor or an in-line pump, both of which react to the amount of water passing through a fire hose. The use of an in-line pump or an eductor further provides a continuous use of polymer when a fire hydrant is the primary source of water replenishment or when a water pickup is used in a river, pond, lake or any other source necessary to replenish the water supply. 
     In the example of a conventional fire hydrant wherein a fireman couples a fire hose for the dispensing of water directly onto the fire, the use of an eductor or in-line pump each provide a method of inserting the proper amount of polymer to effectuate higher retention and wetability of the water. 
     Yet another example is the use in commercial buildings, especially in those instances where highly combustible materials are stored. For instance, home improvement centers are known to carry paints, glues, caulks, and other materials that will become fuel to a fire once containers are ruptured or the contents otherwise exposed. In such instances, extinguishing must be immediate and thus there is a need for high wetability. In commercial buildings, the use of various additives are employed mainly to prevent corroding of the pipes as the water placed within the carrier system could be stagnant for years, if not decades. In such instances, the use of an eductor or in-line pump allows the polymer to be introduced into the distribution system as necessary. Further, devices can be placed right at the point of use or sprinkler distribution point for adding of the polymer. Such applications may be a burst pack which simply powders the room with a super absorbent polymer allowing the sprinkler to then saturate the polymer to provide the aforementioned wetability. Alternatively, the distribution points may each include a small eductor as it is not a requirement that a continuous amount of polymer be added, but rather an appropriate amount which can then be replenished by water. This is particularly helpful where isolated sections may be desirous of a polymer additive, yet it would not be necessary in another building section that may store metal pipe, or other non-combustible materials, where the conventional water sprinkler system is more than sufficient. 
     It should be noted that the super absorbent polymer and water of the instant invention may create a slippery surface. In such instances, a small amount of grit may be added to the super absorbent polymer if it is to be used in an area that will be traversed by individuals such as exit corridors or where fireman are expected to travel by foot or vehicle. 
     Yet another example is for use of the instant invention for use in home protection wherein the primary fire extinguishing material is water distributed by a water hose. The most readily available example is during fire season in certain states wherein homeowners are known to stand on their roofs and water down the shingles to stop embers from catching fire. The use of a super absorbent polymer added to the water will allow for distribution by the water hose of a mixture which maintains the water in a ready state of protection on the roof, especially if the roof is constructed from wood shingles. When the homeowner leaves their home as a fire approaches, a water barrier is maintained on the roof, which is sufficient to stop embers, or sparks from igniting the roof that is the leading cause for the home destruction. Further, the homeowner would also use this opportunity to saturate the yard and trees to prevent embers from igniting dry vegetation. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of this invention to present a process that uses a combination of super absorbent polymer that transforms water into a fire extinguishing or preventing substance. This super absorbent polymer gel will bring fires under control more quickly, offering substantial water and timesaving. 
     Yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a device and process to fight fires that is biodegradable and non-hazardous. In fact, the gel-like substance actually helps the soil recover from fire by maintaining a higher moisture content of the soil for extended periods of time. 
     Another objective of the instant invention is to teach a composition for fighting fires that can be easily added to, or retrofitted into, standard fire extinguishing systems (e.g., fire hydrant, fire hose, etc). 
     Still another objective of the instant invention is to teach pre-treating combustibles (e.g., people, foliage, structures) to preventing them from reaching their ignition temperature. 
     Yet another objective of the present invention is to teach a hydrated super absorbent polymer gel having a viscosity that allows the gel to be dispensed from a container reservoir without blocking the dispensing equipment. 
     Another objective of the instant invention is to teach a combination of water and super absorbent polymer having sufficient viscosity to enable it to cover vertical and horizontal surfaces. 
     Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  illustrates a canister that is manufactured with a super absorbent polymer containing cylinder in fluid communication with a flexible hose; 
         FIG. 1   b , illustrates a commercially available canister which has been retrofitted with the super absorbent polymer containing cylinder in fluid communication with the flexible hose; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein a cylinder containing a super absorbent polymer is incorporated into a building sprinkling system; 
         FIG. 3 . illustrates another embodiment of a cylinder containing a super absorbent polymer shown attached to the threaded end of a standard garden hose; 
         FIG. 4 . illustrates a cylinder containing the super absorbent polymer attached to a standard emergency indoor fire hose; 
         FIG. 5 . illustrates a cylinder containing the super absorbent polymer attached to the water outlet port of an emergency fire vehicle; 
         FIG. 6 . illustrates a cylinder containing the super absorbent polymer attached to a standard fire hydrant; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a pumper type of fire truck which carries a supply of water; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a fire suppression system on an aircraft; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a fire suppression system for the interior of an aircraft; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a fire suppression system on a tractor-trailer vehicle; 
         FIG. 11A and 11B  illustrate a fire suppression system on an automobile and 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a fire suppression system in a mobile home or prefabricated building. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to various employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     The present invention relates to a process of retarding or extinguishing conflagrations using a super absorbent polymer in water in an amount sufficient to retard or extinguish the fire. The present invention utilizes biodegradable super absorbent aqueous based polymers, for example, cross-linked modified polyacrylamides, potassium acrylate, polyacrylamides, sodium acrylate commercially available from Stockhausen, Inc. (Greensboro, N.C.). Other suitable polymers include, albeit are not limited to, carboxy-methylcellulose, alginic acid, cross-linked starches, and cross-linked polyaminoacids. 
     In the present invention, a solid form of the super absorbent polymer, such as powder, is introduced into a standard fire extinguishing system (e.g., canisters, sprinkler system, spray tanks, etc). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , wherein like elements are numbered consistently throughout,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a conventional hand-held fire extinguisher or water canister (i.e., water bomb) typically used to extinguish smaller fires. The canister  10  comprises a container body  12  which is made of a corrosion resistant material used store a predetermined volume of water therein. The water may be kept under pressure in the container body or pressure may be applied to the water just prior to its use. The user dispenses the water by squeezing lever  14  which opens valve  16  allowing water in the container to flow through a flexible hose  18  and out the nozzle  20 . During operation the user will direct the flexible hose and nozzle  20  toward the base of the fire. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a canister  10 , such as a fire extinguisher, that is manufactured with a reservoir  22  containing dehydrated super absorbent polymer in fluid communication with the interior of the flexible hose adjacent the valve  16 . In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1B , a commercially available canister  10  is retrofitted with the super absorbent polymer-containing reservoir  22  in fluid communication with the interior of the flexible hose. For example, the reservoir  22  may include a water impermeable membrane constructed and arranged to allow the dried super absorbent polymer to be drawn therefrom by the negative pressure created by the flow of the water through the hose  18  past the reservoir  22  when the valve  16  is opened. The polymer will then effectively swell with water prior to being presented to the fire. Surfaces that have not been affected by the fire can also be coated with the water, polymer mixture to prevent these surfaces from catching on fire. 
     EXAMPLE 
     A non-limiting illustrative example is presented herein; the following is only an example and not solely representative of the inventive concepts discussed herein. 
     To a 2.5 gallon canister approximately 3 tablespoons of a superabsorbent aqueous based polymer was added and shaken vigorously for approximately 30 seconds. Within a few seconds the polymer obtained over 70% of its absorption capacity or nearly three hundred times its weight with water. The viscosity was such that the gel was able to be sprayed about 40 ft. and effectively cover most vertical and horizontal surfaces for an extended period of time. Moreover, the viscosity did not cause the polymer to aggregate or prevent eduction through the hose of the canister. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a bypass system  24  that may be inserted inline with a conventional building sprinkler system or fire suppression system  25 . A cylinder  26  contains a dehydrated form of the super absorbent polymer. The cylinder could also contain the superabsorbent polymer already saturated with water, in a gel form, whereby the gel has a viscosity that allows it to remain flowable throughout the system, including restricted dispensing orifices found in conventional sprinkler heads  32 . 
     The fire suppression system shown in  FIG. 2  includes a water inlet pipe  28  in fluid communication with a water source (not shown). The water source may be a municipal water system. The fire suppression system may also employ a pump or pumps if the water pressure from the municipal water system is insufficient to supply water to the entire fire suppression system at the required pressures. The fire suppression system includes a valve  30  located inline in the fire suppression system which includes at least one sprinkler head  32  and outlet portion  34  to regulate flow of water therethrough. Preferably, the sprinkler head  32  is disposed over areas where fire suppression is desired. The polymer-containing cylinder  26  is shown here connected to the existing fire supperssion system by a bypass loop  24 . The bypass loop includes a bypass pipe inlet  36  connected upstream of the valve  30 . An inlet valve  40  connected downstream of pipe  36 . A pressure gauge  44  connected downstream of the inlet valve  40 . A bypass outlet  38  pipe with an outlet valve  42  connected upstream of the outlet pipe  38 . The outlet pipe is connected to the fire suppression system  25  downstream of the valve  30 . 
     The bypass system  24  with attached cylinder  26  is operational when the valve  30  is closed and the valves  40  and  42  are opened. Thus, when the fire suppression system is triggered (such as by a fire), water will flow from the inlet pipe  28  to the bypass inlet  36  through the bypass outlet  38  and out of the sprinklers  32  to quench the fire. Conversely, the bypass loop may be avoided if valve  30  is opened and valves  40  and  42  are closed. 
     As with the previous embodiment, the cylinder may include a water impermeable membrane  45  located between the dehydrated polymer cylinder  26  and the bypass loop constructed and arranged to allow the dried polymer to be drawn into a mixing area  46  by the negative pressure created by the flow of the water through the loop. In an alterative embodiment the cylinder  26  may contain a flowable water-laden gel, formed by the combination of the dehydrated super absorbent polymer and water, which is drawn into the mixing area by the flow of water past the cylinder  26 . The bypass system  24  may be retrofit into an existing fire suppression system or installed during the construction phase of the building. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment where a cylinder  50 , containing the dehydrated super absorbent polymer or water-laden gel formed from the super absorbent polymer, is removably attached to the threaded end  52  of a conventional garden hose  48 . This combination may be used to extinguish outdoor fires. A water impermeable membrane  45  located between the dehydrated polymer cylinder  50  and the garden hose  48 . In addition, cylinder  50  may contain a flowable water-laden gel, formed by the combination of the dehydrated super absorbent polymer and water, which is drawn into the mixing area  46  by the flow of water past the cylinder. 
     Similarly,  FIG. 4 . illustrates the cylinder  50  containing the dehydrated super absorbent polymer or water-laden gel formed from the super absorbent polymer in fluid communication with an emergency indoor fire hose  54  commonly found in buildings to extinguish indoor fires. Water is supplied to the fire hose from a municipal water system. Pumps may be employed to raise the pressure of the water in a building, if necessary, prior to the fire hose. In this embodiment the cylinder  50  containing the super absorbent polymer is located between a valve  56 , which is normally employed to control the flow of water to the fire hose  54 , and the fire hose  54 . In the event of a fire, the fire hose  54  is removed from its storage housing and carried to the fire. The valve  56  is then opened allowing water to flow through the cylinder  50  and hose  54 . The cylinder  50  may contain the dehydrated super absorbent polymer or water-laden gel formed from the super absorbent polymer. A water impermeable membrane  45  located between the dehydrated polymer cylinder  50  and the fire hose  54  permits the flow of water to draw the polymer into the water stream. In addition, cylinder  50  may contain a flowable water-laden gel, formed by the combination of the dehydrated super absorbent polymer and water, which is drawn into the mixing area  46  by the flow of water past the cylinder. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the cylinder  50  containing the dehydrated super absorbent polymer or water-laden gel formed from the super absorbent polymer is attached a fire hose  62  which is, in turn, attached to one of the water outlet ports  60  of a fire vehicle  64 . The vehicle can be, but is not limited to, trucks (tankers, pumpers, brush buster, etc.), boats, planes, helicopters and fire buggies. A pump is conventionally located on the vehicle and supplies water from a source or tank  65  ( FIG. 7 ) to outlet  60  at a pressure. The cylinder may be located at any point between the source of water and the outlet of the hose. For example, the cylinder may be attached directly to the outlet port  60  or at the fire hose nozzle (not shown) by any conventional means of attachment known to those having skill in the art. A water impermeable membrane  45  located between the dehydrated polymer cylinder  50  and the fire hose  62  permits the flow of water to draw the polymer into the water stream. In addition, cylinder  50  may contain a flowable water-laden gel, formed by the combination of the dehydrated super absorbent polymer and water, which is drawn into the mixing area  46  by the flow of water past the cylinder. 
     In a further embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the cylinder  50  containing the dehydrated super absorbent polymer or water-laden gel formed from the super absorbent polymer may be attached to a standard fire hydrant  66  with fire hose  68 . A pressure gauge  70  could be placed inline between to fire hydrant  66  and cylinder  50  to monitor the pressure of the water exiting from the fire hydrant. The water pressure can be controlled at the fire hydrant if desired. As with the previous embodiments, the cylinders  50  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  may include dehydrated polymer with water impermeable membrane or the polymer in gel form. A water impermeable membrane  45  located between the dehydrated polymer cylinder  50  and the fire hose  66  permits the flow of water to draw the dehydrated polymer into the water stream. In addition, cylinder  50  may contain a flowable water-laden gel, formed by the combination of the dehydrated super absorbent polymer and water, which is drawn into the mixing area  46  by the flow of water past the cylinder. 
     It is hereby contemplated that any of the aforementioned cylinders or canisters may be of any size or shape deemed necessary to accommodate various needs and/or applications. 
     In another embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  the present invention could be employed in a fire suppression system currently utilized in aircraft  71 . An example of this type of fire suppression system is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The fire suppression system may employ a dehydrated super absorbent polymer stored in a cylinder or a water-laden gel stored in a cylinder similar to the fire suppression system illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Nozzles  72  are utilized to deliver a water-laden gel mixture to aircraft engines  74  which may have caught on fire. In addition nozzles  76  are used to deliver the water-laden gel mixture to the interior of the aircraft to extinguish any fires that may have erupted within the aircraft. Pumps may be employed to deliver the water from a storage tank (not shown) to the nozzles. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention utilized to extinguish or suppress fires on vehicles. A tractor-trailer is formed with a tractor portion  78  and a trailer portion  80 . The fire suppression system is located in the trailer portion where the likelihood of a fire is the greatest. A plurality of nozzles  82  are located in the upper portion of the trailer to deliver a mixture of water-laden gel and water from an onboard tank to the contents of the trailer to extinguish any fires that may have erupted therein. The fire suppression system is similar to the one illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The container  26  which holds the dehydrated super absorbent polymer or water-laden gel is shown as being located in the forward section of the trailer. However, any other location would also be suitable. Pumps may be employed to deliver the water form the onboard tank to the nozzles  82 . 
     Another embodiment of the present invention designed for use in vehicles is illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . An automobile or race vehicle  84  is shown in  FIG. 11A . A fire suppression system, similar to the system illustrated in  FIG. 2 , is located within the vehicle. A tank  26  which holds the dehydrated super absorbent polymer or a water-laden gel. The location of tank  26  is for illustrative purposes. Any other location is also possible. The water-laden gel mixture is delivered to nozzles  86  through piping connected to the tank  26  and a supply of water, for example an onboard tank. Pumps may be employed to deliver the water from the supply to the nozzles  86 . A preferred, albeit non-limiting, location for the nozzles is on the roll cage  90  of the vehicle. This type of fire suppression system is extremely useful in race vehicles, especially those which are not constructed to strict NASCAR standards. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 12  as a fire suppression or sprinkler system for mobile or prefabricated buildings  92 . A tank  26  which holds the dehydrated super absorbent polymer or a water-laden gel. The location of tank  26  is for illustrative purposes. Any other location is also possible. The water-laden gel mixture is delivered to nozzles  96  through piping connected to the tank  26  and a supply of water. The water supply can be a municipal water supply or a storage tank. Pumps may be employed to deliver the water from the supply to the nozzles  96 . Water-laden gel mixture from cylinder  26  is delivered through piping (not shown) to nozzles or sprinklers  96  located in the upper portions of the buildings  92  and directed onto a fire. The fire suppression system or sprinkler system would function in a manner similar to that illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
     Other uses of the water-laden gel mixture include dispensing it from aircraft, supertanker aircraft and helicopters as a fire suppressant to control forest fires and other large fires. The water-laden gel could also be utilized as a fire break. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings/figures. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments.