Abstract:
A regulating component to regulate fluid flow through the axial passage communicating between the intake end, and mouth engageable distal end, of a drinking straw. The component has an upper wall separated from a lower wall by an engaged sidewall all defining a restriction chamber. When engaged in the axial passage of a drinking straw, fluid traversing the straw all traverses through apertures in the lower and upper wall and thereby through the restriction chamber. Force of the moving fluid on a ball in the restriction chamber acts to raise the ball to seal the aperture in the upper wall. If the fluid reaches too high a speed or continues long enough at a lower speed to move the ball upward it seals the restriction chamber from the exit end of the straw.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/830,493, filed Jul. 12, 2006. The disclosed device relates generally to a drinking straw. More particularly, the device relates to a straw for consumption of liquids which provides a regulated fluid flow of fluid volume and velocity from the distal end of the straw upon which suction is imparted by a user. The device is particularly useful for users having impaired control of mouth suction such as hospital and ambulatory patients or children who inherently tend to drink too fast and too much which can be dangerous to their health. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Hospital and ambulatory patients frequently need to drink using a straw. While some such patients are able to employ a cup or limited pouring glass device, for many patients a straw is the only means for ingesting liquid from a container. Such patients may suffer from stroke causing facial paralysis to one side of the mouth or other motor function problems inhibiting muscular control of the mouth and throat. For patients suffering from facial paralysis affecting one side of their mouths, or lack of muscle control, or lack of experience using a straw, there is an inherent risk if they are allowed to ingest the total volume of liquid reaching the distal end of the straw on which they are sucking. 
         [0003]    As such, within the medical realm there exists a population of patients who, because of inexperience with straws or various congenital or acquired physical disorders, have a deficient, muscular, oropharyngeal or oral motor function which impairs their ability to ingest food and fluids placed in their mouths. Due to such poor control of the pharyngeal muscles, such patients may tend to draw too much fluid through a straw or be too slow to swallow the volume of fluid drawn therethrough and accelerated into the mouth and throat. 
         [0004]    As a result of such inherent or acquired disabilities, many patients are in constant danger of ingesting too much fluid when sucking on a straw to drink or being unable to swallow effectively the volume of fluid naturally drawn into their mouths. Either occurrence can result in the patient losing the drawn fluid out of their mouth or nose through choking or coughing, thereby yielding an embarrassing occurrence. Worse yet, patients who ingest too much in a suck of the straw or fail to dispose of the fluid from the nose or mouth during choking may suffer from passage of the fluid into their lungs. Communication of such fluid to the lungs can result in the indignity of medical personnel having to aspirate the fluid from their lungs and throat, or can result in infection from fluid being deposited in their lungs. 
         [0005]    To limit or eliminate the danger and embarrassment to patients from such occurrences, a drinking straw is needed that limits the acceleration and volume of fluid a patient can suck into their mouth during each instance. Such a device should be easily deployed inside conventional drinking straws to allow for easy manufacture and to hide the restriction apparatus from patients and from others who might embarrass the patient should they know of the limitation being placed on the patient. Such a device should be easily adjustable to form different devices having different maximum drink volumes during manufacture to allow for the device used to be adapted to the size and ability of the patient using it. Such a device should either be engageable in its different flow rates into a straw, or formed directly into the straws during manufactures, to thereby allow for deployment of a number of different straws with different volume passage of liquid before cessation of flow. A number of prior straw fluid flow limitation devices are taught in prior art. 
         [0006]    US Pre-Grant Publication 2005/0092373 (Schafer) teaches a fluid flow restriction apparatus that is adjustable by cutting a portion of a narrowing passageway from the device. However, the device teaches inhibiting the straw from draining to allow easier subsequent suction and only inhibits a flow rate rather than total allowed volume before cessation by employing a narrowing passage adjacent to an outlet. Further, the Schaefer device is deployed primarily external to the straw, thereby inviting removal by patients or embarrassment to patients from third parties viewing and commenting on it. 
         [0007]    WO 2005070253 (Stribling) teaches a flexible check valve which is introduced within a fluid path for leakage protection in a drinking straw. However, Stribling much like the Schafer reference is more concerned with a flow rate rather than measured maximum volume per such. Further, Stribling is taught primarily as an external device which inflicts the same problem as Stribling&#39;s external device. 
         [0008]    US Pre-Grant publication 2004/0222312 (Zuccaro) discloses a squirt and spill resistant straw/fluid delivery passage which employs a tortuous path for a fluid flow. However, Zuccaro much like other art noted, addresses primarily the flow rate rather than the maximum amount dispensed by volume before cessation. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,405 (Edstrom) discloses another drinking straw device for disabled persons. However, Edstrom teaches a device adapted to provide a continuous flow so long as the patient sucks on the straw and would not prevent the problems inherent to patients unable to swallow the volume they can suck into their mouths. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,840,153 (Devlin) teaches a drinking container with a valved conduit which creates a valve action to control the flow of the liquid through the tube. However, only the flow rate is controlled rather than the total volume allowed for each suck on the straw. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,813,285 (Galetschky) discloses another type of device adapted to prevent the straw from draining back after being sucked upon. However, Galetschky provides no flow rate control nor any maximum volume per suck on the straw and is solely concerned with preventing drainage from the straw once sucking upon it has ceased. 
         [0012]    As such, there exists a need for an apparatus that will limit both the flow rate or acceleration of fluid through the straw, and depending on the flow rate, limit the maximum volume allowed into a user&#39;s mouth during each suck upon the straw. Such a device should be easily formed within the straw itself during manufacture, or formed as an insertable device hidden from the user. Such a device should be easily adapted during manufacture for different flow rates and maximum volume passed in relation to flow rate during each suck to allow for different flow rates and maximum potential volume dispensed to a user depending on their ability to swallow. Still further, such a device should preferably be housed inside a conventional appearing straw to both prevent tampering by the user and to prevent embarrassment to the user from viewing third parties. 
         [0013]    With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components or steps set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings, nor just to the preparation of food. The various apparatus and methods of the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art once they review this disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0014]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other devices, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the objects and claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0015]    Further objectives of this invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The device herein described and disclosed provides a flow rate and dispensed volume restriction, depending on the flow rate initiated by the strength the user suction accelerating the fluid through the straw. A first and particularly favored mode of the device features a restriction chamber, formed in an axial passage communicating through a straw. It can be formed in the straw itself, or, in an insertable component that is insertable into the straw. 
         [0017]    The restriction chamber has a volume defined by an upper wall, a lower wall, and a sidewall communicating therebetween. The lower wall has a centrally located aperture communicating between the restriction chamber and an axial passage below the lower surface. In the preferred mode of the device, this lower wall slants upward from a lowest point where the lower wall communicates with the sidewall, to the highest point where the lower wall communicates with the perimeter of the centrally located aperture. This upward slant is designed to keep the ball to one side of the central aperture once suction on the straw ceases allowing reverse fluid flow. It also is designed to narrow the aperture to increase fluid velocity into the fluid chamber at a calculated rate to move the ball upward over a period of time dependent on velocity to block the flow if velocity or time exceeds a predetermined rate. The frusto conical shape of the lower wall has been shown to be particularly well suited to provide both the reduced aperture size to increase velocity, as well as a seat for the ball out of the aperture when fluid flow ceases. 
         [0018]    The upper wall has center aperture centered in the upper wall between the sidewall. Adjacent to the center aperture is a curved portion forming a seat in the upper wall surface. This seat is adapted to sealably engage with a ball positioned inside the restriction chamber when the ball is forced against the seat by the force of fluid flowing through the restriction chamber. 
         [0019]    The ball size or exterior dimension and mass may be varied to adjust the amount of fluid force required for the ball to be forced into the seat by moving fluid through the restriction chamber. Ideally, the ball is formed of a material having a mass that imparts a density to the ball (density equals mass of material×volume) that is heavier than the density of the fluid anticipated to flow through a restriction chamber. For example, water has a density of 1.0 and other thin fluids such as juice or soft drinks have a similar low density. The ball would be formed of a material and in diameter to yield a volume which when multiplied by the mass of the ball&#39;s material would preferably be more than 1.0 so the ball will tend to sink as fluid fills or drains from the restriction chamber. 
         [0020]    The size of the ball as well as the distance of the first wall from the second wall will also affect the rate at which it is forced toward the seat on the upper wall. The flow of fluid past the ball will impart a force against it and around it per Bernoulli&#39;s Principle, which will impart lift to the ball in the direction of the fluid stream moving through the straw. This lift will tend to move the ball away from the bottom wall toward the seat. 
         [0021]    When calculated properly for distance between the top and bottom walls, density and size of the ball, and the anticipated acceleration of the fluid though the chamber between the two apertures, the ball will only seat when the fluid flow reaches sufficient velocity to force it the distance to the seat. Once seated, fluid flow will cease, causing the ball to drop away from the seat due to a higher density than the fluid. In this fashion, the velocity of the fluid stream exiting the straw can be limited not to exceed a certain speed, thereby providing a means to prevent a user from sucking too hard and having fluid accidentally traverse the throat into the lungs from slow reflexes. Further, the total potential volume allowed per suck on the straw may be reasonably accurately determined by forming the ball of a size and material yielding a density to seat the ball against the spaced top wall and seat, only after a determined period of time, depending on the strength of the user sucking on the straw and accelerating the fluid stream. A hard and quick suck will yield quicker fluid acceleration and a faster sealing of the flow since the ball will be forced up quickly to cease flow. A softer sucking action will yield a slower fluid flow and a longer time for the ball to rise to the seat if the specific gravity of the ball and its exterior dimensions are correctly calculated to cause it to rise in the direction of the fluid stream with minimal fluid acceleration. Further adjustments for volume allowed in any one sucking of the straw may be provided by spacing distance of the top wall from the bottom wall and thus the total volume of the chamber and total distance the ball must travel to seat and cease flow. 
         [0022]    As such, the device may be positioned inside of disposable drinking straws during manufacuture, and based on the calculations above for specific gravity, fluid acceleration, and exterior dimensions of the ball causing lift, different flow rates and maximum amounts of fluid may be provided by different straws. The differing straws may be provided with some type of indicia or colorization labeling to let the caretaker know that one straw has a minimum passage while another might have medium allowance or maximum allowance of fluid. Since the device is employed in disposable straws in the preferred mode and not as an attachment thereto, there are no sterility problems of concern as the device and the surrounding straw may be disposed of after each use, thereby providing additional utility which permanent attached devices cannot. 
         [0023]    Another embodiment of the device for limiting exiting fluid velocity and volume from a straw can be provided using micro electronics rather than the ball and chamber apparatus noted above. While more expensive from a manufacturing standpoint, this electronic means for limiting fluid velocity and volume exiting the straw may be desirable for a long term user. 
         [0024]    In this embodiment, a rotating plate is mounted in an axial passageway which feeds the fluid stream to the mouth of a user. The rotating valve plate would be dimensioned in a size slightly smaller than the circumference of the passageway and would be electronically engaged through its axle to an external computing device which would calculate both fluid velocity and total volume of fluid passed, by counting the number and velocity of the rotations of the plate. The computing device would be miniature and best run by small batteries. It can be programmable through conventional means such as blue tooth or Wifi and would allow the caretaker to adjust the volume and potential velocity of fluid a patient could receive. While this embodiment is adjustable to infinite settings for volume and velocity, it would be more expensive due to higher manufacturing costs so it would best be used as a permanent device for this purpose. Therefore the first embodiment being inexpensive to manufacture would be the preferred mode of the device from a cost and sterility standpoint since the inexpensive ball and chamber device is thrown away after each use. 
         [0025]    Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a drinking straw that provides a mechanism to limit the velocity of fluid exiting the straw into the user&#39;s mouth. 
         [0026]    Another object of this invention is to provide such an straw that also provides an apparatus to limit the total volume of fluid exiting the straw to a user&#39;s mouth during any single suck or drink from the straw. 
         [0027]    A further object of this invention is to provide such a fluid flow and volume limiting apparatus for a drinking straw that may be manufactured for different fluid flow and volume levels and marked or colorized to label the level of fluid passage allowed. 
         [0028]    Still another object of this invention is to provide such a drinking straw fluid limitation device that is contained inside the straw and not easily identified by user&#39;s or third parties observing the user. 
         [0029]    These together with other objects and advantages which become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0030]    In the drawing figures, which are not to scale and which are merely illustrative, and wherein like reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a view of a drinking straw showing the device herein described and disclosed engaged within the sidewall forming the drinking straw. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is view of the device in a cut-away view of the device shown engaged in the straw of  FIG. 1 , showing the restriction chamber formed between a top wall separated by a sidewall from a bottom wall and a ball operatively located therein. The internal components are common to all embodiments. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  shows an internal view of the device as employed in all modes, with the ball seated an a side surface of the sloped lower wall when fluid is not flowing through the device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is an especially preferred mode of the device as it is formed with an external circumference adapted for insertion into one end of a straw. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  depicts the device in  FIG. 4 , engaged in the lower end of the straw. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a view of the device formed for engagement with the sidewall of a straw. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  depicts an axle mounted rotating plate embodiment of the device which is electronically controlled, monitored, and adjustable for flow and velocity rates. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-7  disclose modes of the device herein described and disclosed for regulating fluid velocity and volume when exiting a straw to a user&#39;s mouth. 
         [0039]    In one preferred mode of the device  10  depicted in  FIG. 1 , with the device  10  disposed in a straw  12  during extrusion of the straw  12 , an inexpensive and disposable means to regulate fluid velocity and maximum volume exiting a straw  12  is depicted. Because it is inexpensive to manufacture and install within the straw  12  during extrusion, the device  10  and straw  12  may be disposed once used and replaced to mitigate hygiene and sterility problems that occur with permanent devices for this purpose that collect food and germs thereon. 
         [0040]    The straw  12  in all modes in which the device  10  is employed, has an axial passage  14  communicating therethrough in a conventional fashion from a lower end of the straw to the distal end, which would be engaged by the user&#39;s mouth. The device provides a restriction chamber  16  which in all modes is positioned in or engaged with, the axial passage  14 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the restriction chamber  16  is defined by an upper wall  18 , a lower wall  20 , and a sidewall  22  communicating therebetween. The sidewall  22  may be the sidewall of the straw  12  in a simple embodiment with an upper wall  18  and lower wall  20  and means to hold them apart prior to insertion into the straw. If using the sidewall of the straw as the device sidewall, it would be inserted during extrusion of the straw  12 , or, could be pushed into one open end of the straw with the ball in-between the upper and lower walls. Or, in an easier to handle embodiment, where the device is manufactured separately and inserted in the axial passage  14 , or engaged with the straw, the sidewall  22  may be separate and have an outer surface that is adapted in dimension, for sealed engagement in a frictional engagement against or with inside surface of the sidewall of the straw  12 . 
         [0041]    In a particularly preferred mode of the device  10  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the device  10  may be manufactured as an engageable component into the axial passage  14 , and later inserted into the straw  12 . As a separate component, the device  10  can be provided for insertion by user&#39;s or caretakers into straws  12  which are purchased separately since the exterior of the sidewall  22  would be adapted for sealed engagement with the interior of the axial passage  14 . Also, if provided as a separate component, the device  10  can be manufactured with restriction chambers  16 , and balls  26  dimensioned in size and-mass respectively, to allow different velocities and different maximum volumes to the exiting fluids from an engaged straw. The different flow and/or allowed velocity rates can be labeled using indicia  15  or using color coding to indicate those variables. The user could then employ one brand or type of straw  12  and insert the device  10  having the desired fluid flow and volume characteristics for the intended user, thereby providing great means to customize straws  12  at the point of use. This mode of the device has a special advantage over others in that it does allow the device  10  to engage any straw it is sized to engage with, so that the end user need not purchase special batches of straws having flow characteristics. Instead, one type of straw  12  may be used and customized as needed using the device  10  with indica  15  or color coding that indicates a flow rate desired. Finally, in the preferred mode of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the device  10  may be provided in kits featuring a plurality of devices  10 , each marked with indica  15  or other means to identify different maximum velocity and/or maximum volume disbursement, they will provide to an engaged straw. By providing this plurality of devices  10  marked for differing flow characteristics, the caretaker or user may choose the desired flow rate for themselves or the patient and engage that device  10  into the bottom of the straw shown in figurer  5 . This allows great customization of the straw flow rates and hides the device  10  in the case of children or older patients who might not take well to it emotionally. 
         [0042]    In a similar fashion, the device  10  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , would also provide for the device  10  to be engaged with a straw  12  and allow the use of conventional straws  12  with any number of devices of differing flow characteristics. Indica  15  or colorization would signal to the user the velocity and volume of the flow rate of each configured device  10 . The device  10  can then be engaged at a central portion of the straw  12  or at the bottom end. This mode of the device  10  may be resisted by patients or children, however, and the mode of the device in  FIGS. 4 and 5  is preferable to provide a means to conceal it from the user. Further, the wall thickness of the device in  FIG. 4 and 5  would probably be thinner and make it less expensive to manufacture since it will also use the side of the straw  12  for support. 
         [0043]    In all modes of the device  10  the lower wall  18  of the restriction chamber  16  has a centrally located aperture  24  communicating between the restriction chamber  16  and an axial passage  14  in the straw below the lower surface  20  when the device  10  is operatively positioned in or with a straw  12 . In a particularly preferred mode of the device  10  the lower wall  20  slants upward from a lowest point adjacent to the sidewall  22 , to a highest point adjacent to the substantially centered aperture  24 . This upward tilt-of the lower wall  20  is designed to position the ball  26 , once in the restriction chamber  16 , in a seat, to one side of the lower aperture  22  once suction on the straw ceases to impart lift to the ball  26 . This is best shown in  FIG. 3  where the ball  26  is in a non-use position leaving a clear path for fluid to return to the glass from which it was drawn through aperture  24  and to keep the device  24  from gumming up or otherwise being rendered unuseable if fluid remained in the restriction chamber  16 . The frusto conical shape of the lower wall has been shown to be particularly well suited to provide both the reduced lower aperture  22  size to increase fluid velocity to a determined level through the chamber  16 , as well as a seat for the ball  26  against the sidewall  22  and a lower portion of the lower wall  20  and out of the aperture when fluid flow ceases. Sizing the lower aperture  22  for desired velocity of fluid in combination with other factors noted herein provides a means to restrict both maximum velocity of fluid flow as well as total volume at a given velocity below maximum over time by blocking flow through the upper aperture  28  if volume over time, or velocity at any given moment exceeds a desired predetermined level. 
         [0044]    However, those skilled in the art will realize that a planar rather than slanted lower wall  20  can also be provided allowing the ball to seat and cease back flow of fluid through the aperture  24 , which for some patients might make it easier to initiate subsequent drinks from the straw by preventing the straw  12  from totally draining. This alternate embodiment can also be employed; however, currently the slanted version is preferred to allow the fluid to accelerate for a longer but calculable period of time period in the axial passage  14  below the bottom wall  18 , and to draw the ball  26  upward to block the exhaust aperture  28  if the velocity of the fluid traversing the chamber  16  is too fast, or if the duration of fluid movement exceeds a time period that would allow too much fluid to reach the intended patient. 
         [0045]    As noted, the upper end of the restriction chamber  16  is defined by the upper wall  18  which has an exhaust aperture  28  centrally located therein adjacent to a curved portion adapted in shape to provide a seat  30  for the surface of the ball  26  locating therein when the ball  26  is forced against the seat  30  by the upward force of fluid flowing through the restriction chamber  16 . 
         [0046]    Means to adjust the time and velocity of permitted fluid flow through the device  10  and hence into the user&#39;s mouth is provided by changing the exterior dimension of the ball  24  and/or its mass by changing the material from which it is formed. Changing the mass by using a material that is heavier or lighter depending on the intended fluid provides a means to adjust the amount of fluid force required for the ball  24  to be lifted and forced into the seat  30  ceasing fluid flow. Since force equals mass times acceleration, the speed at which the fluid is pulled through the straw  12  by the patient and which can cause exiting fluid to enter the lungs, nose, and cause choking, is controllable by changing these variables. The size of the ball  24  and hence its ability to be forced by fluid, as well as the distance of the upper wall  18  to the lower wall  20 , as well as the mass of the ball  24  in relation to the intended fluid, all may be adjusted to provide both a means to limit the maximum velocity of exiting fluid from the straw  12 , and means to limit total volume of fluid exiting the straw  12 , during any single draw upon it by the mouth of the user. When calculated properly, one or a combination of adjusting the distance between the top and bottom walls, the density of the ball, the exterior dimension of the ball, and the distance between the ball in a seated position as in  FIG. 2  and the upper aperture  28 , can be changed to yield the maximum anticipated acceleration of the fluid though the chamber between the two apertures. The changes in these variables also provides a means to limit the total velocity of fluid exiting the straw. Further, depending on the mass of the ball  26  and the distance upward to block the upper aperture  28 , the ball will inherently rise in the moving stream from fluid force until it blocks the aperture  28  even at lower velocities of fluid flow. Consequently, this duration at lower velocities can also be taken into consideration; changing any of the above-noted variables also will provide a means to limit total volume drawn during any single draw on the straw as a function of the velocity of the fluid drawn through the device. A very fast and possibly dangerous velocity to a patient will cause an immediate blockage of the aperture  28  by the ball  26 . A slower, but longer duration of fluid flow will still cause the ball to rise depending on its mass, and as a function of time, will limit the total fluid dispensed when the ball seats to block the upper aperture  28 . 
         [0047]    A further means to adjust the dimension of the restriction chamber  16  can also be provided by making the sidewall  22  of the device  10  expandable or contractible. This could be done with a bellows type of construction shown in the straw  12  where it bends, or by some type of translating sidewall that will lengthen or shorten the portion defining the restriction chamber  16 . 
         [0048]    Another embodiment of the device  10  to limit fluid velocity and volume through a straw  12  is depicted in  FIG. 8  as device  11 . This embodiment provides means for limiting exiting fluid velocity and volume from a straw  12  electronically. Cost will probably render this embodiment permanent in nature and therefor require that it be cleaned after each use. However, this embodiment can be adjusted before each use if desired for the maximum velocity and volume of fluid exiting the straw  12 . 
         [0049]    In the embodiment of device  11 , a rotating plate  32  is mounted in an axial passage  14  which feeds the fluid stream to the mouth of a user. The rotating plate  32  would be dimensioned in a size slightly smaller than the circumference of the passage  14  and would be electronically engaged through its axle  34  to external computing device  36  which would calculate both fluid velocity and total volume of fluid passed by counting the number and velocity of the rotations of the axle  34 . The computing device  36  would be miniature and best run by small batteries. The computing device  36  can be programmed using software over a wireless connection and would allow the caretaker or user to adjust the volume and potential velocity of fluid a patient could receive by causing the computing device  36  to slow or cease rotation of the axle  36  to maintain the plate  32  in a position to block the passage  14 . 
         [0050]    Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it should be realized that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While the invention as shown in the drawings and described in detail herein discloses arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present invention, it is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described, may be employed in accordance with the spirit of this invention. Any and all such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims. 
         [0051]    Further, the purpose of the attached abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.