Abstract:
A sanitizing pouch secures to a product package and includes a sanitizing agent disposed therein. A delivery device includes an inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom. A probe attaches to the inlet of the delivery device. The probe is adapted to puncture the sanitizing pouch and the product package, whereby the puncturing of the sanitizing pouch by the probe releases the sanitizing agent over the probe thereby sanitizing the probe prior to the puncturing of the product package by the probe. After flowing over the probe, the sanitizing agent flows into the delivery device thereby sanitizing the delivery device. The delivery device draws product from the product package for delivery via its outlet.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to food dispensing methods and apparatus, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation to a method and apparatus for dispensing packaged products with complete elimination or at least a minimum introduction of contamination to the product.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    In the fast paced work world, there is a great demand for quickly dispensed food and drink products. As this demand for speed and convenience increases, so does the need for sanitation systems that keep products preserved while waiting for distribution.  
           [0005]    Modem methods of sterilization have greatly increased the amount of time a packaged product can remain in storage before expiring and becoming unusable. The long shelf life of modem packaged food products is the result of packaging methods used in production to sanitize both the product and the container.  
           [0006]    One such method is aseptic packaging, where the package and the product are sterilized separately and then combined to form a completely sterile product environment. This environment, free of bacteria and mold, does not allow normal decomposition, or spoiling, of the product.  
           [0007]    Packaging in a hot pack manner is another method. A product is heated to a particular temperature set by the FDA. This heating sterilizes the product by destroying any bacteria or molds present in the product. The product is then placed in a clean, but not necessarily sanitized packaged. Acidity levels in the product prevent growth of bacteria and molds within the packaging environment.  
           [0008]    A third method, called retort, is typically used when canning products. Here a package is heated to an appropriate temperature or irradiated. A product is placed in the package and sealed therein. The product and packaging are then heated or irradiated to sanitize their interior environment.  
           [0009]    All three of these methods have the advantage of keeping a product preserved and free from decomposition, or spoiling, for long periods. However, because of the cost of these methods, and especially the aseptic method, producing individual sized portions is not cost effective. Thus, in order for a sterilized product to be profitable for a distributor, it must be packaged in large containers and dispensed by retailers such as restaurants or mini-marts. This ultimately leads to a significant disadvantage. Once the product packaging is attached to a dispenser to allow dispensing of the product, contaminates can be reintroduced, significantly reducing the time the product is suitable for dispensing to consumers. Contaminates in this instance consist primarily of oxygen in the air reintroduced into to the product packaging, which restarts the natural process of decomposition or spoiling, or molds and bacteria in the air. Essentially, attaching a product package to the dispenser reintroduces contaminates.  
           [0010]    Illustratively, a dispenser probe or valve used to break the seal of a product package and facilitate attachment of the package to a dispenser exposes the product in the product package to the air, thereby introducing contaminates into the package. Furthermore, the probe or valve is rarely washed and often comes in contact with dispenser users. Thus, every time the probe or valve is removed from one product package and coupled with another, it is exposed to airborne contaminates, which are then inserted with the probe or valve straight into the new sterilized package. This practice introduces increasing amounts of contaminates into the product, thereby significantly reducing the time the product remains dispensable to consumers. The current solution is simply to hope all product is dispensed before the requirement for disposal of unused product upon the expiration of a safe use time period, which is really no solution at all.  
           [0011]    Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a method and apparatus that prevent the reintroduction of contaminates into a product when a product package is opened for dispensing.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    In accordance with the present invention, a sanitizing pouch secures to a product package and includes a sanitizing agent disposed therein. A delivery device includes an inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom. A probe attaches to the inlet of the delivery device. The probe is adapted to puncture the sanitizing pouch and the product package, whereby the puncturing of the sanitizing pouch by the probe releases the sanitizing agent over the probe thereby sanitizing the probe prior to the puncturing of the product package by the probe. After flowing over the probe, the sanitizing agent flows into the delivery device thereby sanitizing the delivery device. The delivery device draws product from the product package for delivery via its outlet. Alternatively, product may be displaced from the product package to the delivery device outlet.  
           [0013]    The sanitizing pouch includes an outer container defining a pocket that contains the sanitizing agent therein. The outer container may include a first penetration point adapted for puncture by the probe. The outer container may further include a second penetration point positioned on the sanitizing pouch adjacent to the product package and adapted for puncture by the probe. The sanitizing pouch may include a wall that divides the outer container to separate a first chemical from a second chemical. Consequently, upon the puncturing of the wall by the probe, the first chemical combines with the second chemical to produce chemical heat that sanitizes the probe prior to the puncturing of the product package by the probe.  
           [0014]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sanitizing pouch adapted to secure to a product package of a product delivery system.  
           [0015]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a sanitizing pouch adapted to sanitize a probe of the product delivery system.  
           [0016]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sanitizing pouch adapted to sanitize a delivery device of the product delivery system coupled to the probe.  
           [0017]    Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sanitizing pouch according to a first embodiment.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the sanitizing pouch according to the first embodiment.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a product package with a sanitizing pouch attached thereto and a product delivery apparatus.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  are schematic diagrams illustrating a product package with an alternative embodiment of a sanitizing pouch attached thereto.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a product package with a sanitizing pouch attached thereto and example product delivery apparatus.  
         [0023]    FIGS.  6 - 10  are schematic diagrams illustrating a product package with a sanitizing pouch attached thereto and the steps involved in coupling a product delivery apparatus to the product package.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a product package with a sanitizing pouch attached thereto and a sterilized product delivery apparatus sealed in a sterile bag.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sterilized product delivery apparatus sealed in a sterile bag with a patch attached thereto and a product package. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]    The subject matter the applicant regards as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims. The following descriptions are exemplary of preferred embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a sanitizing pouch  1 , according to a first embodiment, shown in a collapsible, accordion design. The sanitizing pouch  1  includes an outer container  4  constructed of any suitable non-permeable material. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the material composition of the outer container  4  depends upon the specific application for the sanitizing pouch  1  and includes such materials as plastic and the like. The outer container  4  defines a pocket  2  containing a sanitizing agent  6  therein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the sanitizing agent  6  contained within pocket  2  depends upon the particular application for the sanitizing pouch  1  and includes such agents as nitrogen, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine solution, or alcohol.  
         [0028]    Furthermore, in certain applications, chemically produced heat may perform the same function as a sanitizing agent  6 . The outer container  4  would include a wall therein dividing the pocket  2  into two separate compartments. Each separate compartment would include a chemical or chemicals that react when combined to produce heat. Thus, upon the rupturing of the wall, the chemicals would combine in a reaction that produces heat sufficient for sanitization.  
         [0029]    The sanitizing pouch  1  may include penetration points  3   a  and  3   b  on opposite ends that may comprise a slit or one or more perforated lines that allow for ease of penetration. An attaching means  5  may be located at one or both ends of the sanitizing pouch  1  to permit the securing of the sanitizing pouch  1  to a product package or to a dispensing device. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many possible means for securing the sanitizing pouch  1  to a product package or dispensing device. Such means include: adherents or adhesives such as glue, sonic welding, threaded fittings, or an integral formation of the sanitizing pouch  1  with a product package.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  illustrate certain alternative preferred embodiments of the sanitizing pouch  1 , where like parts have been referenced with like numerals. Referring to FIG. 4 a , an outer container  4  is a sleeve shaped to accommodate an elongated probe or punch. The sleeve is not necessarily collapsible. Further, the sleeve defines a pocket  2  having a sanitizing agent  6  therein. Referring to in FIG. 4 b , an outer container  4  is a flexible bag suitable to accommodate a truncated probe or punch. The flexible bag defines a pocket  2  having a sanitizing agent  6  therein. The foregoing embodiments for the sanitizing pouch  1  merely represent examples of suitable shapes, sizes, designs, and the like. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many other embodiments having suitable shapes, sizes, designs, and the like, such as for example, a bellows design, balloon design, or a molded jelly sleeve design.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 illustrates the delivery of product from a product package  10 . The product package  10  includes a container  12  with a product  11  disposed therein and a connector  13  suitable for coupling the product package  10  to a dispenser, delivery tube, and the like. The preferred connector  13  provides a snap fit with a dispenser, delivery tube, and the like; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many suitable alternative connectors, such as for example a threaded connector. The sanitizing pouch  1  attaches on the exterior to the product package  10  adjacent to the connector  13  utilizing an attaching means  5  as previously described, which, in the first preferred embodiment, is an adhesive that secures the sanitizing pouch  1  to the product package  10 . Although the sanitizing pouch  1  may be secured to the product package  10  at any time, it is preferably attached thereto during the formation process for the product package  10 .  
         [0032]    The design of the product package  10  depends upon the desired application of the end user and may include many various shapes, sizes and materials, such as plastics, metals, composites, and the like. Flexible material designs for the product package  10  include a pouch, tote, bladder, or bag-in-box design. Rigid material designs for the product package  10  include a can, drum, tank, or barrel. Other designs include plastic devices such as jugs, bottles, or sealed cups. A laminate or a multi-layered synthetic material design is also feasible, once again, depending upon the desired application. FIG. 3 illustrates the product package  10  in a flexible bag configuration.  
         [0033]    To facilitate the delivery of product from the product package  10 , a probe  20  penetrates the sanitizing pouch  1  and the product package  10 . The probe  20  includes a puncturing tip  23  that permits puncturing of the sanitizing pouch  1 , preferably at penetration points  3   a  and  3   b , as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and also the product package  10 , preferably at a sealing lip  14  disposed on the connector  13 . The sealing lip  14  is preferably constructed of a flexible, resilient material such that it conforms to the outer surface of the probe  20  when the probe  20  inserts into the connector  13 . The sealing lip  14  forms a seal around the probe  20  and prevents product leakage or the introduction of contaminates from outside the product package  10 . The probe  20  may include a securing surface  22 , such as tines or detents, which engages the sealing lip  14  to the secure the probe  20  within the connector  13 . After the insertion of the probe  20  into the product package  10 , a suitable delivery device  30  draws product  11  from the product package  10  to a dispenser. A one-way valve  40  compartmentalizes the delivery device  30 , the probe  20 , and the product package  10  by preventing the backflow of the product  11 . The one-way valve  40  therefore precludes the introduction of contaminates into the product package  10  through undesirable exposure of the product  11  to the outside environment. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the location of the one-way valve  40  depends upon the desired configuration for compartmentalization and that multiple one-way valves may be included depending upon the degree of compartmentalization required. Illustratively, the one-way valve  40  may be placed prior to the delivery device  30  or a second one-way valve may be placed prior to the delivery device  30 .  
         [0034]    During the insertion of the probe  20 , the sanitizing agent  6  washes over the probe  20  as the probe  20  passes through the sanitizing pouch  1  prior to the probe  20  penetrating the product package  10 , thereby sanitizing the probe  20  to prohibit the probe  20  from introducing contaminates into the product package  10 . The probe  20  may include apertures  24   a - d  that serve to release air captured in the probe  20  as it enters the sanitizing pouch  1 . The apertures  24   a - d  further aid in dispersing the sanitizing agent  6  onto the exterior of the probe  20 , thereby sanitizing the exterior of the probe  20  as well. After the probe  20  passes through the sanitizing pouch  1 , the puncturing tip  23  contacts the product package  10  to permit the penetrating of the product package  10  by the probe  20 . The probe  20  passes through the exterior of the product package  10  and engages the connector  13  to couple the probe  20  with the product package  10 . The sanitizing agent  6  in washing over the probe  20  while it punctures the product package  10  encapsulates the probe  20  to prevent the exposure of the product  11  to the surrounding air as the probe  20  enters and couples with the product package  10 .  
         [0035]    With the probe  20  coupled to the product package  10 , the sanitizing agent  6  travels into the delivery device  30 . Thus, upon the activation of the delivery device  30 , the sanitizing agent  6  passes through the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40 , thereby sanitizing the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40  to prevent the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40  from introducing contaminates into the product package  10 . After the sanitizing of the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40 , the one-way valve  40  precludes the introduction of contaminates through backflow prevention as previously described. In employing the sanitizing pouch  1 , it should be understood that a certain amount of initial product  11  is used to flush the sanitizing agent  6  through the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40 , which requires the disposal of that initial amount of product  11 . Once the probe  20  has been inserted into product package  10  and the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40  flushed, the delivery device  30  when activated draws the product  11  from the product package  10  and delivers the product  111  to a dispenser, delivery tube, and the like for dispensing into a suitable container.  
         [0036]    The inclusion of a sanitizing pouch  1  on a product package  10  solves the problem associated with the use of sterile packaging, which permits the product package  10  to be large in size. Essentially, the buffering provided to a product  11  by a sanitizing agent  6  as well as the sanitizing of a probe  20 , a delivery device  30 , and a one-way valve  40  prevents the introduction of contaminates into a product package  10 . Further, a one-way valve  40  prevents product  111  within a probe  20  and a delivery device  30  from being exposed to the outside environment, which again prevents the introduction of contaminates into a product package  10 . Accordingly, a sanitizing pouch  1  provides an opened product package  10  with substantially the same shelf life as an unopened product package  10 .  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 illustrates example embodiments for the delivery device  30 . In a first embodiment, the delivery device  30  may be a reciprocating piston pump  30   a . In a second embodiment, the delivery device  30  may be a manual suction pump  30   b , such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,826. In a third embodiment, the delivery device  30  may be a peristaltic pump. Although the present invention has been disclosed as including a delivery device  30  between the product package  10  and the one-way valve  40 , those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a delivery device may be included at any point in a dispenser system sufficient to facilitate delivery of product from the product package  10 . Illustratively, the product package  10  could be pressurized to facilitate product delivery or could include a piston to force product from the product package  10 . Accordingly, a probe and one-way valve would be included separate from the delivery device as illustrated in FIG. 5 and referenced with numeral  30   d.    
         [0038]    In order to aid in the understanding of the present invention, the operation of a reciprocating piston pump  31  as the delivery device  30  is disclosed herein with reference to FIGS.  6 - 10 . The reciprocating piston pump  31  is suitable to pump either pre-mixed or stand alone products or post-mix products formed from concentrates. For post-mix products formed from concentrates, the reciprocating piston pump  31  would attach to a mixing chamber including a port that connects to a diluent source (e.g., water). The reciprocating piston pump  31  would thus pump product concentrate into the mixing chamber for combination with the diluent to form a final product.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 6 illustrates a starting position, or a first step, of a sanitizing process for a probe  20 ; a delivery device  30 , which is a reciprocating piston pump  31  in this particular application; one-way valve  40 ; and associated lines. A product package  10  contains a container  12 , a product  11 , and a connector  13 , which is a receptor designed to receive, secure and stabilize the probe  20  as previously described with reference to FIG. 3. The connector  13  further prevents the container  12  from collapsing around the probe  20  when the reciprocating piston pump  31  creates a vacuum in the container  12 , which could result in the restriction of product flow from the product package  10 . A sanitizing pouch  1  containing a sanitizing agent  6  within a pocket  2  is secured to the product package  10  as previously described with reference to FIGS.  1 - 3 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 7 illustrates a second step of the sanitizing process, whereby a puncturing tip  23  of the probe  20  punctures through one penetration point  3   a  of the sanitizing pouch  1  to allow the probe  20  to enter the pocket  2  and contact the sanitizing agent  6 . The probe  20  may include apertures  24   a - d  that serve to release air captured in the probe  20  as it enters the sanitizing pouch  1 . The apertures  24   a - d  further aid in dispersing the sanitizing agent  6  onto the exterior of the probe  20 , thereby sanitizing the exterior of the probe  20  as well. The sanitizing agent  6  sanitizes the interior and exterior of the probe  20  and flows into the reciprocating piston pump  31  via the probe  20 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 8 illustrates a third step of the sanitizing process, whereby, when the probe  20  reaches the opposite end of the sanitizing pouch  1 , the puncturing tip  23  punctures the second penetration point  3   b  and also penetrates the product package  10 . The probe  20  passes through a sealing lip  14  on the connector  13  and couples with the connector  13  as previously described with reference to FIG. 3. The sanitizing agent  6  in washing over the probe  20  while it punctures the product package  10  encapsulates the probe  20  to prevent the exposure of the product  11  to the surrounding air as the probe  20  enters and couples with the product package  10 . The diameters of the penetration points  3   a  and  3   b  are such that when the probe  20  enters the sanitizing pouch  1  there is no exterior leakage through the breech. Further, the sanitizing pouch  1 , which is the first embodiment of a collapsible accordion design, collapses as a pump casing  32  of the reciprocating pump  31  applies pressure to the end opposite from the product package  10 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth step of the sanitizing process, whereby a securing surface  22 , such as one or more tines or detents, displaces resilient material of the sealing lip  14  as the probe  20  enters product the product package  10 . When the resilient material of the sealing lip  14  reshapes to form an airtight seal around the outer surface of the probe  20 , the securing surface  22  seats on the interior surface of the sealing lip  14 , thereby preventing the removal of the probe  20 . With the probe coupled with the connector  13 , product  11  can begin to flow through the probe  20  and into the reciprocating piston pump  31  for dispensing into a suitable container.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 10 illustrates a final step of the sanitizing process, whereby, upon the activation of the reciprocating piston pump  31 , the sanitizing agent  6  passes through the reciprocating piston pump  31  and the one-way valve  40 , thereby sanitizing the reciprocating piston pump  31  and the one-way valve  40  to prevent the reciprocating piston pump  31  and the one-way valve  40  from introducing contaminates into the product package  10 . After the sanitizing of the reciprocating piston pump  31  and the one-way valve  40 , the one-way valve  40  precludes the introduction of contaminates through backflow prevention as previously described with reference to FIG. 3. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the location of the one-way valve  40  depends upon the desired configuration for compartmentalization and that multiple one-way valves may be included depending upon the degree of compartmentalization required. Illustratively, the one-way valve  40  may be placed prior to the reciprocating piston pump  31  or a second one-way valve may be placed prior to the reciprocating piston pump  31 .  
         [0044]    In employing the sanitizing pouch  1 , it should be understood that a certain amount of initial product  11  is used to flush the sanitizing agent  6  through the reciprocating piston pump  31  and the one-way valve  40 , which requires the disposal of that initial amount of product  11 . After the flushing of the reciprocating piston pump  31  and the one-way valve  40 , the reciprocating piston pump  31  when activated draws the product  11  from the product package  10  and delivers the product  11  to a dispenser for dispensing into a suitable container.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a product package  10  with a sanitizing pouch  1  attached thereto and a sterilized a probe  20 , a delivery device  30 , one-way valves  40 , and associated lines sealed in a bag  50 . The probe  20 , the delivery device  30 , the one-way valve  40 , and the associated lines are sealed in the bag  50  and sterilized using any of several well-known sterilization techniques, such as irradiation. This ensures the probe  20 , the delivery device  30 , the one-way valve  40 , and the associated lines do not introduce contaminates into the product package  10  upon coupling thereto. Nevertheless, although the probe  20 , the delivery device  30 , the one-way valve  40 , the associated lines, and the interior of the bag  50  are sterile, the exterior of the bag  50  is not and could introduce contaminates onto the probe  20  as the probe  20  inserts into the product package  10 . Accordingly, the product package  10  includes a sanitizing pouch  1  attached thereto, which in this instance is a flexible bag  55  containing a sanitizing agent  6  within a pocket  2  as previously shown and described with reference to FIG. 4 b.    
         [0046]    Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the bag  50  may include a patch  55  or patches adhesively secured thereto. The patch  55  is impregnated with the sanitizing agent  6  and the adhesive securing the patch  55  to the bag  50  is also formulated from or includes the sanitizing agent  6 . Furthermore, the patch  55  includes an adhesive on the side opposite the bag  50  that is also formulated from or includes the sanitizing agent  6 . The patch  55  accordingly includes a cover  56  that protects the patch  55  and the adhesive from contamination. Although the patch  55  is disclosed as secured to the bag  50 , those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the patch  55  may be secured to the product package  10 .  
         [0047]    The bag  50  is placed adjacent the sanitizing pouch  1 , and a puncturing tip  23  of the probe  20  punctures through the bag  50  and the sanitizing pouch  1  to allow the probe  20  to enter the pocket  2  and contact the sanitizing agent  6 . Alternatively, the cover  56  is removed from the patch  55 , and the bag  50  is secured adjacent the container  12  so that a puncturing tip  23  of the probe  20  punctures through the bag  50  and the patch  55  to contact the sanitizing agent  6  of the patch  55 . The sanitizing agent  6  flows into the probe  20  and also along the exterior of the bag  50  to sanitize both the probe  20  and the exterior of the bag  50 . The probe  20  may include apertures  24   a - d  that serve to release air captured in the probe  20  as it enters the sanitizing pouch  1 . The apertures  24   a - d  further aid in dispersing the sanitizing agent  6  onto the exterior of the probe  20 , thereby sanitizing the exterior of the probe  20  as well. The sanitizing agent  6  further flows into the delivery device  30  via the probe  20 .  
         [0048]    When the probe  20  reaches the opposite end of the sanitizing pouch  1 , the puncturing tip  23  exits the sanitizing pouch  1  and punctures the product package  10 . The probe  20  passes through a sealing lip  14  on a connector  13  and couples with the connector  13  as previously described with reference to FIG. 3. With the probe coupled with the connector  13 , product  11  can begin to flow through the probe  20  and into the delivery device  30  for dispensing into a suitable container.  
         [0049]    Upon the activation of the delivery device  30 , the sanitizing agent  6  passes through the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40 , thereby sanitizing the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40  to prevent the reciprocating piston pump  31  and the one-way valve  40  from introducing contaminates into the product package  10 . After the sanitizing of the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40 , the one-way valve  40  precludes the introduction of contaminates through backflow prevention as previously described with reference to FIG. 3. In employing the sanitizing pouch  1 , it should be understood that a certain amount of initial product  11  is used to flush the sanitizing agent  6  through the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40 , which requires the disposal of that initial amount of product  11 . After the flushing of the delivery device  30  and the one-way valve  40 , the delivery device  30  when activated draws the product  11  from the product package  10  and delivers the product  11  to a dispenser for dispensing into a suitable container.  
         [0050]    Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing embodiments, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.