Abstract:
A home buying mobile application program and system as used to connect sellers and buyers without the use of a realtor. The home buying mobile application (also known as “HomeSurf”) enables sellers and buyers to communicate with each other via instant messaging (rather than email or exchanging voicemails) to effortlessly conduct real estate transactions, arrange showings, exchange information, and the like.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of mobile applications and more specifically relates to a home buying mobile application that connects sellers and buyers without the use of a realtor. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    Buying and selling transactions, particularly those involving substantial assets such as real estate transactions, are typically very complicated and time consuming. There is an entire industry of real estate professionals that derive income from real estate transactions, including agents, attorneys, insurers, and the like. Inclusion of any human resources may add significant expense, delay and complexity to transactions. 
         [0004]    Home buying typically involves significant investigative steps on the part of a potential home buyer. The buyer may browse listings on the internet or in printed publications such as newspapers and real estate magazines to find properties the buyer is interested in. The buyer may rely on advertisements to determine which properties are for sale. The buyer may also contact a real estate agent to be shown properties that may be of interest to the buyer. 
         [0005]    A realtor is typically used to facilitate selling and buying a home. The REALTOR® will coordinate times for buyers to look at the home and will usually act as an intermediary between the seller and the buyer when bidding on the home. The realtor is typically compensated via a commission when the home is sold. The commission usually amounts to a percentage of the sales price of the home (on average of 3-6%). Depending on the sales price, this can be a lot of money. Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pub. and Pat. No. 9,106,473 to Altberg; U.S. Pat. No. 7,987,117 to Mozley; 2014/0046792 to Ganesan; 2015/0134484 to Dryden; 2012/0041832 to Sheth; and 2002/0178087 to Henderson. This art is representative of mobile applications. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known mobile application art, the present invention provides a novel home buying mobile application system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a home buying mobile application that connects sellers and buyers without the use of a realtor. 
         [0007]    The home buying mobile application system of the present disclosure is designed to make it easier for home buyers and home sellers to sell property without having to spend too much to do so. Specifically, the home buying mobile application serves to eliminate “the middle man” to get a house sold or purchased. Further, the home buying mobile application also reduces time in the process, and having to wait hours and sometimes days before hearing back from a realtor. Also it will not cost the home owner 6% of his/her hard earned equity to sell their house. 
         [0008]    A home buying mobile application system for use on an internet-enabled communication device is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising a mobile application software program having a plurality of home-buyer command prompts, a plurality of home-seller command prompts, at least one home-buyer database, at least one home-seller database, a real-time instant messaging platform, and a secure payment processor. The mobile application software program is functionally defined by the plurality of home-buyer command prompts, the plurality of home-seller command prompts, the at least one home-buyer database, the at least one home-seller database, the real-time instant messaging platform, and the secure payment processor bundled in a downloadable package installable on the internet-enabled communication device. 
         [0009]    The home buying mobile application may further comprise a variable locking mechanism. The mobile application software program is in wireless communication with the variable locking mechanism via the internet-enabled communication device. The variable locking mechanism is useful for locking at least one door of a real estate property for sale by a seller-user. As may be appreciated, a buyer-user is able to communicate with the seller-user in real time via the real-time instant messaging platform of the mobile application software program for purposes of negotiating a sale of the real estate property without requiring a realtor. 
         [0010]    The home buying mobile application system may be sold as a kit. The kit may include the variable locking mechanism in wireless communication with the mobile application software program. The kit may further include installable security and monitoring equipment which may be in wireless communication with the mobile application software program. The kit may further include a set of user installation and use instructions. 
         [0011]    According to another embodiment, a method for using the home buying mobile application is also disclosed herein. The method of using the home buying mobile application system may comprise the steps of: downloading a mobile application software program onto an internet-enabled communication device; installing the mobile application software program onto the internet-enabled communication device; opening the mobile application software program via the internet-enabled communication device; creating a seller-user account by a seller-user and alternatively a buyer-user account by a buyer-user; following various command prompts of the mobile application software program; communicating between the seller-user and the buyer-user; and effectuating a real estate purchase without utilizing a realtor. The method ends with tangible results such as a print off of documents and the like related to the transaction. 
         [0012]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a home buying mobile application. Preferably, a mobile application should provide a home buying mobile application program that connects sellers and buyers without the use of a realtor, and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable home buying mobile application to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
         [0013]    For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present disclosure, home buying mobile application system and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a home buying mobile application system during an ‘in-use’ condition comprising a mobile application software program according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the home buying mobile application system during another ‘in-use’ condition showing a variable locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention of the disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram showing a method of using the mobile application program by a seller-user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram showing a method of using the mobile application program by a buyer-user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the home buying mobile application system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mobile application and more particularly to a home buying mobile application as used to connect sellers and buyers without the use of a realtor. 
         [0022]    Generally speaking, the home buying mobile application of the present invention (also known as “HomeSurf”) enables sellers and buyers to communicate with each other via instant messaging (rather than email or exchanging voicemails). The home buying mobile application also allows buyers who are interested in the same property to see the amount of bids being made in real time, and to place a bid if the buyer is so interested. 
         [0023]    The home buying mobile application is designed to make it as simple as possible for home buyers and sellers to get together and buy and sell property without the use of a realtor. The home buying application may provide everything a buyer needs to buy a property and only a finger tap away. The home buying application may make availability calendars from the seller publishable such that buyers can see, provide listings of local stagers that sellers can choose from if they choose to, listings of local home inspectors that buyers can choose from, listings of banks for financing, listings of appraisers, and the like as tangible results. 
         [0024]    Sellers can be assured that their homes will be secured via an authentication module programmed into the software coding along with a check-in procedure when interested buyers arrive at a home they wish to visit. As part of the system, interested buyers may request to receive a code useful for accessing a smart lock. By way of example, interested buyers may be given a choice of 30 minutes or 45 minutes to view the house. After viewing, the buyer may then check out and the code may automatically reset. Further, there may be a monitoring device installed in the house configured to interact with the mobile application program. The interested buyer viewing the home may have to sign in and out of that monitoring device. The home owner may be able to monitor when the interested buyer arrives and leaves the house via the mobile application program. 
         [0025]    A pledge to users of HomeSurf is to ensure that home sellers keep 98.5% of their hard earned money (or more), and to make the home buying and selling process as simple and easy as possible, and to make it fun and innovative to sell one&#39;s home. 
         [0026]    Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , home buying mobile application system  100  during ‘in-use’ condition  150  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0027]    Generally speaking, mobile application software program  102  may comprise plurality of home-buyer command prompts  110 , plurality of home-seller command prompts  112 , at least one home-buyer database  114 , at least one home-seller database  116 , real-time instant messaging platform  118 , and secure payment processor  120 . Mobile application software program  102  is functionally defined by plurality of home-buyer command prompts  110 , plurality of home-seller command prompts  112 , at least one home-buyer database  114 , at least one home-seller database  116 , real-time instant messaging platform  118 , and secure payment processor  120  bundled in a downloadable package installable on internet-enabled communication device  105 . As may be appreciated, buyer-user  142  is able to communicate with seller-user  140  in real time via real-time instant messaging platform  118  of mobile application software program  102  for purposes of negotiating a sales price of real estate property for sale  205  without requiring a realtor. 
         [0028]    As should be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, internet-enabled communication device  105  may comprise a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and the like. 
         [0029]    In referring now to  FIG. 2  illustrating a perspective view of home buying mobile application system  100  during another ‘in-use’ condition  250  and showing variable locking mechanism  130 . As shown, home buying mobile application system  100  may comprise variable locking mechanism  130  useful for locking and remotely unlocking door  220  of real estate property for sale  205 . Mobile application software program  102  may be in wireless communication with variable locking mechanism  130  via internet-enabled communication device  105 . 
         [0030]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, variable locking mechanism  130  is useful for locking at least one door  220  of real estate property for sale  205  by seller-user  140 . Variable locking mechanism  130  may comprise plurality of random numeric code(s)  210 . Each of random numeric code(s)  210  may be configured to unlock door  220  of real estate property for sale  205  when inputted via numeric control panel  215  of variable locking mechanism  130 . Variable locking mechanism  130  may be configured to transmit one of random numeric code(s)  210  to buyer-user  142  when requested by buyer-user  142  via home-buyer command prompts  110  of mobile application software program  102 . Random numeric code(s)  210  may each comprise a series of random numbers inputtable into numeric control panel  215  of variable locking mechanism  130  by buyer-user  142 . 
         [0031]    With particular reference to variable locking mechanism  130 , it should be noted that random numeric code(s)  210  may be configured to automatically expire upon the occurrence of a pre-programmed event. The pre-programmed event may comprise a time lapse. The time lapse may be 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, or other duration. Further, the pre-programmed event may comprise a cancellation request. The cancellation request may be made by seller-user  140  or by buyer-user  142 . The cancellation request may be made via mobile application software program  102 . 
         [0032]    In continuing to refer to variable locking mechanism  130 , it should be noted that mobile application software program  102  may further comprise an authentication module. The authentication module may be configured to authenticate personal information provided by seller-user  140  or by buyer-user  142 . The personal information may comprise user identification data. User identification data may be in the form of a drivers license, government issued ID, U.S. passport, or the like. User identification data may be useful for establishing the identity of seller-user  140  or by buyer-user  142 . Further, personal information may comprise payment verification data. Payment verification data may comprise credit card information, bank account information, and the like. Further, personal information may comprise real estate ownership verification data. Real estate ownership verification data may be required to be provided by seller-user  140  in order to establish ownership interest in real estate property for sale  205 . This may be useful for preventing fraudulent listings. 
         [0033]    It should further be noted that pre-programmed event may comprise a decline command. The decline command may be determined by pre-programmed clearance parameters of the authentication module of mobile application software program  102 . For example, if buyer-user  142  fails to provide proper authentication of personal data, the authentication module may issue a decline command when buyer-user  142  attempts to request random numeric code  210  via mobile application software program  102 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  depicting seller-user flow diagram  300  which shows a method of using mobile application program  102  by seller-user  140  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, seller-user flow diagram  300  may generally comprise the steps of: downloading and installing mobile application program  102  onto internet-enabled communication device  105  (based on personal preference of seller-user  140 ); creating a seller-user account which may be retrievably-stored on at least one home-seller database; authenticating data provided by seller-user  140  via the authentication module; creating real estate listing(s)  305  representing real estate property for sale  205 ; uploading photos and information to real estate listing(s)  305  pertaining to real estate property for sale  205 ; manually-installing variable locking mechanism  130  to at least one door  220  of real estate property for sale  205 ; and accepting offers from buyer-user  142  via real-time instant messaging platform  118  of mobile application program  102 . It should further be noted that the method of using mobile application program  102  by seller-user according  140  may comprise an optional step of installing security and monitoring equipment  225  around real estate property for sale  205  for security and monitoring purposes. 
         [0035]    As should be further noted, seller-user  140  may choose to only post real estate property for sale  205  on mobile application software program  102  (“HomeSurf”) and do all marketing separately, with the exception of variable locking mechanism  130  and security and monitoring equipment  225  as described herein. In such a situation, most of the steps listed above will be available to buyer-user  142  except for generating random numeric code(s)  210 . 
         [0036]    It should be further noted that a method of business for home buying mobile application system  100  may include offering different packages to seller-user  140 . The various package options may each carry a separate price and separate terms and conditions. 
         [0037]    As part of one package, the method of business for home buying mobile application system  100  may utilize a professional photographer and a professional installation team. The professional photographer may be trained to take photos of real estate property for sale  205  useful for presenting via real estate listing(s)  305 . The professional installation team may be trained to install variable locking mechanism  130  in addition to security and monitoring equipment  225 . Once variable locking mechanism  130  is installed, a technician for the professional installation team may explain to seller-user  140  how variable locking mechanism  130  works and if seller-user  140  has any questions would be able to assist at that time. It should be noted that variable locking mechanism  130  will be installed to help secure real estate property for sale  205  and make viewings modern, friendly, and convenient. 
         [0038]    Further, the professional installation team may post a “FOR SALE” sign on real estate property for sale  205 . The “FOR SALE” sign may comprise a logo or other indicia (for example, “HomeSurf”). Further, the “FOR SALE” sign may comprise a QR code that potential buyers may scan to electronically obtain information about real estate property for sale  205 . 
         [0039]    In addition, the method of business for home buying mobile application system  100  may utilize a registered appraiser. The registered appraiser may appraise real estate property for sale  205  for user-seller  140  in order to give an estimate of how much real estate property for sale  205  is worth and what user-seller  140  may be able to do to increase its value. 
         [0040]    The method of business for home buying mobile application system  100  may further include a professional home stager. Seller-user  140  may be able to choose a home stager provided in a listing via mobile application software program  102 . Alternatively, seller-user  140  is free to select a home stager comfortable to seller-user  140  and independent of home buying mobile application system  100 . 
         [0041]    It should be noted and appreciated that seller-user  140  will be able to monitor all activity relating to real estate listing  305  of real estate property for sale  205  in real time via mobile application software program  102 . For example, seller-user  140  may see how many views of real estate listing(s)  305 . Seller-user  140  may choose to edit information and add new information at any time. Seller-user  140  may choose to have open houses by posting on real estate listing  305 . Of course, seller-user  140  may choose to delete real estate listing  305  at any time. 
         [0042]    When buyer-user  142  selects a time and date for viewing real estate property for sale  205  in person, seller-user  140  may receive a notification in real-time via mobile application software program  102 . Seller-user  140  may be required to answer enquiries made by buyer-user(s)  142  via real-time instant messaging platform  118  in a timely manner. 
         [0043]    When buyer-user  142  arrives to view real estate property for sale  205 , seller-user  140  will be notified the moment buyer-user  142  signs in and out in real time. Variable locking mechanism  130  may be configured to create and update a log of who, when and how many times door  220  was opened. Furthermore, random numeric code(s)  210  of variable locking mechanism  130  may be configured to reset each time buyer-user  142  uses it. Seller-user  140  may also monitor who comes in and out via security and monitoring equipment  225  that have installed. As should be understood by those familiar with the art, security and monitoring equipment  225  may comprise video cameras, microphones, and other imaging and sound capturing hardware. As may be appreciated, seller-user  140  may choose to accept offers made by buyer-user  142 , or make counter offers, via real-time instant messaging platform  118  mobile application software program  102 . Further, seller-user  140  and buyer-user  142  may be able to sign a mutually-agreed-upon offer electronically without requiring a printer. Printers may be used. 
         [0044]    The method of business for home buying mobile application system  100  may include a pricing structure based on the appraisal value of real estate property for sale  205 . If seller-user  140  sells for more than the appraisal value of real estate property for sale  205 , the price will not increase. If seller-user  140  sells for less than the appraisal value of real estate property for sale  205 , the price may be lowered accordingly. Once a transaction is complete, home buying mobile application system  100  may transmit all relevant information to a lawyer or representative based on preference of seller-user  140 . Further, the seller-user account will be deleted from home-seller database  116  of mobile application software program  102 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  depicting buyer-user flow diagram  400  which shows a method of using mobile application program  102  by buyer-user  142  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, buyer-user flow diagram  400  may generally comprise the steps of: downloading and installing mobile application program  102  onto internet-enabled communication device  105  (based on personal preference of buyer-user  142 ); creating a buyer-user account which may be retrievably-stored on at least one home-buyer database; authenticating data provided by buyer-user  142  via the authentication module; browsing plurality of real estate listing(s)  305 ; reviewing real estate listing(s)  305 ; communicating with seller-user  140  via real-time instant messaging platform  118  of mobile application program  102 ; requesting random numeric code  210  via mobile application program  102  for inspecting real estate property for sale  205 ; arriving at real estate property for sale  205  and inputting assigned random numeric code  210  into mobile application program  102  when prompted to unlock variable locking mechanism  130 ; inspecting real estate property for sale  205  and making an offer to seller-user  140  via real-time instant messaging platform  118  of mobile application program  102  (if interested). 
         [0046]    As should be further noted, buyer-user  142  may choose to browse through real estate listing(s)  305  if buyer-user  142  isn&#39;t serious about purchasing at that very moment without creating the buyer-user account. If buyer-user  142  is ready to buy then buyer-user  142  has to create the buyer-user account. Creating the buyer-user account may require entering driver&#39;s license or other State/Federally issued identification of buyer-user  142 , credit card information, providing answers to no less than three security questions, and other identification information as may be updated from time to time by the authentication module of mobile application program  102 . 
         [0047]    After successful registration, buyer-user  142  may then be able to click on real estate listing(s)  305  of interest and may also choose to save real estate listing(s)  305  as “favorites” for easy return access. Each real estate listing(s)  305  may have all relevant information and photos as provided by seller-user  140 . On every real estate listing(s)  305  there may be a plurality of home-buyer command prompts  110  (or options available to buyer-user  140 ). Home-buyer command prompts  110  may comprise options such as: viewing the real estate property for sale  205  in person, making an offer, or interacting with seller-user  140  via real-time instant messaging platform  118  to make further inquiries about real estate property for sale  205 . It should be noted that all home-buyer command prompts  110  are made available on each real estate listing  305  upon successful registration of the seller-user account. 
         [0048]    Once a home inspector arrives at real estate property for sale  205 , the home inspector may be required to “sign in” via mobile application software program  102 . After the inspection is complete, the home inspector may be required to file a report via mobile application software program  102  that will be made available to both buyer-user(s)  142  and seller-user(s)  140 . Again seller-user  140  may be able to monitor everything. 
         [0049]    It should further be noted that buyer-user  142  who happens to be in an area with a HomeSurf sign in front a house, buyer-user  142  may push a button on mobile application software program  102  (geolocation function), scan a QR code on the sign, or take a picture with mobile application software program  102  to get all the info that buyer-user  142  needs about that particular real estate listing  305 . If buyer-user  142  wishes to schedule a viewing, mobile application software program  102  may provide a calendar with dates and time that seller-user  140  has inputted for selection. Once buyer-user  142  selects a date and time, that appointment spot will become “filled” and will appear as unavailable instantly to avoid double bookings. A notification will be sent to seller-user  140  as dates and times are filled. 
         [0050]    When buyer-user  142  arrives at real estate property for sale  205 , buyer-user  142  may be required to check in prior to being given access to an interior of real estate property for sale  205 . Checking in may require buyer-user  142  to answer one of the security questions previously entered when buyer-user  142  created buyer-user account, to ensure the identity of buyer-user  142 . As buyer-user  142  checks in, random numeric code  210  may be transmitted to buyer-user  142  so buyer-user  142  is able unlock door  220  when prompted via mobile application software program  102 . 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, numeric control panel  215  may comprise a function of mobile application software program  102 . In such a manner, random numeric code  210  may be inputted by buyer-user  142  using internet-enabled communication device  105  to unlock variable locking mechanism  130  via mobile application software program  102 . Buyer-user  142  may be given an option of 30 minutes or 45 minutes for viewing real estate property for sale  205 . After the selected time period lapses or once buyer-user  142  walks away from real estate property for sale  205 , variable locking mechanism  130  will automatically lock door  220  real estate property for sale  205 . Further, random numeric code  210  may expire and reset. Advantageously, seller-user  140  may optionally install security and monitoring equipment  225  as a precaution for protection. 
         [0052]    Buyer-user  142  may be able to make an offer at any time. If buyer-user  142  wishes to make an offer, buyer-user  142  will simply follow home-buyer command prompts  110 . The process is designed to be simple and easy. Buyer-user  142  may further select to add your terms and conditions and give seller-user  140  a time period to respond. Buyer-user  142  may be able to sign an agreement digitally and send to seller-user  140  all via mobile application software program  102 . 
         [0053]    Buyer-user  142  may further be able to choose a home inspection. The method of business for home buying mobile application system  100  may include a team of qualified local home inspectors available to inspect real estate property for sale  205 . When a home inspector is finished, the inspector may file a report via mobile application software program  102  that may be made available to seller-user  140  and buyer-user  142 . 
         [0054]    If multiple buyer-users  142  are interested in the same real estate property for sale  205 , and all buyer-users  142  choose to make an offer then each buyer-user  142  will be able to see that there are buyer-users  142  making offers. The amount offered will not be available to other buyer-users  142  unless there isn&#39;t any legal issue with displaying the offer amounts. 
         [0055]    Home buying mobile application system  100  may be sold as a kit comprising the following parts: variable locking mechanism  130  in wireless communication with mobile application software program  102 ; installable security and monitoring equipment  225  in wireless communication with mobile application software program  102 ; and a set of user use and installation instructions. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). 
         [0056]    Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different document delivery combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIG. 5  showing flow diagram  550  illustrating method of use  500  for home buying mobile application system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0058]    As shown, method of use  500  may comprise the steps of: step one  501 , installing mobile application software program  102  onto internet-enabled communication device  105 ; step two  502 , opening mobile application software program  102  via internet-enabled communication device  105 ; creating a seller-user account by seller-user  140  and alternatively a buyer-user account by buyer-user  142 ; step three  503 , following various command prompts of mobile application software program  102 ; step four  504 , communicating between seller-user  140  and buyer-user  142 ; step five  505 , effectuating a real estate purchase of real estate property for sale  205  without utilizing a realtor. 
         [0059]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112 (f). Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0060]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, 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.