Patent Publication Number: US-7914219-B2

Title: Apparatus and method for moving a cover

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for moving a cover. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for moving a cover using a set of flexible bands. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Covers may be used to partially or completely conceal components of various devices. Covers may also provide functionality to the device to which the cover is associated. In many cases, the cover is coupled to the device to which the cover is associated. For example, a cover may be a hood that is coupled to the exterior of an automobile. In this example, the hood may both conceal components of the automobile, such as the engine and radiator, and provide protection for those same components. 
     Many types of printers, such as point of sale printers, use covers to conceal printer components or to provide functionality for the printer. In one specific example, covers may be used to conceal one or more compartments of a printer, such as a compartment used to store paper that is used by the printer. In another example, a cover may both conceal printer components and provide functionality for the printer, such as acting as a paper feed tray. 
     Many printer covers are able to move relative to the printer. For example, a printer may include a lid that is pivotably attached to the printer. In this example, the lid may be lifted into an open position relative to an axis located at the pivot point such that a compartment, such as a paper supply compartment, is exposed when the cover is lifted. 
     Covers on point of sale printers may be particularly susceptible to abuse by users. Point of sale printers are often utilized in fast-paced environments, such as retail stores and other transaction centers. Thus, components associated with the point of sale printer, including covers, touch displays, and keyboards may experience excessive amounts of wear and tear. This problem is compounded for printer components or compartments that require access, such as hinged covers that must be opened to replenish paper for the printer. 
     One current method for opening a cover in a point of sale printer uses an assist spring that provides only an upward, or opening, force on the cover. This method often also includes a limiting mechanism that prevents the cover from begin opened past a certain point. However, the assist force provided by the springs in this current method expose the limiting mechanism to excessive wear. The limiting mechanism may be further subject to wear when a user, such as a sales associate or customer, provides additional force to the cover beyond that provided by the springs. 
     Another currently used method for opening a cover or pivotable component for any device is a “lock knee” system. In a lock knee system, two rigid rods, connected by a pivot point, may be used to support the cover or pivotable component. The cover or pivotable component may be moved into a closed position by pushing the pivot point, thereby allowing the two rigid rods to swing closer to one another about an axis defined by the pivot point. However, this current method also presents a pinching hazard and may be easily damaged, especially in an abusive environment, such as that experienced by point of sale printers. 
     Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved method and apparatus to move a cover that overcomes some or all above described problems as well as possibly other problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for moving a cover. The apparatus includes a base. The apparatus also includes a cover pivotably coupled to the base. The apparatus also includes a set of flexible bands. A first end of each of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the cover. A second end of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the base. The set of flexible bands are adapted to bias the cover into an open position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a data processing system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a printer in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a process for moving a cover in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this illustrative example, data processing system  100  includes communications fabric  102 , which provides communications between processor unit  104 , memory  106 , persistent storage  108 , communications unit  110 , input/output (I/O) unit  112 , display  114 , and printer  115 . 
     Processor unit  104  serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory  106 . Processor unit  104  may be a set of one or more processors or may be a multi-processor core, depending on the particular implementation. Further, processor unit  104  may be implemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, processor unit  104  may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type. 
     Memory  106 , in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory. Persistent storage  108  may take various forms depending on the particular implementation. For example, persistent storage  108  may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage  108  may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage  108  also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage  108 . 
     Communications unit  110 , in these examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit  110  is a network interface card. Communications unit  110  may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links. 
     Input/output unit  112  allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system  100 . For example, input/output unit  112  may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard and mouse. Further, input/output unit  112  may send output to printer  115 . Display  114  provides a mechanism to display information to a user. 
     Instructions for the operating system and applications or programs are located on persistent storage  108 . These instructions may be loaded into memory  106  for execution by processor unit  104 . The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit  104  using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory  106 . These instructions are referred to as, program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit  104 . The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or tangible computer readable media, such as memory  106  or persistent storage  108 . In one embodiment, the program code relates to printing a receipt on printer  115  for transactions that occurs at a point of sale. 
     Printer  115  may be used to print any type of document. Instructions may be sent to printer  115  on communications fabric  102  to provide printer  115  with a set of parameters relating to the printing of one or more documents. These parameters may contain, for example, data that should be printed on a receipt to be printed by printer  115  at a point of sale. Also, because printer  115  is compatible with a variety of different operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows or Unix, instructions may be sent to printer  115  regardless of the operating system executing on data processing system  100 . Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. Printer  115  may be connected to one or more of the other components of  FIG. 1  via a direct connection, such as a bus, or over a network, such as the Internet. 
     Program code  116  is located in a functional form on computer readable media  118  and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system  100  for execution by processor unit  104 . Program code  116  and computer readable media  118  form computer program product  120  in these examples. 
     The different components illustrated for data processing system  100  are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for data processing system  100 . Other components shown in  FIG. 1  can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram of a printer is depicted in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Printer  200  is a non-limiting example of printer  115  in  FIG. 1 . In this illustrative example, printer  200  may be any type of printer, such as a thermal printer, toner-based printer, liquid inkjet printer, solid ink printer, dye-sublimation printer, inkless printer, impact printer, daisy wheel printer, dot-matrix printer, line printer, or a pen-based plotter. Printer  200  may be used in any type of application, such as a point of sale printer, an office printer, or a home-use printer. A point of sale printer is sometimes referred to as a fiscal printer. 
     Printer  200  includes paper supply unit  205 . Paper supply unit  205  holds printable media that is used by printer  200  to print documents. The printable media in paper supply unit  205  may take a variety of forms, such as a roll of printable media or a stack of pre-cut sheets of printable media. The printable media may be made of any material that is capable of being printed on by printer  200 , such as paper or heat-sensitive material. 
     Printer  200  includes print module  210 . Print module  210  is the hardware in printer  200  that prints on the printable media to create a document. For example, print module  210  may apply ink to a paper in paper supply unit  205  using a toner. In another example, print module  210  uses thermal-printing techniques by selectively heating portions of a roll of heat-sensitive paper in paper supply unit  205 . In another example, print module  210  applies ink to one or more sheets of pre-cut paper in paper supply unit  205 . 
     Documents created in print module  210  exit printer  200  at document tray  215 . The documents at document tray  215  may be retrieved by a user or by another device for processing. 
     Printer  200  includes input/output interface  220 . Input/output interface  220  is an interface between printer  200  and any external devices. Input/output interface  220  may be, for example, one or more ports into which a detachable storage device may be received. Input/output interface  220  may also be a connection port into which a computer, point of sale device, cash register, or any other data processing system is connected. For example, printer  200  may be connected to one or more of the components of printer  200  via input/output interface  220 . 
     Data received at input/output interface  220  may be sent to other components of printer  200  and used in the creation of documents. For example, transaction information may be sent to printer  200  at input/output interface  220  from a point of sale device so that a receipt may be printed using a roll of heat-sensitive paper in paper supply unit  205 . This data may be buffered or otherwise stored in storage unit  225 . Storage unit  225  may be random access memory, a hard drive, or detachment forms of memory. 
     Printer  200  also includes user interface  230 . User interface  230  includes any controls that allow a user to adjust settings for printer  200 . For example, user interface  230  may include controls that allow a user to select a type of paper in paper supply unit  205  to be used to create a document. User interface  230  may also include a control, such as a button or knob, which opens the cover of printer  200 . The cover may enclose the paper in paper supply unit  205 . Alternatively, user interface  230  may be displayed on a graphical user interface of data processing system that is connected to printer  200  via input/output interface  220 . 
     Printer  200  also has exterior  235 . Exterior  235  may be any material located at the outer portions of printer  200 . For example, exterior  235  may be one or more plastic components that cover the inner components of printer  200 . Exterior  235  includes cover  240 . Cover  240  may be used to conceal any portion of printer  200  or may provide functionality for printer  200 . For example, cover  240  may be a lid that covers paper supply unit  205 . Although cover  240  is shown as part of exterior  235 , cover  240  may be located anywhere in printer  200 , including the inner components of printer  200 . 
     The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for moving a cover. The apparatus includes a base. A base is any device onto which a cover may be attached. The apparatus also includes a cover pivotably coupled to the base. As used herein, the term “coupled” includes coupling via a separate object. For example, the cover may be coupled to the base if both the cover and the base are coupled to a third object. The term “coupled” also includes “directly coupled,” in which case the two objects touch each other in some way. The term “coupled” also encompasses two or more components that are continuous with one another by virtue of each of the components being formed from the same piece of material. 
     The apparatus in the illustrative embodiments also includes a set of flexible bands. The set of flexible bands includes one or more flexible bands. In one illustrative embodiment, the set of flexible bands are a set of helical springs. 
     A first end of each of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the cover. In one example, the first end of each of the set of flexible bands is pivotably coupled to the cover at a set of first points. A second end of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the base. In one example, the second end of the set of flexible bands is pivotably coupled to the base at a set of second points. The set of flexible bands are adapted to bias the cover into an open position. 
     In one illustrative embodiment, the base is a printer, such as a point of sale printer. In this embodiment, the cover may be a printer cover. In one example, the set of flexible bands urge or bias the printer cover into the open position when the printer cover is opened by a user. In another example, the printer cover may be opened by the user using a button on the point of sale printer. 
     In still another embodiment, the set of flexible bands are elongated when the cover is in the open position. The apparatus may also include a set of buckling members. The set of buckling members includes one or more buckling members. In one embodiment, the set of buckling members prevents straightening of the set of flexible bands when the set of flexible bands are elongated. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 3  shows printer  300 , which includes cover  305  in an open position. Printer  300  is a non-limiting example of printer  115  in  FIG. 1  and printer  200  in  FIG. 2 . In one non-limiting embodiment, printer  300  is a fiscal printer. 
     Cover  305  is pivotably coupled to printer base  307 . The pivotable coupling at which cover  305  is pivotably coupled to printer base  307  is located at the rear of printer  300 , as indicated by rear arrow  308 . Cover  305  opens and closes by moving in a direction indicated by double arrow  309 . 
     Cover  305  covers a paper supply unit, such as paper supply unit  205  in  FIG. 2 , in which paper used by printer  300  is stored. However, cover  305  may be used to cover any portion of printer  300 , and may provide functionality for printer  300 . For example, in  FIG. 3 , the exterior portion of cover  305  also functions as a document tray, such as document tray  215  in  FIG. 2 . 
     Although cover  305  is shown in  FIG. 3  to be pivotably coupled to printer base  307  at the rear of printer  300 , cover  305  may be coupled to printer base  307  at any location on printer  300 . For example, cover  305  may be coupled to printer base  307  at the front, sides, or bottom of printer base  307 . Also, cover  305  may be an internal cover that covers internal components of printer  300 . In this example, cover  305  may not be visible to a user that is viewing the exterior of printer  300 . 
     Printer  300  includes flexible bands that are coupled to cover  305  and printer base  307 . In  FIG. 3 , these flexible bands are shown as helical springs  310  and  315 . Although the flexible bands are shown as helical springs  310  and  315  in  FIG. 3 , the flexible bands may be any material that exhibits flexibility. For example, the flexible bands may be composed of rubber, plastic, or metal. 
     In particular, helical springs  310  and  315  may be composed of a variety of materials. For example, helical springs  310  and  315  may be composed of hardened steel, rubber, plastic, non-ferrous metals, or bronze. Any type of metal may be used in helical springs  310  and  315 . Other types of springs may also be substituted for helical springs  310  and  315 . For example, a conical spring, spiral spring, torsion spring, or gas spring may also be substituted for helical springs  310  and  315 . 
     End  317  of helical spring  310  is pivotably coupled to cover  305  at point  319 . Similarly, end  321  of helical spring  310  is pivotably coupled to printer base  307  at point  323 . Points  319  and  323  may be located at any point along cover  305  and printer base  307 , respectively. Although points  319  and  323  are shown approximately equidistant from the pivot point between cover  305  and printer base  307 , points  319  and  323  may be located at respective distances from the pivot point between cover  305  and printer base  307  that are different from one another. 
     Helical spring  315  is coupled to cover  305  and printer base  307  in a similar manner as helical spring  310 , although the points at which helical spring  315  is coupled to cover  305  and printer base  307  are not shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Helical springs  310  and  315  bias or urge cover  305  into an open position. An urge is any exertion of force. In  FIG. 3 , cover  305  is shown in an open position. When cover  305  is in an open position, helical springs  310  and  315  are elongated. The tendency of helical springs to elongate provides a force that biases cover  305  into an open position. As cover  305  opens, the distance between ends  317  and  321  increases. In a similar manner, as cover  305  opens, the distance between points  319  and  323  increases. 
     Helical springs  310  and  315  may move cover  305  into an open position upon receiving any indication from a user. An indication is any signal, data, input, or physical stimuli. A non-limiting example of such an indication includes physical contact between cover  305  and the user. In this example, the user may exert an upward force on cover  305 . This upward force may have any magnitude. 
     Another non-limiting example of such an indication includes the pushing of a button on printer  300 . In  FIG. 3 , helical springs  310  and  315  may bias cover  305  into an open position when a user pushes button  325 . In one example, the pushing of button  325  may release a latch or other mechanism that keeps cover  305  in a closed position. 
     While cover  305  is in an open position, a force may be exerted on cover  305  in the direction indicated by arrow  327 . Because helical springs  310  and  315  may be stretched in a longitudinal direction, cover  305  may move in the direction indicated by arrow  327  without causing damage to a stopping device or helical springs  310  and  315 . Once the force causing the stretching of helical springs  310  and  315  is removed, cover  305  may then return to an original open position, such as the open position illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Thus, helical springs  310  and  315  may bias cover  305  back into the open position when cover  305  is moved beyond the open position. The force that biases cover  305  back into the open position may be an extension force caused by helical springs  310  and  315  that results from the stretching of helical springs  310  and  315 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 4  shows printer  400 , which includes cover  405  in a closed position. Printer  400  is a non-limiting example of printer  115  in  FIG. 1 , printer  200  in  FIG. 2 , and printer  300  in  FIG. 3 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , cover  405  has been moved into a closed position by moving a cover in an open position, such as cover  305  in  FIG. 3 , in the direction indicated by arrow  411 . The distance between ends  417  and  421  of helical spring  410  decreases as cover  405  closes. Similarly, the distance between ends  419  and  423  of helical spring  410  decreases as cover  405  closes. 
     When cover  405  is in an open position, a resisting force caused by helical springs  410  and  415  resists a closing force along arrow  411 . The resisting force may also be called a detent force. This closing force may be caused by any source, such as gravity or a user. The closing force must overcome the resisting force in order for cover  405  to be closed. 
     The resisting force caused by helical springs  410  and  415  may help to prevent cover  405  from being closed inadvertently. Also, in order for the resisting force to be overcome, some buckling in helical springs  410  and  415  may be required. The buckling of helical springs  410  and  415  will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 5  shows cover moving system  500 , which includes cover  505  and base  507 . The cover moving system shown for printers  300  and  400  in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively, are examples of cover moving system  500 . Cover moving system  500  may be used in any device having a pivotable or hingable component. Non-limiting examples of such devices include a printer, automobile, airplane, toy, point of sale devices, laptop, handheld device, or any device with moving parts. 
     In  FIG. 5 , cover  505  is shown in an open position. Cover  505  may be closed by moving cover  505  in a direction indicated by arrow  509 . As discussed with respect to  FIG. 4 , a resisting force is caused by helical springs  510  and  515 . The resisting force resists the closure of cover  505 . The resisting force increases as helical springs  510  and  515  become straighter. The resisting force also maintains cover  505  in an open position. 
     In one embodiment, due to this resisting force, helical springs  510  and  515  are bent in order to facilitate the closing of cover  505 . In  FIG. 5 , user  520 , in closing cover  505  into a closed position, bends helical springs  510  and  515  into a position indicated by bent position indication line  525 . In this embodiment, bending either or both of helical springs  510  and  515  may lessen the resisting force maintaining cover  505  in an open position, thereby allowing user  520  to close cover  505 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 6  shows cover moving system  600 , which includes cover  605  and base  607 . Cover moving system  600  is non-limiting example of cover moving system  500  in  FIG. 5 . 
     Cover moving system  600  includes buckling members  670  and  675 . Buckling members  670  and  675  prevent the straightening of helical springs  610  and  615  when cover  605  is in an open position or when helical springs  610  and  615  are elongated. In one example, buckling members  670  and  675  are coupled to base  607 . Bucking member may be made of any material, such as metal, plastic, rubber, wood, or any other material having sufficient rigidity to prevent straightening of helical springs  610  and  615 . Also, although buckling members  670  and  675  are shown to have a circular cross-section, buckling members  670  and  675  may have any cross-sectional shape, such as polygonal or elliptical. 
     In particular, buckling members  670  and  675  provide a bending force that bends helical springs  610  and  615  in a direction indicated by arrow  680 . Cover  605  may be closed by moving cover  605  in a direction indicated by arrow  609 . A resisting force is caused by helical springs  610  and  615 . The resisting force increases as helical springs  610  and  615  become straighter. The resisting force maintains cover  605  in an open position. 
     The bending force, caused by buckling members  670  and  675 , which bends helical springs  610  and  615  in a direction indicated by arrow  680 , may lessen the resisting force maintaining cover  605  in an open position. By lessening the resisting force caused by helical springs  610  and  615 , the closing of cover  605  by a user is facilitated. 
     In one embodiment, a force required to close cover  605  into a closed position decreases as a curvature in helical springs  610  and  615  increases. In this embodiment, the curvature is determined by the position of buckling members  670  and  675 . For example, as the position of buckling members  670  and  675  moves in the direction indicated by arrow  680 , an increased curvature is caused in helical springs  610  and  615 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , an illustration of an apparatus for moving a cover is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 7  shows cover moving system  700 , which is a non-limiting example of cover moving system  600  in  FIG. 6 . 
     In cover moving system  700 , the longitudinal axis of helical spring  710  is offset from the center of pivot points  719  and  723  by offsets  793  and  794 . Helical spring ends  717  and  721  may be springs that are contiguous or part of helical spring  710 . Helical spring ends  717  and  721  may also be rigid members that are less flexible than helical spring  710 . 
     Offsetting helical spring ends  717  and  721  causes bending moments  795  and  796  to be applied to helical spring  710  when a closing force is applied to either or both of cover  705  or base  707  in the direction indicated by arrows  709 . In  FIG. 7 , bending moments  795  and  796  occur around pivot points  719  and  723 , respectively. Bending moments  795  and  796  may occur even when helical spring  710  is in a straightened position. Bending moments  795  and  796  lessen the resisting force maintaining cover  705  in an open position and facilitates the closure of cover  705  by a user. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , a flowchart illustrating a process for moving a cover is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 8  may be implemented by a cover moving system, such as those shown in  FIG. 3 through 7 . 
     The process begins by receiving an indication to open a cover that is coupled to a base (step  805 ). For example, the indication may be from a user or an external device. The process opens the cover using a set of flexible bands, such as a set of helical springs (step  810 ). 
     The process then determines whether to close the cover (step  815 ). If the process determines not to close the cover, the process then terminates. 
     If the process determines to close the cover, then the process determines whether the flexible bands, such as the helical springs, are bent by buckling members (step  820 ). If the process determines that the flexible bands are bent by buckling members, then the cover closes (step  825 ). 
     If the process determines that the flexible bands are not bent by buckling members, then the flexible bands are manually bent (step  830 ). The cover is then closed (step  835 ). The process then terminates. 
     The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for moving a cover. The apparatus includes a base. The apparatus also includes a cover pivotably coupled to the base. 
     The apparatus also includes a set of flexible bands. In one embodiment, the set of flexible bands are a set of helical springs. 
     A first end of each of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the cover. In one example, the first end of each of the set of flexible bands is pivotably coupled to the cover at a set of first points. A second end of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the base. In one example, the second end of the set of flexible bands is pivotably coupled to the base at a set of second points. The set of flexible bands are adapted to bias or urge the cover into an open position. 
     In one embodiment, the base is a printer, such as a point of sale printer. In this embodiment, the cover may be a printer cover. In one example, the set of flexible bands bias or urge the printer cover into the open position when the printer cover is opened by a user. In another example, the printer cover is opened by the user using a button on the point of sale printer. 
     In another embodiment, the set of flexible bands are elongated when the cover is in the open position. The apparatus may also include a set of buckling members. In one embodiment, the set of buckling members prevents straightening of the set of flexible bands when the set of flexible bands are elongated. 
     The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a force to open a cover and act as an open limiting mechanism. The illustrative embodiments also provide a detent force that maintains the open position of the cover. The force caused by a set of flexible bands to open the cover may be nearly constant regardless of the position of the cover. The flexible bands are more resilient to wear than traditional lock knee systems, and also offer a cover movement limiting function that reduces or eliminates wear on open limiting mechanisms. 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus and methods. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified function or functions. In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. 
     The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.