Patent Publication Number: US-2022215311-A1

Title: System and method for managing and administering artistic performances

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/134,485, filed Jan. 6, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to the planning, administering, and execution of performing arts performance, including coordinating customers, venue operators, performers/artists, and variable workforce workers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The planning, administration and management, and execution of live performances is a discontinuous process involving many players and contractual relationships. These players, which include artists/performers, managers, venue operators, ticket seller, and customers interact in a complex manner to place customers in the audience, performers on the stage, while ensuring that contracts are executed and managed and transactions. 
     Given the siloed nature of the myriad transactions necessary to effectuate a successful performance, customers, performers, and venue operators often lack the flexibility and transparency to interact at a meaningful level in the management and administration of the performance process. This lack of meaningful participation leaves many venue operators, performers, and customers with a sub-optimal, low value, and low profit experience. 
     To address this problem, the applicant has developed a subscription based, integrated and interactive performing arts management platform to enable the seamless and transparent interaction between venue operators and performers, as well as customers. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention comprises a performing arts management platform (i.e., “the system”) and a method for facilitating the interaction between performers and venue operators to administer and execute performances (i.e., “the method”). 
     In one aspect, the invention provides an electronic performing arts management system for use by a user to manage performances. Here, a user includes a performer and a venue operator. In some embodiments, a user includes a performer, a venue operator, a customer (e.g., someone who visits a venue to watch a performance), and optionally, a ticket seller (e.g., third party jobber). 
     In one embodiment, the system includes a user interface, a database management system, data resources, and a performance venue. Here, the user interface provides a port for the user to input information and receive information related to a performance. In some embodiments, the user interface is a computer, tablet, smart phone, or the like. Here also, the performance venue can be any venue, such as, e.g., a virtual performance venue (on-line or streaming), concert hall, civic center, stadium, theater, amphitheater, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the database management system includes a database, a database engine, a software program (software applications), and a data collection robot. In one embodiment, the database includes a data pool, which can store data in both sequential and non-sequential formats. Here, data is collected and organized in systems from public and proprietary resources. The software applications interact with the user through graphic and menu interfaces, other applications, and the database itself to capture and analyze data. In some embodiments, the system permits applications to define, access, and update data, such as, e.g., through a Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML) combined into a declarative query language of a Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL is the ANSI standard for accessing and manipulating the information stored in relational databases. In some embodiments, the database is a relational database that stores the data in the form of tables and records as structured data that can be further processed for analysis and display. 
     In one embodiment, the system includes an intelligent database that contains data generated by intelligent data collection application robots using artificial intelligence (i.e., intelligent data). In some embodiments, the intelligent data occupies multiple levels (i.e., intelligence levels) within the system, such as, e.g., (1) high level data mining tools that employ artificial intelligence, which manage data quality and discover relevant patterns in the data with a process called data mining and often relies on the use of techniques; (2) a user interface that employs hypermedia in a form that uniformly manages text, images, and numeric data; and (3) the database engine that supports other two layers (i.e., smart data mining and hypermedia user interface) and merges relational database techniques with object orientation. 
     In some embodiments, the data resources include any one or more of (1) ticket purchase information (e.g., date, venue, performer, price, purchaser (customer) personal data, and the like), (2) venue information (e.g., capacity, performance attendance, ticket sales, food and beverage sales, pre-sales, VIP upgrade sales, meet and greet sales, and the like), and (3) media consumption information sorted by location and user personal information. 
     In some embodiments, the media consumption information is derived from or obtained from sources such as, e.g., (1) YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Google Play Music, Idagio, LiveXLive, Pandora, Primephonic, SiriusXM, Spotify, Tidal, and the like, (2) social media user information from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Pinterest, and the like, (3) government data resources including, e.g., U.S. Bureau of the Census, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, FedStats, Current Population Statistics, City and County Business Patterns, and the like, and (4) market radio data for stations, format, listener demographics, and the like. 
     Using these and other data resources, a user can query for any output, such as ticket price and availability, venue size and availability, contract terms, payment information, and the like, using the subject performing arts management platform system. 
     In some embodiments, the software algorithms and applications allow a virtually limitless output of conditional results based on the nature of the query made by the user and the database resources that are accessed. 
     In some embodiments, the performing arts management platform is a subscription system with multiple levels of data access available based on the individual needs of a particular user. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an electronic method for managing and administering performances, from enabling customer ticket purchase, engagement of a venue by a performer, contract execution and management, payment processing and management, advertising, data mining, and executing performances. 
     In one embodiment, an intelligent database collects and processes inter alia customer, performer, and venue data, and develops a direct, accurate and predictive model of performer, venue, and audience behavior. In one embodiment, a database management system, which includes a database, a database engine, a software program, and an AI-driven data collection robot, applies relational aspects of the actual artist (i.e., performer), venue and ticket purchaser actions to the various data sources noted in the above aspect, resulting in highly accurate and detailed models that predict sales, optimize performance scheduling, venue selection, ticket and product pricing and other elements of the live performance industry. 
     The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a graphical representation of a relationship between system elements of an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a graphical representation of a relationship between system elements of an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a graphical representation of a relationship between system elements of an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a graphical representation of a relationship between system elements of an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart depicting interrelated method steps and elements of an embodiment 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart depicting sequential method steps of an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Exhibit A includes information relevant to the present disclosure. 
     Exhibit B includes information relevant to various workflows of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Disclosed is a subscription based, integrated and interactive performing arts management platform system and method. 
     According to a particular embodiment, the performing arts management system (and its concomitant method) (also referred to herein as “PAMS”) is an intuitive dashboard driven system drawing on multiple layers of integrated industry data which is constantly updated with real-time user data from its subscribers. This transformational software redefines and essentially democratizes the live performance industry by connecting performers, managers, venue operators, ticket sellers and buyers, VIP activities, merchandise and other functions on a common fully integrated electronic platform. 
     In some embodiments, the PAMS offers a unified platform on which to manage every aspect of the performing arts business. It integrates multiple data bases, real time algorithms, expressed user preferences, historic data, financial forecasting, logistics, routing, secure financial transactions, ticket sales, as well as merchandise and other licensed products into a single integrated platform across multiple company boundaries. 
     In some embodiments, the PAMS system provides a transparent and integrated platform on which the artist (and/or their management) can plan and manage all business activities allowing tours and performances to be scheduled based on the artist&#39;s unique priorities including detailed venue selection criteria, revenue optimization, demographics, ticket pricing, merchandise sales, food and beverage sales, drive or flight time, start and end locations, venue availability etc., while simultaneously providing the venue operators with data needed to evaluate viability of the artist in their market and, if they choose, schedule the artists performance, evaluate technical riders, enter into contracts, and make financial transactions from initial guarantee and deposits to post show settlements. 
     In some embodiments, the PAMS system connects the artist with every aspect of the performance business. It allows the artist to completely control and plan performing arts tours with maximized routing based on a customized matrix of data selected by the artist which achieves the artist&#39;s goals and objectives. 
     From the venue perspective, some embodiments of the PAMS system enables the venue operator to display available dates, seating capacity, costs, and a matrix of performance related information so that the artists and venue can easily enter into a transaction for performance dates (from on-off fillers to full tours), thereby creating a dynamic and liquid market place in which the performer and the venues can efficiently interact and conduct business directly. Thus, the PAMS system offers the venue operator integrated capabilities which deliver tangible benefits, market insights and advanced analytics to enhance revenue management and fan experience. 
     From the ticket buyer perspective (i.e., the customer), some embodiments of the PAMS system offer maximum opportunity to the customer to obtain premium features, integrated packages (VIP, food and beverage, “meet and greets,” combined lodging travel and meals, and the like), and the opportunity to interact directly with the venue and the artist via all common social media platforms. These direct communication channels also provide the perspective ticket buyer with the opportunity to obtain early notification and other resources commensurate with the ticket buyers&#39; participation level. 
     In some embodiments, the PAMS system engages multiple perspectives and multiple categories of users. Here, PAMS user experiences are defined from each users&#39; point of view: artist, venue, and performance attendee (customer). To address each of these varying needs, the PAMS system has been developed to interact in a seamless and transparent way, thereby allowing operation from the varying perspectives of the user rather than a single top down model. 
     Here also, the PAMS system users are at the center of the business transformation, and business operations are coupled to have a PAMS system user focus. In other words, the PAMS system (and its method of use) addresses processes, technology, and business focus in integrated and targeted channels to fit the needs of the PAMS system user from that unique user perspective. 
     Here also, the PAMS system enables unbroken collaboration across multiple organizations. It is well known in the performance management arts that older technology silos limit information sharing and collaboration. Thus, in one embodiment, the PAMS system enables all users, from their unique user perspective, to work across organization structures and functions to meet the needs unique to each individual user. 
     Here also, the PAMS system provides holistic end to end functionality. For example, in some embodiments, the PAMS system (1) maps user paths and experiences, and (2) integrates every business aspect of the performance industry fundamentally and comprehensively transforming the experience of all users across the performing arts industry. 
     Turing to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the invention provides a system  100  for managing performing arts. Here, a user  110  communicates by way of a user interface  120  with a computer running software  130  that accesses, organizes, and presents data housed in a database  140 . In some embodiments, the user  110  provides data (i.e., user input information) to the database  140 . In some embodiments, the user  110  and third party databases  150  provide data (i.e., user input information) to the database  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the user  110  is any one of a performing arts customer, a performer, a venue operator, a manager, and/or a ticket re-seller. 
     In some embodiments, the user interface  120  includes any one or more of (1) a device with a visual screen and optionally an audio system comprising a microphone and speaker, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop, a server, a computer, a tablet, or the like, (2) a graphic display for presenting text, images, and numeric data to a user, (3) a means for inputting data, and/or (4) hypermedia software. 
     In some embodiments, the user interface  120  displays information such as (1) logistical information including drive or flight time, start and end locations, detailed venue information, scheduling information, and contract information; (2) financial information including fund routing information, contract terms information, deposit information, guarantee information, and post-show settlement information; (3) user preferences; and (4) the like. 
     In some embodiments, the computer running software  130  includes a data collection robot, software algorithms and programs, and a database engine. 
     In some embodiments, the database engine includes data mining tools that employ artificial intelligence, and a user interface that employs hypermedia in a form that uniformly manages text, images, and numeric data, wherein the database engine merges relational database techniques with object orientation. 
     In some embodiments, the software algorithm or program includes (1) one or more algorithms that interact with the database, other applications, and the user interface, (2) a data definition language (DDL), (3) a data manipulation language (DML), and a structured query language (SQL). Here, the program (1) captures and analyzes data, said data comprising user input data and database data, (2) combines the DDL and the DML into SQL declarative language, and (3) houses the data collection robot. 
     In some embodiments, the database  140  includes data resources such as, e.g., ticket purchase information, such as, e.g., price, date, venue, performer, and purchaser personal information; venue information such as, e.g., location, capacity, performance attendance, ticket sales, food and beverage sales, pre-sales, VIP upgrades, meet and greet sales, and merchandise sales; consumed media information such as, e.g., information obtained from one or more music streaming services; social media information, such as, e.g., information obtained from one or more social media services government data, such as, e.g., information obtained from one or more of U.S. Bureau of the Census, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, FedStats, current population statistics, and city and county business patterns; and market radio (or other) data. 
     Here, the consumed media information, social media information, government data, and market radio data is obtained from a third party database  150  in communication with the computer running software  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the database  140  is an intelligent database the includes a relational database, has a sequential format and a non-sequential format, contains data from both public and proprietary resources, and includes structured data in tables and records. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the invention provides a system  200  for managing performing arts, including multiple user/interfaces  210 - 250  and an intelligent database  260 . Here, each user connects to the common intelligent database  260  through an interface and accesses the content of the intelligent database to coordinate activities such as ticket purchase, venue securement, contracting, payments, and the like as those activities relate to performing arts performances and communicate in a democratic/silo free manner to facilitate the performing arts activities. 
     In some embodiments, a customer (ticket purchaser)/customer interface  210 , a performer/performer interface  220 , venue operator/venue operator interface  230 , performer&#39;s manager or agent/agent interface  240 , and ticket jobber/ticket jobber interface  250  communicate with the intelligent database  260  to exchange information related to ticket purchasing, venue arrangement, payment, and other contract management activities to facilitate initiating, managing, administering, and executing a performance at a venue. 
     In some embodiments, the exchanged information includes ticket purchase information (price, date, venue, performer, and purchaser personal information), venue information (location, capacity, performance attendance, ticket sales, food and beverage sales, pre-sales, VIP upgrades, meet and greet sales, and merchandise sales), consumed media information obtained from one or more music streaming services, social media information, government demographic data, and user interface information, including logistical information (drive or flight time, start and end locations, detailed venue information, scheduling information, and contract information), financial information (fund routing information, contract information, deposit information, guarantee information, and post-show settlement information), and user preferences. 
     In some embodiments, the intelligent database  260  includes a database management system and data resources. In one embodiment, the database management system includes a database, a database engine, software (programs and algorithms), and an AI-enabled data collection robot. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the invention provides a performing arts management system  300  that includes multiple users  305 - 330  and multiple third party data sources  360 - 375  that input data into and receive data from an intelligent database  350 . Here, each user connects to the common intelligent database  350  through an interface and accesses the content of the intelligent database to coordinate activities such as ticket purchase, venue securement, contracting, payments, and the like as those activities relate to performing arts performances and communicate in a democratic/silo free manner to facilitate the performing arts activities. Here also, each third party data source  360 - 375  shares information with the intelligent database  350  and the users  305 - 330  via the intelligent database  350 . 
     In some embodiments, a customer (ticket purchaser)  305 , a performer  310 , a venue operator  315 , and optionally a performer&#39;s manager  320 , and third party ticket seller (i.e., jobber)  330  communicate with the intelligent database  350  and concomitantly with the third party data sources  360 - 375  to exchange information related to ticket purchasing, venue arrangement, payment, and other contract management activities to facilitate initiating, managing, administering, and executing a performance at a venue. 
     In some embodiments, the intelligent database  350  includes a database management system and data resources. In one embodiment, the database management system includes a database, a database engine, software (programs and algorithms), and an AI-enabled data collection robot. 
     In some embodiments, the third party data sources include consumed media information  360 , social media information  365 , government data  370 , and market radio data  375 . Here, the consumed media information  360  contains information obtained from one or more music streaming services, the social media information  365  contains information obtained from one or more social media services, and the government data  370  contains information obtained from one or more of U.S. Bureau of the Census, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, FedStats, current population statistics, and city and county business patterns. 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the invention provides a performing arts management system  400  that includes multiple users  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 , multiple user interfaces  406 ,  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426 , multiple third party data sources  430 ,  435 ,  440 ,  445 , data and data resources  460 , and a database management system  450 . Here, each user interacts through their respective interface with the communal intelligent database system  450  and  460  and the other users and third party data sources  430 - 445  to facilitate the management of performing arts at any given venue. Here also, the system  400  employs the database management system  450  to collect and process customer data, create predictive models of a performer, a venue, and/or audience behavior, and create accurate detailed models to predict sales, optimal scheduling, venue selection, ticket and product pricing by applying relational aspects of artist, venue, and customer to the data sources. 
     In one embodiment, the database management system  450  contains an intelligent database manager, a database engine, a software program, and/or a data collection robot. 
     In one embodiment, each user interface  406 ,  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426  includes a device with a visual screen and optionally an audio system comprising a microphone and speaker, a graphic display for presenting text, images, and numeric data to a user, a means for inputting data, and hypermedia software. 
     In one embodiment, the data or data resources include ticket purchase information, venue information, consumed media information, social media information, government data, and/or market radio data. 
     In one embodiment, the venue is any one of a virtual performance venue (on-line or streaming), a concert hall, a civic center, a stadium, a theater, and an amphitheater, or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the database portion of the database management system  450  is an intelligent database that includes a relational database, a sequential format, a non-sequential format, data from public and proprietary resources, and/or structured data in tables and records. 
     In one embodiment, the database management system  450  contains a database engine containing (1) high level data mining tools that employ artificial intelligence, which manage data quality and discover relevant patterns in the data with a process called data mining and often relies on the use of techniques, and (2) a user interface that employs hypermedia in a form that uniformly manages text, images, and numeric data, such that the database engine that supports smart data mining and hypermedia user interface and merges relational database techniques with object orientation. 
     In one embodiment, the database management system  450  contains a software program with (1) one or more algorithms that interact with the database, other applications, and the user interface  406 ,  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426 , (2) a data definition language (DDL), (3) a data manipulation language (DML), and (4) a structured query language (SQL). In one embodiment, the software program (1) captures and analyzes data containing user input data and database data, (2) combines the DDL and the DML into SQL declarative language, and (3) houses a data collection robot. 
     In one embodiment, the data collection robot (1) employs artificial intelligence to collect data and create intelligent data, (2) employs high level tools to manage data quality, (3) and employs data mining to discover relevant patterns in the data. 
     In one embodiment, the data source information  460  contains (1) ticket purchase information including price, date, venue, performer, and purchaser personal information, (2) venue information including location, capacity, performance attendance, ticket sales, food and beverage sales, pre-sales, VIP upgrades, meet and greet sales, and merchandise sales, (3) consumed media information including information obtained from one or more music streaming services  430 , (4) social media information including information obtained from one or more social media services  435 , (5) government data including information obtained from one or more of U.S. Bureau of the Census, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, FedStats, current population statistics, and city and county business patterns available form public government databases  440 , and (6) radio media marketing and demographic data from radio marketing sources  445 . 
     In one embodiment, the system  400  is a subscription-based system adapted for use by a subscriber, wherein the subscriber is a user  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  of the system  400 . In a specific embodiment, the system  400  coordinates multiple categories of users. Here, the users include a customer  405 , a performer  410 , a ticket seller  415 , a manager  420 , a venue operator  425 , a variable workforce worker for show execution, and optionally an advertiser. 
     In one embodiment, the user interface  406 ,  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426  displays information that contains logistical information including drive or flight time, start and end locations, detailed venue information, scheduling information, and contract information, financial information including fund routing information, contract information, deposit information, guarantee information, and post-show settlement information, and user preferences. 
     In one embodiment, the system  400  enables the performer  410  to connect to other subscribers  405 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  and the database  460 , and to control the process of engaging customers  405  or venue operators  425 . Additionally, the system  400  enables the venue operator  425  to connect to other subscribers  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420  and the database  460 , and to control the process of engaging customers  405  or performers  410 . Additionally, the system  400  enables the customer  405  to connect to other subscribers  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  and the database  460 , and to control the process of engaging venues  425  or performers  410 . 
     In one embodiment, the system  400  provides a performing arts customer  405  with up-to-date information on performance venues  425 , performers  410  and ticket prices and availability, premium features and integrated packages related to performers or performances, social media content related to performers, performances and venues, and early notification related to performance opportunities or changes associated with a performance, performer or venue. 
     In one embodiment, the system  400  provides a performer  410  with up-to-date information on performance venues  425 , customers  405 , ticket prices and availability, available dates and seating capacity and format for any given venue, the ability to create and define premium features and integrated packages, social media content related to performers, performances and venues, and early notification related to performance opportunities or changes associated with a performance, performer or venue. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, the invention provides a method  500  for coordinating and managing performing arts activities. Here, a user utilizes their user interface to input information  410 , which is processed by a central processing unit (CPU)  420  and exported into a first level database  440 . Additionally, external data  430  is processed by the CPU  420  and exported into a first level database  440 . The first level data in the first level database is generally relatively unorganized and is processed by an artificial intelligence enabled robot that performs quality control, data mining, and data organization  450  to create an intelligent second level database  460  that is accessed by the user through their interface  470  via the CPU  420  to schedule, manage, contract, and/or pay for a performance at a venue  480 . Here, the users include the customer, the performer, the venue operator, and optionally a manager, a third party ticket seller, and an advertiser. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , in a specific embodiment, the invention provides a method  600  for coordinating and managing performing arts activities. Here, a performer (artist)  610  inputs into or accesses from a database management system information regarding their availability dates, ticket price range, commercial terms, desired venue location and attribute, demographics and venues of prior shows, and acceptance of show offer. The venue  620  inputs into or accesses from the database management system information regarding open dates, data from artist previous shows, ticket price and room scaling, feedback from sponsoring patrons, and bid offering for show. Promotion of the show  630  includes providing to a user interface from the database management system automatic notification of show via text, email, or social media, preferred ticket sales structure, when ticket sales immediately available and the priority of the availability based on participation levels of patronship, advanced merchandise purchase options, and upgrade, food and beverages packages, and artist “meet and greet” options. Operation or execution of the show  640  enables venue control of notification and engagement of a variable workforce, auto-notification to the variable workforce, automated acceptance to work a show, report times, automated timesheets and human resources tools, and food and beverage ordering tools. 
     In some embodiments, the system and method provide for the generation of a customer persona. In some embodiments, the customer persona is a archetype that is assigned to a user or audience based on one or more of the information and/or data available or generated by the system, such as the aforementioned data in this disclosure and/or the data types mentioned in Exhibit A. In some embodiments, the customer persona represents the key traits of a large segment of the customers or audience. In some embodiments, customer personas provide insight as to the user&#39;s interactions and incentives when considering their customers and/or audience. Examples of such personas are provided in Exhibit A. 
     Still referring to Exhibit A, one or more experience flow is provided. In some embodiments, the experience flow is a workflow, such as a set of steps or logical chain for progressing through one or more task associated with the system. Experience flows include, but are not limited to: Buyer onboarding, Seller onboarding, Seller platform experience, and Buyer platform experience. Detailed flowcharts for at least some of the workflows are provided for in Exhibit B. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 
     Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.