Patent Publication Number: US-2023132840-A1

Title: Appartus and method for a magnetic therapeutic bracelet

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/360,639 filed on Oct. 16, 2021. The above provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed generally to the field of therapeutic magnets, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for a magnetic therapeutic bracelet used to work with the body&#39;s nervous system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is well known that magnets placed on particular parts of the body can reduce pain sensation from that part of the body as well as treating “referred pain” from another part of the body. There are studies showing that Static Magnetic Fields, (SMF), can reduce pain from the part of the body that they are placed on especially when using Concentric Alternating Pole Magnet, (CAPM), assemblies. However, it is not always practical to place CAPM assemblies onto the part of the body that is producing a pain sensation and some pain/discomfort does not have a singular origin. 
     Two examples of this are Dysmenorrhea and Menopause. Dysmenorrhea can express itself in cramping of the abdomen, strain in the lower back, migraines, etc., as well as combinations of any of those. Menopause can express itself in hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, etc., and it also can be combinations of any of those. Both Dysmenorrhea and Menopause are complicated as they play out differently from women to women as do the potential remedies for relieving the discomfort associated with each. 
     The present invention has been shown to relieve the discomfort associated with both Dysmenorrhea and Menopause. Studies have been conducted that show that the current invention can relieve the discomfort associated with Dysmenorrhea and Menopause and it is believed that it is the interaction of CAPM magnetic fields and the Median nerve, particularly inside the left wrist. A Dysmenorrhea study done with CAPM assemblies place on the lower abdomen found that almost 75% of the women had a meaningful pain reduction. Current testing is showing a greater therapeutic effect by increasing the CAPM&#39;s magnetic field strength, increasing the alternating field gradient, and placing the CAPM assembly on the inside of the wrist just below the base of the palm. 
     The apparatus and method employed by the present invention to reduce the discomfort associated with Dysmenorrhea and Menopause without the use of pain reducing drugs, hormone therapy, or other invasive treatments are truly new, useful, novel, and non-obvious. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus comprised of high power permanent magnetic elements arranged to form a CAPM assembly with penetrating magnetic fields whose close proximity to each other results in high magnetic field gradients. 
     More specifically, the invention relates to the use of concentric alternating pole magnets to help alleviate the discomfort associated with Dysmenorrhea and Menopause. The discomfort from either Dysmenorrhea or Menopause is very difficult to treat without the use of hormone therapy, prescription medication, or OTC medication and because of this difficulty women suffer. The present invention solves this difficult problem by reducing or eliminating the discomfort that women experience without the use of hormone therapy or medications. The present invention uses a magnet or a set of, 2 or more, concentric magnets. The concentric magnets are arranged with alternating poles and are then placed on the inside of the wrist just below the palm and over the median nerve, much like wearing a watch on the inside of the wrist as opposed to the outside of the wrist. 
     In one embodiment the magnets are permanently mounted in a housing that provides an attachment location for bands that wrap around the wrist and hold the magnets in place. In another embodiment the magnets are attached directly to the wrist bands. 
     In further embodiments the magnets are held in a housing that allows for the user to use different bands and/or remove the magnets from the housing and attach the magnets directly to a band. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention the magnetic fields can be reoriented by the user to alter the North and South magnetic fields penetrating the body. 
     In an embodiment the CAPM magnetic fields are fixed so that the user cannot change the North and South orientation. 
     In an embodiment the penetrating depth of the magnetic fields can be altered by the user. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention the CAPM assembly can be held against the user&#39;s body with or without the use of an additional housing. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention the user can change the apparatus used to hold the CAPM magnetic assembly against the body. The CAPM assembly could be replaced by a Liner Alternating Pole Magnet, (LAPM), assembly. 
     The present invention, including its features and advantages, will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an overview of a Magnetic Therapeutic Bracelet (MTB) with a sliding cover, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of an MTB, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3    is a view from the bottom of an MTB, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 A  is an exemplary illustration of a view of an MTB with the cover removed and a two-part band in place, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a view of an MTB with the cover removed and a one-part band in place, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 C  is a view of a close up of a retainer plate, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a view of a view of a case from the top, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a view of a case from the bottom, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a view of a cover from the top, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a view of a cover from the bottom, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a view of a band prior to dropping it into the case, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a view of a band after it has been dropped into the case, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 C  is a view of a band after it has been pulled outward locking it into the case, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a cross section of an MTB with the cover slid partially off, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a detailed view of a locking tab with the cover slid partially off, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a top view of a Magnetic Therapeutic Bracelet, MTB, with a rotating cover, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a bottom view of a Magnetic Therapeutic Bracelet, MTB, with a rotating cover, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10 A  is a view of a case from the top, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10 B  is a view of a case from the bottom, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11 A  is a view of the top of a rotating cover, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11 B  is a view of the side of a rotating cover, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11 C  is a view of the bottom of a rotating cover, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11 D  is a detailed view of a locking tab, chamfer, and indent on a rotating cover, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12 A  is a view of a rotating cover prior to dropping it onto a case, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12 B  is a view of a rotating cover after it has been placed onto a case and prior to locking it into place, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12 C  is a view of a rotating case after it has been locked onto a case, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12 D  is a view of the rotating case after it have been locked into a case with the top of the cover removed so the interaction between cover and case locking components can be seen, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  13 A  a top view of a Magnetic Therapeutic Bracelet, MTB, with a case that allows the bands to be slid sideways into slots, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  13 B  is an exploded view of a Magnetic Therapeutic Bracelet, MTB, with a case that allows the bands to be slid sideways into slots, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  14 A  is a view of an MTB that does not have a housing for a CAPM assembly, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  14 B  is an exploded view of an MTB that does not have a housing for a CAPM and shows how Velcro or a magnetic backing plate could be used to fix a CAPM to a band, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  15 A  is a view of a CAPM assembly with its corresponding cross section below it showing the magnetic flux lines at the cross-sectional plane, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  15 B  is a view of a LAPM assembly with its corresponding cross section below it showing the magnetic flux lines at the cross-sectional plane, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  16 A  is a top view of a MTB with a case that allows the bands to be attached by using spring pins, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  16 B  is an exploded view of a MTB with a case that allows the bands to be attached using spring pins, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
       
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 1. 
                 Magnetic Therapeutic Bracelet (MTB) 
               
               
                 2. 
                 CAPM housing 
               
               
                 3. 
                 Center magnet 
               
               
                 4. 
                 Middle magnet 
               
               
                 5. 
                 Outer magnet 
               
               
                 6. 
                 Case 
               
               
                 7. 
                 Cover 
               
               
                 8. 
                 Retaining plate 
               
               
                 9. 
                 Band 1 
               
               
                 10. 
                 Band 2 
               
               
                 11. 
                 CAPM assembly 
               
               
                 12. 
                 CAPM assembly pocket 
               
               
                 13. 
                 Band assembly 
               
               
                 14. 
                 Band pin 
               
               
                 15. 
                 Band holes 
               
               
                 16. 
                 Case bottom 
               
               
                 17. 
                 Band lug 
               
               
                 18. 
                 One-piece band 
               
               
                 19. 
                 Band Velcro 
               
               
                 20. 
                 Band anchor 
               
               
                 21. 
                 Case top 
               
               
                 22. 
                 Case band plane 
               
               
                 23. 
                 Case opening 
               
               
                 24. 
                 Retaining plate notch 
               
               
                 25. 
                 Band lug stop 
               
               
                 26. 
                 CAPM assembly mount 
               
               
                 27. 
                 Cover slot 
               
               
                 28. 
                 Cover exterior portion 
               
               
                 29. 
                 Cover interior portion 
               
               
                 30. 
                 Cover bottom surface 
               
               
                 31. 
                 Cover rail 
               
               
                 32. 
                 Cover locking tab 
               
               
                 33. 
                 Lock direction indicator 
               
               
                 34. 
                 Cover push bumps 
               
               
                 35. 
                 Case exterior portion 
               
               
                 36. 
                 Case interior portion 
               
               
                 37. 
                 Retainer plate tab 
               
               
                 38. 
                 Retaining plate lifter 
               
               
                 39. 
                 Band lug lock 
               
               
                 40. 
                 Locking tab chamfer 
               
               
                 41. 
                 Cover rail stop 
               
               
                 42. 
                 Band lug retainer 
               
               
                 43. 
                 Cover locking tab 
               
               
                 44. 
                 Cover locking tab indent 
               
               
                 45. 
                 Cover locking tab chamfer 
               
               
                 46. 
                 Case locking groove 
               
               
                 47. 
                 Cover locking tab stop 
               
               
                 48. 
                 One-piece band anchor 
               
               
                 49. 
                 Cover locking tab detent 
               
               
                 50. 
                 CAPM assembly backer plate 
               
               
                 51. 
                 One-piece band 
               
               
                 52. 
                 Slide in band slot 
               
               
                 53. 
                 No housing embodiment 
               
               
                 54. 
                 LAPM assembly 
               
               
                 55. 
                 Band Spring Pins 
               
               
                 56. 
                 Band Spring Pin Holes 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1  through  16    illustrate a method and apparatus for a magnetic therapeutic bracelet used to work with the body&#39;s nervous system wherein high-power permanent magnetic elements are arranged to form a CAPM assembly with penetrating magnetic fields whose close proximity to each other results in high magnetic field gradients. 
     It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , in which a a preferred embodiment of Magnetic Therapeutic Bracelet (MTB),  1  is made up of two primary components; CAPM housing  2  and wrist bands  13 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates how CAPM housing  2  holds CAPM assembly  11 , which is made up of three alternating pole concentric magnets; center magnet  3 , middle magnet  4 , and outer magnet  5 . By virtue of the fact that center magnet  3 , middle magnet  4 , and outer magnet  5  have alternating poles, they will lock themselves into a concentric arrangement and will then act as a single component, CAPM assembly  11 , which due to the high magnetic strength of the individual magnets that make up CAPM assembly and their close proximity to one another, become very difficult to separate. 
     It can be seen in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  5 B  how CAPM assembly  11  fits into CAPM assembly pocket  12  which is in the bottom of case  6 . Once CAPM assembly  11  is placed into CAPM assembly pocket  12  retaining plate  8  is inserted into case  6  from the top and the magnetic attraction between the retaining plate  8  and CAPM assembly  11  holds CAPM assembly  11  in case  6 . An alternate assembly method would be to not insert CAPM assembly  11  all at once, but instead, insert outer magnet  5 , then retaining plate  8 , then middle magnet  4 , and finally center magnet  3 . Variations of this assembly would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art. 
     Case  6  is usually held against the user&#39;s wrist by either a one or two-part band similar to how a watch is worn on the inside of the wrist instead of the outside. The band has a portion that is fixed to case  6  and uses a fixture method, similar to existing watch bands, and the free ends attach to each other using such things as a pin and holes, a buckle and holes, a clasp, Velcro, or by the use of magnets in the band. These and other methods are clearly known to a person skilled in the art. 
     In  FIG.  4 B , if the band is a single component such as one-piece band  18 , the middle portion of it is that is held in case  6 , band anchor  20 , helps keep one-piece band  18  fixed to case  6 . In this embodiment the band anchor  20  is an opening in one-piece band  18  that fits over retaining plate lifter  38  as illustrated in  FIG.  4 C . The ends of one-piece band  18  are then held together with a fixture method such as band Velcro  19 . If the band is not a single component such as band assembly  13 , then it is usually made up of two components, band  9  and band  10 , which employ both an apparatus and method to attach their free ends to each other, such as the fixture methods mentioned above, and the fixed ends to case  6 . In one embodiment, band  10  and band  9  employ attachment apparatus band pin  14  which mates up to band holes  15  as illustrated in  FIG.  3   .  FIG.  4 A  also illustrates how Band  9  and band  10  each have band lug  17  on the end that allows for them to be fixed to case  6 . 
     CAPM housing  2  is made up of case  6  and cover  7 . Cover  7  has an exterior portion  28  with multiple features and an interior portion  29  with multiple features as illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . Case  6  has a case top  21  and a case bottom  16 . Case  6  has and exterior portion  35  and interior portion  36  as illustrated in  FIG.  5 A  and  FIG.  5 B . Below case top  21  on interior portion  36  of case  6  is case band plane  22 . This is where one-piece band  18 , or if using band assembly  13 , band lugs  17  come into contact with case  6 . There is a CAPM assembly pocket  12  on the bottom of case  6  that is recessed from case bottom  16  which is capable of encompassing CAPM assembly  11 . CAPM assembly pocket  12  is sized so that the magnets in CAPM assembly  11  are always even or protrude slightly beyond case bottom  16  so that when placed on the wrist the magnets in CAPM assembly  11  are ensured of touching the user&#39;s wrist. It is obvious that CAPM assembly pocket  12  could be designed so as to allow CAPM assembly  11  to sit recessed into CAPM assembly pocket  12 , which would keep CAPM assembly  11  from contacting the user&#39;s wrist; however, testing has shown that to be an inferior design. 
     When CAPM assembly  11  is placed into CAPM assembly pocket  12 , retaining plate  8  is put into case  6  from the top with retaining plate tab  37  fitting into retaining plate notch  24  as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . Retaining plate  8  is lowered until the bottom of retaining plate  8  comes into contact with case band plane  22 . At this point the magnetic attraction between CAPM assembly  11  and retaining plate  8  is strong enough to hold both components in place. When the user wants to remove or rearrange CAPM assembly  11  from case  6 , the user lifts up on retaining plate  8  via retaining plate lifter  38  at which time CAPM assembly  11  is free to be removed from case  6  by dropping out of CAPM assembly pocket  12  once retaining plate  8  has been removed to a degree where there is no longer a strong enough magnetic attraction between CAPM assembly  11  and retaining plate  8 . If CAPM assembly  11  fits tightly into CAPM assembly  12  pocket, then the user may push CAPM assembly  11  out of CAPM assembly pocket  12  from the top via case opening  23  as illustrated in  FIG.  5 B . 
     To access retaining plate  8  or to remove either one-piece band  18  or band assembly  13  cover  7  must first be removed. To do this the user pushes laterally on cover push bumps  34  so that cover  7  slides laterally until cover rails  31  have slid past cover slots  27  as illustrated in  FIG.  8 A  and  FIG.  8 B . Initially cover  7  is held in place on case  6  by locking tabs  32 . Locking tabs  32  have locking tab chamfers  40  that engage with mating chamfers on case  6  thus keeping cover  7  in place. When cover  7  is pushed laterally with enough force, locking tab chamfers  40  push against their mating chamfers on case  6  which causes locking tabs  32  to flex upwards into cover slot  27  thus allowing cover  7  to slide laterally. Once cover  7  has cleared case  6  it can be set aside while the user either replaces the bands or removes retaining plate  8  to remove CAPM assembly  11 . 
     When the user wants to reassemble MTB  1 , the user first places CAPM assembly  11  back into case  6  and places retaining plate  8  back into case  6  which keeps them both in place. Then band  9  is dropped into case  6  from the top until band lug  17  comes in contact with case band plane  22  at which time band  9  is slid away from the center of case  6  until band lugs  17  come into contact with band lug stops  25  and are then kept in place by band lug locks  39  as illustrated in  FIG.  7 A ,  FIG.  7 B , and  FIG.  7 C . Once band  9  is in place band  10  is installed into case  6  in the same manner. The order of installing band  9  or band  10  is not critical. If a one-piece band is being used, then it is just dropped straight down into case  6  so that band anchor  20  drops over retainer plate  8  as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . Regardless of which band style is used, the next step in reassembly is to replace cover  7 . This is done by aligning cover rails  31  with cover slots  27  and then pushing laterally against cover push bumps  34  in the direction of the lock direction indicator  33  until cover rail  31  hits cover rail stop  41  which coincides with locking tab chamfers  40  dropping back down against the mating chamfers in case  6 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, MTB  1  has case  6  which is designed to have cover  7  lock into place with a rotating motion instead of a sliding motion as illustrated in  FIG.  9 A  through  FIG.  12 D . Additionally, this embodiment is designed without CAPM assembly pocket  12  as case  6  is molded around CAPM assembly  11 . In this embodiment CAPM assembly  11  is now permanently part of case  6  and cannot be rearranged by the end user. It is important to note that the sliding cover embodiment and the rotating cover embodiment could be made with an insert molded CAPM assembly  11 , a glued-in CAPM assembly  11 , or a removable CAPM assembly  11 . In either case CAPM assembly  11  should be level with case bottom  16  or slightly protruding from case bottom  16  so that CAPM assembly  11  is always in contact with the user&#39;s wrist. 
     In the rotating cover embodiment cover  7  has locking tabs  43  that are designed to engage with case locking grooves  46 . To assemble cover  7  to case  6  cover  7  is rotated approximately 90 degrees from its normal position and then lowered onto case  6  until cover bottom surface  30  comes into contact with case top  21 . Then when cover  7  is rotated cover locking chamfers  45  slide into case locking grooves  46  until cover locking tabs  43  come into contact with cover locking tab stops  47 . While cover  7  is being rotated into the locked position cover locking tab detent  49  is pushing down on dover locking tab  43  causing it to flex slightly. This happens until cover locking tab  43  comes into contact with cover locking tab stop  47  at which time cover locking tab detent  49  is now lined up with cover locking tab indent  44  which then holds cover  7  in place. 
     To remove cover  7  from case  6  the user simply rotates cover  7  back approximately 90 degrees until cover locking tabs  43  clear case locking grooves  46  and cover  7  can now be lifted off of case  6 . The process for inserting band  9  and band  10  are similar to what has already been discussed except in this embodiment band lugs  17  are held in place by band lug retainer  42 . When using one-piece band  18  with this embodiment one-piece band  18  is held in place within case  6  by one-piece band anchors  48 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, MTB  1  has case  6  but does not have cover  7  as illustrated in  FIG.  13 A  and  FIG.  13 B . Additionally, this embodiment is designed without CAPM assembly pocket  12  as case  6  is molded around CAPM assembly  11  or CAPM assembly  11  is glued into CAPM assembly pocket  12 . In this embodiment CAPM assembly  11  is now permanently part of case  6  and cannot be rearranged by the end user. In this embodiment case  6  has slide in band slots  53  that are designed so that band lugs  17  of band  9  and band  10  slide into slide in band slots  53  and are then held in place. In this embodiment CAPM assembly  11  should be level with case bottom  16  or slightly protruding from case bottom  16  so that CAPM assembly  11  is always in contact with the user&#39;s wrist. It is important to note that even though this embodiment is best accomplished with CAPM assembly  11  molded into or glued into case  6 , CAPM assembly  11  could be held in place by placing a plate, such as CAPM assembly backer plate  50  on top of case  6  thus holding CAPM assembly  11  in place or molding CAPM assembly backer plate  50  into case  6 . 
     In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  14 A  and  FIG.  14 B , no housing embodiment  52 , MTB  1  does not have CAPM housing  2 . In this simplified embodiment, CAPM assembly  11  is held onto one-piece band  51  by various means. CAPM assembly  11  can have a mounting apparatus that holds it to one-piece band  51  such as CAPM assembly mount  26 . In this embodiment CAPM assembly mount  26  could be a piece of Velcro that has adhesive on one side and then the Velcro is placed on the underside of one-piece band  51  and will cling to one-piece band  51 . In this embodiment, CAPM assembly  11  is a fixed assembly that is not rearrangeable by the user. 
     In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  14 A  and  FIG.  14 B , CAPM assembly  11  is placed on the underside of one-piece band  51  and CAPM assembly backer plate  50  is placed on the top side of one-piece band  51 . In this embodiment one-piece band  51  is sandwiched between CAPM assembly  11  and CAPM assembly backer plate  50 , and the user does have the ability to remove CAPM assembly  11  and rearrange it as the entire assembly is held together by the magnetic attraction of CAPM assembly  11  and CAPM assembly backer plate  50 . 
     It is important to note that if CAPM assembly  11  is removably housed in an embodiment that employs a CAPM housing  2 , CAPM assembly  11  may be removed from CAPM housing  2  and then with the use of backer plate  50  affixed to one-piece band  51 . It is also important to note that if CAPM assembly  11  is affixed to one-piece band  51 , CAPM assembly  11  may be removed from one-piece band  51  and inserted back into CAPM housing  2 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG.  15 A , CAPM assembly  11  could be substituted with LAPM assembly  54 .  FIG.  15 A  illustrates how the magnetic field taken at the cross-sectional line in  FIG.  15 A  is the same for both CAPM assembly  11  and LAPM assembly  54  as illustrated in  FIG.  15 B . The equivalent to CAPM assembly  11  or LAPM assembly  54  could be obtained by taking a singular magnet and magnetizing it with a plurality of alternating poles. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, MTB  1  has case  6  but does not have cover  7  as illustrated in  FIG.  16 A  and  FIG.  16 B . This embodiment is similar to what is shown in  FIG.  13 A  and  FIG.  13 B  except that the band  9  and band  10  are attached to case  6  via spring pins  55  which lock into spring pin holes  56  that are in case  6 . 
     The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.