Patent Publication Number: US-2006004485-A1

Title: Fuel pump island vending

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The inventive subject matter relates to vending machines and, more particularly, to systems and method for fuel pump island vending.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Many gas stations are arranged for consumers to pump fuel and pay for pumped fuel inside a building also including a convenience store. These convenience stores provide consumers with an array of products such as drinks, candy, cigarettes, and various other products. However, since the introduction of fuel dispensers, commonly referred to as gas or fuel pumps, including point-of-sale terminals, sales of convenience store items have declined. This decline in sales is generally related to decreased traffic from consumers paying for fuel at the pump and leaving the station without entering the convenience store.  
      Previous attempts to reclaim lost sales attributable to consumers paying at the pump have included providing the ability to use an interface on a fuel pump to purchase products in a transaction along with fuel. Such systems operate by prompting a consumer if he or she would like to purchase other products. If the consumer chooses to purchase other products, some attempts prompt consumers to select desired products on an interface that is part of the fuel pump. Some attempts then print a receipt that is used by either taking the receipt into a store to pick up purchased items or entering a code printed on the receipt into a vending machine. Another attempt includes sending a signal to a vending machine remote to the fuel pump causing the vending machine to dispense the purchased products.  
      These attempts to reclaim lost sales have failed for many reasons including a complicated interface for consumers to navigate and a lack of space on fuel pump islands for vending machines. Further, attempts requiring consumers to enter a convenience store to pick up purchased items defeats the convenience of paying at the pump.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a system according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter.  
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter.  
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter.  
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter.  
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed.  
      The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the appended claims.  
      The functions or algorithms described herein are implemented in hardware, software or a combination of software and hardware in one embodiment. The software comprises computer executable instructions stored on computer readable media such as memory or other type of storage devices. The term “computer readable media” is also used to represent carrier waves on which the software is transmitted. Further, such functions correspond to modules, which are software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Multiple functions are performed in one or more modules as desired, and the embodiments described are merely examples. The software is executed on a digital signal processor, Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), microprocessor, or other type of processor operating on a system, such as a fuel pump, vending machine, personal computer, server, a router, or other device capable of processing data including network interconnection devices.  
      Some embodiments implement the functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an ASIC. Thus, the exemplary process flows are applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.  
      The present inventive subject matter includes embodiments of various arrangements of apparatuses and methods for vending products in conjunction with fuel. Some embodiments include product dispensers integrated within fuel dispensers while other embodiments include product dispensers to mount to fuel dispensers. Various embodiments include methods for processing a total cost comprising dispensed products and fuel in a single transaction. These embodiments and others are described below and illustrated in the accompanying figures.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an apparatus  100  according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. The apparatus  100  comprises a fuel dispenser  104 , a product dispenser  108 , and a controller  116  integrated within a housing  102 . In some embodiments, the apparatus is installed on a fuel pump island  126 . In some embodiments, the apparatus  100  includes a mirror image of itself on an opposite side providing an apparatus  100  allowing for fuel and product transactions from opposite sides of a fuel pump island  126 .  
      In various embodiments, the controller  116  includes a keypad  118 , a bankcard reader  120 , a receipt printer  122 , and a display  124 . The controller  116 , in various embodiments, further includes circuitry, software, or circuitry and software for performing various functions. Some such functions include receiving and processing payment information, activating the fuel dispenser  104  and the product dispenser  108 , displaying an amount of fuel dispensed and a cost therefore, displaying information about products selected from the product dispenser, and collecting transaction data to determine a transaction total for dispensed fuel and products. The controller  116 , in some embodiment, is capable of performing various other tasks or processes depending on the requirements of a specific embodiment.  
      In some embodiments, the bankcard reader  120  of the controller  116  is a credit card reader. In some embodiments, the bankcard reader  120  is either supplemented or replaced by another device such as a radio frequency (RF) receiver (not shown). In some RF embodiments, the RF receiver is capable of receiving signals from a radio frequency identification device (RFID). In some embodiments, the RFID device includes its own power source to transmit an RF signal. In other embodiments, the RF receiver broadcasts a signal causing an RFID to respond. A signal received by the RF receiver includes a customer identifier to bill a transaction total to a customer account.  
      The display  124 , in various embodiments, includes a cathode ray tube, a liquid-crystal display, a digital display, or virtually any other display type capable of displaying text or images. In some embodiments, the display  124  is a touch screen display. In some touch screen display embodiments, a keypad  118  is not included in the controller  116 .  
      In some embodiments, the controller  116  controls operation of at least a portion of the apparatus  100 . For example, the controller  116 , upon receipt of customer information, activates the fuel dispenser  104  and the product dispenser  108 . In some embodiments, the information includes payment information. In some embodiments, the fuel dispenser  104  and the product dispenser  108  are both activated upon receipt of acceptable payment information. In some embodiments, payment information is electronically communicated to a financial institution for validation prior to activating the fuel dispenser  104  and product dispenser  108 . Other embodiments include receiving currency at the controller  116 .  
      Some embodiments of the controller further include an audio output (not shown) to connect to a speaker  130 . Other embodiments include a speaker  130  integrated within the controller  116 .  
      In some embodiments of the controller  116  including an audio output and a speaker  130 , upon activation of the fuel dispenser  104  and product dispenser  108 , one or more messages are output from the speaker  130  encouraging a customer to select products from the product dispenser  108 . In some embodiments of the controller  116 , video is output from the display  124  encouraging a customer to select products from the product dispenser  108 . In yet further embodiments, audio and video are output from the speaker  130  and the display  124  encouraging a customer to select products from the product dispenser  108 .  
      In some embodiments, the controller  116  encourages a customer to select products from the product dispenser  108  based on various factors. In such an embodiment, factor information is received by the controller and customer encouragements are selected based on the factor information. For example, in an embodiment including a temperature factor, customers are encouraged to select cold drinks from product dispenser  108 . Other factors includes sale items, product dispenser  108  inventory, time of day, or virtually any factor for encouraging customers to purchase products.  
      In some embodiments, the fuel dispenser  104  includes one or more fuel nozzles  106 , each nozzle to dispense a type of fuel. The operation and components of the fuel dispenser are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of fuel dispensing apparatuses and will not be further described for the sake of brevity.  
      In some embodiments, the product dispenser  108  includes one or more product holders  112 , a pickup point  114  to receive selected products, and a product selection device  110  to select products. In some embodiments, the product dispenser includes a cooling device for refrigerating products within the product dispenser  108 . In some embodiments, the product dispenser is activated by the controller  116  upon receipt of customer information, such as payment information. In some embodiments, the controller  116  provides an indicator to a customer that the product dispenser  108  is activated for use. In some embodiments, the indicator is displayed on the display  124  of the controller  116 . In other embodiments, the indicator includes turning on a light or other indication device on or within the product dispenser  108 .  
      In various embodiments, the product dispenser  108  is adapted to dispense canned, bottled, boxed, and packaged goods and beverages. Some such products include soft drinks, candy, chips, and personal items. In some embodiments, the personal items include lip balm, sun screen, breath strips, and virtually any other product in a form, or packaged in a form, capable of being dispensed from the product dispenser.  
      In some embodiments, the product selection device  110  is a keypad. The keypad includes various keys for entering a code corresponding to a product holder  112 . Entry of a code on the keypad in such an embodiment causes the product dispenser  108  to dispense a product from a product holder  112  corresponding to a received input code. Some other embodiments include a product selection device  110  including a button for each product in the product dispenser  108 . Upon product selection, some embodiments include sending a signal to the controller  116  to cause the controller  116  to add a cost of the selected product to a transaction total. Some embodiments include storing selected product data until a later time, such as when fueling is complete, and then sending the selected product data to the controller  116 .  
      In some embodiments, the product dispenser  108  includes all electrical current carrying devices at least eighteen inches above grade  128 . Other embodiments that include electrical current carrying devices less than eighteen inches above grade include explosion containment systems as required by various jurisdictions. Electricity flowing to the product dispenser, in some embodiments, is carried on wires within metal conduit. The characteristics of the conduit varies depending on requirements of various jurisdictions.  
      In some embodiments, the housing  102  of the apparatus  100  includes conductive connections between the various components to equalize electric potential between the components. In some such embodiments, the interconnection of the various components is further grounded to facilitate electrical potential dissipation. The electrical potential in some cases is electrostatic and is approximately equalized between the components, such as the fuel dispenser  104  and the product dispenser  108  via the interconnection. The electrostatic charge is then dissipated via the ground (not shown).  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an apparatus  200  according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. The apparatus  200  includes a product dispenser  202  mounted to a fuel dispenser  210 , commonly referred to as a gas pump. The apparatus  200  in some embodiments is bolted, or otherwise mounted, to a fuel pump island  126 . In some embodiments, the fuel pump island is three inches above grade  128 . In various other embodiments the fuel pump island  126  is five inches, six inches, seven inches, or another distance above grade  128  depending on local code, regulations, statutes, or custom.  
      Some embodiments include a two-sided fuel dispenser  210  providing the ability to conduct fueling transactions on opposite sides of a fuel pump island  126 . Some embodiments include two product dispensers  202  mounted to the fuel dispenser  210  providing the ability to purchase products on each side of the fuel dispenser  210 .  
      In some embodiments, the fuel dispenser  210  includes fuel dispensing nozzles  222  and a controller  212 . In some embodiments, the controller  212  includes a bankcard reader  214 , a display  216 , a keypad  218 , and a receipt-printing device  220 . The controller  212  is of a type generally found on fuel dispensers allowing customers to pay for gas at the pump. The operation of the controller  212  is generally the same with regards to controlling the fuel dispenser  210 . However, the controller  212  is adapted to interface with the product dispenser  202 . The adaptation of the controller  212  in various embodiments is achieved by communicatively coupling  224  the controller  212  to the product dispenser  202 .  
      The communicative coupling  224  between the controller  212  and the product dispenser  202  allows the controller  212  to activate the product dispenser  202  for dispensing goods upon activation of the fuel dispenser  210 . Further, signals from the product dispenser  202  corresponding to products selected or dispensed from the product dispenser  202  are communicated to the controller over the communicative coupling  224 . The controller upon receipt of signals corresponding to the selected or dispensed goods are added to a transaction total that also includes a cost of fuel dispensed from the fuel dispenser  210 . When a transaction is complete, the controller  212  communicates a signal over the communicative coupling  224  causing the product dispenser  202  to deactivate.  
      The controller  212 , in various embodiments, further includes circuitry, software, or circuitry and software for performing various functions. Some such functions include receiving and processing payment information, activating the fuel dispenser  210  and the product dispenser  202 , displaying an amount of fuel dispensed and a cost therefore, displaying information about products selected from the product dispenser, and collecting transaction data to determine a transaction total for dispensed fuel and products. The controller  212 , in some embodiments, is capable of performing various other tasks or processes depending on the requirements of a specific embodiment. Some such tasks include selling services such as car washes, oil changes, or other products and services not capable of being dispensed from the product dispenser  202 .  
      In some embodiments, the product dispenser  202  is mounted to the fuel dispenser  210  to include all electrical current carrying devices at least eighteen inches above grade  128 . Some embodiments include mounting the product dispenser  202  to provide a clearance  234  under the product dispenser equal to eighteen inches minus the height of the fuel pump island  126 . Other embodiments include mounting the product dispenser to the fuel dispenser  210  at least three feet above grade  128 .  
      Some embodiments of mounted product dispensers  202  that include electrical current carrying devices less than eighteen inches above grade include explosion containment systems as required by various jurisdictions. Electricity flowing to the product dispenser  202 , in some embodiments, is carried on wires within metal conduit. The characteristics of such conduit varies depending on requirements of various jurisdictions.  
      In some embodiments, the product dispenser  202  includes one or more product displays  206 , a pickup point  208  to receive selected products, and a product selection device  204  to select products. In some embodiments, the product dispenser  202  includes a cooling device for refrigerating products within the product dispenser  202 . In some embodiments, the product dispenser  202  is activated by the controller  212  upon receipt of customer information, such as payment information. In some embodiments, the controller  212  provides an indicator to a customer that the product dispenser  202  is activated for use. In some embodiments, the indicator comprises an indication on the display  216  of the controller  212 . In other embodiments, the indicator includes turning on a light or other indication device on or within the product dispenser  202 .  
      In various embodiments, the product dispenser  202  is adapted to dispense canned, bottled, boxed, and packaged goods and beverages. Some such products include soft drinks, candy, chips, and personal items. In some embodiments, the personal items include lip balm, sun screen, breath strips, and virtually any other product in a form, or packaged in a form, capable of being dispensed from the product dispenser  202 .  
      In some embodiments, the product selection device  204  is a keypad. The keypad includes various keys for entering a code corresponding to a product display  206 . Entry of a code on the keypad in such an embodiment causes the product dispenser  202  to dispense a product corresponding to an input code. Some other embodiments include a product selection device  204  including a button for each product in the product dispenser  202 . Upon product selection, some embodiments include sending a signal to the controller  212  to cause the controller  212  to add a cost of the selected product to a transaction total. Some embodiments include storing selected product data until a later time, such as when fueling is complete, and then sending the selected product data to the controller  212 .  
      In some embodiments, the apparatus  200  includes conductive connections, such as conductive ground connectors  226  and  228 , between the controller  212 , fuel dispenser  210 , and the product dispenser  202  to equalize electric potential between the components. In some such embodiments, the interconnection of the various components is further grounded to facilitate electrical potential dissipation through a ground  232 . The electrical potential in some cases is electrostatic and is approximately equalized between the components via the conductive ground connectors, such as  226  and  228 , coupled  230  to the ground  232 .  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an apparatus  302  according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. The apparatus  302  is a product dispenser capable of mounting to a another device, such as a fuel dispenser, including a payment processing device, such as a point-of-sale terminal that accepts credit cards, currency, coupons, or other methods of payment.  
      In some embodiments, the apparatus  302  includes at least one attachment mechanism  304 , a conductive ground connector  308 , and a connector  310  capable of carrying signals between the apparatus  302  and a point-of-sale terminal of another device. The apparatus  302  further includes a product selection device  312 , a product pickup point  314 , and a marquee  316 .  
      In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism  304  includes one or more bolting points for mounting the apparatus  302  to another device such as a fuel dispenser or pump. Some embodiments include four attachment mechanisms  304 . The actual number of attachment mechanisms  304  required depends on a variety of factors including the weight of the apparatus  302  when loaded with products, the environment, the strength of the attachment mechanisms  304 , and the strength of the device the apparatus  302  is mounted to. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms  304  are bolting points for receiving a bolt. Other embodiments of the attachment mechanisms  304  comprise an adhesive such as a glue or epoxy.  
      In embodiments of the apparatus including the conductive ground connector  308 , the conductive ground connector  308  is connected to various components within the apparatus capable of holding, receiving, or generating an electrical potential, such as an electrostatic charge. The conductive ground connector  308  is capable of connection to a device the apparatus  302  is mountable upon. In some embodiments, the conductive ground connector  308  is connected to a ground of the device. The conductive ground connector  308 , when coupled to the device approximately equalizes electrical potential between the devices, reducing risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD).  
      In some embodiments, the connector  310  capable of carrying signals between the apparatus  302  and a point-of-sale terminal of a device the apparatus is mountable to includes a serial communication cable capable of carrying data. In other embodiments, the connector  310  is virtually any other device or connection capable of carrying a signal between the apparatus  302  and a point-of-sale terminal or other transaction device for receiving a cost of dispensed goods from apparatus  302 .  
      The product selection device  312  in some embodiments, includes a number of buttons equal to a number of product caches for holding dispensable products. In other embodiments the product selection device  312  is a keypad for entering a code corresponding to a product cache of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the keypad is also useful for entering a number corresponding to a quantity of a product desired from a particular product cache.  
      In various embodiments, the apparatus also includes a product pickup point  314  and a marquee  316 . In some embodiments, the marquee  316  is a sign indicating the types of products available from the apparatus. In other embodiments, the marquee  316  is clear to allow viewing of available products. In some embodiments, the marquee  316  includes a lighting mechanism. In some such embodiments, the lighting mechanism illuminates upon activation of the apparatus  302 .  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a system  400  according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. The system  400  includes a controller  401 , a fuel dispenser  416 , and a product dispenser  418 . Some embodiments of the system  400  include a conductive coupling  420  between the product dispenser  418  and the fuel dispenser  416  to minimize risk of ESD between the components and from the system  400 . In some embodiments, the conductive coupling  420  is further conductively attached to a ground  422 . Some such embodiments facilitate dissipation of an electrostatic or other electrical charge.  
      In some embodiments, the controller  401  includes a processor  402 , a memory  406 , and a network interface  410  operatively coupled via a bus  404 . In some embodiments, the controller  401  also includes a fuel dispenser controller  414  and a product dispenser controller  412  operatively coupled to the bus  404 . However, other embodiments include the fuel dispenser controller  414  and the product dispenser controller  412  located within the fuel dispenser  416  and the product dispenser  418 , respectively.  
      The memory  406  of the controller  401  includes instructions  408  executable by the processor  402 . In some embodiments, the instructions  408 , when executed, cause the system  400  to request an authorization from an authorizing entity over the network interface for a product and fuel purchase transaction. The instructions further cause the system to send activation signals to the fuel dispenser controller and the product dispenser controller upon receipt of the requested authorization. In some embodiments, the authorizing entity is a financial institution, such as a bank. In other embodiments, the authorizing entity is a clearing house entity for processing credit card authorizations and billing. In some embodiments, the memory  406  further includes instruction to process fuel and product purchase transactions, communicate transaction totals to the authorizing entity, and deactivate the fuel dispenser  416  and the product dispenser  418  upon completion of a transaction.  
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a method  500  according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. The method  500  includes mounting and communicatively coupling a product dispenser to a fuel dispenser to process fuel and product purchases in a single transaction  502 .  
      In some embodiments of the method  500 , the single transaction comprises requesting and receiving a transaction authorization from a third party, adding a cost of dispensed fuel and a cost of dispensed products to a transaction total and communicating the transaction total to the third party. In some embodiments, the third party is a financial institution. In various embodiments, a financial institution includes a bank, a credit union, or other institution or entity providing financial resources to a card holder. In other embodiments, the third party is a representative of a financial institution.  
      In some embodiments, mounting the product dispenser to the fuel dispenser comprises mounting the product dispenser at least eighteen inches above grade. In other embodiments, mounting the product dispenser to the fuel dispenser comprises mounting the product dispenser including electrical components a distance above grade as required by local code, regulation, ordinance, or custom.  
      In some embodiments, mounting the product dispenser to the fuel dispenser includes electrically coupling the product dispensing apparatus to the fuel dispenser to equalize an electrical potential between the product dispensing apparatus and the fuel dispenser. Some further embodiments include grounding the product dispenser to facilitate dissipation of an electrostatic charge to minimize or prevent ESD.  
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a method  600  according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. The method  600  includes dispensing fuel and products from an apparatus  602 . Some embodiments further include processing a total cost of dispensed fuel and products in a single transaction.  
      In some embodiments of the method  600 , the fuel and products are dispensed from an apparatus comprising a product dispenser and fuel dispenser located within a single housing. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a product dispenser physically mounted to a fuel dispenser. In various embodiments, the product dispenser is mounted directly on top of, on the side of, in front of, or otherwise to a fuel dispenser.  
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a method  700  according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. The method  700  includes authorizing a transaction to purchase products and fuel on an apparatus comprising a fuel dispenser and product dispenser operatively coupled to a point-of-sale terminal  702  and receiving a product selection on the product dispenser  704 . The method  700  further includes processing a transaction sale total upon completion of the transaction, wherein the sale total comprises at least a cost of dispensed products  706 .  
      In some embodiments, authorizing a transaction to purchase products and fuel on an apparatus  702  comprises receiving payment information from a customer. In some embodiments, receiving payment information includes receiving customer input indicating the customer will pay at an attendant counter, such as inside a convenience store at a gas station where the apparatus is located. Other embodiments include receiving currency from the customer. Yet further embodiments include receiving bankcard information from a customer from a magnetic card reader that is part of a point-of-sale terminal operatively coupled or integrated within the apparatus. Some other embodiments further include receiving coupons or discount codes from a customer via a bar code reader or keypad.  
      After receipt of the payment information, the method  700  authorizes the transaction by verifying bankcard information with a third party, verify the amount of currency received, or verifying a discount or coupon amount or percentage. Upon receipt of verification, some embodiments then activate the apparatus. Activation of the apparatus includes activating the fuel dispenser and product dispenser to dispense fuel and products, respectively.  
      In some embodiments, receiving a product selection on the product dispenser  704  includes receiving a product selected using a product selection device. Some other embodiments include a product selection by an apparatus implementing the method for a promotional product. Such a promotion product, in some embodiments is automatically selected by the apparatus after a purchase of a certain amount, or combination, of other products. For example, upon purchase of a eight gallons of fuel, the apparatus may cause a soft drink to be dispensed from the product dispenser.  
      In some embodiments of the method  700 , processing a transaction sale total upon completion of the transaction  706  includes printing a receipt. In various embodiments, the receipt includes one or more of a cost of dispensed fuel, a cost of dispensed products, a transaction sale total, and a tax amount, such as sales tax attributable to dispensed products. In some embodiments, the receipt includes a voucher or code for receiving one or more products or services not available, or out of stock on the apparatus.  
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method  800  according to an example embodiment of the inventive subject matter. In some embodiments, the method  800  includes receiving input to initiate a transaction  802 , authorizing the transaction based on at least a portion of the received input  804 , and activating a fuel dispenser and a product dispenser upon receipt of the authorization  806 . Some embodiments further include receiving one or more selections on the product dispenser  808 , dispensing one or more products in response to the one or more received selections  810 , and adding a cost of the one or more dispensed products to a transaction total  812 . Some embodiments of the method  800  further include dispensing fuel and adding a cost of the dispensed fuel to the transaction total.  
      It is emphasized that the Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) requiring an Abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.  
      In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.  
      It will be readily understood to those skilled in the art that various other changes in the details, material, and arrangements of the parts and method stages which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this inventive subject matter may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the inventive subject matter as expressed in the subjoined claims.