Patent Publication Number: US-2020290234-A1

Title: Adjustable apparatus, system and method for constructing insulated concrete forms

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to an apparatus, system and method for constructing an insulated concrete form. More particularly, it relates to a system and method for constructing monolithic insulated concrete forms. 
     BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION 
     This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present technology. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. 
     Insulated concrete forms or insulating concrete forms is a modular system for reinforced concrete that stays in place as permanent interior and exterior walls, floors and roofs. Insulated concrete form units are connected together as needed and filled with concrete. Insulated concrete forms have an interior skeleton assembly and exterior molded walls. The exterior molded walls are generally made of polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, cement-bonded wood fiber, cement-bonded polystyrene beads, cellular concrete or thermos-acoustic-styro-concrete 20 (THASTRYON) being a mixture of cement, water and recycled expanded polystyrene. 
     Insulated concrete form walls are constructed one row at a time with modular units being placed in end to end relation with each other for the length of the wall. Interior and exterior finishes such as siding and drywall can be affixed directly to the exterior molded walls of the insulated concrete forms. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT TECHNOLOGY 
     An assembly machine for constructing insulated concrete form skeletons is disclosed, comprising: a strap loading assembly having a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned in opposite and parallel spaced relation to each other, each of the first side and the second side having a support structure and a feeder having a loading end and a press assembly feeding end, the press assembly feeding end of the strap loading assembly being structured to position in use a strap in a strap guide, the strap being movable along the strap guide into a press assembly; a ladder loading assembly having a support structure and a ladder guide, the ladder guide having a loading end and a press assembly feeding end, the ladder guide being structured to move and position in use a strap receiving ladder into the press assembly; and the press assembly having a support structure, a first side and a second adjustable side with a space between the first side and the second adjustable side of the press assembly defining a press cavity, each of the first side and the second adjustable side of the press assembly having a press assembly strap guide, the press assembly strap guides being continuous with the strap guides of the strap loading assembly to move in use the straps through the press assembly strap guides, the press assembly structured to align in use the straps and the strap receiving ladder for connection, the second adjustable side being movable to press in use the straps and strap receiving ladder into connection with each other to form an insulated concrete form skeleton, and an exit through which the completed insulated concrete form skeleton is removable. 
     A mold assembly for molding insulated concrete forms is disclosed, comprising: an outer housing having a bottom support base, a first side wall and a second side wall defining an interior cavity, the outer housing having an entrance and an exit for access to the interior cavity; first and second mold lids; first and second entrance doors; first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions, each of the first and second pluralities downward oriented extensions being movable between a retracted position and an inserted position, in which, when the first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions are in the inserted position, with the first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions inserted into a series of spaces defined by and along opposed sides of an insulated concrete form skeleton that is located within the interior cavity in use, first and second mold cavities are defined by the first and second mold lids, the first and second entrance doors, the first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions, and the insulated concrete form skeleton; fill guns oriented for injecting insulating polymeric material into the first and second mold cavities; and a blocking part used to seal the exit of the mold assembly during molding of a first insulated concrete form. 
     A method of constructing monolithic insulated concrete forms is disclosed, comprising the steps of: 
     loading a strap having at least one ladder connector into a press assembly, the press assembly having a first side and a second adjustable side with the space between the first side and the second adjustable side defining a press cavity, each of the first side and the second adjustable side having a strap guide into which the strap is loaded; loading at least one strap receiving ladder having a strap connector into the press cavity of the press assembly, the strap receiving ladder being positioned such that the strap connector of the strap receiving ladder and the ladder receiver connector of the strap are aligned; moving the second adjustable side of the press assembly relative to the first side to press the strap and the strap receiving ladder into connection to form an insulated concrete form skeleton; moving the insulated concrete form skeleton from the press assembly into a mold; molding insulated panels to the insulated concrete form skeleton to form an insulated concrete form; connecting a second insulated concrete form skeleton to the first insulated concrete form; and moving the second insulated concrete form skeleton into the mold and molding insulated panels to the second insulated concrete form skeleton to lengthen the insulated concrete form. 
     An assembly machine is disclosed for constructing insulated concrete form skeletons that has a strap loading assembly, a loader loading assembly and a press assembly. The strap loading assembly has a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side are positioned in opposite and parallel spaced relation to each other. Each of the first side and the second side having a support structure and at least one feeder. The feeder has a loading end and a press feeding end. The press feeding end positions a strap in a guide channel The strap is movable along the guide channel towards a press assembly. The ladder loading assembly has a support structure and at least one loading channel The loading channel has a loading end and a press feeding end. A strap receiving ladder is movable along the loading channel and through the press feeding end of the loading channel and into the press assembly. The press assembly has a support structure, a first side and a second side with the space between the first side and the second side defining a press cavity. Each of the first side and the second side has at least one guide channel that is continuous with the at least one guide channel of the strap loading assembly. The at least one strap is movable from the at least one guide channel of the strap loading assembly through the at least one guide channel of the press assembly. The at least one guide channel of the press assembly has a stop for positioning the at least one strap within the at least one guide channel such that the at least one strap and the at least one strap receiving ladder are aligned for connection. At least one of the first side and the second side are movable to press the at least one strap and the at least one strap receiving ladder into connection with each other. An exit is provided through which the completed insulated concrete form skeleton is removable. In another embodiment, the straps are movable along the guide channels of the strap loading assembly by a ram. Ram may have a vertical pushing arm for contacting all of the straps within the guide channels on the first side or second side of the strap loading assembly. In another embodiment, the guide channels of the press assembly have rollers for moving the straps along the guide channels. While the rollers may be driven by any means known in the art, in one embodiment the rollers are driven by an electric motor. In another embodiment, assembly machine has an automated means of loading straps into the loading end of the feeders of the strap loading assembly. Assembly machine may have automated means of loading strap receiving ladders into the loading end of the loading channels of the ladder loading assembly. In another embodiment, at least one of the first side of the press assembly and the second side of the press assembly is movable by pneumatic pistons. In another embodiment, the first side of the press assembly remains stationary and the second side of the press assembly is movable for pressing the straps and strap receiving ladders into connection with each other. 
     A mold assembly is disclosed for molding insulated concrete forms. The mold assembly has an outer housing with a base, a first side wall and a second adjustable side wall that define an interior cavity. The outer housing has an entrance and an exit for access to the interior cavity. Two independent lids are sized to seal the interior cavity of the outer housing. The lids are movable between an open position in which access to the interior cavity is provided through the entrance of the outer housing and a closed position in which access to the interior cavity is limited. The mold assembly has a sealing door that seals the entrance of the outer housing in the closed position. The lids have a plurality of downward oriented extensions that are reinforced with removable spacers. The downward oriented extensions are positioned such that they allow for the creation of form voids in the molded insulated concrete forms. At least one fill gun is provided for injecting foam beads into the interior cavity. A steam inlet is also provided for injecting steam into the interior cavity. Another steam inlet/drain is provided on the bottom side of the mold assembly. Rubber block plugs will be used to close and seal off the mold assembly while making the first insulated concrete form. After that, the rubber block plugs are removed and the finished insulated concrete form will seal off the exit. The insulated concrete form will be ejected and labelled with ejection rollers placed near the exit of the mold machine. In one embodiment, a plurality of fill guns is provided and spaced on the lid for injection of foam beads into the interior cavity of the mold. In another embodiment, the downward oriented extensions of the mold assembly have removable spacer plates to reduce buckling as well as adjust the size of the interior cavity of the insulated concrete form. 
     A system for the construction of monolithic insulated concrete forms is disclosed. The system has an assembly machine that is used for assembling straps and strap receiving ladders into insulated concrete form skeletons and a mold assembly which molds the insulated concrete form skeletons into insulated concrete forms. The assembly machine has a strap loading assembly, a loader loading assembly and a press assembly. The strap loading assembly has a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side are positioned in opposite and parallel spaced relation to each other. Each of the first side and the second side having a support structure and at least one feeder. The feeder has a loading end and a press feeding end. The press feeding end positions a strap in a guide channel The strap is movable along the guide channel towards a press assembly. The ladder loading assembly has a support structure and at least one loading channel The loading channel has a loading end and a press feeding end. A strap receiving ladder is movable along the loading channel and through the press feeding end of the loading channel and into the press assembly. The press assembly has a support structure, a first side and a second side with the space between the first side and the second side defining a press cavity. Each of the first side and the second side has at least one guide channel that is continuous with the at least one guide channel of the strap loading assembly. The at least one strap is movable from the at least one guide channel of the strap loading assembly through the at least one guide channel of the press assembly. The at least one guide channel of the press assembly has a stop for positioning the at least one strap within the at least one guide channel such that the at least one strap and the at least one strap receiving ladder are aligned for connection. At least one of the first side and the second side are movable to press the at least one strap and the at least one strap receiving ladder into connection with each other. An exit is provided through which the completed insulated concrete form skeleton is removable. The mold assembly has an outer housing with a base, a first side wall and a second adjustable side wall that define an interior cavity. The outer housing has an entrance and an exit for access to the interior cavity. Two independent lids are sized to seal the interior cavity of the outer housing. The lids are movable between an open position in which access to the interior cavity is provided through the entrance of the outer housing and a closed position in which access to the interior cavity is limited. The mold assembly has a sealing door that seals the entrance of the outer housing in the closed position. The lids have a plurality of downward oriented extensions that are reinforced with removable spacers. The downward oriented extensions are positioned such that they allow for the creation of form voids in the molded insulated concrete forms. At least one fill gun is provided for injecting foam beads into the interior cavity. A steam inlet is also provided for injecting steam into the interior cavity. Another steam inlet/drain is provided on the bottom side of the mold assembly. Rubber block plugs will be used to close and seal off the mold assembly while making the first insulated concrete form. After that, the rubber block plugs are removed, and the finished insulated concrete form will seal off the exit. The insulated concrete form will be ejected and labelled with ejection rollers placed near the exit of the mold machine. In one embodiment, each of the first side and the second side of the press loading assembly has at least two feeders positioned parallel to one another and spaced vertically from each other. It is preferable that the number of guide channels in the press assembly is the same as the number of guide channels in the strap loading assembly. In another embodiment, the ladder loading assembly has at least two loading channels positioned parallel to one another and spaced horizontally from each other. In another embodiment, the first side and the second side of the strap loading assembly are substantially the same. In another embodiment, the straps are movable along the guide channels of the strap loading assembly by a ram. Ram may have a vertical pushing arm for contacting all of the straps within the guide channels on the first side or second side of the strap loading assembly. In another embodiment, the guide channels of the press assembly have rollers for moving the straps along the guide channels. While the rollers may be driven by any means known in the art, in one embodiment the rollers are driven by an electric motor. In another embodiment, assembly machine has an automated means of loading straps into the loading end of the feeders of the strap loading assembly. Assembly machine may have automated means of loading strap receiving ladders into the loading end of the loading channels of the ladder loading assembly. In another embodiment, at least one of the first side of the press assembly and the second side of the press assembly is movable by pneumatic pistons. In another embodiment, the first side of the press assembly remains stationary and the second side of the press assembly is movable for pressing the straps and strap receiving ladders into connection with each other. In one embodiment, a plurality of fill guns is provided and spaced on the lid for injection of foam beads into the interior cavity of the mold. In another embodiment, the downward oriented extensions of the mold assembly have removable spacer plates to reduce buckling as well as adjust the size of the interior cavity of the insulated concrete form. In one embodiment, the system for constructing a monolithic concrete form also has an adjustable staging area. The staging area has a base, a first wall and a second wall which define a staging channel The support structure has an entrance end and an exit end for access to the staging channel The entrance end of the staging area is positioned adjacent to the press assembly for accepting the insulated concrete form skeleton from the press assembly. The exit end is positioned adjacent to the entrance of the mold assembly for guiding the insulated concrete form skeleton into the mold assembly. The staging area can be disconnected and reassembled to adjust for different sizes of insulated concrete form skeleton. In one embodiment, the staging area has driving means for moving the insulated concrete form skeleton through the staging area. The driving means may be rollers that are positioned adjacent to the exit end of the staging area with the rollers being driven by a motor. 
     A method of constructing a monolithic insulated concrete form is disclosed. At least one strap with at least one ladder receiver connector is loaded into a press assembly. The press assembly has a first side and a second side with the space between the first side and the second side defining a press cavity. Each of the first side and the second side has at least one guide channel into which the at least one strap is loaded. At least one strap receiving ladder with at least one strap connector is loaded into the press cavity of the press assembly. The at least one strap connector of the at least one strap receiving ladder and the at least one ladder receiver connector of the at least one strap are aligned. At least one of the first side and the second side of the press assembly is moved to press the at least one strap and the at least one strap receiving ladder into connection to form an insulated concrete form skeleton. The insulated concrete form skeleton is moved from the press assembly into a mold where the insulated concrete form is molded. A second insulated concrete form skeleton is created and connected to the first insulated concrete form. The second insulated concrete for skeleton is moved into the mold and the second insulated concrete form is molded such that a continuous molded insulated concrete form is created. In one embodiment, at least two straps are positioned parallel to one another and spaced vertically from each other in the press assembly. In another embodiment, at least two strap receiving ladders are positioned parallel to one another spaced vertically from each other in the press assembly. In one embodiment, each of the first side and the second side of the press loading assembly has at least two feeders positioned parallel to one another and spaced vertically from each other. It is preferable that the number of guide channels in the press assembly is the same as the number of guide channels in the strap loading assembly. In another embodiment, the ladder loading assembly has at least two loading channels positioned parallel to one another and spaced horizontally from each other. In another embodiment, the first side and the second side of the strap loading assembly are substantially the same. 
     In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: Each of the first side and the second side of the strap loading assembly there are at least two feeders positioned parallel to one another and spaced vertically from each other. The number of strap guides in the press assembly is the same as the number of strap guides in the strap loading assembly. There are at least two ladder guides positioned parallel to one another and spaced horizontally from each other. The first side and the second side of the strap loading assembly are substantially the same. The straps are movable in use along the strap guides of the strap loading assembly by an actuator. The actuator comprises a ram that has a vertical pushing arm for contacting all of the straps in use within the strap guides on first side or second side of the strap loading assembly. The strap guides of the press assembly have rollers for moving the straps. The rollers are driven by electric motors. Automated means of loading straps into the loading end of the feeders of the strap loading assembly. Automated means of loading strap receiving ladders into the loading end of the ladder guides of the ladder loading assembly. At least one of the first side of the press assembly and the second side of the press assembly are movable by pneumatic pistons. The first side of the press assembly and the second side of the press assembly are movable to press in use the straps and strap receiving ladder into connection with each other. Wherein in use the first side of the press assembly remains stationary and the second side of the press assembly is movable for pressing the at straps and the strap receiving ladder into connection with each other. One or both of the strap guides and press assembly strap guides comprise guide channels. The press assembly guides have a stop for positioning the straps within the press assembly guides such that the straps and the strap receiving ladder are aligned for connection. Ejection rollers for ejecting the insulated concrete form skeleton. The fill guns comprise pluralities of fill guns spaced on the first and second mold lids. Wherein the first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions have removable spacer plates to reduce buckling as well as adjust the interior size of the first and second mold cavities. The first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions are mounted on the first and second mold lids, respectively. The first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions are structured to translate vertically between the retracted and inserted positions. Ejection rollers at the exit. The blocking part comprises a rubber block plug. The fill guns comprise foam guns for filling foam beads in the first and second mold cavities; and further comprising: a steam inlet for injecting steam into the first and second mold cavities; and a cold air inlet for cooling down the molded insulated concrete form using sensor-aided thermoelectric coolers and aluminum fins. An adjustable spacer between the first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions for adjusting the first and second mold cavities in size. A staging area having a support structure, the support structure having a base, a first wall and a second wall defining an adjustable staging guide, the support structure having an entrance end and an exit end for access to the staging guide, the entrance end of the staging area being positioned adjacent to the press assembly for accepting the insulated concrete form skeleton from the press assembly, the exit end being positioned adjacent to the entrance of the mold assembly for guiding the insulated concrete form skeleton into the mold assembly. The staging area further comprises a form drive for moving the insulated concrete form skeleton through the staging area. The form drive comprises rollers positioned adjacent the exit end of the staging area, the rollers being driven by motors. There are at least two straps positioned parallel to one another and spaced vertically from each other in the press assembly and the insulated concrete form skeleton. There are at least two strap receiving ladders positioned parallel to one another in the press assembly and insulated concrete form skeleton and spaced horizontally from each other. Ejection rollers eject the insulated concrete form. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of the present technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present technology will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the present technology, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present technology when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present technology. It is, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present technology. The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure. These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims. These together with other objects of the present technology, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present technology, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present technology, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the present technology. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which references are made to the following drawings, in which numerical references denote like parts. The drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the present technology to the particular embodiments shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system for constructing monolithic insulated concrete forms. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of an apparatus for constructing a skeleton of an insulated concrete form. 
         FIG. 3  is an end elevation view of one side of a strap loading assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view of a portion of the strap loading assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one side of a strap loading assembly shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a ladder loading assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the ladder loading assembly shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an entrance end elevation view of the ladder loading assembly and press assembly for the construction of an insulated concrete form prior to the straps and ladder being compressed and connected. 
         FIG. 9  is an entrance end elevation view of the ladder loading assembly and press assembly for constructing a skeleton of an insulated concrete form after the straps and ladder have been compressed and connected. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of a dynamic side of the strap loading assembly and press assembly used in the construction of a skeleton of an insulated concrete form. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of a static side of the strap loading assembly and press assembly used in the construction of a skeleton of an insulated concrete form. 
         FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus for constructing a skeleton of an insulated concrete form. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the apparatus for constructing a skeleton of an insulated concrete form. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a mold used in the construction of insulated concrete forms. 
         FIG. 15  is an entrance side elevation view of the mold shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is an exit side elevation view of the mold shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of the mold shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the mold shown in  FIG. 14  in a closed position. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the mold shown in  FIG. 14  in the open position. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view, partially in section, of the mold shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a staging area used in the system for constructing monolithic insulated concrete forms. 
         FIG. 22  is an end elevation view of the staging area shown in  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  is a detailed view of a portion of the staging area shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a strap receiving ladder. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a receiver. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view, partially in section, of an insulated concrete form. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the main framing. 
         FIG. 28, 28A and 28B  are views of the cooling system and method 
         FIGS. 29 and 29A  are a depiction of the method of separation between the cooling side and steam face. 
         FIG. 30  is a depiction of the method used for expansion and contraction during heating cycles 
     
    
    
     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A system for constructing monolithic insulated concrete forms, generally identified by reference numeral  10 , will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system for constructing monolithic insulated concrete forms  10  may have an assembly machine  12  where straps  202  and strap receiving ladders  204  (ladder receivers) are connected together to form insulated concrete form skeletons  200 . A mold assembly  14  may be present in which a foam material  206  is molded onto the insulated concrete form skeletons  200 . A staging area  16  between assembly machine  12  and mold assembly  14  may be provided for guiding insulated concrete form skeletons  200  from assembly machine  12  to mold assembly  14  and connecting insulated concrete form skeletons together. The mold assembly  14  may be supported by the main framing  11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , assembly machine  12  may be used to connect straps  202  and strap receiving ladders  204  together to form insulated concrete form skeletons  200 . The number of straps  202  and strap receiving ladders  204  that may be used to make the insulated concrete form skeletons  200  may vary depending upon the size of the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  to be made. At least one strap  202  and at least one strap receiving ladder  204  may be used in the creation of the insulated concrete form skeleton  200 . A person of skill will understand that the number of straps  202  and strap receiving ladders  204  used may vary. Referring to  FIG. 26 , in the embodiment shown, the skeletons  200  may be formed using a plurality of straps  202  positioned parallel to one another and vertically spaced from one another in conjunction with a plurality of strap receiving ladders  204  that may be positioned parallel to one another and horizontally space from one another. Referring to  FIG. 25 , the straps  202  may each have a plurality of male connectors  208 . Referring to  FIG. 24 , the strap receiving ladders  204  may each have a plurality of female connectors  210  positioned along the length of each side of the strap receiving ladders  204 . Referring to  FIG. 26 , the male connectors  208 , shown in  FIG. 25 , of the straps  202  and the female connectors  210  of the strap receiving ladders  204  connect together when pressure is applied. The connections between the male connectors  208  and the female connectors  210  are strongest when the connection is irreversible. A person of skill will understand that different types of connections between the straps  202  and the strap receiving ladders  204  may be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , assembly machine  12  may have a strap loading assembly  18  that is made up of a first side  20  and a second side  22 . In the embodiment shown, each of first side  20  and second side  22  may have a support structure  21 . First side  20  and second side  22  may be positioned in opposite and parallel spaced relation to each other. In the embodiment shown, first side  20  and second side  22  are substantially mirror images of each other, however a person of skill will understand that first side  20  and second side  22  may be different. Referring to  FIG. 3 , each of the first side  20  and the second side  22  has at least one feeder  24 . In the embodiment shown, a plurality of feeders  24  which are positioned parallel to one another and spaced vertically from each other are used. Feeders  24  are attached to support structure  21 . In the embodiment shown, there are four feeders  24 , however the number of feeders  24  required is dependent upon the number of straps  202  used to create the insulated concrete form skeleton  200 . Each feeder  24  may have a loading end  26  for loading straps  202  into the feeder  24  and a press assembly feeding end  28  which positions the straps  202  in a guide, such as a guide channel  30 , in preparation for movement into a press assembly  32 , shown in  FIG. 2 . In the embodiment shown, feeders  24  are slanted downwards from loading end  26  to press feeding end  28  such that gravity is used to assist with loading straps  202  into guide channel  30 . It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that feeders  24  may be horizontal with loading of straps  202  into guide channels  30  occurring through contact between second side  22  as straps  202  are fed into feeders  24 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , as can be seen, straps  202  may be positioned within guide channels  30  such that the male connectors  208  of the straps  202  in first side  20  are pointed towards second side  22  and the male connectors  208  of the straps  202  in second side  22  are pointed towards first side  20 . It will be understood that rotation of straps  202  into this orientation may occur in feeders  24 , in guide channels  30  or in the press assembly  32 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , in the embodiments shown, feeders  24  may have positioning bars  33  positioned such that the positioning bars situate straps  202  in side by side relationship with each other and prevents straps  202  from becoming bunched within feeder  24 . By preventing bunching, straps  202  are less likely to jam within feeder  24  or as they enter guide channels  30 . While not shown, straps  202  could be positioned in feeders such that rotation of straps  202  into guide channels  30  is not required. The distance between the press feeding ends  28  and guide channels  30  is dependent upon the spacing between straps  202  needed for construction of the completed insulated concrete form skeletons  200 . Assembly machine  12  may be disconnected and reassembled to adjust for other sizes of insulated concrete form skeletons  200 . 
     The straps  202  may be movable along the guide channels  30  toward the press assembly  32 . Movement along the guide channels  30  can occur manually by having the operator of assembly machine  12  push the straps  202  or may be done through automated means such as through the use of rams, pistons, rollers or other driving means. In one embodiment, movement of straps  202  along guide channels  30  may be achieved through the use of a ram  34 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , in the embodiment shown, ram  34  may have a vertical pushing arm  36  which contacts the plurality of straps  202  in guide channels  30  and pushes the straps  202  towards press assembly  32 . In the embodiment shown, vertical pushing arm  36  may be movably connected to guide bars  35  positioned near the top and the bottom of first side  20  and second side  22 . Guide bars  35  may have stops  37  on both ends to control the distance vertical pushing arm  36  may move along each of first side  20  and second side  22 . Vertical pushing arm  36  maintains its vertical orientation during movement along guide bars  35  and movement of ram  34 . It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that a plurality of rams could be used where each ram moves a single strap  202 . Ram  34  may be operated by any suitable method, including but not limited to, pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically operated mechanisms. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , assembly machine  12  may have a ladder loading assembly  38 . Assembly  38  may have at least one ladder guide, such as a loading channel  40 . Referring to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , in the embodiment shown, a plurality of loading channels  40  positioned parallel to one another and spaced horizontally from each other may be used. The spacing between loading channels  40  is dependent upon the space required between strap receiving ladders  204  in insulated concrete form skeleton  200 , shown in  FIG. 26 . Ladder loading assembly  38  may have a support structure  39  onto which loading channels  40  are attached. The number of loading channels  40  that are required is dependent upon the number of strap receiving ladders  204  used to create the insulated concrete form skeleton  200 . Each loading channel  40  may have a loading end  42  into which strap receiving ladders  204  are loaded and a set of rams  47  which feeds the strap receiving ladders  204  into the press assembly  32 . The strap receiving ladders  204  may be movable along the loading channels  40  and through the small rams  47  of each loading channel  40  into the press assembly  32 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , loading channels  40  may have rollers  41  that may be used to advance strap receiving ladders  204  along loading channels  40 . Referring to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , in the embodiment shown, ladder loading assembly  38  may be positioned above press assembly  32  and strap receiving ladders  204  are gravity fed into press assembly  32 . In the embodiment shown, assembly machine  12  of loading channels  40  may have a guide channel  43  connected to support structure  39 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , female connectors  210  of strap receiving ladders  204  slide into guide channel  43  and are grabbed by actuators such as small rams  47  and guide channels  43  act to guide strap receiving ladders  204  out of ladder loading assembly  38  and into guide channel  43 . A person of skill will understand that the descent of strap receiving ladders  204  into press assembly  32  may be controlled through the use of a vertically movable piston in connection with strap receiving ladders  204 , a plurality of vertically movable pistons in connection with strap receiving ladders  204 , an elevator system which lowers the strap receiving ladders  204 , or any other suitable means of controlling the descent of strap receiving ladders. Referring to  FIG. 6 , in the embodiment shown, each strap receiving ladder  204  may be moved downwards through the use of a moving assembly  45  which has a series of connectors  46  which removably connect at the top  212  of the strap receiving ladders  204 . As can be seen, connectors  46  may have a set of small rams  47  that are used to grab onto strap receiving ladder  204  that move towards the strap receiving ladder  204  to grab the strap receiving ladder  204  using a pulley system  118  driven by a motor  119  and linear guide  130  and another pulley system  48  driven by a motor  50  allows the moving assembly  45  to move downwards into the press assembly  32 . A guide bar  49  positioned within support structure  39  beside loading channels  40  may be used to guide moving assembly  45  vertically into and out of press assembly  32 , shown in  FIG. 8 . A person of skill will understand that moving assembly  45  may be movable by other means. Once the strap receiving ladders  204  has been lowered, small rams  47  of the connectors  46  release from the strap receiving ladder  204  and moves back up into ladder loading assembly  38  in preparation for downwards and sideways movement of another strap receiving ladder  204 . 
     A person of skill will understand that straps  202  could be spaced horizontally from each other with strap receiving ladders  204  being spaced vertically from each other within press assembly  32 . Straps  202  should be positioned perpendicular to strap receiving ladders  204 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , assembly machine  12  has a press assembly  32  that may be used to connect straps  202  and strap receiving ladders  204  together to form an insulated concrete form skeleton  200 , shown in  FIG. 26 . Referring to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , press assembly  32  may have a support structure  51 , a first side  52  and a second side  54  with the space between the first side  52  and the second side  54  defining a press cavity  56 . Referring to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , each of the first side  52  and the second side  54  may have at least one strap guide, such as guide channel  58 . In the embodiment shown, a plurality of guide channels  58  that are continuous with the guide channels  30  of the strap loading assembly  18  may be used. The straps  202  may be movable from the guide channels  30  of the strap loading assembly  18  though the guide channels  58  of the press assembly  32 . Movement of the straps  202  may occur through manual or automated means including, but not limited to, the use of rams, pistons, rollers or other driving means. In the embodiment shown, a series of rollers  60  which are driven by electric motors  62 , shown in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , may be provided for moving the straps  202  along guide channels  58 . The guide channels  58  of the press assembly  32  may have a stop  64  that is used to position the straps  202  such that the straps  202  and the strap receiving ladder  204  are aligned for connection within press assembly  32  as shown in  FIG. 8 . A person of skill will understand that stop  64  may be created through the use of a physical barrier, a mechanical switch, an optical switch or any other suitable means of stopping progress of the straps  202  within guide channels  58 . In the embodiment shown, an optical switch may be used. Referring to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , once straps  202  and strap receiving ladders  204  are positioned within press assembly  32 , at least one of the first side  52  and the second side  54  may be movable within support structure  51  to press the straps  202  and strap receiving ladders  204  into connection with each other to form an insulated concrete form skeleton  200 , shown in  FIG. 26 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , in the embodiment shown, second side  54  may be movable while first side  52  is stationary. Second side  54  may be movable through the use of pneumatic pistons  65  positioned adjacent the top and bottom of press cavity  56 . Pneumatic piston  65  positioned adjacent the bottom of press cavity  56  may have a stop  63  to prevent insulated concrete form skeleton  200  from being over pressed which would cause insulated concrete form skeleton to twist or break. Stop  63  may be positioned on pneumatic piston  65  adjacent the top of press cavity  56  or stop  63  may be mechanically or electronically built in. A person of skill will understand that second side  54  may be movable in other ways known in the art. It will also be understood that both first side  52  and second side  54  could be movable to press straps  202  and strap receiving ladder  204  into connection to form insulated concrete form skeleton  200 , shown in  FIG. 26 . Referring to  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , press assembly  32  has an exit  95  through which completed insulated concrete form skeletons  200  may be removed from press cavity  56 . Referring to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , exit  95  may have a series of rollers  60  which are used to propel insulated concrete form skeleton  200  out of press cavity  56 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , in order to ensure that straps  202  and strap receiving ladders  204  are properly aligned, ladder guides  66  may be positioned within press assembly  32  and may extend inwards from either first side  52  or second side  54 . Ladder guides  66  may be used to position the strap receiving ladders  204  in alignment with the straps  202  for connection. Referring to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , guide channels  43  guide strap receiving ladders  204  into press cavity  56  such that they are positioned within ladder guides  66  or such that the ladder guides  66  can be correctly positioned around strap receiving ladders  204  that have been lowered into press cavity  56 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , in the embodiment shown, ladder guides  66  may be movable between a guiding position in which the ladder guides  66  extend into the press cavity  56  and a retracted position in which the ladder guides  66  retract out of press cavity  56 . Ladder guides  66  may be movable into and out of press cavity  56  through the use of pneumatic pistons  67 . In the embodiment shown, there are two sets of ladder guides  66 , one set positioned to guide the lower half of strap receiving ladder  204  and a second set positioned to guide the upper half of strap receiving ladder  204 . As can be seen, the set of ladder guides  66  positioned to guide the upper half of strap receiving ladder  204  is retracted out of press cavity  56 , while the set of ladder guides  66  positioned to guide the lower half of the strap receiving ladder  204  is extended into press cavity  56 . A person of skill will understand that different methods of moving ladder guides  66  may be used and may include ladder guides  66  being movable between a guiding position in which they extend outwards from the first side  52  or second side  54  and a discreet position in which they are folded back against the first side  52  or second side  54 . In one case both sides of the press assembly move to connect the ladders and straps. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18 , mold assembly  14  may be used to mold foam material  206  onto an insulated concrete form skeleton  200 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , mold assembly  14  may have an outer housing  68  and a bottom support base  70 , a first side wall  72  and a second adjustable side wall  74  which define an interior cavity  76 , and mold assembly  14  may be supported by a main framing  11 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , the outer housing  68  may have an entrance  78  for access to the interior cavity  76  and, referring to  FIG. 16 , the outer housing  68  may have an exit  80  for access to the interior cavity  76 . Two independent lids  82  may be sized to seal the interior cavity  76  of the outer housing  68 . In other cases one lid is used. The lids  82  may be movable between an open position, shown in  FIG. 19 , and a closed position, shown in  FIG. 18 . Referring to  FIG. 19 , in the open position, access to the interior cavity  76  may be provided through the entrance  78  and exit  80  of the outer housing  68 . Referring to  FIG. 18 , in the closed position, access to the interior cavity  76  may be limited. Referring to  FIG. 18 , the outer housing  68  may have two sealing door mechanisms  84  to seal the entrance  78  of the outer housing  68  when the lids  82  are in the closed position. In other cases one door is used. Referring to  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20 , first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions  86  may be movable between a retracted position (open position) and an inserted position (closed position). The first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions  86  are in the inserted position, first and second mold cavities are defined by the first and second mold lids, the first and second entrance door mechanisms  84 , the first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions  86 , and the insulated concrete form skeleton (with the extensions and skeleton contacting one another in use to define respective inside walls of the mold cavities so that a seal is formed around the top, bottom, ends, and inside and outside walls of each mold cavity to permit insulating material to fill the mold cavities and form the requisite insulating panels on the skeleton). In the example shown the extensions  86  may protrude from the lids  82 . The extensions  86  may be connected to a mounting block  114 . The downward oriented extension  86  may be positioned such that they may allow for the creation of form respective insulating panel forming mold cavities such as voids  214 , shown in  FIG. 14 , in the molded insulated concrete form  216 , shown in  FIG. 14 . The downward oriented extensions  86  may be positioned within an interior of the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  between the straps  202  positioned on either side of the strap receiving ladders  204 . The first and second pluralities of downward oriented extensions  86  may be inserted into a series of spaces, for example vertical spaces, defined by and along opposed sides of an insulated concrete form skeleton that is located within the interior cavity in use. The inserted or descending extensions may align into the connected pluralities/skeleton to create the mold cavity. Once molded/formed the extensions may be retracted to release the molded monolithic form. Entrance and exit rollers and drive wheels, may push and pull (extract) the molded form. This extraction process connects the pre-staged attached/connected skeleton/pluralities to the previous molded skeleton/pluralities creating a monolithic continuous molded ICF form. When foam is injected into the mold assembly  14 , it may not enter the area between the straps  202  positioned on either side of the strap receiving ladders  204  as these areas are blocked by the downward oriented extensions  86  which are supported by spacer plates  93  which also help reduce chances of buckling, shown in  FIG. 16 . Each opposite group of extensions  86  may be supported by a spacer such as a spacer plate  93 . Referring to  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 18 , and  FIG. 29 , the lids  82  may be movable between the open position, and closed position, through the use of the lifting system  85 . The lifting system  85  may use heavy-duty linear guides  120 , ball-screws  121 , and motors  122  to lift the lids  82  into and out of position efficiently, at a set desired acceleration and speed, and may help to ensure that lids are properly aligned with the outer housing  68  and the bottom support base  70  and insulated concrete form skeleton  200  each time the lids  82  are moved. This, in turn, may prevent damage to the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  and consistent insulated concrete forms  216  being made. A person of skill will understand that different methods of moving the lids  82  upwards and downwards may be used including manually lifting and lowering the lid, hydraulics, the use of machinery such as a crane, pneumatics, and any other method known in the art. In some cases legs (extensions  86 ) may come from the top and bottom of the respective mold cavities. In some cases the extensions move independently of the lids. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , at least one fill gun  88  may be provided for the injection of foam beads or other suitable material into the interior cavity  76  of the mold assembly  14 . A person of skill will understand that fill guns  88  may be positioned anywhere on mold assembly  14  as long as they are capable of injecting foam beads or other suitable material into the interior cavity  76 . In one embodiment, a plurality of fill guns  88  are positioned on the lids  82 . This orientation of fill guns  88  allows for more uniform injection of foam beads or other suitable material into the mold assembly  14 . Referring to  FIG. 17 , a steam inlet/drain  90  and steam inlet  123  may be provided for the injection of steam into the interior cavity  76 . The steam causes activation of the foam beads that are injected into the interior cavity  76  using fill guns  88 . Referring to FIG. 
       20 , high temperature rubber block plugs  92  may be provided. The high temperature plugs  92  seal the exit  80  of the outer housing  68  and may be used once while the lids  82  are closed for the first insulated concrete form  216 . Referring to  FIG. 20 , when used in the creation of a monolithic insulated concrete form, the high temperature plugs  92  may be used to seal the exit  80  of the outer housing  68  during molding of the first insulated concrete form portion  216 a. Once this portion  216 a has been molded, it may be pushed mostly out of the mold assembly  14  by using a conveyor such as ejection rollers  115 , shown in  FIG. 17  and by the next insulated concrete form skeleton  200  which has been connected to it. Referring to  FIG. 17 , the first insulated concrete form portion  216 a remains blocking the exit  80  while the next insulated concrete form skeleton  200  is molded. Once the first insulated concrete form  216  is molded, the blocking part such as the high temperature rubber plugs  92  may be removed. Referring to  FIG. 29 , a high temperature sealing mat  116  may be placed in-between the steam inlet  123  and the cold air injection system  124 . The high temperature sealing mat  116  separates the hot and cold sides from the insulated concrete form  216 . The cold air injection system  124  cools down the insulated concrete form  216  to stop further growth of the expanded polystyrene and maintain its shape. Referring to  FIGS. 28, 28A, and 28B , the cold air injection system  124  may use a thermoelectric cooler  117  and aluminum fins  125 . A person of skill will understand that different methods of cooling the insulated concrete form  216  may be used including direct air, coolers, pressurized air, and any other method known. Referring to  FIG. 20 , As the insulated concrete form  216  is ejected by the ejection rollers  115 , a product label may be debossed on the surface of the insulated concrete form  216 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , in the embodiment shown, mold assembly  14  may have bottom rollers  91  with removable spacer plates  93  and removable bottom spacers  97 . By using removable spacer plates  93 , the user may mold different sizes of cores of insulated concrete forms  216  by simply switching out the spacer plates  93  and bottom spacers  97  . It also allows for the spacer plates  93  to be replaced as they wear, without the requirement to obtain an entirely new mold assembly  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , the mold assembly  14  may have two sides. One side may be fixed to the mold assembly framing  11 , while the other moving adjustable side may have bottom rollers  91  that may be placed on top of the linear guides  126  of the mold assembly framing  11 . The mold assembly framing  11  may be supported by heavy duty leg stands  127 . The lifting system  85  may be attached to the mold assembly framing  11 . Mold assembly  14  and lifting system  85  may be supported by the mold assembly framing  11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22 , staging area  16  may have a support structure  94  that has an adjustable shaft  128 , a first wall  98  and a second wall  100  which define a staging channel  102  and both walls may be disconnected and re-assembled to adjust for other sizes of insulated concrete form skeletons  200 . The staging area  16  may be adjustable and may move along shafts  128  and the staging area is fastened to the assembly machine  12  and mold assembly  14 . Support structure  94  may have an entrance end  104  and an exit end  106  through which insulated concrete form skeletons  200  travel. In the embodiment shown, staging channel  102  may have a series of guiding channels  112  that may be positioned such that they are continuous with the guiding channels  58  of press assembly  32 . Referring to  FIG. 23 , straps  202  slide through guide channels  112 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , staging area  16  may be connected to the exit  95  of the press assembly  32  to receive completed insulated concrete form skeletons  200  from the press assembly  32  and to the entrance  78  of the mold assembly  14 . Movement through staging area  16  may occur through contact between insulated concrete form skeletons  200  or through the use of driving means. Insulated concrete form skeletons  200  may be driven forward through the use of rams, pistons, pulleys, rollers and any other driven device known in the art. A strong enough force will cause insulated concrete form skeletons  200  that are positioned in end to end relation within staging channel  102  and mold assembly  14  to be connected. This may be completed through manual force such as where the operator applies pressure until the ends connect. It is preferable, however, for this to be an automated force. Referring to  FIG. 21 , in the embodiment shown, this force may be created through the use of rollers  108  powered by electric motors  110  positioned at the exit end  106  of the support structure  94 . The positioning of these rollers  108  at the exit end  106  of the support structure  94  allows for the connection of the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  in the mold assembly  14  to the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  in the staging area  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , assembly machine  12 , mold assembly  14  and staging area  16  are preferably made of a metal such as steel or aluminum. A person of skill will understand that different materials may be used for different components of system  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , system  10  is preferably a completely automated system. A control panel, not shown, may be linked to system  10  to control each aspect of the system, from the movement of straps  202  from the strap loading assembly  18  through to removing and labelling the completed insulated concrete form  216  from the mold assembly  14  using ejection rollers  115 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , feeding straps  202  into feeders  24  is preferably done through the use of automated means such as through the use of a robotic arm, not shown. It will be understood that straps  202  may be manually loaded into feeders  24 . The same is true of strap receiving ladders  204  being loaded into loading channels  40 . The loading of strap receiving ladders  204  into loading channels  40  may occur through automated means such as through the use of a robotic arm, not shown, or may be manually loaded into loading channels  40 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , rams  34  may be controlled by control panel to push straps  202  along guide channels  30  towards press assembly  32 , shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , a series of rollers  60  may be used to control the movement of straps  202  into press cavity  56 , shown in  FIG. 10 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , electric motors  62  may be controlled by the control panel and controls the rollers  60  and, in turn, the movement of straps  202 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , moving assembly  45  may be controlled by the control panel to guide strap receiving ladders  204  into press assembly  32 . A person of skill will understand that the order in which the straps  202  and the strap receiving ladders  204  enter the press cavity  56  of press assembly  32  is not important as long as the connections between them are properly aligned. Referring to  FIG. 6 , operation of rollers  41  may be controlled by the control panel to advance strap receiving ladders  204  as needed through loading channels  40 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , pneumatic pistons  67  that control the positioning of ladder guides  66  may also be controlled by the control panel. Ladder guides  66  may be moved into position within the press cavity  56  either before or after strap receiving ladders  204  have been guided into press cavity  56 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , once the straps  202  and the strap receiving ladders  204  are properly positioned within press cavity  56 , pneumatic pistons  65  may be controlled by the control panel to move second side  54  of press assembly  32  inwards so that the straps  202  and the strap receiving ladders  204  are connected together to form the insulated concrete form skeleton  200 . Once the straps  202  and the strap receiving ladders  204  are connected together, pneumatic pistons  65  may move the second side  54  out of contact with the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  to allow the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  to be moved out of press cavity  56  through exit  95 . Referring to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , rollers  60  positioned adjacent the exit  95  of press assembly  32  may be used to propel insulated concrete form skeleton  200  out of exit  95 . Movement of rollers  60  may be controlled by the control panel. Referring to  FIG. 1 , insulated concrete form skeleton  200  exits through exit  95  of assembly machine  12  and into staging area  16 . Referring to  FIG. 22 , straps  202  of insulated concrete form skeletons  200  slide along guiding channels  112  within staging channel  102  of staging area  16 . Referring to  FIG. 21 , electric motors  110  that control rollers  108  may be controlled by the control panel and may be used to provide the necessary force to connect the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  in the staging area  16  with the insulated concrete form skeleton  200  positioned within molding assembly  14 , shown in  FIG. 14 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , rollers  108  may also be used to propel insulated concrete form skeleton  200  into mold assembly  14  and push the completed insulated concrete form  216  out of exit  80  working in conjunction with the ejection rollers  115 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the control panel may control the movement of the lids  82  between the open position in which an insulated concrete form skeleton  200  can be positioned within interior cavity  76  and a closed position, shown in  FIG. 18 , in which access to the interior cavity  76  may be limited. Molding of insulated concrete form  216 , shown in  FIG. 26 , occurs when the lids  82  are in the closed position. The injection of foam beads or other suitable material through fill guns  88  and the injection of steam through steam inlet/drain  90  and steam inlet  123  may also be controlled by the control panel. 
       FIG. 30  the bottom support base  70  may have two fixed mounting holes and slots along the side and along the steam inlet  123 . This may allow for expansion and contraction to occur without moving the fixed ends and damaging the bolts. 
     Any use herein of any terms describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the subject elements, and may also include indirect interaction between the elements such as through secondary or intermediary structure unless specifically stated otherwise. 
     In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. 
     It will be apparent that changes may be made to the illustrative embodiments, while falling within the scope of the present technology. As such, the scope of the following claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples and drawings described above, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the present technology. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the present technology to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the present technology. 
     In the claims, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.