Patent Publication Number: US-2007105076-A1

Title: Automatic pattern making apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE  
      This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/627,179, titled “Automatic Pattern Making Apparatus,” filed Nov. 15, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      One invention relates to automatic X-Y cutters that cut patterns out of substantially planar work pieces such as paper. Another invention relates to a cutting mat.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      It is known in the art to provide computer controlled X-Y cutters (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,388,488 and 3,805,650). However, such X-Y cutters must be connected to a computer, rendering the entire apparatus bulky, non-portable, and expensive.  
      It is also known in the art to provide a set of cutting instructions on a removable floppy disk that is selectively connected to an X-Y cutter to cut a pattern corresponding to the set of cutting instructions (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,634,388 and 5,454,287). However, such devices are not user friendly and do not provide a simple way for an operator to choose among a plurality of patterns to be cut or to scale the size of the pattern up or down.  
      In X-Y cutters, it is known to use vacuum tables (i.e., tables with small suction holes in them) to hold down a work piece during a cutting operation. Unfortunately, such vacuum tables are noisy and expensive.  
      It is also known in the art to use a die cutter to cut paper patterns. Unfortunately, the operator must purchase a discrete, expensive die for each pattern and size that the operator wishes to make. For example, the operator must purchase 26 different dies just to have capital alphabet letters of a single size and style. Conventional die cutters also tend to be heavy and bulky because a large amount of force must be exerted on the die to punch through the paper.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Accordingly, one aspect of one or more embodiments of this invention provides an automatic pattern cutting apparatus that is self-contained and portable, and allows a plurality of different patterns to be quickly and easily selected and cut or processed from a work piece such as paper.  
      Another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention provides a cutting/processing mat for manual or automatic cutting/processing that releaseably secures the work piece in place during the pattern making procedure, and subsequently releases the produced pattern without harm. The cutting/processing mat is inexpensive, simple, and quiet.  
      Another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention provides a pattern making apparatus for making patterns on a substantially planar work piece. The apparatus includes a housing and a work piece supporting platform mounted to the housing. The platform is constructed and arranged to support the substantially planar work piece in an X-Y plane defined by generally orthogonal X and Y directions. The apparatus includes a pattern making instrument constructed to interact with the work piece. The instrument and the platform are movable relative to one another in the X and Y directions, and in a Z direction generally orthogonal to the X and Y directions. The apparatus includes a controller operatively connected to at least one of the instrument and the platform to move the instrument and platform relative to one another in the X, Y, and Z directions. The apparatus includes a memory device operatively connected to the controller. The memory device has a plurality of sets of pattern making instructions, each useable by the controller for moving the instrument and platform relative to one another for making a corresponding pattern from the work piece. Tue apparatus includes an operator interface operatively connected to the controller, and a first substrate with a first set of pattern identifiers provided thereon. Each of the first set of pattern identifiers are associated with a corresponding set of pattern making instructions in the memory device. The operator interface enables an operator to select one of the sets of pattern making instructions corresponding to a desired pattern identifier to be used by the controller to move the instrument and the platform relative to one another to make a corresponding pattern from the work piece.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the pattern making instrument may be a cutter (paper, vinyl, etc.), an embossing instrument, a scoring instrument, a perforating instrument, or a journaling instrument.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the controller is capable of scaling the sets of pattern making instructions to vary a size of a pattern formed from the work piece.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the pattern making apparatus includes a pattern cutting apparatus, the work piece supporting platform includes a cutting platform, the pattern making instrument is a work piece cutter, the controller includes a cutter controller, the plurality of sets of pattern making instructions include a plurality of sets of cutting instructions, and the cutter controller moves the cutter and platform relative to one another to cut a pattern from the work piece.  
      The operator interface may include a set of operator actuated switches each associated with a corresponding one of the sets of cutting instructions in the memory device and a corresponding one of the pattern identifiers. The operator interface enables the operator to select the set of cutting instructions corresponding to the desired pattern identifier by actuating the corresponding one of the switches. The first set of pattern identifiers may be physically aligned with the set of switches such that each of the first set of pattern identifiers is physically associated with a corresponding switch. The substrate may overlie the set of switches. The set of switches may be permanently mounted to the housing, and the memory device and substrate may be assembled together and removably mounted to the housing as a unit. The memory device, set of switches, and substrate may be assembled together and removably mounted to the housing as a unit.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the apparatus includes a second memory device including a second plurality of sets of cutting instructions different from the first set of cutting instructions. The apparatus also includes a second substrate with a second set of pattern identifiers displayed thereon. Each of the second set of pattern identifiers is associated with a corresponding set of cutting instructions in the second memory device. The second substrate and the second memory device are assembled together. The second memory device and second substrate may be selectively mountable as a unit to the housing in place of the memory device and first substrate to provide the cutting apparatus with a wider repertoire of patterns.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the apparatus includes a second substrate with a second set of pattern identifiers displayed thereon, each of the second set of pattern identifiers being associated with a corresponding set of cutting instructions in the memory device. The second substrate may be selectively physically aligned with the set of switches such that each of the second set of pattern identifiers is physically associated with one of the switches. The apparatus includes a sensor that senses which substrate is physically aligned with the set of switches. The sensor operatively connects to the cutter controller to enable the cutter controller to use sets of cutting instructions associated with the pattern identifiers of the sensed substrate. The first and second substrates may be pages of a booklet, and the memory device and the booklet may be assembled together.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the cutter controller includes an electronic control unit that is programmed to allow an operator to select a plurality of desired patterns to be cut from a single work piece. The electronic control unit is programmed to control the cutter to sequentially cut the plurality of desired patterns from the single work piece. The apparatus may also include a display controlled by the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit visually notifies an operator using the display when additional desired patterns will not fit onto the single work piece.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the cutting platform has a tacky surface that is constructed and arranged to releaseably secure the work piece in place relative to the cutting platform when the cutter cuts the work piece.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the cutting platform includes a rigid substrate and an adhesive layer disposed on the substrate. The adhesive layer is constructed and arranged to releaseably hold the work piece in a fixed position thereon during cutting of the work piece. The apparatus may also include a layer of self healing material disposed between the adhesive layer and the rigid substrate. The apparatus may include a removable protective layer disposed on the adhesive layer to protect the adhesive layer when the pattern cutting apparatus is not being used. The selective removal of the protective layer exposes the adhesive layer to permit the work piece to be secured thereto.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the cutting platform is movable relative to the housing in the Y direction, and a plurality of surface features are disposed on the cutting platform. The plurality of surface features extend linearly in the Y direction. The cutter controller includes a rotational drive element having a gear that engages the surface features of the cutting platform to selectively move the cutting platform in the Y direction relative to the housing. The cutter controller may selectively move the cutter relative to the housing and cutting platform in the X and Z directions.  
      Another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention provides a pattern making system for making patterns from a substantially planar work piece. The system includes a pattern making apparatus, an operator interface operatively connected to the controller, and a memory device operatively connected to the controller. The memory device includes a plurality of sets of pattern making instructions, each useable by the controller for moving the instrument and platform relative to one another for making a corresponding pattern from the work piece. The system also includes a first set of pattern identifiers, each of the first set of pattern identifiers being associated with a corresponding set of pattern making instructions in the memory device. The operator interface enables an operator to select one of the sets of instructions corresponding to a desired pattern identifier to be used by the controller to move the pattern making instrument and the platform relative to one another to make the corresponding pattern from the work piece. At least the set of pattern identifiers and the memory device are removable from the pattern making apparatus for replacement thereof.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the operator interface is part of the pattern cutting apparatus.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, at least the memory device and first set of pattern identifiers are assembled together and removable from the apparatus as a unit. The first set of pattern identifiers may be physically aligned with the set of operator actuated switches such that each of the first set of pattern identifiers is physically associated with a corresponding switch.  
      According to a further aspect of one or more of these embodiments, the controller is capable of scaling the sets of pattern making instructions to vary a size of a pattern formed from the work piece.  
      Another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention provides a combination including a memory device having a plurality of sets of pattern making instructions disposed therein. The memory device is releaseably operatively connectable to a pattern making apparatus for making patterns from a work piece. The combination also includes a substrate having a plurality of pattern identifiers displayed thereon. Each pattern identifier corresponds to an associated set of pattern making instructions in the memory device. The position of each pattern identifier on the substrate correlates that pattern identifier with its associated set of pattern making instructions. The substrate may be constructed and shaped to be physically aligned with the pattern making apparatus in such a way as to indicate to the operator how to select a particular set of pattern making instructions in the memory device to use to make a pattern corresponding to a selected pattern identifier. The substrate may be constructed and shaped to overlie a plurality of switches disposed on a pattern making apparatus, the physical positions of the plurality of pattern identifiers being correlated with the plurality of switches.  
      Another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention provides a pattern booklet that includes a plurality of pages, each page having a plurality of pattern identifiers displayed thereon. The booklet includes a memory device assembled with the plurality of pages, the memory device having a plurality of sets of pattern making instructions, each set of pattern making instructions corresponding to an associated pattern identifier on one of the plurality of pages. The booklet is constructed and arranged to be removably mounted to a pattern making apparatus such that the memory device provides pattern making instructions to the pattern making apparatus, and the pages indicate to an operator which sets of pattern making instructions are available in the memory device. The pages may be shaped and sized such that when the booklet is mounted to the pattern making apparatus, the pattern identifiers physically align with switches on the pattern making apparatus that are associated with a corresponding set of pattern making instructions. The pattern booklet may be constructed and arranged to operatively connect to a computer to enable an operator to selectively download at least one set of pattern making instructions to the memory device.  
      Additional and/or alternative advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, disclose preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Referring now to the drawings which from a part of this original disclosure:  
       FIGS. 1-3  are perspective views of a pattern cutting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of a cutting mat of the pattern cutting apparatus of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of a cutting mat for manual cutting according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an operator interface of the pattern cutting apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a pattern booklet for the pattern cutting apparatus of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a pattern booklet for the pattern cutting apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the pattern cutting apparatus of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a cutting assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a pattern booklet for the pattern cutting apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a pattern making apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a work piece supporting platform of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13  is a rear, partial, perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrates a method for making a pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  are perspective and side views, respectively, of a cutter for use with the apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  are perspective and side views, respectively, of a journaling instrument for use with the apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 17A and 17B  are perspective and side vices, respectively, of an embossing instrument for use with the apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  are perspective and side views, respectively, of a perforating instrument for use with the apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention:  
       FIG. 19  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embossing mat for use with the apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 20  illustrates the use of the embossing mat of  FIG. 19 ; and  
       FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating the creation of a pattern booklet for use with the apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an automatic pattern cutting apparatus  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  comprises a housing  20 , a cutting/work piece supporting platform  30  mounted to the housing  20 , and a work piece cutter  40  (see  FIG. 3 ). The cutter  40  is movably mounted to the housing  20  to permit the cutter  40  to move relative to the cutting platform  30  in generally orthogonal X and Z directions, and the platform  30  is movable relative to the cutter  40  in a Y direction, which is generally orthogonal to both the X and Z directions. A cutter controller  50  operatively connects to the cutter  40  and the platform  30  to move the cutter  40  and the platform  30  relative to one another in the X, Y, and Z directions. The platform  30 , cutter  40 , and cutter controller  50 , as well as alternative constructions, are discussed later in the application. The apparatus  10  also includes an interchangeable pattern booklet  60  (see  FIG. 2 ) that removably engages an operator interface  70  and the cutter controller  50 .  
      While the illustrated apparatus  10  utilizes a cutter  40  to make patterns in the work piece, alternative pattern making instruments may replace the cutter  40  to interact with the work piece. For example, the cutter  40  may be replaced with pattern making instruments such as a journaling instrument (e.g., pen, pencil, chalk, calligraphy pen, etc.), an embossing instrument, a scoring instrument, or a perforating instrument. If a journaling instrument is used, the apparatus  10  can draw patterns on the work piece. The operator may use these drawn or embossed patterns on the work piece as is, or may manually cut the pattern out of the work piece by using the drawn or embossed pattern as a guide.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  6 , the operator interface  70  comprises a tray  75  that permanently slidably mounts to the housing  20  so that the operator interface may be selectively opened to allow an operator to operate the apparatus  10  (see  FIG. 2 ) or closed to facilitate storage and transport of the apparatus  10  (see  FIG. 1 ). As shown in  FIG. 6 , the operator interface  70  comprises a set of operator-actuated switches  80  arranged in a two-dimensional array on an upper surface of the tray  75  of the operator interface  70 . The switches  80  are operatively connected to the cutter controller  50  to indicate to the cutter controller  50  when any switch  80  is actuated. The switches  80  may comprise any type of suitable operator-actuated switches. The illustrated switches  80  comprise pressure sensitive momentary switches that are disposed below a flexible liner on the operator interface  70 . These are often referred to as membrane switches. Alternatively, the switches  80  may comprise momentary switches that extend upwardly from the top of the operator interface  70 , which may use depressible buttons. Alternatively, the upper surface of the operator interface  70  may be proximity-sensitive or touch-sensitive (such as by capacitive sensing, or some other means) and indicate to the cutter controller  50  what region of the operator interface  70  is actuated. While the illustrated operator interface  70  slidably mounts to the housing  20 , the operator interface  70  may alternatively rigidly or pivotally mount to the housing  20  without deviating from the scope of the present invention.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , the pattern booklet  60  comprises a memory device  100  and a plurality of pages  110  of pattern identifiers  120 . The pages  110  may comprise any suitable type of substrate (e.g., paper, plastic, cardstock, cardboard, etc.) and shape (square, oval, rectangular, irregularly curved and/or angled, etc.). While the illustrated pages  110  are connected to each other and to the booklet  60 , the pages  100  may alternatively remain discrete stand-alone elements (e.g., a stack of cards, etc.). The pattern identifiers  120  are permanently displayed in two-dimensional sets on each page  110  of the booklet  60 . The pattern identifiers  120  may be printed, embossed, glued, etched, stitched, molded, or otherwise applied to the pages  110 . The pattern identifiers  120  may include any suitable patterns such as alphabet letters, numbers, geometric patterns, animal patterns, etc. The memory device  100  comprises any suitable memory device such as a flash memory card, ROM memory, a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, etc. The memory device  100  contains a set of cutting (or other pattern making) instructions corresponding to each pattern identified by each pattern identifier  120 . The cutter controller  50  selectively reads the memory device  100  to obtain the appropriate set of cutting instructions and control the relative movement between the cutter  40  and the platform  30  to cut a desired pattern.  
      The patterns and pattern making instructions in the booklet  60  may be designed to make patterns using any one or more different types of pattern making instruments. For example, a single set of pattern making instructions may be used to cut a pattern using the cutter  40 , to journal the pattern using a journaling instrument, or to score the pattern using a scoring instrument. Additionally and/or alternatively, pattern booklets  60  (or individual patterns therein) may be specifically designed to make patterns using certain pattern making instruments. For example, certain patterns and pattern making instructions may be specifically designed for use with an embossing instrument or other specific type of pattern making instrument.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 2, 6 , and  7 , the pattern booklet  60  is selectively and removably mountable to the operator interface  70 . When the pattern booklet  60  is mounted to the operator interface  70 , the memory device  100  operatively engages a connection port  150  (see  FIG. 6 ) in the operator interface  70 , which operatively connects the memory device  100  to the cutter controller  50 . Similarly, when the pattern booklet  60  is mounted to the operator interface  70 , the pages  110  may be selectively turned such that the set of pattern identifiers  120  on a chosen page  110  physically aligns with the set of switches  80 , thereby providing each pattern identifier  120  with an associated switch  80 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the switches  80  are visible through holes in the pages  110  that are associated with specific pattern identifiers  120 . Alternatively, the switches  80  may be disposed below the pattern identifiers  120  so that an operator chooses a pattern by pushing down on the pattern identifier  120  itself, which actuates the switch  80  beneath that pattern identifier  120 .  
      While physical alignment between the illustrated pattern identifiers  120  and switches  80  involves disposing the switches  80  in close physical proximity to the pattern identifiers  120 , the switches  80  and pattern identifiers may be physically aligned without such close proximity. For example, a line on the page may run from a pattern identifier  120  to an edge of the page and the associated switch  80  may be disposed adjacent the page  110  and line. Physical alignment merely requires a predetermined spatial link or relationship between the pattern identifier  120  and an associated switch  80  that helps an operator to know which switch  80  is associated with which pattern identifier  120 .  
      While the illustrated pages  110  and pattern identifiers  120  physically align with the set of switches  80  so that each pattern identifier  120  physically corresponds to an associated switch  80 , the pattern identifiers  120  may alternatively correspond to the set of switches  80  through a logical, non-spatial relationship. For example, each switch  80  may be numbered Corresponding numbers could appear next to each pattern identifier  120  in the booklet  60 . An operator could peruse the booklet  60 , choose a desired pattern and pattern identifier  120 , and indicate his/her selection to the apparatus  10  by actuating the correspondingly numbered switch  80 . Moreover, in such an alternative, the corresponding switches could comprise a small keypad or other input device that enables the operator to simply type in a number or code corresponding to the pattern identifier  120 . Likewise, with any of the above-described embodiments, the memory device  100  could be separate from the booklet  60  and inserted in a port on the apparatus  10 , or otherwise engaged with a connector, for allowing the controller  50  to read the appropriate cutting instructions.  
      In an alternative embodiment, the operator interface  70  comprises a pattern identifier  120  selecting pen/wand. The operator may use the pen/wand to scan a bar code next to a desired pattern identifier  120  in the booklet  60 . Alternatively, the operator may place the pen/wand on or near the desired pattern identifier  120  and the pen/wand may sense a corresponding short-range radio frequency ID tag disposed under or near the desired pattern identifier. The pen/wand may interact with the controller  50  via wireless or wired communication to indicate the desired pattern to the controller  50 . Generally, any suitable operator interface may be used to allow the operator to select the desired set of instructions for controlling the cutting operation.  
      While the illustrated operator interface  70  is permanently attached to the housing  20  and removably mountable to the booklet  60 , the operator interface  70  may alternatively be incorporated into the booklet  60 , itself, such that the operator interface  70 , memory device  100 , and pages  110  are assembled together into the booklet  60 . In such an embodiment, the switches  80  could be disposed beneath the pattern identifiers  120  on the pages  110  or between sandwiched layers of each page  110 . The booklet  60  is removably mountable to the housing  20  with the operator interface  70  being operatively connectable to the cutter controller  50  through a port similar to the port  150  for the memory device. Alternatively, because the operator interface  70  is in the booklet  60 , the memory device  100  and operator interface  70  may be connected to the cutter controller  50  by other means, such as by a connector cable (e.g., a USB cable) or by a wireless transmitter/receiver connection (e.g., an infrared connection or BLUETOOTH connection). In such alternatives, there is no need for providing a tray  75  or other structure for mounting the booklet  60  to the housing  20 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , an array of page sensors  125  are disposed on the operator interface  70  to sense which page  110  of the booklet  60  is face up (i.e., viewed by the operator). The sensors  125  operatively connect to the cutter controller  50  to identify the face up page  110  so that the cutter controller  50  uses the sets of cutting instructions on the memory device  100  that correspond to the pattern identifiers  120  on that face up page  110 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , tabs  135  connect each page  110  to the spine of the booklet  60 . These tabs  135  align with the sensors  125  such that the sensors  125  sense which page  110  is face up.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors  125  comprise light sensors that sense whether a tab  135  covers the corresponding sensor  125 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , holes are disposed in the leftward pages  110  at page positions that are adjacent to tabs  135  of rightward pages  110  so that the leftward pages do not cover the sensors  125  that correspond to the rightward pages  110 . Alternatively, the sensors  135  could align with tabs that extend outwardly from the outer edge of the pages  110 .  
      Although the illustrated sensors  125  comprise light sensors, any other suitable sensor could alternatively be used. For example, the sensors  125  could comprise momentary switches that are actuated when the tabs  135  of the pages  110  are turned and lay on the switches. Alternatively, each sensor  125  may be incorporated into the spine of the booklet  60  so that the sensor senses a pivotal position of each page  110  relative to the spine of the booklet  60 . Alternatively, each sensor  125  may be a switch that the operator actuates to indicate which page  110  is open. Alternatively, each sensor  125  may comprise any other type of suitable sensor that is capable of indicating to the cutter controller  50  which page  110  the operator is selecting patterns from.  
       FIG. 7A  is a bottom perspective view of a booklet  60 ′ according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The booklet  60 ′ is generally similar to the booklet  60  except for the shape of its pages  110 ′. As in the booklet  60 , the booklet  60 ′ includes the memory device  100  disposed in its spine.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 8 , operator actuation of the switch  80  aligned with a corresponding pattern identifier  120  signals to the cutter controller  50  the pattern desired to be cut. The cutter controller  50  uses the set of cutting instructions on the memory device  100  that corresponds to the associated pattern identifier  120  to control the cutter  40  and/or the platform  30  to cut the desired pattern.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  8 , an LCD display  130  operatively connects to the cutter controller  50 . The cutter controller  50  preferably comprises an electronic control unit, such as a microprocessor, that is programmed to perform a plurality of functions of the apparatus  10 . The cutter controller  50  displays instructions on the display  130  to help an operator use the apparatus  10 . For example, the cutter controller  50  may initially use the display  130  to request that the operator select a desired pattern. The cutter controller  50  may also allow the operator to select additional patterns to be cut from a single work piece, and would make an appropriate determination as to the arrangement of the patterns being cut from the work piece. The cutter controller  50  could calculate work piece usage (i.e., the space available for cutting another pattern) and indicate to the operator using the display  130  when an additional selected pattern will not fit on the work piece. In such a case, the cutter controller  50  may allow the operator to either confirm the already selected pattern(s) or unselect the already selected pattern(s) and start over. The cutter controller  50  may ask the operator via the display to confirm the X and Y dimensions of the work piece to be cut to help the controller  50  determine what patterns will fit onto the work piece.  
      After the operator has selected all patterns to be cut from a single work piece, the operator actuates a “CUT” button  160  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) on the apparatus  10  that instructs the cutter controller  50  to initiate the cutting procedure. The cutter controller  50  may then indicate to the operator via the display  130  when the cutting procedure is completed. While the illustrated cutter controller  50  utilizes a display to visually communicate with the operator, the cutter controller  50  may alternatively or additionally audibly communicate with the operator through a speaker.  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cutter controller  50  allows the operator to chose a size (e.g., ½″, 1″, 2″, and 3″) for each desired pattern by actuating a switch  80  that is associated with one of a plurality of a size identifiers  170  on a page  110  of the booklet  60 . Alternatively, separate size-identifying switches/sensors may be mounted to the housing  20  and operatively connected to the cutter controller  50  to enable the operator to choose a pattern size. The memory device  100  may store separate cutting instructions for each size of each pattern. Alternatively, the cutter controller  50  may enlarge or reduce a single set of cutting instructions in the memory device  100  for each pattern to vary the size of the pattern (i.e., a scaling operation).  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  10  includes a movable or removable lid  140  that covers the cutter  40 . A lid sensor (not shown) that senses whether the lid  140  is closed may operatively connect to the cutter controller  53 . The cutter controller  50  may prevent cutting procedures from starting or continuing if the lid  140  is open. The cutter controller  50  may indicate to the operator via the display  130  that the lid  140  is open and must be closed before the cutter controller  50  can operate the cutter  40 .  
      The lid sensor, as well as other sensors utilized by the apparatus  10 , may comprise any type of suitable sensor as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the lid sensor may comprise an appropriately positioned momentary switch that is physically actuated by the closing of the lid  140 . Alternatively, the lid sensor may comprise electrical contacts on the housing and lid that contact each other to complete an electrical circuit when the lid  140  is closed.  
      The cutter controller  50  may also have various other useful control features and logical functions. These may include an on/off function and/or other control features.  
      The operator may interact with the cutter controller  50  by actuating appropriate switches  80 . Alternatively, the apparatus  10  may also include a discrete keypad connected to the cutter controller  50  that enables the operator to make choices in response to cutter controller  50  instructions on the display  130 .  
      The cutter controller  50  may perform various diagnostic functions at appropriate times during use. For example, if the memory device  100  is not detected or is faulty and cannot be read, the cutter controller may instruct the operator via the display  130  to insert and/or replace the memory device  100 . The cutter controller  50  may similarly determine whether a booklet  60  is operatively connected to the apparatus  10 .  
      Additional pattern booklets  60  may be provided with additional patterns and corresponding pattern making instructions so that the apparatus  10  has an even larger selection of patterns. The modular design of the apparatus  10  enables a user to quickly and easily mount other pattern booklets  60  to the operator interface  70  in place of the booklet  60 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 10, 14 , and  21 , an Internet or software-based system could be used to enable the end operator to create personalized booklets  60 ″ by downloading/creating sets of cutting instructions for storage onto a memory device  100 ″ and corresponding images (i.e., pattern identifiers  120 ) for printing onto blank pages  110 ″.  FIG. 14  illustrates a method for supplying personalized pattern booklets  60 ″ to users according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 21  illustrates a corresponding flow of information/components.  
      At step  700 , a user purchases or otherwise obtains a blank booklet  60 ″. This method may also use a blank page that is not in a booklet.  
      At step  710 , the user attaches the booklet  60 ″ with blank memory device  100 ″ to the apparatus  10 . At step  720 , the user connects the apparatus  10  to a computer via a USB connection  180  (see  FIG. 13 ). Alternatively, the blank memory device  100 ″ may connect directly to the operator&#39;s computer via a direct USB connection (similar to USB flash memory devices) or through a specialized or standard cable designed to connect the memory device  100 ″ to a computer. The memory device  100 ″ may detachably connect to the booklet  60 ″ to facilitate direct connection to a computer. The “blank” memory device  100 ″ may include a software program that facilitates downloading patterns to the memory device  100 ″. The memory device  100 ″ may also be a commercially available storage card, such as a CompactFlash card, SD card, USB flash memory card, etc., that is received in a card reader on or connected to the computer or otherwise connected to the computer. The booklets  60 ″ could be designed to releasably engage such commercially available memory devices and a port  150 ″ like the port  150  could be designed to accept such commercially available memory devices when the booklet  60 ″ is attached to the apparatus  10 .  
      At step  730 , the user uses a password to enter a private web site operated by the supplier of the booklets  60 ″ (or other appropriate vendor). The password and private web site enable the user to work within a personalized web environment to create and/or organize the patterns that will be added to the blank booklet  60 ″. The supplier may provide such a password with each blank booklet  60 ″ so that the cost of each booklet  60 ″ includes a charge for downloading patterns to the booklet  60 ″. Alternatively, the password can be linked to a pattern subscription service such that the supplier charges users for downloading patterns using any suitable payment system (e.g., charge per pattern downloaded, monthly/yearly charge for access to all available patterns, etc.). Alternatively, the supplier&#39;s web site could allow anyone to design booklets  60 ″, but require payment (or an authorizing password) before allowing the design to be downloaded to a user&#39;s memory device  100 ″.  
      At step  740 , the user creates and organizes the pages  110 ″ of the booklet  60 ″ online. This may include choosing which pattern identifiers  120  to include in the booklet  60 ″ as well as choosing which order the pattern identifiers will be placed on the pages  110 ″. In the illustrated embodiment, the step is conducted online via the supplier&#39;s web site. Alternatively, this operation could be driven by software on the user&#39;s computer or on the memory device  100 ″ itself, which assembles pattern identifiers and sets of cutting instructions to generate electronic data including the pattern identifiers and corresponding sets of cutting instructions. The software could interact with the supplier&#39;s web site to identify available patterns and download specific sets of cutting instructions and pattern identifiers. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the software could obtain sets of cutting instructions and pattern identifiers from a portable storage device (e.g., diskette, CD, DVD, flash memory, etc.) attached to the user&#39;s computer instead of downloading them from a remote computer via the Internet.  
      Additionally and/or alternatively, the software and/or web site may enable a user to design his/her own patterns. The program or web site would then create corresponding pattern making instructions based on the user-created pattern.  
      At step  750 , the user downloads page  110 ″ images and prints them onto pages  110 ″. At Step  760 , the user attaches the pages  110 ″ to the booklet  60 ″. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the pages  110 ″ may slide into appropriate sheet receiving pockets  190  of the booklet  60 ″. Alternatively, the booklet  60 ″ may be designed to attach to pages  110 ″ using any other suitable fastening technique (e.g., staples, three-ring binder holes, glue, double sided tape, etc.). The chosen fastening technique is preferably designed to result in registration that ensures that each pattern identifier  120  aligns with the appropriate switch  80  on the operator interface  70 . The booklet  60 ″ may include an alignment grid to help users to properly position pages  110 ″ in the booklet  60 ″.  
      At step  770 , the user downloads cutting instructions corresponding to the pattern identifiers on the pages  110 ″ to the memory device  100 ″. The cutting instructions are correlated to the physical location of the corresponding pattern identifiers  120  on the pages  110 ″ such that selecting a pattern identifier  120  using the operator interface  70  causes the controller  50  to select the appropriate corresponding set of pattern making instructions from the memory device  100 ″.  
      The booklets  60 ″ may be single-use booklets that only permit patterns to be downloaded onto the memory device  100 ″ once. Software or other suitable mechanisms in the memory device  100 ″ or elsewhere can be used to prevent additional downloads to the booklet  60 ″. Alternatively, the booklets  60 ″ may be reusable, such that the user can create entire new combinations of patterns by downloading new instructions to the memory device  100 ″ and adding new pages  110 ″ to the booklet  60 ″.  
      The provision of such a large number of possible patterns and pattern sizes on the pages  110 ,  110 ″ of the booklet  60 ,  60 ″ and memory device  100 ,  100 ″ presents a substantial improvement over conventional die-based cutters, whose repertoire of patterns and sizes is limited to the available discrete dies. In contrast, a large number of patterns and cutting instructions can be stored in the memory device  100 ,  100 ″ and pages  110 ,  110 ″ of a single compact booklet  60 ,  60 ″ of the apparatus  10 .  
      The controller  50  may be upgraded/updated in any suitable manner to improve/expand the functionality of the controller  50 . For example, software updates may be provided to the controller  50  via a memory device  100  with such updates stored thereon. An update may be transferred to the memory device  100  from a separate computer that obtains the update electronically. Alternatively, the controller  50  may connect directly to the computer via a suitable connection (e.g., serial connection, USB connection  180  (shown in  FIG. 13 ), infrared connection, Bluetooth connection, WIFI, etc.) and obtain updates directly from the computer. Alternatively, the apparatus  10  may include telephone/modem ports, Ethernet ports, or other network or communication connections and associated networking hardware that enables the controller  50  to directly obtain updates over a communication network (e.g., Internet, telecommunications network, bulletin board system, etc.). Such communications connections may also be used to obtain additional patterns and pattern making instructions from a geographically distant source (e.g., an internet web site; a networked computer, etc.). The memory device  100 ″ may also use any of the above techniques to download pattern making instructions.  
      Operation of the cutter  40  is described hereinafter with reference to  FIG. 3 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , the cutting platform  30  comprises a substantially flat, rigid platform that extends in X and Y directions and is movable relative to the housing  20  and cutter  40  in the Y direction. A plurality of surface features  200  extend linearly in the Y direction along the outside edges of a rigid substrate  205  of the cutting platform  30 . The surface features  200  engage corresponding surface features  210  on a motorized wheel or spur gear  220  such that rotation of the wheel  220  moves the cutting platform in the Y direction. The cutter controller  50  operatively connects to the motorized wheel  220  to control the Y position of the cutting platform relative to the cutter  40 . The illustrated surface features  200  comprise linearly spaced openings (e.g., holes or recesses) in the substrate  205 , but may alternatively comprise any other suitable surface features (e.g., teeth, protrusions, extrusions, etc.) that are engageable with a corresponding surface feature  210  (spur gear teeth, extrusions, protrusions, etc.) of the wheel  220 . While the illustrated cutting platform  30  is substantially flat, the cutting platform may alternatively comprise a cylindrical wheel that rotates to control the Y position of a work piece.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , the cutter  40  mounts to the housing  20  to allow relative movement in the X and Z directions. A motorized rack and pinion system  240  drives the cutter  40  in the X direction. The motorized rack and pinion system  240  operatively connects to the cutter controller  50  so that the cutter controller  50  controls the X position of the cutter  40 . While a rack and pinion system  240  is illustrated, any other suitable linear drive system may alternatively be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention (e.g., linear actuator, belt/pulley system, etc.).  
      The cutter  40  may also move in the Y direction relative to the housing, thus avoiding the need for the platform  30  to move in the Y direction. In such an embodiment, the platform  30  may nonetheless be movable in the Y direction between a closed position (similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 ) and an open position (similar to that shown in  FIG. 3 ) to allow an operator to place a work piece on the platform  30  and remove cut patterns from the platform  30 . A sensor may sense the closed/open position of the platform  30  and operatively connect to the cutter controller  50 . The cutter controller  50  may prevent cutting procedures from starting or continuing if the sensor senses that the platform  30  is not in its closed position.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , a solenoid  260  selectively moves the cutter  40  in the Z direction to selectively position the cutter  40  in a downward cutting position or an upward stowed position. The cutter controller  50  operatively connects to the solenoid  260  to control the Z position of the cutter  40 . While a solenoid  260  is used in the illustrated embodiment to drive the cutter in the Z direction, any other suitable driving mechanism may alternatively be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention.  
      The motorized wheel  220 , rack and pinion system  240 , and solenoid  260  enable the cutter controller  50  to control the position of the cutter  40  relative to the cutting platform  30  in all three orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The sets of cutting instructions on the memory device  100  include X, Y, and Z instructions that enable the cutter controller  50  to use the cutter  40  to cut desired patterns out of a work piece on the cutting platform  30 .  
      The cutter  40  may optionally be mounted to the solenoid  260  to allow relative rotational movement about the Z axis. A servo-motor or other rotational drive element preferably controls the rotational position of the cutter  40  so that the cutter  40  appropriately aligns with the direction that the cutter  40  is moving in the X-Y plane. The set of cutting instructions for each pattern on the memory device  100  may include rotational instructions for appropriately controlling the rotational position of the cutter  40 . Alternatively, the cutter controller  50  may calculate the appropriate cutter  40  rotational position based on the X-Y-Z cutting instructions. Alternatively, there may be no active control of the rotational position of the cutter  40  and the cutter  40  may simply be freely rotatable so that it aligns itself with the cutting direction during cutting in a manner similar to how a castor wheel aligns itself with a rolling direction.  
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a cutting assembly  500  according to an embodiment of the present invention  40 . The cutting assembly  500  includes a base  510  (or pattern making instrument support) that operatively connects to the apparatus  10 . The cutter  40  releaseably mounts to the base  510  to facilitate replacement of a worn/dull cutter  40  with a new cutter  40  or an alternative pattern making instrument. The cutter  40  may be held in place via a friction fit or via any suitable positive locking mechanism. A floating cap  520  fits over the cutter  40  and includes a through bore through which the cutter  40  extends. A spring (or other suitable resilient member)  530  is disposed between the floating cap  520  and the base  510  to urge the floating cap  520  away from the base  510  (in a downward direction toward a work piece as shown in  FIG. 3 ). A cap  540  operatively mounts to the base  510  to limit the floating range of the floating cap  520 . The cap  540  includes a through bore that is sized to allow a cylindrical portion  520   a  of the floating cap  520  to fit therethrough while preventing a larger shoulder  520   b  of the floating cap  520  from extending therethrough. When the apparatus  10  is operated, the floating cap  520  pushes down on the work piece to hold the work piece in place during the cutting procedure. The floating cap  520  rises and falls vertically (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) to follow the contour of the work piece, even if the thickness of the work piece varies. The floating cap  520  may be omitted without deviating from the scope of the present invention.  
      The work piece is preferably a thin, substantially planar work piece such as paper, cardstock, construction paper, adhesive paper, etc. The cutter  40  is preferably a paper cutter that is constructed to cut through such a work piece, and may include a blade with a sharp cutting edge.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cutting platform  30  includes a cutting mat  300  disposed on a top surface of the rigid substrate  205  of the cutting platform  30 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cutting mat  300 . The cutting mat  300  comprises a central layer of self-healing material  310 , adhesive layers  320  disposed above and below the central self-healing layer  310 , and removable protective layers  330  disposed above and below the adhesive layers  310 . The self-healing layer  310  preferably comprises a self-healing vinyl that may be repeatedly cut by the cutter  40  before it must be replaced. The self-healing layer  310  may alternatively comprise any other suitable resilient material that essentially returns to its original shape after being cut.  
      The adhesive layers  320  preferably comprise a relatively low tack adhesive that has a tacky surface that secures the work piece in place relative to the cutting platform  30  during cutting operations, and release the work piece without damage after cutting. For example, the adhesive layers  320  may comprise a microsphere adhesive or a soft rubber compound. If the adhesive layer  320  comprises a soft rubber compound, the layer  320  may be cleaned if it becomes clogged with debris such as dust, fibers, etc. that adversely affects the adhesive properties of the layer  320 .  
      The adhesive layer  320  presents several advantages over conventional cutting mats. The adhesive layer  320  adheres to the underside of the work piece without obstructing any of the work piece from a cutter. Consequently, the entire area of the work piece may be cut. Conversely, in conventional cutters that clamp a work piece in place, the clamped portions of the work piece cannot be cut, which results in waste and limits the size of cut patterns. The adhesive layer  320  also advantageously securely holds the entire surface area of the work piece so that the work piece will not wrinkle while being cut. Conversely, in conventional cutters that utilize clamps to secure the work piece, portions of the work piece that are not clamped down may wrinkle during cutting. The adhesive layer  320  helps the apparatus  10  cut paper products that do not include a sacrificial backing layer or an additional adhesive, as is frequently required by conventional cutters.  
      The removable protective layers  330  cover the adhesive layers  320  to discourage debris/contaminants from sticking to the adhesive layers  320  when the apparatus  10  is not being used. Accordingly, the top removable protective layer  330  is removed prior to use of the apparatus  10  and subsequently replaced after the apparatus  10  is used. The bottom removable protective layer  330  may be removed before the substrate  205  is mounted to the mat  300  so that the bottom adhesive layer  330  secures the substrate  205  to the mat  300 . After the top adhesive layer  320  loses its tackiness, the mat  300  may be flipped over so that the bottom adhesive layer  320  is used to secure a work piece to the cutting platform  30 . When both adhesive layers lose their tackiness, the mat  300  should be replaced with a new mat  300 .  
      While the illustrated mat  300  is double-sided, a single-side mat could alternatively be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, the bottom adhesive layer  320  and removable protective layer  330  could be omitted to create a single-sided cutting mat.  
      While a tacky cutting platform  30  is preferred, the cutting platform may alternatively use work piece clamps to clamp a work piece to the cutting platform. Furthermore, any other suitable securing means (e.g., vacuum table, clamping rollers, etc.) may be used to secure the work piece to the cutting platform without deviating from the scope of the present invention.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of registration marks  350  are disposed on the top surface of the mat  300 . The registration marks  350  comprise nested rectangles that identify where on the mat  300  variously sized work pieces should be placed. The registration marks  350  also indicate to the operator the size of the work piece to help the operator indicate to the cutter controller  50  the size of the available work piece.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , sufficient rotation of the spur gear  220  disengages the cutting platform  30  from the apparatus  10  in the Y direction to allow the operator to replace the mat  300 , insert a blank work piece, and/or remove cut patterns.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cutting mat  400  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The cutting mat  400  is a two-sided cutting mat that is designed for manual use by an operator with a utility knife or other suitable cutting instrument, but could be used in the apparatus  10  described above. The cutting mat  400  comprises a central rigid substrate  410 , upper and lower self-healing layers  420 , upper and lower adhesive layers  430 , and upper and lower removable protective layers  440 . Like the rigid substrate  205  of the cutting platform  30 , the central rigid substrate  310  preferably comprises a strong light material such as plastic, that discourages a manual cutting blade from piercing through the entire cutting mat  400 . The central rigid substrate  410  is particularly advantageous when an operator is manually cutting a work piece because the cutting blade&#39;s depth is not controlled. The self-healing layers  420 , adhesive layers  430 , and protective layers  440  are similar or identical to the analogous layers of the cutting mat  300 . The cutting mat  400  secures a work piece while the operator uses a manual cutting instrument to cut the work piece into a desired pattern. While the illustrated cutting mat  400  is two-sided, the lower self-healing layer  420 , lower adhesive layer  430 ; and lower protective layer  440  may be omitted to create a one-side cutting mat without deviating from the scope of the present invention.  
      As an alternative, the cutting mat  300 ,  400  itself could serve as the platform  30  for the apparatus  10 . When the operator wants to replace the mat  300 ,  400 , the cutter controller  50  could be operated to discharge the mat  300 ,  400  in the Y direction, and then the replacement mat  300 ,  400  could be fed back into the apparatus  10 . Such a mat  300 ,  400  could be provided with the surface features  200  for improved control.  
      The cutter  40  may be interchangeably mounted to the apparatus  10  to allow an operator to easily and quickly replace the cutter  40  with a new, sharp cutter  40 .  
      The cutter  40  may also be interchangeable with other types of pattern making instruments (e.g., an embossing instrument  570  (FIGS.  17 A&amp;B), a perforating instrument  580  (FIGS.  18 A&amp;B (perforating features being disposed along the circumference of the “pizza cutter” style wheel)), or a journaling instrument  560  (FIGS.  16 A&amp;B)), which may be quickly and easily attached to the apparatus  10  in place of the cutter  40  using any suitable releasable holding mechanism. As discussed above, the cutting mat  300  is designed for use with the cutter  40 . The cutting mat  300  may be interchangeable with other types of pattern making mats that are better suited to the selected pattern making instrument. A storage compartment may be provided on the apparatus  10  to store the pattern making instruments  40 ,  570 ,  580 ,  560  that are not being used.  
      If a journaling instrument is used, a mat having a harder, but tacky, upper surface may be used so that the journaling instrument does not pierce the work piece. A journaling mat could be incorporated into the platform  30 , so that a journaling instrument could be used by simply removing the mat  300 . Alternatively, a replaceable journaling mat could be used. A replaceable journaling mat may be identical to the mat  400  shown in  FIG. 5 , except without the self-healing layers  420 . Accordingly, a two-sided journaling mat could include, in sequential order, a protective layer  440 , an adhesive layer  430 , a rigid substrate  410 , an adhesive layer  430 , and a protective layer  440 .  
      Alternatively, a mat could include a cutting mat on one side and a journaling mat on the other side. Such a mat could be identical to the mat  400  shown in  FIG. 5 , except without one of the relatively soft, self-healing layers  420 . A user could simply flip the mat over to switch between mat surfaces designed for cutting and journaling.  
      If an embossing instrument is used, a user may place a work piece onto the mat  300  and then place a low-friction protective cover such as a thin deformable protective sheet (e.g., a thin plastic sheet) on top of the work piece. The protective sheet reduces friction between the embossing instrument  570  (see  FIG. 17 ) and the work piece so that the instrument  570  embosses the work piece without tearing it. Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , an embossing mat  800  may be placed on the platform  30  to facilitate embossing operations. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the embossing mat  800  includes a rigid substrate layer  810 , a relatively soft, resiliently deformable layer  820  (e.g., foam, soft rubber) attached to or placed on the substrate layer  810 , and a low-friction, resiliently deformable protective top layer  830 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the top layer  830  may be attached to the substrate layer  810  along three sides to create a pocket into which a work piece  840  such as paper may be slid. Alternatively, the top layer  830  may attach to two, one, or no sides of the substrate layer  810  without deviating from the scope of the present invention. An adhesive may be applied to the bottom of the substrate layer  810  to help secure the mat  800  to the platform  30 . The resiliently deformable layer  820  may be a self-healing layer similar to the self-healing layer  420  so that the mat  800  may be used as a cutting mat by removing the top layer  830 . An adhesive layer like the adhesive layer  320  may be attached to the upper and/or lower surface of the resiliently deformable layer  820  to secure a work piece to the mat  800  and/or secure the resiliently deformable layer  820  to the rigid substrate layer  810 .  
      According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mat  800  may be flipped over for use during journaling procedures. The hardness of the substrate layer  810  facilitates the use of a journaling instrument  560  (see  FIG. 16 ) without deforming the work piece. A tacky adhesive layer may be applied to the bottom surface of the substrate layer  810  to help hold the work piece in place during journaling procedures.  
      A user selects the appropriate combination of mat and pattern making instrument and attaches both to the apparatus  10  in order to perform the desired pattern making operation. When the user wishes to perform a different type of pattern making operation, the user simply replaces the attached mat and pattern making instrument with the appropriate new combination of mat and pattern making instrument.  
       FIG. 11  illustrates an apparatus  610 , which is generally similar to the apparatus  10 . Accordingly, a redundant description of similar features is omitted. The apparatus  610  includes a work piece supporting platform  630 , which is generally similar to the platform  30  except that the platform  30 ″ includes a user-operated lock  640  that releaseably locks the platform  630  into its closed/operative position. Sensors (not shown) may prevent the apparatus  610  from initiating pattern making operations unless the platform  630  is in its closed position  630  and/or the lock  640  is in its locked position. As shown in  FIG. 12 , cutting mats  300  on the platform  630  may be replaced as discussed above with respect to the platform  30 .  
      The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. To the contrary, those skilled in the art should appreciate that varieties may be constructed and employed without departing from the scope of the invention, aspects of which are recited by the claims appended hereto.