Patent Publication Number: US-11389710-B2

Title: System for pitching sports balls

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to sports apparatuses, and more particularly to ball pitching devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Tennis is a popular sport, played by professionals and amateurs. The game is usually played by at least two players, but for practicing purposes, a player may play alone by throwing a ball against a wall, or by using a pitching machine which serves the ball to the player. 
     When playing a tennis game, much of the time and energy are spent on chasing balls and picking them up for re-use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     A method and apparatus for pitching tennis balls towards the players in certain embodiments saves a lot of time and energy for the players, and thereby makes the game more enjoyable. 
     Accordingly, certain embodiments overcome the limitations of prior art ball pitching machines, and provide an apparatus or system having a pitching machine for a match of two players, in which at the mere press of a button either player gets a ball thrown right to his or her hand or racquet. 
     Certain embodiments are designed for a tennis match between at least two players, although also a single player may benefit from it. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments, the apparatus or system is designed to reduce the time wasted waiting for new balls during a typical tennis match between two players, by providing a system of pitching balls. In some cases, the system also includes an automated ball collector that collects the tennis balls that have fallen on the tennis court, and that have been kicked or gathered to points adjacent the bottom of the net, into a pitching machine. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the pitching machine pitches a ball in the direction of a player, and in some embodiments directly to that player&#39;s hand or racquet, by receiving a wireless signal from a remote control placed on the player and determining a position of the player wherever the player is located on or even off the court or field. 
     In certain embodiments, the pitching machine uses a ball shooting machine that can be aimed upwards and downwards, and the pitching machine can rotate sideways, so that a ball may be aimed and pitched anywhere. The apparatus or system is able to carry out the function of the ball boy utilized in professional tennis matches and even do so in a more efficient and faster manner. 
     In one aspect, there is provided a system for delivering balls to each of two players playing on opposite sides of a field, said system comprising a remote control unit worn or placed on each of the two players, each remote control unit configured, upon activation of a particular player, to transmit a wireless signal that identifies a location of the particular player; a ball pitching machine situated off the field, comprising: a housing, including at least one wheel, configured to receive and hold the balls, a ball shooting mechanism that receives the balls and shoots one of the balls at a time; and a controller comprising a position-locator, the controller configured to receive and process the signal, direct positioning of the ball shooting mechanism so as to face the player that sent the signal and shoot one of the balls in a direction of the player&#39;s position, in accordance with the signal received from the remote control unit. 
     In some embodiments, the ball pitching machine is situated adjacent a one end of a net that divides the field. 
     In some embodiments, the positioning of the ball pitching mechanism in accordance with a direction of the controller is accomplished by the controller directing rotation of a plate at a bottom of the ball pitching machine. 
     In some embodiments, the position locator is configured to determine a position of an outstretched hand of the player who activated the remote control such that the player who activated can conveniently catch a ball shot by the ball pitching machine. 
     In some embodiments, the controller is configured to instruct the ball shooting mechanism to shoot the ball at a distance and an angle so as to be conveniently catchable by an outstretched (i) hand or (ii) racquet of the player. 
     In some embodiments, the controller is configured to direct the ball shooting mechanism to shoot the one of the balls in the direction of the player&#39;s position within one second. 
     In some embodiments, the ball pitching mechanism is configured to pitch balls to either player on any part of the field. 
     In some embodiments, the ball pitching mechanism is configured to pitch balls to either player on any part of the field other than within a predefined distance from a net that divides the field. 
     In some embodiments, the ball shooting mechanism includes two rotatable wheels situated such that balls coming from the ball feeder are urged to contact each of the two rotatable wheels so as to be thrust between the two rotatable wheels and shot out of the ball pitching machine. 
     In some embodiments, the ball shooting mechanism includes two rotatable wheels attached to a fixture rotatable to change an angle at which the ball shooting mechanism ejects balls. 
     In some embodiments, the ball shooting mechanism is configured to receive the balls from a ball feeder. 
     In some embodiments, the system further comprises an apparatus for collecting the balls, the apparatus comprising a ball-adhering ribbon surrounding a perimeter of a bottom of a net on the field; a scooper attached to the ball-adhering ribbon and configured to advance relative to the ribbon and thereby collect balls that have adhered to said ribbon and urged the collected balls into the ball pitching machine for re-use, so that the players do not need to chase after the balls used during the game, thereby enhancing the game experience. In some embodiments, the scooper is configured to direct collected balls to a bottom of the ball pitching machine and wherein the ball feeder is configured to receive balls from the bottom of the ball pitching machine. In some embodiments, the ball pitching machine is situated adjacent one end of the track. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a system for delivering balls to each of two players playing on opposite sides of a field, said system comprising a remote control configured to be placed on each of the two players and configured to send a wireless signal that identifies a location of a particular player of the two players that sent the signal; a ball pitching machine comprising: a housing configured to receive and hold the balls, a ball feeder, a ball shooting mechanism that receives the balls, one at a time, from the ball feeder and is configured to shoot one of the balls at a time; and a rotatable barrel in communication with the housing and oriented at an angle to the housing, the barrel having an ejection component that cooperates with the shooting mechanism; a controller comprising a position-locator, the controller configured to receive and process the signal, direct rotation of said rotatable barrel such that the ejection component faces the player that sent the signal and shoot one of the balls in a direction of the player&#39;s position, in accordance with the signal received from said remote control unit. 
     In some embodiments, the ball shooting mechanism is inside the rotatable barrel. 
     In some embodiments, the ball shooting mechanism includes two rotatable wheels situated such that balls coming from the ball feeder are urged to simultaneously contact each of the two rotatable wheels and be thrust between the two rotatable wheels. 
     In some embodiments, the controller is configured to instruct the ball shooting mechanism to shoot the ball at a distance configured to be catchable by an outstretched hand of the player. 
     In some embodiments, the ejection component juts out of the housing and wherein a remainder of the barrel is within the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the rotatable barrel is oriented at an angle to a side of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the ball feeder is configured to receive balls that were collected on the field and urged into the ball pitching machine. In some embodiments, the system further comprises an apparatus for collecting the balls, the apparatus comprising: a ball-adhering ribbon surrounding a perimeter of a bottom of a net on the field; a scooper attached to the ball-adhering ribbon and configured to advance relative to the ribbon and thereby collect balls that have adhered to said ribbon and urged the collected balls into the ball pitching machine for re-use, so that the players do not need to chase after the balls used during the game, thereby enhancing the game experience. In some embodiments, the scooper is configured to direct collected balls to a bottom of the ball pitching machine and wherein the ball feeder is configured to receive balls from the bottom of the ball pitching machine. In some embodiments, the ball pitching machine is situated adjacent one end of the track. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, descriptions and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a system for pitching balls, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows a remote control attached to a tennis player, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of ball pitching machine, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of ball pitching machine, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  shows the inside of a ball pitching machine from a bottom and side perspective, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6A  shows the inside of a ball pitching machine from a top and side perspective, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  shows the inside of a ball pitching machine from a side perspective, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  shows a schematic view of a ball feeder mechanism of a pitching machine, in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  shows a barrel of the pitching machine of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  shows the system of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the ball collecting apparatus of the system of  FIG. 1 , in motion, in accordance with one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 10  shows a flowchart of a system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments generally provide a system for pitching balls, such as tennis balls, to at least two players playing a match such as a tennis match, by locating their exact position on the court, and pitching a ball in their direction in response to receiving a remotely activated signal. A ball pitching machine is positioned in an area adjacent to the field but off the field, for example adjacent one end of the net that divides the field for the two players (for example a tennis court net). Each player may wear a remote control unit with an activation button or actuator signaling a controller in the ball pitching machine to shoot a ball out of the machine to that player. The controller is configured in some embodiments to calculate how far to shoot the ball and in what direction so that the player can conveniently stretch out their hand and catch the ball. Regardless of where the player is on the field they can have a ball thrown to them by pushing a button. Each player will have a ball thrown to them in some embodiments within a fraction of a second from having pushed a conveniently located button easily accessed. The flow of the game is maintained that way since each player has a remote control device. Alternatively a smart camera determines the players&#39; locations. 
     Some embodiments also have a ball collection apparatus that collects balls used during the game and sends them to the ball pitching machine. 
     The principles and operation of a System for Pitching Sports Balls may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. 
     A system  10  for delivering balls  38  to each of two players  40   a ,  40   b  playing on opposite sides of a field is shown in  FIG. 1 . In certain embodiments, system  10  includes a communications device  48  such as a remote control unit  48  suitable to be worn or placed on each of the players. Each remote control unit  49  may be configured, upon activation of a particular player, to transmit a wireless signal that identifies a location of that particular player on the court or field (or in some embodiments even their position at points beyond the boundary of the tennis court or the field). In some embodiments, communications device  48  comprises a small camera instead of a remote control device, for example an infra red camera, that determines the position of the player. Communications device  48  may use any technology for transmitting the position of the player who thereby signals that the player wants a ball thrown to him or her. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-6B , system  10  also includes a ball pitching machine  34  that may have a housing  51  and at least one wheel  58  so that ball pitching machine can be moved when not in use. Machine  34  also includes a motor  53  (and gears) that may be attached to plate  59  and that is configured to generate rotation of plate  59  situated at the bottom of ball pitching machine  34  so that the entire ball pitching machine (other than plate  59 ) can be rotated (in some embodiments 360°) so as to aim ball pitching machine  34  and in particular ball shooting mechanism  35  of ball pitching machine  34  toward the player (in any place on the field that the player is located at) that activated their remote control unit  48  and who wishes to receive a ball  38 . Ball pitching machine  34  may also include a motor connected by electronics or other infrastructure to the at least one wheel  58 . In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A , housing  51  sits on plate  59  and the at least one wheel  58  comprises two wheels  58  situated adjacent each of the two rear side corners of plate  59 . The two wheels  58  are configured so that if one tilts ball pitching machine  34  to an angle from the plane of plate  59 , one can move the entire ball pitching machine  34  on its wheels  58  to set machine  34  in place for use or to otherwise move the machine for any purpose. 
     Accordingly, ball pitching machine  34  is configured to turn left or right toward either player and toward any portion of the court/field that the player is located in. Ball pitching machine  34 , in one embodiment, can rotate 360°. In such an embodiment, ball pitching machine  34  is configured to accommodate players who are even off the field/court for example to pick up a ball, and ball pitching machine  34  is configured as well to be used to serve balls to two adjacent courts for example by being placed between the two courts, for example in an area parallel to or aligned with or adjacent to the nets of the two courts. Housing  51  is configured to receive and hold the balls  38 . 
     System  10  may also comprise a ball shooting mechanism  35  that receives the balls  38  (for example from ball feeder  54 ) and shoots one of the balls  38  out of ball pitching machine  34  at a time toward the player through an opening  37 . System  10  may also include a controller  49 . In one implementation, controller  49  is part of ball pitching machine  34  and may be situated within housing  51 . Alternatively, controller  49  may be external to ball pitching machine  34  and may operate wirelessly to send instructions to electronics situated within or on ball pitching machine  34 . The positioning of controller  49  in  FIG. 6B  is only exemplary and controller  49  can be situated in any of a variety of portions of system  10 . 
     Controller  49  ( FIG. 6B ) may comprise hardware and software including a position-locator module  49 A for locating a position of the player that activated that player&#39;s remote control unit  48  and wants a ball. Position-locator module  49 A may employ any suitable technology including but not limited to infra red technology, Bluetooth® technology, acoustic sensor technology or any other suitable technology. Position-locator module  49 A may also be in communication with a positioning system in cooperation with the remote unit  48  (or independent of remote unit  48 ). Controller  49  and position locator module  49 A include any communications hardware and software necessary to communicate with remote control unit  48  and any positioning system configured to determine the position of players  40   a ,  40   b.    
     Controller  49  is configured to receive and process the signal sent by remote  48  and direct positioning of the ball pitching machine  34  such that the ball shooting mechanism  35  faces the player that sent the signal and shoot one of the balls  38  in a direction of that player&#39;s position, in accordance with the signal received from the remote control unit  48 . 
     In certain embodiments, the positioning of the ball pitching machine  34  for aiming toward the player by controller  49  is accomplished by controller  49  directing motor  53  to generate rotation of plate  59 . The ball shooting mechanism  35  of ball pitching machine  34  is also directed to be positioned at the suitable angle to plate  59  or to the floor(that machine  34  or housing  51  is on) for reaching the player. 
     In one embodiment, the position locator module  49 A is configured to determine a position of a player who sent the signal from anywhere on the court. For example, in one embodiment, the position locator module  49 A is configured to determine a position of an outstretched hand or racquet of the player who activated the remote control such that the player who activated can conveniently catch a ball shot by the ball pitching machine. Alternatively, the position locator module  49 A is configured to determine a location of the player&#39;s remote  48  and controller  49  is configured to use that information to calculate the location of where the player&#39;s outstretched hand or racquet would be if that player stretched it (the hand or racquet) to catch a ball thrown to him. 
     In one embodiment, the position locator module  49 A is configured to determine a position of a player who sent the signal from anywhere on the court even before the player sends the wireless signal by keeping tabs on the player&#39;s position using a positioning system that is in communication with the player&#39;s remote control unit  48 . 
     In one embodiment, instead of a remote control unit  48 , a smart camera is positioning overlooking the entire court and determines each player&#39;s position, for example in real time. 
     In general, controller  49  is configured to instruct the ball shooting mechanism  35  to shoot the ball  38  at a distance and an angle so as to be conveniently catchable by an outstretched hand of the player. For example, controller  49  may instruct a motor to turn rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  and to actuate ball feeder  54 . In some embodiments, controller  49  is configured to direct the ball shooting mechanism  35  to shoot the one of the balls in the direction of the player&#39;s position within one second, or in other embodiments within half a second, or in some embodiments within a fraction of a section or in other embodiments, within 1.5 seconds or within 2 seconds, or within some other suitable interlude from when the remote  48  is activated by a player. 
     Ball pitching machine  34  is configured to pitch balls  38  to either player on any part of the field. Ball pitching machine  34  is configured to pitch balls to either player on any part of the field other than within a predefined distance from a net that divides the field. 
     Ball shooting mechanism  35  may include two rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  and may include a motor  56   c ,  56   d  ( FIG. 5 ) for each of them to generate their rotation. Rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  may be situated such that balls  38  coming from ball feeder  54  are urged to contact each of the two rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  (for example simultaneously) so as to be thrust between the two rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  and shoot out of ball pitching machine  34 . In some embodiments, rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  may be attached to a fixture  57  ( FIG. 6A ) that is rotatable to change an angle at which the ball shooting mechanism  35  ejects balls  38  for example by changing an angle that the substantially linear path of balls travelling between rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  makes with plate  59  and/or by changing an angle that rotatable wheels  56   a ,  6   b  are positioned at relative to plate  59 . The combination of the ability to rotate the entire ball pitching machine  34  by rotating plate  59  and the ability to rotate wheels  56   a ,  56   b  allows for a ball  38  to be pitched to any location on tennis court  32  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and to any height, according to the height of player  40 , or the player&#39;s outstretched racquet or hand. 
     In some embodiments of ball pitching machine, there are as many as five motors, including one motor to operate ball feeder  35 , one motor  53  that rotates plate  59 , two motors that rotate rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  of ball shooting mechanism  35  (one motor for each wheel  56   a ,  56   b ) and that one that rotates the fixture  57  that rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  are affixed to in order to set the proper angle. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the system for pitching balls  30 , on a tennis court  32 . A pitching machine  34  is positioned adjacent one end of net  36 , so that pitching machine  34  may aim a ball  38  to either player  40   a  or player  40   b . The net  36  is deemed to be in a middle portion of the field and divides the field into two parts one for one player and a second part for the second player. The area where the net is situated may be referred to loosely as the middle portion of the field or court  32 . In one implementation, pitching machine  34  may be situated adjacent a middle portion of the field such that it is either adjacent one end of the net  36 . In another implementation, pitching machine  34  is situated on a side of the field or court  32  in an area off the actual field or court  32 . Although  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment that includes a collecting ball apparatus  42 , this is not a requirement. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , there is shown tennis player  40  with a remote control unit  48 . By operating remote control unit  48 , pitching machine  34  receives a wireless signal to pitch a ball  38  towards player  40 . Pitching machine  34  receives a wireless signal as to the exact location of the remote control unit  48 , and therefore, as to the exact location of the player  40   a ,  40   b . The ball  38  is pitched into the hands of player  40 , thereby player  40  does not need to bend and pick up ball  38  from the ground. 
     Remote control unit  48  may comprise any simple device that can be worn on clothing or in some embodiments on a wrist or other body part. Remote control unit  48  may operate using infra red technology, Bluetooth® technology, acoustic sensor technology or any other suitable technology or communication system and includes all necessary hardware and software. The player  40  pushes an actuator such as a button on remote control unit  48  to send the signal received by controller  49  of pitching machine  34 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a different implementation of ball pitching machine  34  (or parts thereof) showing one particular implementation in which a ball feeder  54  places one ball at a time between rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  at a time when wheels  56   a ,  56   b  rotate rapidly. However, the ball feeder  54  or any other suitable ball feeder  54  may be used in the embodiments of pitching machine  34  shown in  FIGS. 1, 3-6B . In  FIG. 7 , rotatable barrel  50  is oriented at an angle to a wall of housing  51  (perpendicular to the floor), through which balls  38  are pitched towards player  40 . In this embodiment, when pitching machine  34  receives a wireless signal from remote control unit  48  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), a controller  49  processes the signal and barrel  50  rotates in the direction of the origin of the signal and then shoots ball  38  towards player  40  holding remote control unit  48 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 3-6B  and in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-8 , a top of pitching machine  34  may have an opening  52 , shaped as a collection hopper for receiving and holding balls in pitching machine  34 . Opening  52  may lead to ball feeder  54  which leads balls  38  to ball shooting mechanism  35 . Ball shooting mechanism  35  receives the balls  38 , one at a time, from the ball feeder  54  and is configured to shoot one of the balls at a time. In some embodiments, the ball shooting mechanism  35  has rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  situated such that balls  38  coming from the ball feeder  54  are urged to simultaneously contact each of the two rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  and be thrust between them. Since rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  are rotating rapidly, they generate a strong force on the ball  38  to thrust ball  38  out from the space between the two rotatable wheels  56   a ,  56   b  and out of opening  37  in housing  51  of ball pitching machine  34 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , ball shooting mechanism  35  thereby shoots ball  38  through an ejection component  50  of ball pitching machine  34  and into the hands of player  40 . 
     Pitching machine  34  may be powered by a chargeable battery  88  ( FIG. 6B ) or an electrical connection (not shown). 
       FIG. 8  shows a further embodiment of pitching machine  34 , showing that ejection component  50  can move up and down and also rotate sideways, illustrated by arrows A and B, respectively. This ability allows for ball  38  to be pitched to any location on tennis court  32  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and to any height, according to the height of player  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown an apparatus  42  for collecting balls  38 . Ball pitching machine  34  is positioned in proximity to a tennis net  36  on court  32 .  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment that includes a collecting ball apparatus  42  connected to the bottom of net  36 , so that scooper  44  collects balls  38  which become attached to ribbon  46 . 
     Ball collecting apparatus  42  includes ribbon  46  (or track) surrounding the base of net  36 , looped at one end around the bottom edge of net  36 , with the other end entering the bottom of pitching machine  34 . Ribbon  46  is made of any material that can adhere to tennis balls, such as Velcro™, or material that will stop balls  38  from rolling away from it. When ball  38  bounces away from player  40  and stops somewhere on court  32 , player  40  may kick ball  38  towards net  36  so that it stops close to ribbon  46 . Multiple balls  38  may remain near net  36 , before their collection. 
     Ball collecting apparatus  42  is operated by a wireless signal received from pitching machine  34  or remote control unit  48 . Scooper  44  advances along ribbon  46 , thereby collecting balls  38  that are attached to or close to one side of the bottom edge of net  36 . Scooper  44  eventually advances to the inside of pitching machine  34 , and there balls  38  are advanced further into ball pitching machine  34  and scooper  44  continues along the opposite side of the bottom edge of net  36  to collect balls  38  that have accumulated there. Scooper  44  can complete a full circle and then stop either automatically or by a wireless signal received from pitching machine  34  or remote control  48 . There is a possibility that there are two scoopers  44  spaced apart from each other, one on each end of ribbon  46  so that both opposite sides of the bottom edge of net  36  are simultaneously cleared of balls  38 , in only half a cycle. Ball collecting apparatus  42  may be preset to operate periodically over an interval, or may be operated by pressing a button on remote control  48 . 
     Ball container may contain approximately up to forty balls  38 , so that when it fills up, the container can be taken out of pitching machine  34  and balls  38  can be poured into the collection hopper at opening  52 , thereby allowing balls  38  to be re-used by pitching machine  34  for pitching to player  40 . 
     Balls  38  in the container may be transferred automatically (as opposed to manually, as described above) to collection hopper at opening  52  and from there balls  38  ascend into tube  54 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a flowchart of the operation of the system for pitching and collecting balls  30 . 
     At block  60  the operation begins and the controller  49  is initialized in block  62 . At block  64  a player  40 , having a remote control unit  48 , initiates the tennis match by pressing a button on remote control unit  48 , generating a wireless signal transferred by a communicating system to controller  49 . At blocks  66 ,  68  and  70 , the pitching machine  34  uses the communication system to determine the player  40  location by interpreting the signal received by controller  49 . At block  72  the controller  49  aims the pitching machine  34  at player  40  and shoots a ball  38  to him/her. At block  74  the players  40 , on either side of the net  36 , kick balls  38  that have landed on the tennis court, towards net  36 , so that these balls  38  either adhere to the net as a result of coming into contact with ribbon  46  having a Velcro™ lining (block  76 ), or the balls remain in close proximity to net  36 . 
     At block  78 , players  40  observe the quantity of balls  38  that have been expended from the pitching machine  34 , if the number of balls  38  are running low in the pitching machine  34 , then player  40  initiates at block  82 , operation of the collecting ball apparatus  42 . A scooper  44  is operated by a wireless signal received from remote control unit  48 , and advances along ribbon  46  while collecting balls  38  that are in close proximity to, or adhered to it. Scooper  44  collects balls  38  into pitching machine  34 , so that they can be re-used. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, block  82  may be initiated automatically by presetting collecting ball apparatus  42  to operate periodically over an interval. 
     If the number of balls are not running low, then collecting ball apparatus  42  is on standby (block  80 ). 
     The inventive system for pitching and collecting balls  30 , according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, can be used on any standard tennis nets on a tennis court. 
     Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art and consequently, it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited in the claims that follow is not limited to the embodiments described herein.