Patent Publication Number: US-2020297028-A1

Title: Device for Heating Tobacco

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201920363023.7, filed on Mar. 21, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device for heating tobacco in a cigarette for enabling a smoker to smoke the cigarette. 
     BACKGROUND 
     With the development of device for tobacco technology, a so-called “heating-without-smoldering” smoking method by heating the tobacco material without burning or smoldering is started to be applied to ordinary cigarettes. For the ordinary cigarettes, the amount of smoke generated by heating in a manner of “heating-without-smoldering” is relatively small due to the filtering effect of the filter on the cigarette. To enhance enjoyable experience made by a user during smoking, generating a large amount of smoke is desirable. Existing techniques for producing a larger amount of smoke are generally based on changing the exit direction of the smoke such that the smoke comes out from the end of the cigarette without passing through a filter. The filter&#39;s adsorption of the smoke is reduced, thereby increasing the amount of smoke that is generated. However, this approach of smoking from cigarette butts does not conform to the normal smoking style, and the user is psychologically unacceptable. In addition, the smoke from the cigarette butt still contains some harmful substances such as tar. As such, it is necessary to additionally install a filtering device to filter the smoke and the cost is therefore increased. In addition, the existing techniques generally consider the export of mainstream smoke only, and neglect the utilization of side-stream smoke, thereby reducing the utilization efficiency of tobacco smoke. Therefore, how to increase the amount of tobacco smoke and the efficiency of utilizing the tobacco smoke in order to meet the user&#39;s established smoking habit has become an urgent problem to be solved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a device for heating tobacco in a cigarette to enable a smoker to smoke. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the utilization efficiency of tobacco smoke. To this end, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions. 
     The device comprises a heating tube and a mouthpiece. The heating tube is used for heating the cigarette to thereby generate smoke. The heating tube comprises a first channel and a set of one or more second channels. Each second channel in the second channel set is disposed at an outer circumference of the first channel and is in connection with the first channel. The first channel is used for receiving the cigarette and conducting mainstream smoke of the cigarette, where the mainstream smoke is a portion of the smoke passing through the tobacco and a cigarette filter in the cigarette. The second channel set is used for collecting and conducting side-stream smoke of the cigarette, where the side-stream smoke is a portion of the smoke passing through a cigarette paper of the cigarette. The mouthpiece is configured for the smoker to inhale the smoke. In particular, the mouthpiece is connected to both the first channel and the second channel set to provide not only the mainstream smoke but also the side-stream smoke for the smoker to inhale, thereby avoiding wasting the side-stream smoke. 
     In a preferable embodiment, the second channel set consists of plural second channels. The second channels are disposed circumferentially along the first channel and uniformly distributed. Preferably, a major axis of each second channel is in parallel to a major axis of the first channel. Due to the existence of the second channels, a cigarette paper of the cigarette serves as a screen paper to block some of harmful substances, such as tar, in the smoke. 
     Preferably, the device further comprises a cigarette support portion and a height-limit article. The height-limit article is disposed inside the mouthpiece toward one end of the first channel. The first channel away from one end of the mouthpiece is provided with the support portion for supporting the cigarette. A distance between one end of the support portion near the mouthpiece and the height-limit article is less than the length of the cigarette. As a result, the cigarette is compressed by the height-limit article and the cigarette support portion so as to generate wrinkle at a side surface of a cigarette paper to thereby increase some space for enhancing flowability of the side-stream smoke. 
     Preferably, at one end of the first channel away from the mouthpiece, the support portion is disposed. The support portion includes a push rod assembly. A push rod of the push rod assembly abuts one end of the cigarette. A distance between the push rod that faces one end of the mouthpiece and the height-limit article is less than or equal to the length of the cigarette. As a result, the cigarette is compressed by the height-limit article and the push rod assembly, so as to generate wrinkle at the side surface of the cigarette paper hence to increase some space for enhancing flowability of the side-stream smoke. 
     Preferably, the push rod assembly comprises a connecting base, and the inner wall of the connecting base is sealingly connected to a side wall of the push rod. One end of the push rod facing the mouthpiece protrudes into the heating tube. Preferably, the heating tube is provided with a smoke storage chamber. The chamber can be disposed close to the mouthpiece or away from the mouthpiece. Preferably, the smoke storage chamber is disposed away from one end of the mouthpiece. The device is provided with a housing. Preferably, the housing is internally disposed with an intake pipe. Preferably, a major axis of the intake pipe is parallel to the major axis of the first channel. An outlet end of the intake pipe is located at an end of the heating tube away from the mouthpiece. 
     Preferably, at the end of the heating tube away from the mouthpiece is provided with an adapter. The adapter includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is connected to the intake pipe. The second mounting portion connects to the heating tube. The adapter is provided with a first through hole to connect the intake pipe and the heating tube. 
     Preferably, a transition piece is disposed between the heating tube and the mouthpiece. The transition piece is provided with a first transition channel and a second transition channel. The first transition channel is in connection with the first channel. The second transition channel is in connection with the second channel. 
     Preferably, the outer circumference of the mouthpiece is disposed with at least two first protrusions, and the housing is disposed with a mouthpiece holder for connecting the mouthpiece. The inner wall of the mouthpiece holder is spaced apart from at least two second protrusions. The first protrusions can be locked with the second protrusions near one side of the heating tube. 
     Preferably, a thermistor and a pulse width modulation (PWM) method is employed in the temperature control system so as to maintain the heating temperature at the preset range. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic structural view of a device for heating tobacco according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a device for heating tobacco in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic structural view of a device for heating tobacco with part housing removed according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic structural view of a heating tube in one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic structural view of a first perspective view of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic structural view of a second perspective view of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic structural view of a transition piece in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a device for heating tobacco in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged schematic view of part A of  FIG. 8 ; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments are a part of the embodiments of the invention, and not all of the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the invention, which are generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in various different configurations. 
     Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts are within the scope of the present invention. 
     It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters indicate similar items in the following figures. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it is not necessary to further define and explain it in the subsequent figures. 
     In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions of the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “inside”, “outside”, etc. or the positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that is conventionally placed when the utility model product is used. It is for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or suggesting the device or component referred to must have a particular orientation, is constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and thus is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, and the like are used merely to distinguish a description, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance. In the description of the present invention, “a plurality” means two or more unless otherwise stated. 
     In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms “setting”, “dispose” and “connecting” should be understood broadly unless otherwise explicitly stated and defined. For example, it may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or connected in one piece, it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection etc. The specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood by those skilled in the art in a specific case. 
     In the present invention, unless otherwise specifically stated and defined, the first feature “on” or “under” the second feature may include direct or indirect contact of the first and second features, or features are not in direct contact but through additional features between them. Moreover, the first feature “above” the second feature includes the first feature directly above and inclined above the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature level is higher than the second feature. The first feature “below” the second feature includes the first feature directly below and inclined below the second feature, or merely indicating the first feature level being low than the second feature. 
     The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and the examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative only, and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a device  1000  for heating tobacco in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Particularly, the device is used for heating tobacco of a cigarette to enable a user to smoke the cigarette. The device  1000  comprises a housing  1 , a heating tube  3  disposed inside the housing  1 , and a mouthpiece  2  connected to the housing  1 . A battery power source  02  is installable in the device  1000 . The heating tube  3  is configured to electrically connect to the battery power source  02  for heating the cigarette  100 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the heating tube  3  includes a first channel  31  for receiving the cigarette. The heating tube  3  is formed with an interior surface  380  for bounding the first channel  31 . Advantageously, the interior surface  380  has one or more recesses thereon. Each recess forms one second channel  32  adjacent to the first channel  31 , thereby forming a set of one or more second channels  32 . Hence, the heating tube  3  further includes the set of one or more second channels  32 . Herein the set of one or more second channels  32  is referred to as a second channel set  32  for convenience. The second channel set  32  is disposed at the outer circumference of the first channel  31 . Furthermore, the first channel  31  and each second channel in the second channel set  32  are in communication with each other. The mouthpiece  2  is connected to the first channel  31  and the second channel set  32 . 
     When the cigarette is placed in the first channel  31  for heating, the mainstream smoke generated by the cigarette  100  is released from the cigarette end. When the user inhales, the mainstream smoke passes through the tobacco and the cigarette filter in the cigarette  100 , and then passes through the mouthpiece  2  to reach the user&#39;s mouth. Apart from the mainstream smoke that passes through the cigarette filter, a portion of the smoke generated by the cigarette passes through the cigarette paper of the cigarette to form side-stream smoke. The side-stream smoke generated by the cigarette  100  is advantageously collected by the second channel set  32  and is forwarded to the mouthpiece  2 , and is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece  2  under the action of the user. By providing the first channel  31  and the second channel set  32 , the mainstream smoke and the side-stream smoke are collected by the mouthpiece  2  and inhaled by the user, thereby avoiding the user to directly smoke on the cigarette filter where only the mainstream smoke is consumed but the side-stream smoke is wasted. In addition, the mainstream smoke volume is large, and some harmful substances in the mainstream smoke are filtered out through the cigarette filter. However, the amount of side-stream smoke is small. By simple filtering through the cigarette paper, the side-stream smoke can also be absorbed by the user safely. 
     Specifically, referring to  FIG. 4 , the device for heating tobacco includes at least one second channel  32  that is disposed circumferentially along the first channel  31 , and a major axe of each second channel  32  is parallel to a major axis of the first channel  31 . Preferably, the device  1000  for heating tobacco is disposed with three second channels  32 , and the angle extending between adjacent two second channels  32  with respect to the major axis of the first channel  31  is 120 degrees. Optionally, each second channel  32  has a cross-sectional area greater than 0.1 mm 2 . The cross-sectional area of each second channel  32  can be decided by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions. In existing or previous “heating-without-smoldering” smoking methods for heating a regular cigarette, the smoke aerosol can only come out from the end of the cigarette away from the cigarette filter, resulting in no filtering of the smoke aerosol so that harmful matters such as tar is directly inhaled by the user. However, in the present invention, the smoke has three ways to go, which are the cigarette filter, the bottom end of the cigarette and the side surface of the cigarette. By providing the second channel set  32  around the cigarette  100 , the smoke aerosol can pass through the cigarette paper into the second channel set  32  since there is a space between the cigarette  100  and the heating tube  3 . The cigarette paper can function as a screening paper and hazardous substance like tar can be blocked by the cigarette paper, thus leaving a cleaner smoke aerosol for the user. 
     The heating tube  3  may be a metal heating tube, a ceramic heating tube or a carbon material heating tube. Optionally, the heating tube  3  is an alumina ceramic heating tube, where the interior surface of the alumina ceramic heating tube is provided with a resistive material, and the resistive material can generate heat when energized to heat the cigarette  100  in contact therewith. The resistance of the resistive material may be between 0.05˜5Ω. 
     Furthermore, the outer side of the heating tube  3  is disposed with a heat insulating layer  4  for isolating the hot air generated during heating the cigarette so as to protect the electronic components inside the housing  1 . The heat insulating layer  4  also prevents excessive heat transfer to the housing  1  so as to avoid an uncomfortable experience to the user such as being scalded. Besides, by having the heat insulating layer  4 , the heat generated by the heating tube  3  is sufficiently concentrated in the vicinity of the heating tube  3  instead of being transmitted away, thereby improving the heating efficiency. The heat insulating layer  4  may include a foam structure formed of Teflon, polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) or other organic polymer materials; and it may also include inorganic materials such as aluminum silicate ceramic fibers, silica aerogels, and porous ceramic tubes. Alternatively, the insulating layer  4  may be made of silica aerogel. Furthermore, the heat insulating layer  4  may have a thickness of about 1 to 5 mm. Nevertheless, the thickness of the heat insulating layer  4  can be set by those skilled in the art according to specific conditions. The aforementioned minimum range and the highest range are not limiting to the present invention. In addition, a fixing layer may be further disposed outside the heat insulating layer  4 , and a polymer film may be used as the fixing layer. The polymer film may be a Polyimide (PI) tape. 
     Optionally, referring again to  FIG. 2 , the device  1000  for heating tobacco is disposed with a smoke storage chamber  01 . Generally, the chamber  01  can be disposed close to the mouthpiece or away from the mouthpiece, preferably, the smoke storage chamber  01  is disposed away from one end of the mouthpiece. When the cigarette  100  is placed in the heating tube  3 , and the cigarette  100  is initially heated, less smoke is generated so that the user has a poor eating experience at this time. By setting the smoke storage chamber  01 , when the cigarette  100  is initially heated, suction is not performed. As a result, the smoke generated by the cigarette  100  is collected into the storage chamber  01  at first, and after a certain time of the smoke collection, the user can enjoy a better smoking experience with a relatively large amount of smoke. If the storage chamber  01  is not provided, the smoke of the cigarette  100  is released throughout the interior of the housing  1  and cannot be well consumed by the user. Of course, after the cigarette  100  is heated, the smoke is mainly released from the cigarette end away from the cigarette filter. There, in one embodiment, the storage chamber  01  is disposed at one end of the heating tube  3  away from the mouthpiece  2 . It can also be set in other locations in other embodiments. Specifically, the cigarette  100  is placed in the heating tube  3 , and there is a support portion for supporting the cigarette  100 . In one embodiment, the diameter of the support portion is smaller than the diameter of the heating tube  3 , and the space between the outer wall of the support portion and the inner wall of the heating tube  3  can be used to form the storage chamber  01 . Optionally, the support portion is provided with a third channel, and one end of the heating tube  3  away from the mouthpiece  2  is provided with the smoke storage chamber  01 . The third channel is used to connect with the heating tube  3  and the storage chamber  01 . 
     Refer to  FIG. 2 . Optionally, the device  1000  for heating tobacco is further disposed with a structure for axially compressing of the cigarette  100 . By axially compressing the cigarette  100 , the surface of the cigarette paper is wrinkled. First note that the diameter of the first channel  31  is larger than the outer diameter of the cigarette  100  in order to accommodate the cigarette  100 . Second, the interior surface  380  that bounds the first channel  31  does not flatten the cigarette paper pleats and leaves those wrinkles there, thereby increasing the flow space of the side-stream smoke. As a result, the flowability of the side-stream smoke is improved. Specifically, the mouthpiece  2  is disposed with a height-limit article  8  at one end of the first channel  31  for compressing the cigarette  100  by limiting a height of the cigarette  100  when the cigarette  100  is inserted into the first channel  31 . The end of the first channel  31  away from the mouthpiece  2  is provided with a support portion for supporting the cigarette  100 . The distance between the support portion adjacent to the end of the mouthpiece  2  and the height-limit article  8  is less than the length of the cigarette  100 . The cigarette  100  is placed between the height-limit article  8  and the support portion. When the cigarette  100  is inserted into the first channel  31 , the cigarette  100  will be axially compressed by the height-limit article  8  and the support portion, and hence the wrinkle is generated at the outer surface of the cigarette  100 . Optionally, the height-limit article  8  inside the mouthpiece  2  is detachably connected to the mouthpiece  2 , so as to replace the height-limit article  8  with a suitable one for adapting to cigarettes of different heights and thicknesses. Alternatively, the first channel  31  may be disposed with a support portion supporting the cigarette  100  away from the end of the mouthpiece  2 . The support portion includes a push rod assembly, and the push rod  61  of the push rod assembly abuts one end of the cigarette  100 . The distance between the end of the push rod  61  facing the mouthpiece  2  and the height-limit article  8  can be selectively less than or equal to the length of the cigarette  100 . After the cigarette  100  is placed in the first channel  31 , the mouthpiece  2  (without the height-limit article  8 ) is installed, and then the push rod  61  is moved toward to the mouthpiece  2 , whereby the cigarette  100  is axially compressed and the wrinkle is produced at the outer surface of the cigarette  100 . In addition, when the cigarette  100  is axially compressed by the push rod  61 , the space of the smoke storage chamber  01  disposed at one end of the heating tube  3  away from the mouthpiece  2  can be further increased, thereby collecting more cigarette smoke and hence providing the user with stronger smoke with better experience. Of course, optionally, the device  1000  for heating tobacco can also be disposed with the height-limiting article  8  in the mouthpiece  2 , and the supporting portion for supporting the cigarette  100  is also provided as the push rod assembly. 
     Furthermore, the push rod assembly includes a connecting base  62 . The inner wall of the connecting base  62  can be sealingly connected to the side wall of the push rod  61 . The one end of the push rod  61  facing the mouthpiece  2  can extend into the heating tube  3  to prevent the cigarette smoke flee away out of the housing  1 . Optionally, a limit groove is disposed in the connecting base  62  away from the side of the heating tube  3 . Accordingly, a limiting portion is disposed on the outer circumference of the push rod  61  to prevent the push rod  61  from protruding into the heating tube  3  too much. If not, excessive compression of the cigarette  100  is resulted, which is not conducive to the circulation of mainstream smoke. Furthermore, the push rod  61  is disposed with a push handle  611  at one end away from the cigarette  100 , and the push handle  611  allows the user to push the push rod  61  toward to the cigarette  100  or pull the push rod  61  back from the cigarette  100 . Optionally, the housing  1  is provided with a detachable end cover  11  below the push handle  611  to prevent an external force from accidentally pushing the push rod  61 . 
     Furthermore, the housing  1  is internally provided with an intake pipe  5  whose major axis is parallel to the major axis of the first channel  31 , and the outlet end of the intake pipe  5  is located at one end of the heating tube  3  away from the mouthpiece  2 . Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 2 , an adapter  7  may be provided at one end of the heating tube  3  away from the mouthpiece  2 . Specifically, referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the adapter  7  includes a first mounting portion  71  and a second mounting portion  72 , where the first mounting portion  71  is connected to the intake pipe  5 , and the second mounting portion  72  is connected to the heating tube  3 . In the adapter  7 , a first through hole is provided to communicate the intake pipe  5  and the heating tube  3 . The arrangement of the adapter  7  prevents the intake pipe  5  from being bent. Optionally, the connecting base  62  in the push rod assembly is located at one end of the adapter  7  away from the heating tube  3 , and the adapter  7  is disposed with a third mounting portion  73  for mounting the connecting base  62 . The third mounting portion  73  and the second mounting portion  72  are axially disposed along the heating tube  3 . The third mounting portion  73  and the second mounting portion  72  are provided with a second through hole  74  through which the push rod  61  can pass through the second through hole  74  and contact with the cigarette  100  in the heating tube  3 . 
     In addition, referring to  FIG. 2 , a transition piece  9  is installed between the heating tube  3  and the mouthpiece  2 . Specifically, referring to  FIG. 7 , the transition piece  9  is disposed with a first transition channel  91  and a second transition channel  92 . The first transition channel  91  is connected to the first channel  31 , and the second transition channel  92  is connected to the second channel  32 , so that the mainstream smoke and side-stream smoke of the cigarette  100  can all be smoked by the user from the mouthpiece  2 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, before the cigarette  100  is inserted into the heating tube  3 , the mouthpiece  2  needs to be removed first. After the cigarette  100  is inserted into the heating tube  3 , the mouthpiece  2  is connected to the housing  1 . Hence, the mouthpiece  2  and the housing  1  are detachably connected. Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , optionally, the outer periphery of the mouthpiece  2  is disposed with at least two first protrusions  21 , and the housing  1  disposed with a mouthpiece holder  10  for connecting with the mouthpiece  2 . The inner wall of the mouthpiece holder  10  is spaced apart with at least two second protrusions  101 . The first protrusions  21  are inserted into the interior of the mouthpiece holder  10  from the gap between the two second protrusions  101 , and then rotated by a certain angle so that the first protrusions  21  can be located under the second protrusions  101  near one side of the heating tube  3 , preventing the mouthpiece  2  from being detached from the mouthpiece holder  10 . It is of course also possible to provide a positioning portion in the mouthpiece holder  10  to prevent the mouthpiece  2  from swaying in the axial direction of the heating tube  3  in the mouthpiece holder  10 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, one end of the second protrusions  101  is provided with a stopping portion  102  for restricting the mouthpiece  2  from further rotating in the mouthpiece holder  10  and sliding out from the two second protrusions  101 . Specifically, the stopping portion  102  is disposed perpendicular to the second protrusions  101  and extends in a direction to the heating tube  3 , where the second protrusions  101  are in contact with the first protrusions  21  at the first side surface, which is perpendicular to the major axis of the heating tube  3 . The stopping portion  102  is in contact with the first protrusions  21  at the second side surface which is parallel to the major axis of the heating tube  3 . Apparently, the stopping portion  102  and the second protrusions  101  may be disposed at an acute angle or an obtuse angle. Accordingly, the first protrusions  21  are disposed with a structure adapted thereto to ensure the engagement of the mouthpiece  2  and the mouthpiece holder  10 . In addition, the rotational direction of each of the second protrusions  101  to be provided with the stopping portion  102  should be consistent. That is, both are arranged in a clockwise direction or both are arranged counterclockwise to ensure that the mouthpiece  2  can be rotated into the mouthpiece holder  10 . 
     Furthermore, the device  1000  for heating tobacco further comprises a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes a thermistor to detect a temperature of the heating tube  3 . A pulse width modulation (PWM) method is employed to control the output power of the battery power source  02 . A lower temperature limit and an upper temperature limit are set in the temperature control system. Preferably, the lower temperature limit is 190° C. and the upper temperature limit is 230° C. At this heating temperature range, the cigarette gives a taste close to a taste offered by a real burning cigarette, and generates less harmful materials such as tar, carbon monoxide (CO) etc. What&#39;s more, the nicotine content released in the smoke aerosol can be controlled by systematically tuning the heating temperature of the heating tube  3  through the PWM method. This arrangement is helpful to control the absorbed dose of nicotine for the user. Hence, it is an advantage to make this device  1000  for heating tobacco a powerful tool in a smoking cessation program. 
     In addition, it should be stated here that the device  1000  for heating tobacco is further disposed with a circuit board, a controller disposed on the circuit board, and a switch  03  electrically connected to the controller, wherein the battery power source  02  and the heating tube  3  are also electrically connected to the controller. The device  1000  for heating tobacco is also provided with a USB interface  04  capable of charging the battery power source  02 . 
     The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Other variations or modifications of the various forms may be made by those skilled in the art in light of the above description. There is no need and no way to exhaust all of the implementations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.